《Enchanted By His Charm》


 Chapter 1 1: Was He Going To Get Married?

    "It''s me, the woman who fu***d youst night," Irish wanted to say, mirroring how arrogant he was. Although she didn''t know much about romantic rtionships, she was unwilling to be too stubborn. In this society, your new sweetheart was always going to be the old me of someone else, and to worry about it too much would exhaust you.

    Irish looked over at the man sleeping beside her. He was innocent, yet dapper, and so incredibly handsome.

    With his thick eyebrows, a sharp nose, and thin lips, even fast asleep, his gorgeous characteristics couldn''t be concealed.

    The morning light prated the heavy velvet curtain of the hotel, shining on Irish''s long ck curly hair and shoulders, as well as on the man''s bronzed skin. The bright sunlight dazzled her eyes, and she wondered whether it was the light or the body in front of her that caused a blind spot in her vision for a moment.

    His skin had a perfectplexion, and his broad, sturdy shoulders were hard and lined with toned muscles. For a moment, the sunlight drew a perfect outline of his strong body. He was breathing evenly in his sleep in stark contrast with Irish, who frowned while curling herself up in deep thought.

    After a while, Irish''s eyes slowly moved away, falling upon the crisp white sheet under her body, then back on the face of the man who was still fast asleep. Finally, her eyes focused on the clock lying on the ground. It was 6:35.

    For the past five minutes, she had been staring at this strange man.

    Five minutes prior, Irish had woken up from her dreams as usual, and before opening her eyes, she was shocked to hear someone whisper in her ear.

    "Hurry, run away!" The voice was anxious and childish as if it came from a distant ce. It sounded like a rough piece of music, scratched on a rusty iron sheet by a nail.

    She felt perspiration on her forehead and was short of breath. Inhaling deeply, she wiped the sweat from her face and got out of bed. The thick purple curtains obscured the view from the window and the sky, so Irish couldn''t tell the time. But it was unnecessary for her to know the time, or to take notice of her surroundings because this was her vacation, and she was used to waking up in unfamiliar ces.

    Irish poured herself a ss of water. While the cool liquid slid down her throat, she felt relief from the endless suffering of her dream. She walked towards the window and drew the curtains, and the morning light burst into the room. After gazing out the window, she turned to find the figure of the mysterious man sitting up in the bed.

    She was so caught off guard that she dropped the ss of water. After falling directly on her big toe, it spilled its contents across the floor and rolled under thefortable Australian nket.

    Her toe was going to bruise painfully.

    She got back into bed with her newly bruised foot, her eyes never leaving the unacquainted figure sitting in it. Trying to remember the night before, she recalled drinking a lot with Cassie and the girl''s talk that followed it. But that was all she remembered.

    Despite her eyes looking calm, Irish''s heart was in chaos. Gradually, she remembered that she had passed out in the arms of a man. Irish wondered if it was the same man in front of her. And then she just had sex with him just like some cheesy soap opera? Was he tempted by her or vice versa? And why couldn''t she remember the feeling of making love with him?"

    The morning light grew brighter and shone into the room, bathing it in a thousand wisps of golden light. Then the phone rang. The ringtone was so monotonous and dreary that she instantly knew it wasn''t her phone.<novelnext></novelnext>

    The man moved slightly, and Irish''s head buzzed as if it had been hit. She scrambled into the quilt hurriedly, squinting to observe the man who had woken up by the ringing of the phone.

    As he answered his phone beside Irish, she saw his bronzed arm reaching out quickly. It looked strong and powerful with a clear palm print and an extremely long wisdom line. One side of the bed shook slightly, followed by the man''s maic voice: "Who is it?"

    Attracted by his voice, Irish turned her head to him. The faint sunlight shone across the man''s back, dividing the strong figure between light and dark. The bright half shimmered with bronzed light, while the other was ted with a magnificent dark light that made her gasp in reverence.

    In this executive suite, where she could hear a pin drop, it was hard for Irish not to eavesdrop on this phone conversation. He said only a few words and listened quietly while the other speaker continued at length.

    The speaker was reminding him of a wedding.

    Was he going to get married?

    The callsted less than a minute. He spoke once more with only two words, "I know." He hung up before the other side could finish her sentence.

    The room suddenly fell into silence, and it was so quiet that Irish felt her ears buzzing. Astonishment gradually disappeared from her eyes. Things were much clearer now. If this man was going to get married, then their one-night stand seemed reasonable.

    When the man put back his phone, Irish quickly rose from the bed. Her long curly hair, hanging over her chest, looked like a ck silk scarf covering her magnificent breasts.

    Still staring at the man''s beautiful back, Irish slyly asked: "Are you getting married today?" Her voice was so enchanting that nobody could resist it.

    At the moment the man turned his head, shock and astonishment surged up in Irish''s eyes.

    He looked calm and gentle, but behind his eyes, he had the distinguished look of someone who kept a good distance from people. Though his prominent nose and thin lips were fascinating, it wasn''t hard to tell that he was a very harsh man.

    He kept looking at Irish quietly, his eyes glittering with calmness while she raised her head so as to look into them.

    She could feel the tension in his eyes.

    Irish chuckled softly while withholding the brittleugh in her heart. Psychological evaluation was only one of her professional skills. She caught a quick stern look in his eyes, showing her that he was dominant during their one-night stand yesterday. For a man who was going to get married soon, Irish wasn''t surprised that he wanted her gone.

 Chapter 2 2: I Am Terrified Of Heights

    Thinking of it, she wanted to y a trick on him. A smile rippled on her soft lips, and Irishid her hands on the man''s broad shoulders. And slowly, he wrapped his hands around her waist while her nimble fingers drew a circle on his chest gracefully.

    "You''re about to get married, but you still have sex with another woman just hours before. What gives? Was it just an ident, or are you used to acting like this?"

    There were still some unwritten rules for one-night stands, so it wasn''t difficult to figure out what he wanted.

    He didn''t answer and continued looking at Irish quietly, his eyes squinting as if he was deep in thought. His breath, fresh and cool, tickled her smooth forehead. While the smell attracted her, the coldness made her hesitate to move forward. This kind of look brought her an ufortable feeling she had never had before. His eyes were so calm that Irish couldn''t figure out what he was thinking.

    "I''m not a little girl anymore. Please don''t worry," said Irish with an indifferent attitude. Irish''s fingers caressed his face, but she put and lowered her hand quickly because of his frowning. She then walked to the head of the bed and averted her eyes.

    She felt that the man was observing her. His eyes focused on her cheeks, her fair skin, and the perfect outline of her chin.

    Irish''s long eyshes flickered, and when she looked up at him, her soft lips unfolded with a bright smile. But behind her smile was aggression, silent aggression. The contest of their eyes was also a battle of the heart. She would not be the loser.

    He walked to the bathroom without any words. His strong body had seemed more enchanting under the morning light. Irish''s eyes squinted subconsciously, and the man standing before her was very tall, at least 6 foot 4.

    She liked tall men because they gave her a sense of security. However, the man standing before her only made her feel the opposite. Sitting for a while, Irish got out of the bed and stood barefoot on the soft carpet as if she was standing on a soft cloud. Herrge nightgown made her seem more petite.

    Going to the window and looking outside, she saw the morning traffic begin.

    The third ring road was packed with vehicles like a clogged artery. New York had always been a city that got sick during the morning or evening peak. The arrival of spring had woken up arge expanse of white magnolia flowers, whose fragrance reached a height of more than 30 floors.

    When the man came out of his bathroom, Irish had washed and dressed neatly and clearly in the bathroom of the reception hall and seemed to be preupied with the fragrance of the magnolias. The man stared at her for a long time, and the ufortable sense of oppression rose in Irish''s heart again. Before he could speak, she took out some bills from her purse and ced them in front of him.

    The man frowned at her, with astonishment growing in his eyes. Irish smiled softly and said, "Don''t get me wrong. It''s just a small cash gift for your wedding."

    Finally, the ufortable silence was broken, giving her a sense of achievement.

    Finishing her words, she now wanted to get out of the room as quickly as possible to avoid further interaction with the man. At the moment her fingers touched the door handle, the man standing behind her spoke out with his maic voice, "Do you often do that?"

    Irish had to admit that his voice was as soul-stirring as his breath. His sudden words had surprised Irish into momentary shock. A secondter, tilting her head slightly, she looked at the man''s strikingly tall figure.

    This time, it was her turn to keep silent, and she just sneered. Then she opened the door and walked away quickly.

    The room descended into dreariness again, and the sound of magnolia falling outside of the window could barely be heard. In the light''s refraction, the man''s exquisite cufflinks were reflecting with a golden splendor.<novelnext></novelnext>

    His phone rang again in the monotonous, dreary ringtone, the sound of which was as lonely as the sunset. As he picked up the phone, his luxury cufflinks collided with the morning light, which had re-filled the room.

    "Mr. Dover, the car is ready for you," a man said respectfully on the other end. He hung up the phone. Seeing those bills on the bed, his eyes fluttered, and a subtle smile raised on his thin lips while the sides of his face remained sharp and still.

    ****

    This Spring, even the colors of the flowers were warm. With a great number of cherry blossoms falling, the gentle breeze outside was filled with fragrance. However, if you looked down from the height of 68 meters, the spring breeze felt like a sharp sword that could cut you with its edge.

    Beside the Bungee tform, after throwing her apple core into the trash can, Irish sat directly on the pedal and looked at the man with the Bungee cable around his ankle. "Leo, are you going to jump or not? I''ve eaten up an apple, but you''re apparently still here."

    Her outfit was very casual today, a short and thin leather coat, a white pair of jeans with the cuffs rolled up, and a pair of dark leather Doc Martin boots. Her long and curly hair was tied behind her cap, with sunsses covering her beautiful eyes, but they couldn''t conceal her perfect cheeks. The sunlight in Spring made her skin glisten, and her clothes exuded a cool and free vibe.

    Leo, his eyes squinting, looked a little bit embarrassed. Sweat had been dropping down from his forehead, making him look depressed. His terror could be seen clearly from the reflection in Irish''s sunsses.

    "I am terrified of heights."

    "Then why are you dating me?" Irish frowned at him.

    Leo opened his mouth but only managed to squeeze out a few words, "Does acrophobia have something to do with blind dates?"

    "What do you think?" Irish stood up and stretched her hand to pull him up. "You get up first."

    He stood up slowly and had a quick look down at the rushing water beneath his feet nervously. Irish held back her smile and said, "It''s only 68 meters..."

    Hearing this, he almost staggered.

    "And then what?" He knew that she hadn''t finished her sentence.

    "And think you''re ready for it." Irish shrugged her shoulders and gave Leo a swift kick in the butt without warning. "When you have the courage to go bungee jumping, you can date me."

    As Leo plunged 68 meters towards the river below, a scream echoed down the valley.

 Chapter 3 3: Something In Your Mind?

    When Irish went back to the VIP restroom, the news yed across the t-screen TV: "The Runestone Group has been listed on the NASDAQ at 8:50 US time after a series of preparations, such as the restructuring of thepany capital operations. It is said that the Runestone Group consists of some listed advisory teams, including investment banks,w counselors, and ountants. Mr. Dover, who has just returned from abroad after making a substantial fortune in the Diamond trade, has epted the chief executive position. At the press conference held this morning, Mr. Dover revealed that the Runestone Group would open the Boca Club next month in New York, which is the third-most exclusive club in the country after Washington and Los Angeles. The Runestone Group, which started out as a small independent diamond supplier, has grown into one of the world''srgest high-end jewelry brands."

    Irish stared at the screen expressionlessly as it shed images of the Runestone Group members and their brand locations. These photos stung her eyes, and subconsciously, she clutched her bag straps tightly until the pain came from her palms.

    God, this was unfair.

    ****

    There was a coldness in Irish''s eyes, which could expel even the warmth of Spring.

    "Something in your mind? You look totally unconscious standing there." A clear voice approached, and a hand fell on Irish''s shoulder.

    Instantly the coldness was dispelled, and Irish''s eyes shone brightly again. As she faced the smile across from her, her eyes lit up like a firework in the darkness. "I was just wondering if you could pick me up."

    Unconsciously Irish nced at therge screen again, which was now showing an advertisement for shampoo. Her secret irritation dissipated entirely at once. She always regarded Cassie as her lucky star, and it was true again.

    Cassie smiled at her, "So, are you going to invite me to spend a night at a resort this time?"

    Cassie was Irish''s schoolmate and best friend, having gone to the same university but taken different majors. Irish majored in psychology, while Cassie was in English. When they had first arrived, they got to campus at the exact same time. When the seniors hade to help them with their luggage, in the chaos, their bags had been switched and were taken to each other''s dorms. As a result, Cassie and Irish first met when they exchanged their bags and have been friends ever since.

    Irish was incredibly beautiful. She was endowed with almost every feature, a perfect figure, and an attractive face. Cassie was also beautiful, smart, and fast-talking. Irish was rational, while Cassie was emotional. They had realized quickly that their two opposite personalitiesplimented each other perfectly. Later on, when Irish went abroad and got her doctorate, Cassie got a master''s jewelry appraisal. In Cassie''s words, a jewelry appraiser was much more elegant than just a jewelry holder.

    Irish raised her eyebrow to look at Cassie and crushed her silly dream. "You think too much, the reason I''mte is that my car broke down."

    "Really?" Cassie looked shocked, and then a wave of disappointment rushed through her. "I was called from the city to Linbia Canya, just to pick you up?"

    Irish held Cassie''s arms with a light smile, "So you walked here?"

    "Don''t be silly, Okay? You should know that I rode my motorcycle here at an unbelievable speed. I thought I could take your car back to the city, but I guess you''ll be riding back on my bike," Cassie red at her deliberately.

    "You know what, maybe it''s an opportunity for you to pay me back." Irish grabs her key to the motorcycle mischievously.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "What do you mean ''pay you back?" Cassie chased after Irish, running and shouting.

    "You left me alone the day before yesterday?" Irish said casually after looking at the oil meter, putting on the helmet, and handing over the other helmet to Cassie.

    Cassie made an exaggerated gesture as she took over the helmet, "So you me me first? You came back to America the day before yesterday, and we agreed to celebrate together, but you decided to get drunk and go home with a handsome man, so Miss Irish, you were actually valuing sex over friendship." Cassie often called Irish Miss Irish jokingly when scolding her.

    Irish frowned and thought to herself, "So it was really my idea to go home with that man? I had never done something like that before!"

    "Who is he? He is so mature and steady that any woman could easily fall in love with him. And you ran into him like a car without brakes. He seemed to be well-educated and carried you in fear that you''d fall down. Reserved as he was, he did pay for our bill like a total gentleman." Cassie grinned at Irish ambiguously, her eyes shining as if she''d unearthed something secret.

    Irish could not evenugh and felt cold sweat trickling down her back. After a while, she answered calmly, "I didn''t even know him."

    "Really?" Cassie shouted loud enough to scare the birds away, "But you acted so familiar with him, I thought you two had been in a rtionship abroad."

    Irish''s eyes darkened, and she said in a hushed voice, "I''ll never fall in love with someone."

    Cassie recognized that she''d made a mistake and apologized. "Irish dear, sorry, I, I just slipped it over."

    "You idiot, I wasn''t ming you." A smile reappeared on Irish''s face.

    Cassie decided to change the topic and brought up, "Well, are you going to go work for the Linkus Mental Research Institute?"

    Irish also knew her intention, so she also rxed herself, nodding idly and adding, "But what I value more is the opportunity to work for my Alma Mater."

    "So what should I call you, Doctor l or Professor I?" Cassieughed from the back seat of the motorcycle, "I''m so happy that you are staying in New York. You know I was afraid before that New York wasn''t an option. However, working for our Alma Mater is also a good choice. But what I am concerned about is that your attractive face and figure will distract the male students. You could lose your job!"

    "But you''re here with me, Miss Cassie. I''m staying in New York for you, so you''re going to be responsible for me if I lose my job."

    "Rx, okay? I promise I will. Even if I decide to switch positions too, I''ll still have the capability to support you...as long as you don''t eat like a pig."

 Chapter 4 4: You Two Know Each Other?

    Irish raised her eyebrow and started the motorcycle, "You have a master''s, how can you pretend to be poor."

    "And you have a doctorate, okay? You''re the one going to be supported by ME?" Cassie smiled, "I just submitted a resume. You know, everyone tends to strive for higher goals. Thepany I''m applying for needs talent like me, so of course I----"

    "Stop!" a hurried voice came forward with a gust of wind and interrupted Cassie''s words.

    Irish stopped the motorcycle suddenly, causing Cassie to m into her. Irish looked calmly around at a man whose hair seemed to have been trimmed with awnmower. "Go away!" she yelled.

    "You wanna go? No way! You just KICKED me." The man gnashed, an air of embarrassment appearing on his face.

    Irish looked him down and calmly said, "It seems like 68 meters treated you perfectly fine. We''ll try a bigger challenge next time."

    "You ----"

    "Wait a moment, what happened?" Cassie couldn''t control her curiosity, "You two know each other?"

    "Nope."

    "Really?" Cassie became confused again. "How does this girl get to go on so many adventures with such a good-looking guy?" She whispered to herself.

    "I came here on a blind date with her!" he shouted.

    Eh... Cassie red at them.

    "He wasn''t going to jump. Cassie, you know how I feel about that." Irish adds with a sneer.

    No words escaped the man''s mouth.

    Cassie almost guessed what had happened to them. She knew Irish''s personality, so she cleared her throat and looked straight into this handsome man''s eyes. "Sir, you may know that if two people are to be lovers, they should at least havemon interests. You know what, she is the captain of the Rocky Mountain Climbing Team, so you should feel lucky that she didn''t ask you to have a blind date, THERE."

    "Rocky? Rocky Mountain..." he stammered.

    Irish smiled lightly without any words and started up the motorcycle again.

    "Miss I----"<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Excuse me?" Cassie interrupted.

    "Sorry, I mean, I''m really scared of heights," he blurted out.

    "In terms of psychology, fear of heights is just a simple symptom of phobia, and it''s actually a result of your ego defense mechanism. I kicked you down just now to show you the stimtion you''re afraid of in the quickest way and try and get you ustomed to that kind of stimtion. It''s called "flooding therapy." Irish interrupted his words slowly and delivered a business card to him containing the simple words, "You can call me Doctor I. The treatment just now was free for you, and if you want to recover fully, you can contact me. I may make a discount for you under some circumstances."

    Surprised, the man took over the business card. He noticed it read: Irish-Doctor of Dream Test Psychology. Under it was her telephone number. Still in shock, the man heard the noise of the motorcycle. When he looked up, all he could see was the smoke left by the motor.

    ****

    The heavy rain washed the lively atmosphere away, and the mist swept the night. Then,te in the night, asional shes of lightning cleaned the vanity of the city, only leaving strings of dim shadow punctuated by neon signs. On Wall Street, traffic jams took ce, as usual, illuminated by the intery of red tail lights and lightning.

    Located in midtown Manhattan facing Times Square, Linkus Mental Research Institute boasted a great geographic position. Besides epting important cases, it also took the task of mental behavior research and experiments. Psychologists who started their careers here all came from strong academic backgrounds.

    At 9:30 PM, the regr nightlife was still present under the continuously shing advertising screens. However, the staff at Linkus were still working, whose enthusiasm was unaffected by the rain.

    "Susan had suffered from severe depression and was treated in our institute for over a year. Last month she received a rehabilitation notice but died at 10:59 PMst night because of an idental fall to the ground. Police have investigated her husband, but he asserted she has died of her mental illness, so police hope we can help cooperate with them to investigate."

    The Linkus psychologist authority ir Waldorf introduced the case, standing before the Powerpoint. His voice was slightly casual, but his eyebrows were serious.

    "The police said that there was no evidence of a disturbance at the spot, and there is a real possibility of suicide which means that all fingers point to us," said Cheska, who specialized in hypnotherapy and had recently be a member of European Clinical Hypnotherapy Society. She seemed excited.

    There were seven or eight professional psychological therapists, among whom was Tim, director of Linkus Mental Research Institute and authoritative psychological professor, who furrowed his brow after hearing what Cheska said. His hair was more grizzled in the light of the lightning outside the window. He looked at his watch and said slowly, "Let''s wait for doctor Irish, maybe she''ll have a different opinion."

    "The newly returned female doctor?" Cheska smiled with a trace of condescension. "Tim, Doctor ir, and I have followed. Susan''s case from the beginning, and even we cannot find out the cause of the ident. Not realizing the situation, what she says will go with the tide."

    The director opened his mouth to make an exnation, but a therapist standing beside him added, "Tim, we really don''t understand why you hired a group leader outside. There are few resources about Irish, and we even don''t know her face. She is only 28, how much experience could she have?"

    Others began voicing their varied opinions.

    With a clear mind, Tim looked at them quietly. Every therapist here wanted the position of a group leader. He hired this outside manager because he wanted to avoid thispetition. He gestured with his hands for them to quiet down. "Doctor Irish''s clinical experience may not rival yours, but she has a unique point of view. I read her master''s thesis, and she is somewhat of a genius."

    ir frowned and said, "I''m sure she has the capacity, but there is nothing more to be done than to talk. Taking Susan''s case, the police started to be convinced that shemitted suicide, and almost everyone now believes it. How could she find proof from a different point of view? I don''t believe...."

 Chapter 5 5: She Is So Cool

    "It''s not always a good thing for everyone to ept the most obvious exnation. It''s like everyone sitting on one side of a boat." a clear and clean voice arose like the ttering of her high-heel shoes, interrupting ir. "Susan did notmit suicide. The questionable point is on her husband."

    Shocked, everyone looked towards the door of the meeting room. Hanging up an umbre, a cold and gorgeous woman entered the room, her enchanting posture outlined by a perfectly tailored suit jacket and skirt. Under her skirt, her slender legs shone like the moon. Behind her, big raindrops fell against the long french windows, forming a mist. She looked like a charming mermaid on a rainy night. Several strands of long and curly hair were slightly dampened by the rain, which added a poppy sexual sense.

    Each male staff member swallowed. Hastening to greet her, Tim responded at first. "This is Doctor Irish, external group leader."

    Just then, someone took the initiative to start apuding. Gradually the pping increased.

    She looked around quietly, ncing at the slide, and went straight to the conference table, reached for the projector, and turned it off. Everyone looked at each other.

    "I got a call from Professor Tim, and I came here only wanting to exin a few points." Her voice was like the rain outside the window, clear but powerful. "First of all, Susan had recovered. On the way back home, I saw all the cases, including hers. She mentioned her dream during herst psychotherapy session, which she said was clear and free, and from the content of her dream, we can see clearly that she had returned to normal logical thinking and was no longer in a state of depression; secondly, I suggest that you should focus your attention on the psychological behavior of Susan''s husband. He had apanied the patient for many years. Thus has his psychology been influenced greatly? The possibility of him having homicidal thoughts was high. Lastly��"

    She spoke very quickly, but her wording was meticulous. When she paused for a moment, her eyes fell unmistakably on Cheska and ir. Her calm voice became more serious. "If Susan really would have killed herself," she said, "I suggest that her two doctors should retire early. If the question needs to be asked whether Susan had really recovered, I naturally also have to question the professionalism of the two doctors attending her. "

    ir was very embarrassed. Getting up suddenly with a red flushed face, Cheska wanted to respond, but Doctor Tim immediately stopped her. "Dr. Irish, are you suspecting that Susan''s husband has psychological problems?"

    "This is the psychological evaluation report made of Susan''s husband when he was promoted. You can send it to the police after you have finished reading it. It is up to the police to decide whether Susanmitted suicide or was killed. All I can decide is the psychological condition of her husband." Irish took a report out of a satchel and ced it on the conference table. From the point of speaking to the point of putting it on the table, her movement was fluid and decisive.

    Everyone sat stunned. Even Cheska was shocked, and it took a long time for her to take the report and sit down.

    Tim seemed relieved, and he smiled. He was right to hire her. He was about topliment her, but Irish talked to him, "Doctor Tim, I begin work a week from now, but I feel today should be counted as a temporary extra workday. And, because I am still not technically your staff, I had to pay to park in the underground lot."

    Grabbing a piece of paper beside her, she gracefully wrote a string of numbers and handed it to Tim, "Here''s my bank ount. Please send the overtime pay and parking charge to my ount."

    As he sat there stunned, she walked outside, leaving into the neon and mist of the night.

    As the sound of her high heels faded, somebody spoke in a hushed voice, "She is so cool..."

    *****

    When Irish got to the ground floor, the rain was falling harder. Lightning strikes reflected off the marble floor as if cast by Zeus himself. As she walked through the lobby, Irish''s eyes nced up at a TV screen.<novelnext></novelnext>

    It was news of the Runestone Company going public.

    She frowned after hearing, "Joseph, the general manager of the listed Runestone Company."

    She had only paid attention to thepany but ignored the person before. Where had hee from? And did the sessful listing of the Runestone Company have something to do with him?

    Irish felt distracted and anxious. Had this been caused by the Runestone Company, or the strange name, or just tonight''s heavy rain?

    Irish took a deep breath, and the smell of the rain burst into her chest, making her cough. Holding her umbre tightly, she turned around and walked outside the office building. Through the rain and mist, she saw her red Jeep looking like a fireball shining against the pouring rain.

    Rushing toward her Jeep, she didn''t notice the van parked nearby. The ck van melted invisibly into the rainy night.

    After the van stopped, the door opened. The driver got out first, holding up a ck umbre, he respectfully opened the rear door. The long legs clothed in ck suit pants came into view first, and then the figure of a man, tall and straight. His strong bones were hidden in the thin Spring coat, looking stiff and full of dignity. The umbre hid his face, but the shape of his chin could be seen dimly.

    "A girl driving this kind of car these days is really rare." The driver eximed subconsciously when he saw the red Jeep which was near them.

    The man with the umbre looked over. A lightning strike illuminated the Jeep''s windshield, and the cold but beautiful face of the woman in the car fell into his eyespletely.

    Raindrops pattered on the ck umbre, beating out a moving tune, a hypnotic melody.

    Standing under the umbre, he squinted slightly, staring at the woman''s cheek for a long time.

    "Mr. Dover?" The driver was slightly surprised to see him looking at the Jeep without moving at all.

    The man returned his eyes to the driver,manding him "go in."

    "All right."

 Chapter 6 6: A Mysterious Man

    It was another uneasy night.

    The warm wind blew with the smell of rain, shaking down petals off the lc tree outside the window.

    Irish also had an uneasy night. Her beautiful arched eyebrows have frowned lightly with sweat on her clean forehead, which glistened against the moonlight.

    She woke up, frightened.

    The second before she had awoken, she had heard it again. "Run away!" followed by a series of shattering sounds.

    She turned back to look at the clock beside the bed. It was half-past one.

    The same time again!

    Over the years, she had always heard that voice before she woke up, so clear and rapid as if it forecasted some unknown and dangerous thing. The same melody always apanied it. An old melody. More importantly, every time she woke up like this, it was always half-past one.

    The window was open, and her white curtains fluttered in the light breeze, along with the fragrance of lc and moonlight. The scene was so beautiful that she felt like she was still in a dream.

    Suddenly the phone rings and Irish feels frightened again.

    On such a quiet night, one can be trembled by even the smallest sound. She regained control of herself and answered the phone.

    On the phone, Professor T was showing his anxiety, "Doctor I, I''m afraid that your holiday is to be ended ahead of schedule."

    ****

    As Irish got dressed in her business wear, Cassie peeped her head in from another room, rubbing her eyes. "You learned to sleepwalk when you were abroad?"

    "Apparently, there''s some big boss over at the Research Institute." Irish pinned up her hair casually.

    "So inconsiderate, you''re not even technically working there yet!" Cassie shuffled her slippers to the fridge to grab a drink, "They shouldn''t call you at midnight for any reason."

    "You''re right."

    Cassie leaned against the door, trying to keep herself fromughing. "Why not just say no? Why are you getting ready to go?"

    Irish took her bag and said word for word, "I need to inform him in person." She walked into the hallway and put on a pair of ck high-heels. "Go back to sleep. Don''t worry. I have a key."

    Herst words disappeared as the door closed.

    Cassie shook her head.

    Midtown Manhattan at night was still lively and boisterous, and there seemed to be a smell of luxury in the air.

    The Linkus Mental Research Institute, however, was very quiet, only the meeting room was lit.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish pushed the door open and protested, "Professor T, I''ll need to recount my overtime pay----" but she hadn''t finished her sentence before she saw it. Professor T was not alone in the meeting room.

    A man stood beside him.

    A mysterious and very handsome man.

    He sat at the far end of the table, and behind him, the Manhattan skyline twinkled. He wore a simple thin dress shirt, tightly enting his body. The city lights behind him outlined his wide and strong shoulders and reflected in the pearl buttons of his shirt.

    He also wore a serious expression, suggesting he''d been discussing something with Professor T just now. He had not yet noticed that someone had burst in. As Irish pushed the door and entered the room, he raised his head and nced at her with a brief air of surprise in his eyes, which quickly vanished.

    Irish hadn''t expected to meet him again, especially on such an asion. As they all looked at her, she felt off guard, just like how she felt on that blushing morning when she woke up in the same man''s chest.

    "Irish, you''ve finally arrived! Come here, and I''ll introduce you to each other." Professor Tim saw Irish as a savior.

    "Don''t bother, and we''ve met before." Irish pulled herself together and walked straight toward the meeting table, and sat down naturally opposite the man. However, when she sat down, she felt something strange slip away from the bottom of her heart, which was too fast to capture.

    She thought of what Cassie had said, and she thought that just sitting here saying nothing at all, he still had the power which tempts women to flirt with him voluntarily.

    He didn''t speak, the dim light reflecting in his eyes.

    "Do you know each other? Then things will be easier." Professor Tim was delighted, turning around to the man.

    "Irish is the best psychological analyst in our institute, and she is our group leader. Mr. Dover." The man rested his eyes on her again with a hint of investigation.

    "Wait." Irish said, looking directly at Professor Tim, "I don''t know what you mean, this new case is his?"

    "Because things are too sensitive to be exined on the phone, I''ve troubled you toe here." Professor Tim knew Irish''s temper, so he wheedled her. "Mr. Dover came here personally with the hope of resolving the matter quickly. Of course, it is not Mr. Dover''s problem, but Mr. Dover''spany, the Runestone Company," he said.

    "The Runestone Company?" Irish rose as if her nerve had been stimted, and her slightly irritated look took a turn for the worse.

    This time she looked directly at the man, but her chest felt like a heavy stone was pressing it, and she found it hard to breathe.

    Professor Tim was startled by her sudden move. "Don''t you know each other?"

    ? "It seems that we need to get to know each other again." Professor Tim''s speech was interrupted by a thick voice. The man who had been keeping silent finally opened his mouth. He rose calmly, and his tall figure was almost enough to cover her. He reached out to her with a big hand. "I am Joseph, director of the Runestone Company."

    Irish heard her brain buzzing, staring at the man who wore a faint smile.

    Joseph maintained an air of professionalism, keeping his hand outreached and looking at her eyes with patience.

    With a hidden authority, his eyes were so deep but frightening, quiet but devastating. Those who looked at him would be naturally defeated by his calmness and would surrender their arms.

    But Irish did not look away, and her attention was not on his eyes. In addition to her consternation, her mind bubbled with his name and the Runestone Company. After just getting back to New York, the world was too small to get involved in the Runestone Company. From her unbearably ambiguous morning to the news of the Runestone Company and the man before her, whose appearance she never thought she''d see again. He is Joseph, director of the Runestone Company, who had a great reputation and frequently took up the economic news headlines.

 Chapter 7 7: I’m Not In The Job Yet

    "Doctor Irish." Afraid that she offended their client, Professor Tim called her with a low voice and touched her after she failed to respond, "Irish."

    Just like being awoken from the dream, her eyes fell on the handsome man''s hand.

    Joseph''s hands were wide and strong over the conference table. His nails were round and clean, and his grip should be strong and powerful. The watch dial was half-covered under the cuff. It was a ssic mechanical watch, and the sound of the steady and powerful second hand almost pierced her ears.

    She forced herself to suppress her troubled emotion and said, "I''m Irish, a psychoanalyst at Linkus Mental Research Institute." She was able to find that Mr. Dover had a strong power to control emotion, so as a professional psychoanalyst, she couldn''t beat a retreat. After a brief self-introduction, she stretched her hands first to shake hands with him.

    At that moment, Irish was moved by his warm palm.

    "Nice to meet you." Mr. Dover spoke with few but sonorous words.

    He clenched her hand, his eyes peering at the woman in front of him. Perhaps ttered by her clean business wear, Irish was with a totally different dress and looked very elegant in particr tonight. He had to admit that she was a very attractive and sexy woman.

    But her fingers were coolish, and when her fingers touched his palm slightly at that moment, something urred to him: a real beauty with the flesh of ice and bones of jade.

    "But Mr. Dover, I won''t ept this case. You''d better get someone better qualified."

    The coolness glided from his fingertip, only leaving a feeling of silkiness.

    Tim stood in amazement for a while, and when he wanted to persuade her, Irish looked at him directly and said: "Tim, there''s no need to persuade me. I''ve saidst time, I wouldn''t take any case before entry to thepany, and I wouldn''t work overtime."

    "Iri...."

    "Doctor He and Doctor Fang are very experienced, and I think both of them are qualified for Mr. Dover''s case. I''m sorry, I have something to handle, and I need to go now."

    Irish didn''t give Tim a chance to continue his words, and she also ignored Mr. Dover''s expression. After finishing her words, she left.

    "Irish!"

    Though it waste at night, Midtown Manhattan was always a sleepless city. Across the street, the light on the other side of the street almost spread over.

    When Irish got out of the elevator and just came out of the door, a deep but sonorous voice rose behind her, which added a bit of bewitchment under the embellishment of night, "Doctor Irish, please wait."

    Her high heels stopping abruptly, Irish turned back with astonishment since she didn''t expect that Mr. Dover would follow down.

    The moonlight was more and hazier while the breeze was mixed with the faint sweetness of the early summer. asionally some scattered petals floated between them. Joseph''s tall figure was reflected on the bright marble floor. He stood there and called her, and his tone tactful but with undeniable power.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Petals floating across his hair made him seem more dignified but unreal.

    There were only a few steps between them. The sky was deep and clean, covered with bright stars, which decorated this aesthetic scene.

    Joseph finally broke the instant tranquil and walked to Irish step by step. His tall figure brought back pressure to her, which was the same as that amphibolous morning.

    He stopped in front of her, his tall figure overshadowing her. Soon she smelled the man''s breath, fresh and cool, which made her intoxicated by it.

    "Doctor Irish, this case is unusual, and I hope you can think twice." Though Mr. Dover spoke briefly at an appropriate speed, his words still gave Irish a sense of pressure.

    She looked at him and hastily said, "Mr. Dover, I''m not in the job yet."

    "You can charge for your overtime. How much do you need? I can pay for you." His eyes were serious.

    "I''m sorry, but I prefer to make time for shopping." It was obvious that Irish didn''t want to ept this case, so she turned away quickly after finishing her words.

    She only took a few steps when Joseph spoke to her again with his neither too fast nor too slow voice, "Our Runestone Group has enough capability to make Linkus Mental Research Institute repossess its reputation.

    Irish stopped abruptly again, looking back at him.

    Joseph still stood there quietly, looking calm and determined, and he seemed to have expected she would turn back again.

    ? "Susan''s case has reduced the credibility of Linkus Mental Research Institute. And now I am the only hope of this institute."

    Irish squinted slightly, with her leg as if her eyes were staring at Joseph standing there. Although she looked expressionless, she was restless already. After a while, she walked to him and said with every single word, "You may have missed a stable push."

    Since Susan''s case didn''t hold public sittings, only insiders know if it had a bad effect on Linkus Mental Research Institute. And the psychological assessment of Susan''s husband handed by the institute still needed to be verified, so during this period, it was hard for them to wait.

    "I''m a businessman, and I should be honest to my partner." He said peacefully.

    Irish still focused on his face, from which she could find peace, and she could tell that he was not lying. Perhaps she looked down upon him because she thought the man who had juste back from abroad didn''t know how to deal with interpersonal rtionships.

    "Mr. Dover, are you threatening me now?" Irish smiled unexpectedly because she needed to keep calm before figuring out his mind.

    "I''m tempting you, honey," A smile hanging on his mouth, he said, "I just hope you wouldn''t lose your job before your official entry." Irish grasped the light shing from his eyes keenly, and she knew that it was because this man, a businessman, had full assurance of sess, which gave her a sense of hatred since she felt being hampered by this man. Then her eyes turned cold, and she said, "Mr. Dover may have a misunderstanding about me. I''m not a very professional person, so it''s impossible for me to only hang on a tree."

 Chapter 8 8: Perhaps You May Change Your Mind

    In other words, it was absurd to threaten her with the destiny of Linkus Mental Research Institute. Hearing this, Joseph was indifferent, and after looking for a long time, he finally said, "It seems you have already decided." It sounded like he waspromised and said with a sigh, "Fine. I wouldn''t keep pushing you. Come. I''ll send you back."

    Irish was surprised because she felt that he was not a man who would give up easily.

    "Perhaps you may change your mind." Joseph smiled and said as if he had seen through her mind.

    The feeling of being peeped came back again, so she frowned and just kept silent for a long time. Joseph also did not say anything and just kept looking at her patiently. A quiet smile also hung on his mouth, of which calmness spread deep into his eyes. It was more like looking at the unfathomable ocean, which was more intriguing under the hazy moonlight.

    Irish also hated this gaze. Her eyes turned round inadvertently and finallynded on his fingers. When she spoke again, she changed the topic and said, "It suddenly urred to me that the cash gift on that morning may be invalid."

    The afterglow of neon light and moonlight made her clearly visible, and she found his left ring finger was empty.

    As Joseph looked down at her eyes, he seemed to be aware of it. A faint smile shed from his thin lips but quickly disappeared. When he looked up at her eyes, he found that her eyes were full of jeer as if she was waiting for him to make a show of himself.

    Her smile was more obvious, and this time she could even look at him aboveboard. Absolutely she wanted to see him make a fool of himself.

    The man''s maic voice rose again, "Now that you gave a cash gift to me, I''ll send you back so as to return your favor. Wait for me here, and I''lle back soon." Then he turned away to pick up his car.

    It can be seen from hisst and brief words that he was a mighty man.

    Standing in situ, Irish found that his tall figure was more and more diluted under the streetlight, and then she clenched her teeth. Joseph''s answer was almost watertight. She should have heightened her vignce toward him. Since their first meeting that morning, he had been keeping a poker face and hardly opened his mouth to talk. However, though he only spoke a few words to her, every single word caught the key point which controlled her fatal weakness.

    As a psychoanalyst, she should have perceived that he was not a simple man. But it didn''t matter that she enjoyed teaming up with the wise. Although the man was always preemptive, she was sure she could find out his weak point anyway.

    ****

    When she was sent back home by Joseph, a faint glimmer of light glowed in the sky, indicating a new day was about to begin. The light of stars was mixed with sunlight rising from the east and brought about a special brilliance.

    On the way home, they hardly talk to each other.

    Joseph drove quietly and unhurriedly. Irish also looked at this metropolis leisurely outside the window where a tumultuous night scene hid in this tranquil city...

    Upon parking the car, Irish got out of it, her temple distending in pain. She didn''t have a good sleep and what made it worse was that she woke up in the middle of the night and then met Joseph in the institute. What a dramatic experience!

    Joseph also got out of the car, and when he closed the car door, his fresh breath came through the car, which released her headache. After expressing her thanks to him and being about to enter the house, Joseph stopped her behind.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Please wait for a moment."

    Irish turned back.

    Joseph walked to her. His cheeks were more chiseled under the dim moonlight, and in the deep of his eyes, there were as if stars flickering in it.

    "Give me your phone." Standing in front of her, he reached his hands and spoke with only four words.

    Surprised by his words, Irish frowned and asked, "My cell phone?"

    "Yes, your cell phone," Joseph repeated again indifferently but with a stronger tone. His hands still stretched before her patiently.

    Irish was confused about what he wanted to do. But after a few seconds'' pause, she took her phone from her bag.

    Joseph took it directly and manipted it for a while, and then he took out a small delicate object from his pocket, giving it back to her along with her phone. "I''ve just saved my phone number on it, and there is image information of this case in this USB. And you are wee to call me at any time after finishing watching it."

    The USB was put on his phone directly, so she had to put it back if she wanted to take back her phone. Irish stared at him calmly, the inexplicable restlessness pervading in her heart.

    "Mr. Dover, perhaps you are too tough for people." She had never seen such people who looked gentle outwardly, but in fact, he was arbitrary in nature.

    Joseph didn''t say any words, but a smile showed up on his mouth scarcely. He looked at Irish, his hands still stretched out there with her phone. Irish frowned and had to take it over.

    "I wouldn''t change my mind, and I would never ept your case." Then she turned back and walked away, leaving no chance for him to talk again.

    The darkness was torn by the light from the end of the earth.

    Joseph didn''t leave immediately but to look at Irish''s more and vaguer figure. Arge purple lc swayed behind her, of which fragrance was deadly enchanted, just like her figure.

    Upon entering the house, Irish threw her phone as well as the USB onto the tea table. Shey on the sofa like an effete dog, and her head was in sharp pain because of sleep insufficiency.

    Cassie yawned out of the bedroom in her nightgown, sittingzily beside Irish, "Did you take the initiative to catch up with that man in the bar? You have another One Night Stand, haven''t you?"

    Irish, who was drinking water, was almost choked by Cassie''s words. Putting the cup on the tea table and beating her lightly, Irish said to her, "Are you waking up early so that you can watch me over?"

 Chapter 9 9: Don’t Think Too Much

    "No, it was you who woke me first, and I was going to buy breakfastter. I didn''t expect to see you linger with the man the moment I opened the window." Cassie held Irish''s waist with a weird smile on her face. "What a handsome man he is! I will never forget him. But to be honest, you are well-matched."

    "Nonsense. He is married." Irish tried to block her mouth.

    Being speechless for a while, Cassie turned her eyes and suddenly raised her hands to tickle Irish''s arm. As a result of Irish''s slow response, several red scratches appeared on her arms, which made her grimace in pain. "Are you in estrus yet, Cassie? Or why do you scratch me?"

    "I''m afraid that you are going crazy." Cassie was so serious that her saliva almost flooded Irish. "When did you know he was married? Did you know before or just now? Since you know he was married, then why do you still keep an ambiguous rtionship with him? You are an ungrateful brat! Now tell me, honestly, did you have sex that night?"

    Irish was nearly annoyed by her sessive questions, and her head, totally in chaos at this moment, was hit in pain by Cassie''s high decibel. Raising her hands to press on her temple, Irish stood up and said, "You are really a gossiper." She swore that Cassie''s voice was definitely a lethal biological weapon.

    "Hey, my poor Irish, You can''t go until you exin all this to me." Cassie grabbed her skirt tightly.

    "Let me go. My dress is falling down!" Irish eximed, and her short skirt was about to be pulled in the wrong position by Cassie. Irish finally prised her hands and took a nightgown beside her since she was still not used to being naked before Cassie.

    As soon as Cassie loosened her hands, Irish got up quickly.

    "I have to give you a warning that you can''t tempt a man who has got married, and you must stay away from him," Cassie shouted behind her with her clenched fists, and she looked at her with a regretful expression.

    ? "Don''t disturb me, I''m going to catch up on my sleep now. Don''t wake me up until noon." Regardless of Cassie''s scream, Irish yawned to the bedroom, waving toward Cassie, and it almost drove Cassie crazy.

    Exin clearly?

    She couldn''t even exin clearly to herself, let alone to others.

    It was too hard for her to tell Cassie indifferently that she had slept with the man, but she just forgot the feeling of having sex with him.

    Did Cassie trust her?

    She did not even believe in herself.

    Absolutely nobody would trust her.

    The hardest part for her to catch up on sleep lies incking a quiet environment. At least Irish was badly in need of it. Luckily, Cassie offered her a room with soundproofing so that she would not be disturbed. However, when she was lying in bed, she couldn''t sleep anymore, and Joseph reappeared in her mind over and over again. She knew clearly that it was not the so-called lovesickness; instead, it was the restlessness that she had never had before.

    This kind of uneasiness was like being brought by a stone, suddenly causing embarrassment on a calmke. It also seemed that the peaceful life was inexplicably involved in a dispute.

    Now she had a bad premonition.

    She felt that her life would never be tranquil again at the moment of Joseph''s appearance.<novelnext></novelnext>

    She felt uneasy about this unforeseen event.

    And such uneasiness had not emerged in her life for a long time.

    She turned over with her face covered in a pillow, and the sense of suffocation caused her brain to develop a state of hypoxia gradually. She didn''t know how long after that, her eyelids were getting heavier and heavier, and finally, the drowsiness brought her to sleep with her head tilting.

    The light outside the window was brighter.

    As soon as she closed her eyes, a hysterical sound burst out in the living room.

    ****

    Shocked by the sound, Irish sat up from bed suddenly. Her long silky hair hung to her shoulders, with her pale and small face wrapped in it. Her pallid face was like the moon hanging in the sky.

    It was Cassie''s voice. Irish knew that she would give off such a prating voice in her extreme fear. It was just like that. The squeak, which sounded with prating power, passed through the soundproofing into her ears.

    "Irish!" Cassie yelled at her, and this time it sounded jarring and harsh as if she was pinched by someone who grated on the ear.

    Irish felt that something must have happened. The first thought that appeared in her mind was that Cassie was being robbed by burry, so she didn''t even wear her slippers and rushed out of the bedroom.

    But she found Cassie was in the living room alone!

    She was in a panic, and the cold sweat dropped into her cheeks, her face pale and frightened. She looked like a fish that was thrown into the coast and was about to dry under the sun. When she saw Irish run out of the bedroom, Cassie pointed to theputer screen tremblingly and said, "Iri... ...Irish..."

    Irish rushed forward with her eyes focusing on the screen, and suddenly she became serious.

    "I thought there would be movies on this USB, and I was going to watch a movie since I couldn''t sleep anyway." She was so frightened that she couldn''t even speak fluently.

    Irish recovered her equanimity and watched the video again, with her eyebrows drawn in a frown. When she watched over, the video was yed. She quickly removed the USB and looked for a long time.

    "Irish, it was not a movie...." Covering back from astonishment, Cassie rushed to hold a red bolster on the couch, which made an obvious but weird contrast with her pallid face.

    Irish held the USB tightly in her hand until the edge of the USB hurt her palm. "It''s okay. Don''t think too much." Then she turned into the bedroom.

    Cassie sat on the couch, her hair unkempt and disheveled, and she saw clearly the solemn expression on Irish''s face. Although Irish said calmly, Cassie knew that things might get worse. She couldn''t help quivering when the scenes of the video urred to her.

 Chapter 10 10: Where Are You Taking Me?

    The first whitish rays appeared above the horizon, and the bluish-green light was like a hand drawing away from the darkness.

    Irish sat on the bed, staring at the USB in her hand and Joseph''s voice, his maic, sonorous and determined voice resounded in her ears.

    After a long while, taking out her phone, she found out the man''s number that he forcibly inputted and dialed firmly. The phone rang twice, and then a deep voice came into her ears.

    "Hello, Doctor Irish." He still spoke slowly without any surprise.

    "Mr. Dover, you need to know that I charge my client by hours," Irish said with a slightly cold attitude.

    "Money is not a problem." His words sounded negotiable.

    "I have charged a client with a high price."

    "No problem."

    Irish was silent for a moment, and her eyes gradually became serious. "I can ept your case, but first, I need to know if the man in the video was still alive."

    "Come down, and we can talk about it."

    "Go downstairs?" Irish frowned.

    "I am downstairs and never leave for a single moment." His voice was full of wine-like mellowness.

    Irish''s hand that was holding her phone trembled inadvertently.

    ****

    It was very dark outside, as Irish stepped downstairs, the first thing she saw was a ckmercial vehicle stopped under a lc tree. Its purple petals fell down onto the roof of the car. There was no movement as she went back upstairs.

    Joseph stood beside the car, the shadowy figure of a businessman made the scene look very ssy. He lit a cigarette, clipped it with slender and clean fingers, and leaned against the window with an arm at his side idly.

    There was a pile of purple lc petals and blue light behind him. The smoke cloud twined around him just like the shadow of a charming girl, making his angr face appear softer.

    The scene made Irish feel something she had never had before. It was strange but kind of familiar, and even she could not ce it.

    Joseph put the cigarette out as he saw her go downstairs, and his lips curled up in delight.

    The air was filled with the fragrance of light smoke, lcs, and Joseph himself. At that moment, Irish approached him. She seemed to have also been affected by such a Spring smell as she inhaled the air around her.

    "Mr. Dover, has anyone ever told you that you scare people?" She raised her head to look at him with a seemingly joking face. From this angle, she could see the contours of his chin.

    "Is that so?" Joseph raised his dashing eyebrows slightly, which formed a nice pattern on his forehead. He didn''t seem to be someone who liked ying jokes, so he looked at Irish to wait for her answer.

    Irish shrugged her shoulders and kindly reminded him, "You''re a man who stresses everyone out all the time."

    "Including you?" Joseph knew he did but still wanted an answer.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "You shouldn''t read people''s minds." Irish answered his question indirectly, "Of course, psychoanalysts are excluded, like me."

    Joseph smiled surprisingly, a light smile that she could indulge in.

    "Seriously, where is the client?"

    Joseph didn''t answer immediately but turned to the front of the car and opened the passenger''s side, and with a neutral voice, he said, "Go on."

    Irish was not anxious now. Her clean eyes looked at his face and said word by word, "Such an annoying voice."

    Joseph''s eyebrows flickered a hint of surprise, but soon he shook his head smilingly. And when he spoke again, his voice became softer, "Please."

    Irish rolled her eyes reluctantly. She thought she would do some research on Joseph to know why he was so reserved and serious all the time.

    When she got in the car, he didn''t just drive off. He took a case in front of the back seat. She felt kind of amazed, so she took it and opened it. It was breakfast.

    "You can eat it on the way." Joseph started the car after saying that.

    The street lights outside turned off, and a ray of light glowed on the window after prating through a cloud. The light halo refracted by the ss fell on his nose, which was straight like a hill, and made his face more perfect.

    It was still warm, and the bottled milk was even hot. Irish stared at the breakfast with something on her mind, and then she raised her head to look at Joseph and said, "Have you ever thought of bing a psychoanalyst?"

    This man had recognized that she would change her mind ande downstairs, so he had brought breakfast.

    Such a man would have to be her enemy if they couldn''t be partners since he had such remarkable insight and ability to guess the thoughts of others.

    "I don''t think I could ever be," Joseph held the steering wheel steadily and made a turn so that the car moved into the thirdne, going a stable speed in the direction of Rainbow Bridge.

    Irish sneered, "You''re so modest. Your ability to guess others'' thoughts makes you perfect for it."

    Joseph released his chin as he heard these words and said, "You can''t say that I''m guessing the thoughts of others. I don''t have enough time in the day for that. I think the word you''re looking for is to exploit others."

    Thest two words fell slightly on the side of modesty but made Irish take a deep breath. He was exploiting others!

    After a while, she recovered to calm and deliberately changed the topic, "Where are you taking me?"

    "You''ll know when you see it. Now eat something." He said lightly without any change in tone.

    ****

    It felt so good when dawn finally came. The morning light was dim as fog, and the floating light covered the entire city. A workaholic''s day was just beginning.

    When Irish met Ken for the first time, he was lying in bed without any movement, wrapped up like a mummy, with dull eyes and a pale face. His thin and weak figure made it difficult for others to believe that he was the man who killed his wife on video.

    "Ken, do you remember why you were sent to the hospital?" After looking at him for a while, Irish asked him with a calm voice. She then subconsciously turned her head to look at the full-length mirror across her. She was very aware that Joseph was in the next room, observing through the one-sided window what was happening in the room she was in. That was the reason why he took nearly an hour and a half to drive her here.

 Chapter 11 11: Please Help Me

    Ken, one of the shareholders of Runestone Group and manager of its subordinate Vera Club, was one of the most reliable colleagues of Joseph and his closest partner. That exined why Joseph had spent so much time and money on this case.

    Ken recovered consciousness after a little while, he raised his eyes to meet Irish''s, and slowly he focused on a point, and difficulty asked, "Who are you?"

    "I''m here to help you," Irish answered directly but with the video still on her mind. It waste at night. A woman took a bento to Vera Club, and a man opened the door for her. When she put the bento down and prepared to leave, the man changed and appeared very angry and suddenly took the fruit knife and stabbed her harshly. The woman tried her best to close the security door, but she left bloody handprints on the ss door. Then the scene changed, and the man jumped down from the window.

    The man in the video was Ken. ording to Joseph, the woman was Ken''s wife. That day Ken had been at work alone, and his wife sent the meal for him. Nobody thought that this could happen. Vera Club was a high-end club with 24-hour monitoring. As a result, the scary case was recorded.

    Luckily, the building Ken was in was not high at all. Otherwise, he would have been dead, and his body smashed into pieces.

    Ken closed his eyes slowly with a distressed expression, "You can''t help me, you can''t... Where is Mr. Dover?"

    "Ken, only I can help you." Irish stood up and came to sit beside him without answering his question. She wanted to help, but this video was questionable at best. And her instinct and professional sensibility reminded her that this case wasn''t as simple as what was shown.

    Ken slowly opened his eyes after her words, mouth trembling.

    "You can call me Doctor Iri," Without much introduction, she believed that as he met her eyes, he expressed his intention to cooperate. "Ken, please tell me the truth. Do you have a habit of sleepwalking?"

    Sleepwalk is just one of the sleep disorders. In thest few years, several murder cases have been due to sleepwalking and have raised the attention of many experts. Sleepwalking is a kind of behavior without consciousness, and the sleepwalker can''t be convicted of a crime if they have hurt others while sleepwalking.

    That was the first thing she thought of when she watched the video, Ken suffered from sleepwalking, and he killed his wife and tried to kill himself were all out of consciousness. She''d dealt with cases like this before. Once, a patient with severe somnambulism walked from the bedroom like a ghost, climbed up the balcony, and jumped down. That patient fell straight down like a balloon filled with lead, and his body smashed to pieces.

    Irish thought this was the same, but Ken shook his head firmly and slowly, "No, I don''t."

    "That''s easy to say, but are you clear about what happened?" Irish frowned her eyebrows slightly.

    Ken opened his mouth but didn''t answer immediately. After a while, he asked, "Is... Is my wife still alive?"

    Irish looked at him quietly for a minute, "Yes."

    "How is she still alive?!" Ken was very emotional and said this with many expressions. Terror filled his face and then spread to his eyes like boundless darkness, "Mr. Dover!"

    "Why are you still calling for him?" Irish neatly bent over and asked.

    "Doctor Iri, my wife is going to kill me! They two are to kill me!" Ken stared at Irish firmly with bloodshot and terrified eyes.<novelnext></novelnext>

    His voice was very hoarse.

    Irish felt very terrified for any reason. She found that Ken didn''t move his eyes from the start, and his pupils were white with a deathlike hue. She noticed it extremely clear and found that it was because of terror and desperation.

    "Joseph? He''s going to kill you?" She asked after a while.

    Ken nced at the other side of the room and soon said with a hoarse voice, "Yes. He''s going to kill me. He and my wife are nning to kill me."

    Irish looked up to the mirror not far away from her, only to find her clean face reflected by it. Then she took a deep breath and said deeply, "Now that he has the intention to kill you, if I give you a knife right now, would you kill him first?"

    "I��" In Ken''s deep eyes, there was a surprising mist, and soon it disappeared. But it was all observed. He seemed to be thinking. After almost two minutes, he muttered, "No... I need to hide. I can''t let him find me. I can''t��."

    "If I give you a board, and nobody will see you with it, which part of your body would you put it on?"

    Ken blurted out without thinking, "Behind me!"

    Irish became silent, with her beautiful arched eyebrows turned down in a serious way.

    "Doctor Iri, please help me. You said you would help me!" Ken turned to look crazy again and struggled to stay seated, his face turned with pain. He took deep breaths, "Every night, I have nightmares and dream that Joseph is trying to kill me, or dream that the two of them drown me, where it''s so dark, and I feel cold and afraid. There is a long dark passage... I can only swim along this passage. It''s very narrow, and at the other end, there is a gloomy old house full of thorns..."

    "Have you ever gone into the house?" Irish stared at his face and asked word by word.

    "I have it nearly every day." Ken''s whole body shivered, and his lips appeared paler.

    "What''s in the house?" He must have remembered this nightmare very clearly if he had had this nightmare every night.

    "There is a coffin..." Ken''s teeth ground together due to stress, and it sounded brutal. "I see my brother lying in the coffin, but then he flies away with wings. And then... I see my wife. She... Staying with JosephThey...they take a knife to stab me..." At this point, he was crying and then shouted hysterically, "I''ve had enough! I''ve had enough!"

    Irish looked at him and sighed deeply with a more serious expression.

    ****

    As she left the care unit, it was already noon. A gust of wind blew with a pleasant fragrance, and beside the pool, the willow tree drooped. It was arge green field at first sight. The clean and blue sky was just like a colored ze. Springtime in New York was always so beautiful and so short.

 Chapter 12 12: You Flatter Me

    The most beautiful things can''tst forever.

    Irish didn''t say a word until they got to the car. Joseph gave her a hot coffee, and soon the smell of the strong coffee filled the car, as well as the smell of a clean and strong man.

    He didn''t say anything and started the car straight away.

    Irish raised her head to look at him after sipping the coffee, with something on her mind. From this angle, he looked very handsome. His perfect face with lips and strong chin showed his ruthlessness.

    "I''ve been thinking about one question since I left the care unit," Irish spoke slightly as the car drove onto the main road. Finally, her slender fingers were warmed by the hot coffee.

    With a traffic light ahead, Joseph slowed the car and turned to look at her until it came to a steady stop. He looked at her calmly and waited for her to go on patiently.

    Irish adjusted her sitting position and sipped a mouthful of coffee slightly. Her expression became cid, "Some people have obvious mental health issues, but they work and live regrly. And some are normal, but they are confined in asylums and treated like psychotics. Such cases are not frequently seen but actually exist. How do you feel about that?"

    ****

    When the car came out on the other side of the overpass, it was met with a traffic jam. A crowd of cars slugged along, filling New York City in all directions.

    Joseph started the car and drove to the side of the road, steering steadily. He answered her question quickly, "Just put them where they should be; that''s the best solution."

    Irish sipped her coffee slowly and thought about his frank answer. "What if I suspect you?"

    Joseph had been standing in the observation room, so he must have had a clear idea about what Ken had said.

    "That''s why I asked you, a psychologist, for help directly," Joseph said with a calm expression. "You''re the most eligible one to judge whether his words are true and what on earth is wrong with him."

    "You tter me," Irish said with obvious vignce. To be honest, she didn''t want to be this close to Joseph because he was so calm and unreadable.

    "At least Runestone Group hasn''t been influenced by it." She added.

    Joseph smiled tightly and slowed the car, "It''s not difficult to conceal news sometimes. And the news appearing right now is the best news."

    "Should I envy a rich guy like you?" Irish sneered slightly. As a matter of fact, concealing news of a general manager of a listedpany wasn''t difficult at all.

    Joseph recognized the sneer in her words and turned a little to look at her. Then he looked forward again with a bit of mischief, "How can I eliminate myself as a suspect?"

    Irish took a while to reply, "I need to know something about Ken''s mother." She knew that Joseph had a strong heart, and it wasn''t difficult to sense his resolution by talking with him. It was hard for someone to get close to him because of this kind of resolution. He tended to do everything by himself and make things as clear-cut as possible because he didn''t want to provide opportunities for someone to know his real thoughts. As a result, Irish would rather find another way to grasp some clues. However, Ken''s wife had be a patient in a vegetative state and what Irish could do was go to the source.

    "All the information about Ken is at the Vera Club." Joseph was not surprised by her thought process.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish stared at Joseph and said, frowning her face, "Mr. Dover, have you ever been surprised?"

    "What?" He seemed not to have understood her, so he turned to look at her with slight doubt in his eyes.

    "Nothing." Irish thought.

    "Are you going to take me to the Vera Club?"

    "Afraid?" Joseph''s voice showed surprise. He thought Irish was afraid due to the murders.

    However, Irish thought differently. She was fed up with everything rted to the Runestone Group. So she controlled her annoyance and answered lightly, "I have no reason to be afraid of a ce in your control."

    "You know what, that answer makes me have a sense of achievement," Joseph said jokingly, turned the steering wheel, and drove in the direction of the Vera Club.

    ***

    "Run away!"

    "Ah...." Irish woke up suddenly, and when she opened her eyes, she found that her hair was wet with sweat.

    Outside the window was a splendid night scene already, and surrounding her was yellowmplight that was dimmed by someone intentionally. She saw the time easily through the dim, soft light. It was half-past one in the morning.

    Irish stood up, and the lingering music was reced by reality gradually. Her nightgown slipped down her shoulder, so she lowered her head and found that it was a man''s suit jacket.

    It was Joseph''s. There was a clean smell and light smoke on the coat. It was so strong that her breath and hair were imbued with his masculinity.

    Then without any reason, her heart started beating quickly.

    During the day, Joseph had driven her to the Vera Club. There was so much information about Ken, so she must have fallen asleep watching it. But she remembered that it had been in a different room than the one she was in now.

    Looking around this new room, it wasrge with dark brown and ck as the ents, and it was decorated with silver-gray. It had a full range of living facilities, so this must be a lounge.

    Standing up, Irish walked out of the room with the suit jacket draped across her shoulders. The light in the living room was soft, and it was refracted onto the crystal surface, making it dim and dreamy. Irish focused on the light, and she saw a man standing not far from her.

    This club had an excellent location, while the lounge was nearly 6 meters in height. The transparent french sashes from top to bottom framed the most beautiful night scene of New York. Standing in front of it, Joseph was totally a king as his tall figure was a part of the beautiful scenery.

 Chapter 13 13: Anxiety And Insecurity?

    He was on the phone with his slender figure leaning against the bar counter as he was shaking a mixer filled with vodka gently with one hand. The cold drink matched the cold man.

    From this angle, Joseph was very attractive. His thin ck shirt couldn''t conceal his strong muscled chest. He sipped on the drink lightly and seemed to be giving some kind of order to someone. The night scene blurred his clean-cut face, making him look less serious than before.

    His voice was so low and deep, just like the night, but still could be heard faintly. It seemed that he wasmanding someone to keep an eye on the diamond mine in South Africa. It might be the one that was just put into the investment n. His words were resolute and powerful, as mighty as giving others stress. It reminded Irish of the introduction made by the media, then she sighed lightly and thought that she had to be a supplier ready to be a diamond tycoon. Diamond Tycoon, such strong words!

    As she thought, an absurd idea urred to her suddenly. So it was him who carried her to the lounge.

    Irish sighed lightly. It was soft and gentle, like the beautiful sound of broken jade.

    Joseph also happened to finish his call then. He hung up the phone and heard the sigh. He turned around, and his eyes were fixed on Irish''s face. In the silence of the night, she looked very beautiful. She gently leaned against the door, and her delicate and faint light shone on her body, making her small pale face look even cleaner.

    She was still wearing his suit jacket, which was like a long overcoat on her because of the height difference.

    For some reason, that touched Joseph''s heart, as if the deepest part was cracked and there was a spring river slowly flowing in, very small, just like her sigh floating into his ear.

    The evening was very charming.

    "Where are we?" Although seeing that his eyes were bold and unobtrusive, Irish looked somewhat unnatural, moving away, she sat down on the sofa. There were files in boxes on a coffee table nearby.

    Joseph stepped forward, "My lounge."

    He put his ss down on the coffee table and asked, "What would you like to drink? Are you perhaps hungry?"

    Aisa shook her head, and she slumped down onto the sofa. She didn''t want to eat or drink, and not being asleep anymore was making her grumpy. What''s more, she didn''t need to ask, she knew how she got there. She couldn''t have sleepwalked.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "This is Ken''s information. What you haven''t seen is in the red box." Joseph pointed to the red box on the tea table and went to the bar, pouring a ss of lemonade and handing it to Irish.

    Irish epted with a slightlynguid smile, "You don''t know how to be kind to women?"

    "If you were my employee, you wouldn''t have time for a nap."

    Joseph leaned on the back of the sofa, looking casual and steady. His shirt cor was slightly open, he was using his forearm to bnce himself, and she could see the faint outline of his chest through his shirt. After a slight pause, he added, with a hint ofpassion, "Of course you''re tired. I''ll take you home now."

    Hispassion came from the slightest bit of tiredness showing on her brow he acutely caught onto, and no one had ever dated to ck in front of him, especially a woman, Irish was the first. Shey on the sofazily, the wide suit coat covering her professional skirt properly and exposing her white and smooth leg. Her skin was white like a lotus, from far away, it even looked fragrant. Her casual bun loosened, a few strands of hair falling around her neck, which made her exceedingly fascinating and charming.

    A girl like her allowed him to make an exception when he took her into the lounge and let her sleep, then waited for her to wake up.

    "I''m d I don''t have a boss like you." Irish felt that his eyes were a bit strange, and that feeling was more ufortable and more intense. She adjusted her posture and said, "If you are too strict on your employees, you will directly increase their mental burdens and stress levels. And if you find some of them are riddled with anxiety and insecurity like Ken again, something bad is bound to happen."

    Joseph slightly raised his eyebrows, "Anxiety and insecurity?"

    "Sometimes dreams are like hypnosis, they can be a means of identifying the subconsciousness. From the angle of human instinct, dreams are meaningful to a certain extent, which always have a kind of obscure and implicit meaning, avoiding the brain''s censorship mechanism by disguising changes. To make it short, the content of a dream is when we realize our own wishes." Irish took a sip of lemonade, closed her lips tightly, and looked at Joseph. "I think you should pay attention to what Ken mentioned about his dream, in which he can see a narrow passage over and over again. In fact, clinical experience has taught me that the dreams of patients with anxiety have this kind of vibe, the dream about drowning or being confined to a small space often��."

    "Why?" Joseph didn''t know anything about it, but he was pretty confident in her professional ability.

    "It''s simple, whether they are in a passage or drowning in their dream, it''s all based on a memory of life in the womb. We can see from dreams like this that it''s always something like that. So we think he''s anxious, and his subconsciousness wants safety. The womb is the ce where we''re born, and it''s the safest ce." Irish said her opinion, thinking and adding, "The simplest example is that if a person is insecure, he mostly sleeps in the infantile position, which is a memory of the safe posture in his mother''s womb. Broad-minded people tend to lie on their backs, in which we can judge their psychology by their behavior. A dream is the same; although the content isplicated, after sorting it out, we can urately control the subconscious world of a person."

 Chapter 14 14: I Want To Finish It

    "Do you mean that Ken has a serious anxiety disorder and kills people?" Joseph frowned slightly.

    "Of course not. He originally had anxiety, and that''s just a small part of what I was able to read from the dream. I need to know more to recognize all the information about his dream." Irish reached over to the paper in the red box and smiled bitterly. "At least I get to read all the information you have on him..."

    Joseph was deep in thought.

    "Eh? What''s this?" She took a serious look at the nk disc with no file name on it.

    Joseph nced at it, "It should be some kind of security footage." He stood up and put the disc into aputer. Soon, the huge screen on the wall shed, and a high-definition picture appeared.

    Irish was a little surprised and said to herself, "Maybe it''s empty?"

    Before she was able to finish the thought, the screen shed, and a high-definition picture appeared. It was a girl, beautiful and pure, who looked like a schoolgirl with a school bag.

    Irish immediately stretched her hands out for the interpersonal material on Ken, and her eyebrows raised; turning around toward Joseph, she asked, "Who is she? She''s not in the material..."

    She didn''t look at the screen and waited for Joseph''s answer. He looked slightly startled but quickly started teasing. He put his long, slender fingers against the forehead. Irish became more puzzled, but he hinted for her to look at the screen.

    Irish followed to take a look, and her eyes almost popped out of her head.

    On the screen, the girl was pinned against the ground by severalrge men whose clothes were pulled off. Parts of their bodies were exposed before Irish''s eyes, making her gasp.

    She sat stiffly on the sofa. The girl was not Ken''s acquaintance, she was a Japanese actress...

    Joseph was trying not tough and smiled. He was more interested in Irish''s facial expression than what was on the screen.

    "Well... why did these kinds of scenes appear?"

    "I don''t know why this happens." Joseph resisted a smile and proved his innocence, getting the remote control and intending to turn it off.

    "Wait." Surprisingly, Irish stopped him.

    Joseph saw her beside him, and his eyes fell on her tiny hands, cold and shivering, and his heart was unexpectedly warmed.

    "I want to finish it." Irish cleared her throat and spoke reluctantly. When she spoke, her face blushed.<novelnext></novelnext>

    This time, Joseph was stunned, and she saw the surprise in his eyes.

    ****

    The most embarrassing thing must have been that a beautiful girl like her had seen an exciting porn video in a closed room with a man who she''d only seen twice.

    Of course, what was worth mentioning was that this man of few words kept his mind sharp. Though she tried her best to deduce what was happening, she only saw surprise in his eyes. Furthermore, when the video with surround sound yed, she could really experience thevish lifestyle of rich people. It was impressive enough to listen to a magnificent concert from a sound system like that, let alone the sounds of sex and passion.

    Joseph''s surprise was immediately restrained, reced with a slight smile. He looked down at her and asked, "Are you sure?"

    Irish was capable of understanding this expression. She returned a faint smile, "life details can also disclose the psychological activity. This is a work requirement. Mr. Dover, are you overthinking this?"

    Joseph could hear the defiance in her words. His lips began to rise. "So keep on watching." He said and turned around.

    Irishy on the sofa staring at his majestic figure and saw him sit back at the bar, pouring a ss of wine. The ice looked like a cold jade stone that shone in the re of the liquid. Joseph shook the ss gently and took a sip. Irish knew the wine in the cup, L''Ordre.Jean.Martell., which was the world''s most prestigious wine. It is heard that it wasunched at a grand dinner at the Pce of Versailles. The bottle was made of hand-blown crystal, and the gand was like a rare treasure against a dripping curve. It was the soul of Martell, which is the "holiest of wine."

    Irish had not intended to see this with him. After all, it was an embarrassment she could not imagine, but a teasing interest rose up in her heart. She reached for the remote control. Immediately, the sound of the man and woman''s bodies impacting filled every corner of the room.

    She saw Joseph looking at her side, and her desire tough became more intense. She reached for a cushion and held it in her arms. The girl on the screen looked and soundedzy. "Are you saying that men prefer those who throw themselves on them or those who are more active?"

    Joseph''s body turned around, his arms slouching over the bar, his eyes still on Irish''s cheeks, and he was not interested at all in what was on the screen.

    "I''m really asking." Irish smiled at him, looking innocent and smiling across the smell of wine in the air.

    After looking at her for a long time, Joseph, without saying a word, continued to Joseph, without saying a word, continued to taste the wine in the cup. Irish wanted to rush forward and tear his skin to look at his heart. Being steady and looking back on the screen, she was thinking about how to break Joseph''s calm demeanor.

    Two minutester....

    "OMG! Can this be done?" Irish intended to shout in surprise and faked to look at Joseph curiously, "can you really bend like that?"

    Joseph still said nothing, drinking the wine slowly. What changed was that the look he directed towards Irish became darker. Because of the long distance and dim light in the room, Irish didn''t realize this change. Seeing that he was calm, Irish thought that this man was tricky to understand.

    Scenes on the screen became more and more intimate, and men were exploring every part of the girl, who did not resist but began to enjoy.

 Chapter 15 15: Let Me Have A Try

    Irish became uneasy, and the fragrance of the wine felt intoxicating. Joseph was sitting there silently, like a shadow, without saying anything. At one moment, she felt like he was looking through her and reading her mind.

    Suddenly the mobile phone rang, and she felt scared. Joseph took the phone, signaling her to turn down the volume. She nodded with a smile but turned it up deliberately. But Joseph had already answered and looked shocked.

    Irish closed her lips lightly, trying her best to restrain herughter. Staring at her for a while, Joseph shook his head and looked down with a smile. He turned to go into the bedroom with his phone.

    This man was patient, Irish couldn''t help admitting to herself. And when she turned it down, she had to fix on the video, fasting forward continuously, the decadent pictures leaping before her eyes. The video was long, and it consisted of several short videos, which all belong to one type. Violence, SM, and visual stimtion made her ufortable.

    Preparing to continue fast-forwarding, the remote controller was taken from her hands. Joseph sat down directly beside her. His tall figure leaned on the back of the sofa.

    "What can you see on the screen at such high speed?" Joseph said slowly.

    Irish gnashed secretly, but when she looked at him, she wore a smile. "Okay, I''ll watch it slowly. Please don''t bother me. I''m working." She intended to tease him, thinking about watching the video with him.

    "You have asked many questions, and I sat here to answer you." Joseph lowered his head.

    Irish suffered the consequence she brought upon herself, and she had to continue watching the video. The images of the sexual scene continued, and Joseph seemed to have no n to fast-forward. She resisted and resisted, and finally, she said, "I don''t need to watch the entire process, fast-forward!"

    "You are a psychological analyzer, and you should catch every detail. That''s what you said just now." Joseph''s voice was pleasant, falling on her ears, which was so close beside her that it could get into her heart.

    "All right, I''ll watch it." Irish smiled at him.

    Joseph took a slight smile. He sat with his long and slender right leg across his left leg. Irish sat stiffly, thezier the man on the screen was, the uneasier Irish was.

    A flow of ambiguity began to float in the air.

    The light wine aroma and cool fragrance in him interwoven together, forming a strange atmosphere surrounding her. Yes, he just drank! The realization caused a shiver in her heart. She narrowed her shoulders and tightened the coat. But her heart shook again because the coat was his.

    She began to realize that she had made a mistake. She shouldn''t have teased a man who drank.

    The picture became more and more bloody, and the surrounding airflow turned hot. Irish''s mouth felt parched, and her tongue scorched, not knowing it was because of the breath of the man beside her or the content of the video. She licked her lips and had to lower her voice, "Please fast-forward."<novelnext></novelnext>

    Joseph was staring at her increasingly stiff back the entire time until she slightly turned sideways and lowered her head. Her tiny face was pale with reddish cheeks under themplight.

    He had to admit that she was too beautiful and that the movement of lightly closing her eyes was extremely charming. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Leaning forward, his shadow almost covered her.

    "You can''t stand it?" His words were originally meant to be tender, but from his mouth, they had a hint of enchantment and ambiguity.

    The moaning intensified, and suddenly there was a more mellow voice, like a word of concern, but it had more of a taste of sexuality and love. She felt a sharp contraction in her body. He was so close that she could feel his temperature and the smell of his body heat, gently spraying over her head and sweeping down her neck. She lifted her eyes and inadvertently met his deep eyes. Suddenly, Irish realized that Joseph had gotten revenge.

    She red at him severely and then looked at the video, but her face changed because of the intensifying sexual behavior.

    "What''s the matter?" Joseph only nned to tease her. Seeing that she changed her face, he stretched his hand to pull her close.

    But Irish pushed him away and rushed into the washroom. Joseph stood up, dazed, and followed her.

    Irish was bending over the sink, retching. Her stomach was overflowing, and her mouth was full of bile. Standing beside the sink, Joseph looked at her with a helpless smile. "The psychological construction of Doctor Irish could be improved."

    Irish was trying so hard to pacify her nausea, washing her face weakly. "The scene was too gross." She staggered suddenly, feeling her head heavy and her feet light when she stood up.

    All of a sudden, a hand tightened around her waist. She was held in his arms, and then she fell on his broad chest, warm and strong. She smelt the sweet aroma of wine on his breath.

    "Are you okay?" He looked at her small, pale face.

    They were so close to each other that she could feel his body temperature easily, which was transmitted through the thin clothes. The voice from the yer became more outrageous, stimting their ears sound by sound.

    "Yes." She shook her head, trying to get rid of the ridiculous mental image and preparing to leave his arms, but a long strand of hair hooked the button of his shirt.

    Irish hurried to rip off her hair, but it caused a bigger mess, and she exposed the bronzed skin of his chest. He didn''t move at first, but when looking at the sweat oozing from her forehead, he couldn''t help but reach to press her hand, and he said with a low voice, "Let me have a try."

    She had never felt so embarrassed. Joseph was patiently untangling the hair little by little. Lowering his head, his breath swept over her cheeks. She was so close to him, and he could easily smell her light fragrance.

 Chapter 16 16: I Regret My Decision

    After unfastening all her hair, he unexpectedly held them and said, "Aren''t you going out for wool anding home sheared?"

    The fire in Irish rose again. Moving her head, the strand of long hair slipped from his fingers, "Actually, my psychological quality was weaker than yours on such a thing."

    Without saying a word, Joseph looked down at her. Her heart was uneasy within his range. When she pushed him away and nned to go into the living room, he suddenly put his hand on the wall and blocked her way. Rolling her eyes, Irish prepared to go from the other side, but his hand followed and blocked her again.

    His two legs totally obstructed her path.

    "Are you crazy?" Irish lifted her head to stare at him, trying to make her voice calm.

    "I suddenly thought that I hadn''t answered your questions." Joseph lifted his lips slowly. "What did you ask again? Which one do I prefer, the active girl or the one needed to be fucked?"

    A hint of vignce suddenly rose to Irish''s beautiful eyes.

    Joseph bent over gradually, and then his handsome face approached her. They were so close that he could see his figure in her eyes and smell her clean breath. Irish hadn''t expected that he would be able to do so, so she pressed her back against the wall. Although she tried to stay calm and remain expressionless, her heart was pounding furiously.

    "Mr. Dover, you''re married��" She intended to warn him as he came closer and closer to her, and she did without hesitation. "It''s not moral to continue."

    "What if I don''t care?" Joseph squinted and said these words beside her cheek. His voice was deep.

    "Your wife must be a good girl; otherwise, you wouldn''t have married her. Don''t let such a good girl down." Irish was frightened by his answer since she had thought a mature and serious man like him wouldn''t joke around like this. She spoke without thinking as she looked into his eyes which appeared more emotional now. Her body was attached to the wall tightly, and she leaned her head to one side but couldn''t avoid his warm breath, the light wine aroma bing more strong.

    Joseph''s pupils dted, and he said slowly, "She is indeed a good girl."

    Irish couldn''t sense the true meaning of his words, but Joseph lowered his head. Her mind was nd, and her eyes were open.

    Joseph surprisingly didn''t do anything immoral but instead leaned his head to the other side with his nose just grazing her hair. His thin lips were close to her delicate and small earlobe, and he said in a deep and reminding voice, "Men are dangerous, so please be careful."

    Irish got goosebumps with his voice, and her shoulder became numb.

    "I admire the courage you''ve shown before and now. But don''t do it again." Joseph only had intended to tease her, so he drew himself up and added, with his arm back, "No matter what, women are always the ones who suffer in the face of something unfortunate."<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Before?" Irish didn''t understand.

    Joseph looked at her in a calm way, "That night, you were so enthusiastic." He didn''t finish his words, and the unfinished part seemed so ambiguous.

    "So did we..." She swallowed down the two words ''have sex'' harshly.

    "Is that what you guess?" Joseph asked as he folded his arms over his chest. Irish''s swear slipped down slowly from her neck to backbone, just like a winding snake, and it made her stressed out all of a sudden. She stared at his face looking for an answer, then after a long pause, she replied, "We must not have."

    She decided on this for three reasons: On one hand, she had no real memory of that night and only remembered roughly that she passed out in his arms; On the other hand, she didn''t know much about Joseph, but she could judge tentatively that he was not a man who would take advantage of an unconscious girl. What''s more, he was so out of her league that he wouldn''t ever choose her to have sex with.

    Joseph looked at her and smiled slightly.

    "Thank goodness," Irish felt like giving him a big hug. She put her palms together and said, "Thanks for the self-control." Thank goodness she didn''t have sex with him that night, she thought.

    "You don''t need to thank me, I now regret my decision," Joseph said at a normal pace, his smile seemed truthful sometimes, fake other times.

    Irish''s appreciation for him disappeared, and when she looked at him again, she suddenly felt unspeakably nervous��

    ****

    Since Irish''s return from Joseph''s Very Club, she had been dealing with the case about Ken. Besides checking all his information, she also looked into other people and things about Ken and his wife alike, so she totally forgot that it was the holidays. Professor Tim was very happy with this, but he still called her often for fear she was only doing these things out of impulse. He told her that Linkus had been influenced by Susan''s case negatively, and their reputation was worsening. He hoped she could finish the Runestone case in a perfect way and stay in touch with Joseph if she needed to.

    Every time she heard him say that she felt nervous again. She knew that Professor Tim only thought of Joseph as a helper, and the case about Ken drove her to ask Joseph for more information. Although this case involved the police, she needed to present a professional assessment of Ken.

    However, any time she was on the phone with Joseph, she could still remember what he''d said that night, "I''m now regretful." That voice was whirling around her like a magic spell and made her feel strange at times.

    What was left of spring had now been reced by lots of greenery as spring in New York was short? The sunshine was so bright and caused the heat of early summer.

    Irish was sitting in the waiting area at the airport with her legs crossed, she held arge coffee cup, and she was leaning back idly to see Cassie applying sunscreen as the rays of sunshine were beaming down on her even through the window. She couldn''t stand it, so she took the bottle away and said, "You''re so wasteful. I bought this sunscreen from abroad, and you put it on your body? And drink my coffee?"

 Chapter 17 17: Don’t Be So Mean

    "Take it away, take it away. It''s easy to get fat in the summer with that stuff." Cassie waved her hands, showing the wasted sunscreen on her hands, and smiled at her, "Don''t be so mean. You know there''s a domestic shop. I''ll learn from you and be more frugal from today on."

    "You know how expensive it is in a domestic shop? It''s easy for you to say that. So you''ll be more delicate on the basis of wasting my money?" Irish tried her best not tough, and the clean face under the visor looked bright as the sun. "If you continue, Fredrick won''t be able to deal."

    "Oh, you''re exaggerating. Stop. He''sing." Cassie spoke so quickly. As soon as she saw hime out from the departure area, she stood up immediately and excitedly.

    Irish felt her heartbeat increase and turned her head back slowly. She saw the man pushing his luggage cart from the departure. He wore a white t-shirt with clean cream-colored pants. His tall and slender figure was so attractive.

    "Irish, Fredrick is over there. Be quick." Cassie was so excited she dragged Irish forward.

    The man saw them from a far distance and waved his hand and smiled. His smile was so charming that the girls around him even noticed. Irish''s legs were heavy as lead, but her heart was beating wildly with his smile. Her excitement showed immediately.

    "Fredrick," Cassie rushed forward and ran into his arms as everyone around them watched. She hugged him.

    Irish stopped, the excitement in her eyes darkened.

    Fredrick stretched his hands to tousle her hair in a loving way. Then he raised his eyes to look at Irish and greeted her with a huge smile. After their eyes met, she smiled, and it distracted her from the little bit of grief in her heart.

    ****

    She hadn''t recovered from her sense of loss, but an arm hung over her shoulder idly. The voice jokingly asked, "Dear, why do you seem to be so jealous?"

    She had been daydreaming it seemed, for his question shocked her. The man was looking at her intently. To put it more precisely, he was staring at her like she was some kind of prey.

    This man...

    "I don''t know you. Please don''t ask me questions." Irish swatted his hand down quickly.

    The man started whining....

    "Leo, you move so fast." Fredrick came forward quickly and stretched out his hand to pat the man''s shoulder. Cassie was happily by his side.

    "I have been with you in this cabin for seven hours. And the first thing I''ve wanted to do is exercise the whole time." The man called Leo did a simple lunge, then blinked at Irish, "Isn''t that true, my dear?"

    Fredrick looked at them both with astonishment, "You two know each other?"

    "Of course."

    "No, we don''t."

    They said nearly at the same time. Fredrick and Cassie looked at them, confused.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "What''s wrong with you that you call every woman you meet dear?" Irish frowned. She didn''t appreciate men when they were forward and familiar like this.

    "You''ve really forgotten? I couldn''t forget if you asked me to. The other day you kicked me down from the bungee tform." Leo appeared to be innocent but deliberately let out a scream.

    Irish suddenly remembered and nced over at Cassie. Cassie also then realized that this was the man who had a blind date with Irish. They looked at each other with great embarrassment.

    "It''s okay, my dear. You don''t have to feel so guilty, considering we have lots of time to get to know each other." Leo raised his wrist to look at the time, "Fredrick, I''m going back to have a meeting. Let''s catch up next time."

    "Okay," Fredrick nodded.

    Leo looked back at Irish andughed. All of a sudden, he lowered his head and kissed her on the forehead. Irish was so surprised that she didn''t have time to react, just to hear his boomingugh and see him turn to leave.

    Fredrick was confused and furrowed his brow.

    "Fredrick, when did you be friends with someone like that?" Irish turned and stared at Fredrick calmly.

    Fredrick raised his arm in surrender, "My God, he''s no ruffian."

    "Who is he?" Cassie was also frightened by Leo''s actions.

    "Leo, the eldest son of the chairman of the board of Key Group, is also the general manager of Key Group in North America," Fredrick revealed.

    ****

    It was a clean and fresh spa room. "Are you feeling any better?" Fredrick calmly asked Irish.

    The bright sunshine was beaming through the windows. They were in a private psych treatment room that had belonged to Fredrick before he went abroad. They came here directly from the airport.

    Irish sat on the sofa and seemed to be thinking, "After I returned, I haven''t heard the voice and music as often, but several times I''ve still woken up to it. There was once..." She hesitated and looked at Fredrick.

    Fredrick was her mentor not only academically but also in work. When she was in university, Fredrick was an external expert there who worked with a high sry. He was her favorite lecturer. During the years when she was expanding her education abroad, Fredrick founded a mental research institute there. That way, she was able to be an intern there and deal with individual cases.

    Every psychologist needed a mentor, they were still people and needed to talk about what they were dealing with too. Fredrick was a sessful psychologist and an excellent man. As a 32-year-old, he was at the peak of his career, and he showed politeness and gentleness with everything he did; therefore, he was naturally popr in themunity.

    "It was..." It was on that morning when she woke up in Joseph''s bed. When she heard that ''run away'' music, it was already the morning. And the only time in ages she hadn''t woken up at one o''clock. "One day, when I woke up in the morning." She couldn''t tell Fredrick the truth.

    She had a lot of admiration for Fredrick. Over the years, she had grown up before his eyes. She couldn''t have achieved what she had if he hadn''t been there to help her. She relied on him, loved him, but...

    Fredrick loved Cassie.

 Chapter 18 18: You’re Not Telling Me Everything

    The year Cassie flew abroad to be with her, she and Fredrick fell in love with each other. Although they were separated by distance, their feelings toward each other never changed.

    Cassie was her best friend. Even if she loved Fredrick, she could never tell him. At the same time, she didn''t want to ruin their friendship with her feelings. As much as she did love him, she kept a distance from him once he and Cassie started dating. And that was the reason she came home after she graduated.

    Fredrick furrowed his eyebrows tightly after hearing her words, "You''re not telling me everything."

    "You''re my mentor, how dare I cheat on you?" Irish smiled. "It''s okay, I can handle it and don''t forget I''m not also an excellent psychologist myself. I''m only really interested in Ken''s case that I''ve been working on."

    "The world is really small, isn''t it? You''re finally working for my father''spany."

    Fredrick recognized that she was desperately trying to change the topic, so he just went with it and showed a wry smile, "If I had known that you''d be working for Linkus, I wouldn''t have been so anxious to go back. You can bet on that."

    Irish shrugged, she hadn''t realized that Professor Tim was Fredrick''s father.

    "I''ve seen your assessment of Ken, and I agree with you. Ken indeed suffers from secondary delusional disorder." Fredrick said seriously, "I went over the files you gave to me on the ne, and your judgment is spot on. He suffered anxiety and ack of security early in life, so now he''s dealing with this disorder."

    The delusional disorder can be divided into primary and secondary. The former urs without any premise of incentive, while thetter happens for moreplex reasons. However, the simrity between them is that delusion is generated because of existing barriers. Take Ken, for example, the reason why he''s thought to have this disorder is that he had undiagnosed anxiety for years.

    "It''s not difficult to analyze Ken''s disease situation." Irish adjusted her sitting position and said seriously, "I have started a board experiment with him. As we all know, people without this disorder will choose to put the board in front of them or to the side, but Ken chose to put it behind him. This proves that he iscking in trust. I also got him talking a little bit. I asked him if he could ever kill Joseph, but he looked terrified and avoided answering my question since it seemed that he thought Joseph was too powerful. He shrank down into self-protection. In other words, he''d been thinking of himself as a victim from the beginning."

    "Victims tend to be anxious and nervous." Fredrick agreed with what she said, "From the information you''ve given, it''s apparent that Ken''s wife had a strong personality. Thanks to her introduction, Ken was able to work for Runestone Group and thought he was a lesser man for doing so. Hard as he worked, he couldn''t rid himself of the thought that his sess relied on his wife. I guess the employees there must have spread some rumors about this behind his back, which would naturally make him feel ufortable."<novelnext></novelnext>

    "His wife must have been closer to Joseph than him, and that made him guarded." Irish began to speak, "I''ve been watching the video over and over, and I see now that Ken must have been holding the knife from the beginning. I believe that his wife knew something about how he had been feeling mentally and tried to ease his doubt, so she sent bento to his work all the time. However, Ken had already been suspicious, so he took the knife that night and did what he did."

    Fredrick sighed lightly, "A man''s surroundings can have a great impact on his mentality. Irish, you have an urate analysis of Ken''s dream."

    "You were the one who taught me how to analyze dreams." Irish looked at him, feeling indescribably attached to him, but she forced herself to give this thought up. She cleared her throat and returned to being serious.

    "From Ken''s dream, it''s easy for us to see that he is yearning for but afraid of the parent body. He dreamed of a passage and a horrible ck house full of thorns. The content of this dream is dark but contradictory. After searching, I found that before he was born, his mother was thinking of abortion. Most adults don''t know that it is possible for a fetus to have the memory of this, albeit subconscious. It''s too subtle to exin or prove with science. But in fact, this memory does exist.

    Naturally, Ken doesn''t know that it exists because it''s subconscious, and it can be reflected in a dream when a patient is in certain psychological situations. The ck house indicated fear from the memory of the fetal period, where he was afraid of being deserted by his mother. So we can say his insecurities originated from the parent''s body." Said Irish.

    "We identify mother with security inherently, but in his case, he''s lost that due to his subconscious memories. So it''s normal that his dreams are contradictory." Fredrick agreed with her analysis.

    "And Ken''s anxiety has been generated in his childhood." Irish went on, with a slight heaviness, "In his dream, he saw his brother fly away in a coffin with wings, this is actually a very typical dream for people who have lost a loved one. More or less, we all have dreamed of the death of family or friends, which usually has two kinds of connotations. The first is hypothetical, and the second is an expectation of seeing the death of friends or family. It''s easy for us to identify that Ken belongs to thetter."

    "Though this theory may be argued by most, it''s actually the most usible. The reason Ken would have a dream like this is that he''s had a childhood in which he''s wished this more than once."

    Fredrick nodded, standing up to pour a ss of water for Irish. Sitting back down beside her, he analyzed, "You''ve mentioned in the material that Ken has a sibling, but his brother is alive, so we can naturally analyze the condition of his childhood. As a matter of fact, everybody at one point has felt hostile towards our siblings. This kind of alienation is something that''s ongoing. Though the rtionship between siblings depends on their ages, the hostility in childhood still exists. Children are selfish, so they feel their needs more urgently and want to satisfy them. Once petition'' appears, they can be hostile."

    asionally missing content, please report errors in time.

 Chapter 19 19: Don’t Be A Wet Blanket

    Irish took a sip of her water and closed her lips lightly, "As we gradually grow up, our sense of society and morality grows with us. We learn to restrain our selfish desires, but our subconscious still exists. Ken didn''t have that sense of security since he was a baby in the womb, then his sibling took half the parental love. So it''s normal that Ken is hostile toward his brother. He dreamt of flying into the heavens, which started in his imagination as a representation of his own death. Instead, he wished for the death of his brother. Ken''s been dealing with so much anxiety and insecurity since he was a child, and this mental condition worsened as stress became more apparent in his home and personal life. The attention he gets from his wife is a representation of a mother''s love. So when he thought his wife was bing close to Joseph, he would naturally be paranoid. Joseph is sessful, in many ways stronger than Ken, so he dreamed of Joseph pushing his wife into the water. Then he formed real paranoia over time. What he thinks of is violence and obsessiveness, which is concealed barely by his self-protection. That''s why we think he killed his wife.

    Fredrick looked through the material and stared at Irish for a long time with curiosity, "You didn''t mention the video you saw in your report, what video?"

    "Um...." Irish hesitated, usually eloquent. She looked down, looking slightly embarrassed. Fredrick sat beside her so he could see her face clearly. Her longshes blinked quickly, holding back her regr decisiveness, she looked feminine and tender.

    "What''s the matter?" He stared at her and spoke lightly. A kind of unspeakable feeling flipped in his heart, which seemed to be the same feeling he had when he saw her reflecting and looking lonely abroad. It made him want to hug her and protect her. She was his student, so it was normal for him to have a desire to protect, and it was the only way he was able to exin the sudden change in emotion he felt.

    Irish rid herself of the embarrassment quickly and smiled smartly. "Nothing actually happened, it was me, well... Who saw the porn video Ken watched regrly?" It was bold of her to mention things like this in front of the men.

    Fredrick wasn''t expecting it, he smiled. He lifted his hand and tousled her hair, "Little girl." His words were soft.

    The intimate move of his hand made her nervous. Quickly she used pouring more water as an excuse to not be so close to him. She smiled, "It was you who taught me never to leave a detail out." She hated herself because of how much she loved a few seconds before.

    Fredrick looked at her figure, with long hair down her back. He realized he''d been missing her all along. He rose up, ''Irish...

    "Fredrick, Irish, are you finished? I''ve already set the table, go downstairs to eat." Cassie suddenly broke in, interrupting what Fredrick had been saying. She looked so excited, seeing her with an apron on.

    Fredrick''s enthusiasm was suddenly interrupted, he stood stiffly. Then, after directly looking at this happy sight, he suppressed his unknown impulse and smiled, "All right, we''ll go downstairs."

    "Ms. Cassie, you''re so unfair. I''ve been back from abroad for a long time, and you haven''t even cooked me a te of instant noodles." Irish didn''t hear the light calling of Fredrick, and the burst of Cassie resolved her embarrassment. She hurried to link arms with her.

    "Jealous?" Cassie looked at her with a smirk.

    "Yeah, you prefer a man over your friend." Irish took her bag, "But really don''t have time to be jealous, you two go on and enjoy, I have work to do." This reunion was meant for Fredrick and Cassie anyway. The lover''s table is only fit for two.

    "Do you work when you''re done eating," Fredrick frowned, his words were more like an order. He didn''t know how disappointed he was until he felt it.

    "Look, I cooked all your favorites. Don''t be a wet nket."

    "Silly girl, I really do have things I need to do." Irish nced at her watch and pretended to be in a rush.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Well, I''ve got to give this report to Joseph, and we''ve nned to meet." She promised to herself she was only using him as an excuse to get out of this dinner. Cassie beamed after hearing this, "You''re going on a date with him?"

    "What date?" Fredrick said with significant dissatisfaction.

    "Fredrick, don''t you know that Irish and Mr. Dover are meant to be together? He''s tall, handsome, rich... They..."

    "Okay, girl. Don''t broadcast my business. I''ve got to go, I''m runningte." Not leaving a chance for a reply, she walked away quickly.

    "Oh, she''s the same as me, preferring a man to her friend..." Cassie stamped her feet yfully. Fredrick stayed silent, staring in the direction where Irish had disappeared. Gradually, his eyebrows recovered from the furrow.

    ****

    The night was a little cold. The lingering haze in the sky made the moonlight more sparse, only scattering faintly on the study, where the temperature was low, cold with the decoration of the moonlight.

    Joseph sat on the sofa, the soft fragrance of tea floated around him. The aroma mitigated the coldness in the room, and it seemed peaceful to him.

    "Joseph, I can''t believe we are meeting again in New York. I''ve missed you since ourst time a long time ago." Someone is sneering on the other end of the phone line.

    Joseph took a sip of his tea calmly, "It''s my pleasure even to be thought of by Mr. Leo."

    The person on the other end kept silent, and Joseph also didn''t speak.

    "Joseph, this time, I will let you die." After a while, a cold voice gave out and spoke harsh words.

    Joseph slightly lifted an eyebrow, he spoke with indifference, "If you''re able, why haven''t you already?"

    The conversation ended abruptly, and the atmosphere in the room was terribly quiet. An old man sitting in the rocking chair all along broke the silence.

 Chapter 20 20: I Have Faith In You

    "Who would take such a tone with you?" The old man''s voice was slight, like a peacefulke.

    "Leo." Joseph ced the teacup down, leaning on the backrest of the sofa, closing his eyes, and lifting his hands to rub the center of his eyebrow, "His father has a serious disease, sooner orter, he wille back to take charge of the Asian Area."

    "Uponing back, he made a big deal of establishing the Lily, a jewelry club."

    Joseph kept silent, his eyes were dark, deep like a ck hole. He spoke after a while, "So his aim is to never run the Runestone Group, only me."

    "The reason why the Runestone can achieve long-term development is thebination of the stocks of our families. You are the symbol of Runestone. If he dares overstep his bounds, I''ll be the first to fight against him."

    The old man, Henry Lake, was the chairman of the Runestone Group, which has been in the family for generations. Dover''s family earned money by supplying diamonds, and the Lake''s were the retailers. Therefore a deep friendship had formed through the cooperation between the two families. But a previous financial crisis swept the twopanies, and Joseph''s father was too anxious and suffered seriously. He made the decision to merge the assets of the two before his death. His mother was so inconsble that she followed in death with him. At that time, Joseph was in school and had a younger brother. Without Henry''s help, he couldn''t have made it this far.

    The Runestone Group was the fruit of the two families'' painstaking efforts, but it was hard to decide if it belonged more to the Lake or Dover family. After Joseph came to work there, he decided to change the name of the group to Runestone. Joseph worked from the ground up and had been developing the mine for years. He was down to earth because of this. That''s why Henry appreciated him, so he promoted Joseph, who now dealt with all the matters of thepany, and Henry was left with the leisurely position of chairman.

    "I''m getting familiar with Leo, so please take it easy." Joseph only said a few words, but they were powerful. He got up to pour water for Henry, slow and calm.

    "I have faith in you." Henry took a sip of his drink, "But Leo intended to go without us to the mine in South Africa. You must have known he would do that. Joseph, I''m old now and no longer able to handle this kind of stress."

    With a faint smile, Joseph said, "Civilized people look to thew, but brutal people use violence. The fittest survives." He reached his hand out, his long and slender fingers ying with the rim of the teacup. "If necessary, we will use thetter. It''s normal to see a bit of blood." Hisst sentence was an understatement but was terribly fierce.

    "All right. The world belongs to the young, I get it. But Ruby is timid, and you can''t scare her. I trust you." Joseph''s finger stopped for a moment, but he quickly returned to his calm demeanor and nodded without words.

    ****

    Flecks of light from the floormp looked like diamonds scattered on the floor, and the Lake vi was extremely luxurious. Upon entering the underground parking area, a car stopped at the stall slowly. Before the driver got out and opened the car''s door, Ruby pushed the car door away and staggered to get out with a drunk, red face. Seeing Joseph not far from her, she walked toward him hurriedly.

    Joseph raised his eyebrows slightly. She pounced before he could move, clinging to his neck, and smiled sweetly at him. The driver was shocked and hastened carefully," Mr. Dover, I''m so sorry..."

    "Why is she so drunk?" The woman in his arms reeked of alcohol and hung off him with almost every part of her body. He had to hold her up as he asked the driver this in a strict way.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Cold sweat dripped down the driver''s forehead. Before he could answer, Ruby Lake, opened her mouth. Her voice was soft and tender, like a kitten, "Joseph, I went to his wedding. He''s married..." As she said this, tears fell from her face.

    Joseph kept calm and said helplessly after a while, "You are a woman of high status, don''t be so let down."

    "I''m not. He''s married, and I will be too. I went to his wedding because I wanted to tell him with great confidence that I''m married, and I''m married to you, a famous diamond tycoon." Ruby smiled with tears still on her cheek. She lifted her eyes and looked at Joseph as she touched his cheek. She was so beautiful under the spell of intoxication. "A lot of women desire you. Joseph, I find that each time I see you, I love you more."

    "Jason,e here and send her upstairs." Joseph was indifferent to her sweet words.

    But Ruby clung to him more closely. She lifted her head as more tears fell, "Why didn''t I meet you first? If I had, I would have loved you and wouldn''t have had to suffer all those years..."

    "Ruby, your heart is not in the right ce, you should go back to your room and have a long rest," Joseph said patiently.

    "Why don''t you have a rest with me? Joseph, please don''t go tonight." Ruby cuddled him closely. Her face was wet with tears.

    But his face turned serious, and he pulled her arms down with a low voice, "Be a good girl. We''ve already reached an agreement about this."

    "Joseph..."

    "Jason," Joseph shouted with a low voice.

    The driver hurried to take her away.

    "Don''t disturb Henry, and tell Brenda to make a hangover tea." After ordering simply, he walked toward his car, leaving without turning around.

    "Joseph!" Ruby called out, teetering.

    "Madame, you need to go upstairs and take a rest, otherwise, Mr. Dover will be unhappy with you." Jason hesitated to hold her but instead persuaded her in a low voice.

 Chapter 21 21: Get In My Car

    He had served the Lakes for a long time. Though he felt pity for Ruby, he had to follow Joseph''s orders. After all, he was the son-inw of the Lake but with the strongest say in the Runestone Group. The wedding ceremony of Ruby and Joseph was very simple. They only informed the people in themerce circle in the name of not making a fuss. In fact, he thought that this marriage was just so the two families could keep together.

    Jason sighed slightly as he tried his best to take Ruby into the elevator.

    ****

    After getting out of the house, Irish walked aimlessly. It was a lie that she''d been in a hurry, and it was untrue that she had an appointment. It was true that she escaped from there. The dark night covered herplexion, and the sound of footsteps made her feel more alone. She was used to being alone, used to her lonely life. But this walk was making her feel mncholy.

    She kept walking until her feet hurt, then stopped and smiled to herself that she''d made it all the way to the fifth avenue.

    This street was always crowded. The nearby fountain danced to the tempo of jazz music, and the water reflected the light looking like fireworks.

    Irish couldn''t resist herself, so she walked to the fountain and looked for a moment. Watching the waves of water rising, intertwining with each other, colorful as the city lights. It added coolness to the air. At that moment, she didn''t feel so alone.

    She heard theughter of some young people wearing skates. Theypeted with each other, and there was a boy who couldn''t control which way he went, rushing toward Irish at high speed. It was toote when she reacted. Her feet were stuck to the ground, and her eyes bulged out of her head.

    Just in the nick of time, she felt a strong arm grab her, and a big hand appeared in front of her. The boy was also pulled toward another direction, skates turned around, and made a gesture of "I''m sorry" toward them before skating away.

    This all had taken ce within a matter of seconds. Irish fell into a strong and broad chest and smelt a slight woody smell. She reacted in shock until she realized this was a familiar smell. She looked up and was met with dark eyes.

    "Are you okay?" He asked at first; his voice was extraordinarily pleased with the surrounding jazz music, like a breeze falling over her head and cheeks, making her rxed and happy.

    And there was the possibility that because of the music, his voice didn''t sound so serious.

    "I''m okay, yes." What a familiar situation! This scene took ce that night when they watched the video together. She seemed to have an unspeakable destiny, and she couldn''t rid herself of the attraction to his low voice and his strong chest. She then said with a very thankful tone, "Thank you, Mr. Dover."

    Was this a movie? Or could God not bear watching her wallow away in self-pity, so he let him save her in such a big city. At least he gave her a constion prize when she was upset.

    "You look beside yourself." Joseph lowered his head to stare into her face. His voice was soft then, which was like a question but with a certain degree of certainty.

    He nned to go back to the office after leaving the Lake''s. While he was driving through the fifth avenue, waiting at a red light, he saw a familiar figure faintly, which seemed lonely. She was quiet in a soundless way with so much surrounding noise, looking around and walking aimlessly in silence.

    There was too much quietness with her, and it was ipatible with the city''s nightlife. But it captured many an eye, including his.<novelnext></novelnext>

    He just wanted to look at her from afar and didn''t once think of getting out of the car to disturb her until she approached the fountain, and he saw her face glowing in the reflection of the light and mist. He felt like his heart was melting. She was dressed very casually today, in a simple white linen blouse with loose legged jeans, her long hair swept back into a ponytail with a Bordeaux red cap on her head. Her small face looked much paler in this light.

    He had only seen her in business clothing, never dressed so casually.

    The light switched to green, as he turned the car, he got out at a curb quickly, his blood rushing.

    "Are there anyws that say a girl can''t hang out alone once in a while?" Irish smiled and distanced herself a little as she noticed people starting to stare.

    Irish stepped away from his touch, leaving only a trace of her fragrance on his fingers. Somehow Joseph felt that in his intense emotion, he had missed something. He drew back and restored his usually very calm and casual gait. "Our encounters are always fate."

    Irish raised her hand and fixed her hat, sighing with relief. "ording to the financial reportst year, we learned there are 179,000 millionaires in New York alone, which is the most concentrated city in America. So it''s not at all surprising that I find myself bumping into you. After all, the odds of such an encounter are not small."

    Joseph didn''t expect that she would exin this in such a logical way. He looked at her up and down. "I was wondering if you had finished your walk for the evening."

    "I can tell from your eyes you''d prefer if I did." Irish looked up at him.

    "If you have finished, get in the car."

    "Excuse me?"

    "Get in my car," Joseph repeated very patiently.

    "That would make me feel like I was being kidnapped."

    "Anyway, it''s not like we could talk right here, right?" He seemed amused by her words, and his tone turned to a milder one.

    As she spoke with him, something was eating away at her. She didn''t have enough time to think about all that had happened. But she saw how seriously he was behaving and, more importantly, how handsome he was. His appearance attracted attention from pedestrians, so she had topromise. "Where is your car?"

    "Just by the curb."

 Chapter 22 22: Are You Afraid Of Me?

    Needless to say, Irish saw his expensive car glowing even in the darkness. She shook her head and said, "You''re wasting a gift from God. If I owned this luxurious car, I wouldn''t even let the smog of New York touch it."

    Looking at how free and easily she was speaking, Joseph suddenly felt rxed, and he remembered the scene of the night they first met. Then, she was dressed in business wear but drove a red Jeep.

    He stepped forward and swiped his fingerprints. The car doors opened. Irish arched her eyebrow and said, "It''s absolutely true that you get what you pay for. I would like to install fingerprint recognition for my Jeep one day."

    Joseph could hardly suppress a smile and opened the passenger seat side for her. When she got in, he walked to the driver''s seat but didn''t start the car immediately; instead, he turned to face Irish and said in a deep voice, "Have you got Ken''s report?"

    "Mr. Dover, is work the only thing you think of? Even a man that is made of steel needs to rest sometimes." Irish said thoughtfully.

    Joseph looked at her with a little bit of impatience in his eyes, "I believe it''s your job to report Ken''s case to me, even if it''s not during office hours."

    Hearing this, Irish wasn''t angry. The street light spread over the car window, and a few beams of light sshed into her eyes. She leaned in slightly to confront his harsh gaze, stretching her hand out to him without realizing it. "Fine. Then give me overtime pay."

    Joseph was puzzled by what he deemed unreasonable behavior and frowned after a few seconds.

    "I don''t work for free. It means you need to pay me since you need to know information when I''m not at work. I usually charge a higher price." She sank casually into thefortable seat and added, "Oh, and overtime pay is stipted by the nationalborws."

    After hearing her smart quips, Josephughed without any anger and said, "Okay, name your price."

    "Maybe the cheesecake from the South Alley shop could be used as part of the interest." She was going to eat the cheese there because at least the delicious dessert could calm her nerves. Now that she had met up with him identally, she was going to get what she wanted. "Will you take me there?"

    Finishing her words, she raised an eyebrow and looked at him deliberately. Joseph quietly looked at her face, and the judgment in his eyes had vanished. But she couldn''t tell what he was thinking, his eyes gave nothing away, so she just kept smiling topete.

    Irish was afraid he was a man of his word and never drove people around.

    Suddenly, Joseph''s tall figure bent down slightly, he stretched a hand out to her. Irish was caught off guard and subconsciously held onto his chest. "Though you are the CEO of a bigpany, know you wouldn''t say no to me. It''s just like the old saying goes: ''Keep an army for a thousand days and use it for an hour, it isn''t wise to kick me out now and continue to be angry with me. I''m just here for the free ride."

    Joseph was a little bit dumbfounded, but he always had good control of his emotions. Looking at her hand that was still ced on his chest, he changed his mind suddenly. He didn''t get up; instead, he pressed against her deliberately and said with a deep voice, "It''s unlikely I''d drive off without you."<novelnext></novelnext>

    As he was pressed against her, she found her hand bing sore, so she used her arms to hold him. This left almost no distance between them. Their breath mixed together, and Irish could feel the coolness of it.

    He looked down at her as she blushed. From his point of view, she looked hot, and he tried to get even closer as his tone became more intense, "It''s very dangerous for you, being so beautiful, to get into my car in the first ce."

    Irish looked up at him and caught a discernible smile. Suddenly a sh of uneasiness came over her, just like the feeling when he was in front of her in the office that night. She yed it cool, although she was quite flustered. She asked calmly, "What would you like to do?"

    The smile in his eyes spread to a faint smile on his lips. He raised his hand, so his fingers were touching her hat, and he seemed powerful.

    Irish was nervous since she hadn''t been expecting this on her walk. She stared at him vigntly to see what his next move would be as she pressed her back to the seat. He slowly slid his big hands downward, passing by her tummy to the side of her waist. Now she could hardly breathe.

    "I mean..." He said very deliberately, "It''s very dangerous for you not to be wearing a seat belt like this."

    Irish felt like her heart would beat out of her chest, then suddenly rxed. She stared at Joseph, and this time she easily caught a trace of teasing in his eyes.

    Damn him!

    Her mood had already been terrible today, and she couldn''t stand his teasing, so she quickly loosened the seat belt and abruptly got out of the car. At the same time she was getting out, she heard a voice from behind her, "Are you afraid of me?"

    Her hand was about to open the car door, but Irish turned to look back at him. He now looked calm and peaceful, suddenly changing her mind. She turned around to tighten her seatbelt and sank back into her seat. "Who''s the coward now?"

    Joseph licked his lips without saying anything and started the car, driving toward the South Alley.

    Outside the window, the street light was stretched out by the high speed of the car.

    They didn''t speak a word to each other and didn''t even turn on the radio, and they stayed inplete silence until they reached the South Alley.

    Tourists were crowded around the entrance of the alley.

 Chapter 23 23: What A Luxurious Car

    The car was stuck between people, and it got difficult to move.

    Irish held back herughter the whole time and snuck nces at his face from the corner of her eye. He looked gentle and drove the car slowly. Irish thought for a while and finally asked, "Is it your first time driving here?"

    "Yes, it is." He definitely had not passed the business district.

    "Oh." Irish pretended to be surprised and said, "It''s usually crowded around this time. We''d better walk."

    Joseph lowered his chin and asked calmly. "Why didn''t you say that in the first ce?"

    "I didn''t think you would be so kind as to drive me all the way here," Irish said in a reasonable tone. "But you can''t just stop the car in the middle of the alley now."

    "You did this on purpose." But she could tell from his tone he wasn''t the least bit upset.

    "Do you find me so petty and mean?"

    She continued the banter and shanked down as she found many pedestrians were staring.

    "Have you seen the jealous res? Your car is so conspicuous."

    "I think they''re just mad at me." It was really annoying for other people that the car was driving in the middle of the pedestrian street.

    "In that case, it''s better to drive faster, and if you didn''t keep making way for them, you wouldn''t be stuck here."

    "Why do I feel like this is a trap?"

    Irishughed and said, "It''s impossible for someone like you to do something so spontaneous as to drive backward out of this alley. How about you let me drive?"

    Joseph was surprised by her words and put on the breaks. He turned to look at her to make sure she wasn''t just joking around. Without any nonsense, she unclipped her seat belt and got out of the car, and rushed to his side, under the harsh eyes of the people. Knocking on the window, she said, "Get out. Let me drive."

    Joseph knew everyone was looking and had no choice but to get out of the car. As soon as everyone was able to get a good look at how brilliant he appeared, the hostile atmosphere vanished rapidly. Gradually the sound of wonderment rose one after another.

    Now that those people were all able to indulge in his appearance, Irish felt goosebumps. She quickly got into the driver''s seat to avoid any further probing nces.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "What a luxurious car! Sit tight. I''m not used to wearing a seatbelt when I drive." She said as she strapped herself in.

    Joseph hadn''t taken her seriously, there was no way she could drive as fast as she boasted in such a crowded alley. While he was just about to pull the seat belt over his chest, he felt the car rush forward like a rocket. It was really breathtaking that a girl could drive so fast amongst a crowd this big.

    Many people were irritated and threw things at them, but most of them were crushed on impact.

    When he realized what had happened, Irish braked suddenly, and the car stopped, she undid her seatbelt promptly.

    "If I was driving at the speed you were, it would have taken at least 15 minutes to arrive. But I got here within two minutes." She saved 13 minutes so she could have some dessert!

    Joseph looked at her for a long time before saying, "I''ve never seen a girl like you before." He fancied himself fairly educated as far as women went, as there were always mild and virtuous girls he understood, except for Irish. From the moment they met at the bar that night, it seemed that she was always full of surprises.

    For instance, she liked to drink. People who were acquainted with him knew that he hated drunkards. Even if they were his partners, he ignored them when they drank. But that night, she not only drank but rushed into his arms, holding him tightly very unexpectedly.

    What''s more, she was also covetous. He was good at reading people''s minds, especially those who were close to him. But this woman told him straight up that she loved money and, in fact, asked for it. People needed to pay her if they wanted to take up her time. She epted Ken''s case because of money, which was also why she was willing to work for him.

    In his opinion, there were too many people nowadays who would betray each other at the drop of a dime. But somehow, he found her to be more honest than the rest.

    He thought all psychologists were gentle and modest, but Irish was absolutely the exception. She looked arrogant and cool, and she could even be impatient when it came to her time in the office. This night, she even drove through a crowd regardless of others'' feelings which was enough to change his opinion of psychologists altogether.

    But it seemed as though she was trying to hide something. Be it with her thoughts or her unforgettable past.

    Irish didn''t get out of the car; instead, she looked at the cheese store from the window and said quietly, "Human nature is like this, if you make a concession, if you give an inch, they will take a mile. As a result, you may often find you cannot move a single step anymore. No matter what you do, they will me you, so why not rush to your destination regardless of their feelings about it. Moreover...." She suddenly stopped and looked at him with a sweet smile, "I have a scapegoat right next to me."

    "What do you mean?" Joseph looked at her quietly.

    "It''s hot outside. You wouldn''t let me stand in line all alone, would you? Or being a gentleman has been thrown out the window at this point." Irish was being facetious. But her eyes were so touching, like a stray deer whose eyes were flickering with helplessness, and anyone who looked at them would have to help.

    As an intelligent man, Joseph followed her words naturally since she didn''t hide her intentional teasing game. But, he kindly reminded her, "Even if you''re ying a prank, you were the one driving, so I''m not sure I''ll be held ountable."

 Chapter 24 24: Don’t Be Mistaken

    Irish smiled even more brightly, "You''re wrong there, you''re a man, so whatever mistakes the woman beside you makes, people will only me you. That''s the nature of human beings."

    A trace of obvious amusement deep in his eyes spread to a smile on his lips. He stared at her, smiling for a long moment, and said, "A woman beside me?"

    Of course, it was a joke and a little punishment for him, but she didn''t expect he would take it so literally. His rhetorical question was ambiguous, which made him seem vague to Irish. She licked her lips and said indifferently, "I mean the woman who is sitting beside you."

    For a man who was married, he couldn''t afford to y with such an ambiguous affair and vice versa. She was not an innocent young girl anymore, and she would never have a half rtionship with him, let alone a married man.

    She wanted a simple man, and in this case, she would always be able to tell what he was thinking every day. She could understand him and feel his love easily.

    But that was not Joseph. A man who is extremely profound and calm usually has many more unknown emotions behind closed doors.

    Love should never be in question, of course; maybe it was fruitless to be in love with a man like Joseph because you need to go to great lengths even to understand what he''s feeling.

    Love?

    Irish''s heart suddenly skipped a beat. How could she even think of an affair with him? It wasplete nonsense.

    After hearing her witty remark, Joseph shook his head andughed, then opened the car door. As soon as he got out of the car, he quickly became the target of attack. He was surrounded by the increasing grievances of those people in the alley.

    "Hey." Irish rolled down the window and ignored the upset people shouting at him. Joseph stopped and looked at her.

    "Don''t be mistaken, I''m only here for the cheese." Her deliberate smile almost made his blood boil.

    Joseph knew it was her punishment for him, but he remained calm and simply said, "Okay."

    "Thanks to you." Irish perceived his calm expression and felt rxed. She didn''t know that he was filled with embarrassment right now, but at least he was embarrassed, meaning he did have emotion after all.

    But she had to admit that this man had a strong ability to control his emotions. After all, not anyone could keep such a solid demeanor under this kind of awkward atmosphere.

    However, when he was about to step into the shop, a middle-aged woman finally couldn''t help but stop Joseph and say, "Hey, young man, it''s okay to want to cheer up your girlfriend. But your happiness shouldn''t be based on inconveniencing everyone around you. We see your fancy car, and you drove it right into the alley here. Why didn''t you park your car up the street and walk here like everyone else?" The woman chattered on without stopping.

    Gradually those onlookers began to join in with the woman. Facing so many people at once, Joseph stood in the doorway of the shop and wasn''t able to say anything. The scene reminded Irish of the anti-capital period, a formerndlord was criticized just like Joseph now.<novelnext></novelnext>

    With this in mind, she couldn''t help bursting intoughter.

    His girlfriend? What a joke!

    "Oh, look at this girl! She is smiling! Everyone is serious about this, why are youughing?" The woman said, then turned to Joseph after seeing Irish''s conceited look, "You don''t look like a frivolous person, why aren''t you dealing with your girlfriend here?"

    Others condemned even more harshly.

    "I''m really sorry that I''ve caused such an inconvenience, and I''ll drive away as soon as we''re done here," Joseph said with an extraordinarily modest attitude to those onlookers. After he finished, he turned to Irish and said in a soft but cautionary tone and with the indulgent expression a boyfriend may have, "Close the window and stay in the car."

    Irish looked awkward but was soon relieved when she caught the light bantering expression on his face. Wow, he was really a good actor. But she still followed his words since she didn''t also want to be the target of public criticism.

    It was proven that people would always easily give a person who was attractive, and not to mention Joseph was gorgeous and had apologized so sincerely before the public, they didn''t continue and dispersed gradually.

    Irish thought they had all evaluated him based on his appearance.

    It was a cheese store that was part of themunity and very old, so there was always a long line up in front of it way past closing time. She could clearly see that there were tons of people waiting to buy the cheese outside the store, so she could be waiting a while. She picked up an iPad and started ying a game on it. Once she was absorbed in the game, she heard someone gently knock on the window. Looking up, she saw it was the middle-aged woman from before. She was shocked and assumed thedy hade to ce me on her as well. But just then, the woman motioned for her to roll down the window.

    Irish did it.

    While the window was slowly rolling down, the woman suddenly became extremely kind and formed an obvious contrast to what she was like earlier with Joseph. Before Irish could ask her what she wanted, she said early to Irish, "Though you''re a little bit conceited, your boyfriend is a really good man, and he loves you so much."

    "I''m sorry?"

    "You should cherish him. Nowadays, it''s not easy to find a man who treats you so sincerely." The woman looked a little bit excited and said this earnestly to Irish. Then she patted her shoulder and left.

    Irish was puzzled by her words, and before she could make sense of what she meant, she saw many people leave the cheese shop while staring at her strangely. She wondered how they were able to buy cheese so quickly, but what confused her was that they didn''t have anything in their hands as they left.

    Irish frowned, and her eyebrows furrowed. After seeing the weird look that was tooplex to understand, she couldn''t focus on the game anymore.

 Chapter 25 25: Fasten Your Seat Belt

    While she was still in shock, Joseph came out of the store with a bag in his hand, and inside were several boxes of cheese. Irish was even more amazed since she saw everyone else leave empty-handed. Then she turned to look at Joseph, walking towards her, and wondered what was happening. The cheese never sold out here.

    As the car door opened, Joseph got in and handed over the bag to her. "Is this enough for you to eat on the way?"

    Taking it from him, she found that there were five boxes of in cheese and suddenly she remembered where she was going, "Eat on the way?"

    "We have bought cheese in South Alley, and now it''s your turn to report the details of Ken''s case to me." He turned to look at her upon starting the car, then frowned. "Fasten your seat belt."

    Irish tried to calm herself down and then did her seat belt. "Mr. Dover, I''ve told you that I also usually charge overtime pay."

    "Overtime pay? Is it not in your hand?" The car crawled through the crows again while he exuded an air of rxed calm. "Just as you said, your overtime pay is extremely expensive."

    Irish raised the bag and peered at his face, "You mean the five boxes of cheese?"

    "Five boxes of cheese and more than 30 staff in the store." Since there were fewer people in front of him, he spent a little. The light shone over his sharp nose, charming and morous.

    Irish turned back and saw the scene. But it wasn''t her intention to appreciate how he looked in the evening. Compared to his brilliant appearance, she was even more curious about the woman''s nonsensicalments and the customers'' weird looks.

    She thought something was wrong, so she asked, "I don''t understand, the customers wouldn''t have left without any reason, and you wouldn''t have been able to buy cheese so quickly. What did you do to them?"

    "In order to get the information of Ken''s case from you, I had to pay a heavy toll." He finally drove the car into the main street, avoiding a red light, then heading east.

    Though he didn''t put his card on the table, Irish suddenly understood what had happened. She just forgot that people like Joseph would never waste time on anything that could be solved with a little money. Perhaps the middle-aged woman and those customers were excited after receiving the so-called release pay. They may have wondered how she, a domineering girl, has the loyalty of such a handsome and rich man? So now she understood the woman''sments and the people''splex looks suddenly. She tried her best to repress how astonished she was and smirked at him, "You really are a businessman. It''s clear that you want to solve all your problems with money, but you still don''t trust anybody."

    Regardless of her, Joseph didn''t respond. He intently drove the car instead. His eyes were full of joy. After seeing that he regained the unshakable silence, Irish just took out the cheese to eat. Somehow, gradually she found that her sadness from the day vanished, and maybe it was because of the delicious sweet cheese, or it was because of the adrenalin evoked by the man beside her.

    But in fact, she had to admit that his presence did relieve her mncholy. Without him, the lingering sadness would be clearly seen, like being cut with a knife.<novelnext></novelnext>

    As the car slid into the main traffic stream, she looked up and out the window, and her eyes were soon filled with the red tail lights of cars. "Where are we going?"

    "Restaurant."

    "I didn''t say I would go to any restaurant." She thought she was not a person of hindsight, but she just sunk into her thoughtless daze for so long that when she came round, she realized that he had decided on the next location without her, let alone give her any notice. He seemed to have taken advantage of the fact that she wasn''t paying attention.

    He steadily turned right in front of the green light, with street lights shining on his face, making it appear more chiseled. The next second he unexpectedly gave her an exnation, "First, we need a quiet environment to talk about Ken''s case. Secondly, I''m hungry."

    ****

    As the saying goes, misfortune is a blessing in disguise.

    The case about Ken was disclosed suddenly, and the intervention of police and media made this case a heated topic discussed by the public. But soon, the public''s attention twisted to another issue. A murder case became a pushing force for the splendid achievements of rising share prices, surprisingly.

    And all these were contributed to the professional psychological assessment issued by Irish and Joseph''s quick decision-making. Irish''s psychological assessment made the Runestone Group get rid of the legal responsibility, while the Group expressed immediately that it would be responsible for all the expenses for Ken and Ken''s wife''s future medical treatment, share subsidies, and education fee of their children. Such decisions with humanity drew many investors'' interest and appreciation in the Group.

    At the same time, the first-ss Jewelry Club "Vera Club," subordinated to the Runestone Group, began to attract first-ss members. It was said that Vera Club set a very high standard for joining. When it chose its members, it considered not only their fixed assets but also the shelter they lived in for a long time and their family members. As the standards were high, many rich men in the business field took great interest in it. And it was famous for rare jewelry, which was also the key to sess.

    All these seemed to be so normal. It was just like that an ident attracted the attention of the media and was then exposed to a crisis, andter it was dealt with by the victim via a quick solution. In this way, the business crisis turned into good news for the first period of the listedpany and pushed for its progress.

    Recently it has been getting hotter. The tree was growing with luxuriant foliage from green shoots. And flowers of early Spring have fallen down and were disced by wholly green leaves. The Spring in New York was always so short. Maybe the most beautiful was always the shortest, just like happiness. Life was filled with upsets and twists that could not be imagined, so people could feel happiness in a short period of calmness, just like tasting sweet candies.

    Irish moved from Cassie''s house.

 Chapter 26 26: Am I Cool?

    It was inevitable since she could not live forever in her house.

    She would not have so much time when she started working for Linkus Mental Research Institute, so it was important for her when it came to the issue of where to live. The Linkus Mental Research Institute was in Manhattan, while the university she worked for was in the Brooklyn District. Considering that she only needed to teach in that school once a week, she rented the house in a location that was closer to Linkus Mental Research Institute.

    She didn''t have much luggage, and she was helped by Cassie and Fredrick, so she finished the work just in the morning. Although Cassie was very reluctant to help her, she still did it by cleaning the house. And Fredrick drove to the supermarket to buy something to eat for them.

    "That is the difference between bourgeoisie and proletariat. You just got a formal position, but you could rent a house for 3000 USD. No wonder that you look down upon my house." After finishing, Cassie took out a box of ice cream from the fridge, sat on the sofa, and leaned against Irish.

    Irish finished the ice cream quickly and raised her hands to throw the empty box into the rubbish can with a perfect parab. She let Cassie lean on her, who was just like an otter. "Cassie, you should figure out what the reality is before criticizing the bourgeoisie. Firstly, this location was rmended by Professor Tim, and he hoped that I could live closer to thepany. Secondly, I haven''t taken advantage of thepany. Actually, I could only rent a two-bedroom unit at such a price of 3000 USD in this location. However, this house is aplex house with three rooms and two halls, fairly decorated, with advanced and imported cooking. So it was all due to my good luck or the crazyndlord. Thirdly, I was in charge of the case of the Runestone Group and made a psychological assessment of Susan''s husband. I helped Linkus Mental Research Institute a lot, so I should get what I deserve. Last but not least, I am to pay 1667 USD of the full house-renting price while the Institute is responsible for the rest. Do not say it as if I lived in this house for free, okay?"

    ? ****

    The police have re-investigated the case about Susan formally and the result is not so important now. What mattered was that she had provided actual evidence for the police. It was true that Susan recovered, and it was also true that Susan''s husband had a mental abnormality. At the same time, the case about Ken also helped to protect the reputation of Lenkus Mental Research Institute.

    Cassie tilted her head to look at her and couldn''t helpughing. "If you had majored inw, not mentality, you could have been an eloquentwyer."

    Irish closed lightly lips. The moonlight outside the french sash and indoors light mingled with each other and cast a shadow on her clean face. Her long eyshes blinked lightly and said, "I just want you to know that I am merely a proletariat with the coat of bourgeoisie."

    "You got benefit but you still deny. Okay, you won." Cassie also finished the ice cream, and then she kept the spoon in her mouth, pointing at the wall in the northern part of the living room, "Well, you are so narcissistic. You made your photo the same height with the wall, over 6 meters! Aren''t you afraid of it when you get up at midnight?<novelnext></novelnext>

    The photo inset on the wall was extremely clean with white background, white petals, and even the long dress was also white. The tail of the dress was so long that it stretched to the center of the petals, winding with the wind. The bottom part of the skirt was dotted with petals, while it was also in harmony with long ck hair. Between the ck and white were the drooping eyebrows and eyes of Irish. Irish in the photo didn''t look at the camera, but tilted her head lightly. Although her expressions were unrecognizable, one can still feel her quiet and detached temperament.

    The light of the crystal was cast on the face of Irish and the outline was perfect and clean, nearly incorporated as a whole with the white background.

    The photo was indeed beautiful but toorge. Sitting on the sofa on the first floor, you could see thisrge-scale photo at first sight. This scene was just like that a girl with 6-meter-height was pressing on you. Not only did you feast your eyes, but also felt startled.

    Irish didn''t answer it immediately but looked at therge photo quietly. Her eyes became cid gradually. Cassie didn''t know what she was thinking, so she tilted her head to look at her. Irish began to speak after a great while, "I just, just want to remind myself who I am all the time."

    "Ah?'' Cassie blinked her eyes. Maybe she just couldn''t figure out the words or the meaning.

    "Well, how about you? Do you really want to work for the Runestone Group?" Irish didn''t want to continue that topic, so she changed her expressions and topic. It would be better to talk about something rted to Cassie. After all, Irish was the most shocked at this news.

    "Of course, I have submitted the application for entry. I would be the assistant of the jewelry appraiser in the well-known Runestone Group. How do you like it? Am I cool?" Cassie''s face lit up as she heard Irish''s words.

    However, Irish''s mind was nk all the time. She did observe Cassie''s brilliant facial expressions. She knew that it was Cassie''s dream to work with jewelry, so she wouldn''t intervene with her. But she just thought that the world was so small that she couldn''t walk out of the circle though she had made efforts to do so. Cassie was immersed in her own joy of getting a new job without noticing Irish''s calm face with no smile. She continued to say, "It is said that the president of the Runestone Group resigned from a leading post, and now its general manager is wholly taking charge of thepany''s events. Finally, he is in control."

    Irish didn''t get her point at all but only with a nk mind.

    asionally missing content, please report errors in time.

 Chapter 27 27: What A Pity

    "Irish, now that I mentioned Joseph just now, I want to make an apology to you." Cassie suddenly sighed while she was just now immersed in the excitement and pulled Irish''s hands.

    Irish smiled lightly, "You mean that you mentioned Joseph in front of Fredrickst time?" Cassie has been her good friend for years. She knew that she would often call her by her nickname while she was happy or pretended to be angry, but when she was serious, she would call her in a different way.

    Girls tended to be sensitive, especially in front of their lovers. That day when Cassie mentioned the rtionship between Irish and Joseph in front of Fredrick in a shocked and excited mood, Irish understood that Cassie was narrow-minded at that time. But it didn''t matter at all. Even if Cassie hadn''t mentioned it, Irish would never put it clearly. Cassie was her best friend. She was more willing to let her go. Actually, every girl worries about many things when she falls in love with someone.

    Moving was a necessary decision since Fredrick had decided to stay in New York, and she didn''t want to be an intruder between them at every moment.

    "I know that I can''t conceal something from you. In fact, I was guilty on that day since I deliberately exposed your rtionship with Joseph though you two were innocent." Cassie pulled Irish''s hands tightly and said sincerely, "I never doubt you. But you know what, Fredrick''s expression in his eyes to you made me diffident. When we were in the airport that day, I clearly observed that the expression in his eyes to you was so gentle, sort of gentle that I had never felt. So I am extremely afraid, really."

    "Fool." Irish was touched by Cassie''s frankness, guilt, and stress. In fact, she was also guilty. As Cassie worried, she admired Cassie''s boyfriend. Irish was not entitled to me Cassie. On the contrary, she needed to apologize to Cassie since she should not have had this kind of like in her mind. That was why she had to abandon this kind of thought before others found it.

    "Don''t forget that Fredrick is my mentor. He treats me as he does his sister. The emotion between him and me is kinship and friendship. You think too much."

    "But he came back after giving up the institute abroad. You know what, in the past, uncle Tim persuaded him toe back, but he didn''t listen. However, this time you came back, and he also did so��" Cassie''s sound became lighter and lighter. To be honest, Irish exined so much to her, so she also felt embarrassed.

    Irish noticed her nervousness. In fact, even a positive and outgoing girl would be worried when she was faced with love. Irish signed lightly and clenched her hands, saying, "Don''t you think that he came back for you? You two can not always be separate. I guess that he perhaps has a n."

    "n what?" Cassie was confused.

    "You guess." Irish smiled lightly, "You are to meet his parents someday."

    Cassie''s face turned to blush after her words. She patted her shoulder, "Do not say it rudely."

    "Don''t you want to marry him?" Irishughed.

    Cassie got shyer and stood up to y jokes with her. Then Fredrick came back with packages of snacks in his hand. He asked and smiled, "What are you talking about since you two are so excited?"

    ****

    Irish was beginning to answer, but Cassie immediately covered her mouth by hand and shook her head, "Do not listen to girls'' talking."

    Fredrick looked at Cassie and then at Irish. He couldn''t stopughing, "Okay, so I am the third party."

    Irish made great efforts to split Cassie''s hand and stared at her, preparing to remind Fredrick. Then the phone rang. Early knowing her intention, Cassie quickly passed on her phone and said, "Pick up the phone."<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irishughed and then took over the phone to the kitchen.

    Fredrick was so tired that he soon sat on the sofa after putting down the snacks. Seeing Cassie''s blushing face, Fredrick asked, "Just now, I entered and heard that you were talking about marrying someone. Who is going to be married?"

    "We didn''t say that. You made a mistake." Cassie grinned and then crept into his arms.

    Fredrick didn''t ask too much but smiled lightly. And then he hugged her, but he looked in the direction of the kitchen inadvertently. The girl in his arms was sweet, gentle, and his beloved. But why did he feel worried? He forced himself to focus on this gentle girl.

    Just as he met her for the first time, he fell in love with her.

    In the kitchen, Irish''s back turned to the door and got through the phone while pressing on her temple.

    It was Joseph.

    "Sorry. I was at the meeting when you called me." His voice sounded attractive and calm through phone waves.

    Irish raised her wrist to look at the time and felt shocked. Now it was eight O''clock. That was to say, he had had a meeting for five hours. He seemed not to have lied to her since she could figure out his guilt in his mood. And then she cleared her throat and said jokingly, "Luckily, I got your ring. I have been waiting for so long, from three o''clock in the afternoon."

    At the other end of the phone was a lightugh, "What a pity! Actually, I am not the one who can keep you waiting for so long."

    "You got it! My God! You don''t want to pay the bnce payment?" Irish didn''t cover her intention since he had also said it clearly.

    "I promised you so I would not vite." His words sounded calm, "How about tonight?"

    "Tonight?"

    "Are you free? We can have dinner together." He invited Irish directly.

    "Eh...having dinner together?" She thought of Fredrick and Cassie since they made an agreement to have dinner at home. However, Joseph was to give her so much paper money with the image of the most handsome president. Friendship was on one side, while money was on the other side. She could only choose one thing. So entangled!

    "Irish!"

 Chapter 28 28: I Have A Plan For Tonight

    Behind her came Fredrick''s voice. Irish turned back and happened to see Fredrick walk into the kitchen. He put the bags in hand on the table and smiled regardless of whether she had finished the conversation, "I bought two bags of your favorite hot pot ingredients for you."

    "Thank you." She smiled at him and turned to speak on the phone, "Sorry, I have had a n for tonight."

    Joseph kept silent for a long time and then said, "I will pick you up from Linkus Mental Research Institute at noon tomorrow."

    "Fine." She hadn''t thought that things would turn out better, and she could imagine a lot of money flying in front of her.

    After the conversation, her smile was still kept on her lips. She turned her head back happily and found that Fredrick had been standing there. His smile disappeared, and he looked very serious.

    "What''s wrong? Did you forget to buy some sauce? No!" Irish felt confused and then deliberately neglected her emotion toward him.

    Fredrick didn''t say anything but looked at her with lips closed tightly. Irish felt uneasy and ufortable in his eyes, so she went forward and waved her hands to him, "You��."

    Without finishing her words, her wrist was caught by him. She felt puzzled and raised to look at his taut chin. Confused and afraid that Cassie would grasp this misunderstanding scene, she lowered her voice and said quickly, "What''s wrong? Please let me go."

    Fredrick didn''t n to let her go but pressed her onto the wall forcefully. He lowered to look at her face with a harsh and hot breath, "What''s the rtionship between you and that so-called Joseph?"

    Irish was really shocked by his behavior. In her impression, he was always gentle and calm. As an expert in mental research, he has obtained a powerful capability to control himself, which was also Irish admired.

    This scene urred so suddenly that she forgot to resist but looked at him confusedly. She felt that his arm was so strong while they two were so close that she could easily sense his high temperature. Their breaths even mingled with each other, making the scene so ambiguous.

    Her heart beat quickly and abnormally, beating on her eardrum again and again. The sound made her quite nervous with a blushing ear and a dry mouth. Fredrick lowered his head and didn''t realize his behavior until he observed the startled expression in her eyes. Soon he loosened his hand with a little embarrassment.

    "I just think that you shouldn''t be so close to a stranger."

    Irish lowered her eyshes and med herself for her palpitation just now. She took a deep breath and changed her mood with her typical expression, "I''m not a child anymore. What''s more, he is my client."

    Fredrick looked at her, feeling strange.

    Irish didn''t give herself an opportunity to continue to be immersed in this emotion but smiled, "Take it easy. Joseph would not do something evil to me. I feel quite assured since you are so careful." He was her mentor and looked after her from study to work. His concern was out of the natural teacher-tutor rtionship. As for others, you should not have considered, Irish thought.<novelnext></novelnext>

    She had told herself again and again. And that was why she could now face this tall figure unhurriedly and calmly.

    Fredrick might also have realized that his behavior was abnormal, so he didn''t keep as serious as before and said in a quiet natural mood, "What do you mean?"

    "Cassie is very childish, and she needs a caring husband like you. So I said I felt quite assured since you were so careful." This time she smiled sincerely.

    She would forever remember that year when Cassie met Fredrick at first sight. Cassie appeared to be so nervous. She even shyly asked something personal from Irish. And it was the same day Fredrick first met her best friend, who had been referred to all the time. Maybe their destinies were doomed from that nce. That was the first time Cassie gathered together with her, and Fredrick offered to be their tour guide and driver. They had a good time together, and it was from that moment that Irish knew that the three of them could not always get together.

    During that time, she frequently created opportunities for Cassie and Fredrick for them to get together in the name of doing research on subjects alone. She saw them, walked out of her world hand in hand, and hugged and smiled at each other. That scene was so beautiful and attractive.

    Irish was lonely. As a matter of fact, there were just a few people in her world, while two of them now got together. Although she might be more lonely, she felt happy for them.

    Fredrick waited for her answer for so long while it was like this, so he was just a little confused and then couldn''t help butugh without saying other words.

    "Okay, now I''m really hungry. Cassie..." She felt uneasy when there were only the two of them left, so she shouted to the living room.

    "I''m here," Cassie answered somewhere far away from here.

    "We are going to begin our dinner. Help us!" Irish smiled and shouted and then looked at Fredrick, "You can also help us to put the dishes."

    Fredrick took a deep nce at her with an unnatural smile and then walked to the cab to take out some dishes without any word.

    Irish looked at his back. Just then, the neon outside the window was reflected into the room and fell on his shoulder. It seemed to be clear or far, and fake or true. At this moment, her chest was aching as if a sharp de had hurt it without blood.

    ****

    If the Midtown Manhattan at night were said to be a sexy girl with half-open veils, then it in the day would turn out to be a fashionable and advanced white-cor beauty. You could not find any shadow of prostitution on it since busy and fast-racing life disced destitution and enriched the life here with the most direct modern smell.

 Chapter 29 29: Who Sent This?

    As soon as Irish entered the office room, she smelt the fragrant and light aroma. Then she sawrge petals of jasmine flowers not far away, which were trimmed into a clean and brilliant bouquet. They were ced tidily besides the office table by her assistant- Christy. White flowers and green leaves made one feel veryfortable and easy, even on such a fretting day.

    "Christy, you are so tasteful. I have never seen one that could make Jasmine flowers into a bouquet." Putting aside the files of individual cases, Irish sat on the chair idly and took a Jasmine flower close to her nose, breathing it lightly, and soon she feltfortable and pleasant.

    Christy was preparing coffee for Irish when she heard these words. She immediately shook her hands, "Oh no, no, Doctor Irish. It was sent by someone when you were dealing with individual cases, not prepared by me."

    Irish became speechless and stood up to find something in the bouquet, but she didn''t find any card, even. She said, "Who sent this?"

    Christy shook her head.

    Irish raised her eyebrows, feeling strange. She received a flower from someone but didn''t know the sender. After thinking, she asked, "Do you know thenguage of Jasmine flowers?"

    "Thenguage of Jasmine flowers��."

    Christy stopped and seemed to be recalling something, "Holy? Attractive?"

    Irish sat back on the chair and tilted her head without any words.

    "Oh, I remember it. It has itsnguage!" Christy shouted aloud and looked at Irish, "You belong to me! That is thenguage of this kind of flower!"

    Irish shattered without any reason and felt sort of embarrassed. She held her arms and rubbed with each other, "The sender is a little disgusting."

    "I got it from a book aboutnguages of flowers by ident."

    Christy grinned and then turned back to prepare coffee for her. Irish also didn''t want to find out the sender. She raised her hands to massage her temple since, from 9 O''clock in the morning to now, she had been troubled with all kinds of questions listed by the consultants. Luckily she had this bouquet of Jasmine flowers in front of her, and the light aroma mixed with the coldness in the air, refreshing herself more or less.

    Soon a cup of coffee was put on the table and the smell of coffee mingled with the aroma of flowers. Christy tidied up the disorderly-ced files at once, and she hummed a light ditty. The tune was fresh, and the melody was different from popr music. It even sounded like one ditty from heaven.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish took up the coffee and dipped it. As she put it down, sheughed, "Why are you called Christy?" Few girls had such a name, and it sounded interesting. Professor Tim arranged for her to be Irish''s assistant, who had just graduated from the university. Partly because of her personality or stressful nerve, she always behaved carelessly and nervously. It was said that she had been an assistant for hypnotist Cheska and then was driven away because she had taken a file by mistake.

    Christy smiled as she tidied up the files, "The reason is simple. I was born on Christmas, so I got that name from my parents. They said that it is easy to remember."

    "Your parents are very funny. Well, What song were you humming? That''s pleasing to hear." Irish drank the coffee slowly, thinking about the tune repeatedly appearing in her dream when asking, which were alike.

    "I heard it from Doctor Cheska, and I don''t know its specific information. I learned it after hearing it several times. Ah��" Christy Lee changed her face, looking at Irish in a good manner. "I''m sorry, Doctor Irish. Are you disturbed? I do not intend to hum a song. I''m so sorry."

    Irish was startled about her excessively respectful appearance, and then sheughed, "You misunderstood me. I didn''t think you were annoying and was just asking you whether you often listen to such a song because I think this tune is pleasant." This girl must have been scared by Cheska.

    Seeing her smiling face, Christy Lee almost cried, "Doctor. Irish, you''re so kind, and you are different from other doctors. I''m so constrained when I stay besides Doctor Cheska. I can''t do it, and I can''t do that."

    "You are so nervous. At my ce, you don''t need to have so many rules. What you only need to do is do your business." Irish didn''t press others as a superior. On the one hand, she didn''t think it was needed, and on the other hand, she was not that kind of person. She differed from Cheska, who was petty bourgeoisie and elegant to her bone and even had a strict requirement about the position where the coffee cup should beid on the office table.

    "Thank you, Doctor. Irish. "Christy Lee relieved, sniffling, and said with a tint of ttery, "If you like that song, I will help you get that."

    "You don''t need to do that. I can ask Doctor Cheska." She would go to every big music and video store to look for music in her spare time. That''s not because she has the habit of collecting music but because the tune repeatedly appears in her dream, which has been making her flustered. The urgent desire to find that was increasing. But it was a pity that she hadn''t found out.

    Christy nodded but immediately shook her head, "Now, Doctor Cheska may not have time. I passed through her office when she had prepared to wash the ss. It seems that she is giving hypnosis treatment to a patient. And her door was closing."

    "Now? That''s too early. Doesn''t she receive the personal patient in the afternoon?"

    Christy Lee gave a snort of contempt, and her face turned disdained. She walked toward Irish and said, lowering her voice, "You were busy, and you don''t know, in the early morning, Professor Tim received a VIP in the reception room. He seemed to persuade that into investing, thus expanding the scale of Linkus. Doctor Cheska is ambitious to marry a rich man so she wouldn''t lose that chance. It seems that she treated a personal patient in the morning on the surface; actually, she was waiting for the investor to chase her. "

    Irish slightly closed her lips and smiled. It could be seen that Cheska did not suit Christy Lee''s taste. She understood that because she could not even bear Cheska''s personality.

 Chapter 30 30: Catch Him

    Irish was hungry when it was almost 11:00 AM. She looked at the mobile phone, finding it without messages or missed calls. The thought of yesterday''s invitation from Joseph made her slightly puzzled. "Is he too busy to remember he invited her for lunch?"

    She got up and went out of her office, preparing to find something to eat in the snacks room and then calling him to query. The snack room was at the end of the corridor, so Irish naturally passed by Cheska''s office. She thought that Cheska should have done her work at that time, so she nned to ask her about the music. But when she lifted her hand to knock on the door, it opened suddenly.

    Irish abruptly stopped and was bumped by a strong force without looking clearly who was him. Someone ran out, and then a hysterical shout came, "Doctor Irish, catch him!"

    It was Cheska''s voice. She staggered out from her office strenuously. After seeing Irish, she pointed at the man running away, saying out of breath, "Hurry! Hurry to catch him. He has a knife!"

    Irish watched the man with a knife far away, who had the symptom of madness. She ran immediately without saying anything, whose feet were like wheels. In the mental health clinic, it was not unusual to see the insane case, and the encountering probability of a hypnosis therapist wasrger, so she got used to it.

    The man with a knife yelled while running all along the way, raising many people''s attention. But they were scared by the knife in his hand and ran wild like terrified birds. Irish shouted behind, "Dangerous! Stay away from him!"

    The insane man had no route to follow, and luckily, Irish ran fast. Seeing that she was about to catch him, he broke into the meeting room, and then she followed him. But when she ran into the room, Professor Tim was shaking hands with Joseph. It seemed that they had finished their discussion.

    "Be careful!"

    They did not expect such an ident to happen, especially Professor Tim, who was scared by Irish''s shout. And then the knife was turned in the direction, and the man sheared toward Irish, resenting her because she destroyed his n.

    Irish stared at the man rushing toward her with a knife. Her split vision saw the nearby tall man, who also dashed toward her. Unluckily, the man had already arrived before her, suddenly lifting the knife.

    At that moment, she raised her arms to hit the neck of the man with a bounce, and its strength was so powerful that even her fingers were trembling and numb. The knife dropped to the ground when it was only 0.1 centimeter from her, and then the man fainted.

    The tall figure, not far from her, suddenly stopped.

    "Oh My God! Mr. Dover, are you okay?" Cheska immediately came to the meeting room. Seeing that the insane man had fainted, she patted her chest to pacify herself and walked toward Joseph, "Are you hurt? I''m so sorry. This man had a problem when treated. Thanks for your help, otherwise, he will hurt others. Mr. Dover��"

    "Hello? Doctor Cheska." Irish could not stand, interrupting Cheska directly, "You should know that it was me who had helped you, and it''s none of others'' business. Not only man can subdue the man."<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Ah?" Cheska was shocked with embarrassment.

    "And my fingers are still trembling. Though you won''t give me medical payment, you should say ''thank you'' to me. Besides, you don''t care about the man lying on the ground?"

    Regardless of hypnosis therapist or behavior therapist, doctors who would contact the psychological case-patient all had an alternative door on their back. If faced with threats, doctors can choose the door to escape. Cheska didn''t run away but chose to chase him, which let Irish respect her bravery and knowledge. But when she saw Cheska''s sycophant look toward Joseph, she was angry and refused to acknowledge her professionalism.

    "Doctor Irish is right, you should thank her." Joseph opened his mouth with a slight voice after keeping silent for a long time.

    Cheska closed her lips lightly and smiled, "If clients are in trouble, it is the duty of psychological consultants to be the first to handle it. And Mr. Dover, you are a distinguished guest of ours, and if you are scared, that''s our problem. "

    Professor Tim also feared that Joseph had been shocked, so he followed Cheska to ask about his condition. Irish felt nauseating about that. After the security guards carried the man to the floor, avoiding seeing that scene, she prepared to turn around. Joseph said in his deep voice, "Doctor Irish, are you okay?"

    It was rare that someone could remember her. And that one was the guest of Professor Tim and Cheska, who saw him as a treasure. Was it funny? Irish took a deep breath and answered inziness, "I''m fine. "

    Joseph was restrained as usual. He perceived her emotion, looked her up and down for a few seconds, and said, "If it''s okay with you, do follow me to eat lunch."

    Professor Tim and Cheska were surprised, looking at each other.

    Not expecting his directness before them, Irish slightly opened her red lips, standing at the door without movement. Saying nothing, Joseph walked forward and reached out his hand to pull her.

    ****

    Joseph was fond of quietness, which Irish concluded after analyzing his eating habits and environment. The restaurants he ate at were mostly elegant and quiet, and the seats reserved by the restaurant were also in solemn silence. He barely talked when eating, and his behaviors were in good order, which really fulfilled a Chinese saying that "No talking while eating." He got used to a slight breakup of the eating timing, such as dinner or lunch, which may be because of his hatred of the crowd.

    But this afternoon was an exception. Probably because of the ident, and the restaurant was away from downtown, most people when eating were quiet, only the sound of the violin was floating. Irish liked that because every time she heard the sound given off by the instrument, she was always associated with the elegant dinner of the upper ss and full of handsome and tall boys in suits and beautiful girls in nice dresses.

 Chapter 31 31: Don’t Waste Your Time

    But Irish behavior at that moment was slightly unpleasant. She rubbed her eyes unconsciously and sometimes twisted her facial muscles. Joseph, opposite her, was concerned about whether her little arm had been broken.

    "Doctor Irish, how many parts of you I still don''t know?" He had never got to know a woman who could knock a strong man down with only an arm. He didn''t think it was a kind of self-protection under the emergency, or she was like a blinded squirrel finding a nut. It had been out of his expectation that she even had such a tough side.

    "Mr. Dover, you were originally not familiar with me." Irish lowered her head and looked at her slightly red arm, thinking the neck of that strong man had been too stubborn and didn''t directly answer Joseph''s question.

    Joseph didn''t speak but smiled; seeing that she was still rubbing her arm, he shook his head and pulled it. "What do you want to do?" Irish was slightly surprised and prepared to withdraw her arm.

    But he added some strength, which stopped her from moving. She lowered her eyes to see her arm; unexpectedly, his rough thumb gently caressed her inmed skin, raising his eyebrows, "Does it hurt?"

    "No."

    When his thumb was put on her arm, she felt a little itchy. His palm was thick and warm, and his fingers were a little cold, which were immersed in her body when touching her skin. His roughness formed a vividparison with her smoothness, and her heart flipped.

    "I''m okay." She repressed the heat generated at the root of her ears and enforced to draw her wrist back.

    Joseph didn''t force her and said in a light voice, "Not so bad, your muscles and bones were not hurt."

    Irish tried to smile, saying nothing. Then, quickly, the rich lunch was served in turn. Appetizers, main course, soup, and dessert were all avable. Irish could not control herself before the dessert, and when she finished it, she found that Joseph, opposite her, was staring at her without words and seemed to be interested in her look before the food.

    His eyes were deep and silent, making her imagine the peaceful and broad seas.

    "I''m sorry, all the desserts are eaten by me." She closed her eyes slightly with an embarrassed look.

    "Never mind, I ordered them for you."

    Irish smiled lightly, putting the tableware aside and stretching out her hand toward him. Joseph slightly raised his dashing eyebrows.

    "Money." She reminded him kindly. Joseph suddenly realized, and the corners of his eyes and eyebrow tips hid a glimmer of a smile, looking at her helplessly. "You are direct." She differed from other women, though worldly wise but cute.

    "Do I need to hide myself when I am asking for my own sry?" Irish seemed to hear a funny joke with slightly widened eyes and looked assured and self-confident.

    Joseph said nothing and smiled, taking a piece of check from the suit pocket and pushing it toward her. Irish was a little startled and took it to have a nce. She opened her mouth subconsciously, looking at the amount of money and then seeing Joseph. When she restored her eyes onto the check, her face was in extreme happiness. She put away the check with a smile and then took a look at him, said with spineless ttery, "There you go. Mr. Dover, you are the general manager of the listingpany, and you won''t rob me of my sry, which is just a little moneypared to what you have. Thanks."<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Are you satisfied with the amount?" Joseph took a sip of the red wine quietly.

    "This is enough." The joy on her eyes'' corners made her feel like a mouse stealing the nuts. "Actually, this afternoon, I saved you, and you don''t need to pay me more, but��." She added, seeing that he was ready to speak, "my arm was still hurt, and I''ll take the extra money as medical fees."

    Joseph shook the wine ss in his hand without words, only staring at her. Irish felt uneasy because of his gaze, but he didn''t say anything. An abnormal silence generated and lingered between them, which made her ufortable.

    "Well... I am full, and thank you, Mr. Dover, for your generous hospitality. I have a patient waiting for me, so I have to go."

    Money was in her hand, so she nned to leave.

    Actually, she was not a snobbish woman, but the man opposite her always looked at her inspecting every move she made. His silence and quietness were like a huge that fell on her head soundlessly and slowly trapped her. This man, though saying nothing, still brought much unspeakable pressure, and she didn''t like the feeling of being seen through.

    "Doctor Irish," Joseph stared at her back, slowly speaking.

    Her step of leaving suddenly stopped, and she turned around with a patient smile.

    "Don''t you think your medical fees are a little high?" Medical fees? She was good at imagination.

    "Is it?" Irish rolled her eyes, and an idea urred to her, "No, the price of basicmodities nowadays is increasing, so doctors should increase their sry too."

    Joseph leaned back on the chair, graceful and confident, showing a victorious smile, "You are a smart woman." He said a half-sentence, and the end of his words was meaningful.

    Irish was smart indeed, so she could guess the implication of his unfinished words, which was, ''so don''t waste my time to tell you.''

    Irish breathed deeply, and when she was about to sigh, she stopped. She had to put her bag aside and sat opposite him again with an impatient tone and looked, "What do you want me to do?"

    The number on the check was farrger than that ording to the rule, and that was the reason why she was surprised when taking the check, and that was why she wanted to run away. There is no free lunch and besides such arge amount of extra money. She knew he wanted her to do something, but she didn''t want to have a connection with him.

    However, she was clever, but he was smarter who seemed to have found ways to read her mind. Unfortunately, money was innocent, so she had to continue dealing with him.

 Chapter 32 32: That’s My Lapse Of The Tongue

    "Doctor Irish should be praised for your contribution to the case of Ken. I very much appreciate your work attitude, so I would like to sincerely hire you to be the psychological consultant of the Runestone Group." It was rare that Joseph spoke so many words after lunch. His fingers yed with the wine ss and said with extreme assurance, "Of course, the extra money on the check was just an advance deposit. We can negotiate about the rted remuneration once I''m satisfied with your performance."

    Sincere hiring and sincere invitation were two different notions. The former one was an absolute certainty, while thetter one can still be discussed. It was evident that he didn''t leave a chance for her to negotiate with him.

    From seeing him in the meeting room to eating lunch with him, Irish had been thinking about his purpose. This man looked quite harmless, but actually, he was sophisticated. If he didn''t have another purpose, he wouldn''t treat her to this lunch for no reason at all. She was not naive and innocent anymore like a girl, realizing that this lunch was not just for sending a check.

    Since that was all said in nkness, it was no use that she was still feigning ignorance. She knew his money was not easy to obtain, so she put her cards on the table, "Mr. Dover, if only just for the excessive money, I don''t think it is inappropriate to receive it; of course, the medical fees are an excuse."

    Joseph straightened his clothes and sat properly, "Well... go on."

    Irish breathed out and then lifted her eyes to look directly at him, saying seriously, "Now that Mr. Dover mentioned Ken''s case, then let''s talk about that. After he killed his wife, Mr. Dover, you chose media intervention; thus, this case was concealed. On the surface, you made time for a total investigation. Still, the truth is you actually made use of my appropriate report to give a satisfactory reply to the media who pester and gossip about it, threatening the Runestone Group''s downfall. It is true that Ken killed his wife, and so his disease existed. Ken has worked for you for a long time, and you naturally can see his psychological troubles. Of course, you need a psychology expert to cooperate with you for this y."

    Saying all her detailed observations, she ordered a ss of fresh juice, taking a savage gulp to moisten her throat. Joseph didn''t speak in the whole process, waiting for her to continue.

    "The sess of a businessman lies in the power of turning decayed into the magical one and turning risk into security. Mr. Dover is not only a sessful businessman but also good at marketing rules and making business opportunities. If without the intervention of the psychological analyzer,  then the case of Ken must be a risk to the Runestone Group. It is exactly a coincidence that the moment when the psychological report of Ken came out, the media immediately knew that. But the measures made by the Runestone Group seemed to be a business strategy because of the exposure by the media superficially; analyzing this action has resulted in a significant reputation and credibility. All these take ce after the listing of yourpany resulting in a pre-made performance, bringing massive trust towards yourpany. Mr. Dover, you are very sharp; even the media has unknowingly be your stepping stone for your performance after listing."

    Joseph smiled without facial expression, "It is said that a sessful psychological doctor can equal half a businessman. Doctor Irish is so clever, and you are more severe than that. Should I feel grateful that you are just a psychological doctor, not a business rival?"

    "What they call is that while the priest climbs afoot, the devil climbs ten. Even though I am smart, I''m still totally used by you, Mr. Dover!" Irish wore a smile whose eyes'' corners and eyebrows'' tips had no seriousness.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Joseph''s meaningful gaze fell on her beautiful face, yet he hadn''t said anything for a while, and gently he turned calm.

    "That should be attributed to your professional spirit, Doctor Irish." Joseph slightly raised the corner of his lips, "Ken is my employee, after all,  and I don''t want to see such a thing happen, which will cause the downfall of Runestone Group. You mentioned I''m a sharp businessman, and ording to you, I turned the tragic event into a magical opportunity, right? The truth is, I did it by using the advantages of the asion. Should you me me for being a smart businessman?"

    "So, I''m for the case, and you are for the business opportunities. We all fulfill our own duties. The excessive money can be seen as the remuneration because it helped you win the battle." The look of Irish relieved slightly and began to preserve, "don''t talk about advance deposit or sincere hire, I think this check can offset all personal disputes between us, so we won''t mutually owe."

    Joseph watched all her actions in a slick way, raising his eyebrows, "disputes?"

    "That''s mypse of the tongue," Irish immediately corrected, "you should put the attention on that not mutually owe."

    "Well..." Joseph slightly smiled, looking like he actually thought what he said was to the point, "Though you want to get even with me, your Professor Tim won''t admit it. "

    Irish''s hand holding the ss halted, and the ice in the juice made the ss send out cold air, which chilled her fingers, feeling numb. Even if her lips were still keeping a smiling radiant, the coldness in her heart was severer than what her fingers felt. She knew Professor Tim intended to seek sponsorship to do a research project. Now that Joseph had appeared in the institute, then he probably was thergest investor.

    "Mr. Dover, I have told you that I have no professional ethics." Irish paused. After all, Professor Tim was Fredrick''s father; once this investment was lost because of her, she would be sorry for that, but she did not want to let the man get used to threatening her. She thought twice and then said with a stubborn attitude, "what''s more, you, Mr. Dover is not the only investor in the world."

    asionally missing content, please report errors in time.

 Chapter 33 33: You Are The Person I Want

    Hearing that, Joseph even smiled rather than feeling angry, but this smile looked meaningful, "Yes, Doctor Irish was right. I''m not the only investor in the world. "

    When it came to that, the atmosphere between them became embarrassing, which was in quietness. When Irish was thinking about how to respond, he spoke to break the silence.

    "Every difficulty has its solution, just like your prejudice to the Runestone. Tell me, and I will help you resolve it."

    Irish clutched the ss, raising her ck eyebrows subconsciously, and her eyesight turned cold, "What do you mean?"

    "Everyone wants to get ess to the Runestone as much as they can, desiring to take a seat in it, but only you, when hearing the name of the Runestone, are like on thorns." Joseph kept leaning on the chair back all the time without any movement. His eyes were sharp, and so were his words, but looking indifferent.

    "Mr. Dover, I only know that it is not a gentleman''s action to force others to do things unwillingly. Unfortunately, psychological consultants are so many in the world, and there are many people who want to devote themselves'' life to the Runestone. So I don''t understand why you are always harassing me. Do you know me, or are you familiar with me? I don''t need to meet your demand." The anger lingering over her heart was suppressed many times, and her tone became unfriendly.

    Joseph was still calm and then said some words, making Irish''s face turn sour, "Irish, 28 years old, single, whose parents died early, growing up at uncle''s home. After graduation from a national university, you go abroad to receive further education. Good at behavior analysis, you changed your major when you were a postgraduate, specializing in psychoanalysis. Nimble, you have a wide variety of hobbies, dabbling in all exciting and risky activities, especially loving gliding and climbing. You have conquered many mountains, and you are the main climbing team leader of Rocky Mountain. Six years ago, when you climbed the highest mountain, Manaslu Mountain in Nepal, which is over 8000 meters, your boyfriend died, and since then, you have never set foot in Nepal." He slightly halted, whose eyesight was deep as the sea, "The reason why I just want you is simple, because a woman, seeing her boyfriend dropping from the high mountain in person, cured many psychological patients, which proves your strong mental quality. You are the person I want."

    Irish stood up abruptly from her seat, with her hands clenching and her taper fingertips almost pinched into her palm. She stared at the man as if he was a dreadful monster. Joseph looked at her face to face, still keeping calm and quiet, and their eyes were full of either rage or profoundness, just like the collision of ice and fire.

    After a long while, she bit her teeth and said word by word, "Mr. Dover, why don''t you figure out my grudges with the Runestone Group?"

    "It''s because I hope you could tell it to me in person. I don''t want to force you to share your secrets,"<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Joseph, you do not have the qualifications or the rights to pry into others'' minds!" His calmness irritated her and made her feel at a loss. Six years ago, the figure that had fallen into the abyss pricked her heart like rusty scissors, which brought her endless pain.

    As for Irish, it was an unexpected catastrophe. Adam was her foreign schoolmate, and they knew each other just because of amon habit of rock climbing. He was a strange man since he always went climbing alone and he was taciturn but liked to smile at her. At that time, she only had a good impression of Adam. Maybe it was esteem, but Adam gave her a totally different feeling. He always showed up when she was helpless and lonely and tried his best to cheer her up. Adam was a towering tree that could give her the feeling of dependence and drive away from her mncholy.

    Adam''s presence was like a glimmer of sunshine in Irish''s world until he began to woo her to be his girlfriend. Irish had hesitated for a long time but was attracted by his mystery, so she promised him.

    Adam was so pleased that he invited Irish to challenge Mount Manaslu in Nepal, where she had always wanted to go for a long time. Therefore she epted his invitation. The holiday wasing, and Irish sent a notice to other climbers to invite them to join. At that time, many people who came from different ces signed up. For convenience, they decided to gather in Nepal''s capital, Kathmandu.

    However, two of them were mountaineering enthusiasts and were so eager to conquer that mountain, so not until all people were present did they decide to explore the way for others. In their eyes, the towering snow mountain was glimmering with holy radiance. They were as if possessed looking at this ce which was regarded as "a white seat for gods," and was about to climb.

    But idents always apanied in life, or it was because gods were unsatisfied with their arbitrariness. Irish was almost frozen when his main lock broke suddenly, and Adam fell down from the mountain just like a flying bird. She hardly heard his scream but only saw that he was getting smaller and smaller until he disappeared from her eyespletely.

    It happened too fast that no sooner had her sorrowfulness spread into her heart than he was gone.

    The police sealed off the scene and tried to find him, but unfortunately, they failed.

    From that day, Irish did not step into Nepal anymore, and she did not even dare to climb the mountain again. Although many other climbers had never met Adam, they still regretted it after hearing about the tragic ident. Their love was like a dream that was in a hurry. She couldn''t figure it out, and since then, she has been in low spirits all day long.

    asionally missing content, please report errors in time.

 Chapter 34 34: Is It Your Trump Card Of Mandatory Order

    Cassie, who was far away from New York, was happy about her tenderness with Adam, but she was shocked when she heard of this sad news. For a long time, Irish thought she would die since she lived in a muddle every day. She repeatedly thought that if she could persuade Adam to wait for others in Kathmandu, then there wouldn''t be such a catastrophe. She could breathe the fresh air or just bask in the sun in Kathmandu with him. Or maybe she could check out their equipment, and maybe she would find out the problem with the damn lock. Being upset, she deeply reprimanded herself.

    After Hearing this, Fredrick kept staying with her. Though he never met with Adam, he hoped he was still alive. After all, Fredrick was a psychologist, and with hispany, Irish finally walked out of that painful mncholy.

    When people get along with others, affection may spring up between them. Her feelings towards Fredrick were ambiguous, but because of Adam''s death, Irish thought she was a jinx, and from that day on, she refused to fall in love with others and didn''t want to hurt people again.

    But today, Joseph abruptly opened her old wounds six years ago. Maybe her wounds had been cured, but she could still clearly feel the pain under the scar.

    Joseph was such a cruel man that could make one''s blood boil.

    The radiance of the dining room sshed into her eyes. In the deep of her eyes were glimmering with either light or tears. She stood there, with her thin shoulders quivering, and looked at him with stubborn eyes. And even her sharp chin revealed her stubbornness while an extremely sad expression hung over her face.

    "What are you doing?" Irish was like a frightened bird, her body stunning backward.

    His hands froze in the air, he shook his head slightly. When he lowered his hand, he changed direction, put down on her shoulder, and whispered, "I''m not trying to snoop your secret, but just hope you could stay with me." The flicker of her panic reminded him of what he wanted to do. But he didn''t even know what he wanted to do just now. Was he trying to smooth her pain in his arms?

    His words were so sincere that they sounded amphibolous to Irish. After all, she was a psychologist, and she adjusted her emotions quickly. But she was born vengeful, so Joseph''s attitude did notfort her much.

    "So it''s you who sent me jasmine?"

    Joseph frowned slightly but drew back his hand quickly. When he said to her again, his tone turned indifferently, "It seems that Doctor Irish has many pursuers."

    She can tell from his words that he didn''t send her those jasmines. Irish thought to herself but couldn''t figure out who sent her the bouquet. She looked at his eyes directly and said with a retaliatory tone, "It is enough to indicate that there are still others who want to stay with me, not only you, Mr. Dover. Bye.'' Then she took her bag and walked away.

    "Three days," Joseph said quietly behind her.

    Irish turned back and looked at him, "I really admire your business methods. First, you tried to knock out and eliminate my willpower. And now you want to offer amnesty and enlistment to me? What are you doing now? Is it your trump card of mandatory order?"<novelnext></novelnext>

    A mere trace of sternness showed up on his lips. "Doing business is actually a process to eliminate others'' alertness while at the same time improving your own vignce. I give you three days to consider, and three dayster, I''ll wait for you in my office." Somehow he was annoyed by her attitude.

    She was chased by his steadfast looking, and she turned away without saying a word.

    ****

    She admitted that she was not a kind person and wasn''t an innocent girl anymore. Time couldn''t go back to the very beginning, so when she was confronted with a formidable enemy, she would knock him down without mercy, and that was a weapon that reality gave her. She once thought that along her life path, as long as she was on the same starting line with others, then she could stand shoulder to shoulder with others. It was not until she was stumbled upon by others that she realized that the race had never been evenly matched.

    "Dreams are a secret endowed by God. As for our psychologists who try to snoop into the dream, it is like to pry God''s secret."

    In the lecture hall of the university, Irish was dressed intellectually, in a white shirt and ck trousers, with her long ck hair done up behind her head. She didn''t wear much makeup, and her beautiful eyes were hidden behind an exaggerated back myopia lens. Holding a far-infrared pen in hand, she made a remark after finishing a chapter''s content, half-genuine, and half-sham.

    It was a public ss, and as a distinguished lecturer, she had designed a wonderful lecture early before. There were only a few students attending her first ss, and she could even count clearly the students'' number in such a big ssroom. However, in her second ss, the ssroom was filled with students, which had never happened before.

    Of course, she would never know that after her first ss, many male students rushed to tell each other that there was a charming teacher and that many students here were attracted by her beauty.

    Today Irish was neither morous in her makeup nor in her dress, but it was her face that students focused on. Though the big sses covered most of her face, they could not conceal her beauty. Her faint eyebrows and graceful posture were the bright spots for students.

    "Miss Irish, but once we engage in this area, we have to disclose God''s secret. Then what should we do?" A student raised his hand and interrupted her.

    "It''s very easy." The light on the screen fell on Irish''s cheeks which made her skin whiter. "You either have enough capability to break this secret, or you would be driven crazy by it."

    Her words gained rapturous apuse.

 Chapter 35 35: It’s Just That I Adore You

    "There is a direct reflexive rtion between your dream and your body. To some extent, dreams can remind you of the physiological condition or relieve your physiological condition." Irish continued the ss. "Maybe most of you have the same dream that you are eager to find the toilet in your dream, but you would still want to piss even if you have urinated in your dream. And then you usually wake up at this time and want to go to the toilet. That is because your physiological condition has been reflected into your mind, and your dream received this kind of reflection, so it tries to wake up your body through a dream. The reason why you still want to piss in the dream is that your subconsciousness controls your behavior in the dream, and it reminds you that bed-wetting is children''s behavior.

    "Haha..." All the studentsughed and nodded.

    "Dreams can also relieve your physiological condition. For instance, you may keep drinking water in the dream, and in fact, it is reminding you that your body is thirsty and you are reluctant to wake up, so you drink in your dream. And when you wake up again, you will not be so thirsty. Or maybe you wouldn''t wake up because of thirst, which is the theory of Chernell''s physical stimtion phenomenon. Although this theory is not impable, its value lies in that it could arouse our attention to some features of the dream that need to be exined. Furthermore, dreams do have some symbolic phenomena of what they call physical organs. For example, the water in a dream often represents an impulse to urinate, while losing a tooth in your dream means you have to pay attention to your stomach." She stopped and took her cup to drink water and then pointed at the position she just mentioned with the far-infrared pen. "The theories I just mentioned above may be involved in the examination, and please pay attention to it."

    After hearing this, students all wrote down the key points, and that''s actually a kind of tacit agreement between teachers and students in the university. The teachers would not tell them directly what''s the key content to be examined, but students would understand through the teacher''s ambiguous words.

    The ss was almost finished when a male student raised his hand and said, "Miss Irish, I have a question."

    Irish stopped picking up her textbooks and looked at the student. "What''s your question?" Those male students were quite active since most of the questions were asked by them.

    The student was very tall and showed a strong machismo on his forehead. Obviously, he was fabulous with women. He cleared his throat and said, "Miss Irish, if I dream of you tonight, then what''s the meaning of this dream?"

    The students were in an uproar, and some audacious students even began to boo and hoot.

    Irish smiled and said, "It means that you need to be careful not to fall into my hand, or I will deduct your credits. I am your teacher, representing authority in your subconsciousness and the right that would have an effect on your graduation. So if I appear in your dream tonight, then you''d better write down all the details so that you could cheat in front of me."

    She answered his question skillfully while at the same time maintaining herposure, making the student flush with shame and also causing a burst ofughter.

    After the ss, most of the female students were gone, while several male students pretended to be assiduous students to keep asking questions around Irish. The boy who asked a question just now also stepped forward and unceremoniously cleared the ssmates who stood in front of Irish and said to her frankly: "Miss Irish, I want to invite you to dine with me tonight."

    Raising her head, Irish found that he was quite tall with a strong figure, and there was apparent curiosity in his eyes. "Give me a reason." She said indifferently.

    "It''s just that I adore you." The boy was bold.

    "Oh?" Irish remained unmoved and kept picking up her textbooks.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Miss Irish..."

    "Miss Irish, I am a policeman, Jay. Now I suspect that you seduce your students with the advantage of your position, so please go to the police station with me." Before the male student could finish his word, Jay showed an officer''s card before her eyes.

    All the students were astonished by his words, but Irish had arrested the inclothes police before they could react. And the surrounding students all retreated like scattered birds. The man also exerted his trump card and avoided Irish promptly. He swept his legs while his hands had grasped her shoulders.

    Irish evaded his catch and turned back abruptly to seize his arms when he was about to draw back his hands, and she also mmed the man''s head on the table, which caused a screech from the man.

    "What are you doing? Let me go, or I would sue you for assaulting a cop."

    Irish was not afraid of him at all, and she even pushed him harder. Finally, the man was so hurt that he had to surrender to Irish, "Sister, I''m sorry. I was wrong."

    The students standing around were so stunned that he called her sister.

    Irish did not immediately let him go; instead, she looked at the student who had just invited her for dinner and smiled, "You want to dine with me tonight?"

    "Eh....I suddenly remembered that I had to study at night. Miss Irish, Bye." Perhaps the student was frightened by her "boldness" and ran away.

    Other students also fled quickly.

    Irish couldn''t helpughing and picked up her textbook when all the students were gone. She patted the man''s head and said, "As a policeman, you are full of nonsense. How dare you say that I seduce my students? Are you not afraid of taking a beat?"

    "Sister, my kind-hearted sister...." Jay hastened to make surrender while Irish loosened her grip. Then, perceiving her refrained smile, he rubbed his head and said, "I''m just trying to tell your student to keep away from you. Except for your lovely brother, who would take care of you in this world?"

 Chapter 36 36: Go Home

    "Fine, my little brother." Irish smiled even more brightly and reached out hands to pinch his face as if she was stroking him and said with her teeth-gnashing, "Have you done a deed of merit in Florida in these two years? How dare you arrest your sister with your officer''s card? You really deserve a belt." Jay''s face turned into purplish when she finished herst word.

    "Ah..." Jay screamed and shouted, "I''m really sorry. I shouldn''t do that; please don''t pinch my face. I still need to meet people."

    "Little brat, if you attend my ss without any notification, then I would skin you." Finishing her threat, Irish suddenly feltpassionate toward him, so she reached out her hands to fondle his face. "What a pity! Your handsome face is pinched into purplish by me. What a pitiful boy!"

    Jay was her uncle''s son who perfectly inherited her uncle''s tall figure and her aunt''s godliness. He was 1.85 meters tall and looked very handsome, and he was even more charming in a police uniform. He was just one year younger than Irish, but he was agile and liked to joke in daily life while he treated his work responsibly and seriously. In the past two years, he had been arresting drug dealers in Florida, but now he was sent back to New York because of his meritorious deeds.

    Jay was ustomed to her ostensible response, promptly avoiding her grasp, and stood more than 2 meters away from her. "I''m here to pick you up and go home."

    "Go home?" Irish was surprised.

    "Yes! Since you went back to America without pre-notification, it has irritated my dad, who unts his Kung Fu every day, and my mom, who was threatening me with her kitchen knife every day. They have finished their n to travel around the world earlier and returned to New York this morning. They asked me to bring you home." Jay rubbed his painful arms and added, "My sister, here are your choices. You want to fight stubbornly with them or bring a rod on your back to ask for punishment?"

    "I''m done for..." Irish was so sad that she wanted to cry.

    The air was humid and foggy after the rain, which was the hint of summer.

    Her uncle''s home was located on an old block which was Irish''s favorite ce. There was a big locust tree in front of their house, which was green in spring, luxuriant in summer, golden in autumn, and white in winter. After she went abroad to study, her uncle and auntie started to travel around the world, and Jay did not live in this city, so the house was empty for a long time.

    After her return to this city, once she passed by this ce and found that changes had taken ce here. The main street was divided into two parts, and on the one side, there were tall buildings, while on the other side still stood some old buildings of the traditional architecture. Now in the early summer, many neighbors living in the old buildings all took out chairs to enjoy the cool under the tree and chatted there, just as in the scene in her childhood.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish followed her mother''s surname, and she has been very affectionate with her uncle''s family since she grew up in her uncle''s family. There were only a few people who she cared about, such as Cassie, Fredrick, her uncle Steven, Aunt Mary, and Jay.

    Steven''s name sounded very elegant, but his characteristics were not conformed to his name. Steven liked Chinese Kung Fu, especially shadowboxing. In the early years, he operated a martial arts hall with many disciples. And among these disciples, some of them went abroad to promote martial arts, while others went to be actors. In general, he had many students all over the country. Irish and Jay also learned martial arts from her uncle, which made him very pleased.

    But today, Irish suffered a little bit of embarrassment since all of them chatted without stopping from the beginning from entering this house. She stared at the man standing across her as if he was a formidable monster while her aunt Mary pretended to cry and scream beside her.

    "Oh, my poor Rachel, how could you have left so early? Irish is really a no-man and just returns to New York even without a pre-notification for us. I have brought her up after enduring all kinds of hardships Rachel, Irish is annoyed by your brother and me. Why don''t you take us away together?"

    Actually, Rachel was Irish''s mother. When mentioned about the name, it may remind them of theirte grandfather, who was a person with great artistic appreciation. When Irish''s uncle and mother were born, the old codger exerted his literary sentiment and gave them two poetic names.

    Her Aunt Mary was intimate with Irish''s mother, so she treated Irish as her own daughter. She was an optimistic woman and was cheerful all day long. But she was also a tough woman, so Irish''s uncle also showed his white feather before her. After all, she was the kind of woman who could quarrel with men in the vegetable market without stopping. Therefore she received a nickname from neighbors, which was called "iron woman."

    At this moment, her kind but ingenious aunt acted crying while at the same time holding the deadee of Irish''s mother. She was almost moved by her cry. Irish was at a loss what to do and hastened tofort her. "I would never be annoyed and love you so much. Do you know who you are? You are my favorite aunt. But it''s a little bit scary to hold my mother''s deadee. Let me put it back, okay?"

    "Then you need to swear to your mother and me that you would try to associate with Leo."

    Irish was helpless and held her sights on the man across from her. And she stopped for a long time and then said, "I''m sorry. What''s your name?"

    "Irish, did you learn this kind of misconduct from your younger brother? How could you do that?" Steven could not bear her impolite words, sitting abruptly on the couch and saying indignantly, "How many times have I told you that he is the son of your Uncle Matt? When you were not born yet, your uncle Matt wanted to arrange a marriage for you and Leo."

 Chapter 37 37: Your Uncle Family’s Funny

    Irish was astonished, looking at the man with an evil smile. He looked leisurely and carefree and smiled at her, "Yes, right. We have been engaged to each other before we were born."

    Irish can''t help quivering, "Are you acting in an idol drama? It was just an old practice in that era, you know."

    That''s the reason that she met him in Linbia Canya. Before her uncle and aunt returned to America, the order of the blind date had been published by them, so she had to meet him. As for her Uncle Matt, she didn''t remember him at all. Even her uncle Steven couldn''t exin the origin of their friendship. At that time, Matt was going to exploit the market in New York, and he was more modest that time.

    Generally speaking, he was in the high social ss, and it''s unreasonable that he would woo an ordinary girl. But she heard that it was he who begged her uncle Steven to remind her of the history of their appointed marriage. Steven was a person who always remained faithful to friends, and he was also impressed by his handsome appearance and his innocent family history, so he hurried to make a match for her, a 28 years old single leftover woman.

    "Irish, nobody is forcing you to get married. We didn''t intervene when you studied abroad. You are now 28 years old, if you still have no boyfriend, I''m not going to face your mother with that when I meet her in heaven. You should marry a good man instead of just a man with a good job."

    Irish opened her mouth slightly, saying nothing. Leo lookedcent, and the corner of his lip raised like he needed a smirk, "Sweetie, we are destined, you can''t get married without me."

    "You��" The look on his face made her clench her teeth.

    "Okay, you can tell your uncle directly whether we get together or not."

    Her Uncle Steven was a straightforward person, he hastily patted his big hands on the table.

    Irish knew her uncle, lifting her eyes to see him and licking her lips, "Do you have anything else to say?"

    "Yes!" Her Uncle Steven suddenly arose, pointing outside, "If you say yes, and you have a thorough conversation with Leo, then it''s perfect. If not,e outside and fight with me. If you win, your Auntie and I won''t supervise you, if not, you should still follow our advice."

    Irish felt like she had been punched in the stomach, winded and out of breath for a while. When she saw Leo''s face looking yful, her spirits lifted. She couldn''t let this outsiderugh at her, so she jumped up. Looking ready to do battle with her uncle.

    "Sister, bravo!" Jay said, hiding a smile.

    "Sweetie, bring the weapon!" Her Uncle said harshly. Her Auntie heard his request, whose chubby figure was still swift to move, vanishing into the study and returning with a weapon and giving it to her husband. When Irish saw the weapon, her cold sweat began trickling down. It was a razor-sharp sword, which was her uncle''s trump card.

    "Irish, you don''t need to fight me without a weapon. You can swing freely and attack me three times first."

    Jay was giggling and cheering for Irish, "Irish, use the chair! "

    Perhaps Jay was too eager to let Irish avenge him, and he forgot that despite Irish''s skill at martial arts, she was facing a master. When Jay just finished his words, Irish gave out a wail, "Uncle, please have mercy on me."

    Jay suddenly widened his eyes in shock, "Irish..."<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Shut up! Youe here and try it." She had engaged in this kind of fight with her uncle many times and always lost. This sword was her nightmare because every time she had been naughty in her childhood, her uncle had given her a good beating. She didn''t want to be hit in front of Leo.

    "All right. Then Leo and you..."

    "I''ll give it a try. "Irish quickly replied with an obsequious smile. Jay looked helpless and held his forehead.

    "Jay, you don''t need to keep adding fuel to the fire. I know your n. You''re just afraid of being forced to get married after your sister. Marriage and giving birth are great things in life. Can you avoid that?" His mother pinched his arm.

    Jay screamed and looked for help, "my dear sister..."

    Irish quickly hid her face, pretending not to see such a scene.

    "Don''t me her, she can''t even save herself."

    Leo was standing near them, and an obvious smile showed on his face.

    ****

    The dinner that evening was in, but it seemed that only Irish thought so because everyone else was very happy, especially her uncle. Hearing that Irish would not go abroad anymore, he was extremely joyful and even sang a song during dinner. Her Auntie drummed a rhythm for him, and they were a happy couple. Even her brother Jay betrayed her, obediently adding wine and serving the table for their parents. And Leo was obviously thrilled, his long narrow eyes asionally ncing at her.

    For a moment, Irish thought that there was no such thing as this arranged marriage and that it was entirely a lie.

    After the meal, Irish proposed to leave earlier with Leo. Her Uncle and Auntie were delighted that they would have a chance to be alone, so they agreed. They went outside. Irish was afraid that her uncle and auntie were staring at them, so she walked faster.

    "Your uncle''s family is funny."

    "It''s unimaginable that a frail girl like you even grew up in such a vtile family. Whose skill is better? You or your brother? I guess it must be yours."

    "You can teach me in your spare time. You certainly are a professional."

    "Sweetie, do you want to see a movie with me? I know a new...."

    "Mr. Leo." Walking ahead, Irish suddenly halted, turning around, and she interrupted his nagging. A feeling in her heart arose, which she couldn''t ce. Leo nearly bumped into her.

 Chapter 38 38: What Do You Want?

    "Did you send me Jasmine flowers?" She thought about many things during that walk. Sinceing back, she didn''t know many people. If excluding women with a normal sexual preference around her, that left only men. It definitely hadn''t been Fredrick, and Joseph denied it. Her younger brother was not romantic, so the only possibility was the man in front of her, who had adhered to her parents'' request toe and have a date with her.

    He looked excited, "Sweetie, it''s good to take Jasmine flowers as a gift this season. I chose the big white flower buds and wrapped them. If you put them directly in water, you can..."

    "What do you want?" Irish interrupted him again.

    "What?" Leo stoppedughing for a long time. He reached for her hands, e on, I know you can''t ept the fact that we are unmarried couples. Don''t worry, I have enough time to let you get used to me."

    Irish had to admit that his voice was pleasant to hear. But these words were like a heavy hammer beating her head, making her numb. She pulled her arms from his hands, "Mr. Leo, you should know two things. First, you are not my fiance. Don''t say it in that way, we don''t know each other. Secondly, you are not my type, and we wouldn''t work out. "

    "Well, you promised your uncle in person." Leo showed no anger but smiled, "We''re adults, and you can''t be dishonest."

    "Don''t you know that bitchy girls and mean boys are difficult to raise? I know I''m not a loyal woman, so I don''t need to keep any promises." Irish said quickly, "I suggest you don''t let others waste their time ying with you. Since childhood, I was taught marriages should be between families of equal social ss. You are a tycoon in the Asian area and have many treasures and beautiful women. In other words, you are a typical wealthy man, and I, even having no stable upation, am an insignificant and diligent person but satisfied with my own job, which should be carefully attended to. We are not on the same level. It is said that people on different roads are ipatible, so how could they even stay together with each other?"

    "Oh my dear, I like how your lips look when you refuse me."

    Irish stretched out a finger and pointed it at him, "Don''t call me dear or sweetie."

    Leo grabbed her hand with raised eyebrows, "Baby, it is not polite to point at others. I should teach you more in the future." He still did not seem serious.

    "Stay away from me!" Irish wanted to break free from his grip but was pinned by him.

    "Is it illegal to chase you?" He looked down upon her, their faces close.

    "I am not convinced of love at first sight." He pressed her shoulders.

    The smile on his lips shone through the night, "For me, the possibility of falling in love with you is mainly because you are so beautiful."

    Irish lifted her head up and stared at him while he smiled at her. The atmosphere between them was thick with rivalry.

    "All right," Suddenly she also smiled inziness, "Let''s do what my uncle said. Fight me. If I lose, I''ll go with you, but if I win, you won''t bother me anymore."

    Leo''s eyes twinkled, "Fight you? Baby, you are from a martial art expert family."<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Calm down. I can go easy on a weak man who has acrophobia." Irish raised her hand,zily pointing at a ce nearby, "Race me in my Jeep for 10 minutes. The person who goes the farthest wins."

    Leo hesitated, "Well... Is it fast?"

    "Why? Are you afraid of speed?" Irish wore a faint smile.

    "I mean, people are hurrying too and fro, it would be awful if we hit someone." He smiled.

    "Yes or no? No means you withdraw your challenge, which naturally includes your courtship right."

    "Okay." Leo agreed helplessly.

    In truth, it was a good thing to drive wildly with the flow of traffic. Irish''s shiny red car could be seen dodging in and out of others, like an extremely active cell speeding up a blood vessel. Her driving skills were incredible, swerving left and right, all at full throttle. It also brought a lot of angry honks from other car drivers.

    Her car quickly drove up the one-way street, in front of Leo''s Bentley following her. Irish shot a nce at the rear-view mirror, knowing that everybody could tell that Leo would win in terms of his car. It would be a piece of cake for a luxury convertible like his to speed past her car on an open roadway. It was a pity that this car was in the wrong city. Though there were always green lights in NYC, he couldn''t fully take advantage of his car''s speed.

    Ultimately, Leo was not as determined as her.

    She didn''t care about the license penalties or fines and even sped quickly between two cars, cutting off a bus. Though Leo kept honking the horn, the car in front of him still stayed in itsne.

    Ultimately, Leo was too much of a coward.

    Irish took the initiative shamelessly. She imagined that the speed cameras caught her more than once....

    As she turned a corner, preparing to floor the gas pedal once again, she screeched to a halt in front of a five-star restaurant on Madison Avenue. Her body was thrown forward with force, but she held herself in ce with the steering wheel, preventing her from being disfigured.

    She also incidentally prevented ruining another scene at the door of the restaurant.

    It was Joseph.

    It seemed that he''d just finished a social engagement. He waved his hands to say goodbye to those who went out of the hotel with him. His smile was always so light and subtle that nobody could figure out what it meant. But from Irish''s angle, she could see his lips rise slightly, and it was controlled to be polite and far-reaching. He was dressed simply but sharply in a clean white shirt with a tidy necktie and smoky gray pants. He looked elegant and fresh against the light of the city street.

 Chapter 39 39: Crazy Woman

    Irish hadn''t often seen him dressed so casually. It was easy for her to imagine howfortable it would be to wear those clothes, even if it was on such a hot night. She remembered his suit jacket, and the soft and warm feeling was unforgettable for her. It was Armani, which was well-known for its wool, cashmere, silk, and mohair. Joseph, a man with high standards in work, also pursued the best quality of life. He would never be lost in taste.

    They talked for only a minute, as Joseph''s car arrived at the door quickly. He didn''t seem to be drunk since there was a smart and intelligent spark in his eyes. He left after shaking hands with them one by one again.

    Irish sat in her jeep and watched Joseph''s car leave. She raised her hands to massage her face when she realized it ached. She looked up and didn''t find anything. Sheid her arms on the steering wheel but still looked in the same direction. Maybe it was because of the dim night light, or maybe because she was still so surprised at running into a familiar face in such a big city she forgot that there were only two minutes from the deadline she had set with Leo.

    A car sped past her, and she regained her senses. After seeing the time, she felt the situation was terrible. As she was ready to start the engine, she found that Leo had drifted perfectly around the corner and cut her off.

    Leoughed loudly in the car and leaned against the car door with his whole body, waving his hand to her, "Sweetie, you know what, he whoughsstughs best. You''ve been beating me the entire way, but I''m going to win now, can you believe it?"

    Irish looked at the time, leaning her head out the window, "One and a half minutes left."

    "So what?" Leo smiled tteringly," You''re going to be with me for a lifetime. Only one and a half minutes is nothing to us."

    "Go away." She said, annoyed.

    "Am I so bad that you don''t want to be with me? You want to fight to thest minute?" Leo smiled an evil smile.

    "Last time to say it. Go away."

    "Be with me, okay?"

    This time, Irish didn''t say much to him but returned to the seat and started the engine. Her tires screeched against the pavement. As she stepped on the gas, the red jeep rushed towards the bright, gaudy Bentley like a strong horse without a rein.

    Leo suddenly felt frightened, and he rapidly started the car and turned it to the curb. The next second, Irish''s jeep whirred past where he had been a second before. A second dy would have caused a disaster.

    And he heard the words, "Admit defeat. If you want to pursue me, please be a bit more bold, okay?"

    That jeep was red as fire, and it could be seen even as it raced into traffic. He saw her arm reaching out of the window. She lifted her thumb and then turned it down.

    Leo watched this gesture as she disappeared into the night and smiled, "Crazy woman."

    As foretold by older generations, those who harm others will eventually damage themselves.

    Irish thought that she had just battled for defense, but retribution arrived quickly. After speeding so fast, her jeep started shaking like a patient with a sick cough. She couldn''t help but let out a whine for her suffering.<novelnext></novelnext>

    The air inside the car smelled awful, so Irish got out of it to breathe in the so-called fresh air. Even though the air she inhaled was the haze of car exhaust, it made her feel better, even though it seemed like her car was fully broken down.

    Cars drove past her but were forced to go slowly due to her nearly broken-down jeep. She nipped her waist, standing in front of her car by trying to be innocent. Her car had been very lively before, but now she had to tolerate its shorings. Eventually, those little shorings becamerge drawbacks.

    She felt that she had to appear to be busy and checked the problem by opening the hood. At least she could pretend that she was trying her best to fix the problem and ease the traffic jam that she had caused. It also got her out of traffic, where she''d be less likely to get hit.

    She didn''t know how to fix a car, but she could pretend to do so.

    A car honked, and she immediately made an apologetic gesture. She dared not to show annoyance to the other drivers since she knew that all of them who had been dyed would secretly want to kill her.

    She heard a care to a stop and the sound of a closing car door. The light aroma of wood apanied the figure that walked toward her, and she felt nervous.

    A familiar aroma belonged to a familiar man.

    Irish raised her head and met the man''s eyes. She was startled because she had thought he''d already left.

    Joseph stopped in front of her, looking at her and her car, and finally, he realized the reason why she stood on the side of the road. She could see a faint smile in the corners of his eyes.

    Her cheeks blushed, maybe because of embarrassment or maybe due to the hot night air. She noticed that he was ready to roll up his sleeves, so she rallied herself to prepare to stop him. However, he predicted this and just said, "Stay there."

    She stayed there perfectly still.

    Joseph rolled up his sleeves and probed the hood with his big hands. Irish covered her eyes, thankful that she didn''t have to deal with the greasy dirt.

    "Pass me the tool cab."

    "Huh?" Irish murmured, "I don''t have a��."

    Joseph didn''t speak and walked to the car door and started it. Then, something terrible happened. The whole car started to shudder like a patient with a severe cough. The chassis cracked, and as he stepped on the brakes, the whole car shook violently. Irish felt extremely frightened at the sight of this scene, and she was afraid that her jeep would explode.

    "Irish, how did you even manage to break your car?" After turning it off, Joseph got out and stared at her.

 Chapter 40 40: Are You Really Afraid Of Me?

    Eh...

    "The radiator seems to have been blown and needs to be checked if we had the tools. Most importantly, because you have been driving so recklessly, the engine block seems to be seriously damaged." Joseph took out several tissues and wiped his hands, "You have two choices, buy a new car, or rece your enginepletely."

    Irish knew both of these would cost a lot of money, and she cringed.

    "Push your car off the road to stop blocking traffic."

    "But I, I can''t��."

    Joseph stared at her and loosened his tie, "Did I say do it alone? Go on."

    "Ah?" Irish got his point and saw him walk around the car, so she got in the car to steer, greatly embarrassed.

    Looking through the rearview mirror, she saw him. His arms were strong, and she could see the top of his chest from his unbuttoned white shirt. She could only think of one word, "indomitable."

    They moved the car to the curb, and the traffic resumed its normal pace. Irish felt guilty and grabbed a bottle of water for him to wash his hands with.

    "Were you going home?" he asked, seeming both casual and serious.

    Irish nodded. She felt very tired from teaching lessons all day and then racing Leo.

    Without saying anything, Joseph reached for her face. Irish stepped back, feeling shocked, and looked up at him. He looked at her pleasantly.

    "Are you really that afraid of me? There is something on your face."

    She then realized that she had overthought the situation. She stood there, and Joseph walked forward. Seeing that she didn''t try to retreat, he stretched out his wet hands to gently wipe the dirt from beside her mouth. He couldn''t help but add, "Others might have thought you had been smelling gasoline."

    Irish thought it seemed like the scene at the beginning of an idol drama. The heroine is left alone, and the hero perfectly rises to the requirements. At first, Joseph was tall and handsome. What mattered even more, was his expression and mood at the moment. She believed that Joseph''s expression would be tender and soft in a viewer''s eyes, like a darkke below the night sky. Deep but gentle.

    She felt embarrassed and shy, with warmth rising up from her heart into her throat and finally to her cheeks. She thought she looked like the helpless heroine of an idol drama.

    She felt ufortable.

    Her lips were tainted with the smell of Joseph''s fingers. Maybe the heat also came from there. He withdrew his fingers casually and slowly. The light at night cast down upon his shoulders, as beautiful as a dream.

    As he looked at Irish''s petite figure and worried face, Joseph felt irrational. He moved his fingers once again slowly to her face and drew the outline of her lips with his thumb. Feeling the subtle tremble of her red lips, Joseph''s expression changed, and she saw a warm and tender look in his eyes.

    The two of them held still, and she raised her head, and he lowered his a little, staring into each other''s eyes. They seemed like motionless rocks standing on the curbside while the waves of vehicles never stopped flowing past them.

    Their breath mixed in the night air. He could feel her flowery breath, while she could feel the beat of his pulse in his warm palm, steady and powerful.

    A weird atmosphere was extending between them, and they could both feel it.

    Irish was enchanted by his charming mental aura, fresh and clear. She even thought that his eyes had a magic to them that sucked her soul away.

    It was not until a car honked at them.

    The noise shocked her back into reality.<novelnext></novelnext>

    She hastened to turn her face slightly and lower her hands. As for Joseph, though his eyes had regained their calm, a trace of disappointment could be found in his eyes.

    After throwing the empty water bottle into the trash can, Joseph stepped forward to his car, opened the door, and said, "Jump in the car."

    Impressed by this elegant movement in one breath, Irish blinked her eyes and stood there without moving. Seeing that, Joseph said, "Surely you don''t want to walk home or wait for the repairman to get here?"

    "But what if I get a ticket for it?" To his surprise, what she cared about was money.

    "Trust me, if you stay here, you will regret it more," Joseph said patiently.

    Irish looked at her car hesitantly, then turned to Joseph.

    "Be quick."

    She was so tired that she had to ept his advice and get in the car. He walked around the other side of the car and got in. The moment the car door closed, she felt that she was surrounded by a weird atmosphere again.

    "Where is your new ce?" Joseph didn''t start the car immediately and asked her indifferently.

    Surprised by his question, Irish stopped, then said, "Mr. Dover, do you have the capability to predict the future, or are you conducting research on me?"

    "If I wanted to investigate you, I would already know your new address."

    Irish stopped, feeling muddleheaded.

    After all, a person like him who wanted to attract her into his folds must have kept continuous contact with Tim. Perhaps it was Tim who told him that she had moved.

    After telling him her new address, he started his car immediately.

    They drove in silence.

    Compared with the chatterbox Leo, she realized silence was gold. She realized that Joseph hadn''t talked very much but acted swiftly and decisively from the moment he got out of his car to help her.

    Thinking of this, Irish couldn''t help butugh.

    Joseph was driving the car silently beside her. Then, catching her sudden smile, he asked, "Why are you smiling?"

    "Nothing."

    "Would you mind ying some music?" She decided to change to another topic.

    However, Joseph refused her directly. "I''m sorry. There isn''t any."

    "Huh?" Staring at him, Irish asked, "Do you really live that boring of a life?"

    "I don''t have time to think about music," Joseph said honestly.

 Chapter 41 41: Am I So Unbearable?

    After hearing this, Irish was ted since now she knew that he was not omnipotent. "Well, what a pity. I''ll bring some good music next time."

    "Do I need to pay for that?"

    "Eh? No, The music is free."

    "I mean, shall I pay for you?" He said with a rxed tone.

    When Irishprehended what he meant, she giggled at him and kept smiling, "Seriously? I once thought you didn''t know how to joke."

    "I''m just taking precautions and protecting my wallet." He slowed down and stopped at a red light, then turned to look at her and said, "After all, I''ve been ckmailed by you twice before. I am also a money-grubber."

    "Am I so unbearable?" Irish thought they needed to talk. "What''s more, it''s not my fault I''m a money-grubber. Is there any legal provision stipting it''s illegal to love money? And I always make money in an honest way, and it''s absolutely not extortion since I need to pay for my time. So how do we turn our time and effort into physical value? We can only measure it through money, so it''s reasonable to ask for payment from you. Do you know that time is priceless for a woman? And now I am at the age where I need to buy beautiful clothes and cosmetics to decorate myself. All these need money. So I am just creating a fair transaction. But you''ve described me, an honorable person, as an avaricious person."

    The light turned green as she finished her sentence. Joseph started the car with a silent smile on his face. "You''re really arguing a point to death."

    "You misunderstand me, I just think it would be good for you to listen to some music. It wouldn''t make you a musician, but it could help you avoid ridicule."

    "Okay, okay. I was wrong." He looked in a good mood and apologized to her unexpectedly. "I thought you were trying to figure out how to get the ticket money when you got in my car."

    "Do you think I am a stingy person? Moreover, my car over there may not actually get a ticket." Her sound suddenly turned soft, and her smile was full of cunning cheerfulness resonating with an ulterior motive. "Of course, it''s possible that I''ll get a ticket. Oh, what kind of music do you like? I can buy you a CD."

    She gave a long speech first and then made a perfect ending for it.

    Joseph had gotten her point, so when she finished herst tactful word, he quickly took out his wallet, "Anyways, leave me some money to fuel the car."

    The wallet was not garish, instead, it was ck and handcrafted out of calfskin, which conformed to his low-key characteristics. Irish''s eyes lit up when she saw arge amount of cash in it.

    "Well, as the old saying goes, No pain, no gain." After being polite, Irish began to estimate the amount in his wallet stealthily.

    Joseph grinned, "Just like you said, a genuine CD is expensive."

    "That''s true." Irish eagerly took the wallet and opened it. There was no fancy membership card in it, but it was ced with several credit cards. The center pocket of the wallet was filled with $100 bills.

    She did not need those foreign currencies but pulled out somerger notes from them with a bright smile hanging on her face. "I know a genuine music store, some of the music is even out of print. Don''t worry, I promise I''ll pick something good for you." Then she swayed those big notes in her hand and said, "I only charge 20% of the purchase fee, it''s a reasonable rate."

    "Em."

    Joseph began to spend his words as if every single word was a golden dragon. Irish didn''t intend to analyze his thoughts but put the bills in her wallet. When he slowed down, out of the corner of his eye, he saw that she was counting money like a rat who had abandoned herself to pleasure. Seeing that, he couldn''t help but smile.

    The night was getting tumultuous when they passed through Midtown, where the evening lights crossed through the shadow of the maidenhair tree. Joseph finally pulled the car up to her house.

    It was quiet there, which was in stark contrast with the bustling Midtown not far away, emphasizing the coziness of living here.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Where are you living?" He asked her with a little astonishment.

    "It''s not the best location in thismunity, but I got a bargain." Irish took her bag and said, "Do you want to visit my house and have a drink?"

    "Since you invited me, I would love to have a drink at your house." He said meaningfully with a smile.

    Irish suddenly stopped and exined to him hurriedly when she caught a prankish smile on his face. "I didn''t mean anything."

    She was afraid that he would misunderstand her intentions, so she added, "It is toote now, maybe I should invite you tomorrow."

    "Okay," Joseph was not going to embarrass her but showed a faint smile.

    Getting out of the car, Irish showed an innocent smile, "But I really appreciate you driving me home."

    Josephid his hands on the steering wheel while outside, the headlights of the car were interwoven with the darkness casting on his cheeks, making him look more leisurely. "I think I need a more sincere appreciation."

    She could understand the implication, and shrugging her shoulders, she said, "But I still wouldn''t ept your suggestion just because of your heroic behavior tonight. You shouldn''t look down upon me. I''ve said that I''m not interested in the Runestone Group. I''m afraid that you need to find someone more qualified."

    "You misunderstood me." Josephughed and said unexpectedly. "I just thought that now that you''ve ckmailed me with your genuine music, perhaps you need to give me a more "sincere" appreciation."

    Irish felt a little bit embarrassed and stopped for a while, then said, "It''s just a single hair out of nine ox hides for you."

    "Good night." Joseph smiled slightly and started the car. Then he added, "What''s more, you could be open and aboveboard next time you meet me at the restaurant. Don''t forget that we ate a midnight snack once, and it felt good."

    After finishing his sentence, he drove away.

    Irish was almost frozen, and it took her a long time to respond. "Hey!" She looked down and then shouted at the rear of the car. "Hey, your tie is still here!"

    *********************************************************************************************

    Dearest Lovies,

    Thank you so much for giving this novel a try. I prepared something bigger for this one, so stay tuned. Kindly follow my Instagram ount too, I posted several chapter previews and an amazing book trailer. My Instagram ount is @annashannellin.

    This is an exclusive work for WEBNOVEL taking part in the WSA2022.

    Sending you my warm hug!

    Anna Shannel Lin

 Chapter 42 42: Haven’t You Done Enough?

    It was nine o''clock at night, but the conference room was aze with light, and the streetlights were beginning to light up the streets below.

    Joseph sat upright in the chair, behind him was the glowing skyline of New York City. The light poured into the window, illuminating his grand figure.

    The senior executives, sitting on both sides of the conference room, were reporting work to him carefully and cautiously. All the staff in the Runestone Group knew how harsh and serious Joseph could be when it came to working. A minor mistake would cost an executive his bonus, while a bigger one would cost him his job entirely.

    Compared to their cautious attitudes, Joseph feltfortable and confident. The well-tailored silver-gray shirt he wore softened his grim expression, but he just sat unstoppable when he frowned.

    When the executives of the marketing and financial departments finished their reports, Joseph finally gave his response, with his slender fingers propping up his chin which was covered with a newly grown beard as if he was absorbed in his thoughts. "You''ve done a good job, especially with this 27% growth in the first quarter in America, when many foreign luxury brands are crowding into the market."

    The executives of the two departments wiped the sweat from their foreheads and were relieved. Hearing they did a "good job" from Joseph was the highest praise for them.

    "In the next three years, the Runestone Group is going to open 25-30 gship stores in America and will expand our investment in second and third-tier cities, so you have to notify the rted department to writeprehensive proposals to me."

    This caused whispers among the senior executives, and one of them demurred directly, "Mr. Dover, I think it''s better to expand into emerce channels at the next step. Now that many brands are trying to transform their marketing model, I think emerce is a good choice for us."

    Some showed agreement to this proposal, while others objected.

    Joseph listened to him quietly while picking up the teacup to taste his tea leisurely until he finished his suggestion. Putting down the cup, he said, "Tom, I''m really pleased that you''ve paid great attention to thetest financial news. But have you considered the feasibility of this approach before you speak?"

    His words embarrassed Tom. Tom stood there awkwardly.

    "The rapid development did bring hopes to many manufacturers of some famous brands, and the non-inventory mode of operation could indeed lead to lower operating costs; for example, our channel costs reached between 35%-40%, while the channel costs of emerce brands only reached 15%, but the benefits have blinded their eyes." His eyes were harsh and undaunted. "In America, the overall environment for online shopping has matured, but it still takes a long time to get used to this model for diamonds. The habit of online shopping for American consumers is gradually forming, but their sense of thrust to online sales is still low during this process. Therefore without offline experience and the support of perfect customer service, customers'' satisfaction rate would be lowered. If we want to dominate in the market, there is still a long road to strengthen our entities'' stores. And that''s what we are doing now. It''s unrealistic for us to cancel the entire entities'' stores and jump into a new venture channel at this period."

    Tom''s cold sweat slipped down along his forehead. Fortunately, Joseph didn''t call attention to it; instead, he turned to the manager of the marketing department and said, "I heard that Leo has taken some steps recently."

    "Yes." The manager looked shrewd. "We have got the most reliable information that it is Leo who organized a strike at the Blue Light Company, which just entered the American market and led to a decline in their sales performance. Mr. Dover, now I suspect that Leo is intending to meddle with Runestone. In addition, Leo''s high-end jewelry club also participated in the International Jewelry Show this time and ispeting with our newly listed jewelry."

    The Blue Light Company was a foreign jewelrypany in Ennd that had a strike as soon as entering the American market, causing controversy. Only Joseph remained calm and never suspected the precision of the information from their Runestone Group.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "What''s more, Mr. Dover, the Key Group also wants to keep a close watch on the diamond mine we are preparing to bid on. He must be crazy, and he wants to use diamonds to cut diamonds." said the manager in righteous indignation.

    Joseph just kept leisurely drinking his tea. "As the old saying goes: human beings die in pursuit of wealth, and birds die in pursuit of food. We need to watch out." The sharpness in the depth of his eyes was concealed in his thick eyshes. He then looked up at his assistant, "Make contact with thepanies in South Africa, and I''ll negotiate with them personally."

    "Okay, Mr. Dover."

    When the meeting was almost finished, the secretary of the administrative department came in and whispered to Joseph. His face suddenly grew quiet and somber.

    It was almost eleven o''clock at night when he drove back to his vi in the Hamptons. It was decorated well and was apanied by a beautiful yard, where the shadows of trees were dancing in the breeze. He ordered people to expand the underground area that was filled with many modern elements. A modern parking lot, gymnasium, swimming pool, and cinema were all on the property, underground. He drove directly to the parking lot. His eyebrows wrinkled when he saw the light on in the master bedroom window.

    Seeing Joseph return, Brenda let out a long sigh of relief, "Mr. Dover, you''re finally back."

    "Where is Ruby?"

    "She is drunk."

    This vi was the matrimonial home of Joseph and Ruby, but Ruby rarely came back to it. Somehow her temperament was greatly changed, and when she was drunk, she woulde back unexpectedly. That''s why Brenda had to call him back, again and again.

    Lifting his hands, he rubbed his sore forehead and closed his eyes. He looked exhausted.

    "Mr. Dover, Ruby looks very upset." Brenda was a little bit anxious, but she dared not urge him.

    After a long while, Joseph opened his eyes, stood up, and walked to the bedroom.

    He always slept in this royal bed in the bedroom, but at the moment, Ruby was lying across it, with her hair unkempt and her eyes full of tears. When Ruby saw him, she rushed out of bed and copsed into his arms.

    A strong smell of wine swept over him, and his forehead knotted in a frown. Stretching his hands, he pushed her away and stared at her, his eyes filled with harshness, "Ruby, haven''t you done enough?"

 Chapter 43 43: Do Me A Favor

    To be honest, Ruby was very beautiful.

    She was a delicate girl with arched eyebrows, fiery eyes, and long silky, curly hair while her small, pale face was bathed in tears. Her petite and plump body huddled up in Joseph''s arms like a wounded rabbit. However, Joseph didn''t show any love towards her at all.

    "Joseph," She looked up, so she could see him clearly. She said to him in an imploring tone, "Joseph, would you make love to me tonight? Please."

    Joseph stood there without movement, allowing her to hold him tightly while his eyes were filled with calmness.

    Ruby was stimted by his indifference, so she started taking off her clothes while her tears fell down to the floor. Joseph''s eyebrows wrinkled more tightly, and then he tried to stop her. But Ruby resisted him violently. She pulled her dress down, her smooth and white body suddenly exposed to the air.

    "Can you just help me? I''ve almost gone crazy. I thought that this was the only way I could forget him. Joseph, please. Do me a favor."

    Joseph hissed at her in a low voice, "Ruby, enough!"

    Compared with her hysteria, he was extremely calm, ordering her to stop. Perhaps it was his indifference that drove her crazy. Hearing hismand, her tears were suddenly frozen in her eyes, making her look like a crystal in ake. After a long while, she sobbed and said, "You are my husband, it''s natural that you should make love to me, isn''t it?"

    "I won''t do that."

    "Then who do you want to have sex with? Are those women around you or your secretaries?" She made some ironic remarks.

    He only said a few words without any response while his eyes looked severe, "It''s toote at night. Have a good rest."

    "Joseph!" Ruby called him when he was about to turn back. Seeing that he had stopped, she stepped forward and said, "I''m sorry. I shouldn''t say that to you. I just feel that I''m lost and don''t know what to do. You are my husband, but have you ever cared about me? Do you just not want to take care of me, or do you think that I''m disgusting?"

    "You misunderstood me, Ruby." At this moment, the helplessness and confusion in her eyes somehow reminded him of Irish, who walked quietly in the street earlier that day with her eyes full of sadness. Taking a deep breath, he then said to her softly, "I won''t do that to you. That was our agreement before getting married."

    Ruby was like a winged bird, thumping with herst breath and wanting to catch something while strong in will but weak in power. Her face looked paler, shaking her head, she said, "I repented. Joseph, I know it''s unfair for you, and maybe you think I''m selfish, but I want to give myself to you and make love to you tonight."

    "Ruby, I don''t want to do that." Joseph looked at her soberly and said to her word by word, "There are many methods to forget one person, but there is no need to adopt such an irrational approach. You are a good girl, so you need to understand that if you want to acquire love from others, you need to learn to love yourself first. It is unnecessary to give up yourself for others who are not worth loving."<novelnext></novelnext>

    Ruby stopped sobbing, staring at him with tears in her eyes, and said after a long while, "Joseph, you have never tried to love someone deeply, how could you understand my feelings?"

    He sighed slightly and handed some tissues to her while at the same time saying sincerely: "To be honest, I don''t know how tofort you, but we are independent, so there is no need to rely on somebody. It is true that I have never tried to love someone deeply and never have experienced the feeling of heartbreak. But someday, if I really fall in love with somebody, I promise I will tell you."

    "So shall I thank you for your kindness?" Ruby sobbed slightly.

    Joseph smiled and said, "That''s the way we get along with each other. You treat me frankly, so I need to do the same to you." He took her to bed and added, "Don''t drink any more tonight."

    Ruby closed her eyes tightly and opened them after a while, then nodded to him as if she had made a significant decision. Seeing that, Joseph turned warmer to her, "Good night."

    "Where are you going to sleep?" Ruby asked as he walked out of the room.

    "I''ll sleep in the guest room," he replied softly, closing the door softly behind him.

    ****

    Their three-day contract was being thought of, and Irish knew it was only Joseph''s wishful thinking. She had already expressed her thoughts clearly that night.

    The next two days flew by smoothly. Leo sent her jasmine flowers every day while Tim was busy. Cheska took a meditative attitude to her and the therapeutist ir was keen on his customers, but it still seemed that he got along with her far better than with his colleagues. Of course, there was something that happened to her. Like one of his students wooed her on Wechat, and Cassie told her of her quickly progressing rtionship with Fredrick.

    Three days were going by quickly. It seemed like nothing could be changed, but at the same time, Irish''s car was returned back to her after it had been repaired. Its shining appearance was even lovelier than before. However, Irish was astonished by the oue since she thought it would cost her a lot. Unexpectedly, someone had paid for it already. She thought it must be Joseph.

    Irish thought she could have three days of peace, but Tim''s idental intrusion caused a major change. From that moment, Irish''s fate was altered.

    But perhaps, it wasn''t just her fate that had been changed, but also Joseph''s. Or maybe there were other people who were affected by this.

    When the time came, Irish was giving an ideation treatment to a patient with an obsessivepulsive sleep disorder. The typical symptoms of this were to regard staying upte as a quotidian thing, and he wouldn''t fall asleep until he was extremely exhausted. Just like this patient, after a long day of work, she still forced herself to clean her bedroom until 3 or 4 o''clock in the morning. However, there was a fundamental difference still between obsessive sleeplessness and insomnia. While one was an obsession that the person would force themselves into, the other was just a failure to be able to fall asleep. Physical but psychological demands didn''t force the patients with an obsessivepulsive sleep disorder.

 Chapter 44 44: Don’t Think I’m Weak

    Irish intended to interrupt this patient''s obsession with shock technology. When she was timing rm clocks, Tim, who had always been a calm presence, just burst in abruptly and scared the patient she was working with. His intrusion could have acted as the role of the rm clock.

    Luckily, they had almost finished the treatment, so after exining this to the patient, he left quickly without saying anything. Irish handed a cup of coffee to Tim, somehow feeling ominous.

    Tim spoke to her with an anxious voice, "Doctor Irish, what did you say to Mr. Dover?"

    Astonished by his words, Irish rubbed her sore eyes and replied, "Tim, I don''t understand what you''re asking." The only thing she owed him was money, and obviously, she would mention that.

    "We''ve been looking for an investor for a long time to fund our research project, and Joseph had full intention of funding us since long ago, but now he''s suddenly said he needs to think about it."

    "But what does that have to do with me?" It did slightly remind her of something to do with a conversation she had in the office of the Runestone Group.

    Tim said with a sigh, "As a businessman and an investor, he said he has to think about the rate of return. Joseph said the professional attitude of one of our staff members isn''t serious, and he is worried that it would have a bad effect on our project."

    Irish was dumbfounded with amazement, then she pointed to herself and asked, "Is he talking about me?"

    Tim looked up at her with sympathetic eyes. She was burned by a wave of unnamed anger and felt like she would go mad. She clenched her teeth and said word by word, "Doesn''t he feel ashamed? Without me, would he have been out of the woods so easily? He mistook a healthy man for a mentally unstable one, and I''ve helped him in every way to achieve what he wanted."

    "Look, you''re saying bad things about him right in front of me. Doctor Irish, clearly, your attitude is an issue, and you should do some self-searching." Professor Tim looked up with a furrowed brow, "In spite of how you two feel about each other right now, now that Mr. Dover doubts your professionalism, you should try and make up for it. Irish, look, I think you should have a talk with him."

    "Me? Talk with him? Is it my fault whether he decides to invest or not? There are millions of investors in the world, why does it have to be him?"

    "What you''re saying isn''t wrong, and there are more investors, of course. But I''m getting old, and how many years must I keep waiting to demean myself to find the sponsorship in order to do my research?" Professor Tim persuaded her patiently, "What''s more, you caused this, and you should take responsibility."

    Seeing how anxious he looked, Irish felt ufortable. Professor Tim was arrogant, the same as Fredrick, but to fund his research, he had to keep control of that. She knew that this research required arge amount of money, and any trouble would cost his life''s efforts. She thought about Fredrick again, which touched her. She promised that because of him, she would help Professor Tim in any way she knew how.

    She sighed deeply, and her heart felt heavy.

    Irish was not willing to use the saying, "A nobleman keeps his promises," to Joseph. But, because he was such a ruthless businessman, who clearly stabbed her in the back and created the problem around her now, finally, his words made sense, "I''ll speak to you at the office three days from now."

    She thought it didn''t matter, everything would go back to normal after three days. But when the sun set on the third day and she thought it would be peaceful, Joseph finally got involved.

    Irish washed her face in the restroom, and the cool water helped her headaches. She took a tissue and rubbed her face hard. The unpleasant feeling about Joseph showed in her eyebrows. She took out her cellphone. Because of how she angrily pressed the keys, her fingers were sore. She was very anxious, wanting tosh out at this man who forced her to do things she did not want to do.<novelnext></novelnext>

    He quickly picked up the phone. Joseph should be at the office where the surrounding area was quiet, even his voice was so clean and silent, "I''m too busy to remember sending you the number to thepany."

    This was the first sentence he burst out. It sounded easy and natural, like an old friend who invited her over for tea and a chat. His calmness and steadiness made her want to curse him.

    She bit her lip very hard and loosened it after she realized it had be numb, "The famous Runestone Group, whose address is clearly on Google, I''m so sorry to bother you."

    The man smiled deeply, "Come to my office."

    "Why do I hear the voice of a man who is boasting and showing off?" Irish stared at herself while she said this.

    "It appears the pressure from Professor Tim made you ufortable."

    "I must correct you. It''s your pressure." Irish said directly.

    "Oh?" Joseph sounded indifferent, "If that''s the case, we can talk about the other matters when we see each other."

    "Other things?" Irish smiled coldly. "If you wanted to say thank you, I would not ept. After all, I didn''t ask you to pay for those additional fees."

    Joseph seemed to notice her sarcasm, "Psychological doctors have amonality, they are all opinionated. I don''t want to talk about the additional fees I paid."

    "Then there''s nothing to talk about."

    "Who says that?" His voice was light and cool, "My tie still at your ce?"

    Irish was nearly breathless, she gnashed her teeth after hanging up. Joseph was calm and gathered, but he didn''t follow the regr banter. This man seemed good at surprising you rather than a direct attack. He could easily change danger into safety. This was a strength for him, but it forced her to feel empathetic.

    She looked at herself in the mirror again, slightly squinting, then her persistent will shed.

    "Joseph, wait and see! Don''t think I''m weak! I''ll see what you will do tonight!"

 Chapter 45 45: I’m Giving This Back

    When Joseph finished his meeting, it was 8:00 PM, and his assistant followed him while reporting his schedule for the following day. As soon as he opened the door to his office, he stopped walking and slightly lifted his hand to interrupt the assistant.

    They were slightly shocked and looked in the direction Joseph was looking, finding a woman lying on the ck sofa beside the floor window, she appeared to be falling asleep. The assistant was speechless. Why would this woman break into the office of a general manager? He turned around to call security but paid attention to Mr. Dover''s deliberately depressed voice, "Put the schedule on the desk, and you have the rest of the day off."

    The assistant hesitated, then nodded.

    Tempered ss obscured the neon and noise from the window. The lights were not turned on in the office, but the street lights sshed with color. Irish''s face shone in the evening.

    She quietlyid on the sofa, her soft, long hair looked like seaweed. Sometimes the shadows of cars swept past, like waves in the ocean making shapes on her. Joseph didn''t wake her up but instead chose to sit beside her and stare at her quietly, his shadow covering her uppletely.

    At this moment, the office fell into an unspeakable silence. Irish looked like a quiet cat, normally very fierce but calm in her sleepiness. The faint light fell on her longshes, which seemed to be unable to hold their own weight, and she shivered. Seeing that, Joseph suddenly thought about a butterfly''s wings, beautiful but fragile.

    A strand of long hair hung down her chest, setting off her snow-white skin. He really wanted to reach out and twirl his finger around her hair. Although perhaps because of the air conditioner, the strand felt slightly cold, he was moved by this.

    Asleep on the sofa, she looked affected. She shifted her posture, and the hair he had in his fingers fell.

    Looking at her, he couldn''t resist smiling and touching her furrowed brow. Irish seemed to feelforted, and she nuzzled her cheek childishly and hummed subconsciously.

    Perhaps it was a beautiful night, but he felt moved by this. His fingers turned and fell on her lips, her soft skin made his heart tender. Seeing this, he gradually bent over and ced his lips close to her nose, he even felt her warm fragrant breath. Her charming lips tempted him to lower his head.

    The breath stirred the thin air between their lips. Suddenly, a neon light shed just as he was about to kiss her lips, he suddenly froze and looked at the woman in his arms whose eyes were still closed, and he sat straight up again.

    He suppressed the unreasonable attraction, he was stubborn. He mocked himself. When Irish finally opened her eyes, she forgot where she was. She smelt familiar masculine wooden air and the slight smell of tobo. As she lowered her head, she saw a man''s coat which she hadn''t realized had been ced on her. Her heart fluttered, she lifted her eyes and nced up at the man beside the office table.

    Joseph appeared to be looking through a document, concentrated and serious, and only a faint light fell, which incidentally traced the outline of his cheeks, his straight nose, slightly closed lips, and square chin. Everything about him seemed impable.

    It was said that men were the most charming under two conditions, one was when he spent money on a woman, and the other was when he concentrated on work. She was lucky to have seen both of these in Joseph.

    To be honest, he was very attractive while he was working. His eyes looked assured and steady. But she didn''t understand why a man so thoughtful and sessful found only fault with her?<novelnext></novelnext>

    Thinking about that, she couldn''t resist sighing and calling his attention. The office was too quiet, only the clock and page-turning could be heard. After hearing this sound, he raised his head to look at her, "Have you woken up?"

    His voice sounded nice on such a lonely night.

    "Mm-hmm." Irish was afraid of his voice, especially in this strange setting. She looked out the window, thinking it was maybete and they were maybe the only two left in the building.

    "Your meeting took long enough." On the surface, she sounded tough, but she was actually just annoyed at herself for falling asleep there. She was really tired. The secretary had taken her in and then went back to doing her other business, so the quiet environment made her sleepy.

    "Sorry," Joseph apologized fictitiously. "If you''re that tired, you can sleep in my lounge."

    "No thanks, I think we''d better get on to business."

    "Then��"

    "Oh, what were we talking about before?" She interrupted him, turned over his satchel, and took out his tie from inside. "Here you are. I''m giving this back. I don''t need this because it was you who hung it on my neck."

    As soon as she left work today, she raced home to get his tie, then was stuck in a traffic jam on the way to the Runestone Group. It had been a long day.

    Seeing that, he reached out his hand for it.

    Irish rolled her eyes, thinking his temper was big enough to be a young brat. She clenched the tie and subconsciously moved forward, first looking at his palm. His hands were veryrge, his fingers long and bony, and even his palm print was profound. For example, the work line, which ran from the lifeline to the ring finger, had a very long stroke, which meant he had a very strong fighting power in his career. He worked and would forget to sleep or eat but treated other people harshly and coldly, which inevitably led to misunderstandings.

    In other words, he was the kind of person who was so hard to talk to and get along with because he was extremely principled.

    Irish handed the tie over to him, but he immediately took it with one finger, then frowned. "Would you not have given it back if you were angry?"

    Irish fixed her eyes on it and felt embarrassed. His tie was already crumpled. Her eyes turned to him, she rushed over to him and hung it straight around his neck, with great ttery, said, "Well, it''s nighttime now anyway, who''s watching? Put it on and press it hard, and the creases shoulde out?"

 Chapter 46 46: How Shrewd He Was

    At the same time, with a smile, she had tied the necktie around his neck at super speed. Joseph wore only a thin silver-gray shirt without a tie that day, making it easier for her. He sat there motionlessly, letting her bully him. For a moment, he caught a scent, and her long hair poured over his chest. Even though the cloth, he could feel the slight coolness of her touch.

    Having no idea what he really thought, Irish''s eyes and hands fell on his tie, thinking about how to save the unfavorable situation, and pressed the plea out, then her attitude became good. "Look, you helped me push the car and then paid for it to be repaired, which is very kind of you. I''ve been waiting for you for a long time today, but you''ve also been waiting for me to wake up. I''ve fixed your tie now, so we''re even."

    "Just tie a necktie?" Joseph thought this was funny and annoying. "I am a psychiatrist and need to be paid every minute. Mr. Dover, you''re the manager of this billion-dor business empire, but my time is not cheappared to you. Don''t be unreasonable." Irish showed such elegance that it would put awyer to shame.

    Her hair fluttered gently across his chest, he couldn''t help but reach for her hand, and for a moment, he felt the urge to pull her in, but his reason prevailed.

    "Don''t worry, I don''t intend to be paid back for that." He said quietly, pulling as far away as possible.

    He admitted he was no saint. He was an ordinary man, and it was true that he couldn''t help but think of many other things to do with such a beautiful woman on such a quiet night.

    Hearing these words, she breathed out slowly and hurried away from him with a smile, "I have said that you wouldn''t oppressmon people without some ammo."

    "It seems like something meaningful from you, though." How shrewd he was! He leaned against the back of his chair and stared at her with a smile, ying with a pen. He knew that she was not an aimless woman, and it wasn''t true, of course, that having his tie back would pay for everything.

    Irish held back a smile. It wasn''t relevant to talk in such a grand way when it came to this. She pulled the chair across from him and sat down, looking directly at him, and said, "In this age, forcing people to do unwanted things is looked down upon. I''ve told you, and there is no need for you topel me with threats."

    "If a businessman wants to seed, he must have the ability to make the impossible possible. It''s like investing in a person, and it''s not impossible to take that initiative when necessary." Joseph said slowly. "The process of striving for it is reckless. It''s unpleasant to hear that someone would force another, but it''s also something that''s important."

    "I just want to know, if I really refuse your invitation, is Professor Tim''s research funding scrapped?" Irish went straight to the matter.

    "Yes." He replied even more bluntly. Irish stared at his face, and fire rushed into her throat. "So why would you give him hope at all in the first ce?"

    Joseph''s lips seemed to have no trace of a smile, and his long, tall body leaned forward, his eyes burning. "Doctor Irish, I only need you to understand that I am a businessman who only cares about business. So it''s absolutely impossible for me to put human or financial resources on people I have no use for."

    "A good line, so could I describe this kind of business as the kind that would be used by a merchant?" Her fingers were slightly clenched, and her nails nearly sunk into her own palms. She kept telling herself to remain calm, at least not to make him look smugger than he did already.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Joseph looked at her, "If you''d like, you could describe me as such."

    Irish''s eyes met his, her lips tightened, and her brain was racing to find a spot that might defeat him. Unfortunately, he was good at resolving almost anything, and she did well, but he used soft power to defeat her, which was like a piece of cake for him.

    For a moment, the atmosphere of the office tightened, and neither said anything, but the amount ofpetition in the air increased as well. Until...

    "You''re really still in the office, Joseph."

    Like spring water, a voicepletely broke down the quietness, delicate and vivid to hear. But the sound was so familiar that Irish turned around to take a look.

    At first nce, she looked as pure as a fresh grad student, with a clean white lotus dress and skin as pale as Snow White. She was holding an old man, but the original smile faded when she saw Irish turn her head. The old man was also surprised when he saw her there.

    "Chairman, Ruby?" Rising up, Joseph was a little startled. But Irish turned her face again without changing her expression.

    Standing at the door, Henry Lake didn''t speak, but Ruby went forward. She was a little hesitant when passing Irish and then smiled at Joseph, "I apanied my father to y golf, and he mentioned we had not all eaten together in a long time, so we came up here to see if you''d like to."

    Finishing these words, Ruby took a look at Irish, who wanted to say something but stopped herself.

    Joseph didn''t see theme in. Henry walked in and sighed, "It''s time for us to sit down and have a meal."

    His voice was unusually heavy, but it wasn''t about Joseph. His gaze fell directly on Irish, and Joseph saw that clearly. There was helplessness, hesitation, and even a touch of guilt in his eyes.

    Ruby looked slightly embarrassed. Joseph was uneasy, but then he saw Irish stand up and take the satchel as if nothing had happened. Her eyes only looked at Joseph, and she said in a calm manner, "Mr. Dover, it''ste now, and I think we should discuss this another time." She didn''t wait for his answer and prepared to turn and leave.

    "Irish," It was Henry Lake. His voice was heard slightly trembling. His voice made Joseph frown slightly, and his eyes turned dark, but he continued to watch without a word. Irish stopped, looking back at Henry with calm eyes, "Do not say my name."

 Chapter 47 47: I Don’t Listen To Gossip

    Henry was shaking. Seeing that, Ruby hurried to support him, looking at Irish, her eyes were anxious. "Irish, could you not be angry with my dad anymore?"

    Ruby''s words didn''t only change Irish''s face but made Joseph appear surprised. He measured Irish silently again.

    Irish sneered, "He''s your father! You''re way out of my league!"

    "Irish, how many years have passed? You''re still so cold to us? Dad''s been missing you." Having said this, Ruby also sensed that her tone was anxious, she cleared her throat and whispered, "After all, we are family. Father also wants the whole family to be reunited very much. Since you''re here today already, let''s have dinner with Dad."

    "Oh, Joseph, I guess I haven''t mentioned it before. Irish and I are sisters." Ruby, afraid that Joseph had misunderstood, looked at Irish, "Irish, I''m married. Joseph here is your brother-inw."

    When Irish heard this, her heart leaped, and for a moment, she could say nothing. A few images shed through her mind, from the first time she saw him to waking up here so early in the morning.

    It was her carelessness, how could she think he was so excellent. The so-called "couple" was talking about her in front of her. He was handsome, steady, and able, and she was as beautiful as a flower. She should have assumed earlier that he could be married to anybody he liked.

    Joseph also looked at Irish, but his expression was reserved, as usual, his deep eyes seemed peaceful. Ruby saw the two of them and didn''t seem to know what was fully going on. She thought for a while, then took the initiative to touch Irish''s hand, and said gently, "Irish, Dad is getting old. When will you make peace?"

    Irish looked at Henry, whose smile deepened, but her smile was cold.

    This expression mirrored Henry, and his unhappiness showed in his eyebrows, "You''ve been wild for all these years, and that''s enough. You should go home! Even if you hate me as your father, your blood belongs in our family!"

    "I thought I had the blood of the Lake family. At least when I was very young, my mother told me my father was the most famous Henry Lake! I really believed that, I was so proud! Unfortunately, the year my mother died, I began to suspect, if you, Henry, really were my father, how could you ever be so cruel to us?" Irish shrugged away from Ruby''s touch, looking directly at Henry with cold eyes, and her appearance was different from usual. Colder.

    "I''m sorry about your mother''s death too. Did I want your mother to die? She was so stubborn that she had to take you and run away from home! Was I not angry? Did I want my daughter to leave and take someone else''s name?" Henry was trembling with anger.

    Irish''s face was cold, and she smiled hearing this, "Well,...so my mom decided to live her life on her own terms? You would have to thank her, if she didn''t leave, then how could she have the position she did? If I were still in the Lake house, would the daughter of a bitch still be able to enjoy the title of "daughter of Lake" in a state of peace?"

    Herst sentence fell hard on them, and she looked directly at Ruby, whose eyes were cold as ice. Then her face changed.

    "You''re presuming!" Henry''s hand pped down on the table. "She''s your sister. Would you be so educated in your family?"<novelnext></novelnext>

    "I''m a wild girl, and the education I got was in a wild way! My family is not worth mentioning inparison with yours. It''s notparable at all." Irish''s fingers clenched tightly, "So I''m not qualified and lucky enough to eat with your family members, goodbye!"

    "You..." Ruby grasped her hand again, pleading, "Don''t do this, can''t you be nice to your own family? Joseph-" She was ready to ask Joseph for help. But before he coulde forward, Irish was in Ruby''s face, "You better let go of me, or I''ll rip you apart in the next two seconds!"

    Ruby was shocked and let her go straight away.

    Irish coldly nced at Henry, swept through Joseph, and left the office without looking back.

    Henry was extremely angry and fell onto the sofa with a crooked body, and Ruby rushed up to the front to pacify him. Only Joseph kept silent the whole time, looking in the direction Irish had left and thinking hard about something.

    In the twinkle of an eye, it was another weekend, and the weather was getting hotter. The sycamores outside the window were already thick with branches and leaves, and the cicadas began to stir in the hot air.

    Cassie sat on the sofa, her foot on the glossy tea table, slowly applying nail polish to her toenails. The clean color offset her feet. With a dish of chopped-up watermelon beside her, Irish sat down next to her, "Hey, are you here for a visit or to use up all my nail polish?"

    "Isn''t that what best friends are for? You said you wouldn''t go shopping this weekend, so I had toe here to keep youpany." Cassie''s eyes twinkled at Irish. "Besides, you have an air conditioner, it''s cool enough, my nail polish will dry fast."

    Immediately Cassie started to grumble about Fredrick, that he was too busy with his work and ignored her. She talked about it non-stop. While listening to herints, Irish smiled at her quietly without making ament.

    She quickly dried her toenails, shaking her feet in the cold air, and said, "Well, anyway, I have some gossip to share with you."

    "I don''t listen to gossip." Irish wasn''t interested.

    "It''s really, very big news," Cassie said mysteriously. "I just got the news before I left work yesterday. It turns out that our manager has a really sketchy background."

    Irish''s hand paused for a moment while holding a piece of watermelon. She said indifferently, "It''s natural that he has aplex background."

    "I heard that the Runestone Group belongs to their two families while a part of the stock belongs to Dover''s family. I thought he was a general manager employed from the outside. Now it turns out that he''s been working for his ownpany." Cassie fanned her toes with her hands and said, "Do you know he''s also the son-inw of Henry Lake?"

 Chapter 48 48: Am I A Fragile Person?

    She sat there quietly, didn''t answer, and just ate her watermelon.

    "Hey, I''m talking to you." Cassie hit her slightly with her elbow.

    "Oh yeah, I also got this news not long ago." Irish said absently and then added, "This watermelon isn''t very sweet."

    Picking up the te, Irish was about to throw the watermelon away. Cassie grasped it quickly, "Don''t waste anything." Then she took a bite, "It tastes sweet. Have you lost your sense of taste?" After finishing her words, she went back to the topic, "I didn''t expect that he would be married to Ruby Lake. He must have been blessed by God. I hear that she is very beautiful and very modest. She''s like a timid and lovable puppy."

    "Have you seen her before?"

    "I haven''t had any chance to see her since I just started working with thispany." Cassie wiped her hand and said, "I heard from the older staff that she doesn''t know much about business, so she rarelyes to thepany at all. It''s lucky that she''s married to Joseph; otherwise, who would help her run her family''s business?"

    Irish snorted, "Don''t you know they have a butler?"

    "You mean Roy?" Cassie raised her eyebrows, "You must be joking. He''s the only son of Henry, but everyone knows he''s actually just the butler, basically. What a pity for the Lake family since Ruby doesn''t seem to know what she''s doing with the business side. If they were capable, Henry wouldn''t have had to hand the business over to Joseph."

    Irish sneered and thought that their property wouldn''t have fallen into another''s hands if they hadn''t done so many wicked things. Though she didn''t know the real rtionship between Lake and Dover''s family, she didn''t trust that Joseph mustn''t have any selfish motives. He absolutely wouldn''t let them ce themselves above him since he''s such a proud and arrogant person. But she didn''t make anyments about that.

    If that happened someday, then it must be up to the Lake family to make it right. They invited a wolf into their house and finally would be eaten by the wolf. She would look forward to that day.

    Cassie suddenly remembered something and said while holding Irish by the arm, "Well, you were in close contact with him while this all was happening. Tell me, do you think you''ll start things up again with him?"

    "Which man?" Irish pretended not to have any idea who she was talking about.

    "You know who I''m talking about." She pouted, then tapped Irish''s head with her fingers.

    Allowing Cassie to poke her on the head, Irish said, "I''ve told you many times that we are just friends, so no more of that. You just said that he''s happily married and doesn''t wish to interrupt that."

    "Luckily, your conscience is still strong." Cassieughed and held her. "If Joseph were still a single man, I would match the two of you up. Seriously, he''s brilliant. What a pity that he''s already married. But don''t worry, now that we have been together for so long and you''re my best friend, I promise that you won''t spend your life lonely and won''t let that happen. I will find a good man for you."<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Thanks, but I don''t need one." Irish got goosebumps.

    Cassie looked at her with a severe expression, "Honey, you need to move forward, and you deserve a better man. I know there is a knot in your heart, but you need to learn to let things go. You''ve got to get married someday, right?" She didn''t mention Adam''s name, fearing it would provoke her.

    But Irish smiled and said, "Am I a fragile person? I just don''t want to fall in love with anyone at the moment. So don''t worry about me."

    "Nonsense, I wouldn''t worry about it if you''re not my best friend." Cassie pretended to be angry.

    Irish grinned and held her tightly, "Do you know that nowadays people are more interested in tribade since they are purer? It''s not too bad if you would be my soulmate for the rest of my life."

    Cassie got goosebumps and pushed her away, "People always say that doctors can not cure themselves. You may help your patients, but you should see a specialist about that."

    Irish was enjoying herself too much to argue.

    ****

    The summer night was light and made the city glow. When she was woken up by the familiar sound and the music, she saw the shadow of a car sweep by her window. Irish got up with sweat dripping off of her forehead, it was ufortable. Looking at her watch, she found that it was the same time as always. Though she felt tired, somehow, her sleepiness disappeared quickly. She walked into the bathroom barefoot and began to take a shower. The pale yellow light in the bathroom was intertwined with water drops, enveloping her enchanting body. She stood under the shower, tilting her head to let the cool water flow against her cheeks. Gradually, the familiar music finally left her brain.

    The water was slightly down along her long hair, and it looked like seaweed, glossy and silky under the water.

    At this moment, memories poured into her mind.

    At least, it reminded her of many things that had happened a long time ago. All of these things gradually formed a picture, the edges of which were sharp. Those pictures has been a big pain for her. It really hurt, and she could almost feel it. It was an old yellow picture in which her mother was lying on the hospital bed and holding a man''s photo while she cuddled up beside her mother helplessly. Their tears wet the photo. She saw that her mother''s beautiful face withered away like a dead flower. The man in the photo never came back.

    Her mother had been waiting for the man until her hands slowly slipped down from her cheeks. The photo in her hands flew away, and at that moment, Irish thought she could smell blood. She saw that her uncle and aunt were crying, and her brother Jay held her hands tightly as if he was trying tofort her with his small hands.

    Had she been crying that time? She turned the shower off but couldn''t stop trembling. The mist covered therge floor mirror. She reached out gently and brushed off the water. A pale and scared face looked back at her. Her face was also pale when she knew her mother had passed away. She felt her blood had been sucked out. A chill struck her, and she felt as if she was in an icebox since her fingers were cold.

 Chapter 49 49: Is He Your Boyfriend?

    She didn''t cry, but she did pass out. From that day, her uncle told her that from now on, she had nothing to do with the Lake family. And Irish had told herself that one day, she would get even with them.

    Facing the mirror, Irish burst into tears. Until now, she couldn''t understand why her mother would fall in love with a man so cold-blooded.

    Even if he brutally hurt her, she still looked at this photo until her dying breath.

    It was Henry Lake.

    She closed her eyes, and Irish wiped her tears away. That horrible man didn''t deserve her love. When she returned to the bedroom, there was only endless loneliness there. Standing before the window, she could see the busy street. This city had never been lonely because loneliness always belonged to the people there.

    Irish rubbed her forehead, and a dull pain began to throw in her heart. She took a deep breath, and finally, the pain went away.

    Suddenly her phone rang, she found it was a message from Fredrick.

    It seemed to be a habit of his when he knew she woke up at this exact time, he would send her a message. Sometimes she would sleep through the night and delete the message in the morning. The message was nothing more than a greeting, and she never called Fredrick.

    However, she saw his message tonight, and she felt so lonely and yearned for the voice that would encourage her.

    It was so quiet tonight that she decided to call. She regretted it the second she did and hung up, she thought she must be going crazy.

    Suddenly, a picture shed in her mind, Cassie smiled at her, holding her arms, and said like a spoiled child, "You''re my best friend in this world."

    She felt a dull pain in her heart.

    But soon her phone rang, and she answered.

    "Irish, you''re still awake," Fredrick said with a low and deep voice that was full of soothing power.

    Though she was annoyed by her own behavior, she didn''t need to hang up again. She sighed and slightly huddled in her quilt, "It''s still the familiar sound and music that wakes me up."

    After a few seconds of silence, Fredrick said again, "You try to think about it carefully, is there anything else you''ve seen or heard in your dream?"

    "No, I didn''t even have a dream. There were only the sounds and music. Fredrick, now I suspect I may have lost some of my memories."

    "Your memory has always been good. Have you tried to figure out which memories you''re missing?" Her words had caught his attention.

    Shaking her head, Irish said, "I''ve tried to recall my memory, but I haven''t found any gaps. You know that I can still remember things even before the age of 3."

    "I know." Fredrick answered with a soft voice, then added, "But Irish, I still advise you to get hypnotherapy, it may help you."

    "I''ve done that before."<novelnext></novelnext>

    "I mean, let me do this for you personally this time. I know you''ve tried it before, but your defense mentality is too strong, so it failed."

    Irish hesitated for a while, then said, "Well, we can talk about it when youe back."

    "I cane back soon..."

    "No, you need to finish your work. I''ve been sick for many years, so I can wait for a few more until you''re back. I''m going to try and sort out some clues about the music. To be honest, I''m a psychologist, I''m not used to being treated by others."

    Fredrick knew she was trying to avoid something and his spirit felt weak since he was so far away from her. "All right. Wait for me."

    She nodded, and they chatted for a while, then hung up.

    Flowers were in full bloom in summer. The campus was enveloped by the atmosphere of love and decorated with the youth of the students. It was herst ss this semester, and final exams, as well as the summer holiday, were quickly approaching.

    Maybe it was because thest lecture was too boring, but her humorous lectures attracted many students. Or maybe it was because she would introduce many vivid examples to those students, which broadened their thought. However, thest but not least reason was that Irish''s beauty attracted those students.

    So when she finished thest ss, all the students apuded her, which gave her a real feeling of being proud. Though she had refused some students'' invitations, some were still bold enough to invite her out for a meal. She smiled and declined the offers.

    When she was finishing up and gathering her belongings, a girl rushed into her ssroom with eyes kindled with joy, "Miss Irish, a man, a handsome man, is waiting for you outside."

    "A handsome man, really?" Irish took a sip of water and thought it must be Jay. She felt pleasant when she thought Jay''s handsome appearance caused excitement among girls.

    "Yes, he is really handsome, and so is his car." The girl said excitedly, "He drives a luxury car. It''s a Rolls-Royce!"

    She almost sprayed a mouthful of water on the girl''s face.

    A Rolls-Royce? Jay couldn''t afford it.

    "Miss Irish, who is he? Is he your boyfriend?" Other students were also curious about it.

    Irish rushed out of the ssroom before the girl could finish speaking.

    As expected, a luxury car was parked beside the flower terrace near the school building. She used to sit in this car any time she was in a bad mood.

    Besides thewn, students in groups of three or four all peered at the car. The car''s streamlined body was extremely smooth, and its Spirit of Ecstasy logo was shining under the sunlight, which beamed down on the road ahead arrogantly.

    A light sshed into Irish''s eyes; she couldn''t tell if it was the shining logo or the ring sunlight. She squinted to see many students admiring the car.

    Just as the girl said, the owner of the car was indeed a handsome guy. He was dressed casually without a tie: a white shirt without neat cufflinks and simple gray trousers. On his wrist, there was only a ssic dark mechanical watch. He stood there with his hands crossed and leaned on the car. His handsome appearance and tall figure caught people''s attention, let alone his luxurious car and clothes.

 Chapter 50 50: Are You Crazy?

    Irish sighed heavily, he came here for her today, and she could imagine how hard it would be for her to get rid of him next.

    She was going to turn around and avoid him, but he stared at her through the crowd. It was impossible to avoid him. And obviously, he was well prepared this time; otherwise, he wouldn''t let the girl deliver a message to her.

    Taking a deep breath, she stepped forward calmly. Joseph still stood there without moving, with a faint smile on his face.

    "Mr. Dover, are you interested in investigating a certain association in this university?" Irish asked him patiently.

    Joseph answered directly, "I came here for you."

    "You shouldn''te here if you want to hear a story," Irish frowned.

    ? "I''m not interested in your story."

    "Absolutely, it''s really not worth talking about old-fashioned conversations." Irish began to pace to and fro impatiently and said, "You understand that it''s impossible for me to work at Runestone Group."

    "It''s not your first day in society. Can''t you tell the difference between work and private life?" Joseph said seriously. Then added, "Of course, you can also just let Fredrick''s father''s work end up nothing."

    Irish looked up at him speechlessly. It was so weird that Fredrick''s name was spoken by him.

    "You dare not offend me openly since you love him, right?" He pierced the truth with a single pertinent remark.

    "Who told you that I love him? Nonsense."

    His word was like a sting fuse that ignited a bomb buried in her heart. She was destroyed by the explosion.

    Joseph looked at her quietly as if he was watching a clumsy performance.

    "Well, I apologize for what I just said." He was as cool as a cucumber and, after a long while, suggested, "Maybe we can go drink a coffee and then have a talk."

    "Sorry, I''m busy, and I have no time to talk with you."

    His sharp words and deliberate indifference were like a hammer that knocked out a corner of her heart. He was like a thief who peeped at her secrets with his sharp eyes. How could he peep at her thoughts so deliberately? He just disclosed her secret that had been hidden cautiously for many years, and now she had nowhere to hide it.

    Irish left angrily while Joseph just kept standing in silence.

    When Irish turned her car out of the parking lot and was about to drive home, Joseph stopped his Rolls-Royce before her soundlessly and blocked her way.

    "Why are you still here?" Irish was irritated by his behavior and turned the steering wheel, and soon her car sped out of the campus.

    Inside the car, Joseph smiled lightly after seeing her car drive away.

    From Manhattan to Brooklyn, Irish picked a route that was suitable for her escape but, at the same time, also inconvenient for Joseph to catch up to her. His Rolls-Royce obviously had a better performance than her Jeep. At the thought of this, she couldn''t help being angry with him. She must have fallen on evil days this year since all of them tried to humiliate her.

    Irish was always in a favorable position when having an automobile race with Leo or Joseph because she was born in New York and was familiar with every road here. Though the roads had undergone tremendous changes in the past few years, she still knew theyout perfectly.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Because of this knowledge, she soon escapes Joseph.

    Breathing a sigh of relief and looking up at the signpost, Irish was about to head onto the Ring Road. Unexpectedly, when she had just pulled out of the side street, Joseph''s car showed up before her and blocked her way out.

    There was no way back up, and she had to drive forward. Staring at Joseph''s car, Irish honked at him several times.

    But Joseph didn''t move his car, and instead, he opened his door and walked out of it. Stepping forward to Irish and leaning on her car leisurely, Joseph took out a cigarette and lit it, then took a drag and exhaled the smoke.

    Behind the white smoke, he smiled at Irish, who hid behind the windshield. However, his smile reminded Irish that he was teasing her, just like a cat ying with a tiny mouse.

    "Come out!" Protruding her head from the window, Irish looked at the man in front of her impatiently.

    "Come out of the car," Joseph said again.

    The irritation in Irish''s eyes was even stronger. "I''ll say it for thest time. Come out!"

    Joseph took smoke and said with a calm voice, "Come out of the car."

    Irish didn''t want to talk nonsense with him and started her car directly. Then, stepping on the throttle, the car rushed to him. She didn''t believe that he would stand there without moving.

    However, she was wrong.

    At least he didn''t move when she started the car, he still leaned in front of it, perfectly still.

    And even when the car rushed to him, he still stood there motionlessly.

    So she had to turn the steering wheel when her red Jeep was about to dash against him. The car was like a donkey whose head had been forced to turn in another direction and stopped just before hitting his luxurious car.

    Getting out of the car angrily, Irish mmed the door and stepped forward to Joseph. "Are you crazy?" she said through gritted teeth.

    Joseph snuffed the cigarette slowly and said to Irish, "Perhaps you should be polite and call me brother-inw."

    "And then? It seems that you are trying to pressure me with your identity." Irish was even more annoyed now.

    "If you have nothing to do with them, I think I would have enough patience to persuade you. Now that you belong to the Lake family, it''s natural for you toe back to the Runestone Group." Joseph stepped forward while the shadow of his tall figure almost enveloped her.

    It was absurd that he said she belonged to the Lake family. For Irish, she had nothing to do with the Lake family anymore.

    "Are you trying to use hard tactics on me?"

    "Though your father didn''t say anything, he really hoped you''d go back to Runestone Group. So it''s my ultimatum for you. If you don''t report to Runestone Group next Monday, then Linkus Mental Research Institute won''t get any investment." He said victoriously.

 Chapter 51 51: Hello Honey, Do You Miss Me?

    After finishing, he turned to his car.

    "Why are you ordering me to do this?". She used to be alone and had been ustomed to an unfettered life; she learned to be independent and earn a living. She liked the joyous rhythm of her own life, from which she could find her dignity. But she didn''t understand why he made such remarks to her, especially since he had only known her for a short time.

    Joseph perceived her irritation and then turned to look at her. "It''s simple because I''m your brother-inw, I have to be responsible for your behavior." He exined briefly.

    Standing motionlessly, Irish stared at him and said after a long while, "You will regret what you''ve said and done today."

    Joseph raised his eyebrows yet remained silent.

    "It''s you who forced me into the Runestone Group, but you''ll regret it someday."

    Joseph saw her irritated expression and then answered, "I would never regret what I''ve done. I''ll wait for you there next Monday."

    Finishing his sentence, he got in his car.

    The sunset was dazzling in summer, and the light sshed into her eyes, making them water. Raising her hands to cover her eyes, Irish found that Joseph''s car soon vanished at the end of the street. When she put down her hands, her expression turned callous and severe.

    From that day on, Irish''s working time was divided into three different parts. On Monday, she went to the university, from Tuesday to Wednesday, she had to ept cases at Linkus Mental Research Institute, while from Thursday to Friday, she needed to go to the Runestone Group and serve as a psychological counselor in it.

    Her responsibility was almost at the same level as thewyers'' team of Runestone Group, while the only difference was that thosewyers only needed to deal with some dilemmas, while she had to pacify their staff so that they could provide a better service for thepany. What a noble profession!

    Tim was extremely pleased when he got this news because the second day after Irish consented to Runestone Group, Tim received a huge sum of money from Joseph that he had been expecting for a long time. The money was divided into two phases, and Irish sneered when she found that Joseph only remitted a part of the money for them, knowing that he was afraid she would go back on her words. It was true that all the businessmen were sly.

    These days Tim was incredibly cheerful and hummed while he walked around. Before he entered theboratory, he stared at Irish with his fatherly eyes, making Irish feel very uneasy.

    Tim asked her in a euphemistic way, inquiring about her love affairs, and finally expressed that he wanted to make a match for her with his son.

    Shocked by this, Irish hastened to shake hands and refused Tim''s suggestion. Tim walked away with disappointment, and Irish''s heart couldn''t be distressed anymore. It seemed that Fredrick still didn''t introduce Cassie to Tim, but why?

    Obviously, she couldn''t ask Cassie directly because, in the face of love, even a heartless woman needed to maintain her dignity. Cassie was used to reporting lonely good news to her but not the bad news.

    Irish regained herposure after Tim left disappointedly. However, she didn''t expect that someone else woulde without being invited.

    Irish didn''t need to go to work on Wednesday. It was really a precious day for her since she would be a part of the Runestone Group for many years, so she cherished every second of her free time.

    Irish went to the supermarket to buy a lot of food and some favorite snacks after work. The old saying goes: to be bestowed with great responsibility, one must be crucified with ordeal and tribtion to break one''s will and subdue one''s spirit. Irish didn''t want to exhaust her muscles and starve her flesh yet, because she had to face Joseph, who was gentle outwardly while vicious privately, so she needed to save energy and build up the courage.

    However, she almost screamed when she got out of the elevator.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Leo was standing in front of her house, holding a bunch of jasmine in his hand, and seeing hering, he smiled brightly at her.

    "Hello honey, do you miss me?"

    Irish was stunned and, after a long while, pointed to him, "You visited my uncle and got my address from him, right?" He must have kept in touch with Uncle Steven.

    "No, I just called him." Leo was smart and got her point, so he smiled and answered her.

    "Let me help you. Women shouldn''t do manual work." Leo hastened to take over her bags and put jasmine into her arms, and added, "A beautiful woman deserves beautiful flowers."

    But Irish didn''t take the flowers and tried to open the door. When she got in and was about to close the door, Leo held it steady and got in quickly, then sat on the couch obtrusively, followed by a whistle, "It''s my first time seeing such a big photo. You are extremely beautiful."

    "How could you turn from a guest to a host? Get out!" Irish rolled her eyes at him.

    "Don''t do that, please." Leo was about to pull her onto the couch, but Irish avoided him quickly.

    He showed an awkward smile and said, "Do you really hate me?"

    "Of course."

    "Well, then please tell me what I should do to eliminate your hatred?" Leo smiled at her.

    Walking to the door and opening it, Irish looked at him and said, "Get out of my home!"

    Shrugging his shoulders, Leo walked to the entrance but bowed down to her, which startled Irish. He showed an evil smile at her and took over the stic bags directly, and gave them a shake, "I think you should make a delicious dinner for me."

    "Leo!"

    "What?" He smiled a morous smile. "I''ve told you to get out." Irish had to repeat it again.

    Leo released a hand to make surrender. "Don''t worry about our pre-bound marriage arrangement. Just pretend that I fell in love with you at first sight and took the initiative to woo you."

    "Love is not only your wishful thinking."

    "But time could change everything."

    "I don''t like you."

 Chapter 52 52: Where Is She?

    "But I love you." Leo was very patient.

    "Well, you just killed me." Irish held her forehead and now believed she must have offended God, otherwise, how could she meet such annoying men one after another.

    Leoughed and said, "I just want to cherish you and love you forever. Entertain me for a moment, and I''ll make a big meal for you within half an hour." Then he stepped into the kitchen. Irish was at a loss whether to cry or tough.

    It had been proven that Leo was not a dandy, and she had to admit that his cooking was really good. Even if she was determined to be picky, she could not deny that he was a great cook.

    "I thought you were dandy."

    Leo raised his eyebrows and said, "You mean a hard-drinking womanizer."

    Irish shrugged, showing her agreement with him.

    "Irish," Unexpectedly, Leo sighed and took her hands. When he looked up at her again, his eyes turned solemnly, "Seriously, you should try to understand me."

    "Why?"

    Leo stared at her intently and whispered, "It is because I''ve really fallen in love with you."

    He said softly, but Irish was shocked by his words.

    Irish looked at his eyes while her hands trembled slightly. Somehow at this moment, she felt his sincere love, and his sincerity warmed her frozen heart.

    But did she have the capability to ept anyone''s love?

    ****

    Time did not allow her to think too much because it would be time to report to the Runestone Group in the twinkling of an eye.

    It was still bustling there, and there was still an incessant stream of vehicles.

    To survive in such a bustling city, you needed to have grit. There was endlesspetition,mercial politics, and sess because people don''t remember a loser.

    Therefore thismercial circle was like a morous world outwardly, where outsiders all tried to jump in, only to be

    swallowed up by others in it. Everyone''s innocence was eliminated by the cruel reality, sooner orter.

    So it seemed that Irish was here to save all of them. Nowadays, all people are sick in this society.

    When he finished his meeting that morning, Joseph immediately returned to his office to ask his assistant if Irish hade there.

    The assistant was awkward and answered him after a long time, "Yes, but she just arrived five minutes ago."<novelnext></novelnext>

    Joseph''s eyes flew to the wall clock hanging on the wall, and it was 10:25 am.

    "Where is she?" He said with a rtive standoff tone.

    "She is giving a training ss for our staff. The psychological training ss you set upst week is at 10:20 this morning."

    Finding out she was timing her work, Joseph frowned.

    ****

    Her course schedule was concise, and the target group had even been divided specifically. Today her target employees were new staff who had just entered thispany, the senior staff who had worked for more than two years, as well as some leaders.

    The most distinct characteristics were rich working experience with fixed business sources, and they were also familiar with corporate culture. However they also had fatal defects such as the fact that they were only there to seek profits. Moreover, they also suppressed new staff.

    Therefore as a psychological counselor, Irish had to form aprehensive understanding about some of their basic situations. It was not difficult for her, since she just needed to design some simple psychological games. Perhaps those old employees had heard of Ken''s case, so they were reverent and respectful to her, and as a result, it was much easier for Irish tomunicate with them.

    Within twenty minutes, Irish integrated herself with the staff. Of course, during these twenty minutes, they didn''t talk about professional issues, and she didn''tmunicate with them from the perspective of a psychologist. Unlike in Washington and Los Angeles, people in New York were less able to ept psychological treatment. Persuading a person to see a psychiatrist was equivalent to saying that the person had a mental problem.

    Irish was trying to focus onmunicating with them to make them feel rxed.

    That''s why when Joseph came into the boardroom, he saw Irish, a professional psychologist, sitting cross-legged on the desk while his staff were sitting on the ground and giggling with Irish. Beside the meeting table, the neatly arranged chairs were now lying on all sides, and he didn''t even have a ce to sit.

    Joseph frowned but still observed them with patience.

    They were so excited that they didn''t even notice Joseph standing beside them since theirughter covered everything. Only Irish saw his presence when he was inadvertently looking back.

    Sitting there far away from theughing group, he looked especially severe and solemn.

    Irish didn''t take the initiative to step forward and didn''t even say hello to him; instead, she returned to hermunication with the employees. Joseph left after several minutes and didn''t disturb any of them.

    Their training ss did not break until 12:00. Apanied by those employees, Irish went to the staff canteen and cheerfully kept their conversation going. The staff restaurant was buffet-based, divided into a seafood area, a Chinese food area, a Western food area, a Japanese and Korean food area, a Southeast Asian food area, and a dessert area. Though it wasrge, it was silent.

    Irish came to the staff restaurant hurriedly and didn''t have time to go through administrative procedures; therefore, her employee card and other office items were all unavable. But the staff were all greatly hospitable and bought many delicious foods for her with their cards without any hesitation.

    Much other staff finished their meals and left, but they were still eating in a cheerful atmosphere.

    When Irish was about to give them some other interesting psychological cases while at the same time holding a big lobster in her hand, the cheerful atmosphere suddenly cooled down, and the employees all looked awkward. They were all smiling and enthusiastically waiting for her to say something funny, but now they all stayed silent and lost their smiles. Some even walked away.

    Irish was confused by their weird behavior and thought they were offended by the big lobster in her hand.

    But she quickly understood that it was not the big lobster that made them leave; instead, it was Joseph who had walked in. He was picking up some simple Chinese food, and it was hard to miss his tall and handsome figure.

 Chapter 53 53: How Does It Taste?

    "Miss Irish, do you see that man in a light coffee shirt?" A female employee who was going to run away touched her arms slightly and said with a low voice, "You should never offend that man, he is the executive manager here. It is really weird that he came to the staff restaurant today."

    Looking at his back, Irish smiled and said, "Is he so scary? Now that you mention it, he looks very handsome, is that why all of the female staff keep away from him?"

    The female colleague rubbed her arms with her hands. Maybe she was shocked by Irish''s words, or she just felt cold. "Many old employees have suffered a setback in their careers from him. I just heard that when he was promoted as the general manager by the board of directors, someone in the board of directors offended him directly, and do you know what happened next?"

    Irish stared at her.

    Her expression was slightly distorted, and she continued, "The next day, the board member resigned and didn''t even take his shares."

    "Uh?"

    He is really horrible, and no one knows what happened in such a short time. The board of directors began to reform from that day on, and many young employees joined them.

    The female colleague patted her hands and added, "Maybe he used the method of removing the burning brands from under the boiling cauldron. What''s more, he''s extremely strict with his employees. No one dared to offend him. Oh, my god, he ising. I have to go. Miss Irish, good luck." Then she left quickly like a fleeing rabbit.

    Turning back, Irish found that Joseph was stepping toward her and seemed ustomed to the fleeing of those employees. She sighed slightly and then lowered her head to shell the big lobster.

    Joseph sat down across from her and put a te on the table. It was a little bit crowded, and Irish could smell his faint fragrance from him.

    "Are you fine with your new job?" Joseph talked to her with a low but maic voice. It seemed that he was concerned about her, while at the same time, it was just one of his professional duties.

    "I''m fine," Irish answered briefly and concentrated on shelling the lobster.

    But Joseph reached out his hands and took away her lobster, and then he began to shell it slowly. "Report to the administrative department in the afternoon." He put the stripped lobster on her te and added, "You needn''t be scrounging for free meals if you report earlier."

    "Am scrounging a free meal?" Irish was annoyed by hisment and asked him loudly, but she found that all the female employees were looking at them and started to whisper to each other. Of course, they must have been talking about their general manager shelling a lobster for a new employee.

    Ignoring their surroundings, Joseph kept saying, "Your sry is higher than theirs, so it''s unfair to scrounge a meal from them."

    "Not everything would be perfectly justifiable, Mr. Dover." Irish began to squeak at the lobster and said sharply to him. "They are fond of me, and that''s because of my personal charisma. Even if I scrounged a meal from them, I think it is better than being someone whose employees avoid him like the gue."

    Perceiving her teasing intentions, Joseph smiled slightly but without saying anything. Taking his cutlery, he began to dine leisurely. Irish took a look at his te and found that there were only three little course dishes in it, which were all mild in taste. But she also saw her favorite goose liver. She turned at her own te, where at least threeyers of food were piled but without delicious foie gras to eat.

    The foie gras was charred on the outside and tender on the inside, and he obviously ordered it in the west food area. Biting the fork in her mouth and looking at the west food area, she saw the delicious goose liver lying there. However, she didn''t have her employee card.

    Eating the seafood insipidly, Irish still couldn''t help gazing at the goose liver and began toin about why the employees didn''t bring her foie gras.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Isn''t the food delicious?" He asked casually.

    "It tastes nice." Irish took a deep breath and thought it smelled great.

    However, the delicious seafood now seemed uninspiring. It was not her fault since foie gras was her favorite food.

    Joseph looked at her while keeping his countenance as well but could not bear to see her pitiful eyes. Clearing his throat, Joseph put the foie gras onto her te, "Don''t always eat the seafood. The foie gras tastes great; try it."

    Her eyes suddenly glowed, and she thought it was really true that the good was always rewarded, but she still pretended to be indifferent, "Foie gras? I''m not used to eating it." Finishing her word, Irish was afraid that he would take back the goose liver, so she quickly added, "But we should always adopt new things, so I''d like to try it."

    When she finished herst word, the foie gras was almost eaten in one bite.

    It tasted fat but not too heavy, making her even more hungry.

    "Come to my office after finishing your report." Joseph dined elegantly, but he kept observing her voracious table manners.

    "Oh," Irish didn''t ask him anything since she was busy eating the delicious foie gras.

    Soon the small goose liver was eaten up, and she still longed for more.

    "How does it taste?"

    "Not bad." Irish licked her lips quietly.

    "Most of your dishes are seafood. Go and get some other food." Joseph put his employee card in front of her directly.

    "Well, if you insist," Irish was always in an advantageous position. Taking over his card, she rushed to the foie gras that she was anxiously longing for.

    Looking at her cheerful back, Joseph couldn''t help smiling. It seemed that she was still an innocent girl.

    The news that their general manager had dined with the new psychological counselor spread throughout thepany like wildfire. But the story had been rewritten within a few hours. ording to their description, their severe manager, for the first time, shelled lobster for a woman. What''s more, he even took foie gras for her with his own cutlery, wearing a fond expression on his face.

    Of course, as the person concerned, Irish didn''t know anything about this explosive news but did notice some weird looks from the staff.

 Chapter 54 54: You’re Smart

    It was Daisy, Joseph''s secretary, who took her to report for duty. She was a smart and capable woman and was dressed neatly. Of course, she was not a serious woman and was always smiling when she talked to Irish, with neither a humble nor cheeky attitude.

    "This is the human resources director, and she would make a specific introduction about ourpany," After finishing all the entry formalities, Daisy said to Irish.

    "Thank you."

    "You''re wee, Miss Irish. It''s my duty," Daisy answered.

    "Miss Irish, don''t forget that Mr. Dover is waiting for you in his office."

    "Okay."

    Daisy left first, while Irish was brought to her own office by an administrative employee. It was a suitably sized office with warm colors andpleted with all office supplies.

    ****

    After all the administrative items were ready, Irish went to Joseph''s office.

    Seeing her arrival, Joseph put down the documents he was holding and motioned for her to sit down. Soon the secretary took two cups of coffee and nced at her with strange eyes when she left. Though Irish caught her weird expression, she said nothing but felt a little puzzled.

    "Today was Friday, and it''s the second day of your entry. There was a celebration for you, and it will be held on the 80th floor," Joseph said.

    "What a grand ceremony!"

    "It''s a treat for you since you''re taking on a heavy burden and embarking on a long road."

    Irish didn''t care about it at all and said indifferently, "It looks that your staff is very fortunate, except for the fact that they''re all afraid of you."

    Joseph took a sip of the coffee and said, "Don''t forget that you are also one of my employees now."

    "Really? When did our mighty manager be so humble?" Irish said sarcastically and showed a meaningful smile.

    "You are a part of the Lake family." He kept stating this fact to her.

    Irish got up, and her attitude turned severe, "If you are trying to persuade me to reconcile with them, then you''d better save your breath."

    "Sit down." Joseph kept his cool and ordered her.

    Staring at him for a long while, Irish finally followed hismand.

    "Besides the celebration, I need to remind you that you''d better catch up with our office hours."

    "Are you trying to tell me don''t bete or leave early?" Irish leaned back on the couch and said to Joseph, "But I''m not used to getting up early."

    Perceiving her stubbornness, Joseph said continuously, "But you are active when working at Linkus Mental Research Institute and giving lectures at the university."

    "Those are two entirely different things. I live in a ce near Linkus Mental Research Institute, so never worry about beingte. And on Sunday, I just live at the school so that I can teach with full energy the next day. But yourpany is located downtown where there is often traffic congestion."

    "Don''t make a precedent; otherwise, your entire bonus will be deducted," Joseph said with a stern look, withoutpassion or mercy.

    "What?"<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Moreover, don''t be integrated with the staff, it will reduce your authority as a consultant.

    Irish was annoyed by this and then offended him directly, "It''s my own business to give a training ss. Mr. Dover, it seems that you go too far."

    "Maybe you should call me brother-inw in private. But inside thepany, you will be polite to me." He said harshly.

    "Well, I have my own n, and please don''t interfere with it."

    "I don''t want to see a chaotic assembly room anymore, or your sry will be halved, and all your bonus will be deducted."

    Irish got up abruptly and said, "Go to hell! I''m out." She turned to leave the room.

    "Does Tim really not care about the final payment?" Joseph said indifferently behind her slowly.

    His word was like an exploding bomb, and suddenly a huge chasm opened in front of her that was difficult to cross. She stopped and turned back at the man behind her.

    A faint smile unfolded on his face. He then added, "Otherwise, you''re not eligible to resign."

    "Joseph, you should ept psychological treatment," Irish was irritated, and she wished to attack him directly.

    Hearing this, Joseph spread his hands and said, "Now that you are the psychologist of Runestone Group, maybe you could treat me."

    Anger rushed up into her face but was beaten back. She knew clearly that she should maintain a rational mind and couldn''t get mad at him. When the anger was finally forced back down by her, she said coldly, "Don''t you know what offends a viin the most? To realize that he isn''t always right!"

    Joseph raised his eyebrows and then looked at his watch, "Well, then you could go back to work as a petty woman."

    "Sicko!" She turned to the door.

    "What''s more, like your brother-inw, here is a small tip for you. Next time don''t let me hear your swear," Joseph''s voice red behind.

    "Brother-inw? Go to hell!" Irish stormed out of his office.

    Instead of being irritated, Joseph smiled behind her.

    When night fell, the Runestone building was still brightly lit, and many employees were working overtime. But they all knew that it was Joseph who was thest to go.

    After a few gentle knocks, Henry came into Joseph''s office.

    Joseph stopped talking and got up to say hello.

    Henry nodded and then walked to the reception room. He looked a little mncholy and exhausted, and he beckoned to Joseph, "Come and chat with me."

    Joseph sat down, and after cleaning the tea set, he began to brew some tea, "Do you want to talk to me about Irish?" He never took the initiative to inquire since he knew that someone woulde to ask him sooner orter. He thought it would be Ruby, but unexpectedly, Henry came first.

    "You''re smart." Henry said tiredly, taking up a cup of tea, "I heard that Irish had returned back to Runestone. All thanks to you."

    "If I knew that she was a part of the Lake family. I would have tried my best to get her back earlier." Joseph said indifferently, pouring him another cup of tea.

    Henry took the tea but gently put it aside and then held Joseph''s hands and said earnestly. "Joseph, please help me to take care of her. I can''t trust anyone but you."

 Chapter 55 55: Henry’s Story -1

    The moonlight was reflected into Joseph''s eyes, making them seem cid and detached. Upon hearing the words, he began to speak, "Irish is your daughter, and we are family, so it is my duty to take care of her."

    "Actually, her name is Isabel," Henry emphasized Irish''s true name.

    Joseph nced at him. This old man was once famous in the high-end jewelry world. In some aspects, he was sessful; however, in some other aspects, he was not. But at least he still kept his temperament as an innovator. Of course, he also had his frets, such as at this moment. Henry thought about it for a while and then lifted a cup of tea, "I''m afraid that it will take a long time to make her ept this name."

    "But whether she epts it or not, she is my daughter," Henry said stubbornly.

    Joseph smiled lightly.

    Henry''s voice became low, "I understand her. I owe too much to her and her mother."

    There was always something cruel in the world. It was called memory. However, there was also something happy. It was also a memory. Memory was the most preciousponent in one''s growth. Nevertheless, Joseph hardly ever recalled something. He went through so many difficulties during the process of his growth, from study to work. He was good at making ns for his life, so every step he made was never regretful for him. An economic crisis hit many years ago, and his parents died from it, leaving only him and his little brother alive. If his personality was said to be tainted with mncholy, maybe his memory of that period was the reason. As a result, he was not willing to be immersed in memory since dwelling on the past represented that one person only wanted to cherish the past memory. In other words, one person had no faith in the present, and one personpromised their own reality.

    Henrypromised his reality because of his daughter, who made him annoyed and concerned. Joseph kept silent since any words seemed like they''d be redundant.

    However, Henry had the intention to disclose his concerns. He continued, "When I was young, I worked on a farm after graduating. It was because I was not satisfied with the marriage arranged by my family. And it was at that time that I met Isabel''s mother-Rachel. We were all traditional at that time, so even if we loved each other, we didn''t express our love to each other. I went back to the city, and she said goodbye to me at the railway station. At that moment, I vowed that I must marry her. However, when I came back to the city, Shirley''s parents put pressure on me and asked me to marry Shirley since our two families had been good friends for a long time. During that time, I felt lost and upset, immersed in drinking. And one day, as I woke up, I found that Shirley was lying beside me." He stopped here, shook his head, and smiled. He looked up to Joseph, "You can guess what I did then."

    Joseph seemed to have seen that old era. At that time, America was just like a faded picture. The people in the picture wore simple clothes and lived a tough life, but they were happy. He had heard his father talk about that era, and every time he mentioned it, it was full of beautiful memories. But obviously, Henry''s memory of that time was filled with difficulties and regret.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Please carry on," He poured another cup of tea.

    "I was frightened at that time, so I nearly ran away. For any reason, I felt very sorry for Rachel, so I ran back to the farm and found her. The first sentence I said to her was to ask her to marry me. One monthter, we got married and had a wedding in the country. She didn''t have many rtives, just her little brother Steven. But we didn''t care too much, and we thought that it was good as long as we were together. However, good times didn''tst long. I heard from my family that my father had developed a serious illness, and I needed to go back.

    Nevertheless, aftering back, I found that it was just an excuse, and Shirley was pregnant. It was just that one night when I got drunk that she had be pregnant. I was not willing to marry Shirley, and it was even more impossible for me to divorce Rachel. As a result, we both felt unsatisfied. Feeling angry, I brought Rachel to New York. Rachel was also pregnant, so she lived in Steven''s house. Rachel didn''t know anything about Shirley since I didn''t want to tell her. But privately, I wanted topensate for my mistreatment of Shirley. I hoped that she would get an abortion. Shirley didn''t say anything and didn''t force me to do anything as well. I thought that it had ended finally. However, one month after Isabel''s birth, Shirley and her elders appeared in front of us, embracing a pigeon pair. Her elders intended to make me acknowledge Shirley''s position since she had given birth to a son and a daughter for my family."

    He stopped there with a helpless smile on his face.

    "Rachel was tender but stubborn. Knowing the whole thing, she didn''t say a word and left with Isabel. Later I tried to ask for her forgiveness and even wanted to bring Isabel to my family. But Rachel didn''t forgive me and even changed Isabel''s name."

    "Irish has the same characteristics as her mother," Joseph said.

    Henry nodded, "Yeah, she is reserved. She hates me because I didn''te on time when her mother was dying. The expression in her eyes could kill me, and she even wanted me to suffer to death. I know that I didn''t do what a father should do for so many years, and that''s why her family also hates me. The alimony, tuition, and allowance I sent to Isabel were all returned by them."

    "No wonder she also hated Ruby," Joseph thought of Irish''s attitude towards Ruby. It seemed that Irish wanted to swallow Ruby that day.

    asionally missing content, please report errors in time.

 Chapter 56 56: Henry’s Story -2

    "How could she not? If it weren''t for Ruby and Roy, she would not have been a girl without a father''s care. She should have been a princess." Henry''s eyes got wet, and he sighed heavily, "Joseph, you shouldn''t have been involved in this case since it was all my mistake. But now Isabel is willing to work for the group, and it is all due to your efforts. She may not listen to me or admit the existence of her brother and sister. So I can only require you to take care of her. Rachel died early, and she didn''t have many rtives in the world. I hope she can forgive me through your efforts."

    Joseph got Henry''s point and nodded, "Yes, I will."

    Henry felt relieved, and he knew that Joseph tended to keep his word. As long as he promised something, he would do it.

    The tea became cold, and the smell floated in the moonlight.

    They didn''t continue but just drank the tea silently. Especially Henry, he sniffed the smell while his mind was absent. He recalled the season of red leaves flying around the sky. A girl''s cheek got red by these red leaves. Her ck hair and long white dress, just like a perfectndscape painting, made her unforgettable to Henry for his lifetime. He had written down his name once and once again and told her lightly that he missed her. The girl was very shy and just covered her face and ran away.

    When the train went slowly, he saw that she was running alongside it for a long distance. Her pale face blushed. At that moment, he longed to be holding her hands...

    Henry closed his eyes and took a deep breath. The smell of the tea was just like the smell of her body.

    ****

    It was in the New York International Airport.

    Hundreds of nesnded and took off. So many people walked into the airport hall. Some were leaving New York, while some wereing here. They might be filled with devotions and hopes or sadness and worries. They were from all different social statuses, financiers, businessmen of all countries, some engaged in public welfare, actors, office clerks, housewives, and so on, all on their own paths in life.

    Uponing out of the hall, a carefree woman seemed to be ipatible with the surrounding environment. She had a clean Rinka haircut, white skin, and tidy white clothes. She also had no luggage, just a small handbag. Most of the people behind her walked past her hurriedly, and some took a bus or a taxi. She looked up to the sky and frowned. Annoying weather, she thought.

    Meanwhile, several patrol wagons were waiting there on the other side of the airport.

    Today Jay wore his police officer uniform, appearing to be righteous. He stared in the direction of the exit, and soon a voice came from the radio, "Sir, Warrior appeared and just got off a ne, in the direction of the exit."

    "Please continue. Arrest him as soon as he exits." Jay was serious.

    "Yes, Sir." His fellows got the order but soon shouted, "Sir, he is at the 12 o''clock position!"

    Jay looked in the direction andmanded, "Action!"<novelnext></novelnext>

    Soon policemen in in clothes immediately took action to surround a boy with a peaked cap and sunsses. The suspect, called "Warrior" was not an easy guy to deal with. He had sniffed the smell of vignce in the airport and ran away.

    Jay, sitting in the patrol wagon, got out of the car at once. Warrior hadn''t realized that the patrol cars were blocking his way, and it was toote for him to change direction. Jay rushed toward at a rocket''s speed and tripped the suspect over. He defeated him by holding his hands, making the suspect''s arms ache heavily. The suspect tried his best to run away.

    "Stop struggling!" Jay tended to be impolite to any suspect, so he just frowned and shouted.

    Warrior was not weak at all. He stopped struggling at first, and then he stood up suddenly while Jay was taking out his handcuffs. The surrounding police and citizens were startled. Jay turned serious again and prepared to grab Warrior, only to see him catch a woman passing by and press the woman''s temple using a pistol.

    "You can''t run away. Put it down!" Jay took out his pistol immediately.

    Several inclothes policemen also rushed towards them and took out their pistols to surround him.

    Her hair disarranged by the suspect, the woman looked at the scene with eyes wide open. She didn''t recover from her astonishment and could see only a tall and handsome man in a police uniform pointing his pistol at her.

    "I will take action if you move forward!" The suspect shouted loudly and pressed the woman''s forehead forcefully with the muzzle of the pistol, making her face distorted.

    Jay shouted, "Stay back!"

    These words shattered the surrounding people, and outside the hall, there were only policemen, the suspect, and a hostage!

    "Eh��" The hostage began to speak with a low voice. "Could you pleasemunicate? Hey, buddy. It didn''t work at all to point at me with a pistol since there were so many policemen--"

    "Shut up!" The suspect struck her neck forcefully, and she suffered.

    "You''d better surrender, you can get a lighter punishment." Jay squinted lightly and took a nce at the hostage. It was good since she was calm. He was most afraid of having to deal with a shouting, scared hostage.

    "Surrender to you? No way! This hostage is in my hand, and you can just shoot me regardless of her!" The suspect was just like a mouse whose feet had been stepped on, making threatening gestures, "I know you! Your name is Jay, and you''ve been capturing drug smugglers in Florida. And you should know that I''m not one of those idiots. You have two choices. One is to prepare a car for me to run away, the other is to watch this girl die helplessly! You know what? I''m not afraid at all!"

    "Sir, he is known for his cruelty, be careful." Jay''s partner beside him gave him a quiet reminder.

 Chapter 57 57: You’re Scaring Me

    Jay held his pistol tightly and approached them, "Warrior, you want to y? Okay, let''s y!"

    "Sir!"

    "Stop, otherwise, I will shoot her!" The suspect shouted at him like a mad dog and pulled the trigger directly.

    "Wait a minute!" The woman spoke and pointed at Jay, "You, you didn''t take my life into consideration? Isn''t there any negotiator just like that on TV series? Hey, I don''t want to die."

    Jay felt a headache from her shouting, looking that the suspect is giving a murderous look. The only thing he could do was stop and return to his original position.

    "Sir, asking a negotiator for help, really?" His partner hesitated.

    "Call my cousin." Jay grit his teeth.

    "Ah?"

    "Call her quickly!" Jay shouted.

    His subordinate had to follow hismand.

    When Irish arrived at the spot, she had already looked through all the information about the suspect. As she got out of the police car, a policeman was still talking, "Warrior was cruel and crafty in his nature, and he has escaped many times. He--"

    "Okay, Okay." She felt annoyed and disrupted the officer, saying, "I''ve had enough of you. Is it too much for you to find a negotiator? Is there no reimbursement? You should know that I will also charge..."

    "But it was our leader''s intention..."

    The policeman had aplex facial expression.

    She had thought about it. She could see him standing there with a righteous expression, staring at the suspect tightly.

    "Hey, Buddy. Are we so intimate?" Irish walked forward and patted Jay''s shoulder. She appeared to be so carefree, which waspletely incongruent with this stressful situation.

    Having seen that Irish had arrived, Jay pointed somewhere with his chin and said, "A key expert should deal with a key suspect. How can I be assured by appointing others?"

    "But I will also charge for my service." Irish gave him an angry stare and looked in the direction of the suspect, then at the hostage.

    This hostage waved hands to greet Irish, but Irish didn''t give any response to her. She looked at the suspect and said idly, "Such a short and little guy! Couldn''t you defeat him? Shame on you!"

    Jay felt extremely embarrassed.

    Irish waved her wrist and walked forward. However, she only walked a few steps, and then the suspect shouted to her, "Go back. No closer!"

    "Buddy, how can you hear me if I can''t walk forward?" Irish gave him a fake smile.

    "Who are you? Someone with them?"

    "Nonsense. I''m with you, I will help you to escape." Irish stopped several steps from the suspect, "I am a psychologist, and I''ve been forced to be a negotiator here. By the way, you know what a negotiator means, right?"

    "Why are you so verbose?" The hostage nearly cried.

    "Shut up!" The suspect and Irish shouted at the same time.

    Then the woman had to be silent.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Mr. Warrior--"

    "Do not call me Warrior! I have a name!" The suspect shouted angrily.

    "Sorry, sorry. What''s your name?"

    "Willy!"

    "Oh, I have a bad memory. Sorry," Irish smiled brightly, "Mr. Willy, do you want to kill that woman?"

    "It depends on the police''s attitude!"

    "My god! Why does it depend on the police''s attitude? They will not let you go." Irish shrugged and threw up her hands as if helpless.

    "Okay. Then I will let her die with me!" The suspect put forth his strength and pressed the head of the hostage forcefully.

    Irishughed.

    "What?" Willy thought that this woman was so strange and that she was not like a negotiator at all.

    "Nothing. You can continue to press her since I feel relieved." Irish held back herughter.

    Willy felt amazed.

    "Oh, it is because I hate her. You can even kill her, so I can vent my anger." Irish closed her lips with an air of sincerity.

    The hostage became anxious, "What are you talking about?"

    Willy felt confused but stared at Irish, "I warn you not to y any tricks! I know what your real intention is. You just want to buy some time, right?"

    "No, actually, I wanted to tell you that you should get your target right if you really want to kill her." Irish pointed at her temple by making her fingers act like a pistol, "From this angle, you only need one shot, and then you can give her tinnitus. And her nasal cavity will pour out the liquid, which may make it difficult for her to breathe. The other end of the shooting position will generate a feeling of swelling, which can lead to her fainting due to ack of oxygen. Her windpipe, throat, and the nasal cavity will be filled with liquid. Of course, it is her blood. And it will pour onto your face. Soon her pupils will stop focusing, and then she will die."

    Irish stopped there shortly, and then she continued, "Of course, you may not kill her because of your carelessness or tremor. Or, during the process, you run into the police''s assault. The bullet you shot out may just bump against her skull, which is very hard and can only be broken into several pieces. Then the fragments of the bullet may pop out of her skull and prate through her skin. All in all, the result may be that you are caught, and she doesn''t die. What will you do? You are bound to be responsible for her entire life."

    "You''re scaring me!" The hostage shouted.

    Irish gave her an angry stare.

    Willy felt angry, "Who the hell are you?"

    "I''ve told you. I''m a psychologist." Irish said calmly.

    Meanwhile, the scene on the other side was different. The Runestone Group finally got its operation process running smoothly. Every department was busy with its own affairs, and the calls never stopped. Nobody would rx even if it were Friday.

    It was already 2 p.m. after Joseph had had his video meeting. As he came back to the office room, his assistant Daisy added immediately, "CEO Joseph, the agenda for South Africa has been made, and you can check whether the arrangement is appropriate."

    Joseph took over the agenda list and nodded, "Yes."

    "Leo has taken many measures, as well as in his advanced clubs. So could you..."

 Chapter 58 58: Where Did She Go?

    "The name ''Autumn'' series should be removed from the Jewelry show for the next season and be reced with the name'' Blossom'' series." Joseph gave his signature on the file and handed it to Daisy directly, "Note to the nning Department and Propaganda Department that they should work with media only specializing in finance, not high-end fashion magazines."

    The "Blossom" series was made up of colorful diamonds, each of which was more beautiful than thest. The most noteworthy was the rare green diamond in the middle, which cost the most. This well-known" Blossom" series has been featured at many famous auctions. Atst, Joseph had bought it sessfully in Sweden. With publicity focusing on it for two years, it had drawn a lot of attention from the outside world. It could be imagined that the "Blossom" series would be a sparkling focus when it was shown to others.

    What''s more, it was a silent attack on the Key Group.

    The Lily Club, an umbre of the Key Group, had been an opponent of the Vera Club since its establishment. These two high-end Jewelry clubs were usually equal, despite being long-term rivals. Even in this case, Daisy believed in Joseph''s capability just as she thought that the Vera Club had a unique edge. This unique edge was that the Vera Club could find the rarest jewelry in the world as long as it existed.

    In addition, Joseph was working all the time and was used to dealing with all kinds of diamond mines. Years of experience granted the ability to seek excellent mineral products sessfully. Sometimes it was like a gamble with life. But in this field, nobody made the same efforts as him since he did almost everything, including the operations rted to jewelry resources and retailing. As a result, everyone in the field knew about his capabilities.

    But when it came to the choice of media for this jewelry show.....

    "CEO Joseph, we have admitted the application of some famous magazines before, and it may be inappropriate to refuse them now." Daisy hesitated.

    Joseph threw over several fashion magazines on the desk and said lightly, "Their advertisements are not in line with our group''s image."

    Daisy opened their covers and understood. These magazines had advertised for some low-end brands just for the purpose of winning profits. It was truly not in line with the Runestone Group.

    "Okay, I''ll manage it well." She immediately put these magazines away. Joseph nced at the time and ordered Daisy as she was leaving the room, "Ask Doctor Irish toe to my office."

    Daisy stopped, "But she asked for a leave and isn''t here."

    "To whom?" Joseph frowned.

    "Eh..., it was said that she asked for a leave from the administration division," Daisy said cautiously.

    Joseph looked at her and frowned, "Who said that she can ask for leave from the administration division?"

    "CEO Joseph, that''s the standard procedure for...for all staff."

    "From today on, she can not bete or leave early or leave her position without my permission."

    "Okay," Daisy felt surprised since Joseph had advocated that each department should y its own role independently. But now, he was in charge of the affairs of the administration division.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Joseph was still dissatisfied, "Where did she go?"

    "The administration division didn''t give a clear reason. They only said that she was in a hurry while leaving. And it was said that she was going to the airport to negotiate something."

    Joseph hesitated but soon understood, "Get my car ready."

    "Okay," Daisy grasped the urgency in his voice and made arrangements quickly.

    ****

    At the airport, people were divided into two parties. The first party of police officers, the suspect, and the hostage was nervous and serious under the leadership of Jay. The other was leisurely under the leadership of

    Irish, but the only member of this party was herself.

    "Willy, are you an idiot?" Irish was like a typical housewife rather than a professional negotiator. People unknown of their situation would think of them as old people bickering. "You are foolish, do you think you can run away if we let you go? Now that the Inte is advanced, police agencies across all countries can cooperate. Do you think we should drill wood to make a fire and n to live in seclusion in the mountains for the rest of our life? If you ran away to the Moon, we still have satellite monitoring. What''s the meaning of your struggle?"

    The hostage rolled her eyes, and her blood boiled in anger. When she was about to express her opinion, Willy shouted loudly in a deep voice, "What the fuck are you talking about? I need a car! Give me a car!"

    "Hey, I heard that your wife is pregnant, right?" Irish suddenly changed the topic, but her eyes sharpened.

    Willy paused, staring at Irish vigntly. But she smiled and scratched her head, secretly giving a hand signal to Jay, who was looking at the situation and suddenly cheered up. He knew this gesture, which was a symbol of sessfully distracting Willy''s attention.

    "Don''t be so nervous. The police didn''t find your wife. You''re a bad man, but you have to be a good husband, knowing she''s pregnant, and you hid it perfectly." Seeing the corner of his mouth lower a little, Irish knew he was relieved and smiled. "You want to be reunited with your wife, I understand. But has it ever urred to you that you''re a suspect, so what if you get away with it? Your wife will follow you all her life, and when your child is born, the child will be the suspect''s son. Willy, don''t think that in ten or twenty years, the police will stop. What shall your children do after growing up? No school, no appearance, and no friends. Children today are all proud of their parents, especially their fathers. How do you tell him what you did when you were young?"

    "Shut up!"

    "There''s a saying, parents are good teachers of children. Do you want to raise a little criminal? How distorted will he be if he grows up in a harsh and frightening environment? Perhaps when he grows up, he will be like you..."

    "Bitch, shut up!"

 Chapter 59 59: Why Is She So Angry?

    "Shut up? You should thank me for telling you this, Willy. If you go back with the police, perhaps you can be turned into a dirty witness, the sentence can be lenient, and at least you can tell your child openly that you knew your mistakes and changed them. But why are you taking a hostage now? This is a tant confrontation with the police! If you hurt the hostage identally, then nature will change, and there will be another crime, an intentional killing. You say you are right? Do you want your wife to go to your grave with a big belly?" Irish slightly squinted, speaking faster and faster, intending to stimte him.

    "Shut up, shut up, shut up! Shut the fuck up! I''ll kill you first!" Willy waspletely enraged by her words, and the pistol originally pointing at the hostage was aimed at Irish.

    "Jay!"

    At that moment, a gunshot dispersed through the thick air. The next second, Willy screamed. The handgun he pointed at Irish fell to the ground, and he covered his wrist. At the same time, Irish ran forward and yanked away from the hostage, stretching her foot and kicking the pistol out of arm''s reach. Jay and Irish coordinated perfectly, and the whole process was over in just a few seconds.

    Time is subtle, in thest second, the air was still thick with tension, while a secondter, Willy was besieged by police and arrested.

    "Jay, you''re an idiot. If you bother me like this again, I''ll kill you!" Irish saw Willy being escorted to the police car and beganining.

    However, Jay did not pay attention to his elder sister but instead went to the hostage, asking majestically, "Ma''am, are you hurt?"

    The woman patted her chest. "I''m okay, I will just pretend that we were all shooting a gangster movie."

    Not expecting to hear that, Jay smiled, "All right. So pleasee to the police station for a statement. This is my calling card and thanks for your cooperation."

    The woman received the card and said, "Jay? That''s a good name."

    Jay stayed for a few seconds and looked at his officers, saying majestically, "Pack up and go."

    "Yes, sir."

    Jay stealthily smiled when passing by Irish and said in a low voice, "Thank you."

    The police car left. The disaster at the airport gradually dispersed by emerging crowds. Irish turned around and suddenly stopped. In her heart, a strange feeling rose up.

    A car stopped nearby. Joseph stared at her standing beside the car. The sunlight beamed down on him, and his face looked gloomy.

    Irish''s heart jumped. Why did hee here? It seemed that he had arrived a while ago.

    "Brother!"

    Irish looked around, confused. The hostage ran forward and shouted out at him enthusiastically.

    Irish curled her lips and snorted. It seemed that they knew each other.

    Joseph looked from Irish to the girl before his eyes and said lightly, "Why didn''t you inform us in advance?"

    "I''m not a child, and I don''t want to bother you to pick me up." The girl''s smile was like a summer flower. "Well, my busy brother, why did you have time toe to the airport? Could you predict my return from Beijing, or are you concerned about someone?" She took a nce at Irish when she said it.

    Irish rolled her eyes.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Gossip, get in the car." Joseph did not exin much, opening the door, and his eyes fell on Irish, who prepared to leave, frowning, "Iri, you get in too!"

    Seeing that she could not sneak away, Irish sighed. When she came to the airport, she had run the entire way. Now she could choose to take Joseph''s car or take the bus with arge crowd of people or a taxi. Watching, Joseph opened the door and motionlessly waited for her.

    She followed him.

    "My name isn''t Iri!" was the first thing out of Irish''s mouth as she got in the car.

    Joseph ignored her.

    "Lilith, I''ll send you home first."

    "Okay," Lilith always wore a smile as if she hadn''t just escaped from a dangerous crime scene. After answering Joseph, she nudged Irish by her shoulder, "Thanks, sister, I would have been killed without you. You''re a quick thinker, and it''s a pity that you were not a policewoman!"

    Irish listened patiently. "Don''t worry about it. I was helping Jay, not you."

    "That is not a big deal for a family." Lilith wanted to be close to her. "The police officer was Jay. I didn''t expect him to be so handsome. He looks nothing like he did when he was a child."

    "Oh, hey, don''t sit so close to me. There''s plenty of room in the car!" Irish was not polite.

    Lilith stuck out her tongue and looked at Joseph, "Brother-inw, did you offend my sister? Why is she so angry?"

    Joseph did not speak but reached for the rearview mirror, through which he looked at Irish''s reluctant face.

    "Lilith!" Irish opened her mouth, raising her eyebrows coldly, "Don''t pretend to be so innocent. You annoy me, don''t you know that? What the hell are you doing?" Lilith was the youngest sister of Roy and Ruby, five years younger than them. Irish had never epted their rtionship and would even ignore them if she saw them in the street.

    However, it was quite a surprise that she had been the hostage that day!

    "Aren''t you annoyed with Ruby? Why do you hate me? I haven''t bothered you in foreign countries over the years. "Lilith said and deliberately tried to hit her.

    Irish leaned sideways and did not let her attack collide, and Lilith''s bodyy on the back seat unsteadily. She shouted at Joseph, "Brother-inw, you see how she is like this."

    Josephughed but didn''t speak.

    After sending Lilith home, Joseph opened the door and sat directly beside Irish. His smile faded, and his frown was like ice.

    "Go." He ordered.

    The car went in the direction of the International Trade Center.

    After Lilith left, the atmosphere in the car suddenly cooled down, or perhaps it was because of the air conditioning. In short, when Joseph sat in the backseat with her, she felt very ufortable. All she could breathe was cold air.

 Chapter 60 60: I Saved Your Wife’s Sister

    His breath, too, was cold.

    Sitting sideways subconsciously, Irish still did not understand why he had suddenly appeared at the airport. Joseph didn''t immediately say anything. After the car drove, he leaned himself in the back seat, loosened his tie, and closed his eyes.

    Seeing that he wasn''t saying anything, and his thin lips were closed in a sharp line, Irish asked, "Did you know Lilith was returning home today?" That''s the only exnation, or maybe it''s just a coincidence.

    Joseph did not answer, and his rigid face never changed.

    Irish had no interest in Joseph and did not bother to pay any attention to him again. She looked at the building that was flying by outside the window, and somehow her chest was popping.

    "Your bonus is deducted for this month." All of a sudden, Joseph opened his mouth after several minutes of silence.

    How could he ruthlessly deduct this prize money that was the most important thing in her life!

    Unsurprisingly, Irish was shocked and cried, "what?"

    Joseph opened his eyes slowly as if he had said household words. "The Finance Department will give you a formal notice."

    "What''s wrong with me? You''re deducting my bonus?" Irish sat up straight and said to him, "Joseph, you go too far bullying me!"

    "If you leave work without my permission again, I will deduct all of your sries," Joseph raised his voice, whose frowning eyebrows looked strict.

    "You are such an exploiter!" Irish almost went mad.

    The driver could not resistughing.

    "This is funny to you? Drive your car! "Irish waved her hand impatiently.

    Joseph raised his hand and pressed the controller. The muffler board rose slowly, separating the driver''s seat from the back seat. His face waspletely cold, "Do you think you have three heads and six arms? You haven''t finished your work yet. What''s wrong with you,ing to the airport?"

    "Me? You see, I saved your wife''s sister. Without my appearance, she would probably be dead."

    "Do you think cops are incapable? Or you''re the only negotiator in the world?"

    Joseph frowned more and more, and the words became educational.

    He heard the sound of the gen. As he had just arrived at the airport, the sound of the gen reverberated in his ear like the buzz of thunder, and he was shocked like being hit by a thunderbolt. The first thought that had shed in his brain was that Irish had been shot.

    What did he feel at that moment? Nervous, shocked, and even terrified!

    But when she appeared before his eyes, lookingzy, his feelings turned unprecedentedly angry! He wanted to scold her severely before Lilith. He even wanted to p her.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Yes, he was angry, and at that moment, he still wanted to warn her that if it were to happen next time, he would peel off her skin.

    Irish stared at him. Hearing that his anger was constrained, she said coldly, "My younger brother was there. He is the closest person to me in the world." After saying that, she turned her head and looked out the window.

    The corner of her eyes was glistening with tears when she turned her head, and Joseph subtly noticed it. Seeing that she sniffled and wasn''t angry, his heart twitched, and a feeling quietly spread and swept through his chest. But he did not know that this feeling was a pity.

    "Alright. Don''t do that next time." His tone became light.

    Irish''s ears were sharp. She twinkled her eyes vigorously and forced her sadness back. And then, when she looked at him, his eyes were full of expectation. "Then my bonus..."

    "It will be deducted this month lest you do not remember that." Joseph''s tone again turned severe.

    Irish''s face crinkled, why was this man so stubborn? Finally, when she was about to do something, he lightly said, "I''ll ount for the dress money."

    "Ha." She snorted lightly and asked, "Do you p me and then give me a present?"

    "Do you ept it or not?" Joseph seemed to be feeling better.

    "Why not?" It didn''t matter that her bonus would be deducted. At least she could buy more dresses to vent her anger to max out his card and make him mad!

    ****

    The Celebration for new employees was reserved at the highest restaurant in New York, and it only took 40 seconds to arrive at the 80th floor in the elevator. The luxurious splendor of jewelry seduced people toe to this city of vanity, desiring to ascend to the upper tiers of society. The desire for sess had bankrupted the city''s morality. However impetuous and unendurable the reality of the city, these "rabbits" and "foxes" all wanted to be lions, while they didn''t know that only lions could be lions.

    Golden marbles imported from Israel adorned the wall and floor, and gold art decottice decorated the tall windows. The 600 colorful bubble ss beads were hung on the top of the lobby. Every corner of the restaurant was unique and original.

    The night came.

    The 360-degree view of the main hall was designed to make the people in it feel like they were stepping on the clouds. This height could capture the perfect night view of New York, and the neon lights ented the city''s outline.

    Naturally, this asion also had a symbol of aristocracy and the upper ss-violins. Live bands were solemn and well-orchestrated, and they yed music in a mannerparable to those of Western court musicians. Through all the splendor, everything smelled of money.

    Naturally, this weing party was not for Irish alone, the Runestone group had also recruited a number of talented men and women who took important positions in their departments. The banquet was attended by a number of senior officials, led by Joseph. The general manager of the Runestone Group, who oversaw ten thousand people, was to attend in person. One could imagine the importance he attached to tonight''s banquet.

    Waiters shuttled between suits and dresses, and Italian crystal cups were neatly ced in trays, red wine, champagne from France, and Germany''s precious ice wines, interwoven in the sweet taste buds of their mouths. It was the beginning of a magnificent feast.

    Joseph, who drank less and held sses to chat with several senior officials, wore a in white shirt and trousers, but even in that, he stood out in the crowd, unable to be ignored. Several new attendees also continued to enter, but Irish did not appear.

 Chapter 61 61: She Was Described As Sexy

    "Daisy," Joseph called to his assistant, "Has Dr. Irish arrived?"

    "I haven''t seen her yet." Daisy looked at her watch. Irish''s position in thepany determined her special status. The enterprise mental training of the Runestone Group was previously outsourced to a trainingpany. Joseph was not pleased with the oue and professionalism of thispany, so he decided to move the operation under his control.

    Unlike other departments, the position of Irish made her more like a soul engineer who pacified employees under career pressure, helping to promote a sense of cultural independence for employees.

    When Daisy was about to call Irish, the door was opened, going unnoticed by most people but seeding in attracting the attention of Joseph.

    That night, Irish could only be described as "sexy."

    She wore a long dress in Chinese red, her long, soft, curly hair reaching down to her shoulders. The fabric was designed to give a beautiful shining perspective effect. Her shoulders were half unveiled, and the deep V design was elegant, drawing the outline of her swan neck, sexy vicle, and beautiful bosom. And above the deep V, her t underbelly was indistinct under the thin silk, whose skin was white as moonlight.

    The borate design formed a fishtail effect, which required a slender waist and charming curve of hip and long, straight legs, which were covered under the skirt''s hemline. Her makeup was appropriate in thickness and lightness, which was both ssy as well as hot and sexy like a red rose.

    Chinese red is the purest and most selective shade in the red color palette, and few women dare to use Chinese red as the dominant color in a dress. Nevertheless, Irish not only wore it but also to make an excellent effect. She looked like a poppy blooming quietly in the dark night. At first, no one noticed, but as she moved forward, more and more eyes focused on her, especially the men, who looked at her with naked amazement and obsession.

    She walked into the crowd, and as soon as her beautiful wrists were stretched out, a waiter took the initiative to give her a crystal ss. The red wine made the ss seem clearer, and her fingers seemed to be colored by the blush. The red in the cup matched the red in her skirt. Her eyes were as starry as the night sky, and the wine shed gently in her eyes as if they were fireworks.

    "Don''t you want to call Dr. Irish, Mr. Dover?" Daisy saw Joseph''s eyes always staring into the distance.

    Joseph''s face was expressionless, but he frowned when he saw the senior officials of a certain department taking the initiative to chat up Irish. "No, let''s start the party," he said coldly.

    Daisy followed.

    At the start of the party, the violin music became more tender, like a thin line walking in the air. As the general manager of thepany, Joseph briefly spoke some words at the beginning of the celebration. When he proposed a toast, the people below raised their sses one after another, and the music also responded, growing louder and more majestic.

    Cassie also looked wonderful that night, whose long white dress entuated her beauty. Her beauty was more restrained, and she wore a braid decorated with pearlsing down past her shoulders. She looked like a goddess of Greek mythology when she smiled.

    "You look very pretty and shy today. It''s rare for you to wear red, but it''s beautiful." As for the news that Irish hade to work for Runestone, Cassie was also ecstatic, along with Professor Ding.

    In New York, where everyone was always working hard for the future, enjoying a small gathering of friends had be a luxury. Despite being in the same city, some friends only got to see each other once every six months, or even once a year. Some of these were friends that had spent everyday together when they were at school and single, but when they had a rtionship partner or spouse, their life became a lot more difficult, and even getting together with a friend for coffee had be tricky. Cassie had be afraid of the alienation that could happen to almost any woman, so it was great to be able to work with Irish at the samepany.

    Irish nced at the front. Joseph was talking, and she lowered her voice to Cassie, saying, "Because this dress is the most expensive."<novelnext></novelnext>

    "I can''t see that. You are always stingy."

    Irish pouted her lips, "He paid for it."

    "Ah? He and you..."

    "Stop. He deducted my bonus for a whole month, and his reimbursement was within reason." Irish was irritated when mentioning that. When she picked the dress, she constantly remembered the bonus which had been taken away, and her heart was broken.

    Cassie smiled, "I''d do the same thing in your position."

    "It doesn''t matter. I chose several dresses, and we wear the same size. You can pick one when youe to my house next time." Irish was generous. People unaware of her situation would assume she was rich or had won the jackpot, but Irish was not above bending down to pick up a penny.

    Cassie secretly felt pity for Joseph, "I think you have swindled lots of money from him."

    "He revoked my bonus. That''s just retaliation. Why should I be polite to someone who acts generous but is actually evil?"

    "Well... Evil? You have tasted that?"

    Cassie only caught some of Irish''s words.

    Instead of being shy, Irish blinked with her beautiful eyes. "Miss Cassie, do you believe my little white tooth has be invincible?"

    "I see. The devil is not Mr. Dover but you."

    "Don''t you know that if you continue, I''ll be evil to you?" Irish tried to restrain herughter.

    Cassie immediately surrendered, "Oh, I believe it."

    After Joseph had said that, a senior official called for Irish, so she went to the front for the greetings. The employees who had attended her training ss whistled, and she smiled generously, without any bashfulness.

    ording to the rules, the first dance of the party is started by the managers of thepany. Some people were eager to dance, some reluctantly epted, but nobody knew who called for it first, shouting Joseph and Irish. There was only one voice, but no one dared to answer the voice when it was heard. For a brief period, the atmosphere was unspeakably ambiguous.

 Chapter 62 62: She Was Described As Sexy

    Standing in embarrassment, Irish prepared to escape, but Joseph walked forward calmly, taking the initiative to invite her. She was startled, forgetting the following normal actions, standing there with baffled eyes. Cassie nudged her softly, and Irish reacted, raising her eyes to see Joseph.

    Joseph lowered his eyes to look directly at her, stretching his hand patiently the entire time, with calm and powerful eyes, which she associated with a wide and peaceful sea. The night wind blew softly with a light wood fragrance. She couldn''t control herself and gave him her hand. The corners of his eyes raised, and his hands tightened. That was his first opening dance with her.

    The piano yed the main melody of the opening dance, and the sound made by the ck and white keys was light and soft, like raindrops on a lotus leaf, gently swaying the fragrance, and as the wonderful sound from an ancient night, intoxicating people in the room. The lights of the hall were dimmed, except for the bright stars of the night sky and the sparkling splendor of crystal in the room, which seemed to illuminate at the bottom of Joseph''s eyes. His dance steps followed and guided, and his big hands attached themselves to her softback. The temperature of his palm burned through Irish''s thin clothing into the depths of her heart.

    Daylight strengthens people''s reason, which ensures they can ovee the obstacles of social pressure, interpersonalmunication, and workcepetition, but nighttime makes people sensitive and tender. A piano melody could let them fall into their memories or be lenient toward people who they originally hated.

    For Irish, this beautiful night, obscure lights, and pleasant music should be med for her good feelings about matching Joseph''s dancing steps and closeness. But for Joseph, it could be med on the beautiful woman in his arms, not the gorgeous night outside the window and the elegant surroundings. He never meant to acknowledge her beauty. The more beautiful things are always more delightful but riskier. During thest song, the staff slowly joined in on the dance floor. Without feeling nervous from the attention, Irish began to dance more lightly.

    Perhaps they were so close that she could smell his masculinity, but she began to memorize the history between them. The distance between them made her think of the morning they first met. That morning, even the air in the hotel was charming. She usually tried very hard not to think of that day, but tonight the atmosphere allowed her to sink deep into the thought of it.

    "What are you thinking?" Joseph asked, looking above her head while smiling faintly.

    She swore this man was born with a radio voice. In the haze of the evening, she couldn''t help but surrender her heart to him. She should be feeling differently, at least acting as though she didn''t care, but when she looked at him directly, her heart flipped.

    "I was thinking about how charming the lights are and how nice the wine is. Do I also look charming?" It wasn''t hard for her to look directly at him, so she became wary of how calm he made her feel.

    Joseph raised his hand gracefully, and she turned gently in his arms, and his smile seemed to touch her.

    "You look beautiful." His praise seemed to be more powerful than the praise of others.

    "Should I say thank you?" In time with the music, she leaned back into his arms and was able to get a good look at his jaw and sexy throat.

    Joseph seemed to be unmoved with such a beauty in his arms. He was able to distance his mind from it and dance wlessly. His answer was very standard. Irish gently bit her lip and thought about asking.

    "So between Ruby and I, who is more beautiful?"

    This time he didn''t push her away, maybe because they were dancing, but his hands were wrapped around her waist cautiously, he did not dare do anything out of the ordinary.

    "You both have your own strengths."<novelnext></novelnext>

    This answer dissatisfied her, and her eyebrows raised as she replied, "You should know I don''t like that answer."

    "I know." Joseph''s tone was light, but he seemed to indulge in her childish boldness. Irish no longer looked him in the eyes. A few secondster, she looked up suddenly and asked, "Do you love Ruby?"

    That question was more direct, not because she was tempted to ask but because she was too curious. She didn''t know what Joseph would be like if he deeply loved another. Was he still so calm and restrained in the face of love? Or would he be as gentle as water and give her eternal love and care? Could the woman who he was able to tolerate and even marry someone he actually loved? She wanted to be sure.

    "What about love?" He gave this answer without any expectation.

    Irish raised her lips in a smile and replied, "You''re avoiding my question."

    Joseph looked at her as he said, "Love is a luxury to me. If I find someone I love, it will be lucky, if not, well, then that''s my fate��"

    His answer was ambiguous, he answered urately but was still able to avoid the question. Irish looked at his face, she was lost in the moment. Joseph was a man who nned his career and even his life urately, people like him knew what they wanted. His personality was steady and reserved, though he did everything carefully and ruthlessly. He didn''t make rash decisions. If he loved Ruby deeply, why weren''t they together? If not, why would they have gotten married in the first ce?

    Her confusion gradually became too much to deal with, so she asked another question even more direct than thest.

    "Do you think your marriage is just a career move to keep you sessful?" These words were irrevocable, and she waited to see how they would affect him. Just then, the music suddenly finished, and while everyone apuded, he said quickly, "Have fun."

    Irish frowned, why did the music have to end now? She held her cell phone in one hand and stepped away from the dance floor. She could only see his shadow move further and further away. Cassie held her ss of wine and handed Irish one with a slightly raised brow, "What were you two talking about? I sensed that you were not happy."

    "I asked him if he loved his wife." Irish took the ss from her, had a mouthful of wine, and raised her hand to call for another ss. Her words, paired with the action of gulping down the ss at once, startled Cassie, who reached out for her arm.

    "Why on earth would you ask that?"

    "Don''t worry, I''m not obsessed with him." Irish smiled slightly, "I just happened to be suddenly curious about his marital status."

    "Although his marriage to Ruby Lake is no big deal, nobody in thepany is unaware of it." Cassie''s expression was startled as she hurriedly poured her another, she said seriously, "Irish, do not y with fire, you can''t deal with him."

 Chapter 63 63: She Was Described As Sexy

    Irish looked into Cassie''s eyes and almost blurted out that Ruby and the whole Lake family didn''t deserve happiness. She held back. Cassie didn''t know the whole story.

    "Do you really think of me that way? You''re far too sensitive."

    "I was just startled by what you said. What''s the point of paying so much attention to his marriage?" Cassie was a warm-hearted girl, and she would never understand her best friend making a mistake in life. "Just remember, he''s your boss, so your rtionship is simple. Keep that in mind. It looks like I have to watch out for you."

    Irish felt helpless and wanted tough. Why was she someone who always seemed to be wrong?

    "Well, will you die if you don''t talk about it? Let''s have a good drinking night."

    "Oh my god, again?" Cassie was pulled into the wine area by Irish.

    After handling the official affairs, Joseph went back to the hall again. What he saw surprised him, and he quickly retreated. He looked up to see the name of the hall, and Daisy, who he was unaware suddenly had opened her eyes.

    "Mr. Dover..."

    Making sure he didn''t go into the wrong hall, he entered again.

    "I''ve dealt with the affairs for a long time?" He saw what was happening before his eyes.

    She swallowed hard. "Only an hour."

    In just one hour, the original graceful hall became a ce where people were dancing like mad. What surprised him was the music, it gave him a headache. The live band that yed piano and violin had to step aside. The music was fueled with erotic charm, and people danced like they were possessed.

    Joseph felt like he had heard this music before, but he couldn''t remember where. His sharp eyes swept among the crowd and quicklynded on the right person. Standing at the highest ce, Irish''s soft body twisted in time with the music like a snake. Her face was flushed, and her eyes were blurred. He could easily see she had too much to drink, and she was with Cassie, who was also clearly drunk. The people around them all danced wildly around Irish and Cassie.

    The music was alluring, and the women who danced to it were charming too. As he looked, he understood the saying ''a dinner party without leaders was a carnival.'' Everything here changed in just one hour.

    "They dance well," Daisy was young and felt boisterous about the scene, "They have soft bodies like two snakes."

    It was true. Joseph knew it was true. Especially Irish, who danced like a sexy fairy. As he thought this, she came toward him. He stood motionless as she stretched her arms out and sped her hands around his neck.

    The wine flowed freely at the party. All of them were drunk, and from their eyes, the world was splendid. Alcohol intoxicated people and stimted their courage. So it was with Irish. The strength of the alcohol was like a spark of fire, which gently dropped in her heart and soon ignited a wild ze. She was enchanted and started behaving recklessly.

    Her graceful figure was like a red lotus swaying in the wind.<novelnext></novelnext>

    It seemed that the music was intended to conciliate the moment and sounded perfect for the time.

    When thest lyric sounded, Irish was holding Joseph''s neck with one of her hands while she raised the other hand to caress his face. Her slender fingers also seemed to be tainted with the fragrance of the lotus. She looked carefully at the man, his wide forehead, his thick eyebrows, sharp nose, thin lips, and his well-defined jaw.

    Under the strength of the alcohol, her body was even softer, and she seemed like an invertebrate when she was dancing. Her graceful figure leaned on the man''s arms and rubbed against his body recklessly.

    Irish was bewitching, and she danced insolently and with great passion, while Joseph just stood there without movement, allowing her to run wild in front of him.

    All the people around were in a wild dance, and so was Irish. Only Joseph was like a solid rock sitting among them. He just stood there motionlessly, and even Daisy went to drink with other colleagues.

    "Who are you?" Irish looked up at his eyes, smiling like a flower while her eyes were like fireworks in the night sky, dazzling and morous. But she was still wasted and staggered after finishing her word.

    "You''re drunk." Joseph reached out his hands and held her soundlessly while Irish smiled and pressed even closer to him. Her soft body was like an eager fire in his arms. And it was impossible for Joseph to push her away since she held him tightly with her hands.

    "I know who you are." Irish giggled with her plump breasts pressing close to Joseph''s chest and forming a deep cleavage. It was really hard for him not to notice that.

    Joseph felt that he was at the end of his wits. What was she talking about?

    However, Irish was still dancing to the wild music, and she regarded Joseph''s tall figure as a strong oak tree. When her slender legs lifted slightly, she looked very charming. Her crimson skirt ttered her. Her slender fingers began to fondle his face, his chin, and finally fell on his sexy Adam''s apple.

    "Once read from a book that you can tell a lot from a man''s nose." She looked up at him with her long, soft curly hair spreading on his arms where he was holding her waist. Then she continued to say with great enthusiasm, "You must be very sexual because you have a sharp nose."

    As a result of the alcohol, she was even sexier. Her fingers again touched down along his throat, and he could feel her desire. And just as her hands were about to reach his lower abdomen, Joseph stopped her.

    Irish showed an evil smile at him and stood on her tiptoes with her sexy lips almost touching his. And then she said with a low voice, "Why stop me? Why is your body so stiff? Am I not tempting enough?"

    Joseph swallowed the lump in his throat and simply held her wrist with one of his hands, saying, "It''s time to go home."

    "Would you be willing to take me home?" Her beautiful face was so morous and enchanting. Her sexy shoulders, cleavage, and her slim waist unfolded before him.

    Joseph gently whispered, "God give me enough courage to control this temptation!"

 Chapter 64 64: Unexpected Visitor

    From Joseph''s perspective, he could take in everything at a nce. Her soft body pressed to him that he could even feel her fragrant breath. Her lips were so close to his that he could fit just by lowering his head. Her teeth were neat and white and even reflected like a sea shell while her lips moved seductively, tempting him.

    It was normal to be attracted to her since he was also a red-blooded man.

    As she felt, he could even feel his own physical reaction. Her figure and enthusiasm continuously stimted him, and soon he found that his body became hot, his throat was thirsty, and a man''s thirst reminded him to seek water.

    "Don''t be drunk next time." Joseph held her tightly so as to stop her endless wriggling. Somehow his voice was deep and lost his usual stateliness.

    Irish couldn''t move but smile, and her cheeks were delicately flushed, which looked extremely charming.

    "Daisy."

    Not far away, Daisy soon came forward. She had only had one drink with her colleague, so she still looked sober but felt worried about Irish when she saw Irish was wasted. "She is drunk. Do I need to send her back?"

    Taking a nce at Irish, Joseph said calmly, "You stay here. Find a driver for those drunken colleagues, and I''ll send her back first."

    "Okay."

    After Daisy went to take care of her drunken colleagues, he loosened Irish''s hands and allowed her to be pressed against him like an octopus. He sighed slightly and then led her out of the banquet hall.

    ****

    Jay was extremely hungry after Willy''s interrogation, and it was veryte. He was about to dine with his parents when his colleague told him that someone was waiting for him in his office. "Jay, someone was waiting for you in the office."

    "In my office?"

    "Yes."

    Jay hit him slightly and said, "How dare you do that? It''s a vition of discipline to just let people into my office."

    His colleague smiled at him and said, "The beautiful woman said she was your rtive, and I dared not offend her."

    "Are you sure she''s my rtive?" Jay touched his starving stomach and added, "Only my elder sister is a beauty in my family."

    Beside the window, a beautiful woman stood there, but it was not Irish. She was watering a nt that Jay had never seen. The woman was dressed in a white dress with short and curly hair which covered her cheek. But he could still see her bright smile and pretty face. The night was so intoxicating, and his office was also stained with a light fragrance.

    The faint fragrance was from the flowers, but it also seemed like it wasing from her body.

    "You..." Jay stood in the doorway and hesitated.

    The woman was terrified by him turning back, and she smiled.

    "It''s you." Jay recognized that she was the hostage from the airport this afternoon.

    Lilith just smiled without saying anything.

    "Oh, I remember I told you that we will make a police statement tomorrow afternoon." Stepping forward and putting the interrogation book on his desk, Jay was a little puzzled and thought perhaps he had told her the wrong time.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Yes, I know. I came here for you tonight." Lilith smiled brightly and pointed to the potting, "I found it in a flower shop on the way home, and it''s a gift for you."

    Jay also smiled and chuckled, "I cannot take credit for what I did not do. Are you trying to bribe me?"

    "You saved my life today." She said seriously.

    "That''s my duty." Jay sipped and then added, "So you don''t need to show your appreciation here. And you don''t have to pretend you''re a family member when youe here next time."

    "You don''t remember me?" Lilith was astonished.

    "I remember you. We just met this afternoon." Jay smiled at her.

    It seemed that he really had forgotten her. She clicked her tongue and was immersed in meditation. When she looked up at him again, she said with a bright smile, "Mr. Lane, have you finished your work now?"

    Jay raised his eyebrows.

    "I want to thank you, and I want to invite you to dine with me." Although she knew that he would know her identity sooner orter, in order to avoid embarrassment, she thought it was better for him to find out for himself.

    "You want to have dinner with me?" Jay was shocked and soon shook his head and uttered, "I''m the people''s police. Why must you go to this extent?"

    "You are really a man of unquestionable integrity."

    Jay was in a good mood. "That''s right. But even if I am not a police officer, I can''t let a girl pay for the meal. Let me invite you for a meal."

    "Fine. I have never dined with a policeman." Lilith walked to him with a bright smile hanging on her face.

    Jay was very tall and was dressed in uniform, while Lilith stood beside him in a white dress. They looked perfect for each other.

    "Hey, I''m also an everyman when I get out of my uniform. Jay was born good-looking, and he was even more handsome in the police uniform, so he always had many suitors around him. But he didn''t pay much attention to women since he was so busy with his work, and at the same time, he could not understand why men have to cheer girls up every day. Therefore, the girl he had been dating had not been around for a long time because he didn''t have time to apany them, and he alsocked the patience to cheer them up. Therefore, he didn''t think too much about Lilith''s presence and regarded her as a friend.

    Lilith grinned softly and patted his shoulder, "You needn''t get off your uniform."

    "People might think you''re a suspect if I don''t take off my uniform." Jay was especially resolute and steadfast when he smiled while at the same time presenting a bold and generous spirit. "Wait for me for a moment. I need to change my clothes."

    Lilith nodded with a smile.

    "Well..." Jay looked a little embarrassed suddenly. "Would you mind waiting for me outside?"

    Lilith was puzzled.

    "I have to change my clothes here," Jay exined to her with an unnatural expression.

    "Sorry. I''ll wait for you outside." Lilith soon understood what he meant and left his office, blushing.

 Chapter 65 65: You’ve Had Enough Alcohol Tonight

    Irish was right, Joseph did not send her back home.

    With a drunken woman in his arms, Joseph was also deeply confused. He didn''t know the real reason why he took her into his resting room directly instead of sending her back. Maybe it was because she was too drunk to go home, or it was an excuse for him that he was reluctant to send her away, just as Irish said.

    Putting her on the bed, Joseph held his hands at the edge of the bed and looked at her sleeping there with her eyes still open slightly. They could see each other. Irish smiled and tried to touch his face with her fingers. Joseph still gazed at her without moving.

    However, the next second, Irish covered his eyes, and he could only hear herughing.

    Joseph couldn''t do anything but pull her hands away.

    "When you look into my eyes, it really makes me feel flustered." She raised herself on her elbows, and in this way, her cheeks were less than one centimeter away from his.

    Joseph''s heart twitched a little, simply pressing down her restless body and then said softly. "I''ll get you some water." Then he was about to get up to go, but she swung her arms around him.

    In the blink of an eye, her delicate arms were like cirrus clouds holding him slightly.

    Joseph was shocked and stood there motionlessly. He could have pushed her away because she just held him gently. However, he forgot at that moment.

    He could clearly feel her soft body, especially her plump breasts, charming and stic. It was like a mountain that stimted men to climb it.

    It was just as the old saying goes: A beauty''s embrace is a man''s tomb.

    "Where are you going?" Irish whispered behind him.

    Joseph was a mature man who had experienced many hardships and was beyond his youth. Therefore, even if he was enthralled by her, he could still keep a rational mind and drive away his ludicrous ideas. Turning back, he held Irish into his arms and whispered to her, "Lie down on the bed and have a good rest. I''ll get you some water ande back soon."

    He was still loath to push her away, and perhaps her sudden dependence on him stimted his desire to protect her. Even if he hated drunken women, he couldn''t push her away at this moment.

    Or perhaps he was reluctant to hate her from the beginning. Just as that night when several friends of his were holding a bachelor party for him in the bar, she was twirling around on the dance floor drunkenly, which attracted many people''s attention, including his friends.

    They were just strangers, drinking in a bar. However, when she fell into his arms from the dance floor, he was somehow touched by her, and then he paid for her. She held his neck so tightly that even his friends thought they were familiar with each other, while at the same time, her eyes sparkled with mor.<novelnext></novelnext>

    He was not a meddlesome man, but he had intervened in her affairs for the first time. He took her to the hotel room, watched her drunkenly in bed, and broke intoughter. She was like a docile cat that night without any aggressiveness. Looking at her, his perturbed mood gradually vanished.

    Irishy down beside him for the whole night, and it seemed that Joseph had granted her permission.

    But she was not as docile as he thought she''d be; instead, she was especially restless.

    "Water?" Irish smiled gently while shey in Joseph''s arms and said, "I want to drink more wine."

    Joseph was unable to stand her being troublesome and stopped her. Then he said with a deep voice, "You''ve had enough alcohol tonight."

    "Really? But if I am drunk, how do I know who you are?" Her drunkenness also confided a sense of enchantment. And she simply put her head on his chest and then smiled, "Hey, my brother-inw, your heart beats so fast that it''s pounding my ears.

    It was the first time she took the initiative to call him brother-inw, but it sounded unnatural. Joseph had never taken care of a drunken woman, even if it was Ruby. But when facing Irish, he was at a loss whether tough or cry. Perceiving that she managed to get close to him intentionally, he had to stop her and warn her not to do that. "Isabel."

    "It''s really a nice name spoken from your mouth, even though I really don''t like it. "She was like a sly snake that he couldn''t control at all. Or perhaps she held him again when he let go of her hands. Her sexy lips began to press in his Adam''s apple.

    ? At that moment, neither of them knew who was the person being tempted.

    "What did you feel when you held me that night? Was it the same as now?" She curled up in his arms while one of her hands lingered on his chest. The strong chest beneath her fingertips burned her heart, and her soft hands began to descend.

    Joseph''s spine was stiff, and his mouthpressed into a thin line. He looked at her with meaningful eyes. Irish raised her head so that their breaths interwoven with each other. Her smile turned more and more feminine, while his breathing got more and more rapid. It was not until Irish put her hands on his crotch that Joseph pushed her away with his eyebrow frowning.

    "Don''t make a mess." It sounded like he was a little bit annoyed..

    "Hahaha...." Irishy down on the bedzily andughed as if she had seeded in breaking down his casual calmness. Then she held herself up with her elbows, so her fishtail dress swung slightly so that her breasts were revealed before him. Gently biting her lip and staring into his deep eyes, Irish said with a soft voice, "My brother-inw, your cock is so big..."

    Joseph bit his teeth, and he turned to leave.

 Chapter 66 66: It Will Burn You

    "I''m thirsty," Irish said with a soft voice behind him. Joseph stopped and turned to look at her.

    "I''m thirsty, my brother-inw." It was different from just now when she called him brother-inw, it sounded helpless this time. Her eyes looked like those of an innocent deer, pure and simple.

    Joseph was tenderhearted again and sighed slightly, "Wait for me here." Irish grinned.

    Beside his luxurious vi, the resting room was the ce where he usually lived since he was busy with his official business. Sometimes he didn''t want to drive home through the night, and he would stay here. Therefore, there were many avable everyday items here, including clothes.

    Because of Irish''s drunkenness, he did not even have time to change his clothes or clean up after getting this drunken woman off to bed. When he came back to the resting room with a ss of water, he found that Irish was lying on the bed quietly. He could see her slender figure in her fishtail skirt. Behind her was the starry sky, and from his perspective, she was a sleeping beauty.

    When Joseph pressed the remote control, the curtains automatically closed and covered the city lights outside the window, leaving only the faint yellow glow inside, as if lit by fireflies. "Isabel."

    ? She opened her eyes slightly.

    "I have water for you."

    "Thank you." Irish was about to get up but staggered for a while. Joseph reached out and lifted her up while Irish fell into his arms directly after taking the water.

    Joseph didn''t push her away, and maybe it was because he was afraid that the water would spill out, or maybe for another reason.

    She was allowed to drink water in his arms. Shey in his arms and suddenly smiled at him after taking a sip. Her smile was like the warm breeze in spring that melted his solid heart.

    Soon she began to drink water again. Joseph''s eyes fell on her tender neck, reminding him of a word: When a beauty bowed her head gently, she was like a bashful lotus.

    Irish was still very drunk and quickly finished the whole ss of water, but she didn''t immediately hand him the cup. Instead, she raised her head to look into his eyes and showed a bright smile, "Do you want some water?"

    Joseph thought it was just her drunken talk and took the cup from her, but unexpectedly Irish held it tightly and said softly, "If you are thirsty, I''ll give you some water."

    Joseph was confused but could perceive her fragrance obviously. She stared at him quietly while their chests were closed to each other. It couldn''t be told whose heart was beating faster. Though she was drunk, she felt her heart was about to be cracked, and she felt thirsty again under Joseph''s gaze.

    He beamed his lips into a thin line. Suddenly, she was eager to feel the softness of his lips and raised her head and kissed him boldly with her sexy red lips.<novelnext></novelnext>

    His lips were a little bit coolpared to hers. She felt that her heart was going to jump out of her chest while her head buzzed. And she could feel the man''s body stiffen at that moment.

    Somehow she kissed him.

    Perhaps Joseph did not expect that she would be so bold as to kiss him, so he was motionless when he felt her soft lips. But soon the fragrance Irish was sending out stimted him. His body was stiff, but when she licked his lips with her soft tongue, Joseph couldn''t help but grab her waist and enjoy her tender skin under her skirt. The next second, he took the initiative and began to kiss her passionately.

    Irish began to respond to his kiss ardently, and she felt her heart almost stop at the moment when their lips touched each other. The man handheld her waist tightly and kissed her even more heavily, then a spinning sensation urred to her as if she was overwhelmed by the alcohol.

    But what was strange was that her sense of smell and touch was still extremely keen.

    She could feel his fresh breath, his strong arms, and the warmth of his chest. And she could hear her taut breathing. Her eardrum nerves jumped violently, which stimted the heart to follow.

    She uttered a soft, faint moan, which ignited the fire in Joseph''s heart. The woman in his arms was tender and warm, and soon the mes in his heart ran wild. His eyes were like the stars in the dark night sky, deep and profound. When he heard her emotional moan, he couldn''t help holding her waist and leaned over.

    Joseph took the full initiative, towering over her. Irish felt dizzy like she was trying to encircle him. But unexpectedly, when she was held beneath him, his lips moved away, only leaving his hot breath on her forehead, blowing her hair beside her cheeks.

    Irish opened her eyes, breathing heavily.

    She could feel his ragged breathing, but it seemed that he was trying to calm himself down, looking down at her eyes while Joseph''s Adam''s apple bobbed in his throat. He held himself with his elbows on both sides of Irish''s head and was notpletely leaning on her. Irish was dizzy and wriggled subconsciously but felt something hard against her leg, and as she wriggled, it seemed to get bigger.

    "Don''t move," Joseph said in a low and deep voice and held her face with his hands, which were burning hot as if he had lost control.

    Irish stopped wriggling and smiled softly when she saw his slightly exposed bronzed chest heave quietly.

    Joseph beat back his impulsion and began to fondle her with one of his hands and then ruffled her hair affectionately. However, when she was still immersed in his indulgence, his maic voice sounded again, "Isabel, don''t y with fire. It will burn you!"

    Irish was motionless, and her eyes were like the shining stars. She seemed to be drunk but also awake, and then she said gently, "If I''m really ying with the fire, do you dare put it out?"

    Her questioning, maybe out of carelessness, was like a crazy adventure, and somehow it broke the tension between the two of them, heading toward an ambiguous direction.

 Chapter 67 67: It’s Too Late

    She was drunk, so she could act recklessly, but Joseph was sober. When facing her question, he didn''t answer immediately; instead, he stared at her for a long while.

    His eyes were clear but hard to understand. They looked profound and shone like diamonds, while Irish felt uneasy under his gaze. After a long while, Joseph had restored his calm and restrained his wild mood, "It is toote. Have a good rest here."

    Joseph moved away from her, and his unique fragrance in the air also vanished, only leaving the smell of alcohol there. She swallowed, and her lips twitched but didn''t say anything, looking at his blurry back silently.

    ****

    Late into the night, Jay and Lilith had an interesting chat for more than three hours, during which Lilith implored Jay to share some heroic deeds with her. Jay was charming and lighthearted in daily life but rigorous with his work, so he mentioned some drug smuggling experiences to her. But for Lilith, who had studied abroad for many years, his stories were fantastic. Jay eventually thought the girl was adorable and interesting.

    She was cheerful and not hypocritical but didn''t tell Jay about her name, and when he asked, she just smiled at him quietly. However, Jay didn''t think too much about it.

    When they finished thest dessert, Lilith asked, "The man still hasn''t pleaded guilty, right?"

    "You mean Willy?" Jay answered, and then he added, "Interrogation is a time-consuming andborious task."

    "But you have evidence, right?" Lilith was puzzled.

    "It''s never easy to solve a case like this, and there are still many things you don''t understand." Jay gave her an ambiguous answer.

    Then she realized that she had asked too many questions and apologized to him quickly, "I''m sorry. I forgot that you have to keep the information confidential during the interrogation."

    "It seems that you understand many rules." Jay smiled, showing the even whiteness of his teeth, and looked very handsome.

    He shouldn''t reveal too much information to the outside, even to the hostage, since the result was still pending. It was his vignce and cautions that had protected him for so many years. After dealing with drug smugglers for so many years, he had experienced many dangerous moments, hade into contact with many different people, and had seen many weird things.

    Of course, he didn''t suspect the girl before him since her eyes were so clear; unless she was an actor; otherwise, she seemed to be an innocent girl. But Willy was only one of the smaller dealers; arge drug dealer organization must have been behind him. He had to arrest the maniptor as well as the drug factory, so it was normal for him to act cautiously.

    Lilith epted all of hispliments and grinned.

    "You are really brave, I have never seen a hostage as calm as you."

    "It is because Ms. Irish was there too." She said carelessly, but soon she found it was a little inappropriate to say that. She knew clearly about the old scores between the Lake family and the Lane family, so she was trying to win a chance to get along well with Jay tonight. She was afraid that Jay would suspect her, it sounded like she was familiar with Irish.

    But Jay did not go deeper and just smiled, "It seems that you have a good memory, and you remember Irish clearly."

    "Yes. She really is an amazing woman." She hastened to follow what he said.

    Hearing this, Jay was proud of his sister, but soon he couldn''t helpining, "Perhaps if you knew it was her first time to be a negotiator, you wouldn''t have been so calm."<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Ah?" Lilith was astonished by this, and as she recalled the situation, she couldn''t believe that it was her first time being a negotiator.

    "She''s my sister, and she is a brilliant woman, so it''s ok to trust her." A proud voice came out from him.

    Lilith couldn''t hold back herughter and took a bite of dessert.

    "Girls really love dessert." She had eaten so much dessert.

    "I don''t like it because it''s easy to get fat when eating it at night."

    Jay frowned and looked at the empty dishes beside her, "Really?"

    Lilith stared at his eyes directly and said frankly. "I keep eating because I want to hear more from you about your past."

    Jay was shocked and wanted tough and weep all at once.

    When Irish woke up, she saw the curtains as if they covered ayer of shining gold. She got up and looked around the room that was decorated with ck wood furniture, which looked elegant and luxurious. The bed upied arge area of the room while some art paintings hung on the wall. There wererge green nts close to the bed, and the lush leaves relieved visual fatigue.

    It was absolutely a man''s room. She got up and pressed hard on her forehead. She knew the feeling was the consequence of being drunk. Lowering her head, she found that she was still dressed in her evening dress fromst night, and the nket had slipped down on the ground.

    Scratching her hair, Irish soon sobered up and staggered to open the curtain. The sunshine poured in, and she blocked her eyes with her hands.

    The sunshine that morning was ring.

    Down belowy the bustling business circle where there was no weekend.

    Irish shook her head, and the situationst night began to squeeze into her head. She could tell from the outside building that it was Joseph''s resting room, and he didn''t send her back home at all. Irish returned to the bed and touched the other side of the bed. She didn''t feel any warmth, and then she sniffed, only to find there was no smell of him.

    It had been proven that she had slept there alonest night.

    Looking at the other side of the bed, Irish smiled. Now she needn''t worry about where she was; since it was his resting room, he wouldn''t leave her alone there.

    Then she got off the bed again and opened the door, but couldn''t helpughing when she entered the living room.

    The living room was in the same style as his bedroom. But after all, it was only a lounge in the office, and it would not be toorge. The bar was beside the window, with various wines and cigars disyed on the shelf. Some of the wine was not opened yet, while the others only left half a bottle, so it seemed that Joseph was not a big drinker.

 Chapter 68 68: What Are You Wearing?

    At the opposite side of the bar was a modr sofa beside whichid a cashmere nket. At the armrests of the couch, there was a pair of trousers and a shirt, and that was the reason why Irish couldn''t helpughing.

    Stepping forward, she took his shirt with a snort. She was right that Joseph didn''t go homest night; instead, he slept on the couch for the whole night. Irish looked around and walked to the wardrobe and was shocked when she opened it since the neat suit, various shirts, and casual trousers, as well as polo shirts, were hung there, but most of them were dark business suits. It seemed that he really regarded this ce as his home.

    In the drawer, different types of ties, some exquisite stick pins, and some cufflinksy there quietly and in the cab below was a row of business shoes, without any casual shoes.

    He really was a workaholic.

    Shaking her head helplessly, Irish suddenly found the note on the teapot, where a message was written to her. ''Isabel, there is breakfast for you at the bar.''

    It was a short message, in ordance with his style, but she was displeased by the initial address.

    She was not in a hurry to eat, and then her eyes fell on the wardrobe.

    Joseph was busy with his work in the morning. He had a brief conference with the headquarters and then dealt with several documents in his office. It was almost noon when he finished his work.

    But there was still no movement in the lounge.

    Closing his files, Joseph began to y with the pen in his hands as if he was absorbed in thoughts. When he finished his work, some pictures ofst night began to flow into his mind.

    A gorgeous young woman in a red skirt danced before the public, ostentatiously and recklessly, and attracted men''s attention, including his. There were also many voluntary and enchanted women around him, even more enthusiastic than her, but he could easily tell from their eyes what they wanted from him. They were so eager for money, so they were willing to exchange it for their beauty.

    But she was so different because he could find innocence in her eyes, pure but tenacious. She seemed to draw his attention deliberately, but at the moment when he pressed her down, he saw the tension and fear in her eyes clearly.

    Maybe it was just her drunken talk and a little trick.

    However...

    He sneered, and he was impulsive to her. When he pressed her downst night, he was actually dominated by his strong physiological needs, the natural instincts of man. If he hadn''t been so sensitive to capture the fear in her eyes, perhaps he would really do that to her.

    He turned to the lounge with his heart beating quickly. She was still there, sleeping in the room.

    Joseph took a deep breath, and the pent-up sullenness finally disappeared. When he was ready to deal with the next paper, the door of the lounge opened.

    It was Irish.

    Joseph knew she had just woken up since her long hair was still wet. Compared with her exquisite makeupst night, she wasn''t done up at this moment. When the sun shone on her cheeks, her skin was almost transparent like egg whites.

    Irish went out, stretching herself leisurely, and greeted him, "Hi, good morning."

    The sunshine poured onto the ground while a beauty stood in the lounge. It should have been a beautiful morning, but Joseph frowned when he saw her.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "What are you wearing?"

    Irish smiled gently and walked to his desk, then turned around liberally, "Obviously, it is a shirt." But after she added, "Oh, your shirt."

    Joseph certainly knew that it was his shirt, in and white. But it was weird when he saw Irish was dressed in it since it was too big for her. Moreover, though the length of the underside of the shirt covered her hip, her lower body was beaming in front of him. She wasn''t wearing a skirt or long trousers at all. She stood there with her slender legs happily exposed to the air.

    She had just showered, and her shirt was damp. From a distance, her silhouette was even clearer. She stood on the dark gray carpet barefoot, setting off her petite ankles.

    Irish smiled when she saw his face copse and stepped forward, leaning on the couch leisurely, and said, "I have no other choice since I can''t wear the dress fromst night. Do you mind if I wear your shirt? I promise I''ll clean it and give it back to you."

    "Find a pair of trousers in the lounge," Joseph frowned even more tightly.

    Irish nced at him and pouted like a child, "Your shirt is way too big for me, let alone your trousers."

    Joseph held his breath as the strong morning desire rushed on his lower body by looking at her, "But where are your clothes?"

    "Mr. Dover, you really have a great wit but bad memory. I changed my clothes at home." She walked to him with innocent eyes and added, "Do you think I want to wear your shirt?"

    When she got close to him, a fresh fragrance suffused, and the smell of bath dew suffused in the air, which added a weird atmosphere to the room. It seemed that she was stained with his breath.

    "Did you eat breakfast?" He didn''t continue the topic; instead, he grabbed an envelope and opened it.

    "No."

    Joseph looked up at her.

    Irish grinned and shrugged, "Anyway, it is lunchtime now; perhaps you could invite me for lunch."

    "You want to go out in this shirt?" He motioned, and his eyes swept her body up and down.

    "It is long enough for me."

    "No way," Joseph frowned seriously.

    Irish thought for a while and said, "It''s weird to go out with a fishtail skirt. Then you''ll have toe with me to buy clothes."

    ? Joseph stared at her face, and finally, he closed the file in his hand and hastily said, "Then we''ll go to the Manhattan Mall. It''s not far away from here."

    "Manhattan Mall? The clothes there are expensive."

 Chapter 69 69: What Kind Of Man Are You?

    Joseph perceived her crafty eyes, but he didn''t care about it; instead, he went to the lounge and came out with a suit and her high-heeled shoes. He walked to her directly and put it on her while speakingnguidly. "Well, you can''t just go out like this."

    "It is summer. Are you sure I have to wear this suit?" Irish was offended.

    "Yes, wear it now. You know what, sometimes I wanted to question your credibility being a psychological expert because you acted beyond my imagination," Josephined and seriously frowning.

    Irish ignored his words and rolled her eyes but did not take off the suit. After wearing her shoes, she looked up at him and said, "It''s rare to see you dressed so casually."

    He was dressed in a light-colored short-sleeved polo shirt and a pair of casual trousers. He looked very handsome but still looked severe in his eyes.

    "I have to meet a customer this afternoon. After buying clothes, we are going to eat a light meal, and then I''ll send you back." Joseph looked at the time and arranged the journey calmly.

    Irish then understood what he was going to do and when she looked up at him again, she showed a bright smile and said: "Okay. Then I''ll buy something casual, and we can match today."

    Joseph was confused and raised his eyebrows. Her words once again shocked him. She carelessly said she would choose matching casual wear that normally only a couple had worn.

    "Anyway, I am free in the afternoon, and I''ll go with you." She said in a rxed tone.

    Joseph sighed slightly and stared at her again, "Isabel, I''m talking about business. You have to go home and have a good rest."

    "I''ve told you not to call me Isabel." Irish did not get angry but walked toward him, taking his arms, and smiled softly with her body leaning on him. "Well, I promise that I won''t bother you."

    Allowing her to take his arms, Josephughed after a while as if he tacitly consented to her request and then reminded her, "It''s boring. Don''tin about it."

    "I won''t." She was pleased when she got his consent.

    She nestled in his arms as a timid and lovable little woman with a sweet smile on her face. Joseph looked at her, and the impulsion suddenly rushed out. He wanted to hold her into his arms, so he pulled her at once.

    Irish was confused and did not understand what he was going to do, but she only gazed at him quietly.

    "Do you remember what happenedst night?" Joseph asked.

    "Ah?" Irish forced herself not to move her eyes and stared at him, but soon she smiled and said, "Did I drink too muchst night?"

    Joseph''s profound eyes shrunk, and he looked at her face with a tentative look.

    "Did I really get drunkst night?" She put her hands on her chest as if she was shocked and stared at him with an innocent look. "I''m really sorry for that. But you should have sent me back. Did I throw up in your lounge?"<novelnext></novelnext>

    Joseph didn''t say anything but kept silent.

    "I could tell from your expression that I must have thrown up in your bedroom," Irish said sadly.

    After a long while, Joseph said slowly. "Do you really not remember?"

    "I swear," Irish said with a sincere expression and then added, "But if I really messed up your clothes, I will pay for them. But you''ll need to wait until I get my bonus next month."

    He remained expressionless, but when he heard her remarks, he responded, "You didn''t miss anything. But I almost ruined your life."

    His words shocked Irish, but she disguised it well and looked at him with great astonishment, "Were you drunk toost night?"

    Joseph didn''t exin it to her but pinched her cheeks unexpectedly. Then he said seriously, "I''ll deduct six months of your bonus."

    "You..."

    "Let''s go." Joseph didn''t give her a chance to refute him, grabbing his car keys and walking out of the office.

    Irish followed him in his oversized suit, looking at his tall figure, gradually, she sneered. What happenedst night? It was really interestingst night.

    "Then you should be fond of this set of essories. It is a limited edition, and our insiders enjoy no count." Cassie carefully touched the ne and began to show off her professionalism, "You know, the cutting of diamonds on that set was all done by Belgian technology, which was only made by hand. It is expensive, and Bernert supervised the manufacturing."

    "Who is Bernert?"

    "He is the treasure of our group. His father is Belgian, and his mother is Chinese. He received the job of his father and learned urate Belgian cutting technology. Though America does not authorize it, I heard that he has mastered the Blue fire technology." Cassie obviously was more familiar with the Runestone Group than Irish, so she told her the details, "It is said that when Henry Lake controlled the group, all diamonds should be transported to Belgium and cut by professional personnel there. After Joseph took charge of thepany, he hired Bernert, who found qualified apprentices to form our own incision team, which can cut costs. I heard that Bernert knew Mr. Dover before, and they followed the same Chinese master. "

    "Ah?"

    "You don''t know? It is said that Mr. Dover learned the diamond cutting technology when he was young. It is a painstaking task to be an apprentice. Maybe he knew him in that period." Cassie said seriously, "Bernert said that in New York, there isn''t a manager who cany down his figure and have a rich experience in the diamond industry as well as Mr. Dover. From the observation, selection, examination, supplying, and designing to the marketing of diamond mines, Mr. Dover engages in and knows the whole process perfectly. He is assiduous and even goes down to the mine with workers to examine diamonds, thus receiving many injuries. Sess can''t be achieved easily. Those who can be superior must be the ones who are calm before hardships, which proves that they experienced a lot and the pains they have experienced were heavier than ordinary people."

    Irish listened quietly, but she gradually looked at him with new eyes. She used to think that Joseph was only a group ruler who was just sitting in a management position. It was out of her expectations that he had done all such things and taken all such pains. He was a good example of the old saying that those who bore hardships could be the elites. Cassie was right. His personality did not cause the calmness, self-restraint, and indifference, but maybe the severeness and cruelty of his experiences, that the treacheries and intrigues in the business were not worthy of being mentioned.

    Joseph, what kind of man are you?

 Chapter 70 70: Bernert Confession

    Irish saw Bernert quickly.

    He was about forty years old, ck, with an outline of a mustee, whose figure was not so strong, but he spoke English fluently. He would not be considered a master of sophisticated cutting technology, judging from his appearance. But men could not be judged by their looks; people with ordinary appearances may possess hidden skills.

    Of course, it was not Irish who wanted to see Bernert, and he took the initiative to find her. On Thursday, when she entered the hall of the Runestone Group, the assistant informed her in high spirits, "Dr. Irish, we can finally see the treasure of the Runestone. That should be attributed to you."

    The diamond cutting center under the Runestone building had a system, which was differentpared to other jewelry cutting centers, so it could be seen that Mr. Dover paid close attention to the diamonds of the group. Irish had read Bernert''s resources, whose ancestors all did cutting in Belgium, and his apprentices were also from the old and famous family of cutting in Belgium. Thus, the diamond cutting center of the Runestone Group reached the quality level of Belgian cutting. It was heard that the diamonds cut by Bernert would be shinier on darker nights, which would give out incredible blue lights.

    But today, Bernert hurried to the headquarters from the center, especially for treatment.

    The central conditioner of the office was very cold, but the sweat on Bernert''s forehead was still heavy, and his back was wet. Irish poured a cup of green tea, telling him to describe his situation slowly.

    "Dr. Irish, do you...believe that people can predict the future?" Bernert took a sip of tea, and Irish saw his hand tremble slightly.

    "Have you seen someone who can predict the future, or are you talking about yourself?" A patient who came to a psychiatrist was most afraid that his words would not be acknowledged and believed. Having been exposed to a number of cases and ustomed to strange patients, Irish would not refute anything immediately, even though she would always be able to find clues and then acknowledge the truth.

    People''s fears came from the unknown, and only the truth could dispel them.

    Bernert wiped his forehead with great force, and his fingers were trembling. She was employed by the Runestone Group, and her time had been bought out. It was not like at Linkus, where her time had been limited for treatment. She handed over the tissue to Bernert, and he wiped his hand and kneaded it. He looked helpless.

    "It''s me." He opened his mouth and said in a low voice. "I''ve always dreamt of car idents and murders. At first, I thought it was just a dream, but in fact, there was a real death that happened!"

    She looked at him hesitantly. "Please tell me more details."

    Bernert''s lips looked dry and whitish. "If I dreamt of something one night, someone would die the next day." He clenched the tissue in his hand again, as if afraid and as if he had thought of something, and hurriedly took out some newspapers from his bag. "See, doctor, I''ve brought them all."

    Irish took over the newspaper, a few of the most popr newspapers in the market, and it was written in Chinese words. The most important news in the social edition had been circled in pen. It was a report of two tragic car idents, but they were just car idents.

    "The victims were two women, and I had never seen them before, but they both appeared in my dreams. I had dreamt that something would happen to them, and I didn''t expect their death." Bernert pointed to two dead people with trembling fingers who died in car idents at different times.

    "Do you call them the victims?" Irish heard in his words.

    "Yes, they were not killed in a car ident at all; they were beaten to death!" Bernert clung to a corner of the newspaper, agitated, and his eyes shed with fear but soon darkened again, "I dreamt it, and the police wouldn''t believe it even if I told them."<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish looked at him suspiciously. "Are you sure that you didn''t know them before?"

    "I''m sure!" Bernert raised his head with certainty and said, "Dr. Irish, could you please help me? If I continue to dream, I''m afraid the person in my dreams will die in reality."

    Irish stretched forward and stared at his panic-stricken eyes, "Have you seen what the killer looks like?"

    "Not really. I couldn''t see it clearly." Bernert clenched Irish''s hands and swallowed, "I don''t dare to tell others about these dreams, and I''m afraid that they would consider me a madman. Doctor Irish, do you believe me?"

    "Calm down." Irish pacified him with a light voice, "Bernert, are you obsessed with alcohol?"

    "I..." Bernert suddenly hesitated.

    "I know people in your walk of life are prohibited from drinking, and the binge drinking limit set by Mr. Dover was extremely strict." Irish said, "But I''m not Mr. Dover, so you should tell me the truth, have you gotten drunk?" At the end of the speech, she pointed at his trembling fingers.

    Be was startled, covering his shivering fingers, and exined, "Yes, I drank,

    but the shaking is because of fear, not drunkenness. Doctor Irish, I didn''t drink today."

    "Okay, I can help you," she nodded thoughtfully. "But first, you have to calm down and fully tell me your dreams. Bernert, can you control your emotions now?"

    Bernert swallowed his saliva, clenching his fist, and nodded, "Mm-hmm."

    ****

    It was not until four o''clock that Bernert left Irish''s office.

    Irish poured a ss of water and stood before the window, watching the traffic, and she frowned. She was not convinced of the ability to predict the future, and her first reaction was that Bernert had a brain disease, but the content in the newspaper could not be exined, so she called Professor Tim to tell him that she had a special case and wished to cooperate with ir and Cheska. Professor Tim permitted her to discuss it in the meeting.

    Someone patted her on the shoulder from behind, and Irish was startled, turning back and seeing Ruby, "Who let you in?" Frowning, Irish''s tone suddenly turned impolite. Ruby apologized hurriedly, "Sorry, I didn''t know it would scare you." Irish walked to the desk with an impatient look and said coldly, "Don''t you know how to knock on the door?"

 Chapter 71 71: This Is Ridiculous

    "I knocked several times. You didn''t hear me, so I came in." Ruby looked a little scared.

    Irish said sourly, "What? The general manager is not on duty, and his wife ising here to inspect my work. "Joseph had flown to South Africast Sunday.

    "Don''t get me wrong. I know nothing, how am I qualified to inspect your work?" Ruby carefully looked at her, gently, "I came to find you. See, you''re back at work. Our Dad wonders if we can get together for dinner in our old house tomorrow night?"

    Irish sneered, "Are you naive, or do you think I am forgetful?"

    "Dad has been talking about it for a long time, would you permit it?" Ruby said earnestly, "His health has been getting worse and worse, and that''s okay if you just show up for a while. "

    Irish''s coldness was still not dissipated. Ruby was also embarrassed at seeing her reluctance, sighing lightly, "Think about it, anyway, there is still a whole day left."

    "Don''t worry, I''ll go. "Irish agreed unexpectedly.

    "Really?" Ruby''s eyes were bright.

    Irish went around her desk, sat down, and said, "I''m working. Please leave. I''ll be there on Friday."

    Seeing that, Ruby dared not to say much, nodded, and left.

    ****

    What killed people was not solitariness but loneliness. On a deste corner on a summer night, though neon lights could be seen everywhere, people were always solitary. Nobody knew them or remembered them.

    On weekends, the elegance and business of the day were about to be reced by the sexiness of the night, and the neon lights on the streets were beginning to take up their ce, blurring the gap between the sunset and evening.

    After 4 pm, Irish returned from the Runestone building to the Linkus building. Professor Tim arranged a meeting with ir and Cheska to address the situation of Bernert. Irish first ordered Christy to send a copy of Bernert''s documents to the audience. The meetingsted until the end of the working hour, but no ideal consensus was reached.

    After reading Bernert''s information, ir''s attitude was always obscure. It seemed that he didn''t care, but his views remained unchanged.

    "From a professional point of view, Bernert''s situation can be initially judged as paranoia, which is unquestioned."<novelnext></novelnext>

    But ir didn''t seed in persuading Irish and shook his head after hearing that, "From the information given by the police, Bernert''s words are not entirely imaginative," he said.

    Before returning to the Linkus, she specifically looked for Jay, who checked out the information of the two victims mentioned by Bernert and confirmed that the idents urred two years ago and that the dead were the two women mentioned by the newspaper. Irish asked him if the deaths of the two victims were strange, and Jay gave her an affirmative answer. The car ident two years ago was closed as a traffic ident case, but the recent one had given rise to the concern of the police, which were under investigation.

    While Jay did not notice, she quietly copied the files of the two dead and returned to Linkus.

    "What if it was Bernert''s memory problem?" Cheska asked as she looked at the information documents.

    Irish looked up at her, waiting for her to continue.

    "Bernert may have read the report two years ago, and after reading it, it may have left an imprint on his subconscious mind. Everyone knows that everyone''s memory points are different, probably because a report two years ago impressed Bernert. So there are dreams, and the recent ident is the same as it was two years ago, stimting memory points. A person''s subconscious being depressed for a long time will naturally result in psychological changes, and then he will have a false sense of self-hypnosis, thinking that it is a dream he had, and then a tragedy happens." Cheska tried to convince Irish, "I mean, it''s actually the first subsistent materials and image information and then the reality."

    ? "I don''t agree. From Bernert''s dream analysis, his logic is clear, and he''s in a good state of mind." Irish shook her head.

    ir closed the file and said to Irish, "You have already made a preliminary observation and diagnosis of him. In the diagnostic book, you also wrote that arge number of his dreams were meaningless, and most of these dreams were about the dead. But in reality, no one died."

    "I have carefully sifted through and found an important message." Irish looked serious. "Even if his dreams are no longer messy and meaningless, at least two of them are realistic, that is, the carcass we just mentioned two years ago and not long ago. In his dream, the process of these two cases is very clear. The ce of these two events is all in front of a vi. I agree that the subconscious has been affected, but I do not agree that Bernert is paranoid, let alone that memory problems have urred."

    Cheska sighed helplessly, "Dr. Irish, do you really believe that he can predict the future? This is ridiculous."

    "Dr. Irish, you research dreams, and you should havee into contact with cases where there is no clear distinction between dreams and reality. There is no absence of such a person." ir said, loud and forcefully.

    Irish looked at the photos of the dead on the file, did not immediately refute Cheska and ir''s opinion, and kept silent. After a long time, she suddenly said, "If you all agree that Bernert''s memory has a problem, then there is a key point that needs to be exined."

    Cheska and ir looked at her at the same time.

    Irish took a deep breath and put the file on the table, and her tone was as heavy as her face. "Bernert lived in Belgium year-round. He learned Chinese from his mother, and as far as I know, he speaks fluent Chinese. But for Chinese characters, he does not know much, and he is still learning. He had note to China two years ago. Even if he hade to China, how could a foreigner who only knew a few Chinese characters read a newspaper? How can he remember words in his mind if they do not form an image?"

 Chapter 72 72: Do You Really Want To Go?

    Once the question was thrown out, ir and Cheska were all silent, and their expressions also became questioned. It was clear that Irish pointed out the focus of the problem that the two of them could not answer the question.

    The meeting room fell into silence.

    Atst, Professor Tim, who was still quiet, broke the silence after drinking the tea, "I think this case of Bernert needs to be studied, but we make a conclusion based on a preliminary diagnosis too fast."

    "That''s why we invite you, Dr. Cheska, and Dr. ir to this meeting." Irish looked at them. "I hope you can also intervene and observe. Furthermore, the Runestone Group strictly prohibits the staff of the cutting center from alcohol, but Bernert secretly uses alcohol to anesthetize himself and ovee his fear. His fingers trembled, and I suggested that he go to the hospital for a full check-up. Of course, if it''s a psychological change, I hope Dr. ir will do more to help us; after all, you''re an expert in behavioral therapy."

    After hearing the words, ir said, "Dr. Irish, it''s not that I don''t want to help you. My appointments are already full this year, not to mention that Bernert is a core member of the Runestone Group. Even if the president of the countryes, he would also queue up. I can''t influence a group of people for one person."

    Irish frowned, Professor Tim saw ir''s attitude so hard and feared that the two people would have a quarrel, so he opened his mouth. "After all, the Runestone Group is our biggest customer. We should also focus on arranging it. Dr. ir, even if it is off the clock, you should help her for Linkus."

    ir leaned on the back of his chair and said nothing, not knowing whether to agree or not. Irish knew that he was asking for trouble for Susan''s case, and she was too tired to talk to him. She looked directly at Cheska, "So what about Dr. Cheska? Is it necessary for me to make an appointment in advance with you?"

    Cheska sighed and said, "I have a lot of appointments, but I''m in. Just to pay you back forst time."

    She was referring to thest hypnotic case that wanted to hurt people with a knife.

    "Thank you," Irish smiled quietly and then looked at ir, "It''s okay if Dr. ir is really short on time. Seriously, I wish Bernert had prophetic abilities so that I could be regarded as a meritorious officer of the Linkus. It should be of more importance than my academic papers are publishedter."

    Professor Tim and Cheska were amused.

    "I didn''t say I wouldn''t take the case, but you should let me squeeze my time." ir was a typical academic theorist who hoped to be able to take Professor Tim''s ce after he retired. So how could he miss any case with technical content?

    The smile on her lips expanded like the fireworks of March, but her tone was as light as the breeze. "I can feel relieved after assuring your assistance." She didn''t believe in Cheska''s so-called payback for shit. Who didn''t look into Professor Tim''s position? With investment from the Runestone Group, anyone sitting in this position may be a partner of it in the future.

    Don''t me her for her dark mind, but for seeing through Cheska and ir''s intentions. It was a good idea to attack his shield with his spear.

    At the end of the meeting, there was a lot of traffic outside the window, and the neon lights on the weekend seemed brighter. Irish was sorting out information when she received a call from Fredrick, who had just returned to New York.

    "I''m fine. I can eat and sleep this time in great spirits." After Fredrick asked her about thetest situation, she smiled and told him.

    Fredrick was smiling over there, "Come to my studio. I feel relieved after assuring you with my own eyes," he said, "or if you wait for me for half an hour, I''lle and pick you up."

    "Don''t do that, I''ll find you some other day." Irish said, packing her bag and sighing heavily, "tonight, go over there for dinner."<novelnext></novelnext>

    Her words didn''t make sense, but he understood, then said, after a moment''s silence, "Do you really want to go?"

    "You know me." If she really didn''t want to, how could she agree to go?

    Fredrick''s tone of voice was slightly low, "That''s why I have to ask you once more. Has something happened? I don''t know, or do you have other ns?" He was Irish''s psychological mentor, and he knew about her long ago. He could say that he knew so much more about her than Cassie did.

    Irish smiled and continued, "Well, you don''t have to use a clich�� to persuade me to open the knot in my mind."

    "Of course, I want to, but you are so stubborn that no one can persuade you in this respect." Fredrick''s tone sounded serious, "can you tell me exactly what you''re thinking?"

    Irish packed her bag and stopped. "Oh, I''m fine. A meal is no big deal. Fredrick, you''ve been away from New York for a long time. Cassie missed you so much. Spend a good weekend with her. "

    Fredrick was silent over there.

    "Hello?" She thought there was no signal.

    "Okay," Fredrick spoke softly.

    "And I will not remind you what you should do next week when Cassie''s parentse here. Cassie is old enough, when will you marry her? You should do something." As she spoke, Irish was facing the window, and her face, reflected on the ss, was flickering with neon. Her lips clearly were reluctant to smile.

    "Irish, I��"

    "Hmm?"

    Fredrick hesitated for a moment and sighed, "Oh, nothing. I''ll watch it. All I want to say is,e find me in your spare time, your situation can''t be dyed any longer."

    "Come on, it''s a long story." Irish smiled gently, but her heart seemed to be blocked by something.

    After the call, Irish looked at herself in the ss, confused, but deep in the bottom of her heart, there was a mocking voiceing out. What was she expecting just now? Even if some cities were beautiful, she was just a passerby. Even if some people admired her, they were just people she did not care about. For Fredrick, she had a clear position early. He was her most respected mentor and best friend''s fiance.

    Her hand pressed to her chest, and she said to herself, "you are fine though you have no Mr. Right��."

 Chapter 73 73: Pick You Up

    Really?

    When Irish came out and locked the door silently, her heart seemed to be pulled out of direction by the faint echo of high heels, which was the clear, lonely sound in a long gctic corridor with incandescent lights. On weekends, everyone wanted to go party, find their once abandoned self, or pay tribute to the youth that had been driven away by time.

    It was a lively night outside, but it made her more lonely.

    What killed people was not solitariness but loneliness. At the deste corner with noise on that summer night, though neon lights could be seen everywhere, they were always solitary. Nobody knew them and remembered them.

    Reaching for the elevator, Irish looked up and watched the figures bouncing like dazzling reddish stones. Her figure was dragged down in the long corridor like a fragrant and lonely flower, which soon followed her body together into the iron box after the metal door.

    As the elevator approached, the phone suddenly rang.

    Irish answered it, not expecting it was Joseph.

    Through the radio waves, his voice was so deep and pleasant to hear that it was more like the sound of a cello.

    "Are you done with work?"

    "Just about to go downstairs and go to the Lake''s dinner at the invitation of Mrs. Dover." The elevator came, she stepped in, the metal door closed slowly for a moment, and she saw her cheeks look a little pale.

    The elevator went down, and Joseph''s voice sounded a little intermittent. "I know."

    "Hello?" Unable to hear Irish clearly, he nced at the mobile phone. The signal above was strong and weak, but he did not wait for the second sound of "Hello." The light in the elevator shed two times, followed by a clicking sounding from somewhere. There was a sharp wobble in the elevator.

    The phone hit the ground with a snap, and the light in the elevator went out.

    Everything was quiet.

    It seemed that the whole boiling world that had nothing to do with her had fallen into silence. The side effect of the darkness was suffocation, which drowned her in an endless deep sea, and the ck waves would ovee her quickly and devour her.

    Irish did not scream.

    She was afraid as she couldn''t scream after the whole surrounding went dark.

    Her back clung to one side of the elevator, closed to cold metal, which made her feel terrible. At this moment, she could only resist suffocation and moved to press the help button.

    The engulfing darkness sucked her into its belly. All she could do was curl up in a corner, shivering.

    Darkness made her judge herself.

    No matter how strong she was, it was just a shell. And only she herself knew her hesitation and loneliness.

    She thought that the darkness in front of her had swallowed her up, and there was nothing left.

    Not knowing how long it was, maybe a century, or only a few minutes, in short, when the man''s deep voice raised in her ear, she seemed to be in another world, which was no longer distant cello sound through the radio waves, but a real one haunting around her.

    Irish looked up, colliding with a man''s deep-sea eyes with concern.

    "It''s all right." Joseph looked into her eyes andforted her.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish still did not react, staring at him without a word.

    "Get up." Afraid that she was frightened, Joseph said in a low voice to her ear and reached out to help her get up.

    She clung to his sturdy arm, but her legs were soft and staggered, but soon Joseph put his arms around her waistline, like a vine clinging to the stout trunk in front of her.

    The light of the elevator was white, hurting her eyes. Perhaps the elevator just had a small fault that quickly recovered. Was she too sensitive?

    "Frightened?" He did not hurry to pull her out of the elevator and stood still there, letting her snuggle up to his arms, caressing her back with his big hand as if to soothe the frightened pet.

    His big hands had power.

    At least she felt that. The chill of the air mingled with his breath, and it seemed less cold, warming her consciousness little by little. At this moment, an impulse sprang up, she wanted to hold this person, never wanting to let him go.

    She shook her head gently, which could be regarded as the answer to the man''s question.

    She was not afraid of the darkness but of dying in the dark.

    People are born lonely, so she was more afraid that the moment of death was to be lonely as well.

    "Can you walk by yourself?" Joseph said with a soft voice.

    Irish nodded gently, but her legs still seemed to be nailed to the ground, soft and with no energy. Joseph also saw that and, without saying anything, directly took her out of the elevator.

    Joseph took her into his car. Not immediately starting the car, he turned and handed her a bottle of water. When Irish took it, her fingers shook slightly. After drinking most of the bottle of water, the suffocation that had been hovering in her chest left.

    "Feeling better?" Joseph looked at her sideways.

    Her voice could finally be squeezed out of her throat, nodding, "Much better, thank you."

    "If possible, I don''t want to hear your thanks under such circumstances." Joseph sighed.

    Then she picked up her mind and stared at him, "Why are you here?"

    Joseph looked up at his wrist with a silent smile, "In fact, my car had been parked downstairs for more than half an hour."

    "That''s not what I asked. Shouldn''t you be in South Africa?" She was surprised.

    "Something wrong happened there, and I turned back to New York." Joseph put his hands on the steering wheel and exined, and then turned to stare at her cheeks with a challenging look, "I guess the psychiatrist is not invulnerable."

    She could hear his jest and stared at him. "I just twisted my ankle while the elevator was shaking."

    Josephughed but did not say anything.

    Such a smile deeply stimted Irish as if he saw right through her. For a moment, she was anxious and angry, so she lifted her hand to push on his chest.

    "What are youughing at?"

 Chapter 74 74: How Can I Not Be Afraid?

    Joseph did not shy away from her push and leaned sideways, the smile in his eyes seemed to be aroused by her anger.

    "Stillughing? Stopughing!" Irish felt more embarrassed and lifted her hand to hit him on the chest.

    This time he did not dodge it but simply hugged her and fastened her to his sturdy chest. Her heart was beating so fast, and she struggled hard, but he never let go.

    "Joseph!" She could not get away, panting, and stared at him.

    Joseph did not smile, looking down at her in his arms, he asked in a slightly serious tone, "Isabel, what are you afraid of?"

    Irish''s body suddenly went stiff. She thought he had felt that.

    "Tell me what you''re afraid of." He repeated the sentence, and his voice sounded a little persuasive this time.

    While he was still at the airport, he received a phone call from Ruby. She said that Irish would go back to the Lake''s house for dinner this weekend. The news was a bit of a surprise to him. He did not know the purpose of him driving all the way to Linkus, maybe he could just get her at her house. The phone call made him feel as though something was wrong, and when he rushed into the office building, he found that the elevator was somewhat broken, but it was no cause for concern.

    The moment when the elevator door opened, his heart was pained by the figure who had been curled up in the corner.

    Like a bird whose wings had been taken away, she lost her ordinary pride and freedom, crammed into the corner, her head on her knees. She didn''t scream, only shivered.

    When he reached for her in his arms, he finally realized that the nkness behind her eyes was not a fear of an elevator ident but a fear of the unknown.

    He had no idea what she had gone through.

    For a while, Irish had no idea how to face the man''s sharp eyes. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath quietly. Then she said with indifference, "Of course, I''m afraid that you would seize the chance to cut down my sry. I left work two hours earlier, and you came here to catch me. How can I not be afraid?"

    She deliberately concealed it.

    How could Joseph not see it? She was a bit proud of being able to hide something from him. He could usually read her like a book.

    After a moment of pondering, Joseph loosened his hand and opened his mouth. "Your bad side came back, and it seems that you''ll be alright." She tried to maintain the little self-esteem she had left.

    Irish seemed to be gradually recovering, straightening up her untidy neckline because of the struggle, and nced at him. "Money is the loveliest thing in the world," she said. "So I would never watch my money fly away. You are originally a businessman, and you''re herete, so I''m nervous."

    Joseph listened to her and seemed to be helpless. "How can I deduct your money without any reason?"

    Irish was more nervous hearing that, "You��."

    "I heard something about Bernert." He was concise and clear.<novelnext></novelnext>

    After hearing these words, Irish''s heart fell into her stomach, and she reached out tofort herself and then smiled at him. "My boss is so open-minded that he did not abuse his diligent employee when I left my post without permission. But, why are you here?"

    Joseph smiles, not answering her question. He started the car and headed for the main street. Irish was more doubtful about his silence and inadvertently remembered his call. She instantly realized, "you are taking me to the Lake''s house?"

    "Not taking you, but sending you back." He corrected the sentence.

    Irish turned her head, staring at the side of his face. The light outside the window seemed to fall on his nose and thick eyebrows. There was no smile on his lips. She raised her eyebrows and asked, "Have you had stic surgery?"

    Her voice was soft and hesitant, and Joseph was so absorbed in paying attention to the road that he could not hear what she had said for a moment. Slowing down at a red light, he turned to her and looked at her with a frown, "Hmm?"

    "Oh, I..." Compared to his doubts, she was even more surprised that she had asked such an outrageous question. She cleared her throat and changed the subject. "I just promised to have dinner together. It doesn''t mean anything. If I promise, I definitely will go. Are you afraid I''ll escape?"

    "I''m not afraid that you will run away." Joseph patted the steering wheel, "You love money, and I just worry that you would run to anyone that gives you money."

    "You really are the general manager of the group."

    "I''m just telling the truth." Joseph took a book from the side of the door and put it on herp. "This is the second purpose."

    Irish picked it up and took a look. It was a book about the basic knowledge of diamonds. She was a bit confused, raising the book, "Are you old, so you are forgetful, or have you mixed two people up? Even if you want me to chase professional excellence, you should find a book in my professional area. This book should be given to Lilith, right?"

    "It''s for you," Seeing the green light, Joseph started the car.

    "I major in psychology," She felt it necessary to remind him again.

    "Look at it as your second major. Everypany has its own characteristics and style. As a psychological consultant, you have to understand at least the characteristics of the industry and the basic content of the main project you served."

    Joseph said simply.

    Irish looked at him, feeling funny. "Then you might as well show me all the main projects of the Runestone Group and thepany''s internal operations."

    "It is inevitable. We''ll do it step by step. You should first know what diamonds are before understanding the Runestone," Joseph said in a smooth tone.

    "I won''t read this," Irish frowned and threw the book directly into the back seat.

    "Then I have to question your work ethic," The angle of his lips was turned up at the corners.

 Chapter 75 75: Family Dinner

    What Irish hated the most was that he always talked about her work attitude, sneering, "Mr. Dover, why are we saying this is my second purpose?"

    "Well, I''d like you to use these two words to describe it." He replied jokingly.

    Irish clenched her fingers, and he remained quiet.

    "What an outrageousmand!"

    Joseph slowly turned the steering wheel, and the speed of the turn remained steady. "Every employee who enters the Runestone, even a cleaner, knows the most basic knowledge about diamonds and jewelry. You are a member of the Lake family," he said. "And, I recruited you as thepany''s psychological counselor, I will be more strict with you than anyone else. "

    Had she not broken into Runestone''s gship shop at the mall, he might not have known her weakness for jewelry. Judging from herments on various kinds of jewelry, it was not difficult to see that this was something naturally inherited from her family. This kind of appreciation of jewelry was not a natural love of jewelry for women but a professional point of view.

    "If I don''t?" Irish did not know what he thought.

    "The Runestone''s incentive fund for its employees has always been generous, especially given your position. You have to work hard to win the prize," he said. "If you pass the test of your expertise in two weeks, you will be able to take away arge amount of money, but if you do not, you have to pay the entire amount of the prize."

    Irish almost bit her tongue, "What is this bullshit rule?"

    "What I give you is also the Runestone''s internal information, if you can not pass the test, thepany will, of course, have to consider you a risk."

    She stared at his indifferent face.

    "If you pass, the consultant''s bonus is $15,000," Joseph added in indifference.

    Money left an imprint on Irish, whose eyes flickered like diamonds, "How, how much?"

    "$15,000." He smiled slightly.

    "I''ll take the exam!" Irish promised hastily.

    "Work hard," Joseph seemed to have expected her to agree, "Because I will bet your examiner if you failed."

    "You''re belittling me. You''ll have to pay me $15,000." He should know that in school, she had been called the queen of examinations. For every test, she ranked top on the list. For the money, she would spare no effort. When she studied abroad, what kept her seeding was the schrship she received.

    Thinking of that, she hurriedly leaned back, picking up the book which had been thrown on the back seat, and gently touched it with self-pleasure. A book worth 15,000 dors, how could she treat it roughly?<novelnext></novelnext>

    Joseph looked at her as the car slowed down. She smiled like a mouse with the book in her hand. He could not help sighing. It was the first time he had ever seen a woman who was so realistic and unobtrusive, oh, woman.

    *****

    Irish was no stranger to the Lake residence.

    The lonely building and the cold metal gates were hard for her to forget. But of course, ess to the old house was nted fully with French sycamore trees, the thick leaves swaying gently in the summer night.

    She had never stepped into the old house, and she and her mother were only qualified to wander outside the door.

    For this family reunion dinner, Henry Lake seemed to have been waiting for a long time. He ordered chefs to prepare various kinds of dishes early and feared that Irish had a different taste, so he asked Ruby to inquire about what she liked to eat. But Isabel did not want to answer Ruby''s phone calls. So Henry prepared all the delicious food, just in case she wouldn''t like something.

    The tall dining room hung with luxury crystal lights, which reflected the silverware on the long table and the fine porcin tes. It looked more like a celebration of an event or a business feast. Was this a usual meal for the family?

    The Lake house had always been crowded. The people living in this huge house were not only Henry Lake and his wife Shirley Lake, Roy and Ruby Lake, a pigeon pair, as well as Lilith and her parents, that is, Henry''s brother and sister-inw, William and Kelly. After seeing Shirley and Kelly Lake, Irish could not help butugh coldly. It was really a family friendship over generations, the two Channing daughters had married the two Lake brothers, never giving a foreign name a chance to join this family. But it sounded like the rtionship Between Shirley Channing and Kelly Channing was not necessarily good. It was easy to understand that Kelly was the second daughter of the Channing family, but she married the eldest son of the Lake family, and the elder sister only married the Lake''s second son. Was Kelly Channing feeling happy about that?

    Of course, Shirley Lake did not like Irish, but as the hostess and because of the early victory over Irish''s mother, she naturally looked dignified and elegant. People that saw that would really think her to be a tolerant and generous woman.

    William Lake, the younger brother of Henry, who was the uncle whom Irish had to admit, was enthusiastic. From the moment he saw Irish seated at the table, he constantly smiled, fearing that she would think of herself as an outsider, so he asked her lots of questions and talked with her the whole time. Her aunt remained silent. At best, she just apanied what someone else had said with a smile. Irish always caught faint alertness in her eyes.

    Alert?

    Irish sneered. Did she think that she came back for the property? Funny!

    ****

    This family feast showed more than one scene.

    As a patriarch, Henry was authoritative but still showed his regretful expression to Irish. By contrast, Shirley was haughty and arrogant, together with gentle Ruby, while her uncle William was hospitable. At the same time, aunt Kelly and Lilith formed a contrast since the former was scheming while thetter was more talkative and outgoing. Irish sat beside Lilith, so the surrounding environment was not quiet at all for her.

    However, Joseph sat across from her, still keeping silent while Ruby asked him light questions here and there.

    But there was still someone missing. Ruby''s twin brother Roy didn''t show up.

 Chapter 76 76: Roy’s Gift To Her

    As Irish thought of this, the steward came forward and noted that child Roy hade back.

    Child? Such an arrogant title.

    Roy was the only male offspring of this family, so his appearance was rather specialpared to the others. Lilith giggled and stood up, shouting towards the entrance of the dining room, "Roy, you''vee back just in time! We''re just about to have dinner, we thought you wouldn''t make it."

    His chipperugh came from afar, "I dare not, especially today."

    The voice was so pleasant to hear. Though it could not bepared with Joseph''s deep and maic voice, it was much more outgoing. So Irish raised her head, and a man with an airline uniform met her eyes. He was tall with rugged and jagged shoulders.

    He was...

    "Isabel?" The man came forward and looked at her from top to toe. His attractive eyes were so splendid, "I''m your second elder brother, Roy." And then he patted her shoulder and smiled at Ruby and Lilith, "Hey, you guys, now that Isabel''se back, you two are not the only two beauties in our family."

    Lilith pouted her mouth to show her disagreement and stared at Roy, while Ruby smiled gently, "Isabel was good-looking since she was very little. Now she''s be more attractive and beautiful. Isn''t that right? Dad?"

    Henry nodded quickly while smiling. Irish was not ustomed to such a unified atmosphere, so she escaped Lilith''s big hand and smiled lightly as a greeting. She didn''t know much about Roy since he was not involved in the Group, and there was not much media coverage of him. However, he seemed to be rather different from the description made by the outside world, which showed that he was a yboy. The uniform showed that he might be an aircraftmander.

    "Isabel, this is for you," Roy seemed not to feel her indifference and passed on a delicate case to her.

    Irish didn''t take it but raised her head to look at his eyes and eyebrows, "Something from the Runestone Group?"

    Roy''s eyebrows rose slightly, "It was not very expensive, but a very interesting object. I bought it as Inded in Mn the other day."

    Stupefied, Irish took it over.

    "It''s not fair at all. Where is my gift?" Lilith winked at him.

    "Every time Ie back, I bring a gift for you. After dinner, I will give it to you," Lilithughed happily. "Okay, now that you''vee back, prepare to have dinner with us since we have been waiting for you," Henry said a bit grumpily.

    Roy washed his hands and sat down immediately beside Joseph. In this way, the scene was really delightful. Joseph was calm in a business suit, while Roy was outgoing in his uniform. They were both tall and handsome. Irish thought that if they were all out drinking at a bar, girls wouldn''t be able to control themselves around the two.

    "You are always on the airline, while you don''t care about anything to do with the Group. I''ve told you so many times that you should learn from Joseph how to do business. But you are no match for your two sisters." Henry couldn''t help reproaching him, "You insist on being an aircraftmander, and now you don''t even have time toe back for dinner!"

    "Okay, I''ll grant your request to return," Roy seemed to control the situation well every time Henry was not happy, and he raised his eyes to beg for help from his mother.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Shirley did indeed care about her son''s feelings. However, this time she thought that Henry was right, so she stood at her husband''s side, sighing lightly, "Your dad''s words made sense. Roy, you are old enough to consider marriage. Escape from those who are unreliable. And met the daughter of uncle Philip during thest business banquet and found that she was so lovely. We..."

    "Ah, Isabel, I heard that you now work for the Group. How is it suiting you?" Roy asked Irish, intending to disrupt his Mom''s talk.

    Shirley couldn''t do anything as she knew that Roy didn''t want to react to her words.

    Irish still acted like an outsider. She had thought to give a brief answer, but when she raised her eyes, she saw Ruby putting food on Roy''s te. She wanted to y a joke in front of them, so she just said, "It''s good, especially since Joseph helps me."

    Joseph shot a nce at her without any trace.

    Roy smiled, "That''s good. Now that Lilith has joined the Group, you two can help each other now."

    "We are in different departments. Please do a survey first, okay?" Lilith smiled sweetly at him.

    Kelly spoke again and said in a low voice, "Could you just be more polite to your cousin?"

    Lilith stuck her tongue out.

    Roy smiled without any anger, "I have been used to her straightforwardness. Isabel--" He then looked at Irish, "You can often go home to see Mom and Dad. In fact, Dad misses you so much."

    Even though Irish didn''t have time to react, Shirley immediately said to Roy, "You should pay more attention to the meal." And then she looked at Irish in a very generous way and pointed at one dish, "Isabel. You can just regard this as your home. You know what, this dish was selected by your father to be made for you. He said that you love it."

    Irish sneered in her mind and said in a cold voice, "I think you are wrong. I don''t love that dish, but my Mom loved it."

    After her words, there was a sudden silence.

    Shirley got unhappy immediately, while Henry turned to be embarrassed.

    Lilith didn''t get the point, and she still raised her hands to take the food. Kelly patted her, and she had to shrug, seemingly feeling the strangeness of the atmosphere.

    "Isabel," Joseph said to break the ice. He reached his hand to take the dish onto her te, saying in a cid voice, "Have a taste. Maybe you will like it. Even if you don''t like it, you can arrange for others to make what you desire, as this is your home."

 Chapter 77 77: Do Not Say That

    Irish looked up to him. Joseph''s words were a fight back against what Shirley had said. However, she would not thank him.

    "Joseph is right. Isabel, maybe you like other dishes, and you can just tell me. I can ask the chef to make them for you." Henry added immediately.

    Irish looked at the delicious food on the te while Joseph was looking at her with calm but assuring power. She controlled her anger and said lightly, "You have no need to since every dish in this feast is excellent."

    Henry turned to be upset, and William acted as a peacemaker, "Come on, let''s have dinner together, or it may get cold."

    They all began to obey his words.

    The atmosphere seemed to be warm, but several elders had something on their minds. Only Ruby, Lilith, and Royughed and talked. Irish was as silent as Joseph, saying only a few words sometimes. Joseph acted elegantly and didn''t eat much as usual.

    "Joseph, something urred to me suddenly." Ruby drank a mouthful of water and then looked at Joseph after putting down the ss, "Last week, I came to the club, and I intended to get a set of "Autumn vor" but it was out of stock. It was said that you...you bought it."

    Irish stopped for a while but kept silent, lowering her head. It turned out that Ruby wanted it too.

    "Yes," Joseph answered swiftly.

    Ruby looked at him hesitantly, "So you..." She only finished half of her words.

    Irish still didn''t raise her head, but her ears tended to be sensitive. She wondered how Joseph would deal with this question.

    "Oh, so you bought it for another girl you like? Ah, I got it. You''re having an affair outside." Lilith said jokingly without considering Joseph''s feelings.

    Ruby looked at Lilith helplessly, "Do not say that."

    "Joseph was not only tall, handsome, and mature, but also rich. Such a perfect guy will attract so many girls." Lilith bit her chopsticks and smiled at Joseph, "So, Joseph, you should be honest. Do you like other girls? A set of ''Autumn vor''. I also want it."

    Irish couldn''t helpughing, but she controlled herself sessfully. She also raised to look at Joseph, waiting for his awkward answer. Joseph put away his tableware, appearing to be elegant and detached. He raised his head and smiled helplessly after meeting Irish''s eyes. He seemed to figure out her real intention.

    "I gave it to Irish," He answered directly.

    Irish''s smile disappeared gradually. Irish never expected that, so she hesitated and looked at Irish confusedly. Lilith didn''t figure out the changes in the atmosphere, "That is unfair."

    "The most suitable thing for Irish in the Runestone Group is that set of Jewelry." Joseph took over the tissue and rubbed the corner of his mouth, exining it in a truthful way.

    Irish didn''t understand what he was talking about.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Henry nodded identally, sort of excited. And Ruby also felt happy, "Oh, Joseph. We had the same intention. I also wanted to buy it for Isabel."

    Joseph smiled and then looked at Irish. This nce seemed to tell her not to y any jokes. Irish returned him a contemptuous look.

    "Isabel, could you just stay here since tomorrow is the weekend?" Henry asked Irish. After all, Henry was old, and his biggest hope was to have his offspring stay beside him, although he had undergone so many difficulties in the past. "Joseph, you should also stay here. It would be best if you did not separate from Ruby since you are only married for a short time. Inappropriate as it would be, I hope you can have a baby soon as I am getting older."

    Though Henry''s request was reasonable, Irish still thought it was absurd. She showed enough respect since she had agreed to dine with them here, but how could he request her to stay here tonight.

    Obviously, she wouldn''t stay here for the whole night unless she was a fool. But she still controlled herpulsion and just kept silent with her eyes looking at Joseph directly. She was puzzled how he could live apart from Ruby?

    She frowned slightly and couldn''t help recalling the scenest Friday when she woke up in his lounge. She just thought he was a workaholic, so he usually stayed there, but now it seemed that things were not so simple.

    Since he was a married man, why would he want to live apart from his own wife?

    She remained silent, not because she wanted to be a filial daughter; instead, she concentrated on Joseph and expected his exnation and wondered if he would agree or refuse to do that. However, from his expression, Irish thought he might refuse, and then she could leave with him directly.

    But he didn''t say anything and just sat there motionlessly. On the contrary, Ruby felt awkward and said, "Daddy, if you want to be a grandfather, then you should urge Roy instead of me."

    Lilith began to echo Ruby''s words and said, "Yes, we should urge Roy to give a grandson to you."

    Roy was shocked by them while he was eating quietly. He took a sip of water and then said, "I''m not even married, so you''d better expect that Ruby and Joseph have babies first."

    "No one wants to free my worries," Henry sighed and went back to the topic again," Joseph, Ruby, you''d better have babies as soon as possible."

    Joseph stopped eating and hesitated for a while, and then said, "Well, I''ll stay here tonight."

    "That''s right," Henry was pleasant and then turned to Ruby, "Now that you are married, you shouldn''t live with us and have to go back with Joseph tomorrow."

    "Daddy."

    "Joseph is busy with his work, and he needs a capable wife to help him. It''s natural that you should take care of him," Henry interrupted her.

    "Ruby, you have to listen to daddy," Shirley was very satisfied with Joseph, her son-inw. She made a great effort for their marriage, so she would not allow Ruby to do what she wished without restraint. But after their marriage, Ruby always stayed at home on the pretext of not adapting to the post-marital life. Joseph neverined about it, and they just lived apart for a long time. But now Henry was worried about them, so she had to do something for them.

 Chapter 78 78: Daddy Will Pay For It

    Ruby didn''t say anything and consented to Henry.

    But Lilith was jubnt. "Wow, that''s great. When will you have babies, my brother-inw?" Though she looked innocent, it seemed that she asked maliciously.

    After keeping silent for a long time, Ruby was annoyed by her words. She was about to re at Lilith so as to warn her not to put her finger in the pie, but unexpectedly, she made eye contact with Joseph and suddenly felt panic. She thought he would refuse Henry, but he consented to his suggestion.

    She took back her eyes in a second and did not respond to Lilith with her lips twitching slightly.

    "Isabel." Henry was still trying to persuade her to stay here.

    Before she could respond to Henry, Shirley hurried to say, "Henry, don''t push too hard on Isabel. It''s just her first time dining with us; we have to give her some time to get familiar with us. You are in a hurry."

    Henry''s lips twitched, and when he was about to talk, Kelly, who had been silent for a long time, suddenly followed Shirley''s words, "Well, it might be inappropriate to say that since Isabel is also a member of our family. Even if many unpleasant things happened before, now the misunderstanding could have been cleared. How could you say those words to Henry?" She gracefully put down the cutlery with a profound expression on her face.

    "My younger sister, you might misunderstand me. Isabel did not grow up in this family, and perhaps it is hard for her to ept us in such a short time. I am doing it for her own good because I am afraid that there might be something that would remind her of painful memories," Shirley satirized.

    However, Kelly sneered and said, "It seems you are considerate."

    "Of course..."

    "It''s unnecessary to quarrel with each other over me since I am just an irrelevant person," Irish said with a cold voice. After taking a glimpse at Henry, she turned to Shirley with a faint smile, "It seems that I have to appreciate your kindness to me. It is toote, and I''m ready to stay here tonight."

    Shirley nched after hearing this, while Irish smiled brightly.

    Henry was chuffed and hurriedly urged the housekeeper to prepare a room for her, while Irish added at this moment, "Oh, please give me a room near my brother-inw."

    All of them were shocked by her words.

    Of course, Joseph was not included. He just looked at her for a long time as if he was trying to see through her.

    However, Irish avoided his gaze and turned to others, "I have had no sense of security since I was a child, and it is Joseph, my brother-inw, who is the person I am familiar with, so I have to find a sense of security from him in such an unknown environment." After saying this, she drew back her eyes and looked at Joseph, "What do you think?"

    Ruby also stared at Joseph.

    Joseph did not keep silent this time, and soon he said softly, "Yes, Isabel is timid."

    She did not expect that he would say that andughed brightly.

    "s!" Henry sighed heavily and looked at Irish with an indulgent expression, and said, "I am sorry that you have suffered a lot Isabel. Will you move back to live with uster?"<novelnext></novelnext>

    But Irish said indifferently, "I don''t want to live in an unacquainted family."

    Henry felt awkward, but after all, he was Irish''s father, and of course, he was reluctant that her daughter would bear hardships. "It is not safe to live alone for a single girl. Joseph, I remember that you have another vi. Would you like to let Isabel live there?"

    Joseph turned to Irish and said, "What do you think?"

    "No, I''m living in afortable house now." It is obvious that she would not live in his house; otherwise, he would find faults with her every day. But she was actually puzzled why he still lived in the resting room of his office.

    She felt that God was not unfair since she was born into an average family, and she had to try her best to get a better life, but she still could not catch up with those who were born with a silver spoon. She vowed that she would make more money from him in the future.

    Joseph didn''t enforce her but showed a faint smile.

    "Isabel, I just want to take care of you. Or let Roy apany you to buy a house when you are free."

    Soon Roy said loudly, "Well, Daddy will pay for it."

    Henry was just about to show his approval when Shirley interrupted him, "It''s unnecessary to buy a house for a girl since she has to get married. In my opinion, It''s better to find a boyfriend for her who could take care of her."

    Irish sneered and knew clearly that Shirley was afraid that she would gain an extra advantage from Henry. Though she was a money-grubber, she would never take anything from the Lake family.

    "Yes, you are right. Do you have a boyfriend?" Feeling guilty for her, Henry wanted to try his best to make it up to Irish and nned to prepare arge dowry for her.

    Irish saidnguidly, "Yes, I have."

    Joseph took a nce at her without changing his expression.

    "Wow, that''s good. Bring him back here and dine with us." Henry was pleased.

    "You all know him. It''s Leo," Marry shook her cup and said coldly. All of them stood gazing at each other and were at a loss what to say.

    Lilith finally broke the deadlock and said cautiously, "Isabel, isn''t he the president of Key Group? He is the opponent of our Runestone Group....."

    "I know. But it has nothing to do with me," Her eyes turned severe, and Henry looked embarrassed and said to Irish, "Isabel, it''s reasonable that Daddy shouldn''t object to you. But you should be cautious towards marriage."

    "Brother, I think that''s okay," William tried to do the peacemaking and said, "Things change fast. After all, there are no permanent enemies in the world, and I think it''s good if Isabel could get married to Leo. Maybe we can beat our swords into plowshares. Why not go ahead with it?"

 Chapter 79 79: Her Word Make Sense

    Irish couldn''t helpughing and thought they regarded her as a peacemaker.

    Ruby also said, "Yes, I know him. He is really a handsome man, and if they love each other, I think that''s good for Isabel. I totally agree with Uncle William, and perhaps we could be business partners with the Key Group. What do you think, Joseph?"

    As Joseph finished his dinner, he put down the tableware and scrubbed his mouth elegantly. Then he raised his head and looked serious, expressing his opinion in a slight but strong way, "You should take her words as a joke since she has juste to thepany and it is unsuitable for her to go find someone and get married."

    Ruby looked at Joseph with great astonishment and looked at Irish again. She only winked and didn''t say any words. However, Roy asked, "Isabel, were you joking just now?"

    Henry also looked at her confusedly.

    Irish bit the cup. She had intended to deny it but changed her mind after recognizing Joseph''s warning expressions. She looked at him with a closed mouth just like a pear flower in March, "You know me best."

    Upon hearing these words, Henry felt a little regretful. Although he was not satisfied with Leo, it was reasonable to have such a son-inw such as him. He sighed lightly and became serious, "One can never finish all of his work. Joseph, if you have any good suggestions, please introduce them to Isabel."

    Joseph neither nodded nor shook his head. He didn''t answer the question directly but said, "It can be discussedter after I return from Pennsylvania."

    The autumn-winter jewelry show of the Runestone Group was arge exhibition that included the participation of the Vera Club and hundreds of mediapanies. It would show the rare jewelry in the Vera Club to the public for the first time. In addition to Washington and Los Angeles, the jewelry could also be shown in Pittsburgh, which was the first choice of these two cities.

    If one was asked about what was the richest city, and he answered New York, Washington, or Chicago, he would be ignorant. As a matter of fact, Pittsburgh was surrounded by coal, and its rich resources made it more and more famous. There was one multimillionaire among 15 people. Even one with assets worth one million would be regarded as poor. Its GDP had already surpassed Los Angeles and ranked No.1 nationally. As a result, it became Joseph''s key focus.

    Irish had known it already, so she became excited as she heard it. She couldn''t wait to say, "I want to go with you."

    "You want to go there?" Lilith said with surprise before Joseph made any reaction, "It''s said that the weather there is bad. You may suffer for it."

    "Have you been there?" Irish red at her.

    Lilith stuck her tongue out and shook her head. "So you are not entitled to say that," Irish snorted.

    Joseph added, "Her words make sense. It will be very tough during the expo, so you''d better stay at thepany."<novelnext></novelnext>

    "But you also want me to umte more practical experience, don''t you? Only field investigation can lead to practical experience," Irish was always good at debate, and she certainly could make it as she desired.

    Atst, Henry helped Irish and said, "Joseph, Isabel is right. It will be good for her to learn more about exhibitions."

    Joseph took a nce at Irish and agreed after a while.

    Irish smiled and felt very happy in her inner heart. She didn''t want to go to Pennsylvania for the purpose of being excellent in the businesses. She made this decision for two reasons. Joseph required her to take a test which was very difficult for her since there were only two weeks, though there was a bountiful bonus. And this was the only choice for her to dy the deadline. So going to Pennsylvania became the top choice. She was to work, though it was superficial. Cunning as Joseph was, he needed to consider the reality. Besides that, she had never been to Pennsylvania, and she longed to experience a different lifestyle.

    It could be considered traveling. More importantly, she didn''t need to spend any money since Joseph would be responsible for all her expenses.

    Everyone was tired of this family feast.

    Maybe it was not usually the case, except for the fact that Irish was the stranger.

    The housekeeper followed her words and arranged her room across from Ruby''s. The room had arge area with delicate decorations. The wall was filled with oil paintings, and they must have been very expensive. However, Irish had no envious feelings about the luxurious life and only wondered how Josephmunicated with Ruby.

    However, there were still visitors all the time. Roy came to ask her whether she was satisfied with the room, and then William and Kelly presented some dessert to her. Henry came there atst. Irish found that he wanted to talk about the past to her, so she excused herself, pretending to be sleepy. Henry observed herck of interest, and he knew that she still hated him. However, he could not do anything, so he just gave her some notes and left.

    Only when Irish was the only one in the room did she find that the room was reallyrge. She was just like the floating dusk in the universe and became so small. She thought Joseph''s room must be asrge as this.

    The scene that happened in Joseph''s room was quite different.

    Although he hardly lived in Henry''s home, he was never disrupted by others chatting with him since they knew that he didn''t want to be interrupted unless he spontaneously talked with someone. But this probability was too small.

    As a result, nobody was clear about how they spent tonight.

    After taking a shower, Ruby was draped in a real-silk night skirt, which certainly made her exquisite and enchanting. Her beauty was quite different from Irish''s. Irish was like a red rose with thorns, while Ruby was more like a white lotus. The former was enthusiastic and charming, and thetter was natural. Just as Joseph described, they two have their own beauties.

 Chapter 80 80: Loudly Shouting

    Joseph sat on the sofa and watched thetest business magazine.

    Ruby stood beside the door, hesitating to say, "Tonight..."

    Joseph raised his head. Having known that she had taken a shower, he said lightly," I''ll sleep on the sofa." And then he stood up and went to the restroom.

    "Hey--" Ruby stopped him, "How about sleeping in the bed?"

    Joseph smiled, but his expression showed obvious refusal, "But we will feel unustomed."

    Ruby didn''t say much but looked at his back. She sighed lightly and took out a nightgown for him from the cab. She said to Joseph, who was washing his face, "You can wear this since it will be ufortable for you to sleep in your business suit."

    Actually, it was used for cheating others, and Joseph only wore it once.

    Joseph scrubbed his face and took the nightgown without any words. The night was getting more cid.

    The house was set in a suburban area that was far from downtown, so as midnight came, there was only the floormp and the starlightpeting with each other. All of these contributed to creating a ce far from hubbub and noise.

    Joseph went out of the restroom after taking a shower. He saw that Ruby was thinking about something. Then he asked, "Why not go to bed?"

    Ruby raised her head. The light-yellow light glowed on her delicate face. The anxiety shown on her eyebrows and eyes showed her worry, "Joseph, do you really want to take Isabel to Pennsylvania?"

    "I promised it just now," Joseph sat on the other end of the sofa. Wearing the nightgown only, his neckline opened lightly as he sat down. His strong chest could be seen. His hair was still wet, and the drop of water fell down to his vicle, shining charming light on his bronze skin.

    "But..." Ruby hesitated.

    Joseph lifted his wet hair and said, "What do you want to say?"

    Ruby made a slip of her lips and asked tentatively, "Don''t you think that Isabel relies on you too much?"

    His action stopped for a while. He didn''t know why the phrase "rely on" touched him, just like a drop of water falling down to his chest. But he still kept calm and said, "You think too much."

    "I''m not thinking too much. It''s all due to the woman''s sensitivity," Ruby shook her head, filled with worry, "Just take tonight, for example, she excluded everyone but you."

    "Ruby," Joseph put his hands on his thigh with fingers crossed together, "you know what, it''s me who enrolled her into thepany. We are very familiar with each other because of our work. However, members of your family were strange to her. As a result, I am the closest one to her."

    "Maybe," Ruby sighed lightly, "Maybe I think too much."

    Then Joseph said, "Have a good night.

    Ruby nodded, and she was about to stand up but saw that Joseph frowned. She was about to ask him what was the matter, but Joseph stood up suddenly and walked in the direction of the door.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Joseph--" She followed, surprised. "It sounds like Isabel is shouting." Then he opened the door.

    Irish really was shouting.

    Loudly shouting.

    She had been taking a shower. However, she lost her footing, only to fall prone on the marble floor just like a turtle. And as Joseph rushed into the restroom, he saw this scene:

    A beautiful woman was attached to the marble floor just like a photo. The clean floor mirrored her distorted face clearly with her five sense organs nearly together. Her dress was wet, and because of the terrible fall, the lower hem was totally up. What Joseph saw was her slender legs and hips, covered by ckce underwear.

    Joseph felt astonished for a short time.

    "Please, help me up, please," Irish raised her head with great difficulty. She reached her hand up after seeing that he was standing at the door motionless.

    Joseph got her point and lowered a hand to her. She embraced his arm, standing up with suffered facial expressions.

    "Are you injured?" He lowered to check it and found that her knees were wounded. He frowned and said, "Such an idiot."

    Irish felt strongly and wrinkled her nose, "I didn''t expect that the floor was so slippy. My god. I must have internal damage. "

    Joseph sighed reluctantly and held her out of the washroom. Just as he put her onto the bed, Ruby came in. She asked anxiously, "What''s wrong, Isabel?"

    "Nothing serious. I just fell down," Irish answered and then held Joseph''s arm tightly, "Luckily, Joseph was there."

    Confused, Ruby said, "I''ll call the family doctor."

    "Hey, don''t do that," Irish stopped her immediately, "You will make the whole family a mess. Actually, your mother longs for me to leave at once, and she will achieve this goal in the name of sending me to the hospital."

    "Isabel." Ruby didn''t know what to say.

    Joseph didn''t pull out his arms but let Irish hold it just like an octopus would do. Upon hearing Irish''s words, he said with great concern, "You''d better go to see a doctor."

    "Doesn''t matter. My bones haven''t been injured. At most, it''s a bruise," Irish raised her head in his breast, viewing Ruby at the bedside. She said, "But it will be inconvenient for me to get the water or go to the restroom. Could you please apany me?"

    This request sounded inappropriate and deliberate, and her actions at this moment were the same. She was nestled in Joseph''s breast just like a sparrow with wings broken. Her knees did get injured, but someone would think that she was in total paralysis.

    Ruby stood beside the bed stiffly and murmured, "Isabel... it''s inappropriate." Her soft voice was just like an orchid swinging in the night dew, making others care about her spontaneously.

    Irish turned her head around and met Ruby''s eyes, appearing to suddenly sense her existence, "I forgot that you were here." As she said it, she pulled Joseph''s arms closer to her and acted to be innocent, "Please don''t misunderstand it. I just want Joseph to apany me for a while. Ruby, could you let it be?"

 Chapter 81 81: Could You Please Let Me Not Worry

    "I��" Ruby wanted to refute her, but she looked dumb. She just hummed and hawed but didn''t show consent or disagreement.

    Irish hadn''t intended to wait for an answer but winked at Joseph and said, "Are you so cruel to leave me alone in the room?"

    Joseph''s face was dim, and against the light-yellow light, his eyes looked colorful too. He pulled out his arms identally and walked out of the bedroom. Irish became confused and didn''t recover from it. Ruby came forward and said lightly, "Isabel, do not put Joseph in a dilemma. He is tired from a whole day''s work. If you really have any needs, I can call the housekeeper..."

    "Joseph," Irish called in a sweet voice towards someone behind Ruby.

    Ruby got surprised and turned around.

    It was Joseph again. He returned with a ss of water. He went past Ruby and put the ss onto the table at the head of the bed, and looked down upon Irish. After a while, he sighed lightly and bent over while Irish stared at him with her head tilted skyward until his face was expanded in her eyes.

    "Isabel, here is the water, and you can just help yourself. Have a rest now."

    She clearly felt the coldness on her nose. It was his smell, not mixed with hers any longer and just like a gust of cool breeze. Only a feeling of attachment was left to her.

    "Joseph!" Her voice sounded sort of stubborn.

    However, Joseph didn''t stay any longer but left the bedroom without any turning.

    Rubyforted her, "Isabel, follow Joseph''s words and have a rest now." Then she left, following Joseph at once.

    Irish sat on the bed with fists held tightly. She was so annoyed that she threw a pillow at the door as it closed.

    And Joseph was curled on the sofa after returning to his bedroom. Eyes closed, he massaged his temples, looking rather tired. Ruby came forward after closing the door and pulled his hand, making a heavy sigh," You can just go to bed, and I can sleep on the sofa."

    "I''m okay, you can rest on the bed," Joseph opened his eyes and patted her hand, saying in a light voice.

    Ruby had an idea about his temper, and she had to do as he said. She turned down the light in the living room and then stood up while Joseph was still sitting on the sofa, motionless as if he was thinking of something. She couldn''t help asking, "Joseph, what are you thinking about?"

    Joseph took out the cigarette case and then a cigarette. He showed it to her, "Would you mind my smoking?"

    Ruby shook her head. But in fact, she had never seen him smoke.

    Carrying the cigarette in his mouth, Joseph took out the lighter and lit it, taking a deep breath. The action was so smooth and natural, while he seemed to meditate on something. Ruby tried her best to find a container that could carry the smoke ash and put it onto the tea table in front of him.

    "Thank you," He looked more strange while he was smoking and meditating.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Ruby closed her lips lightly and finally asked, "Are you...worried about Isabel?"

    He didn''t say anything.

    The white smoke was like a gauze that separated Ruby from him. His cheek seemed to be unreal, and the outline became dim.

    "She is an adult now, and she can take care of herself." Ruby''s voice was light.

    Joseph flicked the ash and said in a low voice, "As her sister, you should pay more attention to her."

    "She just got her knees hurt. You''re taking it too seriously!" Ruby looked at him with a sort of astonishment, "Joseph, I''m afraid that you care about her too much."

    Joseph looked up at her. The smoke seemed to be immersed in his eyes, making them kind of cold.

    "If it is necessary, I will call the family doctor immediately." Ruby didn''t want to quarrel with him because of someone else.

    He then looked back and smoked again.

    "I know what you are thinking about. Joseph, you are not a sage; however hard you try, you cannot make everything perfect. You hope that Isabel can make peace with my family and be united. It is great. It is my hope too. However, the present problem is that Isabel doesn''t care at all no matter how hard we try." Ruby disclosed her true thoughts, "Maybe time can change everything."

    As they talked, Joseph finished smoking the cigarette. He said lightly after putting it out, "Have a rest." And then he stood up.

    Ruby was surprised by his action and pulled him, "Are you mad? You shouldn''t go to her room." It would be a misunderstanding if this scene was seen by others. As was known to everybody, if a brother-inw entered into his wife''s sister''s room, others would me them and regard it as uneptable, especially in Mr. Henry''s house.

    However, Joseph released her hand without any words, "I''ll go back as soon as she falls asleep." He was also clear about her concern.

    "Joseph." Ruby stomped as she saw his back.

    Compared with the stressful situation in Ruby''s room, Irish''s room appeared to be another scene. She turned down all themps and only left a deskmp on. She was sitting on the bed, trying her best to think of solutions with her legs crossed and feeling angrier and angrier. Suddenly she stood up from the bed and endured great pains to rush towards the room across from hers. Just at this time, the door opened.

    The light in the corridor lengthened the man''s shadow and cast it on the carpet of the living room.

    Irish felt excited soon and prepared to go back to the bedroom to pretend to be a patient, but then her knees wrenched, and she had to scream. But soon, a big hand was put on her waist, and Joseph said unhappily, "Since you are old enough, could you please let me not worry about you?"

    "I��" She raised her head and figured out his concern with herself. A sense of happiness flickered. She pointed at the door and said, "I intended to pick the pillow up."

 Chapter 82 82: Stay Away From Him

    Joseph saw the pillow on the carpet as he entered. He reproached her in a low voice, "Are you a child? Why did you do such a silly thing?"

    Generally speaking, at this time, the heroine in movies or a TV series would be very soft and lovely, pulling the corner of the hero''s clothes and saying in a sweet voice, "Why didn''t you care about me?" At least on a TV series, Irish had watched first-ss stars would always act like that. But pitifully, she was just lucky to be the heroine, and her acting skills were not nearly as good as theirs. In addition, the important catalyst of Ruby was not here. As a result, it was extremely difficult for her to pretend to be soft and lovely.

    So Irish''s initial reaction was to press Joseph onto the wall and raise to look at him, snickering, "Willing toe back?"

    Joseph didn''t push her far, as if he was wondering what tricks she would y.

    "How can you be in my room now? Ruby is not an idiot at all." Her body lifted up gradually, and the bridge of her nose was nearly attached to his lips.

    "It seems that my concern is important." He frowned.

    "Are you concerned about me?" Irish got the key point and immediately felt excited.

    Joseph put his hands on her shoulder and pushed her away lightly, "Now that you are okay, please have a rest."

    "Don''t go." Irish suddenly felt courageous and embraced him from behind and murmured with a face attached to his back, "You don''t love Ruby, do you?"

    Joseph didn''t move.

    She walked around him and looked at his face to face. He could clearly sense that she limped.

    "You left me and then came back. So can I just think that..." Her voice sounded hesitant but also courageous, "You like me, right?"

    Joseph stared at her face tightly and seemed to find fault with her from her facial expressions. He knew that she was always bold, but this time her behavior in such aplex rtionship did not appear to be her style.

    "Keep silent? Then I suppose that you admit it." She giggled.

    He turned to be helpless and stretched his hands to touch her head but then stopped, lowering his hand down, and said in a low but strong voice, "Stop ying tricks."

    "I''m not ying a trick," Irish turned to be serious and embraced his neck by reaching her hand out, "I will not let you be reluctant. I only need to ask you, if I really like you, what will you do?"

    "Isabel, I''m your brother-inw." His eyes'' expression seemed deep and serious.

    "But could you just vow that you have no feelings for me?" Irish certainly asked, "If so, why did you take care of me while I was drunk? Why did you make sure of my safety at the airport? Why did youe here as you saw me wounded and felt nervous? Why not let me get together with someone and get married?"

    Joseph felt speechless for the first time.

    "You can''t answer since you have no excuse," Irish stared at his eyes tightly.

    Joseph kept silent for a great while and then pinched her chin, looking at her keenly, "What do you want me to say? Isabel, do not y such a game with me. You can''t make it."<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish felt nervous. Grasping her fingers, she found that there was sweat in her palms. She took a deep breath and looked at him boldly, "Joseph, I like you."

    These words were so clear that they were like drops of ice water.

    This sound might have been inaudible to others, but for Joseph, it was clear. At this moment, he felt the warmth that could even melt the icyyers and to the deepest ce in his heart.

    His eyes were cid and deep, as if they were going to prate through her heart and check the authenticity of her words.

    Irish didn''t avoid his eyes but epted his checking stare, motionless. Her certainty would make it difficult for him to find out any fault.

    "Of course, I don''t like to argue with myself and would never get into hot water. Love is about two people, and I hate unrequited love. It''s my own freedom to love you, and you could also make your own choice."

    Perceiving his silence, Irish showed a faint smile and added, "I won''t put all my eggs in one basket, and Leo is also a good man for me."

    "Stay away from him," Joseph ordered with a cold voice.

    A weird smile showed up on her face, and then she said, "I should do anything for my beloved selflessly, isn''t it? Now that you have started a feud with Leo, perhaps I should be the peacemaker between you, and if I get married to him, you could bury the hatchet with him."

    "Nonsense!" Joseph took her into his arms and frowned tightly.

    "Ah..." Irish screamed with her face distorted.

    Joseph was astonished by her screaming and realized that he had hurt her wounded legs. A distressed feeling shed across his heart while Irish pretended toin to him with a soft voice. "It really hurts. Would you mind being careful?"

    He was amused by her words andughed. But Irish was shocked and said, "It turns out that you know how to smile."

    "You are a really silly girl!" Joseph embraced her tightly.

    Looking up at him for a while, Irish suddenly kissed his lips quickly before he could make a response to her. Then she giggled, "You are really charming when you smile."

    Her sweet kiss disturbed his silence, moving his lips slightly, which could still feel her soft kiss. Before Irish could look through him, Joseph picked her up and walked into the bedroom directly.

    "What are you doing?" Irish shouted in surprise, and her whole body stiffened violently.

    Putting her on the bed, Joseph sat down on the bed and then looked at her with a weird expression that made her feel flurried.

    "Once again, don''t y with fire," He said with a low voice as if trying to warn her.

 Chapter 83 83: My Legs Really Hurt

    Irish was shocked and then felt remorseful. Joseph was an old fox with many tricks. Joseph kept a smile on his face, pinching her face and loosening his hand until Irish let out a cry.

    But he suddenly took her hands and said, "Well, stop being mischievous. Now you need to have a rest."

    "You can''t just go like that," Irish was eager to keep him there and tightened him in her arms.

    Joseph was absent-minded when he felt her soft and plump breast pressing on his back. Irish saw that he did not mean to leave and tightened harder on him while Joseph couldn''t help pressing down on Irish.

    "My legs really hurt," She was trying to say with a sweet voice but could not refrain herself from looking at him.

    Since they had kept on pawing, Joseph''s night-robe was a little bit messy, with his bronze-colored chest revealed before her, which looked enchanting to her. He must exercise regrly; otherwise, there would not be such a strong and smooth texture, and she couldn''t help touching his chest.

    And finally, she did it.

    His chest was broad and strong, while her fingers were slender and tender, which contrasted sharply with him.

    Joseph was surprised by her little trick, and his sexy Adam''s apple bobbed in his throat. Joseph took out his hands and then held her fingers. He felt his impulsion to kiss her slender fingers, but he still controlled himself not to do it. Hey down and said gently, as if he had made apromise to her, "Go to sleep, and I won''t leave."

    Irishughed, letting her hands be held by him, and she could feel the warmth from his palm. Irish wasfortably cocooned in his arms and said, "If I hold you like that, will you take the chance to do something to me?"

    Joseph looked at her with his head lowered down, and his eyes looked profound. He answered her question seriously after a long while, "Yes."

    Shocked by his answer, Irish soon smiled and said, "Fine."

    Joseph shook his head, smiling helplessly, and then tightened his arms, releasing a sigh, "What should I do?" She could express her feelings to him directly, but he was confused about himself. Was he caring about her just like her brother-inw?

    What should he do to her?<novelnext></novelnext>

    Closing her eyes, Irishy in his armsfortably. Of course, she would not help him to answer this question since it had nothing to do with her. What she wanted to do had already been done now. It seemed that it was not so difficult to disturb his heart.

    Joseph did not perceive that the woman who was lying in his arms wore a sneering expression on her face.

    ****

    Bernert''s situation was improved, and at least there weren''t any abnormalities found in the hypnotic treatment for him, which was arranged by Cheska. Afterward, Cheska said he was either quite normal, or his opposition to therapy was so strong that he could not release himself. But Irish thought he belonged to the first category.

    After a few days'' observation, Irish found that Bernert was in good condition, and he also admitted that he did not have nightmares for a few days, and he even began to wonder if the dream he had made before was really different from the reality. Therefore Irish suggested that he should stop epting treatment for a while and that she would keep observing him carefully.

    The new jewelry exhibition for autumn and winter of Runestone Group was intensely focused by several big Media that the exhibition of "Blossoms" in Los Angeles and Washington were so fantastic; many club members began to collect the "Blossoms" into their pocket. In ordance with the rules of the Vera club, thest exhibition was the time for members to bid.

    Of course, except for "Blossom", there were some other valuable and rare jewels iid in the new products. All the jewelry in this exhibition was unique, and that''s why most of the club members were eager to get them.

    The jewelry and diamonds of Runestone Group were extremely precious with a high collectible value.

    However, the Key Group, the strongestpetitor of Runestone Group, did not resign to ying second fiddle and alsounched a series of high-profile activities, among which the most attractive one was the investment in Hollywood film and a Belgian diamond cutting show. The two investments, matched with a series of publicity stunts, divided the public''s attention to Runestone Group.

    For a time this summer, the names of the two men, Joseph and Leo, frequently appeared in the financial magazines, and the mediapared them to two sharp swords, which caused a stir in the jewelry industry. But some small media outlets that did not get the professional information were interested in their privacy. Of course, most of the reports were nonsense, trying to find secrets, and instead of providing gossip about them.

    However, Irish was indifferent to the business war between the twopanies. The weather was getting scorching, and the media could hardly retain theirposure. But Irish was confused why the media described them as two extremely handsome men with more money than God. Some even reported that Joseph had ced an order in the world''s top yacht manufacturerpany - Monaco Valley Yacht Company, and bought a yacht worth more than 30 million dors to please his beloved woman. Andpared with Joseph''s lenient image, Leo was described as a dandy who would stake tens of thousands of cash on women and had numerous luxurious vis and yachts.

    Irish was speechless at this so-called "truth" since it was just tattling and prate. Though she did not stay with them all day, she knew clearly that they were all busy with their work and had no time to lead a fabulous life at all. Especially Joseph, when she stayed with him, he always had endless calls and official affairs to deal with.

    Certainly, she had no right to meddle in the media''s affairs since it was their duty to create some gossip news.

 Chapter 84 84: I Know When To Stop

    Time flew fast, and soon, it was time to set out for Pennsylvania. She ought to leave in the afternoon. After finishing her work, Irish went to Fredrick''s office before leaving since he had urged her several times that she had to meet him.

    Due to time constraints, he only did a psychological test for her and could do anything else. Staring at the test form, Fredrick frowned and asked, "Why are youden with anxiety?"

    "I''m tired of my work. That''s it. Don''t be too surprised," Lying on the couch leisurely, Irish answered briefly with a cup of tea in her hands.

    Perceiving she was dodging the topic, Fredrick asked directly, "Tell me frankly, why did you go to Runestone Group?"

    Fredrick was her mentor, and she always chose to keep silent when she didn''t want to tell him the truth. She knew clearly that he could easily see through her mind. Putting the test form on the desk, Fredrick asked her again, "Tell me that you are living a happy life now?"

    This time Irish gave him an answer and shook her head. Instead of being happy, she was depressed. Fredrick pounded the table and said, "Then leave Runestone Group as soon as possible."

    Irish smiled and looked at him with her doleful eyes. "I need the pain to keep me awake all the time."

    "Irish!" Fredrick was displeased by her words and said loudly. "Don''t try to y a dangerous game, or you''ll regret it." He understood what she was in pain for, and he also knew that she was a girl who was adamant outwardly but flimsy inside.

    Irish smiled softly, and when she was about to answer him, her phone rang. It was Joseph, and he said in his deep voice, "Come down. I''m here."

    "Okay. Wait for a moment," Standing up, she patted Fredrick''s shoulder and said, "Don''t worry. I know when to stop."

    "I''ll bring presents for you when Ie back." Waving to him, Irish walked out of his office.

    ****

    The sun was zing at noon, and the weather was muggy, but Fredrick''s office was located at a great ce not far away from which a row of fountains stood in a unique shape, while on the left, arge pool of lotus flowersy there silently. The lotus in the pond had not bloomed yet, and there were only small buds. The fountains cooled down the hot air.

    Joseph just stood beside the lotus pond, and his shadow was elongated under the sunshine. His car was parked nearby, and the driver was still in the car while he was leisurely enjoying the sight of the lotus pond.

    When Irish went down, his broad and strong back, as well as his tall figure, unfolded before her. He didn''t wear casual clothes; perhaps it was because this was a business trip. He was dressed in a bluish-white polo, a light color shorts, which were clean and simple, but he still looked energetic and handsome. Sticking one of his hands in his pocket, he was feeding the fish with fish bait.

    After that day, when they yed golf together, she made an investigation of him that he loved to y golf when he was young, and his coaches were all big shots who gained many international awards. He was also brilliant at ying golf, so it was not hard to imagine that he had a great performance when hepeted with Leo.

    When she was about to call him, her arm was pulled by someone, and then a man''s unpleasant voice sounded, "Are you going to travel with him?"<novelnext></novelnext>

    She was startled, and when she looked back, she found it was Fredrick.

    "I went down because I was worried about you." Before she could ask him, he exined to her first, and then he continued with a low voice, "If you work in Runestone Group for him, then you may have to think twice whether you really have fallen in love with him or you just do it for other purposes."

    Her arm was pinched by him, and she was worried when she saw his unpleasant look. She was eager to dismiss him, but soon Joseph walked directly toward them.

    "Fredrick, let me go. I promise I will exin it to you." She said anxiously, but Joseph was walking close to her, and she was afraid that he would have suspected something.

    However, Fredrick did not intend to let go and frowned, "You know who he is, do you want to stir up a fire and burn yourself? Are you crazy?" Though he camete to New York, it did not mean he didn''t know what had happened to her.

    When Joseph stepped toward her, Irish felt an unnamed pressure on her. "Isabel, who is he?" He spoke to her first, and his voice was still soft but with a trace of exploration.

    "Isabel?" Fredrick''s eyes turned severe suddenly, and he looked at Irish as if he was trying to figure out the origin of this name.

    She hastened to answer. "Oh, this is my mentor, Fredrick." And then she turned to Fredrick and said, "This is Joseph, the manager of Runestone Group."

    Fredrick ignored the hint from Irish, his jaw clenched, and he stared at Joseph with vignt eyes while Joseph just stood there silently and then took the initiative to shake hands with him. "Nice to meet you." He saidnguidly.

    As a result, Fredrick had to loosen Irish''s arms and stretched hands to shake with

    him: "Nice to meet you too."

    When they were shaking hands with each other, Irish took the time to rub her arms where Fredrick pinched them. After the brief greeting, Joseph turned to her and said, "Can we leave now?"

    "Well, yes." She answered quickly and then took a glimpse at Fredrick, who looked annoyed at the moment. A feeling of hesitation lingered in her heart, but she beat back the impulsion soon.

    Joseph smiled and took her luggage and then looked at Fredrick, "Goodbye, Fredrick."

    Fredrick understood that he couldn''t ask the origin of the name but said goodbye to her. When she was about to get into the car, she turned back at Fredrick, who still stood there, lonely and doleful.

 Chapter 85 85: Is He Really Your Mentor?

    At the moment when the door was closed, the anxiousness and fanaticism outside were separated. A sorrowful feeling urred to her, and she could see Fredrick''s figure was getting vaguer and vaguer.

    The car galloped to the airport, and the driver drove the car steadily. There were no traffic jams since the road was unobstructed during this period of time.

    They all kept silent in the car.

    Joseph was a reticent man who had been processing the documents when he got into the car, while Irish was also silent, leaning on the seat and watching the buildings outside the window.

    The silencested for nearly twenty minutes, and perhaps Joseph finally had finished his official papers and asked her when he closed the paper, "Is he really your mentor?"

    Irish, who was absent-minded at the moment, did not expect that he would speak to her, so she just turned to look at him with her blurred eyes, like the dewdrops.

    The beating of his heart suddenly got faster, and he repeated again, "Is he your mentor?"

    "Em, yes." This time Irish heard clearly of his question and answered briefly.

    Joseph did not say anything, putting the documents aside and leaning on the seat, he began to close his eyes and rest his mind. But Irish was confused and wondered what he meant.

    It was nearly three o''clock in the afternoon when the airneunched at Pittsburgh.

    On the top of the sky above the clouds, Irish could see that the clouds wereyered like waves and spread out to the far side. When the ne was sliding down the runway, a beautiful scene unfolded before her.

    The exhibition onlysted for two days. Time was tightly arranged, and the first day was a press briefing, while the second day was the exhibition and auction. Joseph had very little luggage, and when they got off the ne, he helped Irish to take her luggage carrier, which made her feel embarrassed.

    Many people came to pick them up, and before they left the airport, there were many people waving at them. Joseph also waved to them, and at that moment, Irish found that he looked more cheerful than ever before.

    Upon getting out, numerous people surrounded them, and without the smile on his face, Irish would have mistakenly taken them as reporters. But when she looked carefully, she found some familiar faces that frequently appeared on the television. She knew a few of them who were some big shots in political and business circles.

    It seemed that Joseph was intimate with them and just stood there, allowing them to hug him. Irish knew one of them. He was the chairman of Danton Group, Bowen. It was said his father started from the rich resources of Pittsburgh, and he inherited his father''s wool industry and developed it for the global high-end market. And in recent years, he turned to energy development and almost monopolized the market in Pittsburgh. At the beginning of this year, he reached a purchase agreement with Sweden Natural Gas Corporation and became a billionaire. Obviously, he was the most intimate friend with Joseph, and he patted Joseph''s shoulder and said, "We will drink till all''s blue tonight."

    Josephughed a heartyugh and said to them, "I am a three-bottle man now."

    Bowenughed and said, "Then why don''t we have some firewater?"

    Joseph smiled and answered at him, "You should do the honors."

    Everyone who heard it burst outughing.<novelnext></novelnext>

    This was the first time she had seen himugh so happily. Unexpectedly, he showed apletely different side to his friends. Looking at such a warm scene, she felt very sweet.

    "Stay a few more days here. I heard that Leo woulde soon. We have been struggling in business for several years hand in hand. Being frank with each other, we are still intimate friends."

    It seemed that others all stood in amazement for a while.

    Finally, Joseph broke the deadlock and smiled. "Bowen, you are still fond of meddling in this business." Finishing his word, he turned to Irish and gestured her over.

    Irish walked to him and stood beside him. He began to introduce her to them, "This is Isabel, the consultant of mypany." He called her Isabel, a name she didn''t ept at all.

    Bowen shook her hand warmly and greeted her. "There is a pleasant climate, and the environment here is good, so stay here for a few more days."

    Irish was amused by his words, while others began to greet her.

    "Let''s have afternoon tea, and Jean wille to have dinner with us. They are still on the way."

    Joseph said, "I heard that he just came back from abroad."

    "He knows that you are running the exhibition this time and came back without any hesitation," Bowen said with a loud voice.

    The group of people drove to a famous teahouse. Though it was just afternoon tea, when Irish looked at the delicate snacks, she couldn''t help swallowing. Among those snacks, there was one especially for her, which was carved like a lifelike swan.

    Joseph didn''t eat anything; instead, he kept chatting with his friends, and the room rang with cheers andughter. None of them talked about things at work, which made it easier for Irish to eat those delicious snacks. It was clear that other people did not want to eat, which left them all for Irish while others drank tea or coffee.

    When the bills were settled, the service staff put down the check, and Bowen paid it straightforwardly. It was so expensive that Irish nearly cried out in rm.

    After one and a half hours, they drove to the restaurant and got ready for dinner.

    Upon entering the restaurant and going into the box, they heard the cheers from the crowd. Fixing her eyes upon them, Irish found there were more than a dozen people waiting there.

    After the arrival of Joseph, they all stood up to greet him, while Joseph also greeted them with great enthusiasm. Irish knew clearly that they also came from afar and had just arrived since their luggage carriers still stood at the corner.

    "Hey, Joseph, long time no see," A tall man the same height as Joseph stepped forward and hammered on his shoulders. He was extremely charming when he showed a warm smile.

    "Yeah, long time no see," Joseph smiled brightly and shook hands with him cheerfully.

 Chapter 86 86: You Drink It Or She Will Drink It For You?

    Irish was shocked when she saw his face. She had seen reports of him in the media before, and it was said the man only epted interviews twice. The first time was a news briefing when there was a public rtions crisis in hispany car which caused a stir, and it happened a few years ago. The second time was when he announced that he had monopolized the abundant water resources abroadst year and sessfully listed them in Ennd.

    Though he did not publish much information, people were impressed by him. He was the chairman of Glory Light Group. He was a famous big shot in business circles and was skilled in corporation mergers and acquisitions. His father was also a man who should not be taken lightly.

    It was beyond Irish''s expectation that he was also conversant. When she saw such a group of familiar elites, Irish could not help but think deeply that the world was really small.

    The temperaments of the two people were simr, but they each gave apletely different feeling. Jean was gentle and considerate, such as the spring breeze, while Joseph was a handsome and reserved man and even looked severe and doleful when he did notugh. However, when they stood shoulder by shoulder, it looked harmonious and attractive.

    Jean should have made a special trip for this exhibition, so when they chatted with each other, sometimes they would mention something about the jewelry show while

    Bowen asked everyone to take a seat and ordered the restaurant manager to bring the best specialties.

    There were various wines on the dining table, and Irish understood that they would be as drunk as lords. But she knew Joseph rarely drank, and suddenly, a fearful feeling struck her since she feared that Joseph might let her decline the toast.

    When meeting friends, people usually drink to celebrate, and they usually get a good drink.

    Unlike Bowen, who swirled, Joseph just took sips of wine. Though Irish was adept at drinking and loved to drink, she usually drank red wine instead of liquor. But Bowen was extremely enthusiastic, asking if she could drink liquor, and raised his ss to propose a toast to her.

    Irish thought since she had and she just wanted to stay and enjoy it, so she directly took the ss and was about to drink with them. Some of them began to boo and hoot at Joseph. They thought she was a tough girl.

    But Joseph didn''t say anything and just smiled at her with his profound eyes, and Irish couldn''t see through his expression. After Bowen filled her ss, Irish tossed it back.

    All the people there apuded her.

    Bowen originally thought she was just a squeamish woman, but unexpectedly she was as forthright and generous as a man. After giving her a thumbs-up, he drained the cup with one gulp.

    But soon, Irish''s cup was filled with wine again, and she just kept a smile on her face. But when the wine slid into her throat, she felt like a sharp knife cut her throat, and soon her stomach was churning as if it was on fire. She wanted to rush to the toilet and throw up.

    Looking at the men who were eager to drink with her, Irish groaned inwardly.

    When she was thinking, a man stood up andughed at Joseph, "Joseph, you don''t have to drink with us, but your assistant has to drink with us for you." At some point, Irish became his assistant in their eyes.

    Joseph smiled helplessly.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Isabel, wee to Pittsburgh." The man proposed a toast to her.

    At this moment of reunion, all of the men were drinking hard liquor. Irish underestimated the degree of the alcohol, and after drinking a ss of the liquor, she felt her stomach flipping, but exactly right at the time, a man raised his ss to her.

    When she was about to brace herself to drink, the man beside her had taken over her cup silently and said, "Bob, you dare me to drink with you. Well, let me drink first."

    He soon drank it in one gulp, and when he finished, he patted her shoulder, suggesting she should sit down. Irish was not conceited but a timid woman, so when he got the hint from Joseph, she hastened to sit down quietly.

    But she was somehow moved by Joseph''s words and behavior, and an unnamed emotion lingered in her heart.

    The man wouldn''t let go of the chance to drink with Joseph, and he was forced to drink three cups of liquor in session. This time he did not decline the man''s toast, and then he drank three cups of liquor in session. Looking up at Joseph, Irish could see his expression and the side of his face as well as his chiseled chin.

    The party got quite hrious after they brought more wine, and they began to woo.

    Looking at Joseph, who had been drinking one after another, Irish felt a little heartache. She always remained faithful to friends, and several times she wanted to drink for him, but he simply held her back.

    She couldn''t help but sigh to herself that he was really a heavy drinker.

    Jean, who had been looking on, also stood up and took arger cup for Joseph. He said while pouring liquor into his cup, "Joseph, I came back from abroad for you, so you have to drink with me."

    Looking at the cup that Jean took for him, he said, "Man, why make things difficult for me?"

    Jean patted his shoulder and got closer to him, pointing at the cup of liquor in Joseph''s hand. "Brother, you can make your own choice. You drink it, or she drinks it for you."

    Taking a glimpse at Jean, Irish thought that all crows under the sun were ck and all the drunken men in the world were the same.

    Joseph did not say much and tossed off the cup directly. Jeanughed and also chugged. After that, their talk sounded faint to Irish. It seemed that Jean asked Joseph if he was enthralled by her.

    Irish felt a little puzzled and turned to Joseph but could not tell anything from his expression.

 Chapter 87 87: God Let It Happen

    It was not until 12 o''clock that they finished their meal and all of them were beastly drunk, including Bowen, who waspletely drunk but still chattered without stopping. "Isabel, take care of Joseph tonight. I have booked a room for you."

    Before she could answer, Jean walked to them and said with a low voice, "Did you ask for his opinion?" Jean had also drunk a lot, but he tried to stay awake.

    Bowenughed and hastily said, "It is unnecessary to ask for his opinion. I know clearly because we are all men."

    Jean didn''t say much but turned to Irish, "Well, then, thanks for taking care of him tonight."

    Irish was confused about his words, but she didn''t say anything and got into the car with them directly.

    The night in Pittsburgh was sad and warm.

    The car drove the group of drunkards until they arrived at the hotel.

    The suite was extremelyrge, while the bedroom was concealed.

    Entering the room, Josephy on the bed directly with his eyes closed, and his face was a little bit red. Standing on the edge of the bed to observe him for a while, Irish couldn''t tell if he was asleep or awake, but he breathed out wine fumes.

    On the way to the hotel, he squinted. After drinking, he was even more silent than usual, and he said nothing after saying goodbye to those friends.

    After thinking for a while, Irish went out of the bedroom and dialed to the reception desk to ask where her room was.

    "Sorry, Mr. Bowen only booked one suite."

    "Ah?" Irish was surprised and said hastily, "Please check it again. I''m Isabel. I-S-A-B-E-L."

    "I''m really sorry. Mr. Bowen only booked one suite in the name of Mr. Dover."

    Irish held her forehead, which was aching, and said, "Well, please book another room at any price for me now. A room with a reasonable price, please."

    "Sorry, there is no room avable now."

    Irish felt that she was pushed over the edge and repeated, "No room avable? How could it be possible?"

    "I''m really sorry, Mr. Isabel. The "Three Rivers Arts Festival" ising soon, so there are many visitors here currently."

    After hanging up the phone, Irish finally understood the meaning of Bowen''s words as well as Jean''s hesitation.

    It seemed that their rtionship was abnormal in his friends'' eyes.

    Going back to the bedroom, Irish found that Joseph was still lying on the bed motionlessly. The dizzy yellow light spread over his cheeks, which made him look more handsome than usual. Irish knew that he had declined many toasts and drank much for her. Irish now understood that perhaps his friends all had an ulterior motive, but she was a kindhearted girl, so she wouldn''t leave him alone.

    Taking out a wet towel from the washroom, Irish walked to the bed to sit down and was about to wash his face for him. Perhaps Joseph was awakened by her movements and murmured, "Where are we?"

    "We are in the hotel," Irish answered briefly.

    Joseph didn''t say anything.

    Finishing that, Irish put aside the towel and looked at the man lying there quietly, even without changing into a nightgown yet. She sighed slightly and got closer to him. "Hey, I''m going to open your luggage carrier."

    "Em." He said with a faint voice. Dragging out the trunk and opening it, Irish rummaged through the trunk and finally took out a pair of pants which made her feel awkward.<novelnext></novelnext>

    It was made with a smooth cloth and was soft.

    She put it back soon, turning at him, and asked, "Where is your nightgown? I can''t find it."

    But Joseph didn''t answer.

    She had no choice but to take off his clothes.

    Under the light, his naked upper body was clearly visible, which she had seen on that night, which was a soundless dream to her. It made him look more enchanted with a strong chest and clear skin texture. But the most attractive part was his mermaid line at the edge of the trousers, giving her the impulse to touch it.

    What she was most proud of was her delicate and tender back which made her even sexier when she wore a backless skirt.

    However, the mermaid line of the man was even more seductive, and at this moment, she knew that a man''s perfect figure was better than that of a woman.

    However, she was not a nymphomaniac.

    Though facing such an alluring body, she did not lose her mind; instead, she walked to him and tossed his trousers to him.

    There was an overpowering smell of alcohol in the air that sunk into her nose together with the cool air from the air conditioner. She was also exhausted and drowsy since she had also drank the liquor. She had previously boasted her capacity for liquor, but now she was regretting what she had done.

    After folding his clothes, Irish sighed and was at a loss as to where to sleep since she didn''t want toy down on the floor.

    In the washroom, Irish was bathing in the mist.

    The woman''s enchanting appearance in the mirror was covered in the mist, but her graceful outline was faintly visible. She was so tired after the long journey, and she had also drank some liquor, so she just wanted to take a quick shower.

    Under the shower head, she threw her head back while the water dripped down her face. Her thick and ck hair looked like seaweed, hanging to her shoulders. Her skin was as white as the snow, smooth and tender. The droplets fell along her cor bone and gathered on her nipples. Her plump breasts vibrated slightly with her movements, and then the droplets slid down into her abdomen.

    Perhaps this beautiful scene should be shared with others.

    God let it happen.

    Suddenly the door of the washroom opened.

    A man staggered in.

    And Irish turned around at him.

    Then their eyes collided with each other.

    Then a woman''s outcry smashed the tranquility.

    Joseph was still a little bit unresponsive and stood there still while his eyes stared at the woman before him. When she reacted and turned back at him, her slender and sexy back and buttocks unfolded before him.

    "Get out!" Irish shouted to him when she found he still stood there without moving, and then she felt remorseful that she did put the towel aside, so she just stood there with her hands crossed on her bosom.

    "I''m sorry," Joseph said hastily and turned out.

 Chapter 88 88: I Told You, Don’t Move

    It sounded like he was still slightly drunk from his low voice.

    The light reflected off the water drops on her startled face. When she ensured that Joseph had left, she rushed to the door, closing it, relieved.

    Irish was shocked by him since she thought he was already drunk and couldn''t move. However, now she was out of the mood to keep bathing, and after rushing for the shower handle, she put on the home clothes and then walked out of the washroom.

    Joseph was still lying on the bed with a thin nket covering him. He seemed to hear the movement from Irish and asked with his eyes closed, "What time is it?"

    Irish, who was consideringying down on the couch tonight, rushed to him and said wrathfully, "It''s half-past one o''clock in the morning."

    "Give me some water." His profound voice sounded maic.

    Clenching her teeth, Irish thought he really called her an assistant, but she had to refrain from her irritation since he had drunk too much for her. Then she handed over a ss of water to him.

    Opening his eyes, Joseph sat up slightly and began to drink water. It was not until he gulped the whole ss of water that he said to her with an astonished tone, "Isabel, why are you there?"

    Perceiving that he started to wake up, Irish sat down on the bed directly. "Bowen only booked a suite for you." She said impatiently as if she was trying to condemn him.

    Joseph was shocked by her words, but soon heprehended what she meant. Looking at her with his bleary eyes, he smiled gently and said, "Perhaps he misunderstood."

    "Well, then don''t make him feel disappointed." Irish sneered and added, "Before leaving, he exhorted me repeatedly to take care of you." She said with her teeth gnashed.

    It didn''t matter that he was drunk, but why did he just barge into the washroom when she was taking a shower?

    Would he forget what he had seen just now tomorrow?

    "I''m sorry. I''ll book you another room now." Joseph was about to stand up, but he was still slightly drunk and was a little unsteady. She could tell from his expression that he was trying to stay awake.

    Irish was afraid that he would fall and hastened to hold him and sighed slightly. "Well, there is no room avable now, so stop messing about. I''ll sleep on this bed."

    Joseph raised his eyebrows.

    "Are you scared? As a woman, I don''t even worry about it, and what are you afraid of?" She was about to make fun of him suddenly and poked his chest with one of her fingers. "The bed isfortable, and how could you make me sleep on the couch? Of course, you can choose to sleep there if you are shy. But I think it doesn''t matter since it is not the first time we slept in a bed together."

    Joseph felt itching on his chest and couldn''t help but catch her hand and smile, "It is you who should worry. I got drunk, but I''m a conscious man now."

    His breath was burning hot, itching her fingers and disturbing her mind. She withdrew her hands hastily and took a pillow on the other side of the bed, and said, "I don''t think you will do that. Good night." Then she turned off themp on her side.

    The room was getting even darker and was fused with the smell of alcohol and woody notes.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Lying there back to him, Irish closed her eyes but was swift to hear, just like a blind man with excellent acuity. Lying there motionlessly, she was trying to catch every tiny movement from the man beside her.

    Suddenly, she felt the other side of the bed sag, and the smell of alcohol and the man''s hot body was closer to her. Her heartbeat quickened.

    However, he didn''t do anything to her. Instead of going to the living room, hey down beside her again. The dark shadows were reflected on the walls, which were indistinguishable.

    It was dreary in the room.

    It was a peaceful city without hubaloo and mor.

    The faint light blurred their faces, but their breath and heartbeats were still clear.

    Hearing her fast heartbeat, Irish felt a little anxious, as if her heart was going to jump out.

    There was no slight movement behind her, but the masculine atmosphere stained with alcohol was clear, which surrounded her, which made her feel he was sleeping against her.

    It was true that this was not the first time they had slept in a bed, but they were in a situation where they were dead drunk. And now it was the first time when he was drunk while she was awake. She had to admit that she was a little bit nervous and repellent.

    After a long time, Irish finally heard his steady breath.

    Was he asleep?

    Turning back her head cautiously, Irish could see the side of his face under the faint starlight. He was squinting and lying on the other side of the bed motionlessly that was not far from her, and she could even touch him when stretching her hands.

    It seemed that he had fallen asleep, and then Irish turned around securely with afortable posture. Now that he had fallen asleep, she could relieve herself without any misgivings.

    But when she just turned around, the man''s deep voice sounded, "Don''t move."

    Irish was startled by his sudden words with her body frozen and stared at him with vignce. He still looked peaceful with his eyes closed, making her think he didn''t speak to her just now.

    Irish wouldn''t ask him what he said, but it was notfortable to be frozen there.

    Unexpectedly, at the moment when she was turning back, she felt the man''s strong chest suddenly pressed against her back which frightened her as solid as a wooden chicken.

    "I told you, don''t move. Why do you move around when you are sleeping?" Joseph said with his maic and deep voice beside her ears, which sounded even more enchanting since he was still slightly drunk.

 Chapter 89 89: I’m Conscious

    "When did I move around?" For no reason, Irish was perturbed and resorted to acting. She also wanted to move away from his hands that oveid her waist.

    "What do you say?" Instead of moving his arms, he tightened around her, embracing her into his arms, and smiled softly.

    His maic voice warmed into her heart while his thin lips rubbed her earlobe unintentionally. He murmured something to her that sounded sentimental.

    The man''s hot breath lingered in her ears.

    Her rational consciousness, which she was proud of, began to copse.

    "Move over. Don''t stick close to me. I feel hot." It was really hot, and Irish felt she was on fire. It seemed that Joseph''s chest that pressed against was like boiling hot water igniting some strange feelings inside her.

    However, Joseph pressed by her side, his lips remaining at her forehead, and his hands moved from her waist onto her underbelly, with his slender fingers rubbing slightly. "Isabel, I''ve told you I''m not drunk, and I''m conscious."

    It was easy to tell from his voice that he was restraining himself.

    The lingering kisses of the man were tender, whose hot breath was mixed up with the liquor fragrance, stirring the originally quiet floating air. When his breath fell on her ears, she could even hear its heaviness.

    The first thought that urred to her was to give him a strong punch!

    Though from this angle, it was hard. But she really did it.

    As soon as she reached out her hand, Joseph reached for her wrists as if he had expected her intention, and she suddenly put forth her strength, and so did he. So he still sped her firmly to his bosom. She heard his lowughter, which reced the usual silence, but it was contaminated with the tease in drunkenness she had never seen.

    "Don''t you know that a man who is drunk is stronger than ever?"

    Irish hated his yful tone, so she reached another hand to push him away, but then fell into his trap and was again caught by the man.

    She turned her head and red at the man above her head. "Even if you''re not sleepy, I want to sleep."

    Her protest did not receive a response from Joseph.

    He did not move and stared down at her face for a moment. There was a faint light on his cheek, reflecting his sharp angles. His eyes became deeper like the sea under the night, boundless and ck, which had an undercurrent if you looked carefully.

    Her heart suddenly fluttered, not because of surprise, but more like a leak of her heart. And then an infinite fluster followed, like wild weeds growing rapidly. And she had no way to stop it. In previous times, he''d stare at her, but most of them were so calm that she could not see his intentions and thoughts. But this time, she was uneasy.

    She was trapped in his arms, and her wrists were imprisoned by one of his big hands. She could only make a strong protest, "Joseph, if you want to go crazy, please go away. I am really sleepy, and I really want��"<novelnext></novelnext>

    Without saying that, Joseph''s body was pressed against her. This time he pressed her firmly under his body. Her hands were put forcefully over her head. His other big hand gently went up along her neck, and his slender fingers fell on the top of her brows, softly touching them.

    Like a feather caressing her cheek, Irish suddenly felt absent-minded, only feeling that the man was so gentle and treated her like treasure. Her long eyshes slightly trembled, forming a beautiful scene with her surprised eyes.

    Joseph spoke in a low voice, "Do you love me?"

    The man''s breath fell on her forehead, cool andfortable, but his words startled her. Her heart nearly popped out. His eyes were burning like in drunken bewilderment. It was more like a very sensible sobriety. For a moment, she did not know how to answer him, subconsciously trying to avoid his gaze.

    But Joseph obviously did not intend to give her the possibility of escape. Reaching over her face, he ordered her to look into his eyes, asking again, "Tell me, do you love me?"

    His breath smelled drunk, but his tone was so serious that he seemed to be waiting for an answer, but Irish thought that Joseph was no longer as steady and introverted as he used to be. He used to dismiss her tease with augh or, at best, frowned and warned her not to make any mischief. But he seemed to change tonight, and his perseverance, like a sharp knife, tried to cut through her heart and take a look at it.

    She had never lied to him.

    But Joseph still insisted, pressing his head down until his forehead was close to her. His thin lips, intentionally or not, touched the corners of her lips, softly whispering, "Tell me the truth, Irish."

    Irish''s heart was thoroughly disturbed by his breath, not knowing whether it was too quiet or the man was too close to her, she felt her eardrums buzzing, and her heart lifted up into her throat.

    "I...I really love you," She feared that it was only a temptation, then her lies would be ruthlessly exposed.

    She never admitted how perfect she was. On the contrary, she knew how selfish and petty she was, and she had always been used to describing her life asissez-faire so that she could be happier.

    So she hated the feeling of being exposed on the spot!

    It was like forcing her to take off her clothes and stand in the limelight. She could not allow herself to be so embarrassed.

    When she answered the question and read the smile in the man''s eyes, she realized that she would reap what she had sown.

    "Okay," Joseph''s face approached suddenly.

    She thought he would kiss the corner of her lips.

    He slightly nted her head, and his thin lipsnded on her forehead. The hot breath almost melted her skin. At this moment, Irish heard the crazy beating of her heart, which hit her chest like a cannon.

    She wanted to reach out to touch him and to prove whether it was her own heartbeat or whether it was his.

 Chapter 90 90: Why Are You Afraid Of Me Since You Like Me?

    As if reading her mind, Joseph loosened the big hand that had bound her wrists but took advantage of the opportunity to wind down on her waist and hold on to it. Through the thin cloth, the heat of his hand almost burned her skin.

    She wanted to scream, but her throat felt blocked.

    His kisses were soft, like a May spring night, where one could get immersed in it without care. He suddenly opened his mouth, keeping her exquisite earlobe in his mouth.

    The sudden sucking finally seeded in causing her to gasp, and she put her hands on his bare chest. His sturdy bosom was burning to death, and with his heartbeat, he mmed into her palms with force.

    His heart was like hers.

    She was not a little girl. She knew it was a sign of a man''s affection.

    "Irish..." His voice sounded vague and thick because of the kiss.

    She shuddered.

    His kisses took advantage of the opportunity to move down, they paused on her neck, then her delicate and beautiful corbone.

    When his thin lips werepletely buried in the cleavage of her chest, her whole body shook into a sieve, only feeling that his thin lips burned her heart, which was terrible.

    She felt disheveled in her clothes.

    The strap of her top was gently pulled down from her shoulder. The light in the room was dark, making the room seem hotter. The faint light emphasized the limitless beauty of her chest.

    Though sheid on her back, her Swan-like neck, deeply curved corbone, and two beautiful bosoms were still in perfect shape. Half concealed by her house dress, she looked even sexier, and her chest fluctuated with her breath.

    Joseph was bold enough to immerse himself in this. His head was buried in her chest, and his brightly-drawn eyebrows were stained with tenderness. His eyes ckened, his breath deepened, and the sound of him calling her name was thicker and thicker.

    He admitted he was attached from the moment he had identally strayed into the bathroom. The woman in his arms was like a clear spring that made him happy and like a poppy that made him smile. The scene still reverberated in his mind from the bathroom: under the water mist, her figure was enchanting and dreamy, and her long seaweed hair hung on her delicate body. For a moment, he wanted to touch her hair and hold her tightly in his arms.

    Joseph could not help but kiss her deeply. He opened her mouth, and through the thin cloth, he could not control himself to keep that dreamy red plum from his mouth.

    For a moment, Irish stiffened. Her body trembled and then made a strong writhing.

    She felt there was something big between her legs, and it hurt her, she was scared to reach out to put it aside.

    Then her nk brain buzzed.

    Joseph, however, chuckled and grabbed her hand all the way down. At the moment when her fingertips touched a hard and hot thing, Irish''s voice begging for mercy finally broke through her throat. The voice was small and helpless, like a bird that had been taken away its wings. "No��"

    The sound was like a defense against some taboo.<novelnext></novelnext>

    In a word, Joseph stopped as she wished. Without anger, he let go of her hand, but he immediately turned over, and she could still feel his hardness which almost hurt her.

    She did not dare to move.

    And he, with a trace of pity in her eyes, stretched out his hand and covered her face again, but his voice sounded heart-wrenching. "Why are you afraid of me since you like me, huh?"

    She could not answer, though she knew it clearly.

    Her heart hurt a little, but she couldn''t find a reasonable cause.

    Joseph did not intend to wait for her to answer or, knowing she would not sigh and rolled over. Irish hurriedly turned her back to him, only to find that it was no longer the ce where the heart was pressed.

    His arm stretched to make her back against his chest, and the beat of both hearts seemed the same, feeling warm and attached.

    Irish did not know what he was thinking but felt his breath fluttering overhead. His armspletely embraced her, and her mouth moved, but she could not say a word anymore.

    Joseph''s big hand covered her fingers, forcing her fingers to entangle his. Irish looked down, whose fingers were like weeds, powerless to cling to his fingers.

    "Isabel��" Joseph''s voice fell over her head, soft, "I won''t force you to like me, but if you do one day, let me know."

    She looked at him in surprise, waiting for his next words. Somehow, looking at him from this angle, his eyes were dark and bore the pain with the lonely beauty of a wolf, and it suddenly hit her heart.

    Joseph said only half of what he said, leaving the rest to be reverie. Finally, a kiss fell on the tip of her nose, and he whispered, "Sleep."

    ****

    At the New Zone coffee shop in New York, there was no crowd. Cassie took a half-day off because she wanted to have a nice time with Fredrick. He did not like to go shopping, but today, he was very patient with her, going through the whole New Zone Mall and buying her beautiful clothes and special care products for her parents, who had been living in her house.

    Cassie was never a girl who liked to take advantage of others, which was quite different from Irish''s. As long as Fredrick spent money to buy things for her, she would have to buy something for him, so she feltfortable. So when her favorite rose water was served, she pushed an exquisite box toward Fredrick.

    Fredrick was surprised, but she smiled and motioned for him to open it up.

    He opened it. That was a pair of Givenchy men''s cufflinks.

    "Cassie, you don''t need to buy me anything." He was helpless.

    "I can''t take advantage of you. Besides, you''re my boyfriend, and it''s my duty to make you handsome. Aren''t these nice? I''ve been staring at it for a long time, and you''ll be wearing it at my house this weekend." Cassie slightly closed her lips.

    "Cassie��"

 Chapter 91 91: Don’t Get Into Trouble

    "Don''t tell me you don''t have time. My parents have been here for a few days, and they desire to see you." Cassie wanted to smile at him sweetly with the femininity of ady.

    Fredrick was embarrassed, sighing. When he was just about to speak, not far away, a couple interrupted him.

    "What? You''re breaking up with me?" It was a woman''s startled, shrill voice.

    Cassie was also startled by the voice.

    She turned around and took a nce, finding that the woman at the inclined rear was indeed beautiful, but the surprise and anxiety on her face twisted her beauty. The woman''s emotion was so agitated, but the man sat behind her, so she could not see his facial expression. Cassie had no time to care about what happened between the couple and only paid attention to Fredrick.

    "Fredrick, you don''t have to dress too formally on weekends, or you''ll scare my parents. You don''t need to wear cufflinks, you could wear them at work."

    "I invited you here today because I have some words to say to you," said Fredrick, who hesitated for half a second and finally opened up with difficulty. He could not follow her to meet her parents because he wanted to break up with her.

    He liked Cassie, or to be exact, had liked her, who was beautiful, generous, and considerate, which was perfectly in line with what he wanted in a partner. For a long time, he thought that Cassie was the woman he could be with for his whole life, and he was ready to propose to her when the time was right.

    Even when he pursued her on the first day, that''s what he thought.

    However, Fredrick still had a secret!

    Hidden for a long time and deeply, a secret that even he himself did not know!

    He liked Cassie, but the one he really loved was Irish!

    He had never considered his feelings about Irish, though he had only be her guide abroad and followed her when she had decided toe home. When Irish told him that she was still scared to be awake in the early morning, his heart was painful, but he never thought such feelings were sentimentally and deeply attached to her.

    When he saw Irish in Joseph''s car and decided to go on a business trip with him, it finally dawned on him that he was worried about her and even angry at her, all of which was because of his love for her.

    Therefore, Fredrick could not face Cassie''s parents. Because his feelings were clear, he had to cut through the chaos and decided to break up. She was a good girl, and it was not worth wasting her youth and time for him. Though he had been an asshole for so many years, it was better to make things clear rather than to continue to be entangled.

    Cassie, of course, did not know what he thought and looked at him with a happy face, "Well, I''m listening."

    Looking at her smile, Fredrick felt that he was the most despicable bastard in the world!

    "In fact, today I''m going to..."

    "Roy! How can you do such things to me? You pursued me first, and now you want to break up when you have enough of me? You are such an asshole!" The woman behind them shouted again, which managed to attract other guests'' attention.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Fredrick felt as if he were being scolded.

    Cassie looked back impatiently. The good atmosphere was turned on by the breakup couple, which was really annoying. But she still looked at Fredrick and again said with a smile, "Nothing. You go ahead, I can hear you."

    "I''m actually trying to tell you. We..."

    "Roy, you can''t leave me alone," Not far away, the woman even cried, sniffling, who was very pitiful, "I am pregnant with your child, if you break up with me, what about the child? Even if you don''t care for me, you have to look after the baby."

    Cassie was almost going crazy. Every time when Fredrick wanted to say something, he was interrupted by the idiotic couple, and a belly of fire was about to rush up. When she was about to force it down again, the man''s words made aplete fuse.

    "Child?" The man seemed tough, "Are you sure it''s mine?" This was followed by the woman''s desperate crying.

    Cassie had to put up with it, "Fredrick, wait for me for a while." At the end of the speech, she got up and walked toward the couple.

    "Cassie," Fredrick also hastened to get up.

    But Cassie had rushed forward and smashed strongly on the coffee table, which stirred the coffee out from the cup. The woman was scared by Cassie''s sudden appearance with tears on her cheeks, it was pitiful. But the man, who wasughing sarcastically, was also startled by Cassie.

    "I''ve seen heartless people, but I haven''t seen a bastard like you. Are you a man or a beast? She''s pregnant, and you''re going to break up with her? You even suspect the child is not yours? Are you crazy? Or do you know that you are born without fertility?" Cassie was extremely angry, so she attacked him like an artillery cannon.

    "Cassie," Fredrick said, trying to pull her away. "Let''s just leave the coffee shop. Don''t get into trouble here."

    "Why should we change our ce? If change is needed, those who need to go are them!" Cassie should not have been so impolite, but she was really angry. She growled at the man, "You think this is your kitchen? Do whatever you want? Please find the right ce to break up. Why are you talking about it here?"

    Roy initially did not expect to provoke other people toe out. First, he was shocked, and then he recovered his mood. He was simply staring at Cassie''s angry red face with interest, and when she had finished scolding him, he had no anger. Looking at the woman across the table, he asked lightly, "good friend?"

    The woman went into shock and shook her head subconsciously.

    "Have we met before?" Roy asked.

    "Don''t get close to me!" Cassie tried to shout at him, but at the next moment, her eyes widened and pointed at him. "You, you are. I remember you are the toy boy! A shabby second generation of the rich! Isn''t you who drove a fucking car all over the street? What a small world!"

    Her knees were blue for days, thanks to him!

    "Hahaha," Royughed and showed no sign of anger. "Well, you still remember me."

 Chapter 92 92: Don’t Let Me See You Again

    At the next moment, Fredrick kept Cassie, who almost rushed to fight, leaving her only to scream, "I will kill you!"

    "Man, your girlfriend is fierce. I think you should break up with her quickly." Roy kept smiling, looking at Fredrick as if nothing had happened.

    Fredrick only wanted to take away Cassie and also did not listen to this man''s words, but these words made Cassie even angrier, "Shameless toy boy! You dare to urge us to break up. Why are you doing fucking things? I curse you so that there is no woman desiring to give you a son!"

    "Cassie,e with me." Fredrick knew her.

    ? She was seldom angry, but it was scary when she was irritated, so he dragged her.

    Roy always smiled, looking at Cassie to be more and more distant, and made a goodbye gesture toward her.

    "Don''t let me see you for the third time, or I will kill you!" Cassie''s curse reverberated through the air.

    ****

    In Pennsylvania, free of the heat and fog of NY, there were always blue skies with white clouds, like flowers decorating blue jewelry, looking sentimental and tender.

    The press conference of the jewelry fair was in the afternoon, and Daisy and all the working staff of the fair arrived at the site. In addition, Master Bernert was also there because he personally cut "Blossom", so he was required to introduce its cutting process.

    When Irish and Joseph arrived at the site, the conference had already begun.

    Daisy, as the spokesman for the general manager, was in charge of the meeting. There were also Bernert and the managers of the nning and marketing departments, who were answering questions from reporters one by one.

    Joseph was so rxed that even reporters didn''t find him sitting quietly in the corner. Irish found that he didn''t like to interact with the media. Thinking for a while, she understood him because the higher you climb, the more you have to keep a low profile, which is the way to behave.

    She sat in the corner with him, but she could not hear a word from the seats. Compared with the experience at the Lake''s house, what had happened the night before seemed to be really difficult for her to face.

    At Lake''s house, Joseph never left her room until dawn, who really apanied her for the whole night, but she feltfortable, feeling nothing wrong. However, this morning was different, thoughst night she did not have a dream. When she woke up, she did not dare to open her eyes. She was afraid that she would look directly at him after opening her eyes, or she might see his face if turning over.

    In short, she began to be afraid.

    But surprisingly, Joseph was not in bed, and the other side of the bed felt untouched, indicating he had left for a long time. When she had finished washing and dressing, he happened toe back from the outside, dressed neatly, and, seeing that she had washed, said faintly, "Go downstairs and have breakfast."

    Until that moment, she was sitting next to him in the corner, which was so hidden in the space, but she could not ask him where he had gone the night before that day. Maybe he just had woken up earlier, and maybe he had had a lover here, and he had gone to the other woman. Irish did not know and never wanted to know.

    However, from the morning to the present, it was natural enough, as if nothing had happened the night before that day. Irish even had a moment of a misconception that he had been drunk that night. But he was more considerate, asking her for advice at breakfast and not even being as silent as he had used to be along the way.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "What are you thinking?" His voice rose again, and at the same time, he lifted his hand and knocked her lightly on the head.

    Irish turned around and looked at him, seeing his brows looking lighthearted. "I thought that it was bad luck for Daisy to follow you. She takes charge of all things, but you, as a boss, are at ease down there," She spoke lightly as her thoughts converged.

    "What do you mean by following me?" Joseph was amused by her words. "It sounds a bit of a pastime."

    "It is not a pastime, it is leisure." Irish satzily on her chair and yawned. "I thought I could see different things and scenes rather than these tall buildings. It''s boring."

    Joseph could not help but shake his head. "I brought you here for study, not for y."

    "I think we are taking a trip," Irish retorted. "You are so smart, and even Henry gave you power. What else should I learn?"

    "Sooner orter, you will think that affairs of the Lake family matter."

    Irish sneered, "No, I am not interested in it."

    Seeing that she was a little impatient again, Joseph did not continue to meditate on this topic, "There will be the annual Three Rivers Arts Festival in two days, and I can take you there to see beautiful arts and eat delicious dinner," he thought for a while.

    When Irish heard that, her eyes suddenly became bright. She blinked at him, "What is it? Is it fun?" She had heard from the hotel receptionist about this festival, which seemed quite lively.

    Seeing her high spirits, Joseph stretched out to sp a strand of her hair and put it behind her ear, saying with a pampered smile and an easy tone, "This is an international grand festival in Pittsburgh, and there are many art shows." he shortly exined.

    "Really?" Irish became more and more interested.

    "You can see dancing and singing performances, watch ys, and then at night, we can eat delicious food. At night you can see fireworks, which are magnificent."

    "Oh, my God, it sounds beautiful," Irish was drooling at the thought, unable to restrain her excitement. "Then I must go and see it."

    "Okay." Joseph agreed, "The auction is almost over. We can stay here for two more days."

    Irish cheered that a man focusing on his time and work had even satisfied her request. When she wanted to praise him honestly, she found that his eyebrows frowned. Surprised, she turned her head to the presentation table. The master Bernert was talking about the cutting process, which was shown on the big screen, and his fingers were slightly trembling.

    Her heart, too, trembled inexplicably.

 Chapter 93 93: Do You Have Favorite

    As a result of the annual Three Rivers Arts Festival, Pittsburgh became a city of great interest to tourists, which also became a venue for celebrities to gather due to the first auction of the "Blossom" series of the Runestone Group. Manymon faces in financial magazines and on television screens came from all over the world to the small city. For a moment, it was busy and crowded.

    Summer was an extravagant season to spend time, money, and youth freely.

    The Runestone Group''s Vera Club high-end private luxury auction exhibition was held at the Monroeville Convention Center. After the press conference, Daisy and other staff members rushed to the center without rxation to recheck the exhibition booth without a night''s sleep, leaving a free room for Irish.

    But Joseph stayedte at the exhibition, and when Irish bought a fewrge pizzas and went back to the exhibition hall, she saw Joseph stepping on adder to adjust the angle of the lights newly installed by themplighter. She was puzzled and asked Daisy, who seemed used to taking things for granted. With a smile, she said, "He adjusts the angle of the lights to make the jewelry on disy look more gorgeous."

    "I mean, why did he climb it himself?" Irish looked up at the man on thedder.

    He rolled up his sleeves and sat on the seat of the chair, meticulously adjusting the position of each light, which was urately set. Because of the difference in temperature, the air conditioning was cut off in the center at night. There were already many spotlights in the showroom, sweat stood on his forehead, and even the clothes on his back were wet.

    In such a scene, he looked like an outsider worker, without any air of being the boss.

    Daisy also looked up. "Hey, as soon as you get to know Joseph, you''ll find that he is serious about everything. This auction is at the forefront of the industry, and he just keeps improving it."

    "He is really the person who can work at a grass-roots level." Irish did not agree with his manner.

    She was azy person, so she always thought of all kinds of ways to loaf. She was convinced that scientific inventions were the fruit ofzy people. Because people were gettingzy, technology was getting more and more advanced.

    "Why don''t you have a light in the booth over there?"

    Daisy looked at that and smiled, "That is a spot for the "Blossom" series. You know, Blossom is the top priority, and the most striking of the series is the rare 25-carat green diamond on the main piece, which was worth a lot of money when it was auctioned in the UK before it was cut perfectly. Now, through master Bernert''s hand, the price of this green diamond increases sharply, and theck of light on that spot is to show people that the green diamond that has been cut perfectly can shine even if it is not decorated with lights, which is the essence of the Runestone."

    Irish also understood this truth. Although she had not seen the Blossom before, she had already heard a lot of media talking about it along the way. Some professionals began to predict that the auction price of the main jewelry in the Blossom would definitely not be less than an eight-digit number.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Like other women, she naturally had an irresistible love for jewelry, but she still could not agree that a broken diamond would not follow you to paradise and could have such big prices. People are full of curiosity. The hotter a thing was, the more valuable it was.

    The second day was a sunny day. The auction venue was full of people, and the media reporters ounted for one-third of the attendees. The Runestone Group brought people a visual feast. The beautiful jewelry in the exhibition was for autumn and winter, such as the Autumn Beauty, Autumn Moon, and so on, while the main jewelry, "Autumn vor" was reced with the striking "Blossom."

    Those who could participate in the auction were either very high status or had fortunes to spend, and the members of the Vera Club naturally had the prior right of choice. Ordinary people were unable to enter the auction venue, and even the bodyguards at the door of the exhibition wore suits and leather shoes.

    As the leader of the group, Mr. Dover had to make a speech on stage, so this time it was impossible for him to avoid the media. He stood on the stage under the spotlight in a neat suit depicting his strong figure, and his spirits were as serious as ever before, speaking with a calm voice.

    Irish sat under the stage, looking at his leisurely manner, feeling the power in his slow speech. The man reverted to his former distant and courteous image, different from the onest night, who was sweating to work, and from the warm and tender one the night before. Who said only women changed? The man on the stage with many faces was sure to win.

    As the event continued methodically, jewelry of all colors wasunched to the auction stage, and money had be a tool ofpetition in the showroom. The jewelry Autumn Water was more popr, which was auctioned in the final bid for $2 million to a rich Swiss businessman.

    Irish sat on the stage, hurt with the money paid. $2 million for several broken stones? The world of people with fortunes was really twisted.

    "Do you have a favorite?" Sitting next to him, he saw her constantly smiling face and asked in a low voice.

    "You make the jewelry yourself and bid on it?" Irish stared at him as if seeing a joker. "People will think you''re ying with them."

    Joseph''s lips were slightly raised up, "Anyone sitting here has the right to bid. If you''re afraid of misunderstanding, you can bid on it, and I''ll pay for it."

    Hearing that, Irish was a little confused, looking at him for a long time and saying, "Why are you suddenly so good to me?"

 Chapter 94 94: You Are Annoying

    "What do you mean?" He frowned immediately, confused by her question.

    Leisurely leaning back on her chair and smiling at him oddly, "The bourgeois exploiter who wished to dry me up now has the idea of being generous?"

    "I was just afraid you were too bored." His answer was straight.

    "Thank you, you are an unscrupulous merchant. If you invest ten percent in me today, I will be sure that I need to give you a hundred percent." Irish shrugged her shoulders with sly eyes.

    He smiled, looking at her for a moment, and raised his big hand and rubbed her head hard, his behavior was warm and tender. The action came so suddenly that she had no time to hide, and his hand fell before reacting.

    "You are annoying." Grumbling, she raised her hand to smooth her long untidy hair and red at him.

    Joseph smiled more easily and raised his fingers to push her hair out of her forehead.

    His eyes were soft, and he was less serious and harsh. Irish didn''t know why he looked so good, and she didn''t want to analyze. Maybe that day''s auction was so sessful that he was happy.

    That was right. The wealthy businessmen sitting on the stage had figures of money hanging over their heads. When the exhibition was over, most of these figures would fall into his pocket, if she were him, she would also be proud of it.

    "Are these jewels all less precious than the Blossom?"

    "The most valuable thing about Blossom, in addition to rare diamonds, is the cutting. Of course, other jewels were also good, but some of them did not appear long enough to have arger value. You know, the longersting they are, the more valuable they are." Joseph said, close to her ear. "Like you and me, you are wise, but your experiences are less than mine."

    The man''s warm breath got into her ear, tickling her heart. She turned to his eyes and pretended to be calm. "Are you telling me not to be narrow-minded in front of you?"

    Josephughed but did not say anything.

    "You have to make it clear. Am I narrow-minded?" Seeing his tacit approval, she was not satisfied.

    "You said it, I didn''t mean that," He was very patient.

    Irish rolled her eyes toward him.

    "All right, don''t be angry." Joseph identally put his arms around her shoulder, gentle as pacifying a child. He pointed to the table, "Do you like the Blossom?"<novelnext></novelnext>

    The smell of men''s wood fragrance pacified her nerves, soothing her irritable mood, and she hummed, "Who doesn''t like 25 carats of rare green diamonds?"

    Josephughed, "It really has a collectible value."

    Then they stopped talking and watched the auction situation on the stage.

    The Runestone group harvested money.

    Until the Blossom, as the main character of the press, was finallyunched slowly, the big screen showed each of the series of the Blossom. The audience was full of exmations, especially after the main lights were turned off, the jewelry was exposed, and only a faint light shone on the tform. The rare green diamond was emitting a more brilliant color than anything else, striking and magnificent.

    The sound of exmations was so obvious that people who could not sit up patiently suddenly got up from their seats, preparing to take the first shot. Irish also looked shocked because the great charm of the diamond was out of her imagination.

    Because the green diamond on the Blossom had been bidden in the UK by Joseph, which had cost him 9.8 million dors, after several years of exquisite carving, the value of this green diamond increased greatly. As estimated by experts, its starting price was 10 million dors, and each bid would add 500 thousand dors to it.

    Hearing such a high price, Irish stuck her tongue out to Joseph, "You are really a big capitalist, a big exploiter!"

    These words were like an usation, and she looked a bit jealous in the process. Joseph was amused by her and said nothing.

    The Blossom series only had three pieces, a bracelet, earrings, and the main ring, on which the 25-carat rare green diamond was inset, which became the striking focus.

    Only different types of top-tier gems were made into different jewelry and listed as a collection, which was the origin of the name of the Blossom. That was to say, the bracelet, earrings, and the ring that constituted the Blossom were made of three kinds of precious jewels or diamonds. It was famous for its design style, and the above iid precious stones made it have a great collectible value.

    Because the Blossom was unique, the Runestone Group split the Blossom collection, so it could not bid on in aplete set and prevented the entire series from being monopolized by one person, the result of which was that it would be hard for the Vera Club to repurchase it one day.

    Irish''s knowledge of precious stones was only at the kindergarten level. She could only use her eyes to analyze which looked beautiful and which was not. But Joseph obviously wanted to teach her what was good and what was bad. So when the staff member presented the earrings of the Blossom, he asked Irish to pay attention to the stones on the earrings.

    The three pieces of the Blossom were green diamond, pigeon blood ruby, and Kashmir blue jewel, all of which were the top three in the world of gemstones. The main stone on the earrings was pigeon blood ruby. When the big screen showed the ruby''s style, Irish could not help but praise, "It''s really like pigeon blood, beautiful and dazzling."

    "These pigeon blood rubies came from Burma. The real pigeon blood ruby has a touch of blue if you look at it very carefully. The production of this kind of pigeon blood ruby was very rare, and the gloss after cutting can beparable to that of the finest diamond. The pigeon blood rubies circting the market were very rare, so the value is extremely high."

    Joseph introduced them to her one by one in a low voice. "Of course, the pigeon blood ruby iid on the Blossom had higher value because they have passed through several foreign gem galleries, unique in shape, and once upied by Britain for as much as half a century. So this kind of ruby is more expensive than the most valuable pigeon blood gem on the market."

 Chapter 95 95: Rare Gems

    Irish took a good lesson, nodding repeatedly, and she had to say this pair of earrings was really beautiful.

    The Blossom''s pigeon blood ruby earrings started at $1 million, with a price increase of 500 thousand each time. Soon someone offered a low price, followed by another fixed price. When the earrings finally reached $2.5 million, Irish thought it was going to be done, not expecting the first bidder to raise it to $3 million. Finally, she won the pair of pigeon bloodstones.

    Irish was surprised, subconsciously, to find the bidder, who looked smart. Irish leaned forward to Joseph''s ear and whispered, "Who is that woman? She''s so rich."

    "The money is not hers but her boss." She liked the closeness, and his tone was softer. "The real bidder is Sid. The woman is just his assistant."

    Irish was shocked. She had heard of Sid, not expecting him to participate in the auction.

    When she was thinking, the bracelet of the Blossom iid with the Kashmir jewel wasunched, its deep blue color disyed on the screens.

    "What is this?"

    "This is a sapphire mined from Kashmir because the resource in this area is scarce, so it has been only 20 years since they stopped mining, and it is conceivable that there are very few blue treasures like this on the market. This jewel is acimed as ''bluebo'', which is the best sapphire. Seen from the side, it presents a hazy purplish-blue, like the cornflower''s color written by Andersen, illusory but pure." Joseph whispered.

    "How did you get such rare jewels? Aren''t they all purchased?" Irish was puzzled.

    Joseph smiled at her. "It was obtained by my father, who had been traveling between foreign mining factories and had been held in the hand of a collector from abroad. When he got it, it was still a stone. Now, it has been carved into a rare piece of masterwork."

    "These days, people with fortunes be richer." Irish closed her lips slightly.

    As soon as Joseph wanted to continue, someone under the stage made a bid. Irish turned her head, and it turned out to be Jean, who offered $1.8 million. Some people naturally went up with the price, but he looked as if he was going to get this bracelet. At the end of the auction, he obtained the sapphire for a price of 3.8 million dors.

    A precious stone was nothing without humanity''s definition of its value. When a small stone was pursued by people, its price kept rising. When no one was chasing it, it was like a roadside pebble, and no one would be interested in it.

    "Why did he want the bracelet?"

    Joseph adjusted his sitting posture. "In the eyes of the Persians, the earth is supported by a huge sapphire, and the reflection of the sapphire makes the sky blue, so the cornflower blue treasure has always been known as the Destiny Stone, which brings the wearer good health and peace and the power to love and be loved." He looked at the stage and thought, "he bought it for his wife, who is in poor health. That is also a hope. Besides, it is said that his wife''s favorite essory is the bracelet. He has collected a lot of rare bracelets from all over the world for her. "

    Irish couldn''t help but sigh. "His wife is really happy."

    Joseph turned his head and looked at her with a touch of tenderness on his brows.

    "Suddenly, I realized something." She said, "Jean and you know each other, then Sid is also privately acquainted with you, right?"

    "Of course."<novelnext></novelnext>

    "So can I think that all the ornaments in the Blossom collection will fall into the hands of your own people? The auction is just a formality?"

    "Should I praise your cleverness or sigh at your rich association?" Joseph asked.

    "It depends on who gets the green diamond." Irishughed.

    The color of the green diamond is the result of collisions of gemstones and radiation, which is rarely produced and appears only in Golconda, India, and Xinjiang, China. Natural green diamonds took millions of years to form, and most green diamonds were exposed to uranium mixtures or alpha particles in the groundwater. Alpha particles turned the diamond''s surface green, but if the diamond was exposed to both beta and gamma rays, the diamond would take on a darker green color.

    So only a small fraction of diamonds turned into pure green, and this small portion became a treasure that many national celebrities, wealthy businessmen, collectors, and appraisers wanted to have.

    Just like the low price of 10 million given at the beginning, it was natural that someone would follow the price. It was a white-bearded foreign man, elegant and mysterious-looking. Irish nudged Joseph, signaling him to have a look.

    Joseph took a look. "He is the leader of Delerstein''s Green Treasure, which was once famous for buying a 41-carat pear-shaped green diamond, which is thergest green diamond in the world."

    "It looks like someone is going to cut off your finances." Irish smiled. This green treasure had been peeped, and it could see they were prepared toe.

    "You think too much," He said.

    Irish didn''t make ament.

    Soon the price was raised again, and for a moment, the green diamond became the center of attention.

    The old man with a white beard raised the price to 13 million.

    For a moment, the whole venue was full of sighs.

    Irish turned her head and looked at Joseph, nudging him. "Hey, your treasure is going to belong to others."

    Joseph looked into her eyes and said softly, "My treasure was never the jewel."

    A little surprised to hear that, Irish was about to ask, only to hear someone suddenly say, "I bid 15 million."

    Such generosity shocked the audience, who were looking for the sound source. Irish also followed the sound, and she suddenly widened her eyes. It turned out to be Leo, who had juste there. He was very casual, dressed in old jeans, canvas shoes, an open gray coat, and his hands in his pockets, chewing gum and going down the steps.

 Chapter 96 96: You Came Here For What?

    He looked sunny, especiallypared to the bad spirits that asionally shed between his eyebrows, which attracted so many people. But it was obvious that his randomness did not correspond to the seriousness and elegance of the ce.

    The security guard tried to intercept Leo but was stopped by Joseph. Without much surprise, it seemed that he had expected his arrival.

    After Leo came to America, he frequently showed his face in the media. Everyone in the circle knew who he was. People began to question why Joseph''s enemy came here.

    You came here for what? Crushing or congratting the gathering?

    Irish was also surprised. ording to her calctions, the ring and bracelet of the Blossom were sessfully auctioned by people who were friends with Joseph. Then this green diamond ring would also have the same fate, but Leo''s arrival was clearly out of her logical reasoning again. And Joseph remained calm. Had he expected that he woulde?

    The room was abuzz with whispers and confusion.

    Then the host signaled them to be quiet, clearing their throat, "This gentleman has bid 15 million, any higher than 15 million?"

    The audience was silent for a moment.

    Even the old man with the white beard, who was alwayspeting, was hesitating.

    Irish stared at Leo in astonishment.

    Was he crazy?

    Instead of looking at it, Leo walked to the other side of the chair and sat down. His whole body leaned back on his chairzily.

    "15 million for the first time." The host began to count down. The frequency of Leo chewing gum began to increase.

    "15 million for the second time."

    Joseph always slightly raised his lips.

    "15 million for��"

    "18 million." Suddenly, the low voice interrupted thest countdown of the host.

    Irish was shocked by this sudden voice close to her.

    It was Joseph who bid 18 million dors for this diamond ring in his own name, far beyond the diamond value that experts had estimated.

    What was even more shocking was that he took the initiative to bid, which meant the green diamond was of great value. After a second, the white beard offered a price of $19 million, as if he had made a firm decision.

    Turning around, Leo looked at Joseph directly with his defiant eyes, while Joseph still looked tranquil and again calmly raised the price by 1 million.

    "Twenty million! The price for this green diamond had reached $20 million. Is there any increase in this price?" The host said with an excited, shrill voice.

    Sneering, Irish looked on as a disinterested bystander. It was just a boring and nonsensical game of money among these rich businessmen.

    After hearing Joseph''s bid, the old man reluctantly shook his head and left.

    After a while, Joseph gave him a look with a faint smile hanging on his face. Leo changed his demeanor, his eyes turning severe, and shouted to the host. "Twenty-two million."

    The price was increasing.

    Irish wondered how they made money. They spent money in such an open-handed way which made others feel like poverty-stricken onlookers.<novelnext></novelnext>

    The ce seethed with enthusiasm because they all knew that the value of this green diamond shouldn''t have stretched beyond twenty million, but now its price had reached 22 million.

    All of them were waiting for a y. All of them were looking forward to Joseph''s next move.

    However, it seemed that Joseph did not intend to mark up the price. Turning around, Irish looked at his face, which was craggy under the light, without any change in mood.

    The host began to count down.

    Everyone held their breath because anything could happen until the bidding was done.

    ? But the reality was nothing happened.

    Instead of participating further in the auction, Joseph just leaned on the chair and waited for the moment when the deal was finally done.

    Finally, Leo won the auction at a price of 22 million.

    All the people apuded while Joseph showed a small smile.

    Instead of smiling, Irish gave Joseph a cold stare.

    Stepping onto the stage, Leo got the diamond ring, walked to Irish, and then handed the ring to her directly.

    "You know I love you so much. You deserve this priceless diamond," Leo said frankly to her and ignored Joseph, who stood beside him.

    Soon, Irish became the focus point. Everyone''s eyes focused on her as the spotlight pricked her eyes. Perhaps it was because of the radiant light from the green diamond.

    Out of the corner of her eyes, she saw Joseph, who also stared at her with a blurred countenance.

    "If it is worth $22 million, I''m afraid that I will have to resell the diamond for cash." She tried to show a bright smile.

    Leo giggled and put the jewelry box into her hands. "It''s yours now, and you can deal with it as you wish." And then he turned at Joseph and said, "Joseph, I guess you won''t mind?"

    "Of course, I will not mind since you bought it at vast expense. In fact, I have to thank you for your support to our Runestone Group."

    A wired atmosphere suffused in the air.

    All the people here were not fools, and they knew clearly what had just happened between the two men.

    "Well, I ept your present. Thank you."

    Irish said suddenly, which slightly astonished Joseph, who turned at her.

    And then she smiled at Leo and added, "You shouldn''t have spent so much money on me!"

    Leoughed and winked at her, "It is worth it if you are happy."

    Opening the jewelry box, Irish found a green diamond lying quietly in it like a glittering tear.

    The auction ended sessfully, and the three jewelry pieces of the Blossom collection were finally sucked up by these three celebrities. Joseph began to express his thanks to the buyers, and the various reporters present couldn''t wait to publish the news. Daisy started to select some reporters to answer their questions while Irish left away after handing the green diamond to the gem keeper.

    The sky in Pittsburgh was as blue as the blue Cornflower gemstone, which was bought by Jean. The sky was so beautiful that Irish even wanted to fly herself into it.

 Chapter 97 97: You Too Clever

    Perhaps the clear sky couldfort people.

    When she walked out of the assembly room, she looked up at the sky and took a deep breath of the fresh air, and felt that all of the unhappiness had vanished. Perhaps she had learned to see through everything and just let go of the unpleasant things.

    "Irish." It was Leo who called her from behind.

    She stopped and turned to show him a smile, "Those reporters haven''t caught you?"

    "I snuck out from the back door." His smile was as warm as the sunshine.

    Instead of talking to him, Irish kept walking forward.

    "What''s wrong?" Leo pumped.

    "Leo." Lowering her head, Irish hesitated for a while and then said, "I have handed the green diamond to the gem keeper. Remember to take itter."

    Leo was shocked by her words and said after a long while, "Irish, I really want to give it to you."

    "But you also want to use me to fight your opponent, isn''t it?" Irish looked directly at him calmly and continued, "You personally came to the auction and acquired a high-value collection of green diamonds at a high price because you want to block Joseph''s n to monopolize the Blossom. Now you have achieved your goal, so you gave it to me in front of Joseph in order to further defeat him."

    Leo suddenly felt embarrassed.

    "But you are wrong. He did bring me here, but it doesn''t mean that I am in his heart. Leo, it''s you who told me that he is a man without a heart. Why would he care about me?" Irish sighed slightly.

    "You hate me and think I am a skunk, isn''t it?"

    "No, actually, I think both of you lost in thispetition." She shook her head and added, "The reason why Joseph put up the price is that he knew clearly that you wouldpete with him, and finally, he earned a surplus fee of $7 million, but he lost the jewelry. For you, though you got the diamond, atst, you''ve spent a heavy price for it. I''m just a pawn in yourpetition. He paid you back in your own coin while I have been at the forefront of your battle. Who do you think is the winner?"

    Leo gently shook his head and looked at her sincerely. "Irish, I know you are a smart girl and can understand thepetition between us, but please trust me that I really want to give the diamond to you. You deserve it."

    "Then do you know why I epted your gift before the public?"

    Leo looked at her and waited for her answer.

    "It is because of the price difference of $7 million. I know he did it on purpose, so I want to help you to win the second set. After all, the outside people will feel puzzled that you gave a present to Joseph''s helper." Irish said with indifference. "And now we are even-steven."

    "Don''t you think you are the winner? Take back the ring since it is my true intention for you to have it." Taking her hands, Leo said seriously. "I have told you so many times that I love you so much."<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Irish squinted to avoid the ring sunshine and said. "I really am a money-grubber, but I know what I want and what I shouldn''t take. As for your love....." She hesitated for a while and continued, "If I decide to get married someday, I will find an ordinary man. Perhaps he won''t be brilliant and not even amon office worker, but I won''t have to gauge his thoughts. We will get married and have our babies, but Leo, you are not that man."

    Leo smiled involuntarily and said, "Why would you say no to me like this?"

    "It is because I don''t want to waste our time. It''s good for us."

    Leo bit his lips and hesitated for a while, and finally, he sighed slightly. "You are too clever."

    He said it with too much emotion.

    ****

    After the auction, there was a celebratory dinner.

    During the dinner, Joseph began to propose a toast to extend his appreciation to everyone, while Irish just sat there and drank quietly.

    Bernert made a great contribution to this exhibition. As a world-ss diamond cutter, he showed many superb skills in diamond cutting. Joseph suggested him to substitute tea for wine and to drink with them. When Bernert took up the cup, his fingers quivered, and the tea spilled.

    "What''s wrong with your finger?" Joseph frowned.

    After taking a quick glimpse at his fingers, Bernert drew back his hands quickly with a weird countenance and hesitated. Irish made a quick response and smiled at him, "I''m sorry to bump you. Are you okay?"

    Bernert hesitated for a while and then said hastily, "Oh, don''t worry. I''m fine."

    Joseph looked at Bernert as if he was thinking of something, and then he turned to Irish without saying anything.

    The following day, Joseph bid farewell to his friends and took the ne to Porter County. Daisy felt puzzled about this special trip and then said to Irish that Joseph hadn''t taken a vacation in a long time. Irish did not ask too much about the trip.

    Irish felt a little sick the moment the ne dashed into the sky. Looking at the clouds outside, she couldn''t help sighing withplicated emotions. Life was but a dream, and now they were on the ne to Porter County for a vacation and to enjoy the beautiful scenery there.

    One of the venues of the Three Rivers Arts Festival was set in Porter County. Joseph had arranged everything before he promised to take her there to join in the fun. Irish enjoyed a journey that she didn''t need to take too much time to prepare for. She loved to travel but usually felt tired of the trifles before traveling. Now it seemed that Joseph had saved a lot of time for her. Therefore, when she was still in Pittsburgh, she bought many things for this trip. Joseph was curious about that.

    "I heard that there is a temperature difference, so I brought many clothes as well as an insect repellent."

 Chapter 98 98: You Can’t Do That

    Joseph felt it was funny and then said to her. "I have asked the local staff to prepare all of these for us."

    Irish was shocked by his words and said, "It''s been prepared already?"

    "Yes."

    She scratched her head and then said, "Oh, it doesn''t matter. I''ll keep it for my next trip."

    Joseph felt he was even more curious now and continued, "You are interested in traveling?"

    "It is a big part of my life where the most essential part is money." Irish began to put back all of the things into the package and then smiled at him. "But I like to make money while I travel."

    "Obviously, it is just a wish." Joseph cooled her intention of that.

    Irish pouted her lips at him and added, "It''s not a wish. To live such a life, you could either live by yourself or find a man of simr purpose and interests. Adam was..." She suddenly stopped and lowered her head.

    The light lingered on her eyshes, which made her look doleful. Joseph didn''t let her go on, instead, he just looked at her quietly while Irish kept packing.

    Suddenly she felt a warm hand patting the back side of her head, and the man''s soft voice sounded, "Be brave and move forward."

    "I know. I have a poor memory, and I will forget many things. I know I may forget Adam''s name someday."

    "Yes, if you want to forget." He said quietly.

    "But I don''t want to forget." It seemed that she was a little stubborn. "But sometimes people choose to remember because they want to remind themselves of the mistakes they''ve made before."

    Joseph looked at her with heartache in his eyes, and after a long while, he signed slightly, "Don''t think like this."

    "People have to go through hard lessons to grow up, isn''t it? So wherever we are, we have to experience hardships." Irish showed a faint but reluctant smile and said, "I think you may have a more profoundprehension."

    Soon his eyes turned gloomy. Though it happened in an instant, Irish also perceived that. She then showed a smile while Joseph just looked at her. "If mocking me will make you happy, then it''s okay with me."

    Somehow, after hearing this, Irish felt warm and said after some time: "For yourfort, I''d like to tell you that I have returned the green diamond to Leo."

    She thought he might ask her the reason, but he just nodded as if he had known it a long time ago. Irish was puzzled and frowned at him.

    "You ept it because you are angry with me since you know that I made it convenient for you to raise the price. But you returned it to him because you want to back offpletely." He said indifferently.

    Irish turned at him and said, "Back off? I don''t understand."

    "No, you know clearly what I''m talking about." Joseph smiled and added, "You are afraid that Leo would misunderstand you, so you returned it to him."<novelnext></novelnext>

    She felt bad that Joseph had seen through her mind. Indeed, during thispetition among them, they all knew each other''s thoughts.

    "You know Leo loves me very much," Irish said loudly.

    "Yes, I know that he really loves you," Joseph said sincerely.

    Irish tried to calm down and said, "Women are all sensitive. Perhaps I will be moved by him someday. Love usually happens in an instant."

    Hearing this, Joseph put down the newspaper and gazed at her, "You can''t.

    "I am a psychologist, and I have the right to speak about people''s psychological change," Irish uttered seriously.

    But Joseph still repeated, "You can''t do that."

    "Why?"

    He smiled faintly and said, "It is not a matter of people''s psychological change. It''s about your credit."

    "Ah?" Irish was puzzled.

    "Just as the old saying goes: A real man never goes back on his words. Though I can''t hold you to the same expectation, I still expect you to act in good faith." He rubbed her hair as if he was punishing her for what she had said just now. And then he continued, "I remember that once you said that you loved me, and I have taken your words seriously."

    He said with an earnest attitude that perturbed her suddenly.

    "So what?" She saidnguidly and added, "You''ve been married, so even if I dare try to woo you, you may not say yes to me." Joseph didn''t say anything to her but looked at her silently as if he was thinking of something.

    Before arriving, Irish was looking forward to this trip. Therefore, upon getting off the ne, she took a deep breath of the fresh air, which was different from the air in the bustling city, before she could have a taste of the beautiful scenery.

    Then she suddenly realized that people were originally down-to-earth animals. She thought it was best to be down to earth.

    When they arrived, it was Amar who picked them up. He was a local man who was young, diligent, and energetic. When they met each other, he smiled and took all of their luggage without hesitation, while Irish whistled at him after seeing a huge cross-country automobile parked there. She could imagine howfortable she would be when they drove in this car across the county.

    Amar was talkative and introduced himself while driving. He lived there with his family, and his name was simr to "Amen", because his parents wished for God to bless him.

    The car took them to a local farm, and on the way there, Irish appreciated the wildflowers, the rivers, as well as groups of cows and sheep. It seemed that the sky here was even more spacious, and the grasnd was magnificent. Their houses scattered in this vast space looked like tiny flowers blooming in this greennd.

    "The weather in summer here is very pleasant, and the air is fresh. The scenery in autumn is colorful while in the winter it is snowy and many visitors like to ski here." Amar said with a proud smile.

 Chapter 99 99: An Unnamed Emotion

    A huge oil painting gradually unfolded before Irish, in which she could imagine the scenery of the different seasons.

    When she asked about the "The Three Rivers Arts Festival," Amar chatted without stopping. "If you can participate in it, your life will be worthwhile."

    Irish was amused by his words.

    The car rushed all the way without traffic or red lights. Amar yed a resonant song in the car. Looking at the scenery outside, Irish couldn''t help but hum along with the song.

    Finally, they arrived at the destination, where the people held a celebration for them. They were not in a hurry to attend the conference because the meeting wouldst for several days; therefore, they joined in the activities with the local popce here and drank red wine with them.

    Just as the old saying goes, "When in Rome." She invited Joseph to join in their activities.

    It was getting dark, and Joseph suggested going back to the hotel and having a rest, but on a whim, Irish proposed a residential amodation since she wanted to have a special experience.

    Joseph was worried that she would not be ustomed to living there, but Irish vowed that it was no problem. She left no choice but to let Amar find amodation for them.

    Amar was very efficient, and after a few calls, he smiled at them and said: "You are a really lucky pair of lovers, and there is still residential amodation avable with arge room. Normally at this time, all the rooms have been booked already."

    Irish was shocked by his words and wondered why he regarded them as lovers? She turned to Joseph, who was smiling but remained silent. When Amar led them to the amodation, he suddenly said to her in a low voice, "Bowen arranged everything here for us."

    She suddenly understood.

    Bowen believed that the rtionship between them was not simple, so when they were still in Pittsburgh, he booked a suite for them before their very eyes. When he knew that they would have a vacation here, he also booked a residential amodation for them.

    The folk houses of different styles were seated there quietly.

    It was the first time Irish had stayed in a guesthouse, and it proved to be a really good ce. ording to Amar''s introduction, this was the most popr guest house, with fresh air and a beautiful view.

    Their room was on the top floor with a ss roof, so it was well lit during the day, while at night, they could see the moonlight. Observing the surrounding environment, Irish was dazzled. The decorations in the room were unique and unconventional and totally different from the usual ornamentation. The nket was embroidered with special patterns, while the tables and chairs were covered with colored drawings.

    However, she still had to face the reality that she would need to sleep with Joseph in this room.

    Though the room wasrge, the bed was even smaller than the bed in the hotel that night, which meant they might have to sleep closely on the small bed.

    Although Amar was not a professional tour guide, he was very popr there. No matter where he went, he could chat with the locals cheerfully, and thus Joseph and Irish were also popr with him. When Amar left, the local people began to give them some delicious snacks and local food. Joseph intended to pay for them, but they declined.

    Irish epted their food naturally and sneered at him when she found that he tried to pay them. It gave her the impression that he was a snobbish merchant, while Joseph exined patiently to her it was just an exchange of equal values.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "The local customs were unsophisticated. Your money probably couldn''t work anywhere." She had traveled to many ces and often became integrated with the local people, so she knew clearly the in customs and the honest people.

    Joseph also did not argue with her but smiled and listened to her carefully. Sometimes he wouldugh with her when she talked about something interesting as if he was doting on an innocent kid.

    After a long speech, Irish found that Joseph had arranged her cluttered luggage in order.

    Though it was fantastic to live in such a beautiful guest house, it was not very convenient to wash up since there was no independent toilet. Taking over soap and shampoo, Joseph patted the side of the bed and said, "You sleep here at night."

    Irish was puzzled.

    But he didn''t exin it to her and went out directly with the soap and shampoo.

    Irish climbed to the side where he intended to sleep and then found it was close to the heater. She suddenly felt warm.

    It was not the first time she had traveled, but it was the first time she''d been taken care of. Due to the heat from the vent, Irish started having a fever in the middle of the night.

    Joseph didn''t get used to sleeping early, and after finishing his official issues, he found Irish huddled with a wretched look. He sensed something was wrong, and when he touched her forehead, he found she was feverish.

    "Isabel." He called softly.

    She opened her eyes slightly and groaned, "I''m cold."

    Joseph embraced her in his arms and looked at the time. His first thought was to take her to the hospital, but she wrapped around him as tightly as seagrass. He couldn''t push her away but embraced her into her arms and said gently, "Let me bring you to the hospital."

    But she was stubborn and refused to go to the hospital.

    "Don''t be so obstinate." He persuaded her patiently.

    She just held him even more tightly and said, "No. I''m afraid that I can''t participate in the "Three Rivers Arts Festival."

    Joseph felt helpless about her words.

    "I''m cold. Hold me tightly." She shrugged her shoulders.

    Hearing this, Joseph felt like his heart was melting. He knew that he should take her to the hospital, but when he saw her lying in his arms quietly, he didn''t want to let her go. After a while, he wiped her forehead with wine from the locals since it could make her feel warm and took over a nket to cover her.

 Chapter 100 100: How Did He Get Hurt?

    After that, Irish soon fell asleep, but she still huddled in his arms while he held her tightly. Outside the window, the night was dark, and he could feel her breath with a faint smell of the fragrance of wine.

    Looking at the woman sleeping in his arms, he was intoxicated. An unnamed emotion in his heart finally became clear in an instant, and a feeling crept into being.

    He had never been so clear-headed.

    Irish closed her eyes tightly.

    ****

    The warm sunshine fell on her eyshes and nose and poured over her body through the curtain.

    She was veryfortable, prompting her to sigh slightly.

    From far away, she could hear the voice of a shepherd.

    A faint woody scent suffused in the air, fresh and clear. She felt like she was bathing in the warm sunlight in the forest, and her sense of security gradually returned.

    Finally, she was awakened by a yell.

    When she opened her eyes, she found that the warm sunlight reflected on her cheeks, and she didn''t want to move. She could smell the faint fragrance of wine as well as the fragrance of a man.

    When she was about to stretch, she realized someone was holding her because her head rested on a strong arm while her arms were crossed with the other arm of a man.

    She was astonished, but soon her memory came back.

    Gently turning her head, she saw a well-defined face of Joseph, who was squinting, and she couldn''t tell if he was asleep or awake.

    She remembered that she had huddled in his arms since she was a little coldst night.

    She felt that her cheeks were a little bit hot, and then she turned back carefully, looking at the arm where her head was resting. She suddenly discovered that his arm had an old wound simr to hers. It looked very old. She had not noticed it before, and now it was clearly presented before her.

    How did he get hurt?

    She was confused, and in a subconscious, she was about to touch it. Before she could move, a big hand reached out and pulled her hand. She didn''t dare to move and closed her eyes to pretend to sleep.

    The man behind her began to move, and perhaps he had been awake. She felt him start ying with her fingers.

    His warm breath fell on her hair. It was a unique atmosphere of a man, and the sweetness of the red wine in the air seemed to be stirred by his breath.

    She still pretended to sleep with her eyes closed while her whole body stiffened violently. She really wanted to blink and see what he was doing, but she felt that it was awkward. She could even feel that his cheeks were close to her.

    Suddenly she felt a soft touch fall on her forehead.<novelnext></novelnext>

    It was his two lips falling on her forehead.

    Her heart nearly popped out of her chest, and her eyshes trembled for a moment. The man''s fresh breath floated into her nose, which disturbed her mind.

    He kissed her.

    Amar''s cross-country vehicle carried them to the "Three Rivers Arts Festival" and finally, they arrived there. Under the blue sky and white clouds, the surrounding residents were all dressed up.

    It had attracted many visitors, and most of them hade fromrge cities, just like Joseph and Irish.

    There were various activities such as equestrianism, archery, and tumbling. Of course, these items werepleted over several days.

    The yers participating in thepetition were all outstanding, and Irish felt dazzled.

    Joseph was indifferent about the games, but from time to time, he would look at Irish in case she would run away. He was still worried about her, who had just recovered from a fever.

    But finally, she slipped off.

    In the "Three Rivers Arts Festival," thepetition levels were increased due to the increase in the number of foreign tourists. The local people even gave away some small gifts to those visitors. Irish was curious about these gifts, epting many of them and handing them into Joseph''s hand.

    When Joseph handed those gifts to Amar, he couldn''t find Irish anywhere.

    ****

    People were singing and dancing on the grass to celebrate the good times while the games were in progress.

    The sky was as clean and clear as bleached water, and under the blue sky, there was a crowd and a group of horses. Thewn was full of people. Therefore, looking for someone at this time was like searching for a grain of sand in the sea.

    Joseph''s first thought was to call her. However, she hadn''t answered the phone for a long time. After a few calls, he suddenly remembered that she didn''t take her phone so as to enjoy herself without any disturbance.

    It was the first time that he felt it was difficult to look for someone, and he vowed that he would tie her up after finding her. Joseph frowned, but soon he called Amar and asked him to help him to find Irish. When Amar heard that Irish was lost, he said with a smile that she couldn''t be lost for long as she was in this grasnd.

    However, Joseph was a little irritated by Amar, and his tone turned severe. He then realized the gravity of the situation and began to look harder for Irish.

    Around 30 minutester, when Joseph was looking among the crowd, someone patted his shoulder. He turned back, and a big smile leaped into his eyes. It was Irish.

    The anxiety and worry umted in his heart suddenly welled up, and he turned serious. When he was about to growl at her, she said with a smile, "Look! Isn''t it beautiful?"

    She was dressed up in the local dress, which was as blue as the clear sky, with her hair worn in a bun and decorated with some special hair essories. When she patted his shoulder, he didn''t notice it at all since he was worried about her. But now he understood the reason she went missing.

    "Say something," Looking at his deadpan face, Irish felt a little depressed, and then she gently spun in a circle before him and said again, "Isn''t it beautiful?"

 Chapter 101 101: You Look Like A Princess

    It was really beautiful.

    The sky was pure blue, while the grass was emerald green. Dressed up in this costume, she was like a pearl that stood out radiantly in the grasnd.

    She was smiling brightly under the sky and naturally attracted many people''s attention.

    Under the blue sky, a woman in a beautiful dress gently turned in front of a handsome man. She was cheerful like a fish flowing in a clean stream, while the man just stood there quietly, looking at her with an indulgent look.

    His tall figure was like the high mountain surrounding the clear stream, which looked like an oil painting.

    It was so beautiful that people were not willing to move their eyes away.

    Amar could not help but apud and say, "You look like a princess."

    "Where did you get these clothes?" His anger vanishedpletely, and he could not bear to me her.

    "I rented it in a store."

    "But you didn''t have money," Joseph was surprised.

    "You are right. So I left your business card to the shop owner to ensure that you wouldn''t run away," She said quietly.

    Hearing this, Joseph was able neither to cry nor tough.

    "It''s easier to wear casual clothes," She said heartily.

    But Joseph didn''t follow her words; instead, he pulled her hands towards him, and Irish felt confused. He sighed slightly and said, "Isabel, tell me where you are going before you leave."

    Irishughed and winked at him, "Joseph, I''m 28 years old, not 18!"

    "It turns out that your mental age is less than 18 while traveling," He said seriously.

    Irish was amused by his words and said, "I have been traveling alone for many years, you are not more experienced than me."

    "Nonsense." He frowned.

    She looked at him and smiled, "You worried about me because you missed me, didn''t you?" Although she was asking him, Irish said in an affirmative tone.

    Joseph squinted and asked in reply, "Do you mind if I worry about you?"

    It was beyond her expectation, and she didn''t know what to say, but she had seen that he was serious. An unnamed feeling gripped her.

    Perceiving her slight astonishment, Joseph thought she might have misunderstood him, and then he added, "It is because you had a feverst night."

    "I''m not a little girl. I''m fine." To avoid embarrassment, Irish hastily followed his words, putting her hands on his shoulder casually, and said, "Thank you for lending your arm to me as a pillow."

    Joseph continued, "It seems that someone does not know how to be grateful." After saying this, he stretched his hands and clutched her clothes.

    Irish smiled even more brightly and said, "Well, you may have misunderstood me. If I don''t know how to be grateful, I would have bought these clothes instead of renting them."<novelnext></novelnext>

    Joseph was at a loss about her but smiled.

    The whole day, Irish was extremely excited.

    When watching the horse race, she couldn''t wait to cheer for the yers. She made many friends with local yers and chatted with them cheerfully. She even got an invitation to participate in the campfire party that evening.

    She was delighted at the "Three Rivers Arts Festival," but she also paid a heavy price for it, almost losing her voice from cheering all day.

    Joseph took two tablets and handed them to her. After she put them into her mouth, Joseph said helplessly. "I would love it if you could be so enthusiastic about your work."

    Without saying anything, Irish took a quick glimpse of him.

    "Don''t forget that there is still a test waiting for you. Don''t fail your test, or I''ll deduct your sry,"

    Taking the cup. Irish stretched out another hand to him, clenching it into a fist, and pretended to beat him. Joseph was amused by her, and when he was about to scoff, a man suddenly came in the door.

    After greeting them, he sat down directly between them.

    Irish was pushed to the other side and then said with surprise, "Leo, why are you here?"

    The man who appeared there inexplicably was like an aggressor upying the small bed. Hearing Irish''s dumb voice, he held her shoulders and said to her while shaking his head, "It seems you''ve been so excited that you''ve almost lost your voice."

    Irish was not irritated by him, but soon Joseph said with a cold voice, "Leo, you shoulde here at a different time since you have not been invited."

    Leo answered rudely, "Joseph, it''s unreasonable to stay with a singledy since you are married."

    The atmosphere between them suddenly turned chilly. In this different environment, they were all far away from their aggressive andplicated businesspetition, so instead of making oblique usations, they simply spoke more frankly to each other.

    Irish was embarrassed by this situation, and she hastened to stop them, saying, "Enough! Could you stop fighting for a while?"

    Pointing at her cup, Joseph ordered, "Drink the water."

    Leo, unwilling tog behind him, took some tablets and put them into her mouth directly. "It is better to eat tablets."

    Irish soured her cheeks with a mouthful of tablets and said, "Who the hell did I mess with?"

    "Leo, it''s your freedom to travel here, but it''s toote tonight. If you want to talk about the old days,e tomorrow." Joseph said severely.

    Leo also looked very serious, but after taking a quick glimpse of Irish, he turned to be dissolute andy down on the bed directly: "I''m sorry that there''s no room avable for me, I guess I''ll have to sleep here with you."

    After hearing this, Irish''s eyes went wide, pointing at herself, then Joseph, and finally at Leo. "Do you mean we will all sleep in one bed? You must be joking."

    "Honey. I don''t mean that. Obviously, the bed belongs to the onlydy here. Joseph and I will make a bed on the floor."

    Joseph frowned tightly and stood up abruptly. "Get out!"

    Leo turned at Irish and said, "Honey, you couldn''t do that to me. I don''t want to sleep on the grass."

 Chapter 102 102: It’s Just My Wish

    He asked the question directly to Irish.

    She noticed that Joseph winked a warning to her, but Leo still looked at her pitifully. After a slight sigh, she pulled Leo and said, "Of course won''t let you."

    Leo''s eyes shone brightly while Joseph''s eyes got colder.

    "You can stay here tonight," Irish said firmly, but when Leo was about to cheer, she added, "But you have to promise me that you will cooperate with Joseph and help me to win a prize tomorrow."

    "What?" Leo was confused while Joseph kept silent without any mood swings. He had frowned tightly, and from his harsh eyes, she could tell his astonishment.

    Irish was annoyed by Leo''s startling sounds and rubbed her ear to indicate him to be quiet, and then she turned to Joseph.

    "Let me exin it to you," After a brief pause, she continued, "When I went to rent clothes today, I heard that this year there is a game aimed at tourists, and any sports-loving tourist can participate in the event. I thought it would be fun, so I signed up."

    Joseph didn''t step forward but leaned against the cab without saying anything, while Leo was excited after hearing this. "If this was in ancient times, I would be a civil servant instead of a militarymander." Speaking of this, he also stroked his forehead and continued, "Irish, I never knew that you had the ability to know the prophet. It is reasonable to say that no one knew about my journey."

    "I don''t know." Irish rolled her eyes at him and said, "There are three items in thepetition. I originally intended to let Joseph help me to win thepetition, but unexpectedly you came here, so perhaps you could partake with us."

    "Joseph, have you already agreed with her?" Leo looked at him in panic.

    Joseph answered calmly, "In fact, I just learned this news at the same time as you."

    When Irish found that Joseph was not interested, she began to use both hard and soft tactics. "I''m doing this for you since you always sit in the office without exercising, which is not good for your mental health. I think it''s a good opportunity, and I want to get close to nature and the local people so that we can rx."

    Leo supported his chin and blinked, "You are so considerate."

    "Trust me. I''m a psychologist, and I know that people''s psychology can affect their physiology." Irish became cheerful and blinked her morous eyes. She struck Leo with her shoulder and said, "To be frank, we are not as young as we were, and I think we should be crazy for once."

    "It sounds reasonable. I am not an unreasonable person. But why should I cooperate with him?" Leo pouted his lips at Joseph, but Joseph made no response.

    After taking a sip of water, she began to introduce the rules of the game. "Thepetition consists of horse archery and wrestling. A registration team is a group of three people. To put it inly, three people participate in three events, but only when the first person wins the horse race the second person is able to start thepetition, just like a ry race."

    Leo raised his eyebrows.

    "I think that''s the reason why I want you to work together. If any of us fail in the game, it means that the other two will lose. Then our group will fail."

    Joseph suddenly said, "If he didn''te here today, what were you going to do?"

    Irish felt embarrassed and smiled at him, "Nothing. You would have needed to participate in twopetition events."

    "Be a spectator tomorrow."

    Hearing this, Irish said hastily, "How? I have signed up, so I can''t bow out."

    "You are a girl. How could youpete with a group of men?" Joseph frowned and said unpleasantly.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish blinked her big eyes and finally came up with a strong argument, "It''s not about gender but friendship."

    Joseph was nearly killed by her words.

    Leo looked at her with suspicious eyes and asked, "Which event do you want to take part in, my superwoman?"

    "I just thought about it when you came in. I am proficient in civil and military affairs, so I can ride horses, shoot bows, and wrestle." Irish patted her chest with confidence.

    Leo gave her a thump at once and said, "Wow, great. I never thought your Uncle Steven would teach you all of these. Are you good at all these things?"

    "Haha, I was brought up in a martial arts family. But horseback riding, archery, and wrestling, he didn''t..." She suddenly hesitated.

    Ehhhh��.

    Both of them were stunned.

    "Then are you self-taught? Leo asked carefully.

    Irish rubbed her ears unnaturally and avoided his eyes. "No. I mean I am not good at all of these."

    He stayed still as a wooden man for a long time.

    The next second, Irish added, "But I am good at sports. Don''t worry. We won''t lose the game."

    She was a psychologist who could see through his mind that he was nning to run away. But it made things difficult for Leo, and he almost said in tears, "But you just said you are proficient in civil and military affairs."

    "It''s just my wish," Irish said awkwardly.

    Leo was unable to cry orugh after hearing this.

    After keeping silent for a long while, Joseph finally said slowly. "Whichpetition event do you want to take part in?"

    Irish was surprised and smiled brightly. "I''ll choose archery."

    Joseph nodded and showed a faint smile. "The order of the game is: riding, wrestling, archery, isn''t it?

    "Or the order might be wrestling, riding, and archery," Leo added. "Anyway, thest one must be archery."

    Irish smiled brightly, "You are so clever."

    She was not surprised that they could see through her n since they were all experienced. This small trick couldn''t escape their piercing eyes, but she also achieved her goal. To win this game, she needed the help of the two men. But horseback riding and wrestling were both technical activities that needed strength, so she couldn''t deal with them. If they could seed in the first two events, then she could be relieved. Perhaps there were only a few groups of yers who would make it to the end.

 Chapter 103 103: I Still Can’t Accept You

    She just ignored her own deficiencies and aimed for the greatest victory.

    Even if it was her turn to shoot at thest round, she might seed atst.

    "Well, tell me, how much is the prize?" Joseph said to the point.

    This time, Irish seemed to be mmed in the ribs and smiled. "Not too much."

    Looking at her, Leo poked her head with his hand and said, "You don''t hesitate to use us for profit."

    "Since it is apetition, there must be a winner. Who would participate in it if there was no prize?"

    "But you said it was for friendship." Leo derided.

    "I need money to maintain friendships," Irish said sarcastically.

    Joseph was gued by them and simply opened up the curtains and watched the bonfire. Faint music came from afar, and the melodious strings apanied the night winds, leaping past the grasnds and drifting into the room.

    The bonfire started zing bigger.

    "Anyway, I have signed up. You won''t leave me alone, right?" Irish began to make a scene.

    When Leo was about to answer, Joseph said quietly. "If you want to take part in thepetition, then you''d better not drink."

    Irish smiled while Joseph looked weird.

    "Joseph, do you agree with her?" Leo hastily turned his eyes to Joseph.

    "Why? Are you afraid of cooperating with me?" Joseph turned at him.

    "Hey, brother, don''t dare me."

    "Then I hope we can cooperate happily." Joseph still said calmly.

    Leo turned away with a snort.

    They went outside and sang and danced around the bonfire. That was the life they longed for most.

    There were many beautiful love stories and legends here, which Irish was obsessed with. She believed that as time passed by, people would certainly forget something, but in their deep hearts, the softness of humanity still remained. These ethnic and touching stories were full of the deepest emotions that could awaken human hearts.

    Leo went into the lively crowds, so he could follow Irish to dance around the bonfire hand in hand. Irish looked very cheerful, and the mes reflected on her cheeks, looking beautiful beyond description.

    Staring at her smiling face, Leo''s steps suddenly fell off the rhythm, and Irish also danced in the wrong steps.

    "Leo, be focused," Irish shouted at him since it was noisy.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Staring at her with a smile, he said to her softly, "I just want to know if I still have a chance."

    "I''ve told you. No way," She declined him directly.

    Leo said reluctantly, "Why? I''m really a simple man, and you don''t have to guess what I am thinking every day. I promise you that I will take the initiative to talk to you every day. Is that okay?"

    Under the firelight, Irish turned to look at him while dancing. His words really had an effect on her heart. She never took him seriously back on the day of the auction. But now, Leo''s face looked sincere, and for a moment, she thought he meant it.

    Every word he had said was genuine and sincere, and his eyes were free of their usual carelessness and arrogance. She considered that the perfect man was just a beautiful dream, such as Adam and Fredrick. How could she understand Leo, who surpassed them in looks and riches?

    No one ever really understood that even though she looked proud, she was cowardly to the extreme.

    She was only an arrogant ostrich whose mind and courage had long been buried in the gravel. She could not be in love, and she did not seek to be loved. Joseph had said that love was a luxury, which deeply resonated with her. He was right, but he was the master of luxury. There was no luxury in the world that was not affordable for him or Leo.

    But she was different. Her life did not allow her to stop and reflect. She had to keep going on and on and felt that she was destined to struggle to obtain things and had lost the capability to possess luxuries.

    "Leo, I believe you." The moment when the man swore to her was true.

    Leo clenched her hand, not knowing whether the fire lit her eyes or because of her eptance, but her lips showed pleasure. "So you are saying yes?"

    "No, your words remind me of thendowner of the old Chinese society." Her lips closed, and her eyes fell on the nearby bonfire, where the beautiful girls in beautiful dresses lit their eyes with their lover''s affection.

    Leo was stunned.

    The music started up again, and their dancing steps sped up with the crowds, along with her words, "You are a nice guy. But love is interactive. You like me, but I don''t like you."

    "Love can be cultivated."

    "What can be cultivated is affection but not love." Irish said to the point, "If love is without pleasure in the first meeting, then that is not love. Leo, I have feelings for you, but that is not love."

    Leo was at a loss.

    Irish didn''t want to exin more about it, "I still can''t ept you."

    Leo sighed deeply, "I know. But I still have to try."

    "I will never say sorry to you because I have never lied to you." She said wholeheartedly.

    Leo nodded, "Your straightforwardness is what I love and hate. So it is harder for me to give up on you. I don''t want to force you to love me, but if we can''t be lovers, can we be best friends?"

    "Do you think there can be true friendship between men and women?" Irish crooked her head and asked seriously. "You don''t think so?"

    "No. There is a saying, don''t let your girlfriend have a male confidante because he will be the third person and do not let your boyfriend have a female confidant, or she will be a mistress." When the song and dance were over, Irish and Leo stopped, sitting side by side on the grass. She looked at the bonfire and sighed, "In my opinion, the so-called true friendship between men and women can be exined more as an ambiguous fantasy and psychologicalfort. If this ambiguity does not exceed the bottom line, then friendshipsts. But people are sentimental animals, and the rtionship can be broken and changed by a fatal affair down the line. The world is full of such examples unless the other side is gay. Leo, you are handsome and strong, do you think we can stick to this ambiguity and won''t stray from it?"

 Chapter 104 104: I Want To Kiss You

    "Are you still afraid of falling in love with me?" Leo smiled.

    "No, ambiguity is not loved, I just fear that we will be confused by it, and in the end, it will be just another game." Irish shook her head.

    "Irish, I''m simple. I just want to stay with you before you fall in love with someone else. If you just think of me when you are unhappy, and I can listen to yourints, that''s enough."

    Irish smiled a gentle, wholeheartedly smile, "I think we have been friends for a long time, and just friends without ambiguity and fantasy. Can you do it?"

    "Thank you for your sincerity. I''d like to try." Leo gazed at her beautiful eyes by the light of the fire, "But before we break the ambiguity, can I make a request? The first one and thest."

    "Don''t ask me to kiss you, I can''t." Irish sat cross-legged and was in thought.

    A trace of loss ran through Leo''s eyes but soon disappeared, he smiled, "You are mistaken, I want to kiss you."

    She looked at him quietly, her eyshes blinking.

    The beautiful figures of the girls outlined by the fire were like enthusiastic flying moths. Irish was quiet with her soft eyes.

    Leo looked at her and leaned toward her, gently kissing her on the lips.

    She did not move, her eyes twitched with hershes slightly closed.

    In her mind, however, she inadvertently remembered the kiss of Joseph in the morning whose warm thin lips fell on her forehead, so soft, like feathers softly caressing her. At that moment, she seemed like she might melt.

    Leo stopped without continuing and going deep as if cherishing a treasure. He didn''t move and just let their lips close on to each other.

    Before them wereyers of grass, gently swaying in the night wind. Behind them wererge campfires, beside which people were dancing and singing. Only they were still, like a film, and all their emotions seemed frozen in their beautiful encounter.

    In addition to them, there was another man who was still.

    It was Joseph.

    Standing a little farther away from them, the bonfire light couldn''t reach his shadow. Only the moonlight spread down on his shoulders.

    He gazed quietly at them by the bonfire, and loneliness gradually rose to his face.

    ****

    In addition to the participants in the wrestlingpetition, there were 11 other groups of contestants. Not far away, there were huge fake cheques dangling in the ring, $6,000. The prize money, though not massive, was rare for this kind of entertainment.

    Because of the prize, Irish began the morning run at the first call of the calf, and ran around the whole farm for a fewps, then returned to awake the two men who were sleeping. Joseph always had the habit of getting up early, so it was not a big deal for him. But Leo was a typical sleeper who always wanted to get up in the afternoon. It was incredibly hard to wake him up. When Irish didn''t know what to do, Joseph was unkind, throwing a pot of cold water directly on Leo, who immediately jumped out of the nket and bared his teeth.

    Before Leo shouted out angrily, Irish came forward immediately, dragging him out of bed and saying, "You better hurry to change your clothes, you are the first one."<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Irish, why do we have to fight so hard for 6,000 dors?" Leo clenched the door firmly. He pleaded, "Let''s talk it over, I''ll give you $6,000. Can''t you let me go back to bed?"

    "Don''t be difficult with money." Irish used all her strength to pull him up, "If you want to give it to me, I''ll ept that. The bonus plus what you want to give me is $12,000."

    Leo felt dizzy from her annoyance.

    After Joseph had washed up, he watched the two people still pulling at the gate of the door and said simply, "Leo, if you are afraid to lose, you can admit it directly. I don''t mind changingpetitions with you."

    The words came out, and the effect was immediately achieved.

    Leo loosened his hands, facing Joseph coldly, "Just worry about your own event. Who knows who will lose!"

    "Well, I''ll wait for your baton." Joseph threw a pack of matches to him.

    Leo quickly epted, saying nothing, and went to wash up.

    When he left, Irish said to Joseph, "It''s strange for you to be confidant or enemy."

    Joseph''s eyes lookedplex.

    Really?

    After so many years of fighting, they were very familiar with each other.

    Joseph, Leo, and Irish attracted a lot of attention when they appeared in the match. Thepetition had already gained a lot of attention, and the participation of female contestants was interesting for people to talk about.

    Before the start of the contest, cheering girls sang and danced, and the atmosphere was very lively.

    Irish was a little worried.

    Leo''s opponent was a strong man, and he was twice his size. Leo was the first topete in wrestling because it was only for entertainment, so it would not be too strict regarding rules.

    On the court, Leo was wearing a wrestling suit, which was somewhat simr to his ordinary clothes but much more concise. Because the day was hot and sunny, he simply opened his chest to reveal arge number of strong muscles. Many of the girls cheered for him.

    "Do you think he can win this?" Irish asked Joseph, looking anxiously at the strong man opposite Leo.

    Joseph raised his eyebrows, "I remember you fought with him."

    Irish knew he was talking about the game on the golf course, and the expression on his face was gray. "It''s over. I wouldn''t spend that much strength in one day." The mood of worry was unprecedented, "Who is stronger, you or him? You look confident, even if we just win one game, there will still be a bonus. Well, he''s a big man, of course. It doesn''t look like a weak person, though."

    "It looks like he and I are really your money makers." Joseph looked down at her.

 Chapter 105 105: He Just Jealous Of Me

    Irish''s brain worked faster, and she immediately said with a fluttering voice, "We can spend it together."

    Joseph was most afraid of the way she looked, and he had to follow her, sighing. "Don''t worry, Leo is not as weak as you thought."

    "Really?" As an rming sound was given out, the audience began to huddle, and Irish began shivering.

    Joseph looked at Leo on the stage, who was warming up,ughing coldly. "How should you describe him? It''s not an exaggeration to say he is deeply reserved," he said. The person who could open his interest could not be weak.

    Irish was shocked, looking at Leo. Him? Deeply reserved?

    The 12 groups of contestants were divided into six groups for pairings, which meant that only six contestants were left after the first round, and the winning side would make way for the next event. Grouping was determined by drawing lots.

    The second round began.

    The strong man raised his voice, heading towards Leo. He spread his arms, threw them around Leo''s shoulders, and threw him to the ground.

    All the girls below the stage screamed, including Irish.

    At the moment Leo fell, she also covered her eyes.

    On the stage, Leoy on the ground, looking at the white clouds floating in the sky and feeling the heat in his chest for a moment. Fortunately, he protected his head when he fell.

    "Oh my God! Why is he motionless?" Irish was worried and wanted to rush to the stage to check.

    But her arm was pulled back by Joseph, "Don''t worry."

    "What if something really goes wrong?"

    Joseph simply pulled her into his arms and held her back, looking at the stage without saying a word. Irish did not know why he had so much self-confidence, then she thought again. He and Leo were enemies, did he take advantage of the opportunity to...? Such an idea was just a sh, but on the stage, Leo slowly got up from the ground, and at the opposite end, the strong man said, "Good."

    "Dude, are you okay?" After all, it was not a contest, the other side was also very worried.

    Leo took an exercise and said, "Such strength to beat me down?" He reached for him, "Come on."

    When the man rushed to the front again, Leo stuck firmly to his attack, using his feet and fists. He controlled his strength when the other man became weak. Leo made a quick and urate overarm throw when the man did not react, and then he fell to the ground.

    Clearly, Leo was not great at wrestling, but he used his strong foundation to gain the upper hand.

    It was approved by the judges unanimously.

    "Was that Kyokushin karate?" Irish pointed at Leo on the stage with startled eyes, turning her head again to look at Joseph, "how is he able to do this?"

    She recalled her uncle was obsessed with martial arts, and the martial arts styles were always on his mind, and even when he opened his martial arts school, he studied videos extensively. She was also impressed by it. Irish had seen Kyokushin karate, which was different from the traditional karate. It was more practical and had less ornamental value than traditional karate. Once an apprentice who studied in his uncle''s martial arts school learned it, they remembered it. Joseph seemed used to it and said lightly. "He''s always known it."

    Irish looked at Leo with a surprised face. He was always ying the fool in front of her.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "I didn''t know he could do that." Joseph smiles, "It''s just for self-defense."

    "What about you? He''s reserved, and you should be the same." She turned to him.

    "Me?" Joseph looked at her with a smile. "Can you call a man who only knows how to protect himself a martial arts master?"

    "Every move of Leo''s karate was professional, since you could be old enemies, then your strength would be equal." She looked up and down at him and seemed to feel the need to know him more deeply.

    Instead of satisfying her curiosity, he pointed at the stage. "Stop gossiping. Leo won this round. I''m going to prepare for the second game." After saying so, he turned and left.

    Irish wanted to stop him, but his figure soon disappeared into the crowd. She returned her attention to the stage, Leo was still grappling with the other man, and the result was unknown. How could Joseph predict that Leo would win?

    Just thinking, she heard Leo roar, and the giant ck man has knocked down again, the match stopped, and the referee blew the final whistle.

    Leo won.

    Irish stood still there.

    Joseph really guessed right.

    But wait, was he really lucky enough to guess correctly?

    Leo had picked up the first g, waved to Irish under the stage, and after a graceful thank-you gesture, he ran excitedly up to her and looked around behind her.

    "Don''t look for him. He said you could win the first game and went to the racecourse before you had picked up the g," said Irish.

    Leo snorted, "He is just jealous of me."

    Irish reached for his banner and waved it in front of him, "Leo, Joseph''s assessment of you is urate, you are deeply reserved."

    "No, not now." Leo knew what she meant but deliberately changed the subject and patted his chest, and the sweat on his strong chest shone sexily in the sun.

    Irish could not help butugh.

    A group of little girls rushed up and pushed her to one side. Leo was in a hurry and was about to reach for her, but she ran quickly. "I''ll go to the racetrack and watch the race. If you can''t see him win, stay here."

    "Oh, Irish, wait for me��" Leo shouted at her back while the little girls were so enthusiastic that they surrounded him.

    The second event was horseback riding, and the team of six that had sessfully won the first g were eligible for the second race. The race had 6 participants, while three people were eligible for the next phase, and the first rider riding past the finish line and winning the g would reduce the ring number in the final archery round.

    Joseph took part in the horse race.

 Chapter 106 106: Don’t Let Me Down

    Compared to the wrestling arena, the racetrack was crowded with people. The vast farm was surrounded by bright gs and became a natural racetrack. The spectators were stopped by gs. When Leo finally broke through the crowd of girls and found Irish, she had squeezed into the best position to cheer Joseph on.

    Joseph also naturally wore a horse riding suit, but unlike a traditional knight suit, it was an improved version of Leo''s attire. He was selecting horses, but it was inconvenient that he had rolled up his sleeves. His strong brass-colored arms were exposed to the sun, and his handsome face naturally attracted many of the girls present. A lot of people were whispering about him.

    Irish felt herself caught in the breathless wave of girls, snorting and turning a blind eye to them. But her eyes unconsciously fell on Joseph. Today he was different from the serious demeanor he had in the office or the leisurelyziness on the golf course. He was no longer a businessman in the business world and was more like a rough man of the teau, with an unforgettable air of attraction.

    Among the six participants, three were local people.

    In the end, Joseph chooses a ck horse. He turned and got off the horse, and the girls screamed.

    Irish helplessly looked at the scene and then turned her head and red at Leo. "I''m wondering, was it wrong to release you two devils?"

    Leo shrugged his shoulders, "I''m just afraid of heights, otherwise, I would definitely have chosen horse racing. Obviously, people prefer to watch the heroes on horseback."

    "What?" Irish''s ears were sharp, and she heard something different and meaningful and stared at him with augh.

    Leo also realized that he had exposed his timidity, embarrassed, but what he said was like pouring out water, and it was difficult to remedy it. Irish wanted to address it before he could hide his feelings.

    "It turns out that you are even afraid of heights. Oh, my God, you are a special case. The situation is worth studying. Remember, when youe back to New York, find me and see if I can give you a 60% discount since I think we have a good rtionship between us."

    Leo closed his lips tightly, and his face was terrible and cleared his throat after a while, "Thanks to you, I''m more afraid of heights after I was down."

    "Oh, sweet Kitty. Don''t be afraid," Irish pacified him pseudo-sympathetically.

    The horn of the horse race was sounded, and the race began.

    When the six horses rushed out of the starting line at the same time, the whole crowd was jubnt, especially the girls who shouted at the racetrack, "go, number three!"

    Number three was Joseph.

    ****

    Leo chose wrestling because of his fear of heights. Joseph chose racing because Leo chose wrestling. She chose archery only because it was thest choice. If Leo''s victory in wrestling made her sweat, Joseph''s match with five other strong men made her feel even worse.

    It was not that she did not trust Joseph.

    It was because of his usual image and behavior, which was the charm of his personality. Most people who are very calm are not very keen on exciting sports, such as riding horses. Irish thought Joseph was just appropriate for ying golf.

    As soon as the horses rushed out, most of the girls'' eyes focused on Joseph.

    On horseback, Joseph was handsome and majestic, withrge hands controlling the reins, his bronzed arms shining in the sun, and people could feel his strength from afar.

    Irish got up in excitement and shouted loudly at the racecourse, and Leo swayed his legszily on a wooden chair. He looked at Joseph with a disdainful face.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "See? He rode too slowly. The man in the rear will soon catch up."

    Irish stopped shouting, turned her head to listen to Leo''s gloating words, and said. "Then you should cheer for him with me."

    "He can''t hear you, no matter how loud your yelling is." Leo bit the grass, tasting its bitterness.

    Irish red at him again and then looked back at the racecourse. "Joseph, the short guy behind you, is about to catch up," she said. "Hurry up!"

    This let Leo take a breath. He jumped up to her and used his hand to cover her mouth, "What are you shouting?" He looked around, and a lot of people were looking their way.

    Irish was almost out of breath and made gestures to him for a long time. When he let her go, she gasped. "What are you anxious about? Many people here are from remote rural counties, and they are kind and pure."

    "You have seeded in attracting a lot of attention." Leo was helpless, rolling his eyes.

    Irish reached out and pushed her head toward the crowd. She was surprised to see their different reactions.

    "Look, all the people are looking this way." He snorted again.

    Ignoring their gazes, Irish turned her head and pointed at the racecourse happily.

    "Leo, see, he is far ahead, and the other five people fell behind after such a long distance."

    The wonderful race elicited a surprising exmation from the girls.

    "I don''t know whether it is because the horse is great or if he''s just lucky," Leo murmured.

    Irish had no mind listening to him. Joseph was on horseback, facing the wind against the light, his eyes sharp and his gaze determined. The number ofps continued, which meant he was closer to the g.

    Almost all the girls stood up and screamed at Joseph. How could those girls defeat Irish''s enthusiasm? After thinking about it, she walked toward Leo.

    "What?" Leo was shocked. Irish pushed him away.

    Without saying a word, Irish pushed his chair to the front of the crowd and beckoned toward Leo. He was puzzled but still followed her to sit on his chair.

    "Irish, you..."

    "Sit straight." Irish pulled a big red g from the side and patted Leo on the shoulder.

    Without knowing what to do, he followed her.

    "Hold on, don''t let me down." She said and rode directly on his neck before the crowd.

 Chapter 107 107: Concentrate

    "Iri...!" Leo waspletely shocked.

    "Stand up." Irish patted him on the head.

    Leo was helpless and got up.

    This way, Irish was far taller than the other girls, and she could see a girl in a floral gown with a big red g far away from her. Everyone around her stared at her.

    "We don''t have to stand higher to see it, do we?" Leo made a sad face.

    "Don''t make any noise."

    Joseph rode to thest circle, and the horse under him became braver and braver.

    In the crowd around the racetrack, Irish also began to cheer in her unique style. She waved the big red g in her hand and began to sing songs she had just learned in Amar''s car in Joseph''s direction.

    "The man with the horse, you are majestic. I''d like to melt in your broad chest, I want to go to the boundless wilderness with you. All the days are as sunny as you."

    Her voice, heroic and passionate, was not very pleasant to hear, but it was cheerful and loud. The song seemed to float onto the racetrack, and Joseph looked at her.

    But under her, Leo was frightened. She could be bold and unrestrained, but his hair was about to rise up, along with the people around, all looking at Irish in shock.

    Irish was never a person who cared about the eyes of others and still sang regardless:

    "The man with the horse, you''re in my heart.

    Galloping horses like the wind

    Your heart is as wide as the earth!"

    This enthusiasm gradually attracted a lot of people.

    Finally, there was arge group of girls singing the song with her to Joseph.

    In thest sentence, "I wish to melt in your broad chest," Joseph reached for the g of the second round event, and her eyes sparkled like diamonds, shouting, "Let us encounter in the green pasture. Look at me with your hot eyes."

    Unfortunately, Joseph did not pay attention to her. Leo almost cried, "Irish, can you get down?"

    The second round ended with Joseph winning the g, but he was too clever to give any girls a chance toe forward or hug or join the crowd. After returning the horse to the host, he left from the back door.

    This time, only three teams won, and thest game was thest three of the groups topete for the title and prize money.

    Irish never cared about the title, what she was interested in was the prize.

    In the room for the contestants to take a break, the trio questioned the final match.

    "You mean you mistook the rules?" Leo held the mineral water bottle in his hand and gazed at Irish without smiling.

    The mineral water bottle was pinched in his hand, and Irish thought that he would crush her bones at the next moment, and then sheughed. "I think it''s the host''s fault, they didn''t express them clearly to the organizers."<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Hey, riding and shooting and archery are two forms ofpetition." Leo reached out and patted her on the shoulder.

    "But they were all shooting arrows, which is not difficult."

    Joseph did not speak, he had a rest and drank the water silently. He asked in a low voice after hearing her words, "Can you ride a horse?"

    "You ride well." She smiled and looked at Joseph.

    "We want to know if you can or not," Leo asked.

    Irish shook like a rattle-drum.

    Leo and Joseph looked at each other, "Wait to lose."

    "I don''t like to hear that. What does that mean? Wait to lose?" Irish raised her eyebrows and pointed to Joseph. "It''s not a big deal. He can ride, and I will shoot arrows."

    Leo was stunned.

    Joseph looked at her look indifferently and said with serious eyes, "You are breaking the rules of the contest."

    "Is it stated in the rules that the rider must ride on his own?" Irish said. This time it was Joseph''s turn to be startled.

    On the other side, Leo pped his thighs and gave a thumbs-up. "Well, you are smart."

    Irish chuckled, looking at Joseph, who did not say anything, and got up and walked out of the room. Leo reached out and patted her on the shoulder, a little dissatisfied. "You can cooperate with me, can''t you see his face?"

    "Do you dare ride a horse?" she sighed.

    Leo opened his mouth and sighed after a while.

    In thest event, a man and a woman suddenly appeared in the shooting area and finished at the same time. The rest of the yers were shouldering bows and arrows on their backs and riding horses. As a result of the second wonderful round, many people recognized the man riding the horse, but also because of her impassioned song, they knew the woman on horseback.

    Joseph came out on horseback, and Irish sat in front of him. She was the only woman of the trio, dressed in a shooting suit who was valiant and heroic bearing. As soon as they came out, they naturally got everybody''s apuse.

    She said hello to the audience, smiling like a flower.

    The man behind her said in a low voice, "Concentrate."

    Joseph''s voice was so close that his warm breath fell close to her ear. She could not help but look up, and he also happened to bow his head, and they looked directly into each other''s eyes. There was a shock that went through her heart.

    She hurriedly turned her head to look forward, with a smile to hide her inadvertent embarrassment, "Oh, I said that the organizers had to admit that our cooperation was reasonable."

    Joseph let herfort herself, reached for the reins, and his strong arms wrapped her firmly inside. Seeing her spine stiffen, he could not help saying in a low voice, "Rx and lean on me when the target is ready to shoot, then give your best shot."

    "Oh." The back of the horse was sorge that they would be so close to each other, and she regretted the fact that his chest was hot. "If I fall..."

 Chapter 108 108: Rules Nothing To Me

    "No, I control the horse. You can shoot arrows with ease." As Joseph spoke, he reached out and pulled herpletely into his arms. "Close to me."

    Irish heard the sound of her own heart, and she transferred her eyes and conveniently shifted her uneasy mood, but when she saw Leo in the audience sitting there smiling at her. His handsome face looked so sincere.

    The rapid beating of her heart turned into warmth.

    A trumpet blew as the match began.

    Irish felt a gentle movement of his arm around her waist, and the horse ran out. She panted, and the man whispered, "Lean on me."

    She did, and her hand with the bow shook a little.

    Joseph had one hand taking control of the reins and the other hand across her waist. All of her weight was on his chest.

    "The arrow is in front, try to shoot it out."

    "You ride slowly, I can''t focus."

    He grinned, "Do you want the prize?" Her nature and fighting spirit suddenly suppressed the tension, and she nodded, "Of course."

    "Then don''t think you''re on horseback, you''re a psychologist, and controlling emotions is your strength." He tightened his arm around her waistline, and his strong chest made her lean more firmly.

    Irish took a deep breath, pressed her back against his chest, and began to pull the bow.

    As the target passed in front of her, an arrow flew through the air to the target, and the otherpetitors'' arrows shot at the target one after another.

    Irish''s arrow was blue, and when it shot with the air, it was like a blue me against the light. Itnded right in the center of the target!

    Her eyes shone, and she cheered. Joseph controlled the horse''s speed, staring at her smiling face, he could not help butugh.

    With the best grade of the first, Irish seemed to be braver and braver, and her second and third arrows also produced good results,nding close to the center.

    In the audience, Leo was the first to stand up and apud her, and then thunderous apuse followed.

    "Very nice." Joseph praised her in her ear.

    Irish closed her lips and smiled without saying a word.

    The judges started the scoring process, and she took the initiative to help. It was obvious that she had full marks for the first shot and the other two close to the bull''s eye. Although other people also shot the center of the target, the judges focused on the whole grade. In the first and secondpetitions, Leo and Joseph won, whose results meant a lot for Irish, so their team scored the highest score and won the third game.

    Irish was so excited that she felt she could burst.<novelnext></novelnext>

    After the course was cleaned up, Irish stood on the podium half an hourter. In order to show that she was an unforgettable and upright person, Joseph and Leo were both pulled by her onto the stage. She stood in the middle, smiling like a rose.

    "It''s easy. Even you, who doesn''t know anything about archery, can shoot the center. It looks like God just took a nap." Leo said in a strange voice and smiled.

    Irish secretly red at him and then smiled at the organizers, "Leo, don''t be so strange, ah, I win by my strength! Strength, understand? That''s the ability cultivated by my uncle, so I was sensitive to martial arts when I was young. "

    Leo could not help but chuckle.

    "Shut up," She still smiled on the surface, but when the warning came to her lips, she gnashed her teeth.

    After the organizer spoke for a long time, which Irish thought was nonsense, he handed her the bonus of $6,000. Irish smiled, taking the check.

    Joseph said lightly, "Remember to remove the iron ma from the target center; otherwise, this prize will be taken back."

    Irish suddenly looked at Joseph, she was shocked.

    On the other side, Leo said in azy voice, "How could she be found? When she was just helping to keep track of her grades, she took it away." Speaking of which, he smiled at her, "isn''t that right, Irish?"

    Irish turned to look at Leo. After a long time, she ground her teeth hard, lowered her voice, and said, "you two demons!"

    Because she hardly wanted to win the game, she tried her best. When she decided to take part in the race, she began to study the bow and arrows used and found a way.

    Not knowing whether it was to respect the tradition or to be beautiful, in short, she discovered that there were some extremely subtle patterns on the corners of the arrow, which were drawn in a thin iron powder, so she came up with an idea. She put a ma in the small corner behind the arrow target allocated by the organizer. It was very light, and even the color matched the arrow target, and the intensity of the attraction could exactly control the direction of the arrowhead.

    Maybe she was too good at cheating, or maybe the organizers wouldn''t have thought someone was going to mess with it, but either way, she won. In order not to be found out, she volunteered to help score at the end of the game and removed her secret ma.

    She was just trying to y a little trick to win a little money, not expecting that her behavior was in the eyes of the two men. For a moment, she was a little bit angry because they saw her trick, and she felt embarrassed.

    "Irish, you can''t always be breaking the rules over and over again." Joseph''s voice was a little deep.

    Irish snorted, "Rules are nothing to me. I''ve never followed any bullshit rules."

    Rules existed for being broken, if no one broke the old rules, how could there be new rules?

    Taking a check from the organizer, Irish talked with them for a while. Joseph and Leo were naturally not men who could rx and chat with others, so the task fell on Irish''s shoulder.

    The sponsor praised her skills and asked where she learned, "Miss, we almost want to cancel your qualification without your boyfriend. A couple''s cooperation was a real difference in the show."

 Chapter 109 109: I Think You’re Mistaken

    Irish froze, "Boyfriend? What? I think you''re mistaken."

    The person in charge of the sponsorsughed kindly. "Isn''t he the one who won the horse race? There''s nothing to be ashamed of, little girl."

    Before the words were spoken, Irish''s mind had turned around for a while, and finally, Joseph walked out of the room without saying a word. "You mean he looked for you?"

    "Yes, he said today is the first hundred days of you together and hoped the organizers would be kind enough to let you two y together and he could spend the most meaningful day with you. As you can see, thest round was a one-man race, and only you were special. If your boyfriend hadn''te to us, we wouldn''t have let you finish the race."

    Her heart began to beat irregrly again, and her cheeks turned pink. She subconsciously looked in Joseph''s direction, who was talking with Leo. Against the light, his tall figure was dragged behind.

    Enthusiastic girls came forward to greet them, and Leo did not say much, but Joseph frowned slightly, pulling Leo to the other side.

    It was clear that the girls were frightened by his unsmiling face.

    She was a little confused to see this behind the scenes, unable to imagine what it was like when Joseph said, "our first hundred days." He was not supposed to be a man who was good at rhetoric, and she could not see a soft tenderness on his face.

    "Little girl, your boyfriend is such a good man. There were so many beautiful girls on the scene, and no one could reach into his eyes. You''re the only one in his eyes." The organizer said, "You two are right together, hold on to it."

    Irish turned her head and smiled. "I will, thank you." The sponsor nodded and left.

    She stood alone in the sun, looking at Joseph''s back, but she dared note forward for a moment.

    At night, the farm was more lively.

    Because of their proud achievements in the festival, many local people held a celebration for them. This event was led by Amar, together with Irish, Joseph, and Leo, who had been in the limelight. The enthusiasm for them had reached an unprecedented level.

    The bonfire was still full of music and dance.

    The evening wind, with a clear smell of grass, mingled with the thick sweetness of roasted meat and wine floating in the air.

    Irish was excited and drank sses of wine, but she was only a little tipsy, for Joseph had been guarding her. When other people came to persuade him to drink, it was all in his stomach.

    Of course, Leo also drank a Lot. People here always liked to drink, which was good, and the wine fragrance intoxicated him. He was drunk.

    After the end, Leo is lifted up by Joseph and Irish. Joseph, of course, would not take care of him. After putting him in his room, he left.

    Irish covered the quilt for Leo and poured a ss of water, putting it next to him. She sat beside him and looked at him. Being drunk, Leo was very quiet, different from the wild image of the past, more like a sleeping child. He closed his eyes, and long eyshes covered them.

    She believed Leo was a good man.

    Perhaps he could do anything in the business world, but a man who did not know how to refuse to drink wine with the locals, how bad could he be? Just by the campfire, she saw that he had taken a ss of wine, drank the bitter ss, and raised his smiling eyes.

    This was his nature.

    "Leo." She sighed. "We can''t be lovers, but I believe you will be the most important friend of my life."<novelnext></novelnext>

    She dimmed the lights and went out of the room.

    When Irish went out, she saw the full moon over the farm.

    Not far away, Joseph sat on some dry wood, silver moonlight pouring down on him. He looked far away, wondering whose faint shadow fell on the grass. He seemed to be dreaming under the full moon.

    Irish stopped and looked at his back from afar. Somehow, there was a slight pain in her heart, which was so fast that she could not grasp it. When she saw him, she could think of the kiss that had fallen on her forehead that morning, and his "our first hundred days" speech, though it was just an excuse.

    But she seemed to take it seriously.

    It was as if she had known that he would not go too far.

    It was as if she knew he would be waiting for her not far away, and as soon as she left the room, she would see his reassuring back.

    Maybe she knew him a little bit.

    Joseph was a man who spoke less and did more.

    She was staring at him.

    He turned his head as if telepathically, and his eyes seemed bright in the night, staring at her through the air.

    The sound of the grass flickered gently beside her ear. She saw him gesturing toe over, and she followed.

    Under the bright moon, they walked without speaking, but it seemed they had said a thousand words. The night at the farm was silent. It was different from being in the city; there was no noise and no buzz, no lights, red, green, or neon.

    And there was only the round moon and its shadows.

    The tall one was the man, and the petite one was a woman.

    Not knowing how long the time had passed, Irish finally opened her mouth with a soft voice, "Thank you for today."

    Joseph stopped, staring at her.

    She looked up at his angled face illuminated by the moonlight and could not help but sigh at his beauty. She had thought he would follow her words, but he kept silent.

    For a moment, she didn''t know what to say. "I didn''t expect you to ride so well." There was nothing for her to talk about.

    Joseph still did not say a word but stared at her face.

    She was at a loss, dropping her eyshes, covering the innermost loss in her eyes. Yes, she admitted she was a little nervous, especially when he looked at her and said nothing.

 Chapter 110 110: Push Him Away Or Continue To Lie

    It seemed that everyone else had been falling asleep.

    Under the night sky, above the farm, there were only two of them.

    When Irish could not tell whether he would be silent until dawn, she didn''t expect to see him reaching for her. She lowered her head, looking at his hand. The moonlight made his palm print clearer, broad, and full of strength.

    In her heart, the feeling became clearer and stronger. Irish actually began to be afraid.

    Joseph looked at her, his eyes darkened a little, and then he took her hand and held it. She looked up at him in astonishment. He whispered, "Why are your hands so cold?"

    She was in silence.

    Joseph also did not intend to wait for her to answer, taking off his coat and cing it directly on her shoulder. Immediately, her breath was filled with his masculine scent, which had a heavy wood fragrance.

    Then he took her hand again and sped her fingers.

    She felt that his hand was warm. She thought of her father''s hand, which she never held.

    When her heart was slightly hurt, Joseph stretched out her hand and lifted her chin. "Your eyes are pink."

    "From the wind," She hurriedly lowered her head.

    An ache shed in the deep eyes of the man, but heughed, "Where is the singing spirit, like in the daytime?"

    Those words seeded in dispelling the pain in her heart. Irish pushed him away, smiling, "Can you even win without my songs?"

    She pushed him, and for a moment, he staggered. Retreating several steps, he smiled without a word.

    "Hey, what about my song?" The silence broke, and her voice became clear.

    "Noment," His smile expanded. "Are youughing at me?"

    "No," he raised his hand," I swear. "

    "But you''reughing?"

    Joseph, however, smiled more brightly.

    Irish was naturally disobedient, rushing forward to push his hand, "Do notugh."

    This time she was unable to push him away, and she struggled when he took her hands, but Joseph apparently did not intend to let her go, holding her tightly, freeing a big hand to put her in his arms.

    She was startled with a struggle, but the man''s deep voice said, "Let me hold you.", which was like both a request and an order.

    "Joseph." She was surprised at his boldness and initiative.

    But he smiled, loosened her wrists, hugged her with one hand, and raised the other. His slender fingers touched her forehead and brows. She looked up and could see her reflection in the depths of his eyes.

    In his eyes, it was only her right now.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Isabel," Joseph called her name softly, with a mellow voice like a cello on the side of her ear. "I''ve been thinking these days that I''ve been selfish."

    Irish''s heart, which was not easy to settle down, jumped suddenly. What was he talking about?

    "Are you ready to stand on the tip of the waves?" he said, with a slight sigh, with his fingers on her cheek, "If you allow me to stand in front of you, I can stop the wave that will sweep over you. I just want to know, do you want to ept my selfishness?"

    "I..." She was not a fool and understood what he meant.

    She had dared to say in front of him that she liked him because she wanted to see his fear.

    What should she do?

    Push him away or continue her lie?

    "Joseph." Irish tried to be calm and said in a low voice after taking a deep breath, "I''ve never thought about it before." Maybe this was the perfect answer.

    Actually, he could sense her ambiguity.

    But this time, Joseph didn''t want to abandon her casualness and arrogance but raised her chin with a rough thumb, swept her lips, and looked at her sincerely, "I want to kiss you."

    She felt nearly suffocated.

    "And once I kiss you, it means that my selfishness will implicate you. Irish, want you to tell me��" He stopped there and took a deep breath and threatened her to look at him, "whether you need my protection." His identity decided that he could not do many things and that he could only count those choices.

    At this time, Irish really hoped that they could be interrupted by a certain incident. Joseph forced her to fall into a dilemma identally, and there was no way out for her, so she could not make such a decision. Just as children were scared of examinations, they prayed for the ruin of the earth even at thest minute before the exam. Irish had the same feeling now.

    She just closed her lips tightly and smacked them since she felt their trembling. In this way, her white teeth met her red lips, seeming to be so beautiful and charming under the moonlight, just like a rose blooming in the darkness. Although this rose had thorns, it still looked attractive.

    Joseph was not a god.

    And then his fingers walked around her head, and he lowered to kiss her without any early warning.

    This action was like throwing a grenade, and soon became beyond control. Irish''s mind went nk at once and became wholly motionless. Joseph''s kiss was soft and explored her lips slowly along the corner of her lips.

    She felt his smell in every breath, or maybe she just couldn''t take a breath at all because her heart beat so quickly. It was not until Joseph touched her teeth with his tongue that she was awakened and pushed him away immediately. But he held her head strongly.

    As a result, his tongue entered her mouth and attacked her tongue.

    When their tongues entwined with each other, Irish''s legs became impotent. Joseph attached his hand to her back, and the warmth of his palm got to her heart through the cloth.

    But for his strength, she would have lost the capability to stand on. She felt that she was attached to him entirely, and the only strength came from his support.

    She gave up struggling.

    His kiss became oppressive and strong, just like a thirsty man tasting clean water. Joseph''s action turned from tentative to passionate, and his breath became dull and deep.

 Chapter 111 111: You Want To Retaliate Against Me?

    Her hand still pushed against his chest and was still weak, but she could feel the strong beating of his heart; thus, her palm trembled with the note.

    Their breath mixed with each other, just like their lips and teeth.

    The moon blurred their shadows. Irish nearly melted into the man''s arms.

    After a while, Joseph released her, and his forehead was kept close to hers, palm covering her face. His voice became lingering and soft, "Has that man ever kissed you like this?"

    Irish''s brain still kept nk, and she didn''t realize whom he referred to.

    While he was also afraid of her sudden answer, he kissed her again and continued to be mighty.

    "Ah��" Irish finally had reactions. As she opened her mouth, he grasped the opportunity and entwined his tongue with hers again.

    "You hurt me��."

    Her littleints made Joseph retract his kiss. He saw that her chin was red, so he touched his own chin and found that there was fresh stubble. Seeing that she was a little angry, he had to smile without any aid.

    "You are a robber," She was regretful about her absent-mindedness.

    Joseph looked at her lips that he had just kissed, and it was added to his smell. At the thought of this, he became especially happy and couldn''t help touching her lips tenderly, saying in a soft voice, "You were a robber in the past."

    Upon hearing it, Irish''s face blushed.

    "So you want to retaliate against me?"

    "No." Joseph became serious suddenly, holding her face and threatening her to look at him, "The reason I kissed you is so that I am clear about my own thoughts and thus my actions. So what about you?"

    Irish was confused.

    "Isabel, you are so clever enough that you should be clear about my intentions." Joseph still touched her cheek, "I do not want to make any promises. So the key is you. Do you trust me?"

    Irish raised to stare at him, asking with a trembling and questioning voice, "Seriously?"

    "I have no time to y such a game, and it is also unnecessary." He stared at her seriously, "As said, love is luxurious, and you shouldn''t touch it if you have no capability to possess it. Once I possess it, I will take it sincerely and seriously."

    Irish felt very lost and absent-minded.

    "Give me an answer after your consideration." Joseph embraced her with his chin touching her head and sighed lightly.

    "Is it very important?" She asked in a low voice, "Since you are already married to Ruby, what else do you want? It is silly for me to have a rtionship with a married man."

    Joseph held her tightly again. He didn''t answer her question directly but said, "I am after your thoughts. It is very important to me whether I am reliable in your eyes. As for something else, you just need to take it over to me." Then he pulled her away slightly and lowered his face to look at her, saying word for word, "That is to say, if we really possess love, what I want is your willingness."

    She was immersed in his seriousness and was absent-minded again. Joseph didn''t say much but held her tightly once again.

    Their two shadows lengthened under the moonlight.

    While far away, Leo was standing there and looking at them, feeling hurt and lost.

    Love always ys tricks on people. Sometimes the true meaning of a touch or a kiss can only be understood with much experience.<novelnext></novelnext>

    ****

    Lilith sat on the flower bed outside Nordstrom. She wore a pair of exaggerated sunsses. The white dress made her skin softer, just like cotton wool. She felt bored since she had been there for a long time, and she raised her wrist to look at the time continuously.

    After nearly half an hour, she stood up suddenly as she saw the patrol wagon stop at the roadside, waving hands excitedly to the man who was pushing the door open.

    Jay saw Lilith as he got out. Such a tiny slim girl regarded him as her savior. He felt sorry for her.

    "Finally, you came," Lilith rushed forward to hold Jay''s hand, just like a helpless kid.

    Jay came from the police station directly after receiving her call asking for help, so he didn''t change his uniform, which made him look tall and mighty even if he just stood there. He didn''t release her hands but asked, "Did you see any suspicious guys?"

    Lilith shook her head immediately.

    "Since young girls like you tend to pay no attention to others, thieves like to choose you as targets."

    Lilith found that her purse had been stolen by someone while shopping. It might have been stolen when she tried on new clothes and left them outside casually. She had to call Jay at the management office.

    "So, what should I do?" She asked anxiously.

    "How much cash was there in your wallet?"

    "Not much. I nned to pay by card. But there were some credentials and cards, and it will be very difficult to get them back." Lilith told him the truth.

    Jay looked at the sun and the sweat on her forehead. He thought for a while and said, "Wait for me in the patrol wagon."

    "Hey, where are you going?" She pulled his arm at once.

    "I''m going to find the manager to ask for the monitor video. There is air conditioning in the wagon, and you can wait for me in it." Then Jay walked into the mall straightforwardly.

    Lilith sat in the wagon obediently.

    The driver was called John and always followed Jay. He smiled at Lilith and said, "Hey, girl. It is a waste of talent to let Jay help you to find your wallet."

    Lilith felt sort of embarrassed.

    While John still smiled, "It doesn''t matter. As it is often said, a hero will do everything for a beauty. Jay is a single man, so it is not difficult to imagine."

    Lilith felt even more embarrassed and blushed.

    About forty minutester, Jay came out of the mall. Lilith immediately helped to open the door, and then he entered the backseat directly, along with the hot air outside. He smelt a light citrus fragrance that didn''t belong to the wagon but to the girl beside him.

    He was absent-minded for a while.

    "How''s it going?" Lilith asked lightly.

    Jay took out his phone, "Don''t worry." Then he dialed a number and then said to John, "Drive to the Lower East Side."

 Chapter 112 112: Find Your Wallet

    As the patrol wagon started, the phone call also got through.

    Lilith heard Jay say on the phone, "Carr, this is Jay. I need you to help me find someone."

    The one at the other end of the phone appeared to be warm-hearted.

    "Please help me to find Monkey. I''m now on the way to the Lower East Side. And I want to meet him there."

    Monkey? Lilith was confused.

    John looked at the rear view mirror.

    The one at the other end of the phone promised.

    After the call, Jay took out his wallet and picked out some money for Lilith, "You can go first if you have any business, and I will send your wallet to you if I find it."

    "Ah?" Lilith waved her hands immediately, "I''m okay. Today I am free, and I can go with you."

    Jay looked at her and nodded.

    Soon, John drove to the Lower East Side and then to a cottage area along the side road. They stopped at the door of a cottage. Jay didn''t let Lilith enter but walked into the cottage alone.

    "John, what is he going to do?" Lilith asked.

    "Find your wallet," John seemed to be much ustomed to Jay''s actions.

    Surprised, Lilith pointed outside, "Can he find the thief in such a short time?"

    "Of course not," John giggled, "The nickname "Monkey" you just heard is a recidivist, and he is so addicted to stealing. He bes restrained after being caught several times. You know what, thieves have their own geographic areas of operation, and they should not be overlooked. Over the years, these thieves have been recorded in the police station. Even if it''s not him, you can just get some information through someone else. So Jay must have gotten some information from the monitor video and nned to find that thief through Monkey."

    Lilith had never touched such a case, so upon hearing it, she just blinked, "It works?"

    John just smiled and didn''t answer.

    Just after a while, a short man passed in front, and it was clear that it was a patrol wagon. Then he got nervous and rushed into the cottage. John got some points, and he asked, "Hey, do you recognize that guy?"

    Lilith shook her head and hesitated to ask, "So you doubt that he is the thief?"

    "Probably."

    Lilith thought about it for a while and pushed the door to get off without hesitation. John followed her and pulled her at the sight of this, "You should stay in the wagon, Jay requires you to do so."

    "I want to enter to take a look," She was a little worried about Jay.

    "You''d better not. People living there are not good guys, and you will be afraid."

    Lilith got more anxious, "I have to enter." Then she ran in the direction of the cottage.<novelnext></novelnext>

    John immediately followed.

    The door of the cottage didn''t close, so they could grasp what happened inside. Lilith heard a loud shouting as she was to get in, so she was greatly frightened, and through the door, she saw that it was the thin man passing by the patrol wagon.

    There stood two men in the yard, a potbellied middle-aged man and a small but smart man with a mouth stuck out and chinned like an ape''s. However, for such a small guy, he was very violent. He kicked down the man who entered and then made continuous kicks forward, scolding him as well as kicking him, "You are so bold that you stole Sir Jay''s girlfriend''s purse? Are you tired of living?"

    However, Jay sat on the chair in the middle of the yard and sipped his coffee slowly. He didn''t stop him while the middle-aged man beside him reproached him, "Where is the purse? Give it to Sir. Or do you want to be imprisoned?"

    The man being attacked appeared to be sad, "Okay, Okay. I will give it to him immediately. But...I have spent all of the cash on it."

    "Where are the purse and the credentials in it?" The middle-aged man frowned.

    "I kept them," The man quickly admitted, "That girl went shopping in Nordstrom, so I guessed that she must be a rich one. I thought it would be a waste of money if I just threw it away, so I meant to sell it..."

    "And you still want to earn a lot, right? Shit---"

    "Monkey." Jay finally spoke and put the cup down, standing up slowly, "Let him send the purse and credentials to the police station tomorrow."

    "You can be assured, Jay. I promise that he will not do it again. All these things will be sent to the police station tomorrow, and I will monitor him." Monkey appeared to tter him, bowing and scraping.

    Jay took a cold look at Monkey, and Monkey soon changed his call to Jay, "Sir, sir."

    The middle-aged man walked in front of Jay and smiled, "Those two are ignorant youngsters. You can be assured since I will watch them."

    Jay nodded, "Thank you, Carr."

    "You are so polite, and it is unnecessary for you to havee here by yourself. You just need to notify me through a call if the next time this incident happens to your girlfriend." It seemed that Carr was also respectful to Jay.

    Jay smiled lightly and didn''t say anything but turned to the door.

    Lilith had stood there for a long time, so it was toote for her to escape, thus, she was embarrassed.

    "Wow, your girlfriend came?" Carr also saw Lilith.

    Lilith blushed upon hearing these words.

    Jay didn''t exin it but pulled Lilith''s hands and said to Carr, "Okay, it''s time for us to go."

    "Okay, take care."

    They walked out of the cottage and then got in the patrol wagon with John. It was not until they left the line of cottages did Jay release her hands and said lightly, "Someone else will still steal your belongings unless I tell them that you are my girlfriend."

    "Ah? Ah..." Lilith realized that he referred to the assumed rtionship between them.

    "I understand. Thank you."

 Chapter 113 113: We Have To Talk

    "You are wee," Jay continued to be distant, "Come to the police station and take your purse away tomorrow."

    "Will he really send the purse?"

    Jay smiled lightly, "He has to."

    Lilith looked at his profile, and a feeling of warmth generated a sense of security she had never had before.

    ****

    Thest night beside three rivers was still spent with fireworks, singing, and dancing. The local people hosted a farewell party for Joseph, Irish, and Leo because they would be returning to New York the next day.

    During these days, Irish had got along well with them, especially with Amar, who was a pure and forthright boy. Knowing that they would leave tomorrow, he crept silently, which made Irish feel sorrowful.

    That night, Irish drank a lot, but Joseph didn''t resist it this time and just abandoned her to drink with the local people. He clearly knew that all the stress would pour onto them as they went back to New York. These days beside the three rivers enabled them to avoid the great pressure of the metropolis, and in such a simple ce, he, together with Leo, found the nature of their ambition and desire.

    Amar yed a special local instrument for them, and the sound seemed mncholy.

    Irish felt sad to say goodbye to the local people. If she could, she was willing to live there forever since she enjoyed the local lifestyle so much.

    However, she could not put so many things away, and she needed to express many emotions at this time.

    "Come on! Very nice to meet you. And I really hope that I have time to get together with you again," Irish raised up her ss and shouted to the crowd.

    And then they all raised up sses and drank the winepletely.

    ? Irish also drank it once.

    Departure meant that a reunion would be unpredictable. This was all understood. As a result, people would always be sorrowful when the time came to depart. A developed inte and convenient transportation connect the modern world. However, as advanced as it was, it was still difficult for people to reunite.

    "Amar, sing a song for us," Irish sat beside Amar and pulled his arm, feeling like two buddies.

    Amar nodded and sang a song after drinking a ss of wine.

    He sang a song that was familiar to the local people. It was a song for expressing attachment to missing friends. It sounded distant and generous with Amar''s deep and maic voice.

    Soon others sang with him. The crowd''s sound spread up to the heavens.

    Irish was deeply moved. Rational as she was at work, she was traveling, not her workce, so she felt touched by their simplicity at the moment, saying goodbye to such a crowd of friends.

    Sometimes, themunication among people was just like love, creating a special kind of feeling for a certain moment.

    Intimate rtionships can be made by people in certain environments. However, in busy metropolises, people needed cunning tricks to protect their status, and sincerity was not asmon. What they said could be a way to be attacked by others at any time. As a result, people learned self-protection, to close their hearts, and enjoy loneliness.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Everyone forgot that human beings were social animals and what they needed was mutual cooperation and progress together. What human beings needed was not self-protection but cooperation, not closeness but eptance, and not loneliness but happiness.

    Maybe only in such a quiet ce, the distance between human beings could be shorter, and people could speak their minds without any pressure. The local people here tended to warm everyone from anywhere with their own generosity and hospitality. These outsiders could be millionaires or beggars, but here everyone was equal.

    Irish felt it.

    They didn''t feel annoyed or estranged just because the outsider won the award. Instead, they celebrated it. Their hospitality and the kindness from their inner hearts were the true reasons that made her reluctant to leave.

    The song was still deep and moving.

    Irish understood the mor of music, but she had never expected that one day she would love this kind of song. Maybe it was just because the environment was different.

    So she also sang with them as she drank the wine.

    When thest sentence, "I will miss you forever," blurted out, her eye sockets got wet, and she felt choked with sobs.

    They just raised their sses and cheered. The smell of wine and songs filled the air.

    Irish got drunk this time, and the corner of her eyes was stained with tears.

    It was Joseph who embraced her back to the room, Leo also drank a little, but not excessively. He didn''t enter the room but saw Joseph lifting the quilt onto Irish lightly.

    Against themp light, Joseph''s expressions became tender.

    Leo stood beside the door and just said slightly, "Joseph, we need to have a talk."

    ****

    As it was alreadyte, it was getting colder. When the night wind-whipped, it added to the chill. Or maybe it was because the strolling by two men could not produce much passion.

    As it was a little far from the room, Joseph stopped, looked at Leo, and said, "We can talk here."

    Leo took a nce at the room and then looked at him. He understood Joseph''s intention but still asked, "Are you worried about Irish? She is very drunk, so she will not run away."

    "You also know that she is a drunkard, so she may wake up suddenly," Joseph said in a light voice. Leo didn''t say much and then sat on the site where Joseph had sat the previous night.

    He took out a cigarette case and picked a couple of cigarettes, "Have one."

    Joseph took a look at him and sat at the other end of the location after a great while, in the direction of the room they lived in. In this way, he could see the celebrations easily. He took the cigarette and then the lighter after waiting for Leo to light his cigarette.

    When his cigarette was lit, Joseph took a deep breath and blew the smoke slowly.

 Chapter 114 114: Jenny’s Memory

    The night wind soon puffed away the white smoke. Leo asked him directly, "Do you like her?"

    "Yes, I do," Joseph admitted without any hesitation after blowing the smoke. The rising smoke blurred his eyes, but he said it very firmly.

    Leo was surprised. Maybe he had just never expected that he would admit it without hiding. Then he sneered, "Joseph, are you entitled to like her?"

    Joseph flickered the ash and answered lightly, "It is my business. So I do not need to report to you."

    "Irish is my friend, so I cannot just see her destroyed by you." Leo squinted lightly and continued, "If she gets together with you, she will be hurt."

    Joseph kept the cigarette close to his mouth. "Really? Leo, you knew that she was the daughter of my father-inw, Mr. Henry, and then you approached her. This behavior has already expressed that you are not entitled to care about her happiness either."

    "We both knew her identity before. If you had told me earlier, she might not have been the psychological consultant of the Runestone Group."

    Joseph smoked his cigarette and raised his eyes to look at him, "And she might have been yourpany''s psychological consultant. Was that not your original purpose?"

    "So are you showing off your ability, or are you saying it is only the result of luck?" Leo looked at him coldly.

    "Neither. To be honest, I''m tired of this battle with you." Joseph sighed and looked at the moon, "If you just want to know my feelings for her, then I can clearly tell you that I like her. It''s true. Even I would say I love her. It began from the moment I first met her. If you are questioning my sincerity as her friend, then I can also tell you that I can make sacrifices for her if necessary. I will not let my beloved woman be med by others."

    "It sounds moving," Although Leo expressed his feelings in this way, he was very clear that Joseph truly loved Irish since he had never been touched by any woman or loved someone regardless of principles over the years. But today, he could show his feelings and thoughts explicitly. That meant that he really loved Irish.

    "You like her, so you decided to employ her? Have you ever thought that she will eventually be criticized as you get closer to each other? And then how do you protect her? Get divorced from Ruby? Or give up the rtionship with the Lake family? Even if you have no rtionship with them, Irish does. She is one of the Lakes forever. The Heiress, to be exact. Even if you get a divorce, you have been her brother-inw, and you still think you can get together? How do others like Irish?"

    After these words, Joseph frowned and smoked thest of his cigarette. He put it out. Then as he looked at Leo, his expression was still cold. He said slowly, "Is your speech tonight out of protecting Isabel or just retaliation to me for sending Jenny to the asylum?"

    Under the moonlight, Joseph''s voice was as dark as his deste eyes, which seemed to suck up all the moonlight. Leo was in a bad mood already, but when he heard the name "Jenny," he turned ice-cold, giving off an air of aloofness, and his eyes became chilly.

    He didn''t reply immediately, but his lipspressed into a thin line with his jaw tightened. He looked like a dangerous animal, about to tear out someone''s throat, while Joseph just sat there quietly, with his arms on his legs, his fingers crossed, looking at him directly with his cold eyes.

    For a while, the atmosphere was unusually tense and even the evening breeze stopped his wanton pace while the air was full of fire and brimstone.<novelnext></novelnext>

    After a long while, Leo said with a harsh voice, "Jenny and Irish are two different individuals. Don''t confuse them."

    Joseph maintained his course and said indifferently, "Leo, if I want Irish, perhaps I should use some hard tactics on her. But she is not a child and should make her own choices. I would hold up the sky for her, so my beloved woman could soar freely, even if I could just look at her from afar."

    "Should I be moved by your sanity?" Leo sneered and continued, "You are a heartless man. Joseph, are you resorting to this seemingly high-brow method to achieve ulterior motives? I''m different from you. The way I love someone is to give her infinite love even if she has made some mistakes."

    "In my opinion, you are selfish. It''s right to give her the best in the world if you love her, but you should help to teach her right from wrong. You can dote on her, but you can''t be unscrupulous. Otherwise, you will hurt her."

    "That''s why you took Jenny to the madhouse, is it? Her trust in you finally ruined her." It''s the first time he mentioned something about Jenny.

    Joseph replied to him directly, "If I didn''t do that, she had no choice but to be imprisoned."

    After hearing this, Leo sneered and said, "Well, she did finally fall into madness."

    "So it''s better for her to stay in the madhouse. If it hadn''t been for you, she might have been married and had a baby." Joseph looked at him with dismal eyes.

    Leo stood up abruptly, and his hands were clenched, his knuckles bulging. He stared at Joseph for a long time and said word by word, "Sometimes I really want to kill you and take out your heart to pay homage to Jenny."

    "The feeling is mutual," Joseph said indifferently with an extremely cold voice. "For that matter, I also want to kill you."

    Leo suddenly sneered, but his eyes reddened.

    The memories of the past were like old photos. The time of youth was so insolent, which was what caused the pale times now.

    Jenny was a sweet girl, just like her name.

    Strictly speaking, Joseph, Leo, and Jenny had no sibling rtionship at all, but they were intimate as families that year.

 Chapter 115 115: Their Fate Complete Changed

    Leo''s father and Joseph''s father were intimate friends, and they graduated from the same school. It was a coincidence thatter in the year, Joseph and Leo also studied at the universities of their fathers, which alsoid a good rtionship between the two of their families. Jenny''s parents were brilliant diamond experts. They dealt with all types of diamond mines all over the world. Because of their technical skills, they had always been the most important partner for Joseph and Leo''s families. Unfortunately, in an exploration operation of an exotic diamond mine, the local ruler was enraged because her parents didn''t negotiate with the local government, and they were finally killed by the rulers.

    Since Jenny became an orphan, she had been adopted by Leo and Joseph''s family. Therefore, to some extent, Jenny actually was their sister.

    Jenny was a positive and adorable girl who liked to draw jewelry designs, but she preferred to design jewelry in aic style. Whenever a drawing was finished, the design was so lovely that Joseph and Leo often said that she could design jewelry for kids someday.

    They were intimate as close friends as well as brother and sister. Leo was arrogant and unyielding, while Joseph was profound and stoic, and sometimes they argued with each other, but Jenny was the mediator between them and would act like a spoiled child to try to make peace with them.

    They both treated Jenny as their sister and had their own way of getting along with her. Joseph was a meticulous person with a strong self-management ability. Though he made a pet of Jenny, he was also strict with her when Jenny didn''t like to clean up the room, and she couldn''t take good care of herself well. For this reason, she was criticized by Joseph many times.

    But Leo was an unruly man, so he adapted a happy and caring attitude towards Jenny. He didn''t care about her self-care ability, and he would do anything for her to cheer her up.

    These two men all doted on Jenny in different ways, and the reason was very simple. Leo had no sister, but he lived a lively life, so it was great for him to have a lovely sister, while Joseph only had a younger brother, so he longed for a sister.

    They spent so many years together until that year when Joseph''s family was confronted with a great crisis, and the economic crisis also affected Leo''s family. Their fatepletely changed that year.

    Jenny fell in love that year.

    It should have been a pleasing thing; at least, it was gratifying for Joseph and Leo. But when Joseph identally learned that the man Jenny loved was their golf coach, he was furious and forced her to break up with the man.

    They all liked to y golf, and Leo''s father even hired a coach to teach them. Among the three of them, Jenny was the best at ying golf and was the first person who had seeded in ying the double eagle. The golf coach was highly skilled, which won their admiration. But Joseph found that he was not a one-woman man since he changed his girlfriend more often than he changed his clothes. He went out with all kinds of women, young or old.

    Joseph obviously wouldn''t let Jenny be in a rtionship with such a man.<novelnext></novelnext>

    But Jenny loved the man and begged Leo to intercede for her. Though Leo had the same attitude as Joseph in this matter, he was defeated by her sweet look of suffering, and he began to persuade Joseph not to interfere with Jenny. He said that perhaps the man really loved her.

    Hearing this, though Joseph still disapproved of Jenny, he could do nothing at all.

    In this way, Jenny got into a rtionship with that man.

    Jenny loved him very much, and soon she lived together with the man. Joseph was principled and unpleasant when he knew this. Leo also worried about her, but he hoped that she could live a desirable life for herself. Therefore Joseph and Leo argued with each other over this matter again.

    Jenny was a stubborn girl, and the blindness of love took away her intellect. She thought the man would get married to her since she was pregnant. But unexpectedly, she saw that he had sex with another woman that day, and she was so irritated that she pped that girl, and the man pped her at once.

    Jenny fell down to the ground, and her lower body began to bleed. The man was so frightened that he wanted to take Jenny to the hospital, but Jenny knew clearly that her baby was gone. She was so furious that she lost her mind at that moment and stabbed a knife into his heart.

    When the ambnce arrived, she was in aa, and the coach died on the spot. The police began to investigate.

    At that time, Joseph and Leo''s family lost all of their previous statuses and couldn''t do anything for Jenny. Joseph and Leo racked themselves for the best way to save Jenny, and they wanted to prevent her from being imprisoned. But at that time, Leo and Joseph had also just taken over their work, and they didn''t have a wide range of contacts. Leo intended to help Jenny slip into another country, while Joseph didn''t agree with him since he thought once Jenny fled, she could only live a life of exile.

    They argued fiercely with each other again.

    But Joseph didn''t make a concession this time, and he found a psychologist at a heavy price and issued a legal report of mental disorders for Jenny. The murder was not a minor sin, no matter how bitterly remorseful she was, the man was dead. And what''s more, she was motivated by intentional killing. In this way, Jenny was sent to the asylum by Joseph to avoid going to jail. He hoped she could hide out there, giving him some time to figure out a perfect solution to save her.

    The media was intensely focused on this matter.

 Chapter 116 116: Jenny’s Tragic End

    Leo went almost crazy when he knew that Jenny was sent to the madhouse and cursed in rage that Joseph was a heartless man, especially when he saw that Jenny was delirious there.

    Joseph had expected that Leo would be irritated at him but did not expect that Jenny really fell into a mental disorder after being sent to the madhouse. Joseph had ignored that under such an environment, a normal person could also be crazy.

    Joseph chose to be silent in that argument, but in fact, he was trying to find a way to help Jenny. However, he had no choice at that time but to listen to the doctor''s advice and agreed to give treatment for Jenny''s depression.

    But Leo couldn''t wait any longer since he could not bear that Jenny stayed with a group of madmen all the time. Therefore, he then secretly told her an escape route when he visited her and promised that he woulde to pick her up in person.

    Jenny agreed because she didn''t trust Joseph anymore andid all of her hope on Leo.

    Thus, after the dinner break, Jenny secretly escaped the sight of the superintendent and fled to the back of the mental hospital where Leo was waiting for her.

    Jenny was extremely excited when she saw that Leo was waiting there and waved at him.

    Unluckily she was discovered by the supervisor, and a group of people began to chase her. Leo was desperate and was about to jump over the fence to take her away, but he forgot that Jenny was in a poor mental state, and she suddenly lost her mind under such an emergency. She began to run wild.

    At that moment, Leo was in desperation but could only follow the group of people desperately trying to find her.

    She was lost in their sight until around 30 minutester, someone screamed, and Leo rushed in that direction. But when he saw what happened there, his legs slumped to the ground.

    Jenny was dead.

    She fell down to the hill during the course of her escape. It was not very high but was above sharp rocks. The stone pierced her head when she fell to the ground. Under the pale moonlight, blood was everywhere on the ground while Jenny justy there quietly with her lips in a slight smile.

    Perhaps, in herst moments, she thought she had run away.

    Leo burst out in heart-broken screaming, which resounded across the mountain.

    In the funeral home, Joseph saw Jenny for thest time. He kept silent for a long time, and three hourster, he raised his fist and beat Leo brutally.

    From that day, they held a dark grudge against each other.

    Joseph hated Leo because he thought his selfishness killed Jenny.

    And Leo utterly detested Joseph because it was he who sent Jenny to the madhouse, which led to this tragedy. He thought if they could help Jenny slip into another country, she would be alive.

    The hatred between them continued down to the present day.

    Both of them had deep feelings for Jenny, so they abhorred each other and even cracked down on each other in business.

    The evening breeze was cold in the grasnd.

    The remaining temperature of the campfire floated in the air, adding a trace of destion there.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Leo sneered, looking up at the moon with his dismal eyes, and said ruefully, "The moon was also full that night. Joseph, you didn''t see what happened to Jenny in herst moments. She was lying there, and the stone pierced her forehead. Her face was pale under the moonlight, and there was arge pool of dark red blood on the ground. She blinked, and there was a glimmer of moonlight in her eyes, and there was even a smile left on her face, a hopeful smile."

    Joseph felt his heart was breaking, and his hand mmed down. After a long while, he said, "Enough! We were all wrong, and we''ve hated each other until today. Perhaps, it is our punishment from Jenny."

    The night breeze stirred their hair.

    They stopped talking and fell into suffocating silence.

    ****

    It was hot in midsummer, and the buzzing noises rang through the streets. The beautiful lotus also lost its fragrance due to the hot air.

    Lilith sat down at the door of the police station, where she yed with a stick in the mud under the locust tree. An ant carried a grain of rice by, and she blocked it with a small stick in her hand. In a way, the ant was very calm and continued crawling around the stick.

    She reached out again and took the grain from the ant and threw it to the side. The ant quickly rushed to the rice and carried it again. The little ant also had perseverance.

    She was cheered by this little creature and did not y with it; instead, she cleared all the pebbles for it so that the little ant could no longer suffer from the difficulties of stumbling.

    As the ants crept further and further, she also cleared her mind.

    "Why are you here?" A man''s voice sounded over her head.

    Lilith quickly looked up to find the mottled sunlight passing through the leaves syed on Jay''s cheeks.

    "Did you get my bag?" Jay did not know why she was scolding him and slightly raised her eyebrows, which made him look so handsome that Lilith was almost intoxicated by it.

    "Yeah, I got it." She stuttered while her cheeks were a little hot, and she wondered perhaps it was because of the weather.

    Jay nodded without saying anything and turned back.

    Lilith quickly got up and shouted at his back, "Hey."

    Jay stopped and looked at her with a confused countenance.

    Stepping forward, Lilith plucked up the courage to ask, "Why are you avoiding me?"

    "You mean I''m avoiding you?" Jay was amused by her words.

    "Yes, you even didn''t want to meet me today." She was a little bit frustrated.

    Jay froze for a while, and after a few seconds, he lifted his wrist and nced at the watch. "I''m sorry. I was busy today." Since Irish would be back today, he had to pick her up.

 Chapter 117 117: I Swear I Didn’t Mean It

    Unexpectedly, Lilith grabbed his arm and asked earnestly. "You are cold to me. Is it because you know that I belong to the Lake family?"

    "You misunderstood me," Jay replied with a somewhat polite tone.

    "I''m serious," After that, he turned to drive the car.

    "Jay." She suddenly shouted his name behind him.

    Jay didn''t stop or look back, and a deste feeling came across him. Lilith clenched her hands and shouted, "I love you."

    Jay stopped and turned back with an astonished expression.

    Taking a deep breath, she stepped forward and then stood before him, looking at his eyes directly while her smooth face was filled with sunshine.

    "Jay, I love you." She repeated again with a low and tremulous voice.

    If she did not encounter the little ant, perhaps she would not have had the courage to confess to him. She loved his different expressions on different asions. She liked his shyness when he avoided her to change clothes, his bravery when he held the gun to the gangster, and his humorous look when dining with her. She loved everything about him.

    It was not awkward to love him, so she had to confess to him and express her love bravely.

    However, after hearing this, Jay didn''t make any response to her; instead, he said after a long while, "Are you crazy?"

    She felt like cold water had been poured on her. Lilith looked at him, a glimmer of doubts suffused in her eyes. She asked him after a long while, "Is it because I love you, so you think I am crazy?"

    Jay was rendered speechless.

    "Jay, don''t you love me?" Lilith asked directly.

    After keeping silent for a while, Jay replied, "Ms. Lilith, you have a lot of time, but I am busy. It is your right to fall in love with somebody, but don''t bother me, please."

    "You still care about my identity, isn''t it?" She asked him directly. "You didn''t answer my question but shifted the topic. Jay, it is true that Ie from the Lake family, but do you think just because of it, I shouldn''t fall in love with you?"

    "Yes, you''re right, it is best for you to find a good match." Jay frowned and continued, "Find a man who also has a lot of free time." Finishing his words, he was about to leave.

    Lilith hastily rushed forward and stopped him, "What is a good match? Can''t I love you?"

    "Well, you can. But it is none of my business." Finally, Jay lost his patience and gently pushed her away.

    He forgot that he was a policeman who had undergone a long training period, while Lilith was just a delicate girl who couldn''t bear his push at all. She fell down onto the ground and cried out in pain.

    Jay was startled, taking a quick glimpse at his hands, and rushed to support her. "I''m sorry. I swear I didn''t mean it." He said remorsefully. Jay didn''t mean to push her, but he was caught off guard by her sudden confession.

    "My foot is broken," She was just a girl who had just graduated from school. She twisted her foot and couldn''t move. She felt a severe pain, and her eyes were filled with tears.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Jay was at a loss and didn''t know how tofort her. Without saying anything, he took her into the car and carefully lifted her leg to examine the injuries on her ankle.

    "Don''t worry. The bones haven''t been damaged." Without thinking too much, he put her legs on hisp and tried to knead her ankle.

    "It hurt..." Lilith burst into tears.

    Jay was startled by her and was in a great bustle to find tissue for her. "Don''t cry. I''ll take you to the hospital now."

    "But you said it was just twisted, so please rub it for me. It is unnecessary to go to the hospital." She looked at him with her tearful eyes.

    Looking at her cheeks that were wet from her tears, Jay could not decline her request and nodded, "Fine. I''ll help you to rub your ankle, but it may hurt a little. Take it easy."

    ? Lilith nodded while Jay stretched his hands to knead her ankle.

    She was barefoot with her tender and lovely leg exposed, which was in sharp contrast with his roughened hands. When his hands covered her bones, he felt her slender leg could be broken off by his hands alone, and suddenly an unnamed feeling rose from his heart.

    "Jay, could you be a little gentler?" She grumbled with a coquettish tone.

    Jay did hurt her because of his misced skills, but her voice was particrly devious in his ears. The pressure of his fingers had rxed, and Jay looked at her leg, which was white and smooth as jade. He felt he wanted to fondle it.

    Perhaps it was because he rxed his strength, Lilith couldn''t help giggling, "Jay, that tickles."

    His abdomen tightened suddenly after hearing this.

    "I think we should go to the hospital." He felt he was thirsty and suffocated. He was not a callow youth, and he knew clearly his physiological change.

    However, Lilith suddenly flung her arms around and said, "I don''t care, but you can''t leave me alone today. You have to be responsible for my injured ankle."

    Jay could feel her fragrant breath, and her lips were so close to him that he could kiss her if he just lowered his head.

    "Well, fine." Though he still pulled her away softly, hepromised to her request.

    She puckered her face in a smile.

    Jay, Irish''s younger cousin, suffered a hard courtship of a girl from a wealthy family, and her best friend Cassie could not escape from the bad luck, and her foe had just shown up.

    Cassie embarked on a flight to Paris before Irish''s return to attend a jewelry appreciation conference. Unexpectedly, because of the bad weather, the conference was put off, and the flight was forced tond at Ander airport in France.

    Ander Airport was located in the northeast of Tours. Tours, a small town in the Midwest of France, was famous for being known as the French Garden. In this city, each garden was unique. The essence of the Renaissance, with the moisture of the Loire Valley, the gardens of the various styles of Tours had be an important cultural treasure.

 Chapter 118 118: Are You Sick?

    Of course, the passengers who needed to travel to Paris may not have been in a mood to appreciate the beauty of Tours. After being informed that the flight had to be forced tond at Ander airport, they felt stressed. Finally, the deputy captain personally came out to apologize.

    Hearing the voice, Cassie, who had a drowsy look, felt that it sounded familiar, and when she took off her blindfold, she sneered when she saw the tall man standing in a captain''s uniform.

    Tours were not far from Paris, and the airport management office had made arrangements for these stranded passengers. Cassie did not worry about the conference since it had been put off, so she nned to stay here for two days and enjoy the fresh air as well as the bright sunshine in this beautiful city.

    The life in Tours'' afternoon was leisurely.

    Instead of sleeping off the jetg, Cassie hastily rushed out of the hotel after taking a shower. However, unexpectedly, she met her foe in the coffee shop at the corner of the street. He was still in the captain''s uniform and was chatting with his colleagues while drinking. His bright smile was enchanting, which attracted girls'' attention.

    Beside the coffee shop, there was a special grocery shop where many small handicrafts were disyed. Cassie walked forward and began to pick up some handicrafts at the door. In this way, the man soon saw her.

    Soon after, his colleague left after drinking the coffee, leaving only the man. Cassie stepped forward without saying anything and looked at his smiling eyes directly. "Hey, I can still recognize you. I never thought you would be a captain, and I can''t believe I''m on the same flight as you. I''m really unlucky enough to meet you here."

    "Lady, don''t say that, we should take care of each other since we are countrymen." Roy took a sip of his coffee leisurely and then called the waiter, telling him to take one more cup of coffee for her in French.

    The waiter nodded with a smile.

    "You speak French," Cassie sneered.

    "Can''t you speak French? You will be a dead duck here since people all speak French." Roy showed an evil smile.

    Cassie giggled and said, "Don''t show off. I can speak English. That''s enough. And now you should apologize to me." Finishing her words, Cassie patted the table.

    Roy raised his eyebrows and said, "Then give me your reason."

    "You have offended me twice, so you have to apologize to me." Cassie said sarcastically and continued, "For the sake that we are in a foreign country, I won''t argue with you. Apologize to me now."

    Roy looked at her with his lipspressed into a thin line and, after a long time, got close to her and said in a cynical tone, "It seems impossible for me to apologize to you in public. How aboutpensating you in another way."

    This time the coffee was quickly served by a waitress, a lively and audacious French girl. Putting it in front of Cassie, she winked at Roy. When she was about to get the tip from him, she touched his handsome cheeks with her fingers while Roy did not avoid her at all; instead, he grasped her hands directly.

    After seeing this, Cassie rolled her eyes. at him and said, "Dandy!"

    The girl soon left, and Roy looked at Cassie and said, "Well, are you still prepared to ept mypensation?"

    "Talk about it."<novelnext></novelnext>

    He regarded her with benevolent amusement and said, "I n to have a rest here for several days, and I need a woman to apany me. We could be a temporary couple." Finishing his words, he studied her, an enigmatic smile on his face, and then added, "You have a nice figure."

    "You..." Cassie stood up abruptly and said, "You are shameless a beast!"

    "Is it mypliment from you? Why would you say I''m a shameless beast?" Roy spread out his hands and added, "At least I didn''t ask you to have sex with me."

    As soon as he stopped talking, Cassie took the cup of coffee and threw it in his face.

    People who were drinking coffee there were startled by her.

    The smile on Roy''s face froze, his handsome face stiffened, and he sat there rigidly while his clothes were stained by coffee. His eyes turned severe, and his fingers tightened.

    "That''s what you end up with. If you dare to talk nonsense to me next time, things will get moreplicated." Though Cassie felt that she had worked off her anger, she was still frightened by his dismal look. However, she still forced herself to calm down and then left with her bag.

    Sitting there without saying anything, Roy looked at her to disappear from his sight quietly. After a long while, a faint smile showed up on his face.

    After arriving at the airport, Irish couldn''t find Jay anywhere, but soon got a call from him when she learned that she had been stood up.

    When Joseph''s car passed by her, she heard him say briefly to her, "Get in the car."

    His driver left soon, and Joseph drove her home.

    They didn''t talk with each other on the way home since Irish intended to avoid him because of the kiss on the grasnd. People were always in conflict. When she took the initiative to tempt him, she worried that he wouldn''t fall into her trap. But now, she was afraid that he would treat it seriously and thought he might be falling for her. Now, Joseph had told her that he was serious, and she did not know what to do next.

    Joseph stopped the car, staring at her in deep thought, and he couldn''t help chuckling. He turned his face so that he could look directly at her eyes.

    "What are you thinking?" He asked in a low voice.

    "..." Irish knew that she couldn''t just keep silent like this, and after thinking for a while, she replied, "I''m thinking if I could ask for two days'' leave."

    "Are you sick?" He was reminded of that night when she had a fever.

    Irish was about to shake her head but then nodded.

 Chapter 119 119: Don’t Hang Up

    Joseph kept silent for a while and said, "Have a good rest at home this Thursday and Friday. Come back to work next week."

    "Thanks." She showed a faint smile.

    Joseph suddenly put down his hands, gazing at her, and then said with a remorseful tone, "I shouldn''t have let you drink so wildlyst night."

    Perceiving that he wanted to talk about the events ofst night, she hastily moved away from his hands and said with a bright smile, "I''m not a kid anymore. I''m fine."

    Joseph was astonished by his hands frozen in the air.

    At the same time, aint from Jenny also crossed through his head, "Joseph, I know you care about me, but I''m not a child anymore, so it''s unnecessary to report to you at any time. I can be responsible for myself."

    Joseph suddenly frowned and felt his heart was broken again.

    Though she was ustomed to persisting in her own way, she also knew right from wrong. She was about to change to another topic, and she did not mean to depress him, so when she saw him frown, she thought it was because of her inappropriate words. She sighed slightly and said, "Are you okay? I didn''t mean anything."

    Joseph walked out of his memories and didn''t say anything but slightly shook his head.

    "Well, can you postpone the exam? I just came back from Pittsburgh."

    "No." Joseph declined her request directly.

    "Please??!!" She pretended to be miserable and shook his arms slightly. "You are the chief examiner, so please consent. I promise I will try my best to do it."

    Joseph put his hand on the steering wheel, allowing her to shake one of his arms while at the same time he suppressed his smile, "How many days do you need?"

    Her eyes brightened, and sheughed. "How about one week?"

    "Seven days. Okay, no problem." He agreed unexpectedly.

    "Really?" She was surprised.

    Joseph held her head and patted it slightly, which looked gentle and considerate, "A day''s dy will cost 2,000 dors, so you will lose 14,000 dors for seven days. Of course, I know you won''t care about it."

    "How can you do this to me?" She knew there was a trap waiting for her.

    But Joseph kept a smile on his face and said, "What do you think about it? Make your own choice."

    Irish said resentfully, "Well, I''ll take the exam on time."

    "Are you angry?"

    "I said I''ll take the exam on time."

    Then Joseph realized that he misunderstood her, but he still held back his smile.

    Irish unbuckled the seat belt angrily and got out of the car, but soon she got back into the car and said with a faint smile, "You kissed me that night, so aren''t you supposed to pay some interest for me?"<novelnext></novelnext>

    She mentioned that directly so as to vent her dissatisfaction. Joseph knew her well, and after thinking for a while, he said to her with a smile, "Now that you want the interest, you''d better take some more. What do you want?"

    Irish was shocked.

    He lowered his head quickly, and then his kiss fell on her earlobe when she reacted and turned her face.

    He smiled softly but then pretended to kiss her hair beside her ear. Soon he stood up and said, "Have a good rest tonight."

    Irish felt that her earlobe was a little bit hot, but she didn''t look at him; instead, she opened the door and got out without saying anything.

    Joseph''s arm was still on the passenger seat, and his fingertips and lips still held her fragrance. He smiled and started the car, but something at the corner of the seat attracted his attention. He bowed down and picked it up to find out it was a watch.

    It was an old watch, and the watchband was worn badly.

    It was Irish''s watch that she always wore when she went out. Finding that she had disappeared from his sight, Joseph started the car and put it into his pocket.

    Irish entered the door and felt her heart was still madly scampering. She reached out her hands and pressed hard, but it didn''t work.

    She had never seen him act like this today, which made her feel ufortable. She put her bag on the sofa and walked to the window but didn''t see his car. He had left.

    She sat on the carpet with bare feet, and she finally breathed a long sigh of relief, but soon her phone rang on the sofa.

    She walked to the couch, took it out of her bag, and answered the phone without checking it. A soft voice sounded from the phone, "Isabel?"

    She was familiar with the voice, but she also felt disgusted about this voice. Her first thought was to hang up, but it seemed that the other side had expected she would do that and said hastily, "Don''t hang up. I need to talk to you."

    Irish frowned and said angrily, "Ruby, we never talk to each other. Why do you disturb me? Are you crazy? I have told you that I won''t treat your mental illness."

    "Isabel, why do you treat me like this?" Ruby still said softly.

    "Do you think I should treat you like my sister?" Irish replied sarcastically.

    "Isabel, I called you today because I just wanted to talk to you." Ruby raised her voice slightly.

    Irish stood up abruptly and said, "Is there anything we need to talk about?"

    "Yes. I want to talk about Joseph." Irish was shocked, and her hands froze.

    ****

    Our ancestors have told us that we should never offend a base person.

    Cassie spent the whole afternoon going shopping, and she went to take a shower first when she went back to the hotel. But when she walked out of the washroom in her nightgown, she screamed out of fright.

    The man who she had thrown a cup of coffee on sat on her bed motionlessly, and he had changed his uniform into a casual suit. He made no response to her screaming but nipped her knickers with his slender fingers. Then he stared at her with a meaningful look and said, "You don''t wear underwear, right?"

 Chapter 120 120: How Did You Get In?

    If she just pounced on him, she would suffer a great loss. After all, he was neatly dressed, while she had only this bath towel on to cover herself. As a result, while faced with a man who she had just poured coffee on and could retaliate against at any time, she could only keep as rational as possible.

    "How did you get in?"

    While ying with Cassie''s underwear, Roy answered, "Well, actually, I wanted to tell you just now that I''m staying in the room next to yours."

    What did it matter whether he was next to her? Cassie thought.

    "I was just asking you how you came in?" Actually, this was the key. She thought.

    "Oh, that''s it." Roy drew it out and appeared to be a bad boy with his eyebrows raised, "I just told the hotel staff that my girlfriend had quarreled with me, so they opened the door for me."

    "Who is your girlfriend?" This man was so shameless, she thought.

    Roy justughed but didn''t say anything. He put the underwear up to his nose.

    "You�CPervert!!!" Cassie was very embarrassed and annoyed.

    "So fragrant," Roy acted like a yboy. His attractive eyes also seemed to tease her, "Am not entitled to be your boyfriend? Just be assured. Maybe I am not good at some things, but as far as sex..."

    He put the underwear onto the bed and stood up, walking towards her.

    Cassie was very careful and vignt at once. She just pointed at him, "You, go away."

    Her threat was nothing at all to Roy, who was tall and strong. Instead, he just walked forward and held her hand tightly. Then he pulled her forward. In this way, she was totally in his chest.

    "Let me go, you beast!" She had never touched this kind of man whose speech and behaviors were so vulgar. She kept struggling.

    However, Roy held her more tightly and said beside her ears, "I am good at it. And you can be...very happy."

    "Shut up! You are so shameless!" Cassie blushed and reached her hands out to attack him.

    "Otherwise, I will pull your bath towel down." Roy threatened her unhurriedly.

    Cassie immediately stopped her actions since Roy''s big hands were holding somewhere on her bath towel. As long as he pulled it, she would bepletely naked.

    "Embarrassed? I was just joking, we are adults now." Roy got nervous, seeing that her face was flushed as the rosy clouds, as well as excited.

    "I am not embarrassed at all. Let me go quickly, or I will shout out." She was extremely angry.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "You can just do it. Even if otherse in, they will just see the scene where you are lying in my chest with only an untidy bath towel. And you know what they will think of us?" Roy lowered his head and just nced at her cleavage clearly.

    Cassie noticed that he was looking somewhere several times, so she also followed along with his eyesight and was enraged, "Don''t look at me." Then she pulled up her bath towel but then revealed much about her hip and legs because of their small size. As a result, it was more convenient for Roy to see more of her.

    "Well, if you won''t allow me to look at you, so let''s have an embrace." Then he embraced her tightly and clenched her wrist to make them surround his neck.

    As her body approached the man''s, she felt the changes in his body.

    "You pervert!" she felt frightened and pushed him away with all her strength. She pointed at the door, "Get out!"

    She had had sex with Fredrick, so she naturally knew what these changes meant. She had had only one boyfriend, and it was Fredrick. She also only loved him. For her, he was not only a mentor that made her fall in love but a man that led her from a girl to a woman. She had never thought about what it would mean for her to touch others.

    But this man was so shameless to behave like this, even though they had only met a few times. He was a disgusting man and a disaster for women, she thought.

    Roy lowered to take a look at her. Then he couldn''t helpughing. As it was summer, he didn''t wear much. So his physical changes were clearly apparent. However, he was not embarrassed at all but looked at Cassie and snickered to her naturally, "It''s huge. Do you want to try?"

    "Get out!" Cassie was very mad, so she grabbed the pillow to throw toward him.

    Roy tilted his head and then escaped the attack, "Are you ustomed to throwing things? Coffee first, and then you threw a pillow. Let me warn you that we''re not even."

    "Not even? I want to kill you!" Cassie threw another pillow at him.

    Roy avoided it again. As he was about to say something, his phone rang. He had to stop, "Today, I''ll just let you go."

    "Get out!" Cassie became furious.

    As Roy went out, Cassie closed the door heavily, making a loud noise. He looked back at the tightly closed door and couldn''t help smiling. Then he took out his phone reluctantly and said, "Mom, why did you call me now?"

    "So I interrupted your date with some girl?" His mother knew much about him. Roy walked to the end of the corridor. At this time, it waste at night in Tours, and there was a sight of beautiful foreign scenery, "What''s wrong, Mom?"

    "If it wasn''t for the business of the group, I would not call you." Kelly lowered her voice.

    Upon hearing the word "group," Roy felt upset at once. He was to make an excuse to refuse the call, but his mother immediately added, "Please be patient. You know what, Roy, it was said that today Joseph had established a business rtionship with diamond mines in South Africa. It''s very possible there was an investment in a certain mine which had been put on the agenda before."

    "It''s fine. We all know that Joseph is capable." Roy didn''t care about it at all, so his answer was to the point.

 Chapter 121 121: You Don’t Get It

    "Fine? You know that Joseph is good at finding excellent diamond mines, and the jewels in the mines he is interested in must be invaluable. Your father trusts him so much that if this time he seeds, your and Ruby''s status will be badly influenced. He''s taken control of the Group, and if one day he makes an adjustment to the board of directors and attacks you two, what will you do? Roy, you are the eldest son in this family, so you need to be the sessor of the Group." Kelly uttered these words to enlighten Roy.

    "Mom." Roy pressed his temple, being impatient but stillposed, "Ruby and I aren''t good at business affairs. What''s more, I''m not interested in it at all, even if I take control of the Group. Over the years, thanks to the efforts Joseph has made, the Group can be expanded and developed, and Dad can have a rest. Joseph is definitely not who you assume him to be, Mom. You think too much."

    "You are an idiot. You never know what a man is just from his appearance. You can never trust anyone as long as their interests exist."

    "He''s my brother-inw, and we are family. So why shouldn''t I trust him?" Roy tried his best tofort his mother.

    These words made Kelly more worried, "Don''t you think that their marriage is abnormal?"

    "I don''t think so. It''s normal."

    "You don''t get it. You know what, they have been married for years, but Ruby still stays at home. Is that normal?"

    Royughed and said, "That''s because Ruby is not ustomed to their house. In addition, Joseph is so busy while Ruby just stays at home alone, so she must be very lonely."

    "How could a couple be like that? I asked Ruby, but she didn''t say anything. She was always rifying that she and Joseph got together because of love. I''m experienced and certainly don''t think her reason is true."

    "Okay, Okay. Mom, I have a lot of things to deal with, so there isn''t time to chat with you. To conclude, now that Dad believes in Joseph, you have no need to think too much. I have no idea about Ruby''s feelings, either. But I will not go back to the Group. That''s all."

    "Roy, listen to me..."

    Roy hung up the phone directly without letting Kelly finish speaking. He felt relieved.

    After a while, he walked to the door of Cassie''s room, knocking at the door, "Hey, let me in."

    "Go away!" Cassie shouted angrily. Roy burst intoughter.

    ****

    Irish had a good sleep. When she woke up, it was already noon. She felt so good as she saw the sunshine through the sheer curtains. It was awesome not to wake up before dawn but at noon, she thought.

    But the good feeling didn''tst for a very long time. She thought of a meeting she had around the corner, a meeting with Ruby.<novelnext></novelnext>

    She stood up to take a shower idly. As she was about to go out, she received a call from Bernert. It seemed that he didn''t feel well at all since he was shouting intermittent words without logic. Irish felt immediately that his illness had be more severe.

    Indeed it was the case as Irish thought. After Irish''sboriousforting, she understood that Bernert began to have nightmares again. In his dream, a woman was attacked by a man driving a truck and dragged to the door of a vi, and dismembered. In the darkness, he took the woman''s body apart.

    Irishforted Bernert at first and made an appointment for him to see ir. It was an appointment for behavioral therapy. This time ir showed a good cooperative attitude. Maybe he sensed the severity of this case, so he promised that Bernert could see him at the institute tomorrow.

    After arranging all these affairs, Irish called Jay. She asked whether he had dealt with any big murder cases recently, such as dismemberment. Jay said no and thenughed at her that she herself became abnormally disturbed as she was involved in some individual cases.

    Irish hung up the call after some casual chatting with Jay. To some extent, she was relieved.

    Then as she was to go out, she received a call from Ruby. Her voice was tentative, "Isabel, I am at the restaurant now."

    "Okay." She answered it without any emotion and then hung it up.

    They met in Midtown Manhattan at a high-end and exotic restaurant.

    Ruby arranged their meeting here out of convenience for Irish since she lived nearby. However, Irish was not grateful for it at all. Upon sitting down, she ordered the dishes from a very handsome foreign waiter and then sneered at Ruby, "It''s true that the life of the rich is different from that of the poor."

    Ruby seemed to be used to Irish''s sneering and indifference, so she just frowned lightly and said, "I hardly go out. What''s more, it''s the first private lunch for us, so I''m taking it seriously."

    "Yeah, it''s true. After all, you are the wife of the rich, so you can still lead a wonderful life even if you don''t work." Then the coffee was served, and Irish took it and said lightly, "But I am not the same case as you, and my time is precious. So just say it directly, why did you ask me toe here?"

    "I...just want to ask about someone from you." Ruby soon took out her phone and showed a photo, "His name is Eric. Do you know anything about him?"

    Irish didn''t raise her head, nor her eyes and just said, "But you said that it was about Joseph."

    "Yes, actually, there are two topics today. One is about Joseph, while the other is about Eric." Ruby got anxious and pulled Irish''s arm, "It is said that he has been to the Linkus Mental Research Institute. Isabel, please tell me something about him, please."

    Irish pulled her arm back and took a look at the photo on the phone. The man in the photo was handsome with bright eyes and graceful eyebrows, truly a beautiful man.

 Chapter 122 122: Why Should I Feel Humiliated?

    Irish put her coffee spoon beside and said, "He was my individual case. I remember him. "

    "So he really went to see a psychologist..." Ruby got nervous and upset.

    Irish didn''t say anything. As the waiter served all the dishes on the table, she began to enjoy it. Actually, she didn''t care about Ruby''s expressions at all.

    "What did he say to you?" Ruby asked suddenly.

    Irish looked up and said coldly, "Sorry, that is confidential, so I can''t disclose it to anyone." She remembered this man because a good-looking man could always be impressive. He came and asked her a very strange question, and then didn''te anymore. But she talked to him a lot that day.

    Ruby knew that she could not get any information from her, so she had to give up. She took the phone back and then fiddled with her dessert, staying silent.

    Irish was fed up with her, so she grabbed her bag and stood up to leave. "Hey, Isabel..." Ruby stopped her. Irish looked at her coldly and angrily.

    Ruby sighed lightly and took out an envelope from her purse. She pushed it forward to Irish and said lightly, "You can have a look."

    Irish nced at her and then sat down.

    She took the envelope and found that inside it there was a stack of photos. She took them out and hesitated for a few seconds, looking up at Ruby''s expressions.

    She didn''t look at Irish but sipped the coffee slowly.

    Irish didn''t say anything but took out all the photos, looking at them one by one.

    She was quite familiar with the man and the woman in the photos. It was her and Joseph.

    The photos contained some shots on the golf course when Joseph taught her how to y golf through hand guidance. At first nce, they have not snapped pictures but captured ones. In the photo, under the sunshine, she lowered herself to look at the golf ball on the ground while Joseph tilted his head to look at her.

    She never thought he was more handsome than when he looked at her with deep and emotional feelings.

    There were also some photos in Pennsylvania. Some were from when he put clothes on her and when he passed on a bottle of water to her and smiled. There were also some other photos of when they held each other tightly and drank at the party.

    All in all, the photographer recorded all their actions with excellent photography techniques and tracking skills. From these pictures, it was not hard to figure out that she and Joseph appeared to be lovers without separation from each other.

    Oh, no. It looked like she and Joseph were having a stealthy love affair.

    But from seeing these photos, Irish never had expected that they were actually so well matched in front of the camera.

    Irish silently put the pictures away. "It seems that the so-called rtionship between sisters was an excuse for you to catch adultery in the act."

    Ruby was embarrassed by what she said. She lowered her head and bit her lips.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Don''t get me wrong. I didn''t take or send these pictures. I didn''t want to follow you to investigate you." Ruby looked distrustful.

    Irish snorted, "Then why''d you let me see these pictures? You do not intend to denounce me?"

    "I��" Ruby looked up at her with soft eyes, "you are my sister, even if you do something wrong, I will not me you."

    "Oh, I''m so touched." Irish raised the photos in her hand, staring at her, "so you are holding the photos to remind me that the next time I date your husband, I need to be vignt, right?"

    Ruby''s fingers trembled, and her eyshes shed, "I want to ask you whether you two are.... already together?

    "Together?" Irish stared at her, looking funny.

    "Yes, whether you are already living together." Her voice was as low as a mosquito.

    The more she looked timid, the more Irish got angry, and she wanted to get up and p her pitiful face. She bit her teeth andughed deliberately. "Your voice is too quiet for me to hear."

    "Isabel, you..."

    "Oh, I know, you want to ask whether we are in a rtionship?" Irish intentionally raised the tone.

    There were other people in the restaurant, all of them heard and started looking over.

    "Lower your voice." Ruby was anxious.

    Irish ignored those strange eyes, spreading out her hands, "Shame? Why should I feel humiliated?"

    "Shall we talk about the same thing?" Ruby was about to cry, "If you''ve really followed him, then could you please leave him?"

    "Atst, we finally got to the point. That''s right. How can you show off your status as a legal wife if you can''t persuade me to leave?" Irish leisurely leaned back on the chair, but her eyes were cool, "Then, this time, I will naturally take the tone of a third person. Leave him? No way. I''m already his woman. How can I leave? Besides, your husband is tall, handsome, gentle, and rich. I''m not saying that his skills in bed aren''t so bad, how can I be willing to leave?"

    "How could you have sex with him?" said Ruby. "He is your brother-inw!" She was pale.

    "Then you should go back and ask him what he thinks, knowing that I am his sister-inw and he''s sleeping with me." Irish smiled faintly with an arrogant face, "you won''t be so insensible? You saw that night at your house how nervous he was with me. I''m wondering how your mother ignored the pain my Mom bore when she was Henry Lake''s other woman!"

    Her words were sharp knives piercing Ruby''s heart.

    Ruby''s fingers trembled, closing her eyshes to cover the uneasiness. She reached for a coffee cup but found that her hand trembled badly, so sheid it down. Irish''s words proved her assumption. She suspected that night and had noticed Joseph had been anxious back home. She had known him for years, and it was unusual. He said to her that he only took a look at the room across from them, but then he did note back that night.

    Joseph was not a man who would have broken his word, even if it was a small thing, but that day he had broken his word because of Irish.

 Chapter 123 123: I Will Ask For More Compensation

    "If you advise me to leave, save it. It''s your husband who can''t be without me." Irish''s smile was like the poison of a cobra destroying Ruby''s sanity.

    "No, Joseph is not that kind of person," Ruby shook her head and clutched her coffee cup tightly as if she were leaning on thest point of strength to support her body. "He is a man who is very principled in his work. I know he had a woman and a lover before we were married. But when we got married, he broke up with the woman. He was emotionally divided, he was very responsible, and he would never hide it from me."

    Irish''s heart seemed to have been pricked by thousands of needles. She knew that, with his status, he could not be without a woman, even if he was not a yboy, he had normal physiological needs, but somehow, she just felt suffocated and ufortable.

    "Isabel, are you truly in love with him?" Ruby suddenly asked.

    Irish was slightly startled and subconsciously said, "What does it matter if I love him or not?"

    Ruby also realized that she had asked a stupid question and could not help shaking her head. "No matter whether you love him or not, I beg you not to mess with him. He is a very good person, though he seems unkind," Ruby said. "But he is really good to the Lake family and to me. Such a good man, I beg you not to destroy him."

    "Me? Destroy him? Did you even hear yourself?"

    "Yeah. Whether you are really in love or not, it is impossible for you to be together. He is the son-inw of the Lake family, and you are his sister-inw. You must stay away from him, or his reputation, his status, everything he has now, will be ruined by you." Ruby said sincerely and seriously.

    Irish stared at her without saying a word.

    "Isabel, if it were not for this rtionship, I would really agree for both of you to love each other. To tell you the truth, you two feel very good together, but he is my husband, and you are my sister. I can''t watch you two fall into gossip." Ruby reached for her hand but stopped at thest moment, her finger slightly retracted.

    At the bottom of Irish''s eyes was coolness. Her body was slightly leaning forward, and her eyes were still like sharp swords, "Ruby, I robbed you of your husband, just like your mother robbed my mother''s man! Time flies, but the wound in my heart can''t be healed!"

    Ruby''s eyes were slightly shaken.

    "Did your mother teach you what I just said? Oh, I guess she was still thinking she did what was best for her. Isn''t it exciting that history repeats but this time around, it''s the opposite party who did it? "A mocking smile drew at the corner of her mouth. Irish was unkind, like a hedgehog with pointed spines.

    "Isabel, do you have to hate the Lake family because of the past?"<novelnext></novelnext>

    "You are wrong. What I hate is not the Lake family but you and your parents! What they have destroyed, I will ask for morepensation than what you think!"

    Ruby''s hand trembled, and the coffee sshed over.

    "Ruby, do not pretend in front of me with your pitiful look, where''s your arrogance? At that time, you pointed at the tip of my nose and called me a wild seed. You drove me out of the house and didn''t let me step inside." Irish suddenly smiled, her heart pounding.

    That year her mother was seriously ill, still holding the picture of that man in her bed. Small as she was, Irish asked all along the way to find the Lake''s house. She did not understand, they had the same father, why were they so different? Ruby, like a golden leaf, drove home in a luxury car, had a babysitter to attend school, ate and dressed well, and lived luxuriously like a princess.

    And she really was a princess,pared sharply to Irish''s sallowplexion.

    When she saw Irish, she was off school and stood in front of the door. No matter how she begged her, she would not let her in. She called her a wild seed and said she was ill-prepared to rob her father.

    Father?

    When her mother died, the word fatherpletely disappeared from her life.

    Ruby''s face looked terrible, "At the time, I was small, not sensible. Isabel, I knew I was wrong a long time ago, really, and because of that, when you dropped that letter I desperately sent it to my father, but father, he... was on a business trip and still couldn''t get back to see your mother for thest time."

    "That really understates and weakens your argument and just insults me." Irish smiled, "but thanks to your ignorance, how could I have vowed to be better than you? It turns out that you are really a piece of cartge now, even if your husband does not listen to you."

    "You will regret this, Isabel, you really will." Ruby grabbed her hand regardless, and her eyes were eager, "if you just want revenge on me, you better do it right. I don''t know what it''s like when Joseph is with you, but it''s not hard to see you are in his eyes. Even the blind could see the changes in his eyes. If he really falls in love with you, and you just see him as a tool, what will he think of you when he knows that one day?"

    Irish squinted slightly.

    "In your eyes, I am nothing but a greenhouse flower. But even if I know nothing, for so many years, I''ve had a certain understanding of Joseph. He is not a man ying emotional games, if he loves, that must be true, and he will notpromise with reality. His strength will not allow others to destroy him, but he will be willing to be destroyed for the sake of the woman he loves." Ruby''s eyes were deste, looking at Irish, "Unless he volunteered, no one would shake his reputation and status. If he knows that his sacrifice is nothing more than a joke, he will make your life a living hell!"

 Chapter 124 124: Do You Need Help?

    Thest sentence was so powerful that it almost shook Irish.

    After a long time, she recovered her voice, rose up, and said, "That''s true. For our sake, pray for us day and night, and bless your husband and me to be truly in love with each other." She took the photos on the table and left.

    Ruby saw her figure fade away, and her thick brows frowned tightly.

    The sunshine in the afternoon shone sharp.

    A wave of heat came up, rolling in the air, and people felt like they were standing on fire.

    Irish did note home, hanging out on the street like a ghost. She unconsciously walked to Midtown Manhattan, and there were fewer people. She stood before the Versace gship store, looking at the graceful models wearing the new arrivals of Summer, and then she entered.

    She suddenly felt cool.

    The assistant walked forward to serve her with enthusiasm. Irish pointed at the long dress on the model in the shop window and said, "This one."

    She quickly was led into the dressing room, which wasrge and surrounded by ss. They reflected her figure. Irish did not immediately try on the clothes but dropped herself onto the sofa and looked at herself quietly. The one opposite her had the same figure as her, but it was likely to escape from her shell and ask, "what do you want to do?"

    Right. What did she want to do? Because of the coldness of the room, her brain began gradually restoring to normal function. Ruby''s words became clearer in that kind of air. "If he knows his sacrifice is nothing more than a joke, he will make your life a living hell!"

    Irish suddenly shivered, not knowing whether it was because of the cold or those words.

    Putting the dress aside, she curled herself up on the sofa, with her arms embracing herself. Herplexion was abnormally pale, like a rabbit drained out of blood, and only a kick could let her die.

    She admitted that she was humiliated and had done all these shameful things. Should she continue? If she were the other one, she would definitely p her until she sobered her. But she was so clear that it was extremely difficult for her to let it go.

    Irish rubbed her face with force and looked anxious in her reflection.

    Someone knocked on the door lightly, "Miss, is it suitable? Do you need help?" She had been there for a long time.

    Irish came to herself and rose up. When she was about to speak, she nced at two women who were pushing the door and unconsciously hid herself in the dressing room and said, "Can I have a smaller size?"

    The assistant nodded and left. Outside, because there were only a few people, Irish inevitably heard the conversation between them.

    "Your daughter and your son-inw are really a destined couple. I can''t shift my eyes from them when they are standing together."

    One womanughed, "Who would be as well matched for your son-inw?"

    "That''s true, he is the highest rank, and it''s hard to find another man like him. My daughter is also good, so it is very important for them to be matched for marriage. What kind of man will find that kind of woman." The voice of another woman was proud.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish leaned against the door of the dressing room, and her eyes became cold. The son-inw named by the woman was Joseph. That day was so "lucky" that she had just met the woman''s daughter and then met her!

    "Well, I heard from my husband that your son-inw went to Pennsylvania with a girl this time. Is it his lover?"

    Shirley Lake sneered, "That''s impossible. My son-inw loves my daughter so much, how could another woman attract him? It''s just a bad little girl who is too young to obtain such a prize. The man who married my daughter is high enough that the girl should take good consideration."

    "Well, that''s it."

    The two women talked andughed, and Irish heard Shirley shout, "Take out all the new and limited models in your store this year."

    The tone was too high-keyed to hide her arrogance.

    She clenched her fists in the fitting room. She knew that Irish was the one who went there with Joseph and told everyone that she was just a bad girl? That bitch robbed her of her father and killed her mother, knowing nothing about repentance, only wanting her to live her mother''s life?

    After a long time, her anger subsided, but her eyes became cold and sharp; hastily, she took her phone to dial a string of numbers.

    The man got through soon.

    Her voice turned soft and weak. "Brother-inw, I feel very ufortable."

    We meet toote, so our identities are wrong; we love toote, and there are too many people in our way. Should I turn away, choosing to be alone, or fall in love with you regardless of the crowd?

    ****

    On a summer night, bustling traffic flowed under the neon lights, and there was an increasing fanaticism of people''s shadows shuttling through the lights.

    Not far away from the crowded streets of Midtown Manhattan, Irish''s house was so still that she could hear the sound of a needle dropping. Sheid quietly on her bed, looking at the clock''s hands. The clock ticked with each beat of her heart. In an absolutely quiet environment, her ears acted as a powerful receiver, and she could hear people through the toughened ss, her heartbeats, and her breathing.

    A refracted light shed through the ss. It was a pair of car headlights.

    Irish was still waiting.

    Until the downstairs doorbell rang, she sat up from the bed, and her heart finally started beating faster. The doorbell continued methodically, showing the visitor''s patience and determination. She got up and went down the stairs, and as she passed the coffee table in the living room, she picked up the scattered photos and pressed them under a book, leaving only a small corner showing.

    She opened the door, finding Joseph.

    He had apparentlye directly from thepany in a dark shirt, ck suit, and a fine belt that matched the low light behind him.

 Chapter 125 125: These Cost A Fortune

    She wore Victoria''s Secret pajamas with her hair hanging down.

    "Come in," She kept her head down and settled herself on the sofa in the living room without much emotion.

    Joseph entered the door, closed it, and put the car key on the shelf of the door. He came to her, sat down, and reached for her forehead.

    She did not move and stared at him with her big eyes open.

    "You don''t have a fever," He took back his hand and seemed relieved.

    Irish noddedzily.

    "What''s wrong with you?"

    "My head, heart, body, hands, and feet, everywhere. I''m ufortable everywhere," She muttered a word.

    Joseph can not helpughing in a low voice, "Who made you angry?"

    She winked without answering.

    "Where were you when you called me?" He knew that she had not been home.

    Irish thought about it and got up from the sofa again. "Wait here." Then she went up the stairs.

    Joseph was confused, but he also felt at ease. He was in a meeting when she called, and her voice was weak, like a cat whose tail had been cut off, and then she whispered to him that she was ufortable.

    At the end of the meeting, he hurried over to her. There was so much traffic that he had run several red lights and only hoped that she would not be ill or have a high fever.

    It seemed that she was not in a good mood.

    He sat on the sofa, and he looked around, not surprised. The room was decorated with a fantastic style, so ck and gray would not exist. There was a green sofa, blueke carpet, a red wooden chair, and a modernmp, but also a ''40s bucket cab and an old telephone. In a word, it looked like a vivid color collision.

    There was also a huge picture on the wall, ck and white, but oddly integrated with the environment elegantly. Joseph looked at the woman in the picture, and pain shed in his eyes.

    There were several books on the coffee table, he picked up one about psychology. As he was preparing to put it down, he inadvertently scanned a corner of the picture underneath and took the book away, only to find that there were a lot of pictures.

    He picked up the photos, seeing them one by one, and his originally gentle lips gradually stiffened, quietly infected with cold. His thick eyebrows slightly frowned, forming sharp lines.

    When Irish came downstairs, she saw this scene. She hummed in her heart but did not say anything about it. Irish went forward and satzily beside Joseph, passing a delicate box to him, temporarily obscuring his sight.

    "What?" Joseph did not understand.

    "Open it and see it," Irish leaned against him and looked up, smiling close to him.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Joseph temporarily put down the photos, took the box, and opened it. It was Givenchy''s pair of delicate cufflinks, a simple and gorgeous design. He raised his eyebrows, and she reached for his arm, "I saw it this afternoon. I feel it is quite suitable for you?"

    "These cost a fortune."

    "What are you talking about?" Irish''s voice was so sweet that she pounded his chest with her fists, so the distance between them was closed.

    But Irish''s intention to approach was not rejected by Joseph, who smiled and let her pound and caress his arms. Instead, she struggled symbolically for a little while, then acted like a soft cat in his arms.

    "Do you like it?" She held up a cufflink and whispered softly at him.

    Joseph looked down at her, and his low voice softened. "I like it." This likeness included too much, as she was the only one in his eyes at the moment.

    She was clever and aware of his true meaning and did not pretend to ask him how much he liked it. Then she took the cuff and was ready to put it on him, but he stopped her.

    She was puzzled and looked up at him.

    "Fool, I am afraid to hurt you," He gave an exnation with a smile.

    Irish was startled because of his smile but also because of his thoughtfulness. Her heart had a trace of hesitation and inadvertently eroded her determination.

    "I promise to wear it at work."

    "You promised, and you must keep your word," Irish smiled again.

    She was in his arms again, with her face attached to his chest, listening to the sound of the man''s heartbeat and breathing his enchanting wood fragrance. But the eyes of her smile gradually converged with a glimmer of cold, staring at the cuff on her fingertip.

    She may, at some point, just want to be an ostrich and bury her head in the sand, but it doesn''t mean being bullied and blind. She bought the pair of men''s cufflinks when Shirley Lake talked about how good her son-inw and daughter were. She stepped out of the fitting room and walked past her and went to the men''s section, pointed at a pair of cufflinks casually, and said to the clerk, "Show me this."

    It was not difficult to skim Shirley Lake''s embarrassed look, she was surprised and hesitated at the cufflinks in her hand.

    She was sneering, and Shirley''s sharp look was like a color palette. What would happen if she saw the cufflinks in Joseph''s cuffs?

    Irish felt happy when she thought of the possible scene in the future. Before she smiled, he asked. "Are you feeling any better?"

    She raised her eyes, and he bowed his head, their eyes intertwined. Her eyes were clear, and his eyes filled with concern.

    Irish nodded slightly, gently pulled his big hand, and yed with his slender fingers. At the next moment, his big hands were tucked away and sped with her slender fingers.

    "Can you tell me now who has looked for you?" He sighed.

    It was the first time for him to be led by her. Irish was like a child who amused him, making him anxious to think she was sick, but she was not. She just wanted him to wear the cufflinks she bought. He had never received a woman''s gift because it was weird to take it. But he was more than happy with the gift and her active snuggling.

 Chapter 126 126: Explicit Photos

    He did not want to me her for wasting time, for when she took the initiative to stay in his arms, he found that his heart, which had been empty for a long time, was finally filled with tenderness.

    He should have pushed her away or warned her not to y with fire until he knew his feelings. But men are always selfish, not to mention the desires of a gentleman like him, and once he had tasted it, the desire to possess her became stronger.

    He was unable to do so.

    Irish smiled and looked up from his arms and pressed his cheek very closely.

    "What do you think of the photos? I think they look good."

    "If I had the time, I''d rather shoot a set with you than be snapped sneakily," Joseph said meaningfully and closed his arms to hug her tightly, "If you really feel better, you should not be ufortable about it."

    She was not a casual person or, in some cases, even extremely cautious, such as with her thoughts and emotions. He could see it because she deliberately let him know that.

    Irish looked at him from the side, "Who do you think shot those?"

    "Anyone who knows me could have done it." He smiled lightly.

    Irish was wise to hear the other meaning in his words, "So, this is not the first time you''ve been shot sneakily?"

    "Why are you struggling with this question?" Joseph couldn''t help caressing her face.

    "Because," Irish held his neck and smiled. "I was wondering, who was thest woman who had the honor to be together with you in a picture? Did you want her to meet your physical needs, or was she your regr lover?"

    Joseph felt a little confused.

    Irish sighed deliberately and said, "In fact, I was wrongly criticized by others. Those women who had been exposed in public had love affairs with you, and they were truly your lovers. However, I am just an outsider, snapped clearly in these photos."

    "You should be awyer," Joseph didn''t know how to refute her and felt helpless, "I am so busy with my work that I barely have time to sleep. So I don''t really have time for many lovers."

    "But you still had your fixed lover," She mumbled. Joseph didn''t talk anymore and stared at her, smiling.

    Irish realized that she was being too aggressive, so she just lowered her head and added, "I mean, I was just wrongly thought of as your lover."

    And Joseph held her, touching her cheek, and said in a low voice, "Hey, woman, do you want to be my lover?"

    At first, Irish didn''t get the point, but then she understood when she sensed Joseph''s smile. She suddenly blushed.

    Josephughed at her look and then murmured beside her, "In the past, I had a fixed lover, but you can be assured that I have never had sex with her."<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish felt itchy in her ears. Joseph''s warmth and words made her feel shy and excited. She understood what he was saying. She had just casually mentioned the word "lover," but he erged its meaning jokingly, she thought. She stared at him when he suddenly looked serious.

    But surprisingly, she also raised a questionck of consideration, stupidly asking, "Why didn''t you have sex with her?" As this question blurted out, she was astonished by her own silliness and then felt extremely shameful.

    However, Joseph turned to her face and said both fictitiously and sincerely, "It''s because that I will only have sex with someone I love."

    Irish felt stressed and moved by him, pushing him away in a conditioned response.

    Joseph looked at her with a half-smile.

    She got the point of his words but was made nervous by his joke. So she immediately looked somewhere else and dared not to look straight into his eyes.

    It was all because she felt afraid.

    As for what she was afraid of, she herself had been seeking the answer.

    Especially at night, when shey on her bed, she would think of the feeling of being nestled in his bosom. It was a sense of security andfort that she had never felt before. This feeling was so strong that it was as if the bosom belonged to her originally.

    She was perplexed by this kind of feeling, and gradually she understood that what she was afraid of most was a sense of attachment.

    She was afraid that she would rely on him.

    She was also afraid that she would long for his breath.

    She was more afraid that she would pine for his thoughtfulfort and charming smile.

    What she was afraid of most was that this kind of attachment would go bad and finally be something she could never abandon.

    This thought was like an rm bell that could be knocked at any time, making her nervous and restless. Did she underestimate Joseph? Actually, every single woman would be drawn in by his charm and capability. On the one hand, he promised sufficient time for her, and he treated her in a patient and soft way. He would never restrain his love for her, and he never forced her to make responses at once. Actually, he just stood there, silently but sometimes forcefully. All these behaviors made her feel restless and helpless.

    She sadly found that it had been a long time since she had thought of Fredrick.

    She didn''t expect this kind of feeling since it would blur her thoughts and determination.

    She didn''t know what he was waiting for. Waiting for the time when she had a clear idea about her emotions? Or had he known about her intentions to retaliate against the Lake family? If his thought was the former, then what waited for her was a great storm. But if it was thetter, maybe she could still survive by giving up her n as soon as possible.

    Seeing that her eyes didn''t focus on anything, Joseph knew that she was absent-minded again, so he frowned and reached out his hands, holding her into his bosom as if grabbing a kitten. Finally, she recovered from her thinking and said unhappily, "You hurt me."

 Chapter 127 127: Just Let It Be My Turn

    "You would not have noticed me unless I had hurt you," He reproached.

    Irish smiled with her lips closed lightly.

    "Okay, do not be angry. What did Ruby tell you?" He stared at her.

    She was confused for some time. Joseph seemed to get some points that even she didn''t realize. He thought that she was angry with his fixed lover mentioned before.

    "It seems that only Ruby knows that you have had a fixed lover before," Otherwise, he would not have thought of Ruby immediately.

    Joseph said in a low voice, "I mentioned it before."

    Irish seemed to be thinking of something, but soon she hid her thoughts in her eyshes. And then, as she raised her head, she appeared to be exceedingly fascinating and charming, "Your wife warned me that I should leave you."

    Joseph raised his eyebrows upon hearing these words.

    She also looked straight into his eyes.

    "I suppose that she didn''t win since you are so eloquent," He smiled lightly.

    "You know what; you make me feel that you really want two women to have a quarrel over you." Irish got closer to him and smiled.

    Joseph tightened his arms, letting her entwine herself with him like an octopus, "Nobody in the world hopes that."

    "So you are so confident that you can get along well with two women at the same time?" There were just several centimeters between her lips and his. And her voice was as soft as a marshmallow.

    Joseph was obsessed with her fragrant and sweet smell, so he just said with a smile, "I don''t have much time, so I only want one woman."

    She escaped his look, "So do you want me to leave?"

    She gave the initiative to Joseph.

    Joseph didn''t answer quickly, so she looked up to him, waiting for his answer casually and seriously.

    It was silent.

    There was only the sound of the clock, click by click, which meant that time passed by second by second. The past silence seemed to battle against the softness of the present.

    Joseph raised his hands with fingers touching her face, looking at her deeply. His eyebrows returned down, and he said, "No, I don''t."

    Then he lowered himself and kissed her lips.

    As his thin lips attached to hers, she sniffed the smell of wood. Irish''s rationality immediately went away with the clean smell.

    She intended to grasp for control but only could grab his bosom. Joseph pulled her hands behind his neck and made them surround it. His kiss was lingering and emotional, just like in Pennsylvania. This was their second kiss.

    She had never told him that it was the first time she was ever so close to a man on that night.

    He was experienced, so he could lead her and drive away her reason time and time again. But he was also greedy, and that was why he had the impulse and power to swallow her into his drowning desire.

    Irish only found herself deeply immersed in it, though she struggled to escape. Soon, Joseph''s kiss fell on her chin and neck. She originally thought that he would continue to plunder, but he kissed her earlobe again, murmuring, "Isabel, don''t think too much. Just let it be my turn."<novelnext></novelnext>

    These words were like the heaviest promise, which pressed her so much.

    "I hate the name ''Isabel," She chose another topic.

    Joseph burst out inughter, and deep in his eyes, there was obvious favor. He kissed the tip of her nose and then said in a low voice, "Such a silly woman. I never call you by your name. "Isabel" is my nickname for you."

    She suddenly understood and was surprised.

    She was filled with a mixed sense of warmth and sorrow. This time she was reluctant to get out of it.

    ****

    Irish was still asleep when Jay called her. On the phone, Jay''s voice was serious, Irish, is one of your clients named ''Bernert''?

    Irish was still sleepy, and without much consideration, she just murmured, "Yeah."

    "The dismemberment case you asked about before has really urred, and your client was in a spot at that time." Jay''s voice was as cold as the rain in winter.

    Irish sat up immediately from the bed, long hair drooping down.

    She drove her jeep westward madly to the address given to her by Jay, and finally, she arrived at the foot of the Gate Vige after 3 hours and found several police cars there.

    It was raining, and the mist was like an unbreakable gauze curtain. It was not until Irish drove to the foot of the mountain did she find that there was a well-conditioned vi that the police had blocked off. Outside the vi, there was a canopy over the spot.

    Irish knew that the location where the canopy was set was the crime scene.

    A police officer recognized Irish and then called Jay. Then they entered the vi together.

    "Where is Bernert?" Having no time to look around, Irish posed her first question upon entering.

    Jay appeared to be awake and passionate, though he had not slept for several days. "He has been beside the body, unwilling to go no matter how much we tried to pull him away. So we had to call you."

    "Take me to where he is."

    "Hey, Irish..." Jay stopped her immediately, "It will be better to take Bernert here. You''d better not go there."

    Irish stared at him, "Are you kidding me? He is my patient. So just take me there."

    Jay had to follow her words without other tricks.

    It was terrible to see the scene of a fragmented bloody body. Bernert was kneeling down beside the body, motionless with a dull expression on his face.

    It was just at the site where the canopy was set that she had just passed by.

    The meadow beside the canopy was wet, and inside, the canopy was filled with a pungent smell of carrion mixed with that of the rain. It was disgusting. Bernert knelt down outside the warning line and watched the legal, medical experts, and investigators obtaining evidence. His cracked lips trembled heavily. Irish walked forward, seeing the clouds of carrion dug out from the soil. She tried her best to resist the temptation to vomit and said to Bernert calmly, "Is this scene the same as in your dream?"

    Her voice was like the gospel from heaven, and Bernert turned around at once. Recognizing that it was Irish, he stood up and pulled her hands tightly with great terror, "Doctor Irish, I dreamt of this woman. It was her! It was her! She really died. This woman in reality died...and was dismembered��."

 Chapter 128 128: The Vivid Details Of The Crime

    Irish appeared to be even more serious through the rain and the mist. Someone close by was reproaching others. It was a legal medical expert. He might have med his apprentice for his inexperience in a case like this. This legal medical expert also looked terrible, trying his best not to vomit. As for Irish, the coldness in her deep heart was beyond the feeling of nausea. She looked back at the body dug out from the soil and found that this woman had been fragmented into four parts. Her two arms were put on the left, while two legs were on the right. The main body was in the middle, and her head was ced above them. It looked like she was saluting her own body.

    How could one conduct such a cruel action toward another? She thought.

    "Bernert." Irish squatted down and looked at him, "It''s the same, right?" She asked it again seriously.

    Bernert nodded weakly with fingers shaking heavily.

    "Irish," Jay called her, suggesting that they needed to talk somewhere else.

    Irish stood up, and Jay pulled her to one side in a low voice, "Before you came here, Bernert had told us the process of the murder. ording to the initial judgment made by the medical experts, it''s the exact same as Bernert had described."

    "What do you mean?" Irish frowned and looked at him unhappily.

    Jay knew Irish well. As unconcerned as she seemed to be, she was serious about this work. Jay took a nce at Bernert and then looked at Irish, "It is reasonable for us to suspect Bernert."

    "You suspect that he killed that woman?"

    "Not suspect. Some vigers near here have seen Bernert before," Jay also became serious.

    Irish seemed to be thinking of something. After a while, she shook her head, "He could not be the killer."

    "Irish..."

    "Sir, pleasee here." Jay was interrupted by someone calling him. Jay walked forward. Feeling strange, Irish also followed him.

    The legal medical expert took out a nail with a length of 11 centimeters, "It was found on the head of the victim, directly inserted into the retina."

    Jay looked terrible.

    "Let me have a look," Irish said.

    The legal medical expert hesitated, while Jay agreed.

    Wearing a set of rubber gloves, Irish took over the tweezers and observed the long nail carefully. After a while, she returned it back without any words. Then she squatted down to examine the head of the victim, peeling away the hair that had been dyed by the blood to get a better look at where the long nail was inserted. She frowned again and asked as she took a nce at the victim''s long hair, "Has the head been moved?"

    Jay was ustomed to her boldness.

    He answered, "No."

    Irish didn''t say anything further. Noticing that the dead''s long hair was put on the floor tidily, she took a look at the main body again and found that all the limbs were broken at the joints, and they were all put together tidily.

    She was absorbed in thought.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Halt," Jay shouted suddenly.

    Irish was interrupted by him all of a sudden. She looked up and found that Bernert had run out of the canopy. Jay chased him, and she also rushed into the

    rain without hesitation.

    Bernert didn''t flee to escape punishment but rushed to the mountain behind the vi. He then knelt down beside a small valley. Separated from the rain, Irish didn''t see his expressions clearly, but she could feel his grief.

    After shouting loudly, Bernert began to dig out the soil in a mad way.

    Jay didn''t know what he was doing, so he just stopped suddenly. However, Irish rushed forward without much consideration and knelt down to dig together with Bernert.

    "Irish..." Jay pulled her immediately and shouted with the thunder and lightning, "Are you crazy?"

    "Stop it. Get more police here. There is a body." Irish shouted.

    Jay was confused. Seeing that Irish was serious, he took out the radio immediately to demand more police toe and started helping them dig.

    Soon Irish touched something hard. At first, she was surprised, and then she dug down quickly. The long hair in the soil tangled around her fingers, and then the head, which had decayed badly, was pulled out. Bernert grabbed it as he saw it and then shouted loudly, loosening his grip. At this time, Irish caught it so quickly that the head wasn''t damaged by him because of his terror and panic.

    Sensing that the situation had be more severe, Jay reported it to the headquarters in a minute.

    Soon, several colleagues in the vi had arrived, and the personnel responsible for checking the site began their work. Irish took off the rubber gloves and was immersed in deep thinking as she looked at Bernert, who was trembling beside her.

    Not in a stable state, Bernert''s teeth chattered with each other as he began to speak, "My dream is real...Doctor Irish, as you see... I''ve told you my dream about this dead body."

    Of course, Irish remembered it. Otherwise, she would not havee.

    The body in the soil of the back mountain was dug out fully. Irish came forward again to have a good look at it. She found that it was the same as Bernert had described. The cause of death was the same, and even the method of dismemberment was simr. In addition, the legal medical expert found another long nail that had also appeared in Bernert''s dream.

    "Jay," Irish stood up, letting the rain pour onto her, and walked to the other side, tired and wet.

    Jay walked forward.

    "Here are some clues for you." Irish''s face was a little pale, but she still continued, "First, the criminal is a male with height not above 1.75m; second, he might be a heretic, or at least he believes in the form of ''tame head'' in Thand and Mysia; third, he might have lost his beloved, such as his parents or rtives, and others killed them. Lastly, he is a man with obsessivepulsive disorder."

    Jay frowned, "A male with a height not beyond 1.75m? How do you know that?"

    "Bernert saw the man''s back in his dream."

 Chapter 129 129: Do You Have A Cold?

    ? "It''s nonsense." Jay felt astonished, "What about ''heretic''?"

    "I have dealt with such an individual case abroad. Those criminals inserted a long nail into a site directly to the retina because they hoped that the dead would never remember his appearance again. In this way, the dead could not pursue him as he went to hell. And it is only one kind of so-called ''tame head.'' It is said that only some hedonists believe in this. Those who believe in this tend to be people who have suffered great pains and have seen their rtives killed by others; thus, their mentality bes distorted. All of these are possible.

    "How did you conclude that he is a man with obsessivepulsive disorder?"

    "From the way he arranged the body," Irish sniffled with a great force and inhaled in, an astonishing smell of rancid flesh, "The limbs of these two bodies were broken at their joints in a tidy way, and their arms and legs were put together in the same direction. What''s more, the heads stood there, and the hair wasid out horizontally. All these prove that the criminal was not fond of untidy objects and needed to put them away in a tidy way. And that is the exact clinical manifestation of one with obsessivepulsive disorder."

    Jay kept silent for a while, "You still don''t believe that Bernert killed these women?"

    "No, he is not the killer," Irish emphasized it word by word.

    Jay looked at Bernert in a sharp way only to see that he was frightened enough to be motionless, shaking wholly. Jay took a deep breath and then said, "Although he is guaranteed to be innocent by you, he has to be supervised by us before the case is solved."

    "Okay. But do not interrupt his work, nor notify his families." Irish said firmly, "His wife is weak, and his children are still young, so he is the pir of the family."

    Jay nodded.

    The phone rang. It was Irish.

    Answering the phone, Irish heard the serious voice of ir, "Doctor Irish, the diagnosis about Bernert hase out. Maybe the fact is not what we had predicted before, so I suggest that you and Cheska arrange another hypnotherapy session for Bernert at the appropriate time."

    Irish heard what he said and then looked at Bernert, who was not far from her. She said in a clear way, "Yes, I agree. I have the same thoughts as you. I''m afraid that the facts are way beyond our imagination."

    ****

    Cassie really learned a lot at the Diamond Identification Event in Paris. As this was a business trip at public expense, she needed to make a detailed report on what she had learned in Paris.

    After dealing with her work, she chatted with Fredrick. Compared with her passion, Fredrick seemed to be absent-minded. He even made an excuse that he had a lot of business to do. After their conversation on the phone, Cassie was still in a daze. She thought that Fredrick had been acting strange recently, and she couldn''t help calling Irish.

    As the call went through, Cassie felt sort of relieved.

    It sounded like Irish''s voice was a little husky with a cough.

    "Do you have a cold?" Cassie asked anxiously.

    "I gotpletely soaked in the heavy rain." Irish briefly exined the cause of her illness. Then she asked something about Cassie.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Moved by her concern, Cassie expressed that everything was fine with her.

    Irish then began to urge Cassie to buy a high-end bag on her behalf. Cassieughed heavily, "I know about you since we have been friends for years. I have already bought one for you. You know what, I grabbed it among the crowds in the market, and it was really tiring."

    "Everyone is fond of luxury." Irish sighed.

    Cassie then chatted with her about some unimportant affairs, and finally, she asked, "Have you seen Fredrick recently?"

    "No, we both are busy. What''s wrong?"

    "Nothing. I just feel that his attitude towards me is strange, and he is not very concerned about me."

    "You think too much. Maybe he is too busy, and you know...eh..." Irish coughed loudly and then continued, "You know, in this society, everyone has an illness, I mean, a mental illness."

    Cassie sighed lightly and didn''tin anymore. She was still worried about Irish''s health, so she just kept persuading Irish to see a doctor. Atst, Irish hung up the phone.

    At midnight, Cassie didn''t have a good night. For some time, she dreamed of the scene when she met Fredrick for the first time, and then she dreamed that Fredrick kept walking in front while she couldn''t catch up with him. And as she caught him, she pulled his arm, only to see that it was that yboy. And then the yboy hugged her and lowered his face to kiss her. She was frightened awake.

    In the room next to her, there was a loud sexual moan.

    Cassie thought that she must havemitted much evil in herst life, that she now met such a guy who was hard to deal with. From Tours to Paris, this guy followed her along the way. Although he didn''t harass her, his behavior of following her made her fretful.

    Were all the captains so free? She thought.

    She didn''t know whether it was because she had seen him so many times that she had met him again, this time in her dream.

    What was most unbearable for her was that this guy could always book a room next to hers. Actually, it was sort of eptable since the hotel didn''t belong to her, and she was not entitled to choose her neighbor.

    But tonight, he was being so disgusting.

    In fact, the hotel rooms normally had pretty good sound instion. However, the woman in the next room moaned so loudly that she could hear it clearly since the balcony in her room was only separated from his by a thin wall.

    The noise in the next room was so loud. The woman nearly screamed out. But for the groans of lovemaking, she would think that there was a murder happening in the next room.

    She was nearly mad.

 Chapter 130 130: You Scared My Woman Away

    She was not ustomed to other beds and couldn''t have a good sleep in a bed that was not hers. And now, these terrible noises made her suffer even more. Unable to endure it any more, she found a hard object to pound on the wall forcefully, and then the noise stopped for a while.

    She took a deep breath, but as she sat back down in bed, the noise in the next room broke out again. This time the shouting was louder.

    Cassie was so annoyed. She rushed out of the room and closed the door as she walked to the next room,pletely out of patience. However, they still continued regardless of her anger.

    She immediately thought of making aint to the hotel. But then she thought that she knew that he was a captain, and if he was actually a psychopath, he would seek revenge on herter. And as she thought of this, Cassie got the chills. Because she had been with Irish for such a long time, she also heard of something evil in the world.

    Returning to the room, she heard the woman shouting again, just like a boat surging in the waves, groaning, "Roy...Roy��" She had to cover her ears with a pillow. It really worked, but as she closed her eyes, the moaning became closer and louder.

    She sat up immediately and found the urate direction of the sound, which was close to the balcony.

    So annoying!

    Cassie waspletely enraged . The anger in her heart immediately became a storm of mes, which drove her reason and patience awaypletely. This time she came to the balcony and walked around the wall, preparing to threaten them by herself.

    However, she overestimated her endurance. She wrongly thought that she could beat them with the indignation within and her endurance. But the fact was that as she stood on the next room''s balcony, the scene meeting her eyes made her nearly fall off the balcony, from the height of over 20 stories.

    The balcony faced the living room, and they two were entwined beside the sofa. From Cassie''s view, she could clearly see the man''s gliding outline and his muscr arms, which a charming woman upied. Her golden hair sprawled on his bosom and was split apart due to Roy''s wild actions.

    The woman was pressed into the wall at the corner of the sofa. One foot with a high-heel shoe trod on the floor, vaciting and staggering, while the other slender leg hung in the man''s arms. And the light was shed on the man''s back, and his muscles moved with his actions, beautiful and sexy.

    The woman pressed into the wall could not bear the man''s attack, so her eyes could not focus on a certain object, and her moans became sharp and strenuous. The leg supporting her began shivering. At the sight of this, the man pulled her leg up, and in this way, he demonstrated his strength.

    The woman hung on him and called him by his name, seeming to suffer and enjoy it at the same time.

    Cassie, wearing a suit of pajamas, stood on the balcony, shocked, and she stared at the scene inside the room. Her feet could not move at all, as if nailed down to the floor. And she took a natural look at their meeting point.

    She saw it at first sight.

    Actually, it was all because the man''s posture provided an appropriate excuse for her.<novelnext></novelnext>

    She clearly saw that the man''s hard core prated the woman''s body, and even the blood vessels on his hard core were bulging and strong. It slid towards its target. And the woman was just like a jelly, whose legs seemed to be weak and impotent in contrast to his hard core.

    Every movement of his strong waist was kept in harmony with the light. All of the action and lighting would make an outsider believe that it was a movie that could be awarded an Oscar.

    The man''s figure contributed a lot.

    Then the night wind pulled Cassie back into reality. She vowed that she really intended to escape as they finished their work, but the woman''s reaction was beyond her control.

    Her scream almost made Cassie deaf. Cassie had to cover her ears. And at this time she thought of Irish, who was often surprised by her scream when she ran into something thrilling. Cassie suddenly felt guilty and sorry for her.

    The woman pushed the man immediately and soon grabbed the dress on the sofa to cover her body, pointing at Cassie. Her expressions of terror were almost the same as if she saw a ghost.

    However, the man was not nervous at all. He seemed to have already known that there was someone on the balcony, so he just turned around to look at her and crooked his finger with an evil smile.

    In this way, Cassie saw his erect hard corepletely and soon felt stressed. Her scream followed the woman''s, and then she ran back to her own room, just like a rabbit.

    The time passed.

    And the next room was very quiet for a while.

    Cassie nestled herself on the sofa and tried her best not to rethink what she had just seen. She didn''t want to know about the next scenes in the next room at all. After a while, there was little noise on the balcony. She paced to somewhere near the balcony and found nothing outside the ss door. She wanted to turn around but still didn''t feel assured. Therefore, she walked forward to check it carefully, only to see a man''s face. She was terrified and locked the ss door directly without thinking.

    Roy was standing on the balcony with his upper body naked and the lower part of him covered by a white bath towel. He couldn''t helpughing as he saw her being so scared of him. He didn''t go away immediately but leaned against the ss door idly, looking at the panicked woman inside through the ss door.

    "Hey. What a pity! You scared my woman away."

    "Go away! You are a lothario!" Cassie walked back. Although a ss door separated them, it would still be unsafe, she thought. So she picked up the phone on the tea table and waved it toward him.

 Chapter 131 131: Be Rational

    "We haven''t talked with each other for several days. But you scolded me as you spoke again. Don''t you think you''re being cruel?" The ss door muffled his voice, but it didn''t hide his casual attitude. He put nearly all his strength onto the ss door and said as he knocked it lightly, "I am a lothario? But you also watched us having sex, and such a behavior can also be regarded as immoral."

    "You, you��" Cassie was so annoyed, so she just shouted to him, "hooligan!"

    Royughed and knocked louder, "Little woman, open the door for me, please."

    "Go away!"

    "You have to be responsible for your behavior."

    "Nonsense!"

    "Please be rational." Roy said patiently and winked at her, "I''m a man who needs to satisfy my physiological needs. It''s normal. But you appeared on my balcony when I was having great fun. Such a horror would make me weak, you know?"

    "I should have scared you to death. In this way, you would not be a threat to other women. Disgusting!" Cassie didn''t want to be polite to him.

    "Woman, do not be so hurtful; otherwise, nobody will marry you."

    Cassie really wanted to throw the phone in her hand at him, but she resisted. Once she opened the window, this bad guy would rush in. He could do such kinds of things since he could just be naked in front of her.

    Thinking of this, she just turned around to go, but he still didn''t give up, "Don''t go, please."

    This voice was so disgusting that Cassie felt very ufortable, and she just turned around angrily and stared at the annoying man.

    "I''m ufortable now. Could you just chat with me?"

    "I have no time."

    "Please, okay? What''s your name first?"

    Cassie sneered, "So you want to introduce yourself to me in this way?"

    "Why not?" Roy showed his bright smile just like a spring flower, "Nice to meet you. My name is Roy."<novelnext></novelnext>

    It suddenly urred to Cassie that the woman had called his name before. And then she immediately felt embarrassed again. She didn''t want to see him anymore, so she just walked forward and closed the curtain.

    "Hey, what''s your name?" Roy tapped on the window.

    Cassie turned off the light without any answer.

    ****

    Irish got sick.

    She caught a serious cold after the heavy rain.

    There were both advantages and disadvantages in terms of living alone. The good thing was she could enjoy full freedom, and she could juste back at any time she liked. But the bad thing was that she was alone, and nobody would care for her even if she was sick. At least during this period, Jay didn''t show his concern, as he was busy, and she just let the phone ring when her aunt and uncle called her. She didn''t want to be a burden to anyone.

    But Joseph called her. On a business trip, he didn''t say anything as he heard her husky voice. Irish didn''t exin the reason she was sick either. In the end, he just suggested that she must see a doctor and drink more water.

    Go see a doctor? She had no time to do so. So she was entirely absorbed in the individual case of Bernert. Of course, this case involved in the dismemberment case had drawn not only Irish''s attention but also that of the highest level of psychologists at Linkus Mental Research Institute. They began to cooperate with each other, such as ir and Cheska.

    Professor Tim looked serious, while ir tapped the table lightly as if he was thinking of something. Cheska lowered to turn over the files, frowned, and Irish stared at the EEG, holding a case of tissues and sneezing sometimes. She then picked out a piece of tissue to rub her nose, which had be a little red.

    "It''s my fault." She had conducted several treatments and then conducted a brainwave analysis as he was asleep. When they analyzed the EEG they had made before, they found a serious problem. Irish said, "I made a judgment error when his brain waves turned out to be a triangr form, and I thought that he didn''t dream at all and felt well. If I had discovered the problem earlier, maybe this crime would have been avoided."

    There were four stages when one fell asleep, and the changes in brain waves were different in each stage. The frequency and amplitude turned out to be low in the first stage. In this stage, one''s body felt relieved, and his breath became slow. In this way, he could easily be awakened. After ten minutes or more, one entered into the second stage, during which the brainwaves would change to a high frequency and great amplitude. It would be hard to wake him up. Then during the third stage, the frequency of brainwaves decreased, and the amplitude would be greater. As a result, it would form a triangr shape. This stage wouldst for forty minutes. When most brain waves were shown to be triangr, one moved into the fourth stage. Then all kinds of functions would be slow. It was the so-called deep sleep period, and dreams often urred between the light sleep and the deep sleep period.

    Irish had focused on the frequency of brainwaves during his deep sleep period for some time, and she then inferred whether he had been dreaming or not. But she found that he slept well without any dreams. So she thought that things had gotten better.

    An adult tended to avoid orpensate for the mistake he had made by other means, but it was very hard to make apologies spontaneously. And that was why one would be more and more of a hypocrite, and it was hard for him to find his ego. But Irish thought differently. As far as she was concerned, wrong was wrong, especially when she was faced with work.

    Professor Timforted her, and ir was not as indifferent to her now, maybe out of sympathy since she said these words with tears. He also added, "It is the police''s business to eradicate crimes, what we can do is tofort people. If one must be med, then we all should be med. Doctor Irish, Bernert is normal from a cognitive-behavioral therapy standpoint. The problem is that he has right hemisphere vascr disease, which is acting as a barrier of his peripheral nerve."

 Chapter 132 132: Bernert’s Case

    Irish massaged her forehead and said in a husky voice, "Once one has vascr disease, it means that he never dreams." ording to the research, when one dreams in his right hemisphere, the feeling and influence are transmitted to the left hemisphere, and in this way, he could illustrate the content of his dream.

    Bernert had been describing his dream to her even with a detailed and fresh introduction of the plot, so she thought that he had been dreaming it repeatedly. That would exin why he had such a clear memory. However, when ir conducted cognitive therapy for Bernert, he found that he had right hemisphere vascr disease. As a researcher on dreams, she clearly knew that one with right hemisphere vascr disease would never dream. That was to say, every plot Bernert had described to her was not a dream at all!

    Cheska, who had been examining the files, finally spoke, "It is hard for him to cooperate with me since he has a strong sense of resistance to hypnosis. I also found that he still kept something secret when I entered into his sub-consciousness world. But luckily, I still got a key point."

    Irish looked at her.

    "Just as we know, Bernert traveled to China before, and the trip was really unpleasant for him since he witnessed a car ident that happened at the ce near the Gate Vige. The driver ran down a girl who was traveling to the Gate Vige. To avoid potential legal bacsh, the cruel driver drove the car onto the girl''s body and crushed her. Later he buried the fragmented body in a ce near the deste vi." Cheska read the report seriously.

    Irish felt a headache again and continued after long-time silence, "This kind of experience must have greatly upset Bernert, who is timid in nature. In addition, he could not speak Chinese very well at that time. As a result, he didn''t call the police. All he has never known for years is that his deep sense of guilt never goes away. One must deal with this level of guilt; otherwise, it will be a lifetime nightmare. Bernert can choose to forget it, but his sub-consciousness will not. And when hended in China for the second time, he began to make atonement. So we think that all the dreams he has described to us were what he saw himself and actually he..."

    "He sleepwalked." All of them said it at the same time. The atmosphere became more serious and cold.

    Irish closed her eyes,pletely regretful.

    "His wife doesn''t feel well, so it would have been good for them to find a quiet ce with fresh air. That''s why they chose the ce near the Gate Vige. It was also a choice out of his subconsciousness.

    Because of the guilt in his inner heart, he has started sleepwalking. Every time in his dream, he went back to the Gate Vige, it was at night, and he would sleepwalk to the ce where the car ident happened. It was originally for the atonement of his subconsciousness, but he really met several dismemberment cases. As we all know, one''s brain possesses a function of self-protection which doesn''t allow your functionality to be damaged. So Bernert''s brain doesn''t allow him to seek and close the old memory. The reality of his subconsciousness is real, and it can make Bernert remember all of the things he has seen before.

    Of course, Bernert mistook the realities for dreams. He remembered the time incorrectly and thought he was still at the same ce where the tragic memory happened. As a matter of fact, he saw these crimes first and then formed the scenes. Because it is hard to discover the bodies in desperate ces and it usually takes time to investigate a case, the public announcement on a case will always be dyed. In this way, Bernert wrongly thought that he dreamt all of these cases."<novelnext></novelnext>

    There was a long silence after she finished. Everyone was reflecting that if they could have discovered this earlier, then maybe....

    "The inference that Bernert sleepwalks can be proven by faithful analysis, but the police grasp the key." Professor Tim, who kept silent for a long time, sighed and said, "What matters most is whether the police believe that Bernert is innocent."

    All of them looked at Irish since they all knew that her cousin was the head officer on this case. Irish pulled out a piece of tissue to press her nose tightly so as not to sneeze.

    She also looked at the phone put beside the coffee cup.

    The phone seemed to have a coincidental interaction with her, and it rang suddenly. She reached it out of conditional reflex but knocked the cup over, and the hot coffee sshed out onto her fingers. She got through to the phone immediately and frowned. The secretary beside her took out tissues to clean up the table.

    The meeting room was so quiet that Jay''s serious voice could be heard clearly. Irish walked to the window, looking at the busy cars and lively atmosphere down below. She looked cold but was listening to Jay without interruption, and atst, she answered lightly, "Okay, I promise." Then she hung up the phone directly.

    She returned to her seat, and her fingers still hurt from the coffee. But that was unimportant now. She rose to look at them, breathing a sigh of relief, "The police have cleared Bernert as a suspect because they have captured the criminal."

    "Great. Otherwise, it would have been horrible." Cheska was relieved and became pleasant.

    "There is always a reason for one to conduct a crime." Irish added, "What a coincidence! The victim of the car ident Bernert had witnessed was the criminal''s fiancee. He was actually at the site but couldn''t save his beloved due to being too far away, and he just watched his lover being crushed to death. Her deathpletely shattered his sanity. After burying her body, he killed the wife of the driver first. The driver was then heartbroken and died in a car ident. Afterward, the mentality of the man had been even further distorted, so he just conducted crimes continuously and went further to New York doing the same crime. He never thought that all his crimes could have been witnessed by Bernert, who was sleepwalking. The police have found the tomb of the criminal''s fiancee behind the vi, and the bodies butchered by him are easy to identify since he is also a man with obsessivepulsive disorder in that he arranges the bodies in a tidy way."

    asionally missing content, please report errors in time.

 Chapter 133 133: It Is Our Work

    Professor Tim shook his head helplessly and felt sorrowful.

    ir was smart, and he asked, "It seems that the police have posted a request to you."

    Irish sniffled, "The police have put it on record, but they need a psychological assessment report on the criminal."

    "If I were you, I would not do it," Cheska frowned, "He is such an inhumane person. Even if others hurt him, he should respect other people''s lives and not kill others. Doctor Irish, you''d better be careful."

    Irish sighed, "It is our work."

    Professor Tim nodded, "You are right. Sometimes there is no difference between psychologists and doctors. What we give are facts, irrelevant to one''s identities and backgrounds."

    After the case, Irish persuaded Bernert to receive medical treatment in the hospital. Having known the state of his illness, he finally agreed after a long silence. Irish could finally be relieved. However, as she was hesitating to tell Joseph what happened, she identally discovered that Bernert was dismissed by Joseph!

    Lilith told her this news. At the time, she was taking medicine, and then she drove to the Runestone Group directly. However, she was then told that Bernert hade back to work, but he made a mistake while cutting a diamond and damaged the perfectness of the original stone. Joseph came back from the business trip and was extremely enraged. He not only requested Bernertpensate for the original stone''s value but also dismissed himter. Irish wanted to defend Bernert since she knew his situation well. However, Lilith stopped her and said prudently, "Joseph is not in the office, he went to the cutting center directly afternding."

    Irish sneered, "So he went to see whether Bernert had stolen the diamond?"

    "Definitely not. Do not think of him as so bad. Bernert caused damage to the original stone, and it is necessary to deal with the client. So he went to the cutting center to cut the diamond personally."

    "Ah?"

    "Joseph is the only person other than Bernert who can cut the diamond with blue mes," Lilith said with great pride.

    Irish remembered that Joseph and Bernert learned from the same master because Joseph''spany started its business mining diamonds. He had been sent to learn how to grind humble stones into priceless diamonds since he was a child. There were only a few cooperative and trustworthy diamond cutters in this business, and Joseph''s father thought further ahead, sending his son to learn to be a master diamond cutter for his ownpany.

    Joseph made it, unfortunately, but thepany of his family no longer existed.

    The cutting and grinding center of the Runestone Group was just a general term. In fact, it included several departments, and not all its staff were cutters. They were drillers, scribers, polishers, and cutters. A lot of the diamonds that had just been mined without gloss looked asmon as quartz. It was only through the concerted efforts of all staff that the sparkling diamonds that made the Runestone Group famous could be created.<novelnext></novelnext>

    When she saw Joseph, he was starting the sawing work of an original diamond. Because he had not changed his clothes after he got off the ne, he wore a simple white shirt with ck trousers, the simplest and most formal dress, but he was different from the workers here.

    He did not see Irish because he was concentrating on monitoring each step of the process.

    Through the ss, Irish did note forward, watching the man''s every move. His face looked so charming and handsome due to the concentration he was focusing on, so a simple white shirt set him off, different and handsome. But, not surprisingly, his eyes were a bit bloodshot, and his eyebrows showed slight tiredness. She was aware of his religious devotion to work.

    For any original diamond, there are three processes that are essential, which are marking, faceting, and polishing. The position and angle of the facet produced by a finely cut diamond are urately and carefully calcted to give the diamond the greatest brilliance.

    Irish knew more or less about the process of drilling and grinding, which was the result of a few days and nights of reviewing examination material. The reason she knew was not to end up being a good grinder but for a good bonus.

    It was heard that the marking process of Joseph''s original diamond was over three months, and it was also cut for more than three months. It could be seen that the drilling sample would be a diamond in a big carat ring or ne. Perhaps because of that, when Bernert made a mistake, it ignited Joseph''s anger. Otherwise, an ordinary diamond that only took a few minutes to mark was not worth getting angry over. Thinking about this, and especially seeing that Joseph did it in person, Irish started to worry about Bernert''s future and wondered what would happen to him.

    Diamonds are the hardest material in the world, so they can only be cut by other diamonds. The most demanding job of peeling and polishing ultimately fell into the hands of Joseph.

    In this process, it was the most important part of the diamond formation. For several hours, Joseph sat next to the cast-iron disc coated with diamond powder and lubricating oil, concentrating on grinding the diamond facets. Only the most urate grinding would disy the brilliance of the most valuable diamonds. Therefore, every bright diamond contained the endless wisdom of the cutter, and it was this second life that the cutter gave to the diamond.

    Irish finally understood the reason for the formation of Joseph''s character.

    He could sit down for a few hours to shape a diamond, from the darkest stone to the most priceless diamond, which was a very painstaking task.

    A little neglect would ruin the future of a beautiful diamond. It was because he knew that, and had been exposed to it since childhood, that an unkind, demanding personality formed from his work.

    Because of this, people were not allowed to make mistakes, even small errors were not permitted.

    When the work came to an end, Joseph pushed through the door, and it hit Irish gently. At such a close distance, she saw the spreading fatigue in his eyes.

    "Why are you here?" He was a little surprised that he hadn''t expected her arrival.

 Chapter 134 134: You Came Here For This?

    Irish was ufortable, especially when she saw the bloodshot streaks in his eyes, but thinking of what happened to Bernert, she couldn''t help asking, "I heard you had fired Bernert."

    All of the staff in the center were present, so there was no so-called privacy or office for conversations. They stood in the corridor, and Joseph himself walked to the drinking water fountain and filled up two cups of water for the both of them.

    "You came here for this?" he frowned, and a cutter pulled him aside to show him the sample drawing. He looked at it and nodded his head, signing off on the drawing.

    Irish did not care if it was suitable for discussion. She took a deep breath. "If he has been dismissed, will you find someone toe here to work at least?"

    "Do you know that he almost destroyed a priceless diamond because of his trembling hands?" Joseph''s eyes fell directly on her face and looked very serious, "and you, the group''s psychological adviser, intended to hide him from me, especially the condition of his shaking hands. You also share in this responsibility."

    Irish''s heart suddenly skipped a beat. She knew that Bernert''s trembling hands would be a liability and tried to hide it, but he still found out.

    "You can''t fire him. He''s a veteran of the group, not to mention a top cutting technician, who has been loyal, and an excellent worker. Secondly, you should know that he is the backbone of his entire family. How will he be able to support his family after you fire him? What about his wife? What about his children?"

    "Isabel," Joseph called her name seriously after hearing her remark so that she realized he was addressing her as an employee, not the way he addressed her in private, with kindness in his voice. It was just a nickname he called her. "I''m not running a charity here, and it''s a ce where people are not allowed to make mistakes, not even one. Work should be separate from our feelings of charity. This isn''t your first day on the job, and you should clearly understand the rules of this workce."

    "Rules are created and enforced by humans." She frowned and argued.

    "Before pleading for others, see that you haven''t made any mistake." Joseph took a sip of water.

    "What do you mean?" she heard something hidden in what he was saying.

    "What''s going on in the office?" Joseph suddenly asked.

    Irish was startled but immediately reacted. "I just don''t want your employees to work every day in a boring environment, so I wanted them to put their favorite dolls or decorations on their desks, which is psychologically proven to increase productivity!"

    Although his tone of voice was light, Joseph''s demeanor was very cold and unnaturally harsh. "Do you think the diamond industry is supposed to be rxed and entertaining? This field is destined to be associated with dryness, and only those who can stand will have a chance to seed. Isabel, your job is to show them the way, but not to change it. I''m informing you now that half of your monthly sry is going to be deducted.

    "What?!!!" She was stunned by his words.

    "Not only yours, but the sries of all employees who have been persuaded to put stupid things on their desks." Joseph''s tone was dark and serious.<novelnext></novelnext>

    The fire in Irish''s heart red up, and she stared at him, enraged. "This is too much! They''re just following my advice. Why are you withholding their money?"

    "This is to warn you that following the rules is as important as getting your sry. In the course of your work, you must pass any decisions through me in advance, and you cannot take any initiatives like this again."

    The staff around them shot sidelong nces. Joseph continued authoritatively, "First, you hid Bernert''s situation from me, and then you took the initiative to disrupt the staff''s work habits. Isabel, every field has its own rules. You must remember what should or not be done here. Only those who respect the rules can go further."

    Irish pursed her lips and listened to his long speech, grinding her teeth. "You might as well just fire me," she said, sneering at him after he had finished.

    "If you make an irreversible mistake, I''ll do it."

    "Joseph, what are you so angry about? Do you have any humanity? You even dismissed a trusted old employee who has worked for you for years? Cruelty begets cruelty!" Irish''s ragepletely rushed out of her throat, and her loud voice attracted many people''s attention.

    However, her anger did not cause any emotional fluctuation in Joseph. When her voice was lowered, he looked at her and said quietly, "This is not a ce where human feelings are a concern."

    "You...!" No sooner had she opened her mouth then she sneezed, and her tears flowed down her face. She took out a tissue and wiped her tears. She sniffled and said hoarsely, "Those who work for you are unlucky, Mr. Dover!"

    Her head felt so heavy that her ears buzzed as if they were filled with a thousand bees when quarreling with him. If she hadn''t gotten such a bad cold, she would have been happy to quarrel with him for a few rounds.

    Joseph stood, facing her, and his brows slightly frowned. Her nose was rubbed red, and a momentter, he said quietly, "You wait for me outside the coffee shop, and I''ll take you home."

    "I dare not ask you to do so," Irish sneered, who''s hot, sore throat had already begun to hurt more from fighting with him. She clenched her fist and turned to leave.

    Joseph looked at her back. The corridor light fell upon her shoulders, and she looked so small in the light. A touch of pity shed before his eyes, and he could not help but shake his head.

    ****

    Back home, Irish scolded Joseph harshly. She was just helping Bernert get justice. She never expected to lose half of her own month''s sry. Why?! She had never met such an inhumane man. While she was cursing him, she received a phone call from thendlord. After hearing the message from thendlord, Irish howled, "Jasmine, you can''t do that!"

 Chapter 135 135: Can You Cook?

    Jasmine, who was regarded as her number one enemy, made Irish''s life difficult from the first day she rented her house. The main reason was the way she asked Irish to pay the rent. Jasmine asked her to pay the rent for the whole year upfront, but Irish obviously could not do that. Then she used all her means and paid the first quarter year of the rent, and there was always a conflict between them about whether the rent was paid by season or year.

    "Irish, I am just a property manager, taking care of the house for others. Is annual payment convenient for both you and me? Besides, you see the surrounding rental situation. You live in a very high-demand area, so the rent is $5,000. This price is low enough for you."

    Irish listened to her, her head ached, and she felt pity for herself for a moment.

    She had just lost half her wages due to her unscrupulous boss and now was being asked hurriedly by the philistine property manager to pay the rent, and she still had a bad cold. Was there anyone more unlucky than her in the world? She expected not.

    She was so unfortunate.

    "Jasmine, I��"

    "Well, Irish, I''m not haggling with you today. If you can pay the rent for a year, you can continue to stay here, but if not, you can just find another house."

    The conversation was over.

    Irish looked at the mobile phone, feeling a moment of dizziness. Lying down on the sofa, she pulled a pillow over her head and then counted the rent. She would be d to see the numbers in her passbook if she paid the rent by season, but if she had to pay for the entire year.... The thought of it made her heart ache.

    Then the sneezing began again, tears streaming. Outside the window, the neon lights lit up.

    Irish, the poor creature, sniffled hard and stared out the window at the light, gnashing her teeth. She began to hate Joseph, the unscrupulous capitalist who made her heart ache.

    The doorbell rang, a little inappropriately, she thought.

    She got up and pulled her slippers on with untidy hair.

    She opened the door.

    The man who stood at the door was the man she wanted to kill.

    It was Joseph.

    She looked up at him. How dare hee here without an invitation?

    Joseph stood at the door, and when he saw her, he could not help raising his lips.

    She did not appreciate it and reached out to close the door. Unexpectedly, he held the door open and sighed, "Isabel, don''t be angry."

    The word "Isabel," which sounded thick and warm, puzzled her instantly. She had never heard him call her that way, and she was even tired of the term, but since that day, he had been whispering in her ear. It made her feel warm and moved in a way that she couldn''t pinpoint.

    Irish let go, only to find that he had a supermarket bag in his hand. She hesitated and said nothing and turned into the living room. Joseph came in and put his keys on the shelf, and put the bag in the kitchen. Seeing her sniffling on the sofa, he came up to her and sat down, reaching over her forehead.

    She did not move, and her eyes were red.

    "Have you seen a doctor?" Seeing her without a fever, Joseph was a little relieved. When he was at the factory earlier, he saw her pale face and red nose. God knew his heart was aching. If there were no staff around, he would not have been able to control himself from holding her in his arms.<novelnext></novelnext>

    In fact, he hade back in advance just to see how her illness was but did not expect the matter of Bernert''s mistake to arise.

    Irish shook her head, "In summer, getting a cold ismon. I also have to work hard for you, how would I have any spare time to go to the hospital?"

    Hearing that she was angry, Josephughed instead of feeling upset. He came out of the kitchen with medicine, poured a ss of warm water, and sat beside her. "If my attitude made you unhappy, I apologize."

    He gave the medicine and water to her in a soft and tender way, "but you have to take the medicine. You can be angry at me after you get better."

    Irish looked at him, and he was different from his serious self earlier in the day. He was soft, patient, and talkative. With a faint pain in her heart, a great deal of rage was suppressed.

    "Go on." He whispered again.

    Irish took the medicine with her head up.

    Joseph said with a faint smile, "What would you like to eat, I''ll make it for you."

    "You went to the supermarket?"

    He nodded.

    She was shocked. Thinking of this big man pushing a cart around the supermarket was mind-boggling. "You...can you cook?"

    Joseph looked at her as if she had asked a silly question. He smiled and said nothing and unbuttoned his cufflinks, putting them on the coffee table, and rolled up the sleeves of his white shirt. Irish realized he was wearing the cufflinks she had given him.

    "Oh," she said, reaching for him when he was ready to get up. "Don''t do that. I don''t have an appetite."

    Joseph looked at her face. She was sitting unhappily on the sofa, holding a pillow. He put his chin on her head, "You''re sick, you need to eat."

    She heard his heartbeat, and it struck her eardrums, so steady and powerful. His voice was no longer serious and merciless but full of concern.

    What a man he was.

    He was hateful while being serious.

    He was heart-warming while being tender.

    In fact, she wanted to say to him, "Take a break. Your bloodshot eyes look scary." But these words stuck in her throat and could note out.

    Seeing her speechless, Joseph bowed his head to stare at her pale face and lowered his voice. "Still angry?"

    Shunning his gentleness, Irish said faintly, "I''m not so narrow-minded. You are effective in separating public from private interests, but I have been caught in the crossfire."

 Chapter 136 136: Should I Do This?

    Joseph was amused by her. "Everything is so clear to you, and you''re still unhappy?"

    "Should I still pretend to be happy when you''ve withheld my pay so many times?" She murmured, "It''s just my bad luck, first it''s you and then thendlord, who is trying to drive me crazy."

    "Landlord?" Joseph slightly raised his eyebrows.

    Irish seemed to have found the ce to vent and sighed heavily, "The more money she has, the more stingy she is. Are seasonal payments and annual payments not the same? I''m asked to pay it every year!"

    Joseph said that he did not understand.

    "Boss, you are a rich man, naturally, you wouldn''t understand the troubles less wealthy people face. The annual rent of this house is $60,000, do you understand?"

    Joseph looked at her in a strange way. "Is it possible to make the rent you pay for the season cheaper? They are all the same."

    "But I can''t take out $60,000 at once," She freaked out.

    Joseph suddenly understood.

    "Screw thendlord, she''s crazy about making money." Irish resented her and suddenly pulled Joseph, "You think it''d be smart to bring some cockroaches here?"

    Joseph was startled, "Why?"

    "So I could tell the woman that the house wasn''t clean and then could tell her the rent needs to be reduced." Irish gnawed her teeth.

    Joseph did not expect that she would think of such an awful idea but smiled helplessly. He reached out and patted her head, "Take it slow to think of a solution, I''ll cook for you."

    "Joseph..."

    He paused.

    She was pitiful. "Can''t you use your high IQ and help me out? If you didn''t deduct my sry, I wouldn''t have to bother trying to find a way to handle this rent."

    "To my understanding, even if I don''t deduct your sry, you''ll find a way to catch cockroaches and lower your rent." Joseph smiles after saying this.

    "Well, you can''t let me die."

    "I''m still keener to save your stomach." Joseph went into the kitchen.

    Irish let out a cry, lying askew on the sofa, squeezed the pillow, and shouted, "I have a headache!" I have a headache!"

    Joseph did not listen to her.

    Irish buried her head in the pillow and began to meditate.<novelnext></novelnext>

    In the kitchen, Joseph skillfully prepared a dish, reaching out to the cupboard to take out a brand-new set of knives, as naturally as he was in his own home. Seeing that in the living room, there was no sound of movement, he could not help shaking his head with a light smile. He pulled out his cell phone to dial a string of numbers. The other end of the phone connected, he put the phone with his shoulder in his ear, and while cutting vegetables, he said in a low voice, "Jasmine, my name is Joseph."

    The sun went down slowly. In the living room, Irish did not know what to do, but in the kitchen, Joseph had already prepared a cold dish, and at the same time, he was preparing to make a second hot dish. When he heard a cheer from the sitting room, he did not stop and only raised his lips.

    Soon Irish ran into the kitchen, hugging him from behind excitedly, "brother-inw, my dearest brother-inw."

    Joseph''s white shirt was soon covered with her snot.

    "What made you so excited?" He turned a blind eye to the wetness behind him and still concentrated on cutting the vegetables.

    Irish wiped his back with a tissue and smiled at him as he looked at her. "Thendlord just called and changed her mind. Not only did she agree that I can pay for just a season, but she also lowered the price."

    "That''s great." Joseph smiled and looked at her. "So, did you use your cockroach n?"

    "Of course, as soon as she called, I cried and felt that she was going to make me pay for the year, and she was moved because of my tears."

    "You cried?"

    "I faked it. Don''t forget that I''m a psychiatrist who can handle people like this. I told her that there were so many cockroaches in the house. If there were cockroaches in the house, it would be very hard to rent this ce in such an upscale neighborhood, of course, she''s afraid to kick me out." Irish smiled at him triumphantly.

    Joseph looked at her little white face, and her beautiful eyes filled with jubtion because she had taken care of it. Naturally, his heart was also leaping with happiness, and he could not help reaching out to hold her in his arms. He kissed her on the forehead, "Smart."

    Her face was a little red, and the man''s lips burned her heart.

    Since when did his kiss be so casual and free?

    People''s minds change in certain circumstances or because they get used to someone. Irish was trained in studying the human mind, so her detection of this was naturally more sensitive than ordinary people''s, even if it was somewhat imperceptible.

    She saw a change in her mind and, at the same time, was secretly resisting it. Stepping away from the heat of the man''s breath, she tried not to think of him as if he had just given her a light kiss and asked a tentative question, "Should I do this?"

    "Can you?" Joseph asked, but he didn''t stop chopping vegetables.

    Irish''s eyebrows arched in a faint smile, "Of course, otherwise, how was I going to live when I was abroad for all those years? You can''t eat pizza and burgers every day, can you?"

    Joseph looked up at her, and the corners of his lips curved. "I know you can do it, but you are just toozy. The kitchen utensils are still brand new."

    "I am a professional woman, and I''m busy all the time. Why would I cook on my own?" Irish retorted, reaching for the vegetables in his hand and picking them slowly. "But I can help you do so today."

    Josephughed but did not speak and allowed her to help.

    The kitchen wasn''t small, and there was an additional toughened ss partition wall that separated it from the dining room. It was dark outside behind him, and neon light came through the window, illuminating the figure in the white shirt mirrored on the ss. Irish stood beside him like a night flower nestling against a towering green tree. The air around him was sweet and peaceful.

 Chapter 137 137: Are You Preaching Me Again?

    "You..." After picking the vegetables, Irish took the dish and washed it, and hesitated to open her mouth. "When was thest time you slept? Haven''t you been awake for a long time?"

    Joseph watched her bow down to wash the dishes, and his eyes became soft, "I''m used to it."

    She could not bear to look up at him.

    Simple words gave out the nature of his hard work, and her fingertips suddenly seemed to be dull and unconscious. She didn''t ask anything more and withdrew her fingers to restore feeling to them, giving the clean dish to Joseph. She was sensitive to the scar on his hand, reached for the dish, and remembered what she saw in Pennsylvania. She could not help but ask, "The wound on your arm looks like you''ve had it for a long time."

    Joseph looked at it, and it seemed like his smile wavered, but maybe she just imagined it because he quickly answered her question, "A very long time. The scar is from my childhood."

    He never mentioned his childhood in front of their past, and Irish hade to realize that the man did not seem to like memories.

    Anyone who is constantly reliving memories is always in one of two emotional states---regret at a loss in the memory or wistfully thinking about what they once had. Either way, memories exist to remind people that they are ultimately discontented because you can''t have your cake and eat it too.

    Joseph was not a person who loved memories. He was a person who was always confident and assured of every step he had taken. Of course, there was a contrary inference that his past was too full of pain, and he would rather forget the unbearable memories with the warmth of the present.

    "It seems like a serious scar," The wound was clearly deep; otherwise, there would be no trace of it so many yearster.

    Joseph smiled faintly. "For someone."

    "Someone?"

    "A child."

    Irish closed her lips, "Female?"

    "Yes."

    "I can''t see it. You fell in love at an early age." She joked, and his face was sttered with drops of water when she shook her hands.

    Joseph was in a good mood, and his fingers flicked water back at her little face, so she turned on the faucet to spray it at him. Joseph could not avoid it, and his neckline was soaked. She smiled, and he smiled too.

    "Go and wait in the living room, or we won''t be able to eat until the middle of the night." He pinched her face with his wet hand.

    "That hurts!" She reached out and thumped him, and he let her go, and then she ran away.

    Joseph smiled and shrugged.

    After a while, four dishes and a soup were served.

    "You are the first man to cook so many dishes for me," She sat down and took the soup that Joseph had handed her. "I thought you would fool me, I didn''t think you cooked so well."

    Joseph sat down, face to face with her. "I have taken care of my younger brother since I was two years old."

    "Where is he?" She asked, holding the knife and fork. She had heard he had a younger brother, but she''d never seen him.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Joseph answered, "He''s studying abroad."

    "Does hee back during the holidays?"

    "No, he grew up abroad since he was young, and he is used to living there."

    Irish heard this as if he was hiding something. She didn''t ask again and ate the dish. She couldn''t resistplimenting him. "It''s delicious!"

    "Really? Eat as much as you like," Joseph said.

    She ate happily but did not forget the feeling hiding in his eyes for a moment. Swallowing a mouthful of food, she hesitantly said, "Actually, I think..."

    Joseph wasughing, "Just say what you want to say."

    Irish waited for these words. She cleared her throat and said, "I feel like the rtionship between you and your brother is not so good."

    "I have the right to think you care about me," His smile seemed so clear, but he avoided her statement directly.

    "I''m a psychiatrist, and I''m sure I could help you." She answered with conviction.

    This time, Joseph didn''t fall for her trap. He put down his fork and knife and got up, and left the table. She froze, thinking that his feelings had been exposed, which made him displeased. She was about to get up and ask when she saw hime back in with a delicate gift box in his hand. Irish did not understand and took it and opened it. She was startled, lifting her eyes, "How did you find my watch?"

    She had been looking for it for days, but she just couldn''t remember where she''d lost it.

    "You left it in my car," Joseph replied kindly, "The watchband was broken, and I changed it to a new one. Look at it."

    Needless to say, she could see that the strap was new, and for a time, she was not in a hurry to eat, caressing the watch.

    "Thank you, Joseph," Her voice was a bit dumb sounding because of her cold.

    Seeing her thinking, Joseph said, "You are busy with other people''s minds every day. I would suggest that you take a moment to think about what you want. People have to reflect on themselves to understand the way forward."

    "Are you preaching to me again?" Her tone was slightly angry, but there was a lonely look in her eyes.

    He looked heartbroken and worn out, "I just don''t want you to go the wrong way."

    "This watch is always a reminder of how I should go into the future." When she raised her eyes, they were slightly cool, but in a sh, she put on a slight smile. "You are too worried, I did not do anything crazy or set fire to the Lake''s house."

    Her words made Joseph meditate in silence. "This is an old watch."

    "My mother left it to me." Irish''s tone turned soft, looking at the second hand ticking, "This was her favorite thing."

    Joseph looked at her without saying a word.

 Chapter 138 138: Come On

    "I know. That man gave it to her, so my mother loved it," She took a deep breath and secretly pressed down the tears rising in her throat.

    "In that case, you should understand the meaning behind this watch. She left the watch to you for you to forgive your father."

    "Joseph, have you ever experienced betrayal from someone you love and trust? That''s what Henry did to my mother. It''s easier to put it down than hold on, easier to ept than hate, I know better than anyone else. In my clinic, I''ve told my clients that dozens of times." Her tone was low, sping her watch, the vibration of the watch hands beating with the pulse in her palms. "But how much pain does someone have to go through before they are justified to hate another? No one is born to hate. Because of one''s expectations, there is too much to hate after being betrayed and hurt."

    She could not forget the way her mother sat in front of their house every day, waiting for her father toe back. Every day! She could not forget how much she had looked forward to seeing her father for the first time and how much she wanted to see him when she had beenughed at by the children around her, who said she had had no father. Or when she had been regarded as a wild child and isted by the children around her. She was so excited that she didn''t sleep all night before finally seeing her father.

    It was her first time meeting her father, a thin but stout figure with a mncholy look in his eyes. She would always remember what he had said, "Isabel, I''m your dad," when he cuddled her in his arms.

    He promised her and her mother that he woulde back and that he would live with them forever. But then he put the watch on her mother''s wrist and left, and she saw her mother trying to hold back tears.

    The man finally came back, but it was to her mother''s tombstone.

    She could not forget the woman standing beside her father, secretly whispering to her proud princess, "The bitch finally died." And the princess answered, "Will the daughter of that bitch try to scratch at my father?"

    Irish was smiling gently, maybe too immersed in the memories of her past, so that she ignored Joseph''s pained silence when he heard her aggressive questioning.

    "I heard my name was picked by that man because of my mother''s name. Bearing the name he chose for me will keep reminding me how he left us," she spread her hand, sighing to ease the storm in her heart. "But my mother said, ''Though you can''t live like the summer flowers, at least you can die like the autumn leaves, beautifully."

    Outside the window, darkness had descended already, and ck clouds dimmed the light of stars.

    "She died and left me alone in this world." Irish smiled with tearful eyes.

    Joseph looked at her quietly, who was trying to conceal her sadness with a smile that made him feel heartbroken. At this moment, he did not know how tofort her. Everyone in this world had their own sadness, but no one had the right to pass judgment on it, and no one was qualified to make indiscreet remarks or criticisms of one''s sadness.

    After perceiving that her eyes were moist, Irish quickly raised her hand to cover her face, quietly wiped off the tears, then looked up at him and chuckled. "I am only suffering from a snotty nose and runny eyes because of this damn cold."

    Joseph stretched out his hands and grasped hers, "Come on."

    His warmth soon drove away from her sadness, and she held his hands as if he was a pir of tranquility. Irish came to him unconsciously, and Joseph gently pulled her into hisp and embraced her. She nestled peacefully, perhaps because of the bad cold or perhaps because she had explored all of her sorrowful memories. She didn''t resist him but rested on him quietly and said after a long while, "Joseph, don''t show any sympathy to me. I just want to calm down in your arms."

    Joseph was moved by her words and even held her more tightly.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Do you love her?" Irish asked in a low voice.

    Joseph lowered his head a while so that they could look at each other face to face.

    "If you don''t love her, why did you get married to her?" He remained calm and stared at her motionlessly.

    "At the so-called ''family feast,'' I saw the different intentions of every member of the Lake family. No matter how kind they looked, it still couldn''t nket their real desires. The guilt under Henry''s stateliness, shrewdness under William''s gentleness, and the stupidity under Shirley''s canniness. The subtlety under Kelly''s endurance, the kindness under Ruby''s weakness, the magnanimous attitude under Roy''s childishness, as well as the indifference under Lilith''s decent behavior all unfolded before me."

    "Do you know that anyone who marries you would have bad luck?" Joseph finally said to her after keeping silent for a long time, with his lips extremely close to her nose.

    She was slightly shocked by his words.

    Joseph suddenly smiled, and his lips kissed her eyes. "Your eyes are so magical that I must consider how to get along with you, little vamp."

    Her shoulders froze for a while after hearing this.

    ****

    After spending a few days abroad, Cassie finally set foot on the flight back to New York.

    In the first-ss VIP lounge, she saw the nasty man again, dressed neatly in a pilot''s uniform, with a ck leather suitcase in hand. He was drinking coffee, but when he saw Cassie, an evil smile appeared on his face. Putting down his coffee, he walked toward her.

    Her first reaction was to run away, but the man called out behind her, "Honey, I''m here."

    Though there were only a few people there, they all looked at them.

    Cassie wanted to pretend that she did not know him, but he had walked to her directly and blocked her way. She was trying not to look at him and said, "Don''t act like this, or you''ll humiliate yourself."

    "What''s wrong?" He said, pretending to be innocent.

    "Get away from me. If you want to pick up hot chicks, do it somewhere else. I really hate men like you."

 Chapter 139 139: Why Are You Shameless

    Roy raised his eyebrow and said, "What''s your job? You are so brilliant that you can see right through my mind."

    "Why are you so shameless?"

    "Men always act shamelessly when they are pining for a woman," He suddenly stretched out his hands and embraced her into his arms and added, "Or how else would I get my beauty back?"

    He avoided Cassie''s kick promptly.

    "What a devil! If you hurt my hard core, how could you enjoy sex with me in the future?" Roy rejoiced in secret at such a stroke of luck that he avoided her kick in time, or it may have caused a serious problem.

    Cassie replied sarcastically, "You''d better off enjoying sex with other women. I won''t risk my life to your promiscuity. I''m afraid that you will infect me with your AIDS."

    Instead of being irritated by her words, Royughed and said, "Are you jealous, honey? Don''t worry, I promise I will be single-minded to you. Besides, though I always have sex with other women, I always use protection."

    "You are a beast!" Cassie was annoyed by his words.

    Perceiving she was angry, Roy stopped annoying her. "Forget it. Since you have to take my flight home today, I have to make a good impression on you."

    "Jesus, I really want to alter my tickets." She eximed while she held her forehead.

    Royughed and said, "Don''t say that. I will ensure that the aircraft runs smoothly and arrives on time for you, my beloved woman." Finishing his words, he gave her a gentle kiss and left.

    Cassie was astonished and couldn''t respond for a long time and could only scold him in secret.

    After the unpleasant episode in the airport, Cassie finally boarded and didn''t alter her ticket. Before taking off, Cassie called Fredrick and asked if he would pick her up at the airport. He was silent for a while, then said yes to her, which made her cheerful, but he then added that he needed to talk to her.

    When Cassie urged him to speak, the stewardess began to remind them to turn their phones off.

    She didn''t think too much about it, and her pent-up frustration vanished without a trace.

    ****

    "Hurry up!"

    Irish was awoken again by a voice in her dream.

    She got up abruptly from the bed, looking at the clock subconsciously, and saw that she was still awakened at the same time.

    Her long hair was soaked in sweat, and her forehead was mmy, which made her feel ufortable. Taking a deep breath, Irish tried hard to recall her dream but just found bits and pieces of fuzzy images.<novelnext></novelnext>

    There was a time when she had frantically collected music and recorded the dreams she had made because she wanted to analyze her own situation. There were two totally different worlds, one experienced while awake and one while sleeping. Normal people could know their own dreams, except for those who were mentally ill and couldn''t distinguish dreams from the real world.

    Immediately after people were awakened from their dreams, the pictures before their eyes were clearest. Once they opened their eyes or talked, the picture would gradually fade away. Therefore, Irish had learned how to record her dreams with her eyes closed, so the handwriting in the notebook which recorded her dreams was all twisted and messy.

    She suddenly rummaged in the room downstairs and finally found a thick diary in a box, which was filled with her twisted handwriting.

    It was raining at midnight.

    Lightning shed, and thunder rumbled outside the window.

    Irish looked like a ghost since her face was pale and her hair was unkempt. She looked through the notebook quickly, but finally, a disappointed expression appeared on her face. She sat down on the couch helplessly with the notebooks falling down to the ground.

    She has recorded this dream repeatedly, but it was only the childish sound and hard-to-ear metal music. She couldn''t remember the rest of the dream, and she forgot it upon waking up. But it was different tonight, she still remembered clearly that she seemed to have been caught in someone''s arms, and the man hurriedly told her to run away.

    She turned around in the dream for the first time and found that the man was Joseph!

    There was a loud crash of thunder outside the window.

    Curling up on the couch, Irish began to rub her temple to rx herself. She couldn''t figure out why he would appear in her dream because she was just a child in the dream. Shey down, and she felt unusually clear-headed.

    She was convinced that everyone''s dreams were a reflection of their subconscious, so she would not ignore the content of each dream. She thought perhaps it was because Joseph mentioned something about his childhood to her, or it was because she had been in close contact with him recently, so it left a trace on her subconscious mind. She was anxious and scared in her dream, which could reflect herck of security in her real life. But now Joseph appeared in her dream and saved her as a hero. Then did it mean in her subconscious mind he felt that Joseph was trustworthy?

    Irish turned around and stared at the tea-table where there were cigarette butts that he had extinguished. There seemed to be a faint smell of tobo and his woody fragrance in the air.

    She was lost in contemtion.

    Since Joseph was a determined man, Bernert was finally dismissed. At the same time, the decorations in the office were cleaned up. Because of the iron-fisted approach Joseph made, no one dared to decorate their office desks anymore.

    Irish sessfully passed the exam, and with the huge bonuses, Joseph became an examiner himself. He asked some very tricky questions, but Irish tried hard to answer these questions in order to acquire the bonus, and finally, she seeded.

    It was bright and sunny, and the sound of cicadas was everywhere while the fragrance of lotus suffused in the air. But soon, someone broke the serenity by adding a trace of mor to the hot weather.

    It was in the afternoon on a Friday when Shirley rushed into Irish''s office without even knocking. And behind her, Ruby stood there.

    She came there because she saw the pair of cufflinks that Irish had bought for Joseph.

 Chapter 140 140: Tell Me What You Want?

    Irish knew that this day woulde, it was just a matter of time.

    From the day she agreed to join the Runestone Group, she knew that she wouldn''t dere war secretly. She could ignore the ambiguous eyes of her colleagues, as well as the gossiping about her, in order to dere war openly on the woman who indirectly killed her mother.

    Now the day had finallye.

    When Shirley ignored Ruby''s persuasion and rushed into her office, Irish was discussing psychological training for new employees with Daisy. When their discussion was interrupted, Daisy turned around and was astonished when she saw Shirley but soon calmed down.

    Compared to Daisy''s astonishment, Irish could only be described as cid. She leaned on the chair while her severe eyes fell on the face of the panicked assistant who stood behind Shirley. "As my assistant, don''t you know that patients can''t enter my office without an appointment?"

    The assistant was extremely flustered and said hastily, "I''m sorry. Ms. Irish...." She was just an assistant, how could she stop the wife of the president?

    But luckily, it seemed that Irish didn''t intend to me her but just wanted to illustrate a point, and finally, she said, "Go back to your work."

    The assistant took a deep breath and hurried to leave.

    Of course, Shirley knew that Irish satirized her as a patient, and her face twitched slightly underyers of makeup. Then she looked directly at Daisy and said, "I have to talk to Irish, so would you mind leaving for a while?"

    Obviously, Shirley didn''t expect that she would meet Daisy at Irish''s office, and she knew that Daisy was a talented and capable assistant to Joseph. She came here for Irish since she knew that Joseph was not at the office today. Now that she had met Daisy here, Joseph would know sooner orter, but it was impossible for her to retreat.

    Daisy smiled and said in neither a humble nor pushy tone, "Okay." Then she left the office.

    After Daisy left, Shirley sat down on the couch across from her and looked around. Then she said with a faint smile, "Irish, it stands to reason that I should not bother you since you are busy with your work."

    "Mom..." Ruby sat down beside her cautiously and pulled on Shirley''s arms. "Let''s leave here."

    Shirley rolled her eyes at her, and Ruby stopped talking.

    Irish did not intend to treat them as guests, so she just leaned back in the chair and took a sip of the water. "If this is the case, be quick."

    Shirley squinted slightly and looked at Irish, whose eyebrows looked like her mother''s, a woman with an extremely beautiful face. Looking at Irish, she recalled the days when Rachel sat under a tree and talked happily with Henry, even though she was dressed in cheap clothes. But Irish''s eyes were sterner than her mother as if she could see through people''s minds.

    "Well. Then I will talk with you directly and don''t me me for my frankness. I think it is improper for you to stay with the Runestone Group, I know that you don''t like your job here."<novelnext></novelnext>

    Ruby looked at Irish secretly from behind.

    Irish suddenlyughed and put down her cup, and then said sarcastically, "Do you want to dismiss me? Well, then you might need to give me a good reason. But let me remind you too, as far as I know, legally, I''m Henry''s daughter."

    Shirley frowned after hearing this.

    Irish didn''t give her the chance to reply and continued, "So, a woman who has taken someone''s husband has eventually begun to worry that your sins would bring about retribution on your daughter. Ah, I guess you hastily came here to prevent future incidents. Sounds interesting, isn''t it?"

    Shirley stood up abruptly from the couch with her eyes looking severe and said, "It is your mother who shamelessly took away my husband that year."

    "Mom, don''t be irritable, and don''t make peopleugh at us." Ruby hurried to persuade her.

    Shirley angrily nced at her daughter, saying, "She has taken your husband away, and you''re still afraid that people willugh at us?" Shirley had suspected that Irish had an ambiguous rtionship with Joseph from the family feast. Joseph had even given the valuable "Autumn Diamond" to Irish as a present. But what made her more astonished was that the morning after the family feast, Joseph came out from Irish''s room. Then they went together to Pennsylvania, and when she saw Joseph again, she found that there was a pair of familiar cufflinks on his sleeves. The ones Irish had bought right in front of her.

    Looking at her with cold eyes, Irish said severely, "It is weird that a thief usually tries to call out an honest man."

    Shirley turned around and gazed at Irish.

    "I''m afraid that you have used some devious methods in order to take away another woman''s husband, yet you pretended to be innocent." Finishing this, Irish suddenly turned to Ruby and said with a smile, "Perhaps you should listen to your mother and let her teach you some shady means to tempt men. It''s fine to use some old tricks. She''s a pretty liar and managed to inverse the truth."

    Ruby''s face suddenly turned pale.

    Shirley wouldn''t let her daughtere to grief, but she also wouldn''t lose her cool arguing with Irish. She said with her teeth-gnashing in anger, "Tell me what you want? I can give you anything you want as long as you stay away from Joseph and the Lake family."

    "Perhaps it would be more interesting to let Ruby tell you." Irish looked at Ruby with cold eyes.

    Ruby bit her lips tightly and said after a long while, "Irish, we didn''t mean to argue with you, but I hope you can leave, Joseph. I have talked with you before about this matter. As for me, you can have as many shares as you want as long as you can leave Joseph."

    "Are you crazy? What do you mean she can have as many shares as she wants?" Shirley spat at her in a low voice.

 Chapter 141 141: What Else Do You Know?

    "Mom, we can''t prevent Dad from doing what he wants to do. She''s his daughter!" Ruby raised her voice in response. Then she turned to Irish and said, "I beg you to leave him and stay away from him. I beg you."

    Irish didn''t reply to her immediately but realized some key points from their conversation and soon got her ideas in shape. Irish had been suspicious of their marriage for a long time because they lived apart after being married. Though Henry asked Ruby to move back to Joseph''s house, there was no follow-up to this. Joseph didn''t like to go to the Lake''s house frequently, so she judged that Henry wanted to give her some shares to make it up to her. Joseph was an important decision-maker, so he had to attend this discussion. No wonder she once met Joseph in Henry''s office.

    Thinking of this, Irish couldn''t help sneering. She did not care about the shares at all.

    "My silly daughter, you are Joseph''s wife, why are you so humble to a mistress?" Shirley spoke harshly and pulled Ruby behind her. Then she continued, "We will support you if you fall in love with another man, but you have tempted your sister''s husband. Don''t you feel ashamed? Don''t tell me he is your true love. I know you want shares of the Runestone Group. Well, you did it. Now Henry will give you the shares, so what do you want from Joseph?"

    Instead of being irritated, Irish smiled and said, "You have said I am a woman who admires vanity, so how could I be satisfied with Henry''s shares? I have learned from you that a woman should find a sugar daddy. Joseph is the son-inw of the Lake family and the decision-maker of the Runestone Group, so I can get what I want from him." Finishing her words, she walked toward Ruby and stretched out her hands and pointed at Ruby''s abdomen, and then said, "It seems to me that you won''t have a baby with Joseph."

    Ruby moved away from her hands subconsciously, and Shirley pushed Irish harshly, "What the hell are you babbling about!"

    Irish''s waist hit the desk, and the pain spread up her spine. But she still sneered and responded to Shirley, "Perhaps I will have a baby with Joseph instead of your daughter. It''s more exciting and would surely ruin your sanity."

    Hearing this, Ruby''s face suddenly turned white.

    "You and your mother are both bitches. Fortunately, she died early; otherwise, she would have been infuriated to death by her shameless daughter." Shirley burst into a rage when she thought that Irish had had sex with Joseph and shouted, "I warn you that you''d better get away from Joseph and leave thispany as soon as possible, or you will regret what you''ve said today!"

    Irish sternly looked at her, "You think you are the wife of the president, so you came to warn me here? Don''t forget that you were also a mistress and seduced another woman''s husband. If I am a mistress, then don''t you think you are a perfect example?"

    Hearing this, Ruby rushed to stand before Shirley and screamed at Irish, "You are not allowed to say that to my mother."

    Irish wasn''t intimidated by Ruby''s reaction, and she pped her hands promptly.

    "Wow, what a loyal daughter!" Irish''s tone was ice cold. "You know how to care about your mother, eh? Fine, how about we talk about you? Perhaps I should remind you of something that will blow up your mind."

    Ruby was shocked and suddenly got chills all over her body.

    Irish''s hatred was like a dazzling fire that could swallow up all her reasoning. She remembered the expression in her mother''s eyes while she was dying. Her mother just looked at her, feeling lonely and heartbroken, and tried to touch Irish''s head lightly. She also felt a sense of relentless guilt and sadness that Irish would be faced with everything alone for her entire life. However, her arm stopped when she tried to touch Irish, and her hand fell down beside Irish''s cheek lightly.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Nobody could understand her hatred, a hatred arising from others'' cruel meddling. Such kind of hatred had lived deep in her heart for her entire life. Even if she knew she was about to die, she wouldn''t let go of this feeling.

    "Emery and Eric, a perfect match, right? They seem to be an ideal couple, not only in appearance, but their names even fit." Irish didn''t smile again, but stared at Ruby without many expressions. Then she asked Ruby, "Do you think so?"

    Ruby was astonished, and she stared at Irish.

    "You asked something about Eric before, right? Do you know what he said to me?" Irish squinted at her, "He told me that he loved Emery so much that he would like to be together with her for his entire life.

    "No, that''s impossible!" Ruby became enraged suddenly and walked backward, reluctant to believe it, "You are a liar!"

    Irish burst out intoughter, "As Emery''s good friend, don''t you know that they love each other very much?"

    "You lie!" Ruby shouted at her.

    "Ruby, Ruby..." Shirley pulled her back as Ruby changed reactions so quickly. She was also nervous, "Emery? Isn''t she your good friend? What''s wrong with her? Who''s Eric? What''s the rtionship between you and him?"

    Regardless of Shirley''s questions, Ruby grabbed Irish''s shoulders tightly and said, "What else did he tell you? What else?" She shouted out thest question.

    ? Unlike Ruby, who was extremely excited, Irish calmed down, and her sneer was like a sharp knife ready to cut Ruby, "He hoped that nobody would interrupt him and Emery, and he never wanted to see you again."

    "Impossible!" Ruby''s fingertips nearly went into her shoulder de, "What else do you know? Say it!"

    "Ruby..."

    "Shirley, you should be clear about what your daughter is like before giving a lesson to another woman in the name of the wife of the president!" Irish''s shoulder ached, but she didn''t shake Ruby off. She had to stand, and she never expected that Ruby could have been so strong.

    "Just put it this way, there is no good one in this room. Nobody can praise herself as a good person. You, Shirley, married a man by using your sister. I had an affair with my brother-inw. How about your daughter? She is nearly as bad as me since she seduced a man with a wife once again!"

 Chapter 142 142: Don’t Speak So Blindly

    Her cold stare made Shirley mad, "Who seduced a man with a wife?"

    "Your daughter. It''s true that I seduced Joseph, but I''m still single. But your daughter still seduces other men while she is married. I just wonder who she learned it from."

    Shirley was not silly, actually. She guessed that there was something hidden from her, so she just pulled Ruby beside her, "Tell me the truth. What this woman blurted out is a lie, right?"

    Ruby was still shocked after hearing Irish''s brutal words, shaking violently.

    "Aren''t you a good friend of Emery? You don''t want her to be happy?" Irishughed, "Or do you think that since Joseph doesn''t love you at all, you feel unwilling to witness your confidant''s happiness. You exert much effort to emphasize that you are still attractive by seducing her husband, right?"

    She said this with a voice full of spite.

    All her courage to attack Ruby with these words came from a coincidental meeting in the street one day. That day, on the way back home, she saw Ruby through the window as the car stopped at a red light. It was not at the peak time of the afternoon, so there were not many pedestrians on the road. Ruby''s actions became highlighted as a result.

    She was talking with a couple. Because of the distance, Irish couldn''t make out what she was saying, but her excitement could be grasped. Feeling strange, Irish took a few more nces at them, and then a shocking scene took ce. Ruby pped the woman, and soon the woman cried, held by the man tightly, then the man gave Ruby a p.

    Ruby soon got mad, rushing to hit that woman but was pushed away by the man ruthlessly. Then Ruby prepared to attack the man.

    Irish felt totally astonished at this scene, and she turned around subconsciously, finding Joseph looking unhappy. She was going tough at him since he seemed to have been betrayed by his wife, but Joseph got out immediately. He just walked straight toward Ruby with a cold look on his face. Ruby still struggled as she saw hime, but he pulled Ruby away and frowned.

    She didn''t know what Joseph said to the man, but atst, the couple left, while Ruby hadn''t stopped crying. This scene made people all-around look at them. She saw Joseph''s helpless facial expression and Ruby crying in his bosom.

    That day she didn''t wait for Joseph toe back again but left silently.

    Afterward, Ruby offered to meet her and asked something about Eric. It was true that Eric was one of her clients, and it was strange for Ruby to be concerned about him. Confused about it, Irish investigated them, and she found out that Eric''s wife, Emery, was Ruby''s good friend and that they got married after knowing each other for a short period of time. Eric had talked to Irish and mentioned that he loved his wife very much. Irish could infer that the couple had a good rtionship, but she didn''t understand why Eric came to see a psychologist.

    Only when shebined these two facts did she figure everything out. Ruby had fallen in love with Eric, and it even could be inferred from Eric''s words that Ruby had kept in contact with him after his marriage. Irish further inferred that Ruby had been married to Joseph at that time.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish had never told Joseph.

    Never.

    Today she told these things to them all because Shirley had been so aggressive that she was forced to retaliate.

    "Eric doesn''t love Emery at all. No��" Ruby clenched her fingers tightly, her voice breaking, and she stared at Irish directly, "If he really loved her, why did he have sex with me?"

    This question shocked not only Shirley but also Irish. Her guess was correct that Ruby really had sex with Eric. She had also suspected that if it was just because of Ruby''s harassment, Eric would not have seen a psychologist. And now the whole thing became clear. It was because he had had sex with Ruby that he felt guilty towards his wife. Sometimes guilt was like a knife that could kill, and when someone felt helpless, they could only ask others for help.

    "Ruby!" Shirley stared at Ruby, seeming to have experienced a nightmare, "Don''t speak so blindly, please."

    Ruby clenched her dress tightly, seeming to be tolerant, while Irish sneered at Shirley''s deceit and fear. Shirley was afraid that if Joseph heard about it, he would be incredibly angry. It was understandable. Now the Lake''s all relied on Joseph, and if Joseph knew that his wife betrayed him, this marriage would notst much longer. Then who would manage the business of the Lake''s? Their son-inw would disappear.

    "Irish, you know everything, right? You are clear about it, right?" Ruby stared at her suddenly, eyes full of cold tears. She called her name, gnashing her teeth as if to chew away Irish''s life.

    But Irish was not afraid of her at all. Irish sneered at her. She continued, "Of course, if they are in need, I can still be their counselor and help them work through these problems. Do you feel upset? You''ve had sex with him? So what? You won''t get his love. It doesn''t matter if you just abandon yourself, but don''t try to teach me how to be moral. We are not the same because Joseph loves me, but you still lost your love by sacrificing your chastity. So remember, if you don''t know how to protect yourself, do not me that man for hurting you!"

    "Shut up!" Ruby suddenly pped her.

    The p came quickly and suddenly, and it was not in line with Ruby''s usually gentle image. It fell on Irish''s face with a loud sound, and immediately her right cheek became red.

    Just at this time, the door was pushed open, and Joseph,ing back hurriedly, ran into this scene. He was startled for some time. Soon Cassie rushed in, as well as Lilith, surprised and confused.

    As Cassie prepared to fight back against Ruby, another shocking scene took ce.

 Chapter 143 143: Why Are You Protecting Her?

    Irish raised her hand and pped Ruby fiercely on her face.

    This p was even harsher and louder than the one she suffered. At once, everyone stopped their actions, including Joseph. He had never expected that Ruby would have pped Irish and hadn''t thought that Irish would have done so either.

    All of a sudden, Shirley''s crazy actions broke the temporary silence. She roared and rushed to scratch Irish, but Irish had been preparing for this with aggressive expressions. However, Joseph rushed forward, pulling Irish behind him. He said angrily," Enough!"

    Shirley stopped suddenly. Conflicts were not possible between her and Joseph. But Ruby covered her face and pointed at Joseph, reproaching him, "Joseph, I am your wife! Why are you protecting her? I shouldn''t have trusted you. You broke your promise to me!"

    Irish, protected behind Joseph, felt extremely angry. She was going to tear at her mouth but was pulled by Joseph while Joseph, holding her tightly, turned around to say to Lilith, "Bring your cousin and aunt back home."

    Lilith, together with Cassie, was involved in this war unintentionally. In the same department, Lilith and Cassie got along well with each other since they both were very outgoing. As today was a workday for Irish, they had decided to have dinner together. Getting off the elevator, they saw Joseph walking out of another elevator, serious and hurried. Lilith had never seen Joseph like this, so she guessed that something terrible must have urred. She just pulled Cassie to walk behind him and follow him.

    She also hadn''t expected that there was a conflict like this in Irish''s office. They just pushed open the door, providing an opportunity for their colleagues to check on the situation. Lilith was terrified to see it, especially the mutual pping between Ruby and Irish. She observed that Cassie had walked hurriedly to attack Ruby, but she kept motionless because she had never seen this kind of fight before.

    It was not until Joseph spoke to her that she was shocked back to reality. She walked forward. As she pulled Ruby, Shirley became angry. She shouted to Joseph, "You should be aware of who your wife is. You should bring Ruby back instead of your sister-inw!

    "Aunt Shirley, do not say that." Lilith persuaded Shirley, anxious and concerned.

    Cassie beside was dumb, looking at Ruby and then back at Joseph and Irish. As Joseph didn''t speak, Ruby rushed forward and pulled Joseph towards her, tears falling down her cheeks, "What did you promise me? Joseph, do you want me to die? Do you?"

    "Ruby, are you crazy?" Joseph frowned.

    "She..." Ruby pointed at Irish behind him, nearly hysterical, "Why does she know so much? Why?"

    "Ruby!"

    "Liar! You are all liars!" Ruby screamed with hands covering her ears and then shook violently andy down on the floor.

    Shirley was shocked by this scene and screamed. Joseph let go of Irish and lifted Ruby up, "Lilith, call 911!"<novelnext></novelnext>

    Lilith''s fingers trembled more severely as she saw Ruby faint. But she still managed her stress and called the ambnce. Joseph looked up to Irish, who stared at Ruby in his bosom motionlessly, stretching her fingers. He ached for her and then looked at Cassie, "Please bring Irish back, please."

    Cassie guessed what had happened. And as she nodded. Irish rushed out of the office, grabbing her car keys and handbag.

    Seeing her running out of the office, Cassie called her name anxiously.

    When Irish ran forward, Joseph felt very sorry and full of pity for her. But Shirley''s screaming and shouting were a trigger to his current headache.

    Outside the office stood many onlookers, and they discussed what was happening with each other in hushed voices.

    As Cassie ran out of the office building, she saw Irish''s red jeep driving in front of her. She was so concerned that she hailed a taxi immediately.

    A brilliant red car was driving crazily down the road.

    Irish stepped on the gas and sped through the crowd of cars without regard to anything. The speed was beyond the speed limit on the road. Her right cheek was still aching, and her right hand clutching the steering wheel became numb. She tried her best not to let her tears fall down, staring through the front of the windscreen, and sped up again.

    Inside the car, she yed very loud rock music, her favorite; Gold Lion. Now the volume was turned up to the max, and thus the powerful heavy metal music pounded in her heart with a heavy thump.

    Not only her face but also her shoulders, waist, and even her fingers were aching. Her body was expressing a strong protest and reminding her of its existence with pain. But Irish was still immersed in thinking of the scene that had just happened now. Shirley''s screaming and crying, Ruby''s sudden hysteria, and the look Joseph gave to her at the end...

    She used all of her strength to win this war, but finally, she found herself beaten ck and blue emotionally.

    Suddenly, all the scenes in her mind copsed with the catastrophic smashing of the windshield, and Irish was nearly thrown out of the car. Luckily, her seat belt saved her, but her body was in great pain from the sudden collision.

    The car horn sounded from the truck at the side of the road, scaring away crowds of sparrows. Around her, people were constantly screaming. Irish''s chest was pressed against the steering wheel, her shoulder de nearly broken by the restraining force of the seat belt. Some passersby ran forward to tap on the car window. She raised her head slowly, tears flowing down her face.

    When she got out of the car staggeringly, a kind-hearted passerby called the police and even asked whether she needed an ambnce. However, Irish''s mind was nk, only some meaningless hum surrounded her as if countless bees had entered her ears. This car ident drew many people''s attention, and everyone looked on. Even some youngsters shot pictures of the scene. She looked up, and in her dim view, she could only see her damaged jeep, exposed to others'' surprised and concerned stares towards her.

 Chapter 144 144: Kneel Down

    Suddenly, Irish rushed to the front of her car, extracted the tire iron from the trunk, and hit the car madly while the crowd screamed. The surrounding people were frightened as her actions became fiercer, smashing the car windows to pieces.

    Atst, she shouted towards the mess, tears flooding her eyes. This shouting was like letting out the hatred and anger of years, and it nearly used up all her strength. After dropping the tire iron, she just sat in the broken sses, unable to stand up.

    As she recovered consciousness, she found herself sitting in the police station. Surrounded by constant footsteps, she looked around weakly, and finally, an insistent voice interrupted her, "What happened to your car? Why did you smash your car?"

    And then she looked up. It was from a policeman, a heavy-weight policeman with a loud and powerful voice.

    "I smashed my car. It''s none of your business." She used a breathy voice.

    "Were you drinking?"

    Irish shook her head.

    "Although you only damaged your own car, this action caused a public disturbance. Besides, the traffic police have issued you over ten tickets. Do you know that you were issued this many times for speeding, dangerous driving, and running red lights?"

    Irish didn''t say anything, just feeling pains in her palms.

    "The car was towed away. Did you get injured?" The police asked.

    Irish shook her head, weak and pale.

    Hurried footsteps came closer and closer, and suddenly the attitude of the policeman changedpletely. He immediately stood up, surprised, "You came from the Brooklyn Police Station?"

    "Yeah, I''m looking for someone." It was Jay''s voice.

    Irish rose out of reflex, and at this time, Jay lowered himself, "Are you okay?"

    She wanted to speak, but her throat was tight, and she could only shake her head lightly.

    "You know each other?" The policeman waspletely confused.

    "Okay, let''s have a talk." Jay pulled the policeman to the other side, talking to him.

    Irish had no energy to think of why Jay had appeared here, and her mind went nk as if she were a clock without a spring. Then someone sat beside her, pulling her with force, "Irish, are you okay?"

    It was Cassie. Did she alsoe?

    "Irish, say something. We''re concerned about you." Aunt Mary also came.

    Irish became confused, her eyes turned, and she finally looked at Cassie and Aunt Mary. Her Uncle Steven also came, but he just stood behind with a grave face.

    Her Uncle Steven kept fit both physically and mentally, so he rarely got angry. There was only once before when she saw him with this expression, and it was the time when her mother died. But today, she saw it for the second time.

    Coming out of the police station, Steven drove them back home. In the car, Steven didn''t say anything while Irish sat in the middle of the back seat. On her left was Aunt Mary, and her right was Cassie. Cassie gripped her arm tightly while Mary kept talking on the way, asking her whether she feltfortable. But Irish only shook her head slightly.

    Mary then began to scold Shirley. And through herints, Irish understood why her aunt and Uncle got the news so quickly. It was because Shirley was angry and Ruby fainted, so she called her Uncle. She reproached Irish in the call. Knowing the whole process, her Uncle kept silent while Mary was enraged. She grabbed the phone and criticized her back. Experiencing Mary''s bad temper, Shirley couldn''t do anything but hang up.<novelnext></novelnext>

    As they were about to arrive home, Steven couldn''t stand the shouting any longer, "Enough! Don''t you feel tired?"

    Mary stopped.

    Although she was always aggressive towards Steven, she dared not say anything if Steven actually was annoyed.

    Getting out of the car, Steven stepped into the house without any words. Mary poked Jay silently and shot a nce at Steven''s back. Jay understood his mother''s hint, so he also immediately followed. And then Mary turned around to pull Irish''s arm, "Let me apany you."

    Cassie took a nce at Irish without any words, following her into the home.

    Upon entering, Steven stood there motionlessly. On the cab was Rachel''s photo, as well as a stick for punishment. Jay was so anxious and stressed, and he meant to speak upon entering, but Steven dragged Irish in front of the photo frame and said coldly, "Kneel down!"

    In the photo, Rachel smiled sweetly, her eyes shining like the gentle moon. Irish looked at her mother''s photo wearily. If she were still alive...if only she were still alive...

    Jay knew much about his father''s temper, so he tried to persuade him, "Dad, don''t be angry, Irish has juste back from the police station."

    "No one was asked to plead for her!" Steven shouted, serious but also somehow sorrowful.

    Mary intended to say something herself, but she resisted, while Cassie felt even more shocked. All these things were beyond her imagination.

    "Kneel down!" Steven grabbed the stick and raised it to hit the back of her leg. In this way, she would be forced to kneel down in front of the photo.

    "What are you doing?" Mary couldn''t stand this, so she just rushed forward and helped Irish up. She continued, "You can''t treat her in this way! Irish was hurt today. What you should do is to make Shirley kneel down to make a sincere apology. Irish should not be med!"

    "Jay, pull your Mom away!" Steven shouted.

    "Dad..."

    Steven pulled Mary away, annoyed, "Stay away! Otherwise, I will punish you!"

    "You..."

    Jay pulled Mary away and persuaded her in a low voice, "Dad is very angry now. Please do not quarrel with him."

    Mary was so angry that she sat on the sofa directly.

    Irish kept silent, looking at the photo of her mother emptily. She had no more tears to shed since her eyes werepletely dry.

    Steven threw the stick away and shouted to her, "Irish, what did you promise to me?"

    "I would never meet with the Lake''s and would not contact them," Irish said slowly with a husky and lonely voice, like dust floating in the universe without any purpose.

    "So you remember what you promised to me!" Steven restrained his love for her but showed his anger, pointing at Rachel''s photo, "Now that you still remember it, then I''ll request that you ask for an apology in front of your mother and admit that you did wrong."

 Chapter 145 145: They Belong In Your Past

    Irish felt moved, but she then looked up to her mother and said word by word, "I did nothing wrong!"

    "Nothing wrong? You still think that you aren''t wrong?" Steven got even more annoyed, staring at her, "We weren''t told that you work for the Runestone Group, let alone anything about your dubious rtionship with Ruby''s husband. When will you be willing to ask for an apology?"

    Irish clenched her fists tightly, kneeling forward, "The Lake''s have done so many evil things to my mother. Why can''t I work for the Runestone Group? It was unfair for them to treat my mother in this way, and I require somepensation for their evil deeds. They owe us more, Uncle."

    "So you seduced Ruby''s husband?" Steven asked loudly.

    "That''s right!" Irish admitted it without excuses. She looked at Steven directly. "They deserve it! I just had started, there''s moreing soon until they regret the day they came into this world."

    "You..." Steven raised his hand, meaning to p her. "Steven, if you dare hit her, I will divorce you!" Mary pulled Steven''s hand back quickly while shouting at him. Steven''s big hand was in a fist, but he released it. He pointed at Irish, fingers trembling, "She made a mistake today. If I don''t teach her a lesson, I will be ashamed when I see Rachel in heaven."

    "How is it Irish who made a mistake? Shirley did! Don''t be ridiculous, we both knew the truth!" Mary had hated the Lake''s since Rachel died. She became angrier with these words, shaking Steven''s hands away and grabbing the stick, "I will drag her to make an apology to Rachel here."

    "Mom..." Jay was shocked.

    "Aunt..." Irish spoke, weak and weary, "There are people who would like to see us fighting like this, we must not continue."

    Then Mary understood.

    Irish didn''t speak further.

    Steven controlled his temper and walked in front of Irish, asking after a while. "So you want to retaliate against the Lake''s for your mother''s death?"

    "Yes." She answered lightly.

    Steven shook his head, looking up at Rachel''s photo. After a while, he rubbed the photo frame lightly and choked with sobs, "Sorry, I can''t teach Irish anymore. Sorry��"

    "Uncle." Irish felt sorrowful. "I didn''t make a mistake. I didn''t. I just can''t let it go so easily."

    "So you won''t be satisfied until someone dies?" Steven turned to look at her, "Irish, you didn''t know anything about your Mom''s love for you. You thought that it was my wish that you shouldn''t contact the Lake family? It was your mother''s! She knew you so well and didn''t want you to get hurt or live in hatred. Even simply contacting the Lake''s arouses your hatred!"

    Irish''s tears fell down from her eyes. She just shook her head, "Why? Why�� don''t we deserve to retaliate?"

    "You thought your Mom hated your Dad? She didn''t." Steven said slowly, enduring great pain, "She left because she wanted to create a perfect world for your father. Their two families had been in intimate contact with each other for years, so your mother couldn''t stand seeing your father threatened by his elders. Even when your mother died, she didn''t hate your father. She always told me that the precious memories of the time they spent were good enough for her."

    Irish shook her head, crying, "Impossible... Mom wouldn''t be so stupid."

    "Irish, just let it go, especially Ruby''s husband. You can only me the past. As you often put it, people in the world will always sacrifice themselves for those they love but also hurt others for some benefit. Nobody was right or wrong. Your mother was clear about it that she would rather give up her marriage than let your father suffer. If she were still alive, how could she see you do this? Ruby''s husband is your brother-inw, whether you like it or not, and this rtionship can''t be changed."

    Irish''s shoulders trembled, too weak to control her feelings.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Steven felt sad for her, seeing her pale face, but he continued, "You shouldn''t act on impulse and think about your actions first!" Then he turned around and shouted before entering the other room, "Come in! Everyone else, stay where you are."

    The pain went from her palms to her heart. Irish unfolded her hands, finding dried blood on her palms.

    ****

    When Ruby woke up, it was already nighttime.

    A light fragrance flew into the ward with the wind, dispelling the smell of disinfectant.

    As she opened her eyes, she heard Shirley sobbing and saw her Dad, Lilith, Roy, and her uncle. Seeing her awake, Shirley called the doctor immediately. After checking, the doctor assured them about her situation.

    Ruby was looking for someone, and finally, she saw him standing by the window. She took a nce at the rest and said softly, "I want to have a talk with him."

    Shirley nodded, choked with sobs. And then they all went out.

    Henry was thest to leave. He raised his hand to pat Joseph''s shoulder heavily, intending to say something, but he didn''t speak it out. He just shook his head and sighed lightly.

    The door closed, and Joseph walked forward and sat down on a chair. He was tired. Ruby turned to look at him, saying after a great while, "Sorry, I should not have suspected you."

    Joseph was calm, "You mean the secret about Emery?"

    Ruby nodded, "I was too excited and lost my ability to think rationally. You are a man who always keeps your promise."

    "They belong in your past. Ruby, you can''t live in the memories." Joseph said so seriously.

    However, Ruby pulled his hand, sad and cold, "But did Eric really love Emery? If so, how could he still have sex with me?"

    Joseph sighed lightly, "Sometimes people can separate sex from love."

    Ruby was shocked to hear that.

    "I thought that Irish only said it since she was extremely angry, and she would not tell others. At least she never mentioned it to me. If she really wanted to destroy you with this secret, she must have told everyone."

    "Don''t you think that she was trying to protect you?" Ruby asked.

    Joseph raised his eyebrows lightly.

 Chapter 146 146: Don’t Torment Yourself

    "She knew that I had sex with Eric after they were married, so she thought that you had been betrayed. In her opinion, hiding it could protect your dignity." Ruby sneered andughed at herself.

    Joseph didn''t say anything, seemingly thinking of something.

    "Actually..." Ruby hesitated and looked at him, "are you here because you want to say something to me?"

    Joseph looked up to her, calm and firm. Then he asked, "Ruby, we''re best friends. Aren''t we?"

    "Yes, that''s why you help me so much." Ruby looked at him.

    "So, could you help me now?"

    Ruby was confused.

    Joseph crossed his hands, looking at her softly and gently, but his words were to be firm and powerful, "Let''s get divorced."

    Ruby''s fingers trembled, "You..."

    "In fact, we all did something wrong. We should not protect our benefits with this false marriage." Joseph looked at her.

    Ruby clenched her fist and then stretched it slowly. Finally, she forced a smile, "Joseph, do we need to get divorced officially? We can''t interfere with each other since we are not a couple at all, you are free to do what you want."

    "I mean��" Joseph sighed lightly, and he began to think of something, "I will rify our rtionship in public. Of course, I will think of an ideal method that will save us any embarrassment."

    Ruby struggled to stand up, and then Joseph pressed the button at the foot of the bed. The head of the bed rose up slowly. She looked worse. Joseph didn''t urge her to respond quickly, but went back to his seat without any words.

    "Joseph, I''m so grateful for everything you''ve done for me." After a while she spoke, "But to protect my secret, you agreed to a fake marriage with me. Now you need help..."

    She hesitated, looking at him, "You really think that you can go back to the past? You can''t make this rtionship official; it will be seen poorly. You have made so many efforts to get everything you have now. Will you really abandon your power, status, money and dreams?"

    Joseph showed a slight smile, "Ruby, this rtionship was wrong from the start. One shouldpensate for the mistakes he has made."

    "You will never understand that nobody in the world is worthy of your sacrifices." Ruby grabbed his hand subconsciously, "Myself and Irish included."

    Joseph didn''t shake her hand away. He could feel her fingers trembling with a kind of terror and helplessness to the future. "Ruby, you and Irish are like kids in my eyes who will struggle for both what you love and what you lose. You two are real sisters, in that you are both stubborn and you both manipte, hide and cheat those close to you regardless of the damage you bring to them. Irish is like a hedgehog that will hide its prickles when facing her friends, but when facing the Lake family she will show her thorns. But she is actually lonely and soft, and only her thorns will let her feel safe. You are more like a peacock that looks docile and arrogant. But when someone offends you, you will make a n to protect yourself and let others pay a bitter price. You and Irish are both radical, but not bad natured."

    Ruby turned her head to one side because she didn''t want to let Joseph see her tears.

    Joseph sighed, patting her hand lightly. After a while, she choked with sobs, "Let me think about it."

    "Okay."<novelnext></novelnext>

    ****

    It was getting darker.

    The long street was illuminated with the color of neon lights.

    Some neighbors sat under the locust tree, chatting, drinking tea, and ying chess.

    Life was originally simple and pleasant because of simplicity.

    If Irish''s life had been simple and boring from the very beginning, maybe she would not be kneeling down in front of her mother''s photo at this moment.

    She looked up at the photo with dry eyes. She really wanted to ask about her mother''s true thoughts and feelings, asking why she had left her before teaching her how to love.

    Over the years, only hatred could support her. She liked Adam because they sharedmon goals and thoughts. Adam gave her a sense of security, but she still didn''t express love to him. She secretly loved Fredrick, but she abandoned this secret love as it began to blossom.

    She didn''t know how to love. So if her hatred disappeared, she wouldn''t know how to continue.

    She really didn''t know.

    She felt afraid.

    The moonlight came in through the window, falling on her face. The light was not turned on in the living room, and Steven was drinking in the kitchen with Jay. From the bedroom, Mary looked out to observe the situation sometimes but was reproached by Steven. Steven had drank enough as it waspletely dark and just murmured at the table, "Rachel, I''m so sorry."

    Irish heard his murmuring and felt sad. Mary entered the kitchen, shouting at Steven and making a sign to Cassie. Cassie entered the living room stealthily. Seeing Irish kneeling on the floor, she felt sorry for her and came near, saying in a low voice, "Fredrick ising soon, let''s bring you back under the condition that your uncle is drunk.

    Irish shook her head lightly.

    "You really want to kneel here all night? Your face is as pale as a ghost. Don''t torment yourself, okay?" Cassie nearly cried, intending to pull her up.

    "Cassie." She pressed her hand, looking at the photo still, "Is there anything you want to ask me?"

    She joined Irish in sitting on the floor. Then she sighed and spoke with a hushed voice, "Irish, I know you well, and we have been best friends for many years. I will not question you, even if you have made a mistake. I will always support and understand you."

    Irish''s tears came out immediately and fell down along her cheeks to the corner of her lips. Her fingers trembled, as well as her lips. She turned around to look at Cassie, intending to say something, but stopped. Finally, after a long while, she murmured two words, "Thank you."

    Cassie also cried, rubbing her tears with great strength, and thumped Irish identally. She was out of control again, "Why are you so stupid?" And then her eyes were covered with tears.

 Chapter 147 147: She Can’t Go With You

    Irish was really moved. She really had lost a lot, but there were still people for her to care about: her uncle, aunt, and Jay, as well as her lovely and stubborn friend Cassie.

    The doorbell rang in the living room, sounding rather harsh in such a quiet atmosphere.

    Mary popped her head out from the kitchen while Cassie stood up to open the door. Because of the carved hallway, Irish couldn''t see the visitor but heard Cassie''s voice sounding surprised.

    Feeling strange, Mary walked to the door. Irish also heard her voice asking, "Who are you��."

    "Hello, I came here for Irish."

    It was the man''s voice, familiarly low and mellow, making Irish feel astonished. The light in the living room was turned on, and she raised her hands to block the strong light. Then, through her fingers, she saw a man''s tall figure.

    As Joseph entered the living room, he saw Irish kneeling down on the floor. Her hair that hung to her shoulders made her face seem even paler. He was startled and immediately went forward, but Mary stopped him. She asked, "Who are you?" ording to her sixth sense, she felt this neer was an unlucky omen.

    "I''m Joseph. I''m here to take Irish away."

    He introduced himself and stated his intentions. Irish looked at him at a loss.

    "Joseph?" Mary frowned and murmured. "You''re Joseph? No, I can''t let you take Irish away. Leave quickly. You are not wee here."

    Cassie was anxious beside them. She looked at Joseph and then Irish. She didn''t know whether to help Mary or just let Joseph do what he came to do. Caught tightly by Mary, Joseph could note forward in time.

    Naturally, he could not do anything irreverent to the elders but looked at Irish and said seriously and sincerely, "Follow me."

    Irish felt touched.

    Hearing some noise, Jay came out of the kitchen and was confused to see Joseph there. Then subconsciously, he stood in front of Irish.

    "Leave quickly. Do not contact Irish." Mary hated Joseph because of Shirley.

    "I need to have a talk with Irish," Joseph said truthfully and sincerely, looking at Mary.

    Mary became a little surprised as she looked at Joseph, sighing after a great while, "You do not have any eptable topics to discuss, so just get out quickly. If her uncle finds out that you came here, there will be a fight. Go away quickly." In the past, she had really hated this man, but when she met him, his seriousness and calmness made Mary feel that he was not simply a yboy, especially when he was talking just now. The expressions in his eyes seemed to be firm and powerful, as well as his voice. Although she was now just a housewife, she had experienced a lot, and she began to feel that their rtionship was not as simple as two people in a frivolous love affair.

    Joseph was unwilling to go; however, seeing Mary and a weakened Irish, he felt worried and anxious, so he just came forward with a big step and hugged Irish without Jay''s immediate response.

    Irish never expected that he would be so bold, and she gasped in surprise. She could not move since she was tightly nestled into his bosom.

    "Joseph, let her go!" Jay shouted threateningly.

    Joseph looked at Jay and frowned seriously, "If she continues to kneel, she will faint."

    Jay didn''t say anything.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Joseph." Irish murmured lightly in his bosom, "Let me go."

    "No." He said firmly and lowered his head to look at her.

    Irish tried her best to see his face but only caught sight of his chin. She was too tired and could hear his heartbeat, as well as a deep and resonant voice.

    "Joseph, what can you do for her if you take my sister away here? You can''t do anything for her. Don''t forget that you are married. Even if you get a divorce, she would still get hurt." Jay said calmly, with his severe eyes looking at Joseph.

    Joseph held Irish tightly and was unwilling to let her go. He looked at Jay with hisplex eyes for a long time and then said, "What I can do for her currently is to hold her when she needs me. That''s the only thing I can promise."

    Jay shook his head and said, "You are all crazy."

    Without saying anything, Joseph moved to leave.

    "Stop! If you dare try to take Irish away today��"

    Suddenly a sword was pressed gently against his neck, apanied by a strong smell of alcohol.

    Mary and Jay were shocked, but it was toote to prevent it. Cassie also widened her eyes in shock at the ridiculous scene unfolding before her.

    Joseph held Irish and stood motionlessly with his back standing straight without looking back. The sword in Steven''s hand was very sharp and well maintained. However, the cold light of the de was almost ice-blue, and when Steven guided it over to his chin, the de scratched Joseph''s cor.

    Irish was shocked when she saw the sworde upon Joseph Adam''s apple, and she could even feel the coldnessing from it.

    Steven drunkenly walked in front of Joseph while the sword was stillid against his neck and shouted, "Let her go. She can''t go with you!"

    Joseph was calm, but from what Irish could tell, it seemed that there was aplicated emotion swarming in his eyes.

    "I''m really sorry for bothering you. But I have to take Isabel away tonight." He said slowly with a tranquil tone.

    Hisst word was loud and forceful.

    Irish was astonished.

    Irritated by his attitude, Steven shouted and lifted the sword, brandishing it at Joseph. Irish and Mary screamed when they saw this, and even Jay widened his eyes in shock. Irish held Joseph''s arm subconsciously. When she closed her eyes, she felt the air around her move swiftly.

    Everything was still.

    The smell of alcohol in the air froze as well.

    She could hear Cassie draw in a deep breath, and when she opened her eyes, she was startled. The sword was just a few millimeters from Joseph''s eyes, he would be blinded if it was just a little bit closer. She could hear the popping sounds from Uncle Steven''s knuckles, and his eyes were cold. Joseph didn''t move, and she didn''t even feel his hands tremble. He still held her in his arms tightly.

 Chapter 148 148: It’s My Decision

    Joseph looked forward, crossing the sword in front of him, and then he asked, "Can I take her away now?"

    Before Steven could even reply, Joseph held Irish and left.

    "Joseph!"

    "Uncle, let me go with him. I have to talk with him." Irish finally said to Steven.

    Clenching his teeth, Steven threw the sword to the ground.

    When they were about to walk out of the door, Cassie chased after them. After taking a glimpse at Irish, she said to Joseph, "She is exhausted tonight." Though it was the first time Cassie had talked to him, she knew he was astute and that he would understand what she meant. She had always opposed the concept of Irish being in a close rtionship with him. She had heard the gossip about them, but she thought other women just envied it, but now it seemed that he had fallen in love with Irish.

    She hoped they wouldn''t maintain such an ambiguous rtionship, but she also didn''t object to Irish going with him because she knew he wouldn''t hurt her.

    "Don''t worry," Joseph said briefly. He wasn''t used to making useless promises.

    His brief words had indicated his resolution.

    Taking a deep breath, Cassie opened the door for them but saw Fredrick standing outside the door. It seemed that he was ready toe in. Cassie was surprised, and Fredrick had not expected that Joseph would be there. He frowned when he saw Irish in Joseph''s arms and asked, "What happened?"

    Looking at Fredrick''s anxious face, she couldn''t say anything to him since she was so tired. But Joseph said softly, "Would you mind moving aside?"

    Hearing this, Fredrick blocked the way and said in an unpleasant tone, "Why should I move away? Put her down."

    Joseph suddenly showed a faint smile and said, "I''m sorry. She has to leave with me."

    "Why are you doing this?"

    Stepping forward, Cassie pulled him and shook her head, "Irish is exhausted. Stop arguing."

    "Cassie, are you crazy? We can''t let Irish go with him." Fredrick frowned and hastily opposed.

    "It''s my decision," Irish said softly. She took a quick glimpse at Fredrick but soon turned to Cassie and continued, "Go back home now. I''m okay."

    Fredrick clenched his fist, and he was extremely irritated, but Joseph just kept silent and held Irish as they walked to his car parked beside the road.

    Fredrick was still trying to stop him, but Cassie prevented him and said, "Let her go. It''s her decision."

    Before he could say anything, Cassie added, "I''m really tired. Could you take me back?"

    Fredrick knew that he couldn''t do anything at the moment, and in addition, he had to nod when he saw Cassie''s pale face." Okay, let''s go." He still hadn''t broken up with her. He had been trying to find a proper chance to say it to her, but he knew it wasn''t tonight.

    Before they got into the car, Cassie sighed and said, "I never thought that Irish was a daughter of the Lake family. Fredrick, did you know this?"<novelnext></novelnext>

    Fredrick was shocked by her words, but he just opened the door for her and replied gently, "I''m only hearing this now from you." He decided to hide the fact that he knew all of this a long time ago so that she wouldn''t misunderstand Irish after they broke up.

    Sitting in the passenger seat, Irish looked at the scenery outside the car window. The shadows of the buildings made her feel depressed, and the cold air in the car also seemed to strike her. She shrank her shoulders and held her cold arms.

    Joseph turned off the air conditioner without saying anything and then held her hand, which attracted Irish''s attention. She looked at him and was about to take back her hands when the man''s deep voice sounded out, "Open your hand."

    Instead of being obedient, Irish tried to resist.

    Joseph frowned and stopped the car on the side of the road. He pried her hands open, and when he saw her hands, he had a grave expression. Absolutely Irish knew that her hands were covered with wounds, but she had clenched them together in her Uncle Steven''s house, so nobody would notice the blood stains on them.

    Joseph looked at her, and Irish could feel the harshness of his gaze even though she didn''t look back at him. But when Joseph was about to start the car, she said softly, "I hate hospitals."

    The man sighed deeply but finallypromised and rubbed her head, then drove forward.

    He stopped the car twice more on their way home.

    They stopped at a 24-hour coffee shop the first time, and then he parked at a pharmacy and bought some medicine for her.

    It was midnight when they arrived home.

    Instead of leaving, Joseph washed her face for her and then began to handle the wounds on her hands.

    A floormp stood quietly beside the couch, and the yellow light reflected on the man''s face. He was sterilizing her wounds with care, and his forehead began to sweat because of his cautious movement.

    She wanted to tell him that she didn''t feel pain at all.

    He stared at her hands while she looked at his handsome face. And for a moment, she wanted to cheer him up and tell him that it was unnecessary to frown at her.

    But every time when she was going to move her hands, he would hold her gently and say, "Fortunately, the wounds are not deep. I''ll give you some anti-inmmatory drugs, and they may hurt, but you''ll have to endure it."

    She nodded.

    He kept handling the wound, and just as he said, it hurt when he was dressing the wounds, but she could endure the pain.

    After that, Joseph began to check her swollen knees and applied cream to the injury. Irish looked at him and realized he was a very considerate man.

    After a long while, she said with a hoarse voice, "Do you have anything to say?"

    After he was finished, Joseph walked to the kitchen and didn''t reply to her immediately. When he came back, he brought a bowl of hot porridge for her. He sat down beside her and stirred it gently. "Have a good rest after eating this porridge. We can talk tomorrow morning."

 Chapter 149 149: Eat This

    "Tomorrow morning?" She looked at him hesitantly.

    "Yes, tomorrow morning." He repeated himself and then began to feed her gently. "I''ll stay here tonight. You can call me if you need, and I will stay in the living room."

    Irish was astonished and said, "You can''t stay here for the whole night."

    "But you need me." Joseph put down the spoon and continued, "And I''m worried about you."

    If life was a magnificent symphony, then Irish was experiencing a soft movement at this moment after a loud and chaotic one. Her indignation,bined with the pain caused by Joseph when he had rushed to Ruby, was tangling in her body. She didn''t understand why she was still hurt since everything went as she had expected. Joseph''s presence, as well as his care and the porridge he brought her, rxed her. In short, her pain was alleviated significantly.

    He was right that she needed him.

    She lowered her head and kept silent, with her arms holding her legs. Her long hair was scattered over her ankle, which was tender and white. Joseph''s eyes became warm, and he took another spoonful of porridge and said softly, "Eat this."

    Irish looked up at him for a while and then opened her mouth.

    She ate the porridge leisurely as he fed her.

    They didn''t mention what happened during the day. At this moment, he was taking care of her patiently, just like thest time when she had a severe cold. It was now just an ordinary night, but Irish knew that everything in the future wouldn''t be as tranquil as tonight. Of course, Joseph also understood this, but they just chose to be silent, leaving only the sound of electric lights buzzing in the air.

    After washing, Irish realized that women could not afford a torment at a certain age. The hot shower was thest straw, and all the pain from her head, hands, knees, and waist came back to her. She staggered out of the washroom and felt as if she was almost broken.

    Fortunately, Joseph came and held her so that she could rely on him. Joseph brought her up to the second floor and walked directly to her bedroom while Irish pressed against his chest, listening to his steady heartbeat. At the moment, she was like a bird that had finally found her nest.

    When he put her to bed, she whispered to him. "I still want to say something." She looked up at his chin, and at the same time, she saw where the sword had cut his shirt cor. She would usually make fun of it, but she was there tonight and witnessed how Joseph had held her motionlessly under her Uncle Steven''s sword. He had risked his life. Seeing his determination, she knew that he would take her away.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Finally, he did so.

    But Joseph didn''t give her the chance to say anything. He leaned on the bed and embraced her in his arms. Irish could feel his warm breath over her head, and then the man''s deep voice sounded, "Isabel, you are too tired. Have a good rest tonight, and don''t say anything more."

    Indeed she was extremely exhausted, and when shey on the bed, she felt a little bit dizzy. The smell of the man''s body was clean and fresh. She reached out her hand subconsciously while the man also stretched out his hands and entwined his fingers with hers, avoiding her wounds carefully.

    "Stay here. Don''t leave me alone." She could feel the pain from the wounds in her hands, but she was unwilling to let go of his hand.

    Somehow, Joseph was moved by her words, so he lowered his head and held her even more tightly, saying with a soft voice, "Okay. I''ll stay here."

    ****

    It was a sleepless night for the Lake family. Henry, the head of the family, was smoking on the sofa with a dignified expression. Though his hair had turned gray at his temples, his back was straight, and he was sturdy.

    Lilith was eating potato chips on the sofa and looking at Shirley, who was crying. Sometimes she would look at her mother, Kelly, who was skillfully brewing tea, as if she wasn''t bothered by Shirley''s sobbing. She was focused on the tea, and she made a cup for everyone without saying anything.

    Roy was not at home, and after ensuring Ruby''s safety, he went out with his friends to have fun, even though he had not gotten over the jetg yet. William took a cup of tea for Henry and said with a smile, "Drink the tea and don''t be irritated by her. Shirley just cares about her daughter."

    "Cares about her daughter? I think she is silly." Henry refuted angrily and continued, "She is my wife, the chairman''s wife, but she just took her daughter and made a scene at mypany. She is a bad mother and has made a stupid mistake in public. Ruby is weak, and now she''s in the hospital. Are you satisfied now? Is this what you want?"

    Shirley burst out in a louder cry after hearing this. "Do you think I wanted to do something like that? Irish insulted Ruby beyond the limit. Did you know she even seduced my daughter''s husband? Ruby is a kindhearted and loving woman who has suffered far too much. Irish is shrewd and pretends to be a psychologist. However, she should be an actress since she is so good at lying. You don''t know what she did to us."

    "Stop your nonsense reasoning. I know it was you who took the initiative to cause trouble in her office!". Henry shouted at her angrily, and then he continued, "I''ve told you many times that they are adults and can handle their own problems. So why do you have to stir up trouble? What''s more, do you have any evidence to show that Isabel has had an affair with Joseph? You said that you''ve seen Joseph walk out from Isabel''s room, but did you see what happened in the room? And you also said that you saw the cufflinks on Joseph''s shirt that Isabel bought, can''t it be that Joseph happens to have bought the same pair of cufflinks? Even if they have had an affair, you shouldn''t create this kind of drama for them, let alone if they are innocent. You know that domestic shame should not be made public, but you continue to do so? Now, are you satisfied with the oue of your misdeed?"

 Chapter 150 150: You Hated Me For Many Years

    "Henry, how could I think so? Ruby is also your daughter, and you shouldn''t be partial to Irish. She is a shrewd woman, and her actions made Ruby pass out."

    "Auntie, I think Irish is a good woman, and you shouldn''t say things like that." Lilith felt guilty about it but couldn''t help contradicting her.

    Henry pointed at Lilith while his eyes gazed at Shirley. "Do you see that? Even Lilith is more sensible than you. How can you use my daughter?"

    Shirley sobbed but didn''t say anything.

    "Don''t interrupt us. Go back to your room," said Kelly, after keeping silent for most of the conversation.

    Lilith rushed upstairs angrily. Then Kelly leisurely began to take a sip of the tea.

    "Shirley, I know you very well since we''ve been married for so many years. So, don''t think I know nothing at all. You took Ruby and threatened Isabel when she was a child. And you know why Rachel left without saying goodbye? It''s my fault, but you were awful to her. Now she''s gone, and I want to make it up to Isabel so the Lake family can ept her. Am I wrong? I never required you to treat her as your own child, but I have made a will, and nobody can change it. She will hold my shares of thepany, whether you ept it or not."

    Shirley wiped her tears and said severely, "But she doesn''t want the shares."

    "It is none of your business." Henry roared and turned to William and said, "You are also a member of the Lake family, you won''t object to my decision, will you?"

    After drinking his tea, William put down the cup and stood up. "You are the leader of the family. I will respect your decision."

    Finishing his words, he went upstairs but winked at Kelly as he passed her.

    After getting the hint from her husband, Kelly took a sip of tea and said, after thinking for a while, "Brother, I know you''re doing this for Irish, and she is also a member of our family, so it''s normal that she holds the shares. But I want to know Joseph''s opinion on this matter. After all, thepany also belongs to him."

    "Joseph has agreed with me. He is a reasonable man." Henry replied as he suppressed his anger.

    "Well, that''s fine since he is the manager of thepany. That will make matters easier." Kelly twirled the cup in her hands and showed a faint smile.

    But Shirley was not as calm as her sister, and after hearing this, she became even more irritated. "Reasonable? He''s just infatuated with that woman. I bet he''s willing to give all of the shares to Isabel."

    "You are an elder member of this family, how can you still act like this? If you can''t act like a proper member of this family, I will remove you from it."

    "You..." Shirley stood up from the couch abruptly and gazed at her husband. She never expected he would say such a cruel thing to her.

    Henry did not say anything to her and went upstairs directly.

    "You''re a heartless man. I have raised a lovely family for you, how could you say something like this to me? I''ve done so much for this family and at least deserve some recognition for my efforts. I know you can''t forget Rachel...." Shirley began to cry again, but this time no one came tofort her.

    Kelly was annoyed by her crying, and finally, she also stood up. When she passed by Shirley, she said, "If you didn''t insist on getting married to Henry, you wouldn''t be so anxious about personal gains and losses. People always lose something when another gains it."<novelnext></novelnext>

    Shirley was irritated by her words and shouted at her, "You''ve hated me for many years because you think I steal your shining moment, isn''t that correct?"

    Kelly didn''t respond to her at all, and she just walked away directly.

    ****

    It was raining outside when she woke up.

    Opening her eyes, Irish looked at the raindrops falling against the window, and she felt that all the unpleasant emotions from the previous day had vanished.

    Joseph wasn''t in the room, but she could smell his faint scent in the air. It seemed that he had just left.

    When she went into the dining room, she saw him sitting there. There were no razors in her house, so she could see the shadow of a beard on his face, which made him look very resolute. He was dressed in the same shirt as the night before, but it was still clean and neat. Before she got close to him, his fresh fragrance floated to her. He was reading the morning newspaper, and when he saw her, he smiled and said, "Come and eat."

    Irish took a glimpse at the time and found it was already ten in the morning.

    It was raining cats and dogs outside the window, asionally punctuated with lightning and ps of thunder. A bird flew dangerously close to the window, but when it nearly hit the ss, it turned and flew back into the heavy rain. Irish couldn''t help but think that if she were the bird, she would fly away as well.

    They all ate quietly without speaking to each other. After the meal, Joseph applied some cream onto her wounds, which had already recovered significantly from the previous night.

    The rain didn''t stop all day, and the entire area was thick with fog.

    After finishing, Irish leaned on the couch and said to him, "I never thought you would find me."

    "Daisy is a capable assistant," Joseph replied briefly.

    The image of Daisy appeared in her mind, a talented and capable woman. She must have called Joseph as soon as she left her office. Irish sighed slightly and said, "Do you want to say something to me?"

    Putting the ointment aside, Joseph looked at her for a long while and said, "Promise me something. Don''t hurt yourself anymore, no matter what happens."

    Her fingers trembled, but he caught her hands in his palms.

    "That''s it? I thought you might have wanted to punish me."

    "Isabel"

    "After all, your wife is in the hospital because of me."

 Chapter 151 151: You Are Always So Unreasonable

    Joseph looked at her and said, "She has a weak heart, Isabel. She is your sister, and you should also want her to be okay, right?"

    "If she didn''t provoke me, she wouldn''t be in the hospital." She said harshly.

    Joseph was amused by her and smiled, and then he embraced her in his arms. "You have to promise me one more thing."

    Irish pushed him away and huddled on the sofa again, trying to avoid him, "What?"

    "Talk to me before doing anything." He said impatiently.

    "I don''t understand what you''re talking about." She frowned and looked at her palm, where the wounds were wrapped up carefully. All of a sudden, her heart wrenched.

    "For example, you told others that you had sex with me and promised you would have my baby." A strange smile covered his face.

    Irish opened her mouth slightly in shock and said after a while, "What a big mouth. Did she tell you this? She''s scared of my words, huh. Funny!"

    "I don''t want to intensify things." Joseph took a cup of water to her and continued, "I''ve told you before that I will handle all of this. However, this incident could have been avoided if you didn''t act of your own volition."

    Irish didn''t take the cup of water but focused on him talking, then she sneered, "If you''re so smart, shouldn''t you be taking preventative measures then? You should probably y it safe."

    "Are you talking about the cufflinks or the fact that Shirley publicizes our ambiguous rtionship deliberately? No matter what you mean, I''m still trying to convince myself that you are just acting up with me." Joseph raised his thick ck eyebrows.

    "Well, so now you think I''m a viper?"

    Joseph shook his head and said helplessly, "You are always so unreasonable."

    "Yes, you are right. I am a narrow-minded woman. Happy? Do you want to get even for Ruby? You have the chance now, and you can me me as you want." She took a sip of the water and then put it back on the tea table. Her eyebrows furrowed, and her resentment was visible on her beautiful face.

    After seeing her reaction, Joseph turned severe and said, "Isabel, I just want you to understand what you should do. Even though you have a grudge against the Lake family, you have to learn to let it go and move forward. Were you satisfied yesterday? Are you happy? Do you think that after you get your revenge, you will feel at ease?

    "I don''t need you to tell me what to do." She snapped back.

    "You are wrong. I''m not telling you what to do, and I''mmanding you to stop all this." Joseph said word by word, and then he added, "I have said before that I can''t just watch you go astray."

    Irish showed a deste smile and said, "You''re used to teaching me lessons as my brother-inw, but what about now?"<novelnext></novelnext>

    After hearing this, Joseph''s eyes cooled down, and he suddenly pinched her chin and squinted slightly. "I thought you were clear about who I am."

    Irish''s heart beat quickly, and she turned around, avoiding his big hands. She felt hot and said loudly. "Joseph, I''m not clear about who you are. I don''t know and don''t want to know. But I know you are a dick. Can you please be fair? Why do you just me me here and not Ruby? Why? Why do all of you try to y God in my life?"

    "Isabel..."

    "I don''t want to see you, and I don''t want to talk to you. Get out of here." Irish stood up abruptly to push him regardless of the wounds in her hands.

    Joseph was afraid that she would hurt herself and tried to hold her. But Irish was so angry that she just pushed him away and rushed to open the door while shouting at him, "Get out! Now!"

    Joseph saw that she was irritated and was about to hold her forcefully, but he worried that he would hurt her since he knew that she was stubborn and strong-minded.

    Before leaving, he said to Irish, "You should try to trust me for once."

    The door closed, and Irish shed a flood of tears.

    She rushed to the window and saw him walking to his car. The rain soaked his back and wet his hair and his shirt.....

    ****

    Monday should have been the busiest day of the week, but because of the gossip, it became unusual. An insider in thepany disclosed the secret in a blog post that Joseph, the manager of the Runestone Group, had a mistress and was caught in the act by his wife.

    This news quickly became viral, and within two hours, the view count reached several hundred thousand. After the jewelry exhibition, people even got more interested in the Runestone Group because of the gossip, and now people who didn''t know Joseph would think about his extramarital affair when they saw his handsome face.

    Soon some other media outlets began focusing on the gossip, and at noon, someone else posted Ruby and Irish''s photos online. Though the photos weren''t very clear, people could tell from the pictures that both of them were beautiful. Some even sighed, feeling that the life of a dandy was vastly different from the lives of ordinary people. Others said sarcastically that they began to believe that there was real love in the world.

    Within 24 hours, "Runestone Group" had be the highest searched topic on Google. Joseph had epted a public interview. Many people began to denounce his corrupt private life, ignoring the fact that he was an influential entrepreneur.

    The Key Group took the initiative to capitalize on the scandal. Taking advantage of the rumors, Leo sessfully suppressed the stock price of the Runestone Group in the stock market. At the beginning of the day, Runestone Group stock shares fell sharply.

    The next day, some financial magazines andmercial newspapers reported that the board of directors had impeached Joseph as the stock price continued falling.

    Irish was extremely frustrated when she saw the news and felt that there was a heavy stone crushing her chest. She put the newspaper on the couch when Christy entered her office anxiously. "Many reporters are here. Did theye here for you?"

 Chapter 152 152: Come Here

    Irish wasn''t going to swagger out the main entrance and have a verbal battle with them. She snuck out the back door to avoid the reporters, but a car suddenly blocked her way, scaring her. She looked up and saw it was Joseph''s car, and some reporters began to rush towards them.

    "Get in the car," Joseph said to her.

    Irish knew she needed to leave as soon as possible and got in the car quickly. "Why are you here?"

    "Let''s talk about itter," He stepped on the elerator and left the reporters behind.

    This was the first time Irish had seen his driving skills. He drove fast but steadily, and the car sped forward, dodging through traffic. Even though he drove fast, he did not vite any traffic rules. He left the reporters behind and drove into the underground garage of Irish''s apartment.

    After entering the house, Irish walked to the window and looked around. There were no reporters downstairs, which finally made her feel relieved. To be on the safe side, she hastily drew all the curtains in the house. When this was done, she found that Joseph was brewing tea at the tea table.

    "Come here." He said without looking at her.

    Irish huddled on the couch, and Joseph took a cup of tea to her.

    She took a sip of the tea but still said stubbornly, "Well, this is just great, isn''t it?"

    "It seems that you''ve watched too many TV dramas." After taking a sip of tea, Joseph put down his cup and stretched out his hand to her. "Let me check your wounds."

    She stretched out her hands as she bit her lip. Joseph carefully inspected her wounds and finally smiled when he found they had recovered well. Irish gazed at him for a long time and recalled what happened the day before when he was soaked in the rain because of her. Then, a feeling of regret struck her, and she drew back her hands slightly. "I''m sorry about that."

    Joseph squinted and replied in a supportive tone, "Good girl."

    "You misunderstand me. I apologize because you got wet in the rain due to my rudeness. But I don''t think I''ve done anything else." She leaned on the sofa with a cushion in her arms. Though she said this with a loud voice, her clenched fingers indicated her apprehension."

    Perceiving her helplessness, Joseph couldn''t bring himself to me her, and then he took out a ticket, putting it on the tea table.

    Irish glimpsed at it and frowned.

    Joseph showed a faint smile and said, "I know you wanted to travel to Uyuni. This is a ticket to La Paz, and when you arrive there, someone will arrange for you to go to Uyuni. I have arranged everything for you in Uyuni, so don''t worry and enjoy yourself there."<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish was shocked and asked him, "How did you know that I wanted to go there?"

    Uyuni was known as the closest ce to heaven. Located near the town of Uyuni in the western Potosi Province, in southwestern Bolivia, it was thergest salt t in the world. It was a beautiful ce, stretching over 12,500 square kilometers. In the winter, the entire t would form a shallowke and sometimes freeze. Locals even used the salt on theke during the dry season to build houses. Only in recent years was it noticed by visitors, but many of them were unwilling to travel there because of the distance, so it remained rtively untouched. ording to some descriptions, the endlesske looked like it was carved out of crystal, and the salt dunes in the distance looked like snow-capped mountains. It was extremely beautiful there.

    Though she had wanted to travel there, she hadn''t mentioned it to anyone.

    Joseph gave the ticket to her and folded it in her hands. "I knew you wanted to go there because yourputer desktop background was a picture of it."

    Irish was astonished after hearing this.

    "Do you know that it looks the most beautiful in winter?" Her face was slightly pale, and she held the ticket in her hand.

    Looking at her, Joseph embraced her into his arms and leaned on the couch. He stroked her hair gently and said to her, "The scenery is beautiful in the summer as well. If you want to go back, then I will arrange another trip for you."

    Leaning in his arms, Irish looked at the ticket in her hands, and the beautiful scenery unfolded before her eyes. It gradually disappeared, and all she could feel was his heartbeat.

    "Enjoy your vacation and have a good time. Buy and eat anything you want. Treat yourself." Joseph smiled and kissed her head.

    After a long while, Irish said, "People always go there with their beloved." She felt the man stiffen, and he held her chin lightly and replied, "Next time. I promise you." Joseph stared at her and made this promise in a gentle tone.

    Somehow Irish felt sad about his words. Maybe she felt sentimental about his firm promise and his serious eyes. She forced herself to calm down and then said indifferently, "I don''t like to run away when shit hits the fan."

    Of course, she knew his intentions.

    But she just didn''t want to do it this way.

    "You think too much. I just want you to have a good rest." He smiled.

    "Joseph, I''m not a child anymore. I can see through all this." Putting aside the ticket, Irish continued, "I understand that you want to undertake all of this by yourself. However, the news indicated that they wanted to push us, including Ruby, into the eye of the storm. This afternoon, the news changed its focus and led people to concentrate on the sharp fall in the Runestone Group''s stock price, as well as the news that the board of directors has removed you. The news of the sharp fall of the stock price is not supposed to be transmitted so quickly, and as for the news, you have been impeached? That should only be known by thepany''s board of directors, so how has it now be public knowledge? Joseph, I don''t want you and Leo to protect me in this way because you will hurt yourselves in the process. It''s unnecessary for you to do this. I don''t want to leave you in this situation."

 Chapter 153 153: Go On Vacation

    Joseph knew that he couldn''t hide all these things from her, so he stretched out his hands and touched her nose. "You have to know that this is aplicated matter, but at least one thing can be made certain, it is Leo who is trying to destroy the Runestone Group. He has waited for a proper chance like this for a long time, and it''s also true that those board members want to remove me. After all, thepany has suffered huge losses because of me."

    "So you just let this news go out? Joseph, is this your way of preventing me from getting involved in this matter? Go on a vacation? How could I go on a vacation at this critical moment?" Irish didn''t know whether to smile or cry.

    But Joseph just patted her head and said, "Trust me. What you should do at this point is to travel and enjoy yourself."

    "It is easy to quiet down a rumor, but it''s difficult to rify the news that the media have already reported. Yes, this might be the best way to protect Ruby and me, but we don''t want it." Irish strongly disapproved that he was trying to attract the media attention to himself. She continued, "If you continue like this, you will destroy yourself."

    But Joseph did not want to listen to her long speech, and he held her tightly and said with a smile, "I''m still your boss, and you will go on this trip; otherwise, I''ll deduct your bonus."

    "You..."

    "Okay, so that''s settled," Joseph said smugly.

    He was being stubborn, and Irish knew that it was useless to argue with him. She said with a sigh, "Give me some time to consider it."

    During their conversation, his cell phone rang several times. After hearing this, he felt relieved and picked up his phone to call back. Sitting on the couch, Irish held a cup in her hand, and gradually she began to feel anxious, watching him standing beside the window. She did not want to owe anyone anything.

    During this period, she didn''t ept any cases and asked for time off from Tim, who was aware of the scandal. For the sake of the general situation, he agreed to her request. Fredrick also called her several times during this period, but she told him that she was fine to reassure him. Cassie also worried about her, and she told her the specific situation of the Runestone Group. In short, the board of directors had lost their confidence in Joseph, and some of the directors even requested that Henry step in to manage thepany again, but Henry never responded.

    After hearing this news, Irish hastily asked Cassie how she might improve the situation. After thinking for a while, Cassie stated that there were two methods to reverse the overall situation. The first one was to rify the news that Joseph had a mistress, while the second was that Joseph could take on the diamond mine project in South Africa because the diamonds inside were priceless.

    Recently, when Joseph called her, he only focused on her journey to Uyuni, so she did not have a chance to ask him about it.

    The next day, she got the news from Jay that the prisoner who had dismembered those people had killed himself, which worried her.

    When Irish arrived at the prison, Jay was talking with the legal examiner. He briefly introduced the situation to her with a severe expression. "The prisoner sharpened a toothbrush and pierced it into his neck."<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish closed her eyes, and she sensed the smell of blood in her nose. The man had ended his life before she could make a psychological evaluation of him.

    "He left a strange sign on the wall. Please go check it out." Jay thought it was necessary to let Irish know all the information since he had cleared up this case through the use of Irish''s analysis.

    Irish nodded and went into the prison with Jay.

    The wall of the cell was stained with blood, indicating that he hadmitted suicide facing the wall. Irish was confused and couldn''t understand why the prisoner had killed himself in front of this wall.

    Soon she found the answer. Just as Jay had told her, there was a pattern on the wall that was carved in with something hard. She observed it carefully and found that it looked like a butterfly. Irish thought it was weird, but she could not figure it out. Under the pattern, a line of words was carved, "He went into the city of God and punished the guilty people with his wings. I am guilty, so I am willing to follow him."

    Squatting beside Irish, Jay stared at the pattern and frowned. Then, after a long while, Irish hesitantly said, "It doesn''t look like usual graffiti."

    "Can you find any meaning in these words? Just as you said, he is obsessed with the ult. Are these words rted to his weird behavior?"

    But Irish couldn''t decipher it in such a short time.

    When she walked out of jail, the sunlight made her slightly dizzy, and the words lingered in her mind: He went into the city of the God...

    Though the criminal was gone, his family and the families of his victims still wanted a psychological evaluation of him. She understood that they just wanted to findfort in it because they believed that he killed people due to mental illness. On the one hand, she was willing to do that for them because she felt terrible for them. On the other hand, it was easy to deduce from his modus operandi and interrogation video that he was seriously mentally ill.

    Jay also agreed with her, and before she left, he said, "Go to the police station and get something for me."

    When Jay left, Irish went to the parking lot. She didn''t worry about being followed by reporters here. But soon, a middle-aged man blocked her way. He introduced himself, and then Irish realized that he was one of the victim''s family members, and he hoped that Irish could make a psychological evaluation to prove that the criminal was not mentally ill.

 Chapter 154 154: I Can’t Help You

    It was not the first time Irish had experienced something like this. At present, both parties, in this case, are still in the middle of thewsuit, and the victim''s family requirespensation from the criminal''s family. Though it seemed that the psychological evaluation was of no great importance, it could y an important role in the decision of the criminal''s conviction.

    Now that the criminal was gone, his family would hold all of the responsibility.

    Of course, she showed great sympathy to the victim, and she also bore a grudge against the criminal, but he did have some mental problems, so to some extent, he was also a victim.

    "I''m sorry. I can''t help you." She apologized to him directly.

    The man took a deep breath and said, "How much money do you need?"

    Irish stopped and looked at him, "I really feel awful for what happened to your family, but I have to give a judicial evaluation to the court. It has nothing to do with money. I''m sorry."

    The man''s eyes soon turned severe, and he said, "You haven''t experienced this pain. Doctor Irish, there are monsters in this world. I hope you reconsider." Then he left.

    Irish sighed and shook her head. Bernert had been hospitalized because he had undergone an operation. Irish wanted to visit him, but she was busy with the rumors these days. But now that the criminal was dead, she had to meet Bernert and risk being followed by the reporters. To some extent, Bernert was also one of the victims in this case, and he had to be told the situation.

    After buying some gifts and a bunch of flowers, she went to the hospital and walked directly into the neurosurgery ward. But when she walked out of the elevator, a familiar figure came into sight. She hastily followed him, and from the window of the ward, she realized that it was Joseph.

    But why was he there? Did he regret dismissing Bernert?

    Joseph took a bottle of water to Bernert and talked with him for a moment, and Bernert had a smile on his face. Irish stood at the door for more than twenty minutes, and when she was ready to leave, she saw Joseph stand up to leave. He walked out of the ward, and he didn''t notice her there at all.

    Irish waited for another few minutes to ensure Joseph wouldn''te back, and then she knocked on the door. Bernert was happy to see her and hastily greeted her.

    "I hope you recover quickly." Irish discovered that it was a private ward and was well decorated and lit. It looked like a resort. She put down all her gifts and flowers.

    "Thank you foring here, and thanks for the gifts." Bernert was clearly in a good mood.

    "How do you feel?" Irish smiled softly.

    "I''m fine. And I appreciate you asking." He replied with a big smile.

    Irish said in a roundabout way. "I thought I just saw Joseph here, but I''m not sure."

    "Well, he just left. Didn''t you say hello?"<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish shook her head and continued, "Why was he here?"

    "He came here for me. Joseph is helping take care of me, how else could I recover so quickly?"

    Irish was confused and asked, "Why is he doing this? He dismissed you and asked you to pay for the loss of the diamond. What''s up?"

    "They are two different things. We must not mix them up. It is indeed my fault, but Joseph just carried out his duties. How could he manage the wholepany if he didn''t do so? His employees wouldn''t listen to him anymore." He took a piece of fruit from Irish and added, "What''s more, all of you only see his ruthless side but ignore the fact that he is actually a righteous and kind man. He knew that I had no money to pay for the loss, so he dipped into his own pocket to pay for it. He also paid my hospital bills."

    That was beyond Irish''s expectations.

    In her eyes, Joseph was extremely harsh at work, and the word "selfless" would never be used to describe him. He was like an inhuman, cold machine, squeezing out all of his staff''s energy and youth with his power.

    "Dr. Irish, Mr. Dover has no obligation or responsibility for my illness. It''s not an injury caused by work. He has not only taken charge of this but he''s gotten me a job that I can take on when I''m out of the hospital." Bernert looked up and said, "Of course, I''ve decided that I can''t be a cutting technician anymore. Mr. Dover considered my physical health and arranged an easy job for me. The sry is far higher than it should be. I appreciate it immensely."

    "Did you really learn from the same master?" She asked curiously.

    Bernert nodded with a smile. "Yeah, he''s the best one. It was hard at the time, especially in the cold weather where no one wanted to get up. He would always get up at sunrise every day, then run and bring us breakfast. He was a very self-disciplined man, and none of us couldpare that. I remember one time, when he was cutting diamonds, he was almost blinded by an inadvertent shake of his hand. It was likely when he realized how much precision was required in the process, so it was not surprising when he fired me because of my shaky hand. This work requires painstaking attention to detail, or you can hurt yourself and others."

    Irish seemed to understand.

    "By the way, I''ve heard about you in the news. I don''t believe the gossip. I just care about you."

    Irish smiled bitterly, slowly peeling an apple with a fruit knife. "Did you not expect the woman in this scandal toe to see you today?"

    "Well, what''s going on between you three is not known to us outsiders. I''m just worried that the road ahead will be even harder for you." Bernert sighed.

    Irish stopped cutting the apple, thought for a moment, then resumed.

    "Let''s talk about something else." When she handed the apple slices to Bernert, she said, "The criminal from the case you were involved inmitted suicide."

    "Huh?"

 Chapter 155 155: I’m Sorry My Daughter

    Irish told Bernert everything. Finally, she drew a butterfly-like pattern on the paper from her memory. "Have you ever seen this pattern?"

    Bernert looked at it for a long time and shook his head.

    Irish gazed at the pattern on the paper and frowned.

    For the next three days, the news about the Runestone Group continued to be reported, from time to time, mixed with gossip about Joseph''s private life. Some people even revealed that Joseph had bought a house in the Hamptons. Irish continued watching the news and gradually found something strange.

    It seemed that there were two forces at work. One was pure gossip, focusing on the rtionship between her and Ruby Lake. The other force kept trying to focus on the public perception of the Runestone Group, paying more attention to Mr. Dover than to the two women.

    She began to wonder who wanted to destroy her and Ruby so much that they wouldn''t hesitate to drag Joseph into the situation.

    Her trip had already been rescheduled because of the seriousness of the situation, but Joseph had called several times, sounding increasingly serious. He stated clearly that he did not want her meddling in the matter.

    Irish nestled on her sofa, eating ice cream and feeling bored, and her head was filled with Joseph''smanding voice. The phone rang, and she thought he was calling again. Frowning, she answered the phone but unexpectedly heard an old man''s voice, "Isabel, it''s Dad. I want to see you. We need to have a conversation."

    ****

    The air was cold outside and made worse by the constant rain. Outside, the smells of autumn began to flow through the air, signaling the end of an unusually short summer.

    Irish did not want to see Henry Lake, but she knew that sooner orter, she would have to face him. Since thest family dinner, he had always been trying to find a chance to talk to her. That day she gave him this opportunity. She wanted to see what the man who had abandoned her mother would say to her.

    Henry did not choose to meet in an expensive hotel or clubhouse. Instead, he chose a cafe that catered to young people. There were not many people around, and the atmosphere was very quiet. He wore a clean suit without exaggerated details or jewelry. He was there to talk with his daughter, not for business.

    Irish had seen Henry when she was young, handsome and thin, and his arms had been lined with muscle. The man before her was older now, with graying hair. A pang of deep guilt shed in his eyes.

    When he saw her, he ordered coffee and a number of desserts, and it seemed that he still thought of her as a child. Irish didn''t touch the coffee in front of her, and Henry saw this, assuming that she didn''t like it. After taking a sip, he smiled, "No wonder you don''t like it. It''s much too bitter. I''ll add some sugar for you." He hastened to put some sugar into it.

    Irish looked at his contented expression, and the anger and resentment that had held in her chest for many years werebined with an unusual feeling. She thought the hatred in her heart would support her coldness towards him, but she felt strange looking at him.

    The man, who seemed to be trying topensate for what he''d never given her, kept asking her what she liked eating, but she took slight offense to it. It seemed like he was treating her as a child, but it was many years toote.<novelnext></novelnext>

    For half an hour, Henry talked the entire time, and Irish listened to him with an expressionless face.

    Half an hourter, when Irish finally saw the leaves on the tree outside falling against the window, she opened her mouth to speak. "If you came to me today for that gossip, then I have nothing to say. If it is because of the shares, then I can tell you clearly that I don''t want them. I don''t want anything from your family."

    Henry seemed to be hit hard by this, nervously saying after a while, "You hate me, I can understand that. I am sorry for you and your mother. If I hadn''t listened to my family, I would have taken your mother away, things today would be very different."

    Irish sneered, "What about your precious children?"

    Henry opened his mouth, "Everything is my fault. Irish, today I am not asking for your forgiveness. Whether you acknowledge that I am your father or not, I only want to do my best. To be frank, I want my daughters to be happy, whether it''s Ruby or Lilith, or you. There is no need for great wealth in life. The most important thing is to be happy andfortable."

    "Are you happy andfortable?" Irish rudely asked.

    Henry shook his head sadly. "The only woman I ever loved was your mother, Rachel. How could I live happily without her? Those who are the saddest are people who have lost something. Even if you don''t hate me, I am resigned to hating myself. My advice is to cherish what you have, struggle for love, and try never to regret anything as much as I do."

    Irish clenched her fists, and scenes from her childhood to the present shed in her mind while sadness poured into her heart. Looking at Henry, she choked through sobs, "Do you think you are qualified to preach to me?"

    "I''m sorry, my daughter." Henry''s eyes were hollow and mncholy.

    ****

    Jay was leaning in his seat, examining a picture of the sign the suicidal criminal had left on his cell wall. He felt that a pair of soft hands covered his eyes. He heard a woman''s cry and lifted his eyes, and found that it was Lilith.

    She blushed, and her hands covered her chest, ring at him. "Hey! Be decent!"

    Jay realized what he had just done, got up, looking a little embarrassed, and cleared his throat, "Who let you into my office without knocking? And who allowed you toe in?"

    Lilith bit her lip, "Can''t I see my nt?" She went to the windowsill and asked, "Where is the green nt I put here?"

    "Dead." Jay originally intended to drive her away, but when he saw her red face and big eyes, his heart was softened.

 Chapter 156 156: I Have No Time

    Lilith heard him and was surprised, "How did it die?"

    "If you want to raise nts, do it at home. You put a potted nt in my office, how would I have time to water it?" Jay frowned.

    "I think you killed it on purpose." Lilith mumbled a sentence, smiling again, "It doesn''t matter, tomorrow I''ll buy a new one for you again."

    "Whatever." Jay did not bother to listen to her, sat back in the chair, and put the photo aside.

    Lilith did not get angry,ughing and hanging around his neck like a vine, "After eating, you will have more energy to work. I know you love your job, but you should eat dinner."

    "I have no time."

    "Come on a date with me?" Lilith asked with a smile.

    "Mm-hmm." Jay felt a little breathless, especially as the scent of this woman traveled into his nostrils, and his mouth went dry.

    Lilith asked again, "Oh? Would your girlfriend not like that?"

    "Mm-hmm." His attitude remained lukewarm.

    But Lilith heard him and crept into his arms with her cunning eyes, "You lie, I asked around, you usually eat alone, or you eat with colleagues. You have no girlfriend."

    "Don''t bother me. Get up. If you stay with me, I''ll arrest you for assaulting a policeman."

    "Then I''ll sue you for threatening aw-abiding citizen." Lilith pouted with her small mouth. Jay was speechless and had to give up, "Aren''t you ashamed? You''re a woman. You shouldn''t be in a man''s office sote."

    "Will you do anything to me?" Lilith winked at him.

    "No way."

    "Then fine, you''re not going to do anything to me. Why can''t I be in your office?" Lilithughed even more brightly, deliberately to arouse suspicion.

    Jay frowned and picked her up. "Don''t you know how much gossip there is at this time?" Don''t torment me."

    "The Lake''s gossip isn''t about me. What does it matter that Ie to see you?"

    Jay took a deep breath, and he found that if the maid came up, it would be a difficult situation to exin. He raised his hands in surrender, "Miss Lake, I beg you to get out of this office and close the door for me, okay?"

    "Give me a reason."

    "I''m working on a case, and I don''t have time to go to dinner with you." Jay rubbed his temples as if coaxing a child, "So be quiet and don''t disturb me, okay?"

    Lilith suddenly saw something on the table and picked it up. "What''s this?"

    Jay nodded, walking forward, "Don''t move, give that to me."

    "No." Lilith avoided him with augh.

    Jay''s long hands caught her all of a sudden, but she spun as he reached out, and Lilith waspletely held in his arms. Her back was against his chest, and they didn''t expect their position to look so ambiguous.

    She looked up with a smile, and Jay bowed down to grab it, and their lips inadvertently touched, and they both froze.

    Everything was fixed. The fragrance of the woman and the smell of the man''s cologne was intermingled with both of their breath. Lilith blushed and spun around, lowering her head, and her long eyshes covered her panic and shyness.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Jay''s chest jumped and felt a strange tingle, but he still pushed her away, reaching the photo. "Stop trying to steal from me."

    "Who''s stealing it from you? I just want to see what''s drawn on it." Lilith''s voice was small, but her heart thumped, "It is just a totem."

    "A Totem?" Jay''s eyes were bright, and he suddenly came forward and clenched Lilith''s shoulders, "Did you just say it''s a totem?"

    "My shoulder!" She gave a cry of surprise.

    "I''m sorry." Jay was anxious and rubbed her shoulders gently, "Did I hurt you?"

    "Can''t you y nice?"

    "Well, I''m sorry. Next time I promise not to hurt you." Jay was somewhat incoherent and asked her. "Tell me about this totem."

    Lilith pointed to the pattern on the paper. "I remember seeing it in a book long ago. It was like a butterfly but also not a butterfly. It was a totem."

    "Think again and recall, what kind of book was it? Tell me."

    Lilith turned her eyes to him. "Who can remember what happened 800 years ago? Besides, I''m hungry, and my brain cells aren''t working at all."

    Jay listened, grabbed his car keys, and pulled her wrist, "Let''s go, I''ll buy you dinner."

    Lilith followed behind him, smiling an evil smile.

    ****

    Leo invited Irish to the restaurant at the top of the Runestone building, where all of Broadway could be seen from the window.

    Although it was only a meal, Irish could feel there was a hidden meaning behind it.

    "Are you showing off to Joseph by asking me to dinner?" The scene outside the window was beautiful, and the streetmps illuminated the city''s gridyout, the shing neon lights dancing in the night.

    Leo was in a good mood, putting a cut steak on her te and shrugging his shoulders. "You are incorrect. It''s just because the food in his restaurant is amazing."

    "Let''s get to the point. Leo, you shouldn''t be taking advantage of this whole situation." Irish lowered her cutlery and her voice. No one in the business could be considered selfless, andpetition like this was only natural.

    Leo smiled, "You have always been smart, you should know my intentions are pure."

    "I know, one stone and two birds." she sighed. "On one hand, it''s strictly business. On the other hand, you want to disparage the public''s opinion about Joseph."

    "So, this is the best way." Leo picked up his ss and spun it gently.

    Irish turned to look out the window, thinking, and after a long time, she nodded,

    "Yes, the best way."

    Leo stared at her, whispering, "Irish, I just want you to know that if someone wants to hurt you, I''ll be the first to protect you, no matter who it is."

    Irish turned to him, his words made her warm and lost. She stayed silent for a while, and when Leo almost finished the wine in his ss, she opened her mouth, "In fact, I''ve always wanted to ask you a question."

 Chapter 157 157: I Am No Longer Happy

    Leo put down his ss and listened carefully.

    "I know you''ve been struggling with Joseph all this time. Business is like a battlefield, and maybe you two have a grudge that I don''t know about. I''d like to know that when you''ve done everything you want to overwhelm the other side, will you feel happy?"

    Leo was slightly startled, raising his eyebrows.

    "Or..."

    She leaned forward and looked at him for help as if only his answer could save her restless heart. "Will you be happy after you seed in beating Joseph? Is that what you want? To see him in prison?"

    Irish had always believed that people had to live in this world with fear to be happy, this was human instinct. But in the process of growing up, people''s desires be stronger and stronger. Vagrants want to fill their stomachs, those who are full want to have a safe ce to live, those who have a ce to live want to be free from worries about food and clothing, and those who have no worries about food and clothing want to improve their quality of life. Those who improve their quality of life want better cars, those who have nice cars want to buy better houses, those who buy good houses want to make more money, and those who make more want to make even more money. Desires develop like waves. Unfortunately, the highest pinnacle of these waves can only amodate a few people.

    She understood that, so it was not the thirst for sess that kept her going but the hatred that had been in her heart for so long. But one day, someone came up to her and told her that she was not happy at all. That was correct, she thought, she wasn''t happy...

    That was why she wanted to ask the man in front of her, was he happy? He was a powerful man, leading the best in the industry, but after getting what he wanted, was he happy?

    It seemed that the word happiness was no longer mentioned.

    Sure enough, the problem that Irish had thrown out made Leo feel very surprised, and his usual suave and uninhibited manner at this moment changed into hesitancy. When he opened his mouth after a long time, his voice sounded a little unnatural. "Happy?"

    Irish nodded gently.

    Leo looked at her for a long time, licked his lips, swallowed what he wanted to say, and took his ss and put it down. The word seemed to poke at one of his sensitive points, and she could see that his series of movements were full of obvious anxiety.

    She did not press him and just waited for his answer. She needed his answer to clear up her confusion.

    A long whileter, Leopromised, "To be honest, no one has ever asked me this question."

    "Then you can think about it now."

    Leo fixed his eyes on her, picking up his ss and tasting the wine slowly, but his slight frown allowed her to judge his thoughts at the moment urately. His mind felt cloudy but was gradually bing more clear.

    He put down the ss and said, "Hatred makes people unhappy."

    These powerful words made Irish''s hand tremble, along with the ss in her hand. The wine sshed the back of her hand, the cool red spreading on her skin like blood, and a chill of shock passed through her heart. It used to be a blur, but now it was bing clear, like a wine that slid down her wrist.

    "Then why are you..." She looked as if she were asking the question to both him and herself.

    On the opposite side, Leo sighed, just listening to her slowly. "When our friendship disintegrated, we could only reaffirm our existences to each other throughpetition and attack."

    Irish looked up at him.<novelnext></novelnext>

    He smiled bitterly, "Joseph and I do not hate each other as much as we are rivals. What we do may seem cruel, but it seems that it''s the only thing we can do, so it doesn''t matter whether we are happy or not," he said. "The important thing is that we are both still alive."

    Irish nodded gently. Yes, how could she forget that the concept of hatred was so varied? She was different from Leo, and the experience she had was also fundamentally different from his. Then, their definitions of happiness would also be naturally different.

    "Leo, I''ve gradually found that I am no longer happy." She sighed and spoke with a weak voice.

    Like the petals on ake blown by the spring wind, they shook with the ripples, leaving the waves open to crash down on them.

    ****

    Later, Irish went back to the hospital.

    Instead of seeing Bernert, she went to see Ruby.

    It was a sudden decision.

    She wanted to see the woman who knew her husband''s heart the best.

    But what Irish didn''t expect was that as soon as she got out of the elevator, she saw Eric with a woman with him. She had seen a photo of her, it was Emery. Eric, as he walked, bowed his head andforted her. She was crying.

    After seeing Irish, Eric was surprised and stopped in his tracks. Emery also looked up with tears in her eyes.

    This was the second time that Irish had seen Eric. The first time she had seen him was at the Linkus building. He looked depressed and bearded. But now, unlike the tearfulplexion of Emery, he was sharply dressed and looked well proportioned in his elegant shirt and trousers. Because of the gentleness in his eyes, he looked more attractive than before.

    "Doctor Irish, are you here to see Ruby Lake?" Eric hesitated, he had heard about the affair between Irish, Ruby, and Joseph.

    Irish squeezed out a smile as an answer.

    "Oh, this is my wife Emery," he hastened to introduce her.

    Irish nodded and said, "Hello."

    Emery wiped her tears away, "Dr. Irish, hello, my husband has often mentioned you."

    "You are��" Irish was hesitant.

    "We just saw Ruby, but, well, you saw it." Eric put his arms around Emery''s shoulders and whispered, "Don''t cry."

    Irish smiled faintly, "Were you scolded harshly?"

 Chapter 158 158: I Won’t Agree To Divorce Him

    "Dr. Irish, really care about her, but she��" Emery also looked up at Eric.

    Eric looked embarrassed and bowed his head.

    "Everything will pass, and feelings can''t be supported by one side alone." Irish did not know what to say, saying only some ambiguously fluffy words.

    But this seemed to have done the trick, and Eric came forward sincerely, "Thank you, Dr. Irish." Emery also came forward, as if they were suffering from the same thing, and choked out, "Thank you for yourfort. I sincerely hope that you will end up with Mr. Dover."

    Irish suddenly stood still.

    Eric and Emery said goodbye to her and left the hospital.

    At the corner of the ward, Ruby clenched her fist after seeing the scene unfold, and her eyes were cold.

    ****

    The environment in the ward was very pleasant.

    When Irish pushed open the door, there was a lot of sunlight pouring through the window. Rubyy in bed, her face turned to the window, and the sun fell on her cheek. She was looking a little pale.

    Beforeing, Irish had asked Ruby''s doctor about her treatment. Only then did she know that her heart condition was not looking good. Although it was no longer a big problem, the doctor''s suggestion was that she stay in hospital for observation.

    Approaching her, Irish found that she seemed to have cried, and her eyes were red and swollen.

    Hearing movement, Ruby turned her head and saw Irish without being surprised. Instead, she turned her head to the other side again, saying with a cold tone, "I don''t want to see you."

    Irish was not angry, and her tone was calm, "Believe me, I feel the same."

    Ruby sat up, breathing quickly, "Then why did youe here? Just to check if I''m dead yet? Well, you see, I''m still alive."

    "Are you this hysterical in front of Eric, Emery or Joseph?" Irish''s mood suddenly calmed down.

    Ruby had bitten her lips until they lost their color. "I would have talked to you calmly, but you are so horrible," she said. "I don''t care how you look at me. I don''t even care if you use Joseph to make me angry. I keep telling myself that it''s because you have anger in your heart. I can understand that, but you can''t..."

    She suddenly stopped.

    "I can''t do what?" Irish looked at her quietly.

    Ruby''s lip shuddered, she stared at her for a while and then said ruthlessly, "Joseph is going to divorce me. Irish, are you not behind this, urging him to divorce me?"

    This sentence made Irish stop in her tracks.<novelnext></novelnext>

    She never imagined that Joseph would file for divorce in such a quick and direct manner.

    "No way." Ruby stared at her, saying, "I won''t agree to divorce him, absolutely not!"

    Irish somehow became a little uneasy, and until that point, she was not sure why she hade to see Ruby, but it became very clear when she learned that Joseph had filed for a divorce. It was this little surprise that made her uneasy. If she hadn''t heard this, she would have said, "I came to watch you feel sorry for yourself," but now, after a few flips of her stomach, she swallowed the words.

    "Irish, if you don''t let me feel better, I won''t let you feel better." Ruby clenched her fists. "Moreover, what justification do you have to be like this to me?" You hate my mother because she took my father away from you. Once Joseph and I are divorced, how are you different from my mother?"

    A sadness suddenly rose in Irish''s heart.

    Ruby''sst words lingered in her mind.

    ****

    Two dayster, a video came out online. It was quickly broadcast on all the majorworks, and then there were various other media outlets reporting it. It was not known who originally uploaded it, but itpletely reversed the recent allegations against Joseph.

    The content of the video was clear.

    A woman was smashing a car in public.

    Originally, it was a simple video. The content wouldn''t raise people''s attention. However, when the video was analyzed, it became clear that the crazy woman smashing the car was the same woman alleged to be Joseph''s secret lover. The truth was, they were never actually lovers. ording to the video, she had been fascinated with Joseph since joining the Runestone Group, but Joseph always ignored her. So she vented her anger onto the car.

    The video spread like wildfire, burning intensely.

    In gossip entertainment, a juicy rumor is only ever dispelled when another rumores to light. This video illustrated the concept. For a moment, everyone''s eyes were all shifted, and the woman''s insane behavior in the video was widely scrutinized andughed at. As a result, Joseph''s name was cleared, and he was again considered a good man.

    Some inte sleuths found out the identity of the woman in the video. She was a psychiatrist, serving as the psychological consultant of the Runestone Group.

    Irish barely dared to leave her house, and if she had to go out to eat, she wore sses and a hat. For a time, she had to act like a star to escape the paparazzi. But others online questioned the female''s identity, and the two sides started an unprecedented war.

    Sitting in the car, Irish received a call from Joseph, and before he could speak, she said, "I''ve returned my ticket. I won''t go to Uyuni."

    By the end of his speech, she stopped talking and turned her phone off, even though Mr. Dover tried calling again and again.

    While driving, Fredrick turned the wheel and pulled the car slowly over the side of the road. Irish was immersed in her own world, and it wasn''t until Fredrick called her name that she found out that the car had stopped. Looking around, the look in her eyes changed from confusion to rity, sighing softly, "We''re not at home yet."

    "I know." Fredrick simply put out the fire and looked at her sideways. "Can''t you say something to me after the whole night? You know Cassie worries about you, and so do I. But you haven''t said anything to us in days, don''t you know we''ve been concerned?" Fredrick had wanted to find Irish alone, but she had been avoiding that. Then this video incident fell directly on her head. All the media focused on her, and she was known to the outside world as "the least ashamed lover." Most people didn''t care, but it was bad for her reputation. Even those who can be calm all the time cannot always hold back their feelings, including Fredrick, who was in love with Irish.

 Chapter 159 159: Why Didn’t You Answer The Phone?

    He met her for dinner.

    The dinner went very well, and Irish almost forgot she was being tortured by the media. She had a good appetite and felt happy. She said a lot of things, telling him stories of treating patients overseas and tales of when she was teaching at college and how much difficulty she had getting along with ir and Cheska. She said she talked about her colleagues and her friends but didn''t say anything about herself.

    Because of this, Fredrick was anxious.

    Irish was smiling gently, the light in her eyes dancing like the stars, "Fredrick, I''ve talked way too much, and I''m thirsty. My voice is almost hoarse."

    Fredrick knew that she was being evasive and simply expressed himself directly. "Well, if you won''t say so, I''ll ask directly. Do you have anything to do with Mr. Dover?"

    "Yes. You know our rtionship. He''s my brother-inw, and I''m his sister-inw."

    "You know that''s not what I''m asking." Fredrick frowned.

    Irish looked at his face, and it reminded her of Joseph''s solemn appearance. Their original secret love had been quietly lost, so in front of Fredrick, she could be so calm and didn''t have to be nervous.

    "Fredrick, I have had nothing to do with him. Not before, not now, and not in the future."

    Fredrick''s frowning eyebrows slightly rxed.

    "But Joseph doesn''t seem to think so, and the trip to Uyuni you just mentioned..."

    "It''s over. It''s all over." Irish interrupted him softly, taking a deep breath.

    Fredrick wanted to say something else, but Irish said, "Fredrick, you and Cassie are both my best friends, I hope you two can be happy together."

    Fredrick''s eyes stood still.

    Irish turned to look at him and then smiled softly, "You two must be happy."

    "Irish..." Fredrick said again, "You...Do you really think I can bring happiness to Cassie?" He wanted to tell her that he was in love with her, but he knew very well that even if he split up with Cassie, Irish would not ept his love.

    He had been so sure that Irish was into him, but now he hesitated because he was worried about how lonely her eyes were when she answered the phone call from Joseph.

    He had always been worried that Irish would fall in love with that man.

    After hearing his words, Irish nodded and looked at him earnestly. "You must be happy. If you can''t do it, or if you fail to be not loyal to her, I will hate you, really."

    Fredrick''s heart was cold, and he felt like he''d been hit in the chest.

    After getting out of Fredrick''s car, Irish looked up at the night sky. Her body was still there, but her heart felt lost as she could only walk with the moon and stars.

    ? Fredrick looked at her lonely face, feeling a pain in his heart, and called to her. She paused, and he could not help hugging her in his arms, and for a moment, her back stiffened.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "You know, I''ve always cared about you." He said gently beside her ear.

    She smiled, but her eyes were wet. "Thank you." She entered the apartment building, and the night fog gradually obscured Fredrick''s figure.

    The elevator was quiet, and atst, there was only a clear metallic sound in her ears. Irish exited the elevator, and the whole corridor was also quiet, with only the sound of her heels gently knocking on the marble, conveying her solitude and sadness.

    But at the end of the corridor, there was a faint light near the window. Moonlight sprinkled in, outlining the figure of a man, tall and slender. Irish was startled. Immediately overhead, the light turned on, illuminating the man''s face.

    It was Joseph.

    He leaned against the window at the end of the corridor, with smoke in his hand, and looked at her with a horribly harsh set of eyes.

    Irish''s heart raced, and her eyes looked out the window, from which Joseph could see everything below. Clenching her fists and then loosening them, she noticed the pain in her palms was no longer there.

    But there was pain left in her heart.

    "What are you doing here?" She tried to calm her tone, though she was rmed by his presence on such a lonely night.

    She opened her door, and Joseph also came in, he closed the door and said in a deep voice, "Why didn''t you answer the phone?"

    Irish paused, looking back at him, and noticed that his red eyes were haggard, and he might not have slept at all.

    "I''m done talking, so there was no need to answer the phone." She walked to the sofa and threw her bag on it. Before she sat down, the man stepped forward and pulled her arm.

    "Isabel, do you know what you are doing?"

    "All I know is that you''re hurting me."

    She raised her eyes and looked indifferently at him.

    Joseph frowned, but his hand loosened.

    She sat on the sofa, tidying up the tea table, and then said, "Thank you for your kindness, but I won''t go. It''ste, so it''s time for you to leave. I need to sleep."

    Joseph looked at her for a long time with narrowed eyes. Not only did he not leave, but instead, he put his hands directly on the back of the sofa and looked at her condescendingly. "I said, before you do anything, you need to discuss with me, why didn''t you listen? Why did you put that video online without permission? I have not been reduced to the position of letting women sell their dignity to protect myself!"

    Irish lifted her eyes and looked at him, and she knew he was clever. How did she think she could conceal it from him?

    Joseph had regretted yelling at her. Her face looked so pale and her eyes so soft that his heart was moring in pain, and he sat down beside her with a soft sigh and pulled her into his arms. "Isabel, listen to me, please don''t do anything, okay? I''ll find a way to deal with this, but I can''t, and I won''t allow you to trample yourself to help me."

 Chapter 160 160: Tell Me Again

    His breath was still sweet, so sweet that it could make her cry.

    Irish wanted to cry, but she was afraid to do so, so she sat quietly in Joseph''s arms for a few seconds, and in those seconds, she deeply remembered her feelings inside his arms.

    Soon, she pushed him away and got up, "You should go, and I''ll hand you my resignation letter in two days."

    Joseph was startled and ordered her back, "Stop."

    She paused.

    "What did you say? Tell me again!" Displeased, he stood up and came towards her.

    Irish resisted the displeasure that came to her, gently lifting her lips, "Joseph, you don''t naively think that I''ve done this for you?"

    Joseph hade to her, a turbulent current under his dark eyes.

    "I know you like me, and I have known you for some time." Irish smiled faintly, "I know you are always waiting for my answer, trying to guess my mind again and again. You treat me well. You are smart, and you have been waiting patiently, hoping that one day I can put down my hatred and resentment to ept you fully."

    "I never hid that from you," Joseph looked down at her, and his cool breath fell on her nose.

    "You are a man of self-control, and that''s why I dared to cheat your heart freely." Then, she smiled forcefully, and her fingers stiffened, "I just know that you won''t touch me until I ept my feelings, so I act unscrupulously to you.

    "What do you want to say?" Joseph''s face sunk.

    Irish turned around, pouring a ss of water. "Putting that video on the Inte was not to help you, but to help myself. To tell you the truth, I think it''s too much for you, so the situation was perfect. I don''t want to feel guilty about you, and I don''t want to owe you anything. So if the video can bring you some peace, then you and I will never owe each other anymore."

    The neon light came through the window, intertwining with the light in the room, and formed mottled shadows which served as a foil to the dreary night, as well as Irish''s icy demeanor.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Joseph stared at her back, and she looked like a quiet shadow in her in-colored pencil skirt, outlined by the yellow light. He managed to pull her over to him, but he felt helpless. He squinted slightly and asked, "We don''t owe each other anything anymore?"

    Irish took a ss of water, and she could feel the coldness in her hands. After a while, she turned to him and was shocked by the emotion in his deep eyes. She knew that the man was restraining his anger.

    "Joseph, it''s my fault." She lowered her voice while her eyes filled with regret. "I didn''t understand why I didn''t have a father like other kids when I was a child. And I also didn''t understand why my father would stay with another family where he had his wife and child. I hate the Lake family immeasurably. You''re right. I''m a person who would sacrifice anybody and do anything for revenge, and Joseph, you''re also someone who I''ve exploited in order to get back at Ruby as well as her mother. Please forgive my selfishness, but I didn''t mean to hurt you. I was going to give up, but when I heard how Shirley was showing off her daughter and looked down upon me, I hesitated, so I bought the pair of cufflinks in front of her."

    She looked at Joseph''s eyes directly and took a deep breath to relieve the tension inside her. She took a deep breath and continued in a soft voice, "You were innocent from the beginning to the end, and now you''ve been involved in the rumors because of me. You once said to me that not everyone could move forward without looking back. Sometimes we need to stop and revise ourselves to go further. Right now, I want to stop, and the only thing I need to revise is you. I apologize to you sincerely, and I don''t want you to continue to be trapped in these rumors. It''s not worth it."

    The light in her eyes was as weak as a dying firefly. The scenery outside the window was bustling, but it was extremely silent in the room.

    Stretching out his hands, Joseph pinched her chin and looked at her, and asked, "Ruby, told you about the divorce?"

    Irish ignored the pain and said hastily. "I did intend to ruin your marriage in order to make her feel pain, but now I''m scared, and I don''t want to be a person like Shirley, and I don''t want to ruin our rtionship because of my selfishness. Joseph, I can''t stand you caring for me so much. You are a good man, and though you''ve seen through my terrible mind, you still treat me understandingly, but have you considered the consequences? The result is that I can''t fall in love with you. I tried, but I failed because I couldn''t persuade myself, so I have to tell you the truth. I can''t go on this vacation because you will misunderstand me. You''ve done enough for me, but I don''t need you or have you protect me. Whether I''m injured or not, I''ve made mistakes, it has nothing to do with you. Joseph, we are going to be strangers from now on, don''t even greet me if we meet each other."

    He loosened his hands, and a painful emotion could be seen in his eyes, "Isabel, how would I be able to treat you as a stranger? If I didn''t love you, how could I forgive any of your behavior? Don''t apologize to me. I''ve told you that I will handle all of these problems. Don''t worry."

    "You still don''t understand" Irish closed her eyes, and when she opened them again, she looked helpless. "I''m not trying to protect you. Joseph, I don''t love you, and that''s it. If you really love me, then let me go back to how I was before I met you."

    After finishing these words, a dead silence persisted in the air. Her ears rang while Joseph looked at her motionlessly. She could see that under the yellow light, his thin lips were twisted into a line, and his chin was rigid.

    After a long while....

    "Who do you love in your heart?"

    Irish was astonished by his question and noticed that his eyes were slightly trembling.

 Chapter 161 161: Do You Love Me?

    Joseph got closer to her and asked again, "Who do you love? Adam or Fredrick?"

    She opened her mouth but didn''t know how to answer him.

    "Huh?" The man''s solemn voice sounded again.

    "Fredrick. It''s Fredrick." Irish finally spoke out, the name lingering in her mind. She had averted eyes, and her thick eyshes covered her lonely expression. She licked her lips and continued, "He has yed an important role in my life. He helped me get through the hardest days abroad. I''m in love with him deeply, and I..."

    His sudden kiss prevented her from continuing. Irish didn''t expect it and felt her head buzzing. The man''s breath that was so familiar and wild to her spread out around her. She tried to resist, but he held her head and embraced her with the other hand tightly.

    He had kissed her before, but in the past, his kiss was gentle and considerate.

    But now, he kissed her in such a crude manner, opening her mouth, forcing her to y up to him. Her head leaned forward forcefully, and his strong arms curved her body. His kiss was more like a punishment that made her tongue grow painful, and the pain from her chin spread all the way to her lips.

    What was even more horrifying to her was that she could clearly feel Joseph''s physiological change in his trousers since they were so close to each other. The temperature almost burned her through the thin fabric and made her understand that he was growing in sexual excitement.

    Immediately afterward, Joseph left her lips, but his cheeks were still so close to her that she could even see her pale face in his eyes.

    "I''ll ask you for thest time," The man''s sullen breath swept over her nose. His voice was hoarse and furious, "Do you love me?"

    "No." She replied directly, without any hesitation, and without even a subtle change in her eyes.

    She could feel the pressure from the man''s hands behind her head, but she also felt the man''s eyes gradually cool down, together with his breath.

    It seemed that even the clocks and watches had all stopped, and the air in the room was frozen, making it hard to breathe.

    After a long time, Joseph gradually loosened his hands and straightened his stiff spine. When his big hand passed her cheek, he stopped for a moment. But finally, the generous palm passed through her long hair, forcing her to look directly into his eyes.

    Slowly, with a dismal expression hanging on his face, he said, "I don''t force you because I want to taste the feeling of cherishing someone. I only dream of being with you; sadly, it seems no matter what I do, I can''t have you." His eyes eclipsed in emotion.

    He knew clearly that he could tell love from sex, so he understood how meaningless and lonesome sex without love was. It was like a drug that may bring physical pleasure but would leave you feeling endless loneliness.

    She was stunned by the man''s words, and an unnamed emotion surged up in her heart that almost overwhelmed her.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Joseph stared at her silently for nearly a minute, and then he turned away and never looked back.

    When the door mmed shut, she felt that she had just finished performing in a gorgeous and tragic drama. Ringing in her ear was the music of the cello, apanied by thest words he spoke to her.

    Every word hurt her severely.

    Irish slowly slipped down against the wall and finally fell on the carpet. She sped her chest tightly and felt severe pain in her stomach as if something was seizing it. She knew that the stomach was near to the heart, and since her heart was in great pain, her stomach would too.

    She knew from the beginning what she had lost. Tears slipped down her cheeks, dripping off her face, leaving dark spots on the carpet that gradually disappeared.

    ****

    The news that the stock price of the Runestone Group had been stabilized sessfully demanded people''s attention. It was because of the video that had surfaced that Joseph could regain such a high appraisal. Of course, there were different opinions eximing that Joseph didn''t gain back the trust of the board of directors and that he had to make a more remarkable achievement to reacquire the trust.

    During this time, Irish didn''t work and refused to meet friends. But sometimes, Cassie and her Uncle Steven woulde to visit her. She always talked in a jovial mood when facing them but never mentioned the past.

    ****

    After a few more days, Irish officially submitted her resignation to the Runestone Group, and Joseph approved her resignation without making a scene. Soon her sry and bonuses were transferred into her ount. That day, Irish came to the Runestone Group for thest resignation process, and then she went back to her office to pack up.

    Although she hadn''t been there for several days, it had been cleaned up by the cleaners. She had only been working there for only two days every week, but her office was always kept clean and without any dust, while she had to ask Christy to tidy up her desk every day.

    She sighed slightly and went to her office with a box, and began to pack up. She had worked there for some time, and it was enough for her to have feelings for her colleagues. Suddenly someone knocked on the door, and when Irish looked up, she found that it was Daisy. She walked in directly and said, "Mr. Dover is on a business trip, and he asked me to pack up your things for you." After speaking, she began to roll up her sleeves.

    Irish hastily prevented her. She knew that Joseph was not in the building today, which was why she came. She didn''t want to bother him anymore or the people around him. But Daisy insisted on helping her and said in a low voice, "It''s a task directly from Joseph, so I need to finish it."

    Irish didn''t know whether to smile or cry and said, "He wouldn''t know even if you didn''t help me."

    "No." Daisy declined her request and put her files into the box.

 Chapter 162 162: How Did It Happen?

    It was ten o''clock in the morning, and the sunlight was dazzling. The curtain was rolled up, and the sunlight poured into the room. Standing quietly and looking at Daisy, who was busy packing up for her, Irish suddenly found that it was the first time she had stared at her so carefully. For a long time, Irish thought Daisy was a capable assistant, and everyone in thepany respected her. She was truly a great woman.

    But she looked a little bit different today. She rolled up her neat business attire and helped her to pick up the things she needed to take away. Irish trusted her ability to organize items since it was a basic requirement for her as an assistant. She was very diligent and had a quiff in her hair, Irish thought she looked more feminine than usual.

    Daisy was actually a beautiful woman, and she was very attractive when she smiled. But she was too serious when she was working, so she missed out on many potential pursuers. Finally, after a long while, Irish stepped forward and gazed at Daisy when she finished examining her cab. "Do you think I am mean?" Somehow she wanted to know Daisy''s opinion about her, and it was the first time she had tried to find out an outsider''s perception of her. Perhaps it was because the strange circumstances perturbed her.

    Daisy stopped for a while, but soon she understood what Irish meant and replied, "Everyone has their own choices, and I think only you know what kind of person you really are. It''s unimportant whether or not you are a mean person. What really matters is that I know Mr. Dover worried about you that day."

    After hearing this, Irish felt that her fingertips were hurt by something sharp. She took back her hand quickly, looking at it, but found nothing.

    "He was talking about a cooperation agreement with several important clients when you had that incident that day, but he went back to thepany directly when he heard the news and even put off his work." Daisy said this calmly, and then she added, "I have been his assistant for several years, but I''ve never seen him put off his work because of private affairs."

    Irish didn''t raise her head but felt as if a knife was being twisted in her heart. It was a metal photo frame that had nicked her fingers, one she usually put beside herputer. It was a photo taken in Pennsylvania, and she was dressed in her best. She looked like a butterfly under the blue sky. Joseph had taken this photo for her.

    She still remembered his anxious eyes that day when she appeared to him. It seemed that he had been looking for her for a long time...

    Thinking of this, she felt as if there was a rubber band tugging on her heart, and she was afraid that it would be broken soon, so she tried to find paper to cover the picture.

    Following her eyes, Daisy saw the photo, and she stretched out her hands to take it out. She smiled softly and said, "It''s beautiful. Sometimes, taking a photo is like courting someone. As long as there is love, the photo can be beautiful."<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish felt awkward, and when she was about to take the photo back, Daisy added, "I heard that Mr.Joseph drank a lot of alcohol on the first night in Pennsylvania, didn''t he?"

    "Many friends came to see him that night." Irish tried to reply in an indifferent tone.

    But Daisy shook her head and said, "But I guess, if it were not a special asion, he would not have even shown his face." Irish was shocked and looked up at her.

    "Didn''t you know that a few years ago, he was hospitalized because of gastrorrhagia? It was my first year as his assistant, and I was frightened, but he told me not to tell anyone about that."

    "Gastrorrhagia?" Irish did know anything about it. "How did it happen?"

    "It was all because of his socializing activities," Daisy said helplessly and continued, ''The outside world thought that he was a trooper, but in fact, he was not. He had been busy running between the diamond mines and retailers in the early years. But no one would cooperate with you if you didn''t show any sincerity. He had to drink with them every day to get contracts with them. So finally, he had gastrorrhagia. In my second year as his assistant, all his businesses were almost stable enough, and since then, he rarely drinks. Gradually, insiders all realize that he never drinks, and no one will try and force him to drink since his businesses are gettingrger."

    "You could never imagine the hardships Mr. Dover faced getting to his position. He started from the grassroots and moved up step by step. When I first met him, he did not live a rxed life, and he was subservient and servile in order to cooperate with others. Once he yed golf in zing hot weather so as to please a customer, and he almost passed out because of the temperature. He was also helpless when the heiress of one of his customers forced him to learn the diamond cutting and grinding process. He left in anger but then went back to apologize because he wanted their business. So it is not the Runestone Group that has made him sessful, he reached those achievements by himself. He experienced a lot more hardships than us, so he knows how to retreat in a dispute and how to deal with both overt contention and covert struggles, as well as how to restrain himself when facing temptation. Hismitment to self-discipline is stronger than ours. Doctor Irish, do you still think it''s difficult for him to avoid drinking now?"

    She never knew any of these things before, and the unfamiliar other side of him unfolded before her. She knew that a man like him would go through a lot, but when she heard this from Daisy, she felt sorry for him. She couldn''t imagine the hardships he had gone through because he showed another side of himself when around her.

    asionally missing content, please report errors in time.

 Chapter 163 163: Why Did She Get So Much?

    ? Daisy put thest paper into her box and said meaningfully, "If I could have arrived in Pennsylvania earlier, he wouldn''t have gotten drunk."

    "Why?" Irish asked out of unconsciousness, but soon she felt that she had asked a silly question and actually knew the answer.

    Daisy repeated the answer to her, "The biggest advantage as his assistant is that I don''t have to see him being drunk every day. But sometimes, there are some banquets that cannot be declined, so I often drink for him instead. I don''t know what happened that night, but I know he could have absolutely avoided drinking unless...." She stopped and looked at Irish with a meaningful expression. "Unless he had a reason to drink."

    Recalling the situation that night, Irish clenched her hands, and her nails were embedded in her palms, but the pain in her palms still couldn''t counteract the pain in her heart.

    The morning felt like it took forever, and Irish didn''t even know how she packed up everything. Then, after finishing packing up everything, she felt her back was soaked in sweat.

    Daisy said goodbye, and Irish sat in the office for a long time until she couldn''t restrain herself anymore. Then, she rushed out into the washroom to wash her face with cold water, making her feel better.

    When she was sitting on the toilet, two people came in. They came here to do their makeup, and soon Irish heard her name in their conversation.

    "I never expected Doctor Irish would submit her resignation so soon." Irish could tell who it was from the voice. She was the head of the personnel department.

    "She had to resign since such a serious incident urred." It was a soft voice, and Irish knew she was the finance department head."

    "Do you think she was forced to do it? Perhaps it was Mr. Dover who pushed her to the brink to protect himself. We don''t know if the video is true or not."

    "But I don''t think Mr. Dover is that kind of person."

    "Then do you think they had an affair?"

    "Yes, I think so. On the first day when Doctor Irish came here, many colleagues saw that they had dinner together, and rumors started from that day, right?"

    "But who decided that the boss couldn''t eat with his subordinates?" The head of the personnel department said indifferently.

    "Irish! We don''t know what happened to them, but I know it was something weird. "

    "What?"

    The head of the finance department lowered her voice and asked, "Do you know the test for our employees?"

    "Yes, I know. Doctor Irish got a straight-A grade."

    "Ourpany mandates that the bonus for straight A grade employees was 20 thousand dors, and consultants could get thirty thousand dors."

    "Yes, I know the bonus structure."

    "But Doctor Irish got eighty thousand dors!" She said in an even lower voice.

    "Huh? Why did she get so much?" The head of the personnel department was surprised.

    "Be quiet," She whispered and added, "I got the news asionally. Before the test, Joseph came to our director and deposited fifty thousand dors into Irish''s ount in his name so that she could get eighty thousand dors."

    "Oh my God! Why did he do this?"<novelnext></novelnext>

    "I don''t know. It seemed that they really did have an affair. I guess that it was just hushed money for her." Then she urged several times, "Don''t talk about it with others, or we might get fired."

    "Don''t worry."

    "But to be honest, I don''t want Doctor Irish to leave ourpany."

    "Me neither. Although she looks very harsh, she''s actually an enthusiastic person and is diligent with her work. And I like her training sses. They''re excellent! I even heard that she did a bunch to help Bernert."

    "Yeah, it''s a shame she resigned."

    Then they left.

    Irish sat on the toilet and found that she was really bemused. Her face was pale, and his words lingered in her ears: "You will get eighty thousand dors as long as you pass the test."

    It was eighty thousand dors. Joseph knew her well, and he was trying to encourage her in a secret way.

    "Joseph��" She murmured.

    She called his name in a shallow voice but then felt the pain in her heart.

    ****

    It was 3:00 pm in the National Library. Lilith sat in the reading room and felt dizzy because of the quiet environment around her, and the man beside her was looking through a book with concentration. He read quickly, but he turned the pages quietly. She heard the sound of book pages turning and wanted to sleep.

    When she was fighting her drowsiness, Jay suddenly patted her head, frightening her. She forgot that she was in the library and cried out in a loud voice. Jay was trying to stop her, but it was toote. For a moment, many people frowned at them.

    The library administrator also walked over to them, so Jay hastened to apologize.

    He roared at her in a low voice when everything calmed down, "Why are you screaming?"

    "It was because you patted me." Her face was scrunched, and she gazed at him. "Why is a big police officer still bullying a girl?"

    Jay found that the administrator was still looking over at them, so he held her head in his arms and said, "Did you forget that you came here to help me search for information? It''s only been an hour, and you want to sleep."

    "I really forgot where I saw it. I can''t find it because so many years have passed." Lilith escaped from his arms and frowned.

    "Whatever, you can''t leave until we find it." Jay couldn''t help pinching her nose slightly.

    "Ouch!" She pushed him and said resentfully, "Don''t you know that really hurts?"

    Jay looked at his hand and replied, "But I didn''t even use any strength."

    Lilith stood up and was about to leave. Jay hastily pulled her with his broad hands, and there was a callous that rubbed her hands. She knew it was caused by the gun, and then she lowered her head, finding that he was holding her hands tightly and her heart was beating quickly. She did not immediately draw back her hands and let him hold hers.

 Chapter 164 164: Well, It Was Just A Joke

    Jay pulled her down and whispered, "I''m sorry. I apologize. Don''t leave."

    Lilithughed.

    Somehow when he saw her smile, he felt warm.

    After a while, Lilith sighed and said, "We can''t just look through everything like this."

    "I know. But I can''t let go of any clues." Jay looked at her, whose small face was overwhelmed by the books, and he lowered his voice, saying to her. "Let''s hurry up and finish these books, and I''ll take you out for a big meal at dinner."

    "Okay." Lilith smiled at him.

    He looked extremely handsome under the light, and her face turned red again.

    *****

    Fredrick was absent-minded these days, and Cassie couldn''t figure out what was wrong with him. She called his name several times, but he did not respond to her, so she just shouted into his ear, "Fredrick!"

    He then responded and asked her, "What''s wrong?"

    "Nothing. I just want you to tell me which suit is better," Cassie swung the clothes in front of him that she had just tried.

    He looked for a while and replied, "They both look beautiful."

    Cassie thought he was preupied with his work, so she decided not to bother him again and said, "I think the white one is better suited for Irish."

    Hearing the name, his eyes suddenly lit up, but he quickly calmed down and said, "Yes, white is very suitable for her." He was afraid Cassie would suspect something, and then he added, "But you are about to go out with her to the bar tonight, so I think you''d better not dress so conspicuously." He was hesitant to break up with Cassie because of Irish''s words thest time he saw her. He was afraid that the emotions he had been protecting for so many years would copse.

    "You don''t understand. Her resignation from the Runestone Group means that she''s shuffled off this mortal coil, so we have to celebrate. Don''t you know that clothes make the woman? I have to be rigged out in my best tonight." Cassie said with a bright smile.

    Fredrick shook his head helplessly and said, "I''m afraid that she won''t be in a good mood."

    "Fredrick, you reallyck a brain sometimes." Cassie turned around and kept picking out clothes.

    Suddenly she saw a ck strapless skirt, and when she was about to take it off the rack, a tender white hand stretched out and beat her to it. Soon an affectedly sweet voice sounded out, "Roy, what do you think of this one?"

    Cassie hated this kind of fake woman and was about to tell her that she had taken her skirt when she found a man standing beside her. Cassie was really astonished and wondered why she kept running into this bastard everywhere.

    Roy was dressed in a casual suit, and he leaned against the clothes rack, looking at Cassie with an evil smile.

    "Fredrick, I don''t like the clothes in this store. Let''s go to another one." Pulling Fredrick''s hand, Cassie frowned and prepared to leave.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Before Fredrick could respond, Roy walked to her and blocked her way without hesitation, and then he looked at her with a faint smile, "Why do you pretend not to know me? After all, we''ve slept together."

    The people around him were shocked by what he said. His femalepanion stared at Cassie motionlessly while Fredrick frowned. Cassie was irritated by what he said and rushed to Roy, roaring at him, "What a shameless man! I have never slept with you!"

    "Oh, sorry. I didn''t express myself clearly." It seemed that he was going to retreat after causing a scene. He raised his hands in surrender and then added, "I mean, I slept on your bed and used your pillow in France."

    His thick eyebrows raised, and he continued, "But I think it''s right to say we slept together."

    But his exnation was useless, and his second statement angered Cassie even more.

    "You..." Cassie felt that she was going to kill him, but they were in public, and at that moment, she needed to exin to Fredrick so that he wouldn''t misunderstand it. She turned to Fredrick with her eager eyes. "Fredrick, he is talking nonsense. Don''t listen to him."

    After hearing this, Roy turned his eyes to Fredrick.

    Through the mall window, two men with the same tall and burly figure could be seen standing face to face while two enchanting women stood beside them. The four people formed the most beautiful picture, especially Roy and Fredrick.

    An evil countenance on Roy''s face could be seen clearly under the light.

    Fredrick turned to Cassie, and gradually a soft smile appeared on his lips. He raised his hands and rubbed her hair, and then he looked at Roy directly, "Mr. Lake, you are being incredibly rude."

    Roy gazed at him, and while his sexy lips broke into a smile, he asked, "Who are you?"

    "Fredrick. Irish''s tutor." He mentioned Irish and waved at him indifferently. He had seen Roy before, and he knew that he was Irish''s half brother, the only son of the Lake family."

    Roy was surprised and never expected that he would know his sister, so he stretched out his arm to shake hands with him. "Well, nice to meet you."

    "What''s more..." Fredrick suddenly held Cassie and added, "If Cassie has offended you before, then I apologize to you. She is an impetuous person and often makes troubles outside, so I usually have to deal with her problems for her." Though his words seemed harsh, it was easy to tell his fondness for her from his tone.

    Roy looked at them and said, "Well, it was just a joke. Never mind."

    "Then we won''t bother you." Fredrick pulled her hand and was about to leave.

    "Hey!" Roy stopped them and showed a big smile when he saw them turn back. "It seems that your girlfriend likes this store. We''ll go."

    "Roy." The girl who had kept silent during the conversation suddenly called to him.

    But Roy didn''t respond to her and walked out of the store directly. The girl hastily rushed after him and held him onto his arm.

    "Just buy what you want," Fredrick said to her with a low voice and then sat on the couch again.

 Chapter 165 165: I Am Serious

    The incident dispelled her desire to shop. Instead, Cassie walked to him cautiously and asked, "Are you mad at me? You must understand me."

    She was eager to rush out to buy a meat cleaver and chop Roy into pieces for being full of nonsense. But, even if he was joking, it made her look bad in public, and it wasn''t that funny regardless.

    After perceiving the change in her disposition, Fredrick smiled gently and held her hands, saying, "Cassie, if I were angry, I would have left just now. Don''t worry. I didn''t misunderstand you, and I''m not angry with you. I trust you."

    "Really?" She tried to find unhappiness in his eyes.

    "I am serious," He looked at the time and urged, "Go and pick a beautiful dress. You said you want to eat at the restaurant beside this mall; we''ll go there for dinner."

    "Okay," Cassie was relieved and continued picking out clothes. Finally, she chose two dresses and then asked intentionally, "Do you know that guy?"

    Fredrick replied slowly, "Yes. He is Irish''s half-brother, Roy."

    "What?" Cassie asked resentfully, adding, "If I knew his identity earlier, I would have killed him."

    "Well, try to avoid him next time you run into him. He is a dandy."

    But Cassie didn''t listen and said, "He''d better hope not to run into me again; otherwise, I''ll kill him."

    Cassie continued to shop for another two hours. She went to the bathroom, and after fixing her makeup in the mirror, she washed her hands, but she didn''t notice that the door had been opened by someone who held a sign in his hand. After entering, he put the sign in front of the door, and it read, "Under Maintenance."

    But Cassie didn''t pay attention to it and continued to wash her hands until she was suddenly grabbed by someone; she then realized something was terribly wrong. She was about to scream, but a big hand covered her mouth.

    "Shh..." The man whispered into her ear and said, "You don''t want your boyfriend to see this, right?"

    Cassie looked in the mirror and discovered it was Roy. She widened her eyes in shock. How could he enter thedies'' room? Cassie resisted and tried to get rid of him, but she failed, and he held her tightly.

    She couldn''t talk because her mouth was still covered, and she stomped her feet and hoped someone woulde to help her. But there were only two of them, and no one would hear.

    "I can let you go, but you have to promise me that you won''t scream." Roy held her waist and smiled an evil smile as he stared at her in the mirror with his eyes shining.

    Cassie nodded, and he gradually loosened his hands. When she saw him release his hands, she suddenly pushed him away and rushed to the door, but he hastily caught her and pressed her against the door and then kissed her.

    Cassie was startled by his sudden kiss, and when she screamed, his tongue slipped into her mouth, and she felt his hot breath.

    His arms were strong and full of strength, and she couldn''t move at all. She was forced to bear his wild attack with her head up, and his teeth hurt her lips. Soon she burst into tears.

    Upon seeing her tears, Roy loosened her and showed a faint smile, "Are you going to run away again?" He stretched out his arms and blocked her way out.

    "Roy, you are scum!" She whispered as she gazed at him resentfully.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Finally, you used my name," Roy held her tightly with evil eyes.

    Cassie struggled to free herself but felt severe pain in her wrist. She twisted her body against him and said resentfully. "Your family are all bastards!"

    "Wow, who told you this?"

    "Isn''t it a fact? Your family hurt Irish deeply!"

    But Roy was pleased by her words and said, "You can''t protect yourself, and you still want to defend her. It sounds like you are really good friends. That''s fine. I''m Irish''s brother, and you''re her friend, what a beautiful coincidence."

    "Bullshit!" Cassie was extremely angry and lowered her head to bite his wrist.

    Roy drew back his hand and mped her two wrists tightly with the other hand. As a result, her whole body had to lean toward him, and he could feel her soft and plump breasts.

    "Stop swearing," Roy got close to her and smelt her hair, "It''s so sweet."

    "Let me go, or I will scream!" Cassie turned her face to the other side, but it made it easier for him to kiss her neck.

    "Well, you can scream then. It would be good to call your boyfriend here. What will he think when he sees his girlfriend canoodling with another man? Will he break up with you? It doesn''t matter, I would never abandon you."

    Cassie struggled and tried to avoid him, but the man suddenly whispered above her head, "You look so sexy."

    She found that her neckline had been torn open, and her chest was exposed to him.

    She was outraged, and Cassie brutally kicked at his crotch.

    She exerted all of her strength, and Roy didn''t manage to dodge in time, so he felt severe pain in his crotch and loosened her. He bent down, and a cold sweat began to pop out from his forehead. Roy looked up at her in shock and mumbled, "You...."

    "Don''t evere near me again, you piece of shit. You''d better get away from me, or I will kick even harder and break that worthless dick of yours." She adjusted her clothes, grabbed her bag from the ground, and mmed it into his head. He screamed again behind her.

    "Damn it. You will regret this," Roy swore at her back.

    ****

    The air was cool after the rain, and the night sky was clear enough to see the stars. The gxy of twinkling stars matched the thousands of sparkling city lights.

    It was the first time that Irish had gone into a bar since she moved to Midtown Manhattan. Crossing the old bar neighborhood, they finally chose a quiet lounge where a handsome man was singing soothing jazz on stage. The slow notes from the saxophonebined perfectly with his low-pitched voice, and the air was filled with rxing music. Irish thought it fit perfectly with the atmosphere tonight, quiet and calm, with only the soft whisperers of conversations and the sound of sses clinking. She knew that she was already beyond the age of getting drunk like a teenager.

 Chapter 166 166: Her Lonely Song

    They ordered several different cocktails. There was the "Blue Sea" made of gin, coulomb, blue citrus, green mint, and sprite," Green Sword" made of brandy, coconut, milk, and spearmint, as well as the "Padilly" made from gin, wine, fresh lemon juice, and mint. They were all as beautiful as they were delicious.

    Cassie decided they would not go back home without getting drunk, and they chatted whileughing and ordering more rounds. Irish was dressed in the white skirt that Cassie had bought for her, and her hair was unkempt. She held her cheek with one hand while her other held a cocktail. The dim light fell on her beautiful face, and she was as motionless as a woman in an oil painting.

    In the beginning, they chatted with each other about their lives, and Cassieined that Fredrick was always busy with work, while Irish told her some funny stories about her aunt. Gradually, they began to talk about their work, and then as the alcohol continued flowing, Irish finally talked about her family, including her mother Rachel, her father Henry, as well as the hateful Lake family.

    When she talked about them, her eyes went dark. Cassie listened to her quietly and thought she would cry, but unexpectedly she did not shed any tears. Her voice was soft and lonesome as the night. She was fine earlier on in the conversation, but she choked up when she talked about her mother''s death. She took a sip of her cocktail and calmed down.

    Her story filled Cassie with regret, and her eyes turned red, but she just smiled softly and didn''t mention anything about Joseph.

    Obviously, Cassie wouldn''t ask her about him if she didn''t mention it. She raised a toast to her and asked, "What are you going to do next?"

    "I have asked for time off with the university as well as the research institute. I want to have a break for a while." Irish swung the ss in her hand, and her long hair covered her face.

    Cassie stretched out her hands and patted her head. "How about youe live with me for a while?"

    "Are you going to support me?" Irishughed.

    "You said before that if you lost your job someday, you woulde to my house for shelter. Though my shoulders might be tiny, they are strong enough to support you."

    "You''ve made so many sacrifices for me," Irish was moved by her words, but she still kindly declined the invitation. "I won''t do so, I don''t want to be a pest among you and Fredrick."

    "I won''t ask him toe over then."

    "No. I want you to get married soon," Irish leaned on her and smiled while Cassie thumped her lightly.

    Irish was a little bit drunk, so she didn''t talk any further. Instead, she looked at the stage. Cassie was confused about what she was looking at, and when she was about to ask, Irish suddenly stood up and walked to the stage.

    "Hey," Cassie tried to stop her since she suspected Irish was drunk.

    She looked as if she was talking with the keyboard yer. He nodded, and then Irish sat down in the singer''s chair. Cassie realized she was going to sing a song.

    Her voice was soft and soothing through the microphone. Though she was not a professional, the sweet sound of her singing still attracted many people''s attention. She sang a popr song, and many people, including some foreigners, all looked over at her.

    Cassie sighed lightly and drank her cocktail slowly. She felt heartbroken when she heard Irish''s slow, mncholy song.

    She closed her eyes while singing and a beam of light fell on her head, turning her hair into gold. She looked like an angel from heaven surrounded by the lights, and her dress glowed in the colorful light.

    She didn''t know that at the corner of the bar, a man was sitting down, his tall figure trapped in the shadows and his handsome face obscured. He ordered a single scotch but didn''t drink it at all. The ice in his ss began to melt, leaving a thinyer of water at the top of his drink.

    He leaned on the back of his chair and lit a cigarette. The smoke floated around him, and when he saw Irish singing on the stage, a spoiled smile spread across his face. He watched her with the utmost concentration, looking at her quietly, closing her eyes, her long eyshes trembling like a butterfly''s thin wings.

    Soon Irish began to sing the chorus:<novelnext></novelnext>

    I want to be happy

    I want to sleep well

    Someone is still warm though he left

    I abandoned my hatred

    I should give up earlier

    I want to be happy

    Though Iughed loudly

    My heart is cold

    It''s all an illusion

    My decision was right...

    Her mncholy tone matched the lyrics, sounding like a sharp sword that could prick someone''s heart.

    The man frowned, and the fingers holding his cigarette trembled while ash fell down to the ground.

    After a long while, he finished it and got up.

    A man suddenly blocked her sight when Cassie was still absorbed in Irish''s song. Her first thought was that someone hade to flirt with her. However, when she looked up to drive him away, she found that it was Joseph, which startled her. "Em... Mr. Dover, why are you here?"

    He reached out, stabilized her shaking ss, and then sat in front of her. Cassie found a trace of weariness in his eyes. Then the man''s deep voice sounded, "Cassie, please take care of Irish and don''t let her drink too much."

    Cassie nodded subconsciously.

    Joseph took out his wallet and put down a wad of notes. "This is for your bill tonight."

    "No, no, no. I can''t take this."

    "Take it," Joseph ordered and then added, "If she is hungry when you leave the bar, please take her to eat something."

    "Oh." Cassie took the money and recalled it when Irish first met with Joseph. It was also in a bar, and he had paid the bill. She heard some rumors about them, but Irish didn''t mention him at all. However, when he looked at her, Cassie thought Joseph''s eyes were full of sincerity.

 Chapter 167 167: Stubborn Woman

    But how could he show up here? If he was not in love with her, it made no sense for him to drift away from his work toe here...

    But Cassie supported their rtionship regardless if it was true love or just a fleeting affection. There was a wide gap lying between them.

    "What''s more, it''s not very safe here, so I have met with the owner, and you can call him whenever you need. Don''t stay here toote." He put the business card of the owner down in front of her.

    "Thank you," Cassie was moved and couldn''t help feeling something strange. What a considerate man! For a moment, she thought it was nice that Irish could be with him. He was a man that could make someone feel safe.

    He then turned back and took another glimpse at Irish. Cassie saw that his eyes were filled with fondness, and a smile spread across his face. After a while, he urged her. "Don''t tell her I''vee here and talk to you."

    "Why?" Cassie was puzzled, but he didn''t reply and then left.

    He gradually vanished from her sight, and Cassie took a look at the stage. Irish finished her song, and all the people apuded her.

    Cassie also stood up to p her hands for Irish, but Joseph''s behavior made her sigh. As she pped, she whispered softly, "Irish, I''m still confused about your rtionship, and I don''t know whether to support you or not."

    Joseph stayed a bit longer inside his car. He still could hear Irish''s soft and enchanting voice while singing that lonely song.

    Suddenly his hands gripped the steering wheel tightly, and then he mmed it several times. A silent cry inside his heart made him feel terrible. He missed her so much!

    "Stubborn woman!" He murmured before leaving that ce.

    ****

    The Lake family household was aze with activity.

    All the people in the family were busy with their own things. Shirley went upstairs to the beauty salon after taking a rose bath, where a professional beautician would attend to her, while William watched a boring soap opera. Kelly was practicing a tea ceremony beside the teapot in the living room, and the fragrance of the tea surrounded her. Roy was working outside, while Ruby went to sleep early because of her poor health, and Lilith was ying games in her bedroom.

    However, Henry was in his study with a cigar in hand while Joseph sat across from him. Joseph didn''t smoke but tasted the tea made by Kelly slowly.

    "It seems that we still have to talk about the issue of whether to let Ruby move into your house." The smoke rising from the cigar blurred his old face.

    Joseph was silent as if he was thinking.

    "You have put an end to this unfortunate incident, but Joseph, you have been affected by it."

    Joseph squinted slightly and put down his cup, "I''m sorry."<novelnext></novelnext>

    Henry sighed slightly and waved his hands, "You don''t have to apologize to me. I know the reason why you married Ruby."

    Joseph was stunned for a few seconds, but he soon calmed down and took another sip of tea."

    "You thought that our family had been kind to you and your brother, so you didn''t refuse our request since you believed it would be the best way for you to pay us back."

    Joseph looked up at Henry and said, "But it''s a fact that you''ve treated me well."

    "I understand you, and actually, it''s my fault. I shouldn''t have forced you to marry Ruby, I just hoped that my daughter would be happy," Henry had a sad smile on his lips.

    "I agreed to get married to Ruby. It''s not your fault."

    "Well, then I would like to ask you, is it possible for you to go back to the way things were?" He asked him tentatively and leaned forward slightly.

    After thinking for a while, Joseph replied, "I thought this was my life, and I don''t believe in destiny. But now that I''ve found my true love, Mr. Lake, I can''t go back anymore."

    "s." Henry breathed a deep sigh, and it seemed that he had known what Joseph''s answer would be already. He looked mncholy, "They''re both my beloved daughters, and I don''t want them to get hurt. Joseph, what should I do?"

    "I''m sorry," He apologized again.

    "I have onest question for you. Do you really love Isabel?" Henry asked him frankly.

    "Yes, I love her so much." This time he didn''t hesitate.

    Henry was shocked for a while and then continued, "But I want to know her opinion."

    Hearing this, Joseph''s eyes suddenly became dim, like a falling meteor finally extinguished itsst faint light. He smiled bitterly and shook his head, then said with a dreary expression, "She doesn''t want to have anyplications with me."

    "She''s a smart girl," Putting his cigar aside, Henry picked up a cup of tea and continued, "I hoped for her to join the Runestone Group because she''s also a part of the family, but now it seems that it''s better for her to leave. I am not partial to Ruby, but I''m more afraid that she will be hurt. No matter how close you are, Irish will be hurt in the end because you''re her brother-inw. You know that people always me women. Several years ago, her mother had seen this through, and she left me. Isabel is as clever as her mother, and I have dealt with this guilt for so many years."

    "Mr. Lake, I have filed a petition to divorce Ruby, and I mean to follow through with it."

    "Joseph, don''t hurt Isabel anymore. Let her go, please," Henry felt hot-blooded.

    Joseph shook his head and said affirmatively, "Not everybody is a sage. Who can be entirely free of mistakes? But we also have the right to correct our mistakes. I insist on divorce because of Isabel, and I want to get to know her again in a better situation. I''m also doing this for Ruby because I''m not her Mr. Right after all."

 Chapter 168 168: It Seems You Have Made Your Decision

    "But do you think your situation will be better if you divorce Ruby?" Henry knocked on the table and continued, "What do those outsiders think? How do people evaluate Ruby? How does our staff at the Runestone Group feel about you?"

    "If it is necessary, I will submit my resignation," His word was dropped like a bomb.

    "What?" Henry was astonished.

    "And I will arrange everything for Isabel." Joseph''s eyes became soft, adding, "I want her to have an independent ce, free from outside disturbances. She could do whatever she wants to do in this ce, and perhaps it will be a way for me to love her."

    "Nonsense!" Henry anxiously pounded the table and almost cried out. "The Runestone Group is not only my life''s hard work but also your father''s. So you must focus on the big picture, and you can''t just resign like this."

    The tea in front of Joseph had cooled down, but his heart was warm. He looked at Henry with a soft smile and said, "I have to think about myself for once."

    Henry looked at him for a long time and said, "It seems you have made your decision."

    "That is correct."

    "What does Ruby think?"

    Joseph frowned slightly and said, "She is still considering it, but it is difficult for her to ept it."

    Henry was silent.

    "But first of all, I must have your forgiveness, Mr. Lake." Joseph looked at Henry and said frankly, "I don''t want to repeat your mistakes. I will fight for her."

    Henry trembled abruptly, and his eyes became dark.

    ****

    In the blink of an eye, it was the end of August. The lotus gave out a faint fragrance, and the moon shone brightly in the clear sky.

    After resigning, Irish decided to travel to Jiangnan, the ancient town in China.

    The ancient street was narrow, and the eaves were built crossing each other, while the pavilions on each side emphasized the age of the ancient town. Rivers wriggled through the town, and the old boatman worked his paddles, humming along to songs on the radio. The boat was drifting slowly down the river, and asionally you could hear the conversations between the boatmen on their boats.

    The songs of the old boatman were sung with a strong ent local to the area. Sitting in the wooden boat, Irish was swaying slightly, and she could see the buildings outside the window with their white walls and gray tiles. Visitors walked leisurely down the paved roads, and the local beauties were smiling softly.<novelnext></novelnext>

    The soothing melody lingered in her ears, filling her with delight as they drifted along the river. Gradually, this tune hypnotized her, and she felt dizzy in the slowly rocking boat, so she closed her eyes.

    The breeze came in from the window and blew her long seaweed-like hair.

    "Uh....." Irish woke up stunned. She widened her eyes, looked around, and then realized that she had fallen asleep. Raising her hand, Irish wiped the cold sweat from her forehead. She remembered that someone had been singing beside her ears along with strange background music.

    He seemed to be chanting about an evestingmp and bluestonenes.

    The old man came in with a smile and asked, "Did you fall asleep?"

    Irish was a little bit awkward and nodded while the unfamiliar tune on the radio sounded again. She frowned and asked, "What song is this?"

    "Haven''t you heard it before? It''s the Peony Pavilion. The locals all sing this song," The old boatman said proudly.

    She then realized she was in Light Town in Kunshan, which was the cradle of Kunqu Opera, a famous type of Chinese Opera.

    After recalling it for a few more seconds, she asked, "Sir, are there any lyrics about the evestingmp and bluestonene?" She felt her dream was so real as if she had heard the song before.

    The man shook his head and replied, "I have been ying The Peony Pavilion, but I don''t know about the lyrics you refer to."

    Irish rubbed her forehead and became lost in a deep trance. It seemed that it had just been a dream. Then, she looked up and found that it was drizzling outside, and the whole town was enveloped in the misty rain, looking like a beautifulndscape painting.

    The sentence should be, "The South of the Yangtze River is misty with smoke and rain."

    The thin raindrops were like needles, sharp but not so big that they would drench everything. The houses andnes of the town were still crowded, and children shuttled to and fro in the mist. Irish rolled up the blinds on the window so she could see everything happening outside.

    Since her resignation, she had left New York, the bustling city, and all of its tumultuous human struggle. It wasn''t for much longer than a month, but it was enough to make her feel physically and mentally clean. She went abroad to China for nearly half a month. After enjoying the beauty of Tianchi and thefort of the hot springs, she came to an ancient town. The atmosphere was very rxed, and she could see the variety of local life there.

    She liked the beautiful simplicity of the area. Whether the town''s impact on the outside world was great or small, at least it moved her. She wanted to spend the rest of the day living in the town''s distinctive inn, getting up every day and hearing the chirping of birds, watching the smoke curling from the chimneys, and enjoying thefort of stepping on the bs of bluestone. She had also made some friends there.

    She thought it was the life she wanted.

    As she passed the buildings on the boat, Irish looked in curiosity at the two boatsing toward her very slowly, one of which was piled with tinfoil ingots, and the other had a woman dressed as a witch, with closed eyes and a string of Buddha beads in hand. The two boats rocked back and forth, and the people on the shore seemed ustomed to it, but Irish was curious and couldn''t help asking one of her friends.

 Chapter 169 169: Have You Eaten Yet?

    Her friend looked at it andughed, "Well, today is July 14. Tomorrow is the ghost festival in China. Starting tonight, there will be fireworks and lights on the river. What you see is the Buddhist woman of the ancient town. Every month and a half of the seventh and a half months of the lunar calendar, she can be found chanting on the river. The other ship is loaded with tinfoil ingots that will be burned tonight. This is the tradition of our ancestors. In July and a half, we fold the ingots and burn them. It''s called ''forming ties with ghosts.''

    Irish knew that it had already arrived at that point of the lunar calendar. People in modern cities had be used to living life at high speed and had long forgotten their ancestors'' traditions. She sighed at the increasingly distant ships.

    Chinese Taoists call it The Ghost Festival, and Buddhists call it the Obon holiday. On this day, almost half of China burns paper.

    It suddenly reminded Irish of Halloween in her country. When she was a child, she carried bags from house to house and asked for candy. "Trick or treat," they had always said.

    In all countries, people have beliefs or respect for traditions, only in different ways. Irish liked these traditional festivals. In other countries, she could happily blend into any festive atmosphere; however, in China, she enjoyed it.

    Irishughed when she thought about it as if she had all of a sudden figured everything out.

    "Irish,e out to see the river lights tonight, this is the custom in our town, but we should go back to the house earlier, my old man said that people shouldn''t returnte in the evening in July," Her friend said with a smile.

    Irish smiled too and said, "Okay."

    Sure enough, the ancient town began burning tin foil ingots from house to house at night. When Irish had eaten something and prepared to go back to the inn, it was almost impossible for her to walk down the road on the bluestone bs. She had been told not to step on paper money when it was burnt for the Ghost Festival because if she stepped on it, it would block the way for the ghosts to collect their money.

    So along the way, she walked very carefully, but the two other foreigners she saw were not so lucky. They trampled on paper money one after another and hurriedly sped their hands to apologize to the air. When she saw the situation, she couldn''t helpughing. The two foreigners saw her and returned smiling sheepishly but full of kindness.

    The air was filled with a light burning smell, and children went to bed early that night. The inn she stayed in had been booked on the Inte, and it was very popr. The innkeepers were incredibly kind, and they had a five-year-old boy named Pea, who looked like pistachio. He was always very sweet to Irish.

    Seeing her back, the innkeeper poked her head out and asked with a smile, "Have you eaten yet? I cooked fish today, and it''s still hot."

    Irishughed and said that she had eaten, and after thanking her, she went back to bed early and fell asleep.

    After nightfall, the ancient town became very quiet. The lights went out, and the stars in the night sky became much brighter. There were no neon lights or cars, and there were very few streetlights.

    But on this quiet night, Irish slept restlessly.

    The moonlight crept in through the window, as cool as silver, shining faintly on her sleeping cheeks. Her eyelids fluttered quickly as she dreamed, and the sweat on her forehead became heavier.

    It seemed that someone was singing something beside her ear with a background of strange music, and each note became harsher.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Far away, she seemed to see a pair of little figures running in the moonlight, a boy and a girl, and the boy kept pulling the girl. The smell of burning paper money filled in the air, and the whole alley was full of money but devoid of people.

    Far away, the voice was haunting her.

    "Run!"

    "Ah---" Irish woke up again to this familiar and urgent voice. Her eyes opened in horror, and after a while, she got up from bed and picked up her mobile phone that she had ced by the bedside. It was 1:30 in the morning.

    Her long hair was soaked in sweat, and the room seemed to still contain the smell of burning tin foil.

    Irish lifted her hand, wiped the sweat from her forehead, and forcibly closed her eyes. Although she had rxed her body and mind for nearly a month, her dreams did not relent, harassing her every night.

    She remembered the sound she had just heard in her dream, like the chanting voice of a woman, but the background music was weird, and the voice had continuously appeared since arriving at the Light Town.

    Taking a deep breath, she looked around, unable to tell the dream from reality. Nevertheless, she suspected that the woman''s voice only existed in her dream.

    She tried to analyze her dreams and began to consider that she had heard too much Kunqu Opera aftering to Kunshan, and it happened to be the Ghost Festival, which exined the paper money and woman''s voice.

    However...

    Irish thought carefully about the woman''s words, like the lyrics of a traditional bad, and she was trying to recall what she had sung when she realized that the dream was fading away.

    ****

    When Irish woke up again, it was almost one o''clock in the afternoon the next day. After washing up, she was about to go out, and Pea ran to her, "Irish, my mother asked me to ask you if you''re eating with us or not."

    "Thank you. But I''ve decided to go out," She patted Pea on the head.

    Pea followed her down the stairs like a grown-up and told her, "make sure youe home early tonight, it''s Ghost Day."

    "Oh, I certainly will," Irish smiled lightly.

 Chapter 170 170: Why Was He There?

    Kunshan has three treasures, Kun stone, Viburnum macrocephalum, and Twin Lotus. She walked a few streets and heard everyone inside their houses listening to Kunqu Opera.

    te-paved street was one of the famous sights in Light Town, and it was said that the boulder on it was called "bloody red." Irish thought everything on the street was new and interesting. When she felt hungry, she stopped wandering around and got to one of the best local restaurants to eat.

    The environment in the restaurant was exquisite, and she could tell that it was specially made for the rich people to eat in. Upon entering through the door, she saw lifelike carvings of thedies in Kunqu Opera, all chiseled into Kun stone collected from Kun Mountain. Rather than eating, the ce was more suited for idly sitting. The best thing to order was a cup of tea, and then go appreciate the views from the windows. Irish enjoyed this kind of luxury and asked for a viewing room, and the most beautiful Light Town scenery could be seen from her window.

    Irish''s eyes inadvertently strayed from the window as she heardughter from inside. She looked across at a man in the tea house.

    He sat on the opposite side of Irish''s table, apanied by a beautiful woman who was giggling in his arms. Her fingers caressed his shoulders, and the corners of her eyebrows were full of charm.

    Irish froze.

    Joseph? Why was he there?

    Irish couldn''t help but stare, and the man seemed to feel something, raising his eyes. Their eyes met each other. Irish''s heart pounded, and for a while, she couldn''t avert her eyes because of the coincidental moment. Joseph didn''t seem to have expected to see her here too, and a faint smile came to his lips. Irish''s serious eyes gradually warmed up as they looked directly at each other.

    A screen obscured part of his box from her view, and she could only see his face.

    The soundsing from his side were lively, and hers lonely.

    Irish suddenly reacted, averting her eyes, but her heart was no longer calm. She picked up chopsticks to eat with, as the fragrant tea could no longer calm her down. Her fingers trembled a little, and she stopped, only to find her pulse in her palm beating fast. Why was he here? Why was she seeing him here? Irish wanted to ask him.

    When the thought ran through her head, she felt astonished and confused. She had run away nearly a month ago, but she still couldn''t escape. She felt a mix of different emotions, both nervous and excited.

    Irish thought she had recovered the calmness that she had possessed before she had met him. Even after she returned to New York, she had no intention of seeing him again. But seeing him there, thousands of miles away, was so unexpected. It was clear to her that all the calmness she thought had returned and was nothing more than an illusion.

    Quietly raising her eyes, she unconsciously looked out the window again, and she found that Joseph was no longer looking at her. It seemed like he was socializing happily. When Irish vaguely overheard something about investing in movies, she noticed Megan''s voice, a woman producer that she''d met at the golf course.

    Among them, the beauty sitting next to Joseph was the most attentive, being coquettish and acting cute. From Irish''s point of view, she could see her attractive almond eyes, her pretty face, her dark brown curly hair, and her sexy figure.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Why did this woman look so familiar?

    Irish frowned. After racking her brain, she remembered that she was some star, Britney White? The reason it took her so long to remember was mainly that she didn''t read entertainment news.

    At that time, Britney was a hot superstar. After starring in several big-production films, she was now very wealthy. In addition, she had recently turned her attention to Hollywood and frequently appeared at the International Film Festival, making her even more an international celebrity. Cassie, who adored Britney, once told Irish that she had recently been picked for a film cooperating with a Chinesepany, which was to be set in an ancient town in China.

    It seemed that Cassie was right. Britney appeared there because she was probably shooting the movie.

    But why was Joseph here with her? Irish thought for a while, and the memory of what Ruby had once said came to her, that Joseph had a fixed lover before getting married. She fixed her eyes on the star. Was she Joseph''s lover? Had hee here to visit her?

    At the thought of this, her heart suddenly began to flip, and she wanted to drink tea to press down the feeling, but unexpectedly, the tea tasted sour. She put the cup back on the table.

    The beauty was still trying to persuade Joseph to drink, and her little red mouth was almost touching his chin. Irish frowned and nced at them. When he looked at her, her heart would start beating faster. If she were a man, she wouldn''t have been able to resist Britney''s charms. Her gorgeous figure was unabashedly clinging to his chest, and her bosom would make a man feel intoxicated.

    Joseph didn''t ept the wine Britney gave him and kept drinking tea.

    But Britney went too far, directly snatching the cup in his hand and putting it to his lips, saying, "If you don''t drink again, I will force you to."

    The words drifted into Irish''s ears, almost causing her to spit out the food in her mouth.

    Joseph took a sip of wine, and it seemed like he really enjoyed it.

    Seeing his reaction, Britney smiled and blossomed like a flower. Irish really couldn''t watch anymore. She got up, walked to the door of their box, and pushed it open without thinking.

    "Do you want to end up in the hospital again?" she asked.

    It was an angry remark, and she regretted it immediately after saying it. As she broke in, she discovered that there were not only Megan and Britney at the table but also seven or eight men she didn''t know. Her sudden intrusion interrupted their conversation, and they all turned their heads to her.

 Chapter 171 171: Come Join Us

    "What are you doing here, Doctor Irish?" A slightly cheerful voice asked.

    Irish slowly calmed herself, and at the next moment, she really wanted to dig a hole to bury herself in. Daisy was also sitting at the table, how could Joseph be drinking with her there?

    "Oh, it''s Dr. Irish. Did youe here for a vacation?" Megan greeted her warmly.

    Irish didn''t want to reply. Britney''s presence must have had something to do with her. Irish couldn''t help calling this woman a pimp in her heart, taking actresses into her own hands to tter investors. Was this woman going to bed with him next?

    Joseph sat in his seat without saying anything, and she didn''t look at him again. She was afraid of being ashamed. Daisy was happy to pull her in and said, "That''s fantastic! Come and join us!"

    "Ah, no��" Irish deliberately turned a blind eye to Joseph and gave a stupid excuse that she would curse herself for the rest of her life, "I... I''ve walked into the wrong room, don''t mind me." At the end of her pitiful excuse, she hurried off.

    Wrong room?

    Had she also called out the wrong name?

    Irish wanted to p herself.

    ****

    Because Joseph had coincidentally appeared in Light Town, Irish became absent-minded. After hanging around the pawnshop, she turned back to the te-paved street. It was originally a small ancient town, so she would always head back along the same streets.

    But then Irish saw Joseph again.

    She was on the north side of the street, and he was on the south side. Irish stopped and stared at him in the distance. There were peopleing and going in the street, locals, foreign tourists, parents shouting at their running children, and backpackers who had just arrived. But she saw him at a nce, he looked so conspicuous in the crowd.

    He seemed to have seen her as well, and he stopped.

    Unspeakable grief and sadness poured into her heart, and Irish wanted to turn and walk away. Was this really because of fate? It made her feet difficult to move, and it seemed to her that heaven was trying to force them to meet again.

    Joseph walked slowly towards her, his tall figure standing out in the ancient town.

    Hearing her own heartbeat, she felt that her temples were swelling and her cheeks were heating up and hot, and even her breathing seemed to be getting rough.

    When he came closer to her, she reacted. If she had turned around and left, it would have been embarrassing, so she had to smile at him and exim, "Wow! What a coincidence!"

    Joseph stopped in front of her and looked down at her. He was dressed casually, with his hands in his pocket, and his lips slowly raised into a smile, "I didn''t expect you to be here."

    "Mm-hmm." Irish was agitated by her frantic heartbeat, barely getting her words out and biting her lower lip. "I have to go now. Bye."

    She immediately turned and left.

    If he were there, she would rather end her vacation early.

    Behind her, the man raised his deep voice, "I can''t turn a blind eye."

    Irish suddenly stopped.

    Joseph then stepped forward again, reached over her body, and fixed his eyes on her. "You said you wanted to ignore each other if we met again, but I couldn''t do it. I couldn''t control myself. I still care about you, even though you don''t."

    "You followed me?" Irish hesitated.

    Joseph shook his head. "I''m here because of business."

    Not knowing what to say, after a long time, she answered, "Well, take care of your business first."<novelnext></novelnext>

    But Joseph clenched her hand. He smiled sourly, lifting his other hand to pat her head. He took out his phone, dialed a string of numbers, and the other party quickly answered the phone. She looked up at his face, puzzled, and did not know what he was going to do. She listened to hismand on the phone, "Come to the other side of te-paved Street to look for me."

    Irish first thought of Britney White, then frowned and tried to pull her hand back. He looked at her and clenched her hand even more tightly.

    "Joseph, you can''t do this."

    "From now on, you have to follow me," Joseph''s eyes were harsh and serious, but he had a smile on his face.

    The remark frightened her and made her forget to break away for a moment. After a while, she saw Daisying up from the south street, trotting towards them.

    "Key." Joseph reached her.

    "Ah?"

    "The key to your hotel room." He repeated with patience.

    Between words, Daisy had already stepped forward, looking at Irish with a gentle smile, "Doctor Irish, where did you leave? Mr. Dover and I have looked for you for a long time."

    Irish looked at him in astonishment, but he still persisted in reaching out to her. "If you don''t give it to me, I''ll still find it. Don''t say I''m harassing you."

    "How dare you!" Irish was startled.

    Joseph''s eyes turned serious, "You will see."

    Daisy knew Joseph best, and smiled, closing her lips, "Dr. Irish, you''d better listen to Mr. Dover."

    When Irish heard Daisy, she realized that Joseph wasn''t joking, and she had to take out the key to give it to him. Joseph handed it directly into Daisy''s hand, and she left without saying anything.

    "Uh-oh."

    "Come with me," Joseph took her by the hand, and they started in the other direction.

    "Joseph, how can I get back without my key?"

    Silently, he pulled her through the streets and alleys.

    "I have something valuable at the inn."

    More silence.

    "Where the hell are you taking me?" Irish''s hand couldn''t break free. He always sped her fingers, and the strength of his big hand was warm and powerful.

    Joseph said in azy voice, "Apany me to find someone."

    "I don''t have time, I am going to..."

    "I left the old town before you could leave." Joseph dismissed her.

    "I have to go to the temple to see the fireworks," This was not an excuse. "I heard that tonight''s fireworks disy is magnificent."

    They left the street. Joseph looked at his wrist and said, "You''ll have time. After I deal with this business, I will go with you to watch the fireworks disy."

    "Huh? I didn''t say I wanted yourpany."

 Chapter 172 172: It’s So Expensive

    It turned out that Joseph hade to the ancient town looking for someone. He was looking for an embroidery master. Irish followed him to an old white house, and above the entrance, there were four words: Phoenix passing through peony.

    When they entered, they came into amon courtyard, which was notrge, but the owner had nted viburnum macrocephalum flowers. When the wind blew by, petals floated to the ground.

    They were at an embroidery shop, and the door was open. Joseph let go of her, before entering, he gave her some serious advice, "Wait for me, don''t walk away."

    She didn''t intend to leave because she was attracted by the beautiful embroidery in front of her. Along the way, there were all kinds of embroidery samples on the walls of the room. One of them was macrocephalum, and the lifelike embroidery made her eyes open wide. She looked back at the macrocephalum tree in the courtyard and sighed. "It''s just like the real thing. It''s beautiful."

    After hearing her words, the old man who had been chatting with Joseph looked up at Irish. As soon as he wanted to open his mouth, he heard Joseph say, "She came with me."

    "Oh." The old man was the famous local embroidery master that Joseph had been looking for. He was from a famous family who had lived on embroidery from generation to generation. Several generations of his ancestors had paid tribute to the Imperial Pce, and two of them had also worked in the pce''s clothing office, which was an incredibly prestigious position.

    "Is she your girlfriend? You''re a perfect couple."

    Embarrassed for a moment, Irish pretended to look at something else. Joseph was amused by her reaction, turned to the old man, and continued to point to the patterns, "I hope such an effect can be achieved."

    She did not listen to what the two of them talked about, nor could she understand what the jeweler had to do with an embroidery master. Her eyes were attracted to the screen, on which was arge white orchid on a brown background. She had never seen a screen with an orchid pattern. Most screens in China were mainlyndscapes, birds, or peonies. When she approached the screen, she couldn''t help admiring his embroidery work. Even up close, the petals were lifelike. Irish raised her hands and caressed the embroidered figure. It felt like she was touching real petals.

    She stared in awe at the piece of art and noticed the price tag hung next to it. Irish took a look and cried, "115000 RMB?" The screen was unbelievably expensive.

    The old man looked up again andughed, "Well, this screen is embroidered on both sides. The silk thread here is one of the best in the world. You will never find another identical embroidery here."

    "It''s so expensive." She shook her head.

    "These days, there are fewer and fewer people who can stitch embroidery. It was embroidered by my own hands. It''s not expensive." The old man looked proud.

    Joseph looked up at the screen and then took a nce at Irish, saying nothing more. He went on to discuss the master drawing with the old man.

    After looking all around, Irish became bored and wanted to leave, but when she thought of Joseph''s words, she sat on a rocking chair in the courtyard. From this angle, she could see how Joseph and the old man seriously discussed the pattern. His expression was extremely serious.

    Arge macrocephalum blossom fell off the tree, and the wind happened to blow it into her arms. A few petals flew away and dazzled her eyes. She looked at the white flower in her hand, and the fragrance went into her nostrils. Somehow her heart became quiet.

    The unexpected encounter had frightened her, but she could not escape again. There was no NYC, no Lake family, and no media, so what was making her feel so nervous?

    She had been afraid to meet him, but now she was d to see him. She looked up at the man in the room.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Petals were blown into the room, and a few pieces fell into his hair, adding some tenderness to his face, and Irish could not helpughing.

    After shaking her hands, the petals were scattered, and she sighed. She thought that this coincidental encounter would probably make a nice memory.

    ****

    It was four o''clock in the afternoon when they left the embroidery shop.

    Joseph extended his arms in relief and then took her by the hand again, "Let''s go to the temple."

    Because of the smoke and rain from the night before, the sun wasn''t as strong, and only a faint afterglow came down, which reflected in his eyes, deep and charming.

    Irish heard the sound of her heart beating madly again and was about to open her mouth when his cell phone rang.

    That would at least ease the tension.

    Joseph answered the phone. She saw his brows wrinkle slightly, and he looked so serious again.

    "I''ll be right there."

    She thought he was busy again, and when he hung up, she thought she could go to the temple herself, but he held her hand and said, "Go to your inn."

    "Huh?" She was astonished again.

    ****

    Across the stone bridge, they arrived on the other side of the river. Irish took Joseph back to the inn and stepped into the yard to see exactly what had happened.

    Daisy, who took the key and left a few hours before, turned up and put Irish''s suitcase on the ground. The innkeepers stood beside them in embarrassment while Pea sat leisurely on her suitcase, perched on it like a tiny king. Seeing Irishe back, he got up and shouted at her, "Irish, a thief went into your room. She tried to steal your suitcase, but I stopped her."

    The reason Joseph gave the key to Daisy was to let her take her luggage away. Looking back at Joseph, he rubbed his temple because of this headache and looked at Daisy, frowning, "What''s going on?"

    "Mr. Dover, I''m sorry," Daisy''s consistent calmness was reced with embarrassment.

 Chapter 173 173: Are You Irish’s Boyfriend?

    The innkeeper hastened to pull Irish and lowered her voice. "Do you know this woman? You gave her the key?"

    The only thing Irish could say was that everything was a misunderstanding.

    Joseph said with cool eyes, "Daisy, quickly take the luggage."

    Irish was about to ask why her luggage was being taken away, only to see Pea once again sitting on the trunk with his head up and wrinkling his face, "Irish hasn''t spoken yet, why are you taking her luggage?"

    Daisy was a sessful woman, but she was married and had no children, so she didn''t know how to get along well with the children. She looked at Joseph with a confused face and finally called for help. "Mr. Dover, you see..."

    Joseph turned his head to the innkeepers, "Is he your child? Please take him away."

    They looked at Irish hesitantly, and Joseph turned to Irish, lowering his voice, "Will he listen to you?"

    It was the first time Irish had seen Joseph look slightly helpless, facing a child. She couldn''t help but want to tease him. Finally, she cleared her throat and said slowly, "I don''t know."

    Joseph saw that she wanted to make fun of him and smiled helplessly, then took a deep breath, walking up to the child. "I am Irish''s friend," he said.

    Pea looked up at him. It looked funny. Joseph was a big man, and Pea was so small. The scene of them confronting each other made Irish want tough.

    "Pea, you hop off, don''t cause any trouble," His mother shouted.

    Peas shook his head desperately.

    "So your name is Pea," With patience, Joseph squatted down to look at him.

    Pea looked at him. "My name is Peter. You are not friends with me. It''s very impolite to use my nickname like that."

    Irish couldn''t help butugh.

    Joseph was not expecting to be chastised by a child and took a nce at Irish, slightly squinting his eyes. Irish gestured that she couldn''t help. He had to go into battle again, clearing his throat and reaching for him. "Hello, Mr. Peter, my name is Joseph, a friend who is here to take away Irish''s luggage for her, I am not a bad person."

    "Where is your identification card?"

    Pea reached out and shook his hand.

    Joseph was stunned.

    "How can you prove your identity?" Pea crossed his legs and sniffed his nose.

    Joseph had no choice but to take out his wallet and take out his ID card to give to him. Pea frowned and examined it for a long time, and Joseph sincerely wondered if he could read the words on the identity card.

    Sure enough, Pea shouted at his mother, "Mom, I can''t read the words on this ID card."

    Joseph was startled.

    The innkeeper hastened to take Pea away, "I''m sorry, he is very naughty."

    Daisy grabbed the luggage to carry it away.

    "Where the hell are you taking my suitcase?" Irish could not help asking.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Joseph lifted his wrist and looked at it. "The fireworks have begun. Let''s hurry to see it?"

    Irish choked.

    Just as he was about to leave, Pea broke away from his mother and ran to Irish''s side, with his eyes wide open, "Irish, will youe to visit again?"

    Irish squatted down and smiled, "Of course, you are so cute, I will have toe and see you."

    "Then you shoulde here again quickly," Pea said very seriously.

    "Why?"

    "Because in a few years, I''ll be older, and you won''t know me, and then I''ll have a girlfriend. You''re so beautiful, and my girlfriend might be jealous."

    Irish was surprised for a long time and said, "You don''t worry, I will try to avoid your girlfriend."

    Pea smiled contentedly and then looked at Joseph, "Uncle."

    Joseph smiled, and Irish was startled, clearing his throat, "What do you want to do, Mr. Peter?"

    "Are you Irish''s boyfriend?" Asked Pea seriously.

    Joseph smiled, but Irish was shocked. He didn''t wait for his answer and got up hastily. He pushed Joseph out, and Irish shouted, "Thank you again. I''ll see youter."

    When they walked out of the inn, Joseph couldn''t helpughing and asked, "What are you nervous about?"

    "Who''s nervous? I am afraid that you will be tormented out of your mind by Mr. Peter." Irish avoided his eyes and tried to sound as calm as possible.

    "Children can be quite precocious," Joseph said from the bottom of his heart.

    Irish remembered him talking to Pea and couldn''t helpughing. Joseph saw her smile, looking at her with joy in his heart, and couldn''t help but p her hands. "Let''s go, I want to apany you to see the fireworks disy."

    She looked down at him holding her hand, a warm current flow in her heart, and she nodded gently.

    Fireworks disys usually took ce in the evening or night, and in Light Town, there were also shipsing and going. However, the Temple was where thergest number of people congregated and also had thergest number of participants.

    By the time they were arriving, the firework disy had nearly begun. Thousands of people hade there to watch the grand firework show.

    Before the disy, Irish shook him. Not knowing why, Joseph smiled and asked her. He wasn''t interested in fireworks and only thought that her curious appearance was cute.

    When the fireworks began, Irish cried, "The fireworks are so beautiful that I would like to thank the person who made them."

    "You are so serious," Joseph could not resist holding her in his arms while people were hurrying to and fro.

    The man''s actions were natural. She was held in his arms, and though crowds surrounded them, she was still and in a personal quiet ce in the bustling world. They looked like an inseparable couple on vacation.

    The sound of fireworks became increasingly distant, and the man''s soft breath fell on her ears, which blew her hair and made her itchy. Irish knew that she should push him away, at least, to get away from his breath, but she found herself unwilling to separate from him. She could walk away and find a ce far away from him, but her heart would still feel doleful.

 Chapter 174 174: I Don’t Want To Part Away From You

    There were only 150,000 people who lived in Light Town, but she had run into him here anyway. Her heart was filled with his warm breath and clean wood fragrance when she was held in his arms, when his strong chest touched her back, and when his big hands wrapped around her waist and sped her hands. At the end of the summer and the beginning of the autumn, the slight wood fragrance made her more unwilling to leave.

    Subconsciously, Irish turned her head to the man behind her. The sun was sinking in the sky, and the old town would soon be quiet again. The afterglow of the day seemed to reflect in his eyes, as deep and colorful as his hair which had been coated in a thin golden light. The line between reality and dreams seemed to be blurry to her.

    She was afraid that the beautiful things in front of her were only dreams.

    Seeing her turn, Joseph lowered his head and the woman in his arms looked like a small kitten, and her eyes seemed to be startled, so he smiled. His smile spread across his face and reached her eyes, making him look warm and kind.

    He bowed his head, and her forehead felt the same heat from his thin lips as it had in Pennsylvania.

    Suddenly her heart twitched, Irish hurriedly turned her head back to the fireworks disy, and her lips opened. "We can''t do this anymore." As she said this, she tried to loosen his fingers.

    But Joseph had no intention of letting go. He tightened his fingers and fastened them around her waist. The words that fell on her ears were low and full of power, "But want it."

    Irish''s back suddenly stiffened, and somehow she began to worry that their encounter here was their destiny. They had determined to let go of each other, but they were doomed to meet again. This time, Joseph, who was used to waiting, was initiating everything.

    Joseph gently pulled her around so they could face each other. She could see the firmness in his eyes. She was afraid of those two lights, which seemed to melt the universe.

    "Isabel, I don''t want to part away from you."

    His solemn tone shook her deeply, and her eyes widened in surprise. She shook her head gently, "I don''t believe in the afterlife, but I''m afraid karma''s a force in the world."

    She hated the Lake family, and when she decided to upset them, she did not care about any theoretical damnation. But in the end, she really realized that she had failed, and she didn''t hate it so much anymore. Whether it was Henry or Ruby''s words that made her heart ache, she dared not face their secret love, nor could she promise anything to this man.

    Until now, Irish was afraid that her heart was gradually sinking and was also afraid of karma because of what she had said and done in the past.

    Joseph seemed to understand her and didn''t say anything, but he hugged her again.

    When the fireworks were over, Joseph took her to eat the local food in a small but crowded restaurant full of happy diners. They came early, so they were seated in a good spot, and they could see the ancient stone bridge on the river. Under it was a night boat, and smoke rose from the gray walls of the river bank, and there was a faint smell of firewood floating to the restaurant from across the bank.

    Irish gobbled her food like a wolf, but Joseph was as slow as ever, handing her a tissue from time to time. He never ate much, and after putting down his tableware, he looked at Irish with augh, and then he couldn''t help asking, "After spending so much time here in the ancient town, you haven''t been to this restaurant yet?"<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish answered directly without thinking, "I haven''t been here for a long time." At the end of his question, she noticed the gaffe, paused, and buried herself again in the delicious food.

    Joseph could not help shaking his head.

    "In fact, I was really going to leave. I wasn''t lying to you," She was desperately looking to avoid this conversation.

    "Well, I would," He had a strange sense of humor.

    She did not feel ashamed at all, and the table of delicacies was enough to subdue her restless heart, so she casually said, "You''re a very hypocritical person. You always like to eat in a quiet ce where you can pin drop, so why were you at that rowdy tea house today?"

    "The quieter the dining environment, the easier it is to think, which is one way to save time." Joseph picked up his chopsticks again, put some fish in her bowl, and went on, "Besides, you look beautiful when you are eating."

    Irish choked, "You don''t mean that."

    "Of course, beautiful things deserve praise," Joseph looked calm.

    "You''re implying that I''m vulgar in your eyes now."

    "I mean, today, you made me feel good enough to eat in a noisy environment," Joseph said with a smile. "It was also beautiful to watch you gobble your food." When he saw her frown, he offered her a soothing exnation. "Gobbling is the most natural manifestation of human nature when presented with good food. This nature has spread from primitive people to the present, and it''s normal for everyone to have it."

    Irish raised her hand and smacked him, "Oh, so I''m primitive now, am I?"

    Joseph grabbed her fist and smiled unexpectedly. She pushed him, but he still indulged. The two of them flirting attracted a lot of attention in the restaurant. They looked like two people who had been in love for a long time, and people in the restaurant smiled at them.

    Irish took the initiative and avoided the eyes of the other people, cleared her throat, and asked, "You seem to know this restaurant well. Have you ever been here before?"

    It was just a simple question, and she did not care about the answer, but she didn''t know why her question made Joseph''s eyebrows unexpectedly heavy. Seeing his face, she felt curious.

    "Hello!" Her hand waved before his eyes.

 Chapter 175 175: I Lived Here For A While

    Joseph raised his eyes as naturally as if there had been no change in his expression at all. "I lived here for a while."

    "Oh." Irish still felt a little weird, "Before you came to New York?" It was not that she wanted to know the answer, but when he heard the question, his finger touched his cigarette case. It happened at the same time as his brow tightened, but he retracted his hand and returned to his usual calm.

    No matter how entangled and warm she felt with him, she couldn''t ignore her professional habits. By touching the cigarette box and stopping that subtle behavior, it was not difficult to see that Joseph didn''t want to answer this question subconsciously, and even he subconsciously tried to escape the question with other actions.

    Joseph thought slightly, "No, it was a long time ago." At the end of his response, he added some more food to her bowl. "Eat quickly."

    She saw Joseph''s desire to avoid the subject and didn''t want to be embarrassed.

    After a long time of thinking, she said, "I don''t know why, I also feel like this town is quite familiar. Maybe I''ve been here before but forgot about it."

    Joseph was curious about this statement and smiled, "How could you forget if you hade?"

    "I don''t know. Maybe I was here in a dream." She joked briefly.

    Joseph did not take her seriously.

    "By the way, since you are so familiar with this ce, have you ever heard anything like Kunqu Opera?" She still felt bewildered by her dream from the previous night.

    Joseph slightly raised his eyebrows and answered, "Sorry, I don''t know."

    "Okay," Irish thought for a while, and at the bottom of her heart, she sighed. Perhaps it was just an absurd dream, which would not exin anything.

    "What''s wrong?"

    She looked up. "Nothing, I''m just curious." She smiled, and her eyes inadvertently met the stone bridge as she sighed, "It''s raining again, but in the rain, the town looks beautiful enough to suffocate us like we''re in an oil painting."

    Joseph looked out at the rain, took out his cell phone, and dialed a string of numbers.

    The rain increased, and the whole town was shrouded inyers of rain and fog illuminated by the lights in the windows. They could see a long string of rednterns lit up in the ancient town, but the local people still insisted on lighting the river lights, but most of the mes were soaked by the rain. The lights under the bridge were flickering faintly.

    Joseph paid the bill and pulled Irish out of the crowd in front of the restaurant, who were waiting for the rain to stop. A ck luxury business van parked by the roadside, and the driver came out to hold an umbre for both of them. Although the scene was not ostentatious, it was also enough to attract the attention of the people around.

    The car drove through the rain and fog. Irish looked out the window and saw that the car seemed to be leaving the ancient town, and she asked, "Where are we going?"

    "Back to my hotel," Joseph said as he leaned back on the back seat. The shoulders of his ck shirt were wet since he had just held her in his arms and protected her from the rainwater.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish suddenly turned to look at him, and her heart was beating very quickly.

    Joseph said nothing and didn''t look at her, but he pulled her hand over his thigh and smiled slightly.

    Neither of them spoke much along the way as Irish was driven back by Joseph away from the Light Town.

    Irish stood at the door hesitating, looking at lights through the windows of the hotel, which were flickering in the rain. Outside was a downpour with lightning and thunder, but in the room, there were yellow lights, soft and luxurious.

    Joseph, who had entered the front door, saw her standing there, then paused and reached out to her, saying, "Come in."

    Irish looked at his hand and, after a long time, took it. He smiled and pulled her a little harder.

    The hotel door closed quietly behind her.

    As the door closed, there was a "Beep-" and somehow, her heart leaped with it.

    When she entered the living room, she saw her suitcase lying there quietly. She felt something strange in her heart and bit her lips, and she said, "You are such a scrupulous businessman. Renting an extra room won''t cost you too much money." She just wanted to calm her restless heart and try not to make the atmosphere too ambiguous.

    Joseph stood in front of her and smiled after hearing this. "You said that I was a merchant, so try to save as much money as possible."

    Irish red at him, looked around, and entered the huge bedroom that had only a singlerge double bed. Somehow she began to lose herposure. She had been in the same room as him and even slept beside him, but she had never been as nervous as she was that night. She began to feel a little premonition, and she didn''t dare think deeply about what it was.

    Joseph stood behind her, and his hot breath fell on her ears. "I''ll take a shower." His big hand fell down along her hair, and he held her shoulder with a slight squeeze.

    The man''s words and the intimate action gave Irish a sudden thrill, and her heart almost jumped to her throat. She turned to look at him, but her head felt faint and dizzy, and she could barely utter a word.

    "What''s wrong?" Joseph gently smiled, and his fingers climbed to her cheek, "Feeling ufortable?"

    Irish only shook her head.

    "Well, you can use the bathtub in the bedroom," Joseph seemed tofort her with his soft eyes.

    Seeing him turn around, Irish immediately called him off. Joseph stopped, smiled, and waited for her to go on. Irish came forward, and the panic in her mind made her nervous, "Joseph, it was you, you who told me that you would never touch me. We cannot have a rtionship."

    When he entered the hotel, he couldn''t wait to bathe, and she thought it better to say something clearly.

 Chapter 176 176: I’ve Washed It For You

    Joseph felt a little stunned and didn''t expect that she would suddenly say anything like that. After a few seconds, he suddenly smiled. Irish felt even more awkward when she saw himughing as if she had done something stupid.

    "The reason I want to take a bath right away is that I just got soaked in the rain," He said patiently.

    Irish turned red.

    "But..." Joseph continued, "When did I tell you that I would never touch you?" He patted her on the head and turned around to take a bath.

    Irish was stunned for a long time.

    In the bathroom, the hot air made Irish''s eyes hazy, and the air flowed with the soothing fragrance of essential oils. She soaked herself in the water, her hands shaking a little when putting the oil back, and the other oil bottles tumbled down. Her panic kept making her hands shake.

    She wanted to get used to it. As serious as Joseph was, it was impossible for him not to make a joke about it at all. Irish took a deep breath, watching the bubbles gradually pop, feeling lost. What was he going to say to her when she was done?

    After nearly an hour in the bath, Irish came out. She saw that Joseph had already finished his bath. He was almost naked. Strictly speaking, he only had a bath towel around his waist and was taking her pajamas out of her suitcase. Just when he put them on the bed, she came out, and he smiled. "You can sleep in the bed tonight."

    "Mm-hmm." Irish nced at him and felt thirsty, feeling the heat from his body as he passed by. She took her pajamas and went back to the bathroom to change, only to see Joseph step into the bathroom in front of her.

    "Well," she said as the bathroom door closed.

    Irish stamped her feet, eager to pull Joseph out of the bathroom.

    After a while, he came out with dry hair. Seeing her hurry and rush into the bathroom, he leaned over and looked at her, asking, "What''s the matter?"

    Irish stood in front of theundry rack, quietly looking at the underwear on it, where a drop of water was dripping off the edge. She stumbled and opened her mouth, and her voice seemed to be caught in her throat, "You."

    "I''ve washed it for you." Joseph originally thought that something bad had happened, but when he saw her, he rified the situation without any embarrassment, then turned and left.

    Irish was embarrassed. Rushing out of the bathroom, she couldn''t find him. She then ran to the living room and found that he was taking a bottle of milk from the refrigerator and walking toward the microwave. Irish hurried forward, hesitantly saying. "You... Why did you wash it for me?" She originally wanted toe out to change her underwear, so she put what she wore that day in the bathroom. She had thought of washing it after changing into a clean pair but didn''t expect him to go into the bathroom, not to mention that he had...

    "Don''t you need to change?" He asked in a strange tone.

    "Oh yes, but."

    Joseph ignored her, poured the milk into a ss, and said softly, "Come and drink. It will help you sleep."<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish felt funny and walked to take the cup, and the heated milk warmed up her fingertips. Joseph did not leave immediately, as if he was not going to be satisfied until after she had finished the milk. She sipped the milk, and after a long time, she said, "Your hands are for business, not for washing underwear for women, others willugh at you."

    Josephughed but didn''t say anything.

    When she had finished drinking her milk, he stared at her for a moment. Irish felt uneasy and was reluctant to smile. "Well, I''m going to sleep for the night. Good night." She moved to leave, but Joseph reached for her and pulled her into his chest.

    Her heart beat wildly with his movements.

    "Joseph..."

    "How did you know I went to the hospital?" He sped her from behind, tilted his head, andid his lips on her cheek gently.

    His voice sounded soothing on this rainy night, stirring her heart even more. "I heard about it from Daisy."

    Heughed above her head, "I didn''t know Daisy was one to spill the beans."

    "Don''t me her..." But a kiss swallowed the rest of her sentence.

    The moment his lips touched her, Irish wanted to cry. She didn''t resist, shutting her eyes to block out the pained feeling in the bottom of her heart, and she could taste his hot breath in her. Joseph''s kisses were still strong and powerful, just like the day that she had ordered him to leave, and gradually she epted them more and more. Her back and head were held gently by arge hand, and his arms held her body, so she melted into them.

    Joseph''s kiss slowly pulled away from her lips, and his big hands, buttoned behind her head, climbed up to her face, and his long fingers carefully caressed the corners of her eyebrow. His eyes looked deep and affectionate, and his tone of voice was indulgent. "It was a coincidence that we met again, so I decided it when you broke into the box, worried that I''d go to the hospital again."

    "Decided what?" She looked up at him, and her eyes felt watery, but she couldn''t bear to move them from him.

    Joseph''s lips were close to her nose, "Never to let you go."

    She was stunned.

    He lifted his hand and gently pushed her hair behind her ear. "When I saw you today, I took it for granted that you belong to me."

    He had been waiting since her resignation, hoping that one day he would appear before her with a new identity to give her a safe and secure embrace. But he certainly hadn''t expected to see her in Light Town.

    Earlier that day, when he saw her face from the half window in the tea house, no one could see it at that moment, but he felt an unbelievable amount of happiness and was eager to get up and go over to her room.

 Chapter 177 177: I Didn’t Stir You Again

    He didn''t think that she would have entered his room on her own initiative, looking sullen. That was the only reason he drank the wine the woman next to him served.

    He abandoned all of his previous ns, for, at that moment, he knew how much he had been missing her.

    If she was happy, he could endure solitude, but she was alone, wandering like a shadow on the ancient streets. Her thin figure made his heart ache, and he could not wait any longer as he''d told her, and he didn''t want to leave her by her lonesome.

    Irish was frightened by his boldness. Without saying a word, she only looked at him. Joseph''s heart was softened, and he bowed his head and kissed her again, but this time his kiss became bold and aggressive, nearly crushing her lips. He moved down to her chin, a delicate kiss stretching down her neck to her sexy corbone.

    "Joseph..." Her voice was squeezed out of her throat in tiny bits and pieces.

    The man''s big hands became restless, slowly moving down her back, outlining her beautiful butterfly-shaped shoulder des and quietly slipping along her spine. Then, when he grabbed her hips, her whole body tensed up. She reached for his hand, and her red lips trembled slightly.

    Joseph''s eyes gradually darkened, like ink rolling in the depths of the sea. Finally, he lifted his head slightly, brushing her nose with his hair, and uttered softly, "I imagine that...you haven''t had time to put on underwear?"

    Irish gasped, not knowing if it was because of what he said or because of his kiss. Though he had been intimate with her before, he had never acted as he did that night. She was not a young girl; she naturally read the longing in his eyes and his hoarse voice and felt suffocated for a moment.

    Joseph gently smiled, picked her up, and stepped into the bedroom.

    Palpitations spread through the bottom of her heart, gradually gathering into an ocean. She quietly nestled against his chest and his strong arms. She looked at him, and he also lowered his eyes to her. The feeling was so good that it made her mistakenly think that everything would be true forever.

    In his eyes, she seemed to read that they would be together forever. They had crossed mountains and seas and waited for this reunion for a long time. They should belong to each other.

    But when her back was close to the bed, a slight coolness rushed through her body, bringing her back to reality. She tried struggling to sit up, but Joseph bent down. The yellow light reflected off his strong upper body. There was a faint smell of wood on his breath, as there had always been, and his breath was so familiar that it made her eyes moist and her throat close up tight. She looked at his nose, and then his strong chin, his sexy Adam''s apple, and his broad, thick shoulders, whose curve was rugged and strong. His tough, fit body looked chiseled in the soft light.

    She was familiar with the curve of his chest. He bent down, and she could see his chest and stomach, but the only thing she couldn''t see was his eyes.

    Even if she didn''t have to look up, she still felt heat in her eyes at this moment. She was afraid of the enthusiasm in his eyes, burning her forehead like a fire, and gradually spreading over her whole body.

    The man''s lips quickly rose up, and Irish closed her eyes. She was afraid of being burned up by the man''s eyes, but she could feel the force of Joseph''s kiss, soft on the tip of her nose, but with force when the kiss fell on her lips. She kept her eyes closed, and her whole body was as rigid as stone.

    A long timeter, his lips moved to the side of her ear, and his kisses became soft while his hot, heavy breath tumbled between her ears.

    "Open your eyes," Joseph said in a hoarse voice.

    Irish closed her eyes even more tightly.

    Joseph sighed and kissed her trembling eyelids with his head down. His voice was almost coaxing, "Irish, look at me."

    Her long eyshes trembled like a cicada gently spreading its wings, and she finally opened her eyes and was forced to look into his dark eyes. Their color was cker than ever before, vaguely expressing his physiological desire for her.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Joseph��" His eyes were too hot for her to look at, and even the strength of him calling her name vanished.

    He held her face and ordered her to look at him.

    "Why?" Why would he force her so? She was not used to him being like this.

    Joseph looked into her eyes and became more gentle. His long fingers stroked her cheek with pity and whispered, "Look at me, and you won''t think of anyone else..."

    She was dumbfounded.

    "Your old boyfriend, or Leo, who you have always liked." His eyes ached. "I want you to see who I am."

    Irish''s heart hurt slightly, and she gently shook her head, "No, you misunderstood, I dare not look at you."

    "Why?" He asked carefully.

    She looked up, and panic rose up in her eyes. "It was a bad idea to approach you, but I haven''t really thought about what''s going to happen. Joseph, I��"

    "I want you to belong to mepletely." Joseph didn''t get angry butughed.

    "I never thought of it that way," Irish said, a little sharply.

    Joseph gently smiled, looking down at her eyes, and said, "Isabel, I thought you understood my intentions. I thought when I brought you back to this hotel, you would know what I wanted."

    "But you said��."

    "I told you I''d only let you y with fire twice," He kissed her forehead.

    Irish red at him with wide eyes, "I didn''t stir you again��."

    Joseph, however, shook his head with a smile. "You were already ying with fire and burning yourself when you appeared before me."

    "You..."

    "Hush..." He tilted his head, and his lips fell on her neck again.

    "But we can''t..." She tried to hold on to his moving head, but her fingers were tingling.

 Chapter 178 178: It’s So Big

    The temperature between the man''s lips melted her and warmed up her entire body. As he opened his mouth to her ear lobe, the warmth of his tongue spread quickly. She could feel that the man''s strong desire had be uncontroble. She felt a gentle pain between her legs, but it stirred when the warm current reached her lower abdomen, and then a certain part of her body slowly became moist.

    "Isabel," Joseph called her name softly beside her ear. His words were ambiguous while kissing her, but they were enough to shock Irish. "We can because Ruby and I are only married by name."

    His kiss fell again after this remark, and gradually he moved down to her corbone, and his big hands became more restless, unbuttoning her buttons one by one, and her dress slipped from her shoulders, revealing the infinite joy inside. His demeanor changed, and he was about to lower his head when Irish suddenly held his cheeks.

    "What did you say?"

    Joseph smiled at her astonished expression, "Was I not clear enough?"

    "You mean. You and Ruby, you two are��." She stuttered.

    Joseph once again smiled, "In other words, I am now fully qualified to own you. I''m an unmarried man in the eyes of thew."

    "Oh, my God, how can you be so bold?" She was shocked, and her eyes popped out of her head, but her heart beat faster as if her feelings of ecstasy were spreading. Josephughed but did not speak.

    "But why did Ruby agree to this?" She hadn''t fully lost her mind yet.

    Joseph''s face became helpless, and he sighed, "Isabel, do you really want to force me to tell you about the situation at this time?"

    At first, she was stunned, but soon she saw that his cheeks were flushing as his eyes showed that he was dimly repressing his desire, and she couldn''t helpughing again. Joy and great happiness rose up from her heart, prompting her to reach out to his neck with her hands. She called his name in a low voice, "Joseph. Joseph. Joseph. Am I dreaming? Are you lying to me?"

    Without waiting for him to exin the reason, Ruby loved Eric, but he loved Emery, so Ruby could not be alone for the rest of her life, right? Sometimes, love was unimportant in marriages between rich families because the important thing was to match, as her father and Shirley.

    "Silly girl, you are thest person I want to lie to." Joseph did not fail to see the joy in her eyes, his heart felt warm, and the strength between his fingers became more gentle.

    He gently clung to her waist, "But I am selfish because I want to be more perfectly able to protect you."

    Irish stared at him and understood the meaning of his words. She lowered her long eyshes, and her red face showed her obedience. Such warmth had never inted Joseph''s heart, and he became more cautious, but he could not help but open his mouth to taste her petite red plum.

    She was as beautiful as his imagination would allow. The woman under him was suddenly excited and started shaking her whole body, making him go crazy. But as he tried to explore her beauty further, she called his name in a hurry and even put her hand over his lips.

    Joseph, because his desires were interrupted, became flustered. When he raised his eyes, they were also full of chaotic light, and his voice was hoarse, "Please don''t refuse me. Please give me all you have. Stop torturing me." He had endured hard times before, and he had never thought that his self-control was this strong, but it didn''t mean that he could work this hard to restrain himself every time, especially when a woman''s body was almost naked in front of him with flushed cheeks. Her body trembled uneasily under his gaze.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Her slender legs were extremely symmetrical, and her butt was perfect. Her slender waist was perfectly curvy, and her chest was illuminated beautifully by the soft light. This delicate body, like an borate work of God, was so perfect that every man wanted it, and he was not an exception.

    This thought had passed through his mind hundreds of times.

    "I, I mean..." Irish''s face was aze, and her eyes peered at him in shyness.

    "What do you want?" Joseph was not willing to get angry. Seeing that she wanted to say something but didn''t, he pressed the question in a light and amodating tone.

    Irish bit her lip, blushing, and said what she had wanted to say, "I... I''d like to see your...that thing."

    Joseph quickly reacted and saw her cheeks flush to her ears, and he could not helpughing. When Irish looked at his face, she wanted to find a cave to bury herself in and reached out to cover his mouth.

    "Don''tugh at me. I just want to see it." Was it wrong for her to see his body? She thought it was only fair.

    Joseph resisted his smile and pulled her hand, but the smirk on his lips was still slightly visible. His low voice sounded sexy, "Are you sure?"

    Irish took a deep breath, her heart pounding, but nodded forcefully. She really wanted to see it.

    Joseph had an evil smile on his lips, so he got up and took her hand, then loosened the towel around his waist. He was wearing underwear, but his thing was lying horizontally and had awoken from the friction just now, but her initiative aroused his desire even more. Although tightly wrapped, his inted manhood was clearly visible across the top of his thighs, his underwear unable to contain his eagerness.

    Irish could not help swallowing and pointed to it and whispered, "It''s so big��."

    Joseph held her chin and asked, "So you have seen many?"

    "Of course." She answered casually, but then she thought of a figure as thin as a monkey. Not only was the figure little, but also his cock was the same, forming a strong contrast with Joseph''s. Though Joseph''s cock was still in his underwear, she could imagine its actual size.

    Upon hearing that, Joseph pressed her chin more tightly, "What?"

    "Thanks to your partner Ken, I have watched many x-rated movies."

 Chapter 179 179: Your Phone Rang

    Irish couldn''t help giggling since he suddenly looked cold. She didn''t dare to move her fingers but just kept them at his waistline. She could feel his heat and strength. For her, watching those x-rated movies was a difficult period. When she first watched them, she vomited several times, but then she just enjoyed watching them. In just several days, she saw the expressions of all kinds of men while having sex and even their distorted faces when they reached climax. She wondered what Joseph would look like.

    Josephughed and approached her, asking, "How about having a clear look at mine?"

    "Do you think I''m cheeky?" She asked seriously and then added before his answer, "But yeah, I''m really curious."

    "Okay," His breath was hot and heavy, "It''s good that you are curious."

    "Do you think I''m bold?" She asked again.

    Joseph pulled her hand tightly to his lower abdomen, "I like your boldness."

    Intoxicated by his eyes, she turned to look downwards. She moved her fingers too, and then gradually to the outline in the man''s thighs. After swallowing, she slowly covered it and felt how hot it was.

    However, it became so excited that it didn''t want to stay in his underwear, and it popped out. Irish felt so surprised. Charmed by her behavior, Joseph led her hand to release his manhood.

    She was surprised that she could even hold it since the size was out of control. Her hand felt weak since her strength was swallowed by its heat. Joseph feltfortable and lowered his eyes to see her little hand caressing his cock. The softness of her hand made his lower abdomen tingle.

    He raised his hand, and his fingers climbed to her face and then opened her mouth, entering it. He enjoyed the feeling of touching her tongue, and then his eyes pulsated with desire.

    "It''s...beautiful," Irish said, blushing. Her palm touched the heat while her fingers moved involuntarily. She found that Joseph''s breath became heavy, so she held it directly. Although she could not fully encircle it, she could feel the blood vessels on it pulsating powerfully.

    Her shyness and speech were like catalysts to him, and Joseph could not resist his desires anymore. The softness of her palm was enough to lure him, along with her facial expressions, showing him how much she wanted him. His tall figure lowered downpletely, and their skin touched each other fully.

    "Joseph..."

    "It will be better to feel it by your body," Joseph didn''t intend to give a personal show to her. Her soft body could only fulfill all his desires.

    Irish felt the strength of his cock pressing against her, and she trembled. She didn''t know whether she could bear it...and while she was thinking about something else, the phone at the head of the bed rang.

    Joseph was immersed in her body regardless of it.

    Irish was lured to give out a moan, and her heart beat heavily. She didn''t want to let him down, so she grabbed the phone with her fingers trembling. She held it overhead, and her voice quivered with his moving fingers and kisses, "Your, your phone..."

    However, Joseph''s fingers entered between her thighs, and he couldn''t helpughing as he covered herbia, "Your body is prepared to ept me." He felt his fingers move into a wet ce, and he was intoxicated by it.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Your...your phone rang..." Irish''s whole body tightened, and she nearly screamed.

    Joseph kissed her lips fully and cruelly, seeming to punish her. Their breath mixed together. Under Joseph''s palm was Irish''s sweet body.

    The most beautiful part was her breasts, on which the nipples seemed to look even more attractive in the yellow light. Joseph now behaved like a beast and couldn''t wait to hold one in his mouth while his fingers kneaded the other lightly and carefully.

    Irish''s hand holding the phone overhead became weak, and she made a noise involuntarily and bit her lower lip. These incentives drove her reason away, but she never expected that her fingers touching the phone would identally answer it...

    A woman''s sweet voice came out of the phone, "Joseph..."

    Irish was shocked at first and soon turned around, holding Joseph''s shoulders tightly and pointing at the phone. Joseph had no other choice but to answer the phone unhappily, "Who is it?"

    "Joseph, it''s Britney..." It was very quiet in the room, and Irish could hear her sweet voice clearly.

    She just snorted and felt unhappy. Joseph still stared at her as he answered the call, and he couldn''t help smiling as he saw her facial expression, "What''s up?" He put the phone beside the bed casually and kissed Irish''s ear as he lowered down, saying in a low voice, "You will never know the mistake you''ve made until I teach you a lesson."

    Irish looked at him, perplexed. She looked at the phone beside her, shaking her head immediately. Josephughed at it, knowing that she dared not reveal herself while the phone was still connected. He lowered down to kiss along her neck and rub her nipples.

    He imprinted many kisses on her skin, and her nipples looked even more beautiful with his saliva on them.

    Irish was inexperienced in making love, so her body tensed up from Joseph''s mature teasing. She didn''t dare to make any noise, and she could only hold him tightly with her fingers in his hair.

    Britney kept talking and said something about the movie. Atst, she asked, "Joseph, are you listening?"

    As Britney asked this, Joseph''s fingers moved between her lower lips and messaged them evilly. Sometimes he pressed it lightly, and sometimes he just pressed into it, arousing her desire immensely.

    "Yes." He responded in the direction of the phone with an idle yet maic voice. He then raised his eyes to see Irish, who longed to moan but didn''t dare. She shook her head helplessly, asking for mercy. Half of her face was covered by her hair, drawing Joseph''s attention.

    Joseph was attracted by her self-control.

    Her little mouth opened slightly, and her eyes were dyed with strong desire.

    Britney continued to say something happily with a voice as sweet as candy. Then, feeling fretful about it, her eyes were covered in a thin mist, so attractive that Joseph lowered to kiss her lips again.

 Chapter 180 180: Their Body Intertwined

    This time she didn''t resist but entwined herself with him. Their breath mixed again, and their reason disappearedpletely.

    Britney gave an invitation to lunch the next day over the phone and described the surrounding view in the restaurant. Joseph focused on Irish''s tightened body.

    "Ah��" Irish''s body shivered, and she suddenly moaned aloud.

    She suddenly felt a change between her legs, and warm liquid flowed out. She called Joseph''s name lightly and involuntarily, "Joseph."

    Britney stopped talking and said, astonished, "Joseph?"

    Joseph grabbed the phone calmly and smiled at Irish, who kept gasping. He continued to kiss her lips and savored the sweet taste of it.

    "Sorry, I don''t have time." He refused Britney''s invitation directly and took the phone off after hanging up.

    Irish closed her eyes with her hands on his shoulders. She waspletely helpless, panting lightly in his arms. She had never experienced such happiness and excitement before. Her mind was nk, and she didn''t even realize what had just happened.

    She heard Josephughing quietly and felt it get warmer between her thighs. She screamed and opened her eyes, totally shocked by Joseph''s bold behavior.

    Irish gulped and twisted her body uncontrobly, grabbing the soft bed. She felt so excited and happy.

    Joseph could not resist his desire anymore, and he lowered down, his cock approaching her. Irish felt afraid and began to resist with her eyes open. She even began to cry, pounding on his chest. She looked at him with wide eyes.

    However, he lowered to kiss her lips and swallowed her moans. He then raised her legs and straightened them up, his huge cock entering her slowly but without hesitation, bit by bit.

    Irish''s body trembled because of such arge intrusion. He proceeded slowly and deliberately, so slowly that she could feel her body opening bit by bit. She had never experienced such great pain, but she still wanted the satisfaction of it.

    As Joseph entered fully, she cried out, moaning loudly. Tears fell down from her eyshes.

    She cried because of theplexity of her emotions.

    She finally understood how attached she was to this man and that he could provide such intensepleteness to her. She also realized how difficult it would be in the future.

    Joseph finally gave out a satisfied sigh overhead. He didn''t move quickly, intending to let Irish adjust herself to the size. He kissed away her tears,plimenting her in a low voice, "Irish, it''s so tight."

    Irish''s body still quivered heavily after being filled with his maleness.

    "Are you in pain?" Joseph asked carefully, showering tiny kisses on her lips and checks.

    She shook her head, but as Joseph reached to grip her hands, her tears fell down continuously. She could not control them because she didn''t know how to face him in the future.

    "I''m sorry." Joseph was afraid that he hurt her, so he just controlled his desire, kissing her eyshes with great care.

    She saw the sweat on his forehead, and a sense of warmth arose in her. She bit her lower lip and said, "I like this way...Do you like it?"<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Yes. You''re swallowing me tightly," The tightness he felt controlled his desire, but it was also very wet. Regardless of her pain, he moved without control, and when he suddenly straightened up, he said beside his ear, "You know what; I really wanted to swallow you long ago; however, I''m afraid you will run away from me."

    Joseph made another thrust as his eyes fell on her beautiful face.

    Irish was totally lost in his fierce attack.

    She felt a feeling of fullness, and her consciousness seemed to leave her. She could only cater to this man by instinct.

    He raised her hands above her head, with his body fully attached to hers. He could feel her breasts shaking and rubbing his chest. With this incentive, he moved even more quickly.

    During the whole process, he still stared at Irish''s little face. He knew that it would be wonderful, beyond even his imagination. He held her beautiful face, kissing her out of love.

    Irish''s mind went nk, just calling his name again and again.

    They disregarded reality and just enjoyed the moment they shared.

    Joseph lifted up her hips to bring her even closer. He felt lost too.

    It was like a perfect storm, drowning him in an unspeakable sensation. The long drought he felt over many years gradually disappeared while he immersed himself inside her wetness.

    Irish could only hold Joseph''s shoulders for support, like a boat shaking in the sea under his full control. She looked at Joseph emotionally, ignoring the thunder and lightning outside. There was only Joseph''s face to her, and she was willing to be upied by him.

    They were connected with each other, and even their souls were entwined.

    She groaned again and again, making him even more lost further. Suddenly her stomach seized, and a great sense offort and happiness exploded in her, destroying all of her senses. She grabbed him tightly, and her fingernails cut into his skin, leaving two obvious red marks on his back. Joseph grabbed her hips and moved quickly inside her. After a short while, he emptied his seeds inside her while she let out a long moan.

    Irish was still dizzy and sleepy in her dream.

    The thunder finally disappeared, and outside the window was only the sound of dew drops.

    Irish slept deeply. She was so tired that she was nestled in Joseph''s chest, seekingfort.

    When the first ray of sunshine entered the room, Joseph woke up. He didn''t care that his arm was numb, but he stared at the woman in his arms. She was so attached to him that he felt her subtle breath, which felt wonderful.

    It was not the first time for him to embrace her into sleep, but this time was different. He finally tasted the sense of satisfaction and happiness of a woman that really belonged to him.

    He was not sleepy anymore but blocked out the sunshine, so it would not disrupt her dreams. He looked at her and touched the bridge of her nose, then her lips.

    He thought of her moaning his name. The scenes of the night before were still fresh in his mind.

 Chapter 181 181: Why Would You Treat Me Like This?

    Now she really belonged to him.

    Joseph looked down at the woman''s pale face in his arms. Her long eyshes were like butterflies resting in the center of a flower, and her enchanting, tender body was covered by the nket. She was sexy but pure, and he was obsessed with her graceful body but also moved by her pureness and courage in sex. At the moment of orgasm, she panted and moaned.

    Looking at her, he recalled the scene the previous night that got his adrenaline pumping. Gradually his sexual desire was rekindled again, and this time it was even stronger thanst night. His body felt extremely hot, while Irish''s body was so cool that he wanted to extinguish the fire inside him with it.

    Irish was still notpletely awake, and she looked at him with her blinking eyes.

    She pressed her face closely into his chest, enjoying the warmth of his body.

    Her unintentional actions destroyed hisst line of defense. His greed for her body soon burned into a fire. He didn''t hesitate anymore, turning her soft body over and grabbing her slender waist from behind.

    He was very gentle this time, and Irish, who was still sleepy, was soon overwhelmed with joy. She opened her eyes and then realized the man was full of vim and vigor once again.

    Joseph bent down and held her tightly, his chest pressing close to her soft body, and he kissed her cheeks from behind her.

    His impact was powerful and decisive, making her feel like she was being burned by a raging fire.

    She tried to hold his waist, but he pulled her hands to his abdomen.

    She was astonished by the size of his cock.

    Their emotions felt like a flood that had been building for the whole night. Joseph originally intended to cherish the woman in his arms and gently release his enthusiasm, but he couldn''t control himself and went wild.

    They indulged in joy and panted together, and she followed him, loved him, and melted with him. She suffocated in the utmost joy and moaned seductively with his ejaction.

    Joseph whispered in her ear, "From now on, you can only be with me."

    Irish fell deep asleep again.

    Every city under the sky was different from the other. Bustling New York and the tranquil Water Township in the South of the Yangtze River were like twopletely different worlds.

    ****

    It was still a busy morning, and Jay went into the police office after parking his car. He looked very handsome in his police uniform, but he changed his countenance as soon as he saw the person inside, and he turned back.

    But the door opened, and the woman''s delightful voice sounded, "Jay."

    He stopped and found his colleagues all looking at him with ambiguous eyes.

    He had no choice but to greet her.

    "Look! Your nt is blooming," Lilith waved at him and then went back into the office.

    One of his colleagues walked toward him and pouted his lips at her back, "Good job, Jay! You have such a beautiful girl."

    Jay didn''t respond to him and said to his assistant, "I have told you many times not to let anyone into my office."

    The man felt wronged and replied, "But she''s your girlfriend. We all know this. How could I stop her?"

    Jay felt helpless.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Since the time he found her wallet for her, apparently adopting the identity of her boyfriend, their rtionship had been misunderstood by his colleagues. He wanted to exin but thought it would hurt her, so he had been waiting for her to exin it herself. But she came to his office frequently with the excuse of taking care of the nt that she had given him.

    When entering his office, he found that it really had bloomed. The tiny white flowers were so beautiful, and though he knew what this flower was, he felt it was pleasing. His voice turned soft, "Lilith, don''t you have to work?"

    "I have to go to work. But my hours areter than yours, so I have time toe here to water your nt."

    In this way, Jay couldn''t me her and sighed slightly, "You''d better take it away. It is not appropriate to put it here."

    "Nonsense! Don''t you see that it has bloomed?" Lilith grinned and then walked up to him. "Your tie is not fastened properly." She said as she adjusted his tie for him.

    She was petite, and he could hold her with only one of his hands. Since she was getting so close to him, Jay could smell her sweet fragrance attracting him.

    Perceiving that he was staring at her, her face turned red, and she said to him in a low voice, "Don''t work too hard. I''m still trying to find that pattern."

    "I will find it. You don''t have to do so," Jay calmed down and said indifferently.

    Her eyes suddenly looked depressed.

    "Lilith, I am not your Mr. Right," Jay said with a sigh.

    "But I think you are," She looked up at him abruptly.

    "You have just graduated from school. Do you even know what true love is?"

    "Well, do you even know about it?"

    "I��"

    "Have you experienced true love before? Do you know it makes people feel intoxicated? Have you had this feeling?" She asked him several questions in one breath.

    Jay was rendered speechless, and he finally said, "Though I''ve not had this feeling, at least I know that you are not the woman I want."

    "You!" Lilith was annoyed and widened her eyes at him, "Then who are you looking for?"

    "Nobody yet," Jay replied briefly.

    She bit her lips and asked, "Why would you treat me like this? Is it because I''m a member of the Lake family?"

    Jay looked into her eyes and said meaningfully, "That is not my business."

    "Then what''s the problem?"

    "Lilith, you are still too young."

    "Too young? I''m an adult now, and I''m legally allowed to marry!"

    Jay shook his head and said, "You should find a man that suits you, at least the same age."

    "Yeah, I already found him," Lilith looked at him.

 Chapter 182 182: I Made It For My Boyfriend

    "I mean, you shouldn''t fall in love with a policeman." Jay''s eyes turned severe, adding, "You''re a good girl, and you deserve a stable life."

    She felt that she had been winded, and her eyes became soft. She got close to him and said sincerely, "I don''t care, and I''m not afraid of that."

    "But I care." Jay said seriously and continued, "Lilith, I can''t make any promises to you. Even if we can be with each other, all I would bring you is endless worry."

    Lilith was angry and stamped her foot, "But I said I am willing to bear all of this for you."

    "Don''t be silly. You still have a lot of choices to make, and you don''t have to do this for me."

    Lilith stood there motionlessly, with her lipspressed into a thin line, and gradually tears filled her eyes. Jay looked at her and opened the door of the office, saying resolutely, "It is time for you to go to work. Don''t bete."

    Lilith clenched her hands into fists, gazing at him for a long time, and then left.

    After closing the door, Jay leaned against it, and his superior''s words lingered in his mind, "Jay, you are an elite officer, and the higher-ups intend to transfer you back to the drug squad. It is a good opportunity for you, and you should consider it seriously."

    He rubbed his eyes heavily and felt tired.

    He was diligent about his work, but it was dangerous, and he had been risking his life for it.

    He inadvertently thought of Lilith''s tearful eyes and suddenly felt a pain in his heart.

    ****

    Cassie looked at the time when thest course was served to the table. Fredrick was almost off work at this time and looking at courses on the table, she felt proud of her cooking. She had deliberately taken the day off to have a talk with him since she felt that there was something wrong with him. Even though he still saw her regrly, he always seemed absent-minded.

    She thought it was because he was too busy with his work.

    Cassie''s parents stayed in New York, and they traveled to Boston, but they would being back several dayster. Before they left, her parents urged her again and again that when they came back, they wanted to meet Fredrick. Cassie was worried about it and wanted to have a talk with him beforehand.

    The doorbell rang, and Cassie showed a big smile, rushing to the door. She thought it was Fredrick, so she opened the door directly.

    Roy squeezed in easily, still dressed in his captain''s uniform. He greeted Cassie with a smile and then put his bag on her couch. He looked around and said, "Cassie, your house is so small, it''s not appropriate for you to live like this."

    Cassie was startled, and it took her a long time to respond. She rushed after him when she saw him walk to the dining room. "How do you know where I live? And how do you know my name?"

    Looking at the delicious food on the table, Roy couldn''t help but drool, and he waved at her. "Please, I''d love a bowl."

    "What?"

    "I just got off the ne, and I am starving to death." He looked at her miserably.

    "Wait." She had never seen such a shameless man before.

    "You haven''t answered my question yet. In addition, it isn''t your house, and you can''t eat here."

    Royughed and said, "You are an employee of our Runestone Group. Did you think it would be difficult for me to find out your address? Finishing his words, he stood up and found a bowl by himself. "Isn''t the food you made for people to eat? It makes no difference if I eat it or your boyfriend eats it."

    "Well, you know, I made it for my boyfriend," Cassie sneered.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Roy didn''t say anything but smiled as he started eating.

    "How are you so shameless? You are a wealthy son of the Lake family! The food in your house is better than this. What''s more, you''re a captain, why are you eating in another person''s house?"

    He took a bowl of soup, drank it, and nodded, "Perhaps you are afraid that your boyfriend will misunderstand you if he sees this."

    "You''re clever."

    "Don''t worry. I think even if he saw this, he would not have an exaggerated response," Roy said while drinking the soup.

    Cassie frowned at him and asked, "What do you mean?"

    "Do you think he loves you?" Roy focused on eating as he asked directly.

    "Bullshit!"

    "Don''t be so drastic. Don''t you realize that even a bystander could see through all of this? In my opinion, he loves himself more than he loves you." Suddenly, he choked and patted his chest heavily. "Give me some water." He said to Cassie.

    "I really don''t want to talk to you," But she was a kind girl, and finally, she stood up to get a ss of water for him. When he was about to bring him the water, Cassie drew back her hand and asked, "Tell me what you mean first."

    "Let me drink some water first," Roy begged.

    She had no choice but to give him the water.

    He drank a few gulps before he was soothed, then he said slowly, "My intuition."

    "What?"

    "I mean, my intuition told me that he doesn''t love you," Perceiving her frowning at him, he added, "Even if he did love you, his love is gone now."

    "What are you talking about?" Cassie looked unpleasantly at him.

    "People tend not to listen to the truth nowadays." Roy smiled yfully.

    "You''re full of bullshit!"

    "Be polite."

    "It''s not necessary for me to be polite to you."

    Soon he finished a bowl of rice, and he stood up to get another one. "It seems that you''ve learned to be glib from my younger sister, Irish."

    "You are really good at cottoning up with others, but it makes no difference to me." Cassie was unpleasant.

    "Okay, okay. I''ll stop," Roy ate another mouthful of rice.

 Chapter 183 183: Don’t Sleep On My Bed

    Looking at the food that was quickly getting eaten, she didn''t know what to do. When she was about to let him go, her phone rang. It was Fredrick.

    "Fredrick, when..."

    "Cassie, I have an impromptu meeting now, and I can''t eat with you today. Let''s change it to another day."

    "Ah. Okay. Don''t worry." She tried to say in a rxed tone, trying to hide her disappointment.

    "I''m sorry, Cassie."

    Cassie stood there motionlessly while the disappointment overwhelmed her, and her pleasant mood vanished. She sighed slightly, but soon another sigh sounded above her head.

    The next second, she burst out screaming. She didn''t know that Roy had stood behind her and eavesdropped on her call. He stood there, looking at her helpless face.

    "Can''t he tell the difference between clients and girlfriends?" Roy sat back down and began to eat again and then added, "Cassie, you need to wake up and find a reliable man like me."

    "Get out of here," Cassie waspletely irritated and tried to push him out.

    Instead of being angry, Roy smiled and embraced her tightly. She resisted harshly, and he loosened his grip. Cassie pointed at him and said, "You''ve gone too far."

    "What do you mean? With my words or my behavior?" Roy smiled again and stretched after eating, and then he said to her, "Cassie, I have to use your bed for a while." And then he left the dining room.

    She was astonished and roared at him, "Hey!"

    He walked directly into her bedroom andy down on her bed. He smiled an evil smile, and when he saw Cassie follow him and said, "Your pillow smells sweet. It smells the same as you."

    "Don''t sleep on my bed, you..."

    "Don''te any closer, or I will hold you down." He said, crossing his hands behind his head leisurely.

    Cassie stopped abruptly.

    "That''s right." He smiled with satisfaction and then continued, "I''m really tired, please don''t bother me. I won''t mind if you warm the bed for me, though."

    "Damn you!" Cassie said resentfully, but she was also afraid that he would do something to her since she knew he was a shameless man.

    Roy closed his eyes.

    Cassie stood there with her fists clenched and thought it was lucky that Fredrick hadn''te today, otherwise...

    She looked at the man who was sleeping in her bed and thought he looked like a child when he was asleep.

    Gradually, his breath became even and steady.

    Cassie suddenly caught herself and was astonished that she had been looking at him for such a long time.<novelnext></novelnext>

    ****

    In another city far away, Irish opened her eyes and felt that she had slept for a long time. The sky was already bright, and the scattered sunlight was like molten gold that had been poured on the ground.

    She held herself and felt slightly sore all over her body. Her clothes that had been scatteredst night were neatly ced, and beside the bed, there was a trash can that was full of tissues.

    It reminded her of what happenedst night, and her face began to turn red. She buried her face into the pillow. She knew he was taking a shower in the bathroom.

    It was a little weird.

    She never thought that she would be with him someday, and she remembered the first day they met. She sighed slightly and wondered if it was all going too fast? When she was thinking, her phone rang.

    The door of the bathroom opened, and Joseph came out. Irish saw his naked body and hastily turned back, but soon she felt the other side of the bed bepressed. He sat down beside her.

    She pulled her hair down to cover her face because it was red and hot.

    Joseph looked at her and couldn''t help smiling, and answered her phone while he put his other hand under the nket. He fondled her back softly with his slender fingers.

    She knew he was answering her phone and said, "That''s my phone."

    Joseph replied to her briefly, "It''s Daisy. She called for me."

    Irish suddenly understood, and her face felt even hotter. She justy in the nket and regretted opening her mouth. Joseph''s phone had been shut off for the whole night.

    Daisy was a clever woman, and she must have known what they were doingst night since she called her to find Joseph.

    Although she was obsessed with his skillful sexual abilities, she did not share the joy with others.

    It seemed that Daisy was reporting business info to him, and sometimes Joseph would give hisments. He was arranging work for Daisy while his fingers swam restlessly on her back and then slipped to her thigh and massaged it lightly.

    Irish didn''t dare to make a sound this time since she knew it was Daisy at the other end of the phone. They were talking about work seriously, unlike Britneyst night, who was calling him to chat. That''s why she called him in such a whiny voice.

    But it seemed Joseph did not intend to stop; instead he became even more restless. She widened her eyes to him and saw his big smile, as well as his gentle eyes. For a moment, she was filled with warmth, and she simply leaned against his chest, listening to his steady heartbeat.

    She heard him ask Daisy to put off the video conference until the afternoon, and he also said that he would not go to the party as long as Megan and Britney were attending. Somehow, she felt cheerful after hearing this. A great joy overwhelmed her mind, and she looked up at Joseph. Suddenly a gentle kiss fell on her forehead.

    She felt there was a sense of satisfaction in conquering a sessful man.

    Irish knew that it was an evil thought, but it was so clear. The man, who was used to focusing solely on his works, had changed for her, and she was so cheerful about it. In this way, she thought that he would take over her whole life someday.

    Before he hung up, he urged Daisy, "Present the trip arrangements to South Africa to me as soon as you can."

    Irish was shocked since she never knew that he was going to South Africa.

 Chapter 184 184: Will You Miss Me?

    They didn''t talk for long, and Daisy hung up and didn''t even intend to say hello to the owner of the phone. She just called to report to her boss, and that was her only goal. Irish had been lying on Joseph''s chest, and she could hear his heartbeat, as well as the content of their conversation.

    She heard that Daisy woulde to pick him up at 4:00 pm, but he didn''t mention it to her at all. She shot a quick glimpse at him and secretly felt upset.

    "Are you hungry? We can have lunch in the restaurant." Giving her phone back, Joseph turned on his own phone, embracing her into his arms.

    But she didn''t want to eat at all since she was in a bad mood. She felt frustrated and shook her head slightly.

    "What''s wrong?" Seeing this, Joseph was confused and added, "They have your favorite, goose liver, and it tastes phenomenal here."

    "I don''t want to eat." She went back to bed and buried herself in the soft pillow, where she could still feel his breath, fresh and cool. She closed her eyes and wondered. What she cared about was not his trip to South Africa but his thoughts. Their encounter this time had been unexpected and unpredictable, to say the least. She had slept with him, and it all happened so fast that she felt anxious about it.

    She believed that he loved her, otherwise, he wouldn''t have treated her with so much patience. However, he had not said "I love you" to her until now.

    While they were having sex, he had said, "Be with me from now on." It sounded meaningful, but she still didn''t know what kind of rtionship he wanted with her. Did he want her to be his mistress or his girlfriend or his wife?

    She didn''t know, but she knew that she had been incredibly happy to hear it while she was in mid-orgasm. She had almost been killed by how good it felt. However, due to Daisy''s phone call and the ambiguity of his words, she now felt confused and upset rather than happy.

    And she even began to think that "be with me" was just nothing more than something he had said during their joyful moment in bed. It seemed like something important to say, but if it was uttered during a fantastic moment in bed, did it even mean anything?

    But she was interrupted from thinking more about it.

    Joseph pressed her down, and his powerful chest covered her body. His big hands slipped down from her arms, and soon his gentle voice sounded out, "I''m hungry."

    Irish was not a silly girl, and she understood what he meant. She could feel his erect manhood against her, as hot asst night, like a volcano ready to erupt. Perceiving her silence, Joseph smiled and lowered his face, andy a soft kiss on the corner of her mouth.

    His kiss was so hot that she just wanted to scream.

    She could feel the man''s breath warming the side of her ears, and the hot flow was intertwined with the cool air from the air conditioner. She couldn''t hope to withstand his flirting since she had only had her first sexual experience with him the night before, and now that he had tasted her body, he lusted for more. He was not a man who could control himself in front of her.

    "Don''t do this. Aren''t you going to leave?" Irish finally said.

    "There are still five to six hours left, we still have time." His voice was full of lust. Her heart felt like a boulder was crushing it. When his fingers slipped over her thighs, she immediately tightened her legs and tentatively asked, "When are youing back?"

    He held her chin and asked with a smile, "Will you miss me?"<novelnext></novelnext>

    At the next moment, she was overwhelmed by disappointment, and her hopes were dashed to pieces. Her heart was almost broken, and she could taste the bitterness in herself.

    She did not reply to him immediately. Joseph had been staring at her without moving as if he wanted to get a satisfactory answer. Instead, she looked at his face, gently rubbing her lips, and narrowed her eyes. "No."

    Joseph raised his eyebrows.

    "I still have a lot of ces to go, and I don''t have time to miss you." She put her face on the pillow again, her throat a little tight.

    Joseph smiled at her and said, "What an ungrateful woman!" He lightly patted her hip and wanted to punish her.

    "Ouch!" Irish screamed.

    "Don''t say that again, or I will make you hurt even more!" He warned her with a smile and rxed his hands to separate her legs.

    "Joseph!" Irish suddenly realized what he was going to do and hastily turned back to him, "It really hurts. We had sex bothst night and this morning, it is too much for me."

    She was telling the truth, but his desire became even stronger after hearing this, and he was tempted by her pathetic expression, which strangely satisfied his vanity. He couldn''t help but kiss her, but his eyes lookedplicated. "Baby, are you teasing me?"

    "I don''t��."

    "I will be gentle this time." He said softly, and his waist gradually pressed down.

    She began to frown and once again felt his temperature and strength. As he promised, he slowed down. It made her feel more clearly, and she could even feel the beating of his heart.

    Her body was gradually pushed up by his cock, and she couldn''t help groaning while he rubbed her cheek and said in his deep voice, "Why don''t you tell me the truth?"

    Irish was confused and didn''t know what he was talking about.

    His movements were slow and firm, and it seemed like he was deliberately torturing her. Her cheeks were red as the clouds during the sunset. The rosiness spread from the corner of her eyes to her chest, which was so beautiful that he felt like he was trapped in it.

    "Does it hurt?" He asked. His waist was full of strength.

 Chapter 185 185: I Like It So Much

    Irish almost melted in his arms, and her voice was hoarse and enchanting. "Yeah, it hurts."

    "Where?" Joseph raised her body slightly, but his face was obsessed with her neck.

    "You are going too deep. It''s too big." Her voice sounded delicate.

    "Do you like it?" The light shone in her half-opened eyes and reflected beautifully back at him. Her wet core was tight around his cock, and her body intoxicated him.

    Irish let go of his arm to hold her own trembling body. Her disappointment and suspicion had left, and she just lingered in a state of joy.

    "Yes, I like it, I like it so much..." She finally expressed her desires to him while her slender fingers clenched the sheets to brace herself to take his enthusiasm.

    Joseph stretched out his arms and twined his finger into hers. His strong shoulders pressed her down, and he ordered into her ears, "Call my name when you orgasm this time."

    She was amazed, and before she could respond, she was trapped in another powerful whirlpool of love. For a long time, she looked at his strong arms, and she was consumed by himpletely and couldn''t control herself anymore.

    At this moment, she finally cleared her mind.

    She had to face the facts though she had many obstacles in her heart.

    She had fallen in love with this man.

    She loved Joseph deeply.

    Their lovemaking left her exhausted, and she became sleepy while he was in a good mood.

    Her phone rang at the bedside again, and Joseph kissed her forehead and then went into the washroom. She reached out and picked up the phone. Unexpectedly, it was Pea who was calling her.

    "Sister Irish, have you left Light Town?" Pea asked her seriously.

    "Well. I''m not sure because I don''t know where I am." She hastily took a nket to cover her naked body and shouted in the direction of the washroom.

    Joseph, who was ready to shave his beard, turned back and glimpsed at her and then shook his head. Then she corrected herself, "Well, I searched the ce just now, and it isn''t too far away. What''s wrong?"

    When she was talking, she felt his semen run out of her body which she thought was so hot. Her face suddenly turned red, and she looked up at the man in the washroom subconsciously while her heartbeat quickened.

    "I have a gift for you, and it is very important."

    "Now?"

    "Yes, pleasee here. I will wait for you." Pea spoke with a rushed voice.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Pea, there is no need..."

    "I am waiting for you while doing my homework. You know my mom hopes for me to get into a good university."

    Irish was astonished and said, "You think so much."

    "Not me. My parents," Pea mumbled and urged her once again.

    Sitting on the bed, Irish put the phone aside and took a glimpse at the sheets, which were in a mess, strewn all over the ce.

    Her heart twitched, and she couldn''t help control her heartbeat when she looked at the man in the washroom. She didn''t consider herself a conservative person, but she still cared about virginity. She assumed that every woman''s first sexual experience would cause her to bleed. Every man cared about a woman''s hymen, but it was also easy for it to be broken without sex. Irish suspected that sports like climbing would have had an effect on it, and now her theory seemed to have been proved.

    Looking at the white sheet, her first thought was that there was no blood on it. Then it reminded her of when she met Joseph the night when she had firste back from abroad. She didn''t know if she had had sex with him that night. Perhaps Joseph had also forgotten about it.

    Thinking of this, Irish wrapped herself in the sheet and walked to the door of the washroom, looking at the man in the mirror. He had just finished shaving his beard, and it looked as if he was thinking of something. His breath was so fresh, and the room was filled with the smell of his cologne.

    She stepped forward, looking at his back, which was covered with scratches on it from her hands. Joseph was happy that she had approached and stared at her from the mirror and smiled softly. He turned his back to the mirror and nced at the scratches, then reached out and pulled her into his arms and teased, "Those are all thanks to you, wild little cat."

    Irish leaned against his chest, listening to his steady heartbeat, and said in a low voice, "Sorry." The scratches had been left by her at the moment she had the first orgasm. She just wanted to hold him in that joyful moment as if she was trying to clutch driftwood in the water.

    "Silly woman," Joseph reached out to pat her head.

    "I want to ask you something," She looked up at him.

    Joseph nodded.

    Irish drew back her eyes and hesitated a little bit, "What happened that night when I met you at the bar?"

    Joseph was surprised, but soon heughed and asked, "Why do you ask?"

    "I just want to know," She said as she looked at him eagerly.

    Joseph raised his eyebrows and thought for a while, and then he described the situation of that night to her. Just as Cassie said, they had celebrated in the bar, but Irish was drunk and fell in Joseph''s arms, holding him as tightly as she could. Cassie was also drunk and thought that they knew each other, so she just left.

    "And then you brought me back to the hotel?" Irish frowned and continued, "You told me that nothing happened that night, are you sure?"

    Joseph giggled and replied, "Of course. You held me tightly, and I couldn''t move at all, and you asked me to take you away, so I was left with no choice but to take you to the hotel. When we arrived, your tears almost submerged the entire hotel. You cried for more than two hours and fell asleep afterward."

    "I cried that night?" Irish was shocked.

 Chapter 186 186: Let’s Eat Something First

    Recalling the situation that night, Joseph felt sorry for her.

    "Why?"

    "I also want to know why," He said gently, reaching out to caress her brow, and then added, "I was at a loss for what to do that night."

    Irish lowered her head and mumbled, "It seemed like it was not the night."

    "What did you say?" Joseph felt he didn''t hear clearly.

    "Nothing."

    Joseph looked at her for a while and did not make any further inquiries, and took her out of the washroom. When he was about to say something, Irish hastily sat back in bed and pulled a nket up to cover the sheet. Joseph was confused and frowned while she just smiled at him and asked, "What were you going to say?"

    Even if she was deceiving herself, she felt that it was weird that she didn''t know when she lost her virgin''s blood, so she wanted to cover the sheet.

    Joseph smiled at her and said, "I want to ask you when you n to go back to Light Town. I will arrange a driver to bring you back."

    "Oh." Then Irish remembered the call from Pea, but she was also upset when she heard his tone without any trace of nostalgia. "I''ll pack up and leave right away."

    Joseph nodded like he was thinking.

    Irish was even more frustrated when he didn''t urge her to stay, and she took her clothes directly into the washroom. When she returned, Joseph had been waiting for her for a while. He was dressed in a blue shirt and smoked gray trousers and looked very handsome. His eyes were bright, unlike hers, which held a trace of sadness in them.

    After she finished packing, he said, "Let''s eat something first."

    "I''m not hungry."

    Joseph looked at her and sighed, "Fine."

    Irish was a little angry and felt like a rag that had been used. She frowned, and when she was changing her shoes, she cast off her slippers heavily and walked to the suitcase, and asked loudly, "What about my suitcase?"

    Joseph walked out of the bedroom. Seeing her standing in front of the suitcase, he frowned and said, "Wait for a second."

    Irish did not know what he was going to take from the bedroom and waited there without moving. Soon he came out again and gave her a fine paper bag and said, "It is the room card, and you can put your suitcase there."

    "Thanks," Irish replied briefly and put it into her bag.

    The phone rang, but it was his phone this time.

    He turned and walked to the window to answer the phone, with his back to Irish. His voice was as cold as it was when he was in his office. In front of the window, the sunlight poured in and enveloped him. His shadow was long under the light, and the designer shirt made him look powerful. He was full of charm, but in Irish''s eyes, he was bing more and more distant.

    Irish clenched her bag and walked a few steps toward the door, but she still couldn''t help but look back to glimpse at him. He turned back to her and gestured to say that he would call her, and then he continued his phone call.

    Irish bit her lip and left the room without looking back again.<novelnext></novelnext>

    ****

    When Ruby hung up the phone, Lilith had just opened the door ande in. She changed her shoes, then sat on the couch and asked, "What''s wrong with you?"

    Ruby fell to the couch and hugged her legs in her arms. She calmed down after a while, then looked at Lilith and said, "You''re not much better than me."

    "How could Ipare with you? You are married to your beloved, but I��" Lilith smiled bitterly and pictured Jay''s face. Ruby perceived something was wrong with her and asked, "Have you fallen in love with someone?"

    "No. Perhaps I''ll just stay single for my whole life."

    Ruby felt a little concerned when she heard this, and when she was about to ask, Kelly came down from upstairs and said, "Well, the son of your Uncle Martin wille back from abroad. You often yed with each other when you were children. And perhaps you could meet with each other."

    Lilith rolled her eyes and hinted at Ruby to help her. Unexpectedly, Ruby, who always advocated free love, didn''t help her but tried to persuade her to date him. "Lilith, you''ve started working, and now is the best time for you to find your Mr. Right. Perhaps you should go on a date with him."

    "Ruby!" Lilith didn''t expect that she would try and help her mother to persuade her.

    "Ruby is right. It would be best if you tried to date him. You are still young and beautiful, so why not try to find a handsome man?" Kelly sat down beside Lilith and added, "I have promised him that you would say yes."

    "Mom, are you okay? I don''t even remember who he is, how could I date him?"

    "You will remember him when you meet each other," Kelly said seriously.

    "I don''t like blind dates. I like free love." Lilith tried to argue.

    "No way. You have to go. You stay here at home, and you don''t even go out to parties, so how will you ever meet anyone? Do you think your Mr. Right wille to you?" Kelly asked in a raised voice.

    "Mom!"

    "Lilith. Listen to your mom." Shirley interrupted Kelly as she left the bathroom, dressed in a red silk bathrobe. She took a ss of wine and added, "After all, not every woman can be as lucky as Ruby."

    "Mom..." Ruby was helpless.

    Lilith pursed her lips and didn''t say anything, while Kelly replied, "Well, Ruby is the luckiest woman in our family. God is fair. Since her mother was aggrieved, her daughter would naturally acquire more love. Otherwise, how could we live?"

    Hearing this, Shirley rushed from the stairs and put down her wine ss on the tea table heavily. "Who are you referring to?"

    "Wow, you should know who I''m referring to." Kelly sneered.

    Lilith stood up hastily and said, "Well, I still have something to do, so I have to go back to my bedroom now."

    "Don''t slip away. Anyway, you have to meet the son of your Uncle Martin, your father also agreed with it."

 Chapter 187 187: I Won’t Forget You

    Lilith scratched her head and rushed away without looking back. Ruby was also afraid of the argument between them, so she tried to avoid it and left shortly after.

    "Kelly, do you intend to embarrass me in front of the kids?" Shirley asked resentfully.

    "You asked for it," Kelly sneered.

    "I know you feel wronged since you were married to William, the younger brother, and you think I am the hostess of this family. But don''t forget that it is our parents who made the decision. Yes, you are my older sister, but you are not as beautiful as me."

    Kelly looked at her with cold eyes and said, "Do you think I''m jealous of you being prettier than me? Pah! What else can you do except for having a pretty face? To be frank, you''re just like eye candy. Do you think you would have been married to Henry without your mom''s help? Perhaps you''d have had an abortion."

    "So I have to thank our parents," Instead of being irritated, Shirley smiled and continued, "They persuaded me to keep the babies so that he would have to be responsible for me. Thank God I seeded, and I even gave him twins. But what about you? You only have a daughter with William!"

    "Shirley, I have never envied you all these years because you''ve never received true love from your husband! How can you try to show off to me?" Kelly said in a cold voice and added, "What''s more, watch out for your son-inw. I''m afraid that you''ve drawn water with a sieve. Don''t make meugh." After finishing, Kelly turned around and went upstairs.

    "You''re jealous! I know you are!" Shirley was trembling with anger and shouted at her.

    ****

    When Irish got back to the guest house, Pea was painting in the yard. The sunlight was falling directly on his small face as he painted, which looked adorable. She slowed down and sat quietly beside him.

    Pea was not surprised, and it seemed that he was barely focusing on painting at all. He looked around and asked, "Where''s your suitcase?"

    "In the hotel."

    Pea turned to her and asked, "Did you find a better ce to stay?"

    "No." Irish did not know how to exin everything to the small kid in front of her.

    Pea asked her seriously, "Do you love that guy?"

    Irish looked at him for a while and then asked, "Do you like him?"

    "No."

    "Why?" She was surprised.

    He thought for a while and replied, "Because he is too serious, girls like guys who always smile."

    Irish nodded and said, "You''re right. Sometimes I really don''t know how to get along with him."

    "I know."<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Ah?" Irish was shocked, and then sheughed and said, "Why do you act like an adult?"

    Peaughed as well.

    She reached out and asked him, "Where is my gift? Don''t tell me it was just a joke!"

    "How could it be? I really got a gift for you." He rushed to his room and came back quickly and said, "Close your eyes!"

    "Do you want to kiss me?" Irish puckered her face in a smile.

    Pea rolled his eyes at her and said, "You think too much."

    Irish was still amused by him and closed her eyes as he asked. Finally, he pulled her hands and put something into them.

    "You can open your eyes now."

    Irish opened her eyes and was surprised when she looked at what was in her hands. "Is this your gift?" It was a bible with a red cover. It was small in size and conveniently handheld, but it looked old, and the cover was worn out.

    "Yes, my mom gave it to me, and I don''t understand it, but mom told me that it was a valuable book, so I wanted to give it to you so that you wouldn''t forget me. I also want you to be happy. My mom said the person who gets it will be happy." His mother was a devout Christian.

    Irish knew the faith and opened the bible. She was moved by this kid and reached out to pat his head lightly. "Don''t worry. I won''t forget you."

    Pea giggled.

    She said farewell to Pea and left the guesthouse to wander the town. Within two days, her mind had changed so quickly. She was in the rain south of the Yangtze River the day before yesterday. The boatman was humming a ssic section of a Kunqu Opera, and she was in a good mood while she experienced the local customs and tasted the delicious food there. She had also slept with the man who she''d thought she had to leave behind. But now, when she went back to the town again to find peace, she realized that she had a lot of memories there that she would never want to recall.

    Walking through the te-paved street, she went to the same restaurant she''d been to before. The boss recognized her and treated her with great enthusiasm, and soon after, he delivered a bunch of delicious food to her. Thendy was also kind to her and asked her with a smile why she came back alone. Irish did not know how to answer her and couldn''t figure out why she felt so lonely.

    She felt that her food was tasteless today.

    She was surprised and asked the boss, "Is this from the same chef?"

    Hearing this, the boss hastily came to ask her if she was dissatisfied with the taste, but then she realized that it was not the food but her mood that had changed. She squeezed out a smile and told the boss the food was even more delicious than it was yesterday.

    The boss was relieved and smiled back at her.

    She looked at her chopsticks sadly and realized that the dishes were still the same, but she felt worse today, so it tasted different. She ate a little more and then left the restaurant. There were some visitors in groups, happily chatting with their friends or lovers while walking. She stood on the bridge and found a lonely reflection in the water. Some small boats were drifting underneath the bridge, and she could hear the boatmen humming songs in their boats.

 Chapter 188 188: Did He Leave?

    When passing by the embroidery shop, she found it was more bustling than yesterday, and several embroidery workers in the yard sat before their embroidery frames. The silk threads turned into beautiful pictures through their skilled hands. The flowers on the trees in the courtyard began to fall, and the petals and workers formed a beautiful scene before her.

    The shop owner was out, but Irish had juste to look around, so it made no difference to her. However, the falling flowers reminded her of Joseph talking with

    the boss yesterday, and she thought that she could even feel his breath there.

    She noticed that the expensive embroidery work, "White Magnolia," was gone.

    The shop assistant told her someone had bought it.

    Irish shook her head and sighed. There were so many rich people with the spare money and elegant taste these years.

    Leaving the embroidery shop, she found that it was raining. Looking around, she found that she had visited almost every corner of the town. She took a look at the time and felt upset.

    Joseph must have left the hotel to go to the airport.

    Suddenly she felt like she was a kid abandoned by someone, and she felt frustrated and endless loneliness.

    When she put her phone into her bag, her elbow touched something hard. She found that it was the room card that Joseph had given her. Clenching it, Irish recalled when she left the hotel as well as the view of his back, which had looked cold and unfamiliar to her.

    Irish hated this feeling since she knew she was not a little girl anymore. How could she still be so easily affected by a man? It was better that he had left so that she could enjoy the big bed by herself and do anything she wanted. She opened the paper bag resentfully but was astonished by what was inside.

    It was not a room card at all!

    It was her passport!

    The rain fell on her passport, and arge drop of water spread across her photo.

    Unexpectedly it began to rain heavily, and the raindrops fell on her head. Everyone on the street rushed to find alcoves and shelter from the rain.

    But Irish stood there motionlessly as if she was nailed down to the street. She stared at her passport with great astonishment, and a voice sounded in her mind continuously. It''s not the room card, but your passport, your passport, passport...

    Suddenly she understood what he was going to do. She trembled with the passport in her hands and was overwhelmed by surprise. She hastily took out her phone to call him, and her fingers couldn''t stop trembling.

    She misunderstood him.

    How could she have misunderstood him?

    She didn''t know whether she was shocked or charmed. Either way, she wanted to cry at that moment. She dialed his number quickly, ignoring the heavy rain falling on her. She was so eager to meet him that she could even feel her heartbeat when she was dialing.

    But it didn''t connect, and she tried again, but the call failed once more.

    She was anxious and stamped her foot in the rain, then dialed him once more.<novelnext></novelnext>

    However, she still couldn''t get through.

    Irish took another glimpse at the time and became anxious. She put away her phone and tried to find a car to take her back to the hotel, but it rained heavily, and there were no taxis to be found at all. She couldn''t wait and rushed towards the entrance of the ancient town, but she only found private cars, no taxis.

    She stood there helplessly, watching the heavy rain outside.

    Time passed, and it was 4:00 pm. Finally, she was overwhelmed in desperation. Looking at the sky shrouded by the heavy rain, she couldn''t stop wondering. Did he leave? Perhaps he had left...

    She squatted as if she lost the power to support herself, and her legs were sore and weak. Her whole body curled up as small as a shrimp in the rain.

    She called his name over and over again in her heart.

    Joseph, where are you?

    His name was like a magic form, and her heart ached every time she called it.

    She did not understand why she couldn''t connect with him. She experienced excitement and loneliness in a short time, then from loneliness to anxiety. Now she was desperate.

    She had not experienced such violent mood swings for many years.

    When she knew she had been betrayed by her own father, and when her mother finally passed away, her heart felt empty. Looking at the falling water drops, like tears falling from the sky, she felt a pang of sadness.

    Her eyelids were a little sore, and she closed her eyes and opened them after a while. Unexpectedly, she saw a figure reflected in the rainwater on the ground. He was getting closer to her, and finally, he stood in front of her. In front of her eyes was a pair of handmade leather shoes, smooth and wet with rain.

    Looking up at the shoes, she saw a pair of smoky gray trousers.

    Her heart leaped wildly, and she was unable to control her eyes, then looked up and stared at him directly.

    His eyes were as ck as the umbre he held over her. He frowned slightly, and Irish thought he looked a little serious. In the depth of his eyes, she noticed his excitement, but she also found obvious concern.

    She squatted there without moving like a little bird looking at him quietly. Joseph was still dressed in the same clothes as when she left the hotel, a navy blue shirt paired with his smoky gray trousers. He was so handsome and pleasing to see.

    He broke the deadlock and pulled her up. When he saw that the rain almost soaked her, he drew back his worries, recing them with an unpleasant expression.

    Irish lowered her head since she knew how uncollected she lookedpared to his neat clothes.

    "I....I called you but couldn''t get through it, so I went to find a taxi, but I failed since it was raining so heavily. I��" Before she could finish, Joseph embraced her into his arms.

    Irish was afraid of soiling his clothes and tried to resist, but he was too strong, and she couldn''t move at all. It seemed that he didn''t care if she was wet and only cared about her safety.

    "I think perhaps I''ll have to change the flight." He said softly over her head.

 Chapter 189 189: How Can I Be Sure About That?

    Irish looked at the buttons on his shirt and said in an extremely low voice, "I thought you had left."

    "If you had checked the "Room card," I��." Joseph sighed lightly.

    She felt shocked after hearing this.

    He added, "I guess I really will have to change the flight, and I will punish you when I find you."

    Hearing this, Irish looked up from his arms.

    "But I guess it''s also my fault, I forgot that the signal isn''t stable in this town, especially on rainy days." Joseph felt bad when he saw her panicked expression, and his eyes became soft again. "I thought you would check the "room card" on the way here, or at least discover it wasn''t it after leaving the guesthouse."

    "I..." Irish hummed and hawed. She had been in a bad mood, so she hadn''t remembered to check the paper bag at all.

    Joseph kissed her forehead and said in a low voice, "My silly girl, is it that difficult for you to tell me the truth?"

    Irish was moved by his words, and she remembered that he had asked her why she hadn''t told him the truth when they were having sex, but she was so intoxicated at the moment that she didn''t care what he was talking about. But she still did not understand now, what kind of truth did he want?

    She leaned against his chest and looked up at him. His eyes were so soft that she even wanted to exin how she lost her virgin blood, but after hesitating for a while, she gave up.

    Joseph reached to touch her face and said gently, "I have been waiting for you to tell me you want to go to South Africa with me, and I also wanted you to tell me that you wanted to be with me anywhere. But you are so stubborn and never speak your mind to me."

    Hearing this, Irish couldn''t help trembling.

    "You actually do want toe with me, and you want to be with me forever, right?" Joseph stared at her.

    A trace of sweetness melted into her heart and then quickly expanded, seeping into her. She was at a loss. Because there had been so many surprises for her in such a short period of time, she couldn''t think about anything and just looked at him quietly. She asked unconsciously, "Why?"

    But Joseph knew, and he smoothed away a wisp of hair, saying, "Isabel, I''m afraid that you will regret this because there are still many obstacles waiting for us in the future. If you choose to be with me, it means you''ll have to face them all with me, so it''s natural if you need to take some time to consider. Perhaps you will choose to escape, and you regret the decision of being with me..."

    Irish calmed down and asionally looked over to the street corner, and then she asked, "The car..."

    "Yes, I''ve been waiting for you here since you left, until I thought I couldn''t wait any longer, then I asked my driver to take me here to find you." He smiled bitterly.

    Now she understood everything.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish''s heart was beating quickly, and she said to him, "Joseph, I''m in a mess right now, and it''s hard for me to imagine that you''ll also be afraid."

    "I have told you that love is a luxury for me, and I had to gain the capability to own this luxury. Now I''ve acquired it, but at the same time, I''m worried. Isabel, I''m also an ordinary person. I worry that what you said to me was just an impulse. Even though I''ve prepared myself for it, love is two people, right?"

    Irish was shocked by his words, and she couldn''t believe that he was talking with her about their love and he meant that she was his true love.

    "There are still some things that I don''t want to talk about with you in bed so that you feel it''s actually real." He sighed and continued, "Like the fact that I want you to stay with me and be with me. I shouldn''t talk about this with you in bed, and now it''s been proven you didn''t believe it at all."

    "I thought you were just speaking thoughtlessly." She argued and added, "You know all men are impulsive at that moment."

    Joseph had expected it and gave her a helpless look. She was stunned for a moment, and her face suddenly turned red.

    "I want you, and I want to stay with you. However, I''m still afraid that you will go back on your words." Joseph gazed at her and added, "So I made love to you again and again because I intended to upy you in order to allow you to adapt to my existence as soon as possible. I was anxious, and that''s why I asked you to be with me in bed."

    His words touched Irish, and she tried to hold her chest to control her heartbeat, but she failed, and the pulse in her hands beat so fast that her ears buzzed. "I''m not a child, how could I go back on my word so casually?"

    Josephughed and said, "But you act like a child, how could you leave like that?"

    "..." Irish clenched her fingers and responded sarcastically. "Why do you treat me so severely?"

    "Because you looked so eager to leave, and I''m a little upset about it. Do you think Daisy would dare to call you to find me if I didn''t exin our rtionship to her?"

    "How can I be sure about that?"

    "Didn''t you say before that you can see through people''s minds easily since you''re a psychologist?" Josephughed at her.

    Her face turned red.

    "But fortunately, I came to find you. It seems that I''ve overestimated your observation abilities." Joseph shook his head helplessly.

    She then realized something and took a glimpse at the time, then asked, "But it''s already four o''clock. The flight must have left."

    Joseph looked at her as if she was an idiot, "I said we had to go at four o''clock, not that the flight is at four o''clock."

 Chapter 190 190: Do You Believe That?

    "Ah? Then what time is the flight?" She knew she had misunderstood him.

    Joseph looked at her and patted her head, then replied, "You should go change your clothes, and then we can go to the airport."

    "Oh." Irish seemed calm, but she didn''t respond. It wasn''t until Joseph stared at her with a bright smile that she realized the problem and asked, "Wait! I want to know how you got my passport?"

    "When you put your suitcase in the hotel, I asked Daisy to take it away, or how else could I have ordered your ticket for you?"

    "So you had already decided to take me to South Africa with you?" She was excited.

    Joseph smiled and nodded.

    "Then why did you still say you would give me some time to consider it?"

    "As I said just now, I overestimated you." Joseph repeated and then added, "But I couldn''t just leave my beloved woman here, even if you refused to tell me the truth."

    "Then why don''t you just admit that you''re forcing me toe since you''ve bought my ticket already?" Irish joked with him.

    Joseph showed a smile and answered, "I don''t want to force you, but it doesn''t mean I won''t."

    "Wow, what an egomaniac!" Irish drew back her eyes and felt cheerful.

    "Isabel, you have to answer my question seriously." Joseph held her under the umbre, where it was like a small world, just the two of them.

    She looked up at him.

    "Have you regretted giving your...first night to me?"

    Her face felt hot, and she shook her head slightly.

    He smiled and asked, "Do you want to go to South Africa with me?"

    "Well, it doesn''t seem I have many choices now, do I?"

    "Do you want to go with me?" He interrupted her and repeated again.

    Irish puckered her lips and nodded enthusiastically.

    Joseph was delighted and lowered his head, getting closer to her face. "There is still a long way for us to go. Though I will try my best to protect you, I still can''t promise you that you won''t get any hurt. Do you still want to be with me?"

    This question was obviously heavier than the first two, but Irish felt the emotion in his heart and was touched by it. He was a man who rarely promised anything, at least not to her. Even if they had a sexual rtionship, he still hadn''t promised her anything, and he just told her that she belonged to him and that there were still many obstacles waiting for them.

    Joseph didn''t urge her to answer and just looked at her patiently. Though it was a difficult question for her, she just felt warm, and she could even feel the happiness growing inside her. She reached out and held his waist and leaned on his chest. "Don''t leave me alone."

    Joseph was relieved by her answer. This woman filled the emptiness in the depths of his heart. He tightened his arms around her and made a rare promise under the umbre, "I promise I won''t."

    Her heart was flooded with joy. The rain gradually let up, but they were reluctant to end this beautiful moment. Finally, after holding each other for a long time, Irish looked up at his eyes and said, "Joseph, there are still some things I can''t talk about with you in bed."

    "Well, you can talk to me in the car. I''m afraid you will get a cold if we keep standing out here."

    She snuggled up to him and followed him back to the car. When the car started, she said softly. "I''m serious; I have something to say to you."

    "Well, I''m listening." He took a clean towel and began to dry her wet hair.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish felt a little awkward and took a glimpse of the front. Perceiving her embarrassment, Joseph smiled and said, "Daisy."

    Daisy nodded at him through the rear mirror and raised the divider between the front and back seats.

    "Em...I had a boyfriend before. His name was Adam. You know that."

    Joseph nodded and replied, "Yes, I know."

    Her heart trembled, and she continued, "I also fell in love with Fredrick secretly."

    "I know." Joseph still dried her hair slowly and replied as calmly as if they were having a small talk.

    "I never intended to destroy any feelings between Cassie and Fredrick. Do you understand?"

    "Yes, I understand."

    She licked her lips and then said, "In fact, I never even kissed Adam, and we only ever held hands. Do you believe that?"

    Joseph raised his eyebrow and showed a faint smile, "Yes, I can believe that because you are not that skilled at kissing."

    She blinked and frowned at him. "Don''t joke. I''m serious."

    Joseph pretended topromise and said, "Well, I don''t know what you''re going to say."

    "I want to tell you that I like climbing." She answered.

    Joseph scratched his forehead while biting his lip fromughter, "Yes, I got it."

    "I mean...I don''t know how much damage has been done to my body climbing in the past."

    Joseph was confused and finally asked, "Isabel, what are you trying to tell me?"

    Irish sighed and lowered her head, "I want to tell you that my hymen ruptured when climbing. Do you trust me?"

    Joseph frowned at her and asked, "What?"

    "Ah?" Irish expected him to understand and exined, "There was no virgin blood in the sheets."

    Joseph suddenly realized what she was saying and answered, "Oh. I didn''t notice at all."

    "Ah..." Irish was so embarrassed and kept silent for a long time. She had been so caught up in this problem, but in the end, he hadn''t even noticed it at all.

    She was at a loss and didn''t know what to say.

    But it seemed Joseph was interested, and he showed an evil smile and said, "So you beat around the bush to tell me that it was your first time making love, is that right?"

    Irish was shocked, and then she asked in reply, "Do you believe that?"

    Joseph didn''t know whether he should cry orugh and said, "I never doubted it." Reaching out his hands, Joseph held her in his arms and said beside her ears, "Your wet core is so tight that I could barely enter it."

 Chapter 191 191: Now, You Are Mine

    Her heart beat so fast, and she asked, "But why didn''t you even care about my virginity blood?"

    "How could I use that to judge whether it was your first time?" Joseph expressed his opinion.

    "What if I lied to you? Hymens can be repaired now with advances in medical procedures."

    Joseph shook his head and said, "I really didn''t think too much about it. You are a good woman."

    "You want to say I''m an idiot."

    "But I really cherish you, my little idiot." Joseph held her tightly and sighed. "Isabel, I am so lucky to be with you. You belong to me now, and it makes me feel so happy. Did you know that when I entered youst night, it was the first time I realized that something like that could be a spiritual experience?"

    Her face became red, and in the deep of her heart, she felt that it was so sweet. Her panic had vanished under his trustworthy eyes.

    "Don''t say that. You''ve had a girlfriend before." She pretended to frown at him.

    Joseph was a little embarrassed and cleared his throat, then said, "Well, I apologize to you."

    Irishughed and said while blushing, "I hope that is true. I don''t want a kid suddenly showing up and calling you daddy."

    Josephughed with his eyes turned down, "It''s normal for a kid to call me daddy. As long as our kid won''t be as shrewd as Pea."

    Irish followed his eyes and found that he was staring at her abdomen. She hastily buried it and said, "Joseph, you are ridiculous!"

    "We didn''t take any precautionsst night or this morning." He thought it was necessary to remind her that.

    "I am in the safe period." She replied frankly.

    Joseph was shocked and raised his eyebrows, "Safe period?"

    "Are you looking forward to having a baby?"

    "Of course." He smiled.

    "Nice try. But I just asked about your other girlfriends." Irish said deliberately.

    Joseph felt helpless and flicked her forehead, "I didn''t take precautions with you, not them."

    "Ouch!" She suddenly remembered that he said before that he wouldn''t give any chance to another woman to have a baby with him. He only wanted to have a baby with his beloved woman. She felt excited, and her heart beat even faster.

    "Well, then what about Ruby?"

    He smiled and replied, "I had an agreement with her and never touched her."

    After getting the answer that she wanted, Irish smiled, but she still pretended that she didn''t care and corrected him. "I am not asking that, but asking you who is more beautiful? I can''t ask that in bed."

    "You seem to have asked that before."

    "But I want you to answer again." She smiled a sweet smile at him.

    Joseph stared at her and replied, "You are more beautiful."

    Staring at his handsome face, Irish was so cheerful, and she couldn''t help recalling the scene from the night before. She loved how direct he was, so she took the initiative to get closer to him and added, "I still remember that you said we were equal."<novelnext></novelnext>

    Joseph embraced her and looked down at her eyes, "Have you heard that beauty lies in a lover''s eyes?"

    She went pink again and hastily drew back her gaze. Seeing her shy appearance, Joseph couldn''t help kissing her and mumbled, "Isabel, I''d like you to stop telling me to leave you alone, I like your helplessness when you are sensitive."

    She had to admit, not only did he bring her physical pleasure but mental bliss as well. It seemed that as long as he was there, she would not be afraid of anything. But she was a stubborn woman, and when she looked at him, she cleared her throat and said, "I pretend to be like this. I know men like to see women in their weakness, so I pretend to be a weak woman."

    Joseph rubbed her nose and said, "It is okay if you lie to me."

    "But you just asked why I don''t tell you the truth." Irish showed a faint smile and added, "I won''t hide anything from you."

    He knew she was delighted in contradicting him, so he smiled and said, "I hope you can tell me a little more of this lie."

    She couldn''t helpughing. Joseph looked at her and then embraced her in his arms again. "Now that you''ve promised that you won''t lie to me, then I have something to ask you."

    "What?"

    "You said just now that you fell in love with Fredrick secretly."

    Irish was surprised by his words.

    "Is that true?"

    "Yes."

    "Okay, it was all over."

    Irish then realized what he meant. "Joseph!"

    But he didn''t say anything and just smiled at her.

    "Don''tugh at me. I didn''t say anything." Irish hastily put a hand over his mouth.

    Joseph was cheerful and held her hand, then kissed her. He lingered on her lips for a long time and finally said, "Anyway, now you are mine."

    Irish was moved by the sparkle in his eyes and suddenly bit his lip. When he was about to say something, her tongue slipped into his mouth, and she took the initiative to kiss him.

    Joseph was touched by her charm and enjoyed her kiss. "Witch girl!" Finally, he said to her while smiling.

    She put her fingers on his lips and looked at him with her enchanting eyes, "You''re mine, and I can kiss you whenever I want."

    Josephughed and pressed her down on the seat. "Okay, I will fulfill your wishes." Then his lips ovepped hers again.

    She didn''t resist, and her hands had already hooked around his neck.

    ****

    Lily had invested in a film, and the media began to report and advertise it. Recently, many businessmen have turned their focus on the cultural industry, and the new generation has be the mainstream in the film market. Films had be more popr than soap operas, so there was great potential for the development of the film market. Leo had already started his business in this area, which was why Megan chased after him.

    Leo was attending the press conference, and Britney was also there. Everyone was interested in her since she was the leading actor in two important films. Both films had important jewelers funding them, the former was Leo, and thetter was Joseph.

 Chapter 192 192: What An Insensitive Jerk

    People guessed that Britney had an affair with both Leo and Joseph.

    After the press conference, Britney avoided the reporters and got into Leo''s car, leaning on him like a kitten. "I made so much money for you. Leo, how are you going to repay me?"

    Leo leaned back in his seat leisurely and replied, "It seems that you also earned a lot. Ms. Britney, actors, always earn more than the businessmen."

    "Nonsense. We still need your investment. Who would dare to offend you and Mr. Dover nowadays?" She leaned against his chest while her hands stretched up his shirt.

    Leo smiled and looked at her, "Are you so eager to sleep with me?"

    "I want to find a sugar daddy," She spread her legs and sat on him. She looked sexy with her seductive red lips. "Do you like this, Leo?"

    She got close to him and sent out a very direct invitation. She was dressed in a V-neck dress with half of her breasts exposed in front of his eyes.

    He didn''t avoid it and put his hands on her breasts, and his slender fingers slipped into her bra. She groaned and leaned against him, allowing him to remove her bodice.

    "I heard that you begged Joseph to let you star in the movie, right?" His big hands directly covered her plump breast and caressed it.

    "I have a talent in acting," She gasped while her clothes were removed, the dress slipping from her shoulders. The man''s hands cupped her plump breast, and she couldn''t help moaning and said, "Thank you for your and Mr. Dover''s patronage."

    "You are smart, and you know how to get what you want," Leo loosened his hands, but his fingers began to slip down. She slightly raised her hips, and soon his slender fingers slipped into her wet core. She let out another moan.

    "Leo, I''ve booked a room in the hotel. Do you want toe and drink coffee with me?" She purred in his arms and invited him again.

    Leo sneered and asked, "Is this no good in the car?"

    "Leo, you are so evil," She tried her best to persuade him.

    Leo smiled, pulled out his fingers, and put in front of her lips, "Lick it."

    She did it, and she looked even sexier when she was licking.

    "How many people have you served?"

    She pretended to be wronged and replied, "You seem to have misunderstood me."

    "Have I?" Leo smiled and took a tissue to wipe his hands and then continued, "What a pity! You still looked like a whore!"

    "You!"

    "I don''t like sluts." Leo smiled a cruel smile and added, "I think Joseph is the same as me."

    Her face distorted and trembled.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "I''m sorry. I wanted to eat something fresh tonight, but you are too greasy." Then Leo called another woman right in front of her. When finishing the call, he frowned at her and said, "Why not get off? I just want a woman to serve me tonight."

    She was shaking with anger but still didn''t dare to offend him. Finally, after adjusting her clothes, she got out of the car resentfully.

    Leo threw the tissue out of the window.

    He then opened the divider in the car, and his assistant turned back at him, "Mr. Shelton, I just got the news that Mr. Dover has taken the flight to Johannesburg with Ms. Irish."

    Hearing of this, Leo shook his head and said, "What an insensitive jerk! If I were him, I would''ve taken her to Cape Town first."

    The assistant nced at him and said, "Yes, Mr. Shelton, got it."

    ****

    The summer was getting shorter and shorter, and the call of the cicadas seemed especially mournful. The lotus flowers in the pond all bloomed with ripe seed pods. The green lotus leaves swayed in the breeze, and the air was infused with its fragrance. Lotus Park looked beautiful this time of year.

    He should have chosen a quiet ce to meet his parents, but Tim always liked to be in a crowd; perhaps it was his professional habit. He often visited Lotus Park, so when he knew that his son was bringing his girlfriend to meet him, he chose this ce without any hesitation.

    Cassie was anxious, and it was the first time she was to meet Fredrick''s father. Just two days before, when sheined about his absence these days, he suddenly invited her to have a meal with his father.

    Cassie sat nervously in front of Tim.

    Faced with this old professor, she did not know what to say, and she clenched her hands tightly under the table. She thought that if Irish was there, she could ask her for advice.

    She took a glimpse at Fredrick, who was sitting quietly beside her. He did not perceive her nervousness at all and focused on steeping tea, and sometimes he would talk with his father. They only talked about psychology. She didn''t understand but listened to them quietly.

    She thought if Irish was there, she might have somemon topics to talk about with them.

    Somehow, Cassie felt like she didn''t know Fredrick.

    He had never talked about anything rted to psychology with her, while she also never mentioned her work. The two of them were justmon lovers, and she would chat with him while he would listen to her with a smile. But today, when he talked with his father, an invisible barrier had formed and separated her.

    She was like a shadow.

    After a long while, Tim finally realized this and said regretfully, "Cassie, I apologize to you, I shouldn''t talk about work with Fredrick today. After all, today''s focus is on my future daughter-inw."

    Cassie was so bored that she didn''t know what to do. She had been absentmindedly drinking. She never expected that Professor Tim would suddenly pay attention to her, so when she heard this, she was totally lost and just stared at him quietly.

    After seeing this, Fredrick thought that she was angry, so he hastily whispered to her, "I''m sorry. My father is also a workaholic, so we always talk about our work when we meet each other."

 Chapter 193 193: Is That You?

    Cassie then reacted and smirked, "Uncle Tim, it doesn''t matter, and it is interesting to hear you say these things." But in fact, she was not interested at all, even if she was afraid to say it.

    Tim took a sip of tea and asked with a smile, "I heard that your parents havee to New York."

    "Yes, but they are in Boston currently."

    Tim nodded and took a glimpse at Fredrick, and said, "My son, why did you not tell me you have a girlfriend?"

    Fredrick smiled and didn''t say anything.

    "I mean, now that you have gotten along with each other for a long time, it''s high time to prepare for your engagement," Tim said directly.

    Cassie looked down at the cup of tea that glistened in the light of the room. She was relieved by his father''s words, and it was easy to tell that he was a kind man. But after a while, Fredrick replied, "As for our marriage..."

    She looked up at him subconsciously.

    He looked at her and smiled faintly when he stared at her eager eyes, "Marriage is a big event, so we will have to discuss it with each other seriously."

    Cassie went pink and lowered her head to avoid his eyes.

    "Cassie," Tim called her name suddenly as if he wanted to say something to her.

    "Yes, Uncle Tim."

    "I agree with your marriage, but Fredrick is a workaholic, so perhaps you need to make allowances." He took another cup of hot tea and added, "What''s more, when your parentse back from Boston, I want to invite them for a meal. It seems that we have to make arrangements for your engagement."

    Cassie nodded and felt warm inside since it was her dream to get married to Fredrick. She turned to Fredrick, who sat beside her, and there was also a smile hanging on his face, but he didn''t reply. She pulled his sleeves slightly, and then he realized something and said, "When your parentse back to New York, I will pick them up in person."

    She puckered her face in a smile.

    It was in the afternoon, and the teahouse windows were open, so she could see many people walking along Lotus Street. Cassie smiled at Fredrick, but when she was about to draw back her eyes, she suddenly saw a tall figure outside.

    Her heart pounded, but she drew back her eyes and hoped it was not him.

    Tim did not continue talking about psychology but focused on Cassie, while she also chatted cheerfully with him. But Fredrick kept silent and drank his tea quietly beside them, asionally saying a few words.

    Suddenly, a joyous voice sounded over her head, startling her.

    "Cassie? Is that you? I almost didn''t recognize you." He finally got close to her.

    Cassie was almost embarrassed enough to die, especially in front of Fredrick and her future father-inw. But she had to maintain a good image before them, so she looked up at the man and tried her best to feign a smile, "Mr. Lake, what a coincidence to see you here!" But there was a great hatred hidden behind her smile, and she wanted to kill him.

    What an idle man!

    Roy just focused on her, and he didn''t even acknowledge Tim and Fredrick who were sitting beside Cassie. He didn''t say too much to her and pulled her hands, making her stand up from her chair.

    She was shocked, almost as much as Tim.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Fredrick responded and rushed to him to block his way out. He said severely, "Mr. Lake, what do you think you are doing?"

    Cassie realized she was being pulled away from the table by him. She was shocked and began to struggle, but he held her so tightly that she couldn''t move at all.

    Roy looked apologetically at Fredrick and replied, "I''m sorry. I have something to talk about with Cassie."

    "No matter what you were going to do, please let her go. Now." Fredrick said unpleasantly.

    But Roy didn''t loosen his grip and continued, "It''s about my sister Isabel. Isn''t she her best friend? She has toe with me. I''m sorry."

    Before Fredrick could respond, he pulled her and walked out of the teahouse, ignoring Cassie''s protests.

    Fredrick was shocked by his exnation and thought that something was wrong with Irish.

    In his hesitation, Cassie had been dragged into Roy''s car, and when he reacted, they had already left.

    After a long while, Tim stepped forward and frowned at Fredrick, "Who was he? What''s his rtionship with Cassie?"

    "Don''t worry. He''s Irish''s brother. Perhaps he needs to know something about Irish from Cassie." Perceiving his father''s doubts, Fredrick added, "Cassie is Irish''s best friend."

    Tim nodded but then shook his head, "I never thought Irish would have such an impolite brother."

    Fredrick didn''t reply.

    "Fredrick." Tim gestured to him to sit down and sighed, "Are you going to get married to her?"

    But Fredrick was absent-minded, still worrying about Irish. It was not until Tim asked him again that he heard the question. He nodded after hesitating for a while. "Yes." He considered something for a long time, then finally cleared his mind. If he chose to break up with Cassie, it would seriously hurt her, and he also couldn''t bear Irish''s anger. Perhaps after getting married, he would have a change of heart. Cassie was a good woman, and in fact, he was her first man, so he couldn''t let her down.

    Hearing his answer, Tim didn''t show his disagreement but said, "Cassie is a good woman, quiet and beautiful, but I just feel you have very little inmon."

    Fredrick looked at his father and didn''t reply for a long time.

    ****

    "Roy, did you forget to take your medicine after getting out of the madhouse today, or has a woman abandoned you?" When the speeding car finally stopped at the side of the road, Cassie took the chance to swear. "Why are you so idle every day? How do I keep meeting you everywhere?"

    Roy ignored her questions and resentment, with his hands crossed leisurely, and he then raised his eyebrows, "Is that geezer your future father-inw?"

    "What geezer? How can you be so impolite?" Cassie was irritated and then continued, "Ha''s a famous doctor of psychology."

    Roy shrugged his shoulders and said, "Why should I care about others who have no business with me?"

    Cassie squinted and said, "You really look like Irish right now."

    "I''m her elder brother, so you should say she looks like me." He corrected her.

 Chapter 194 194: Looking For Your Help

    Cassie gazed at him in disgust, but Roy paid no mind and got close to her. "Unbelievable! You''ve given up trying to offend me. Don''t be angry. I only interrupted your meeting with your future father-inw."

    "Roy, don''t be so shameless. Isn''t there anything else in your life you should be doing? Not everyone is as useless as you, and not everyone is as lucky as you. Yes, you are rich, but do you have to go out of your way to try and screw up other people''s lives?"

    Roy stopped smiling and said in a low voice, "Do you think your life is screwed up?"

    "What do you think?" Cassie widened her eyes at him and added, "A woman who was meeting her future father-inw but was suddenly pulled away by a crazy man. What do you think her future husband and father-inw will think? Isn''t that a screwed-up life?"

    Roy smiled and said, "That''s it? Cassie, perhaps you should thank me because your life will be meaningless if you get married to Fredrick. I just pulled you back on the right track."

    Cassie frowned at him and answered, "I don''t want to listen to your bullshit." She went to open the door, but he locked it, and she couldn''t get out.

    "You!"

    "Do you think it means anything to get married to a man who doesn''t love you at all?" Roy asked her as if he was serious.

    "You''re wrong! He loves me very much!"

    "It is so horrible when a woman is opinionated." He held her hands tightly while ignoring her struggle and added, "What about thinking of your other choices? You should shop around, and marriage is a big deal in your life. What do you think?"

    Cassie tried her best to draw back her hands and avoided him as if he was the gue. "You must be psychotic."

    "You canpare and decide who your Mr. Right is. Is it handsome, the young Mr. Lake or Fredrick?

    Cassie sneered and said, "This is unnecessary since I will never be with someone like you."

    "What kind of person am I to you?"

    "A dandy and irresponsible man. Any woman who chooses to be with you must be incredibly dumb or unlucky."

    Roy widened his eyes and said exaggeratedly, "Cassie, I never thought you would know me so well. It seems that I''m your Mr. Right!"

    "Open the door!" She didn''t want to talk to him anymore.

    "Don''t be angry," He got closer to her, looking very handsome.

    Cassie turned around to avoid him, but he got close to her again, "Look at me."

    She didn''t respond to him.

    "If you don''t listen to me, I will kiss you." He wore an evil smile.

    Cassie was shocked and stared at him resentfully, "Roy, you are disgusting."<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Do you really believe that I only want to behave like a hoodlum to you?" Roy got so close to her that he could easily see the panic in her eyes. Then heughed, "Good girl."

    "You are neurotic."

    Realizing her panic, Roy became serious and said, "I''m just joking with you. Cassie, I am actually looking for your help."

    But Cassie was still on edge and thought he was still ying tricks on her.

    "I want to buy a gift for Isabel, and I think a ne is a good choice, but I don''t know which one she will like. You''re a jewelry appraiser, right? So can you help me?"

    Cassie wondered why he wanted to give a gift to Irish suddenly?

    "I just want to ease the animosity between her and the Lake family. Think about it, if she always lives in hatred, how can she be happy? I''m her brother, and I can''t let it happen. I heard that she''s traveling by herself, and I am really worried about her." Roy frowned and looked at her sadly, which somehow relieved her anger.

    "Are you serious?"

    "Of course." Roy held her hands and said seriously, "You''re her best friend and also a jewelry appraiser, so I can only trust you. I''m looking forward to your help to ease this situation."

    Cassie frowned at him, measuring the credibility of his words.

    "I know you hate me, but you can''t let Isabel live in unhappiness, right?" Roy continued to persuade her.

    Cassie considered it for a while and thought that although he was terrible, his words were reasonable. She also knew that Irish was traveling outside alone, and she was worried about her. After thinking for a while, she sighed and said, "Okay, I''ll help you."

    "That''s great!" Roy held her hands even more tightly.

    Cassie was so focused on his words that she forgot to draw back her hands, and after a long time, she mumbled, "But I have to call Fredrick first. I''m afraid he will be angry with me."

    "Okay." Roy smiled.

    ****

    Joseph had to meet his clients, so they temporarily stopped in Hong Kong. When he went to see them, Irish had two hours to spare, and she went shopping. When she arrived at the airport at the agreed time, she entered the first-ss lounge wearing exaggerated sunsses and tapped Joseph, who was reading the newspaper while drinking coffee.

    Joseph almost choked on his coffee, but he knew it was Irish. He looked up at the woman, whose face was almost covered by her sunsses. She was pleasant and greeted him, "Hello, sorry I''mte." After finishing her words, she sat down beside him and kicked off her high-heeled shoes. and said to the waiter. "Please bring me an iced lemonade."

    The waiter smiled and nodded, but when he was about to leave, Joseph said loudly to him, "A lemonade without ice, please."

    "Joseph, I feel so hot," Irish got close to him andined.

    "I know." Joseph put down the newspaper and wiped the sweat from her forehead, and then took off the sunsses, staring at her, "But you can''t drink too cold drinks, or you will get sick." The waiter was still standing there, and Joseph turned at him and repeated, "A cup of lemonade without ice. Thanks."

 Chapter 195 195: Why Are You So Strict With Me?

    He nodded and soon came back with a cup of lemonade. Irish was reluctant to drink it but did notin to him any further. After finishing the lemonade, she curled up on the couch and said, "You should meet more clients here. Do you know that many products are at a discount? I didn''t have enough time to buy them all."

    "You only bought a pair of high-heels and sunsses within two full hours?" Joseph joked with her.

    Irish puckered her lips and replied, "Because I didn''t have enough time."

    "You still can''t bear to spend much money, can you?" Finally, he got to the truth with a single pertinent remark.

    After hearing this, she rolled her eyes at him and leaned against him, saying in a voice as sweet as ice cream, "You''re wrong. The products here are much cheaper than in New York."

    "Is there anything else you want to buy? Would you like me to switch us to the next flight?"

    Joseph repressed a smile, allowing her to lean on his chest and grab a magazine, "No. way."

    "Joseph..." She began to act like a spoiled child and swayed her arms.

    "I''ve arranged everything in South Africa, and we can''t change our flight."

    "Well, you go first, and I will take the next flight to find you."

    "Nope."

    "Why?"

    Joseph then looked into her eyes and answered, "I can''t leave you here alone."

    "Don''t worry, I will be fine," Irish thought for a while and continued, "The next flight is in six hours."

    "Then I''ll arrive in South Africa six hourster. What''s more, when we arrive, you have to follow me, and I won''t allow you to wander around like today."

    "But aren''t you going to deal with your business in the diamond mine and factory?"

    "Yes."

    "It''s not proper for me to stay with you on such an asion, right?"

    "It doesn''t matter."

    "What?" Irish was astonished and said, "But I nned to ride an ostrich."

    Joseph was amused and embraced her into his arms and rubbed her hair, "It turns out that your real mission is to ride an ostrich."

    "Have you ever ridden an ostrich? But you''ve been to South Africa several times. What a pity! heard that there was an ostrich farm in Stellenbosch where there are more than 100,000 ostriches, and they hold a riding ostrichpetition every year to attract tourists."

    Joseph gazed at her with a weird look and said, "But you''ve never been to South Africa, how do you know this?"<novelnext></novelnext>

    "I looked it up on the inte."

    "But we''re not taking that route." Joseph yed with her hair leisurely and added, "We''re going there for business, and you need to stay with me whether I''m inspecting the diamond mine or visiting the retailers."

    "But it is none of my business," Her face distorted.

    "My business is your business," Joseph held her face and kissed her hair. "It is also a good chance for me to check on the knowledge you''ve learned."

    Irish looked at him incredulously, and after a long time, she said, "Joseph, I''m your girlfriend but not your staff. Why are you so strict with me?"

    "It''s for your own good," Joseph persuaded her patiently.

    Seeing how adamant he was, Irish knew her shopping n was not going to happen. Though she couldn''t change the situation, she had to express her grumpiness. She found that many workers in the lounge were all looking at them, and an idea suddenly urred to her, and she said loudly, "How can you treat me like that? You were nice to me before sleeping with me, but now you''re always so mean. How can you be so awful?"

    As she wished, her words attracted many people''s attention.

    Irish and Joseph not only differed in their gender but also in personality. Joseph was serious not only in work but also in life. Irish was not the same. She was very devoted to her work, but in life, she tended to be casual and did anything she wanted to do. Her style in dealing with things was quite different from Joseph''s.

    So to some degree, Josephcked a sense of humor. As a result, Irishined about his irresponsible behavior. When everyone looked at him and assumed he''d have sympathy for the weak, he was totally nk. He couldn''t think of any countermeasures. In this way, Irish was morally right. She just tried not tough and looked at Joseph, who was dull and now in a dilemma.

    Joseph, who hadn''t made an immediate response, lost the best opportunity to strike back, so he was looked at as an irresponsible man. Obviously, he also found that the situation wasn''t good for him. Knowing Irish''s intentions, he was helpless and said, "Irish."

    Irish didn''t respond. She didn''t want to lose the opportunity to teach Joseph a lesson. She just snorted and turned around to look at the parking lot outside and couldn''t hold back a smile.

    Joseph pulled her into his arms in public, "Well, you won! If you follow my n in South Africa, I will apany you to go shopping in Hong Kong."

    "You''ll pay?" Irish asked, smiling.

    "Yes."

    "You should promise it," She winked.

    Joseph gently smiled, "Yes, I promise."

    Irish was so happy that she finally won, and she burst outughing.

    Everyone then carried on as usual since there was nothing dramatic to see.

    Seeing her smiling face, Joseph pulled her into his chest, massaging her head with great strength and messing up her hair, "It seems that it''d be better to be wealthy if I want to be with you for a lifetime."

    He put it casually; however, it hid a promise for their life that made Irish feel moved and warm. It was a kind of happiness she had never experienced, belonging to a lover.

    "It''s obvious that you don''t know about women. In fact, women know to pay back all the goodwill they receive. In terms of psychology, once a woman loves someone, she will give all her attention to her lover. For example, if a man really nned to apany her to go shopping, they would find that she only wanted to go to buy him something." Irish didn''t respond in the most direct way andy against his chest with her fingers circling the cor of his shirt. Her voice was soft and sweet, expressing her mood.

 Chapter 196 196: We Are Being Followed

    She believed that it would be very easy for him to grasp the hidden meaning with his intellect and knowledge, and it was just as she had guessed. He looked deep into her, and there was a sparkle in his eyes. He tightened his arm encircling her and nestled her in his chest. He didn''t say anything but lowered his head, kissing her forehead with a smile.

    Irish closed her eyes lightly. As he kissed her, she felt very happy and satisfied. It was amazing. She knew that Joseph was not a man who enjoyed showing off love in public, so at this time, she felt attached and excited.

    She was fond of this feeling, like clean water in her palm or the sunshine in winter. He was still there, and her emotion was there, keeping her awake.

    Everything was just fine.

    ****

    It was about 7:00 a.m. local time when they arrived in Johannesburg, equivalent to about 12:00 p.m. in New York, six hours'' difference. This city had been established through exploitation and upied the Hignd of Waal River, bing thergest city in South Africa.

    Irish slept in silence on the ne. It was already the morning as theynded, so there was no issue with jetg. She felt cold, so Joseph put a coat on her and told her that there was arge temperature difference. It would be very cold in the mornings there.

    She took a breath, inhaling his smell. She then grabbed his arm, "Since there are gold and diamonds in South Africa, there must be many businessmen richer than you. Maybe you''re just a drop in the bucket here."

    Joseph just let her tease him, and as they got in the car for first-ss passengers, he asked cheekily, "So you want to be with the others?"

    "I n to," She smiled lightly, leaning against him, "As we all know, there is always a grand wee ceremony for you, jewelry businessmen. However, there was nothing here for you."

    "I came here with nothing with me, let alone jewelry, so there was no need." Joseph looked at her with a teasing facial expression.

    "You need to show who you are," Irish shrugged.

    Joseph smiled softly, "Everyone who became rich in South Africa would never do this because it would be fatal here."

    "Why?" Irish didn''t understand.

    He touched her head, "It is always impressive to see something with your own eyes, you will understand it eventually."

    She frowned, having no idea.

    As they left the airport, a woman and a strong ck man picked them up. The woman was in a dress, with blonde hair as attractive as the Nile River in the setting sun. As she hugged Joseph passionately, Irish noticed her two slender legs under the short dress and felt cold toward her.

    This woman was named Belle and was as beautiful as her name. Upon Joseph''s introduction, she learned that Belle was an assistant working for the Runestone Group in South Africa, actually working for only Joseph himself and responsible for his schedule in South Africa. In fact, she was Daisy''s South African counterpart, dealing with many affairs.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Obviously, Belle felt surprised that a stranger was beside Joseph, especially a woman. She looked at Joseph hesitantly. Joseph didn''t give an introduction like in Pennsylvania. Instead, he just pulled Irish''s shoulders, ordering Belle, "No need to order a suite. One room is enough."

    Joseph''s words shocked Belle, while Irish''s heart beat quickly, and she blushed.

    After a while, Belle understood what he meant, nodding, "Yes, Mr. Dover."

    However, Irish noticed that Belle was slightly upset.

    The ck man was called Will Lake, the same name as the famous actor. He was talkative and humorous, and ording to Joseph, he could speak 12nguages.

    Irish felt totally shocked, "What a genius," she thought.

    Leaving the airport, the car door locked spontaneously, which terrified Irish. She looked up at Joseph; however, he had no response, seeming to be ustomed to it. As it was driven in the direction of downtown, she noticed that there was a car following them. She pulled Joseph''s sleeve and said in a low voice, "We are being followed."

    Joseph leaned against the seat motionlessly, ying with her fingers and answering in a low voice, "Don''t worry. They are with us."

    Astonished, Irish sat up a little to take a nce at the car following them, then turned to look at the front. Observing that these two cars were the same, she understood that the behind them were for protection.

    "Is it that unsafe here?" She sat down. She had just teased him at the airport, though the reality was not at all what she had imagined.

    "Believe me; soon, you will not pose such questions," Joseph reached his hands to pull her shoulders idly to him, and his voice seemed idle too.

    Irish took a nce at the rear mirror, and Belle''s eyes met hers with resentment. She turned away as soon as they saw each other.

    First, the car passed slowly through the old town area, so it was convenient for Irish to take a look at her surroundings. The most direct impression she got was that everything was dirty, terrible, and out of order. She was experienced in traveling and studying abroad, especially traveling in small towns or cities far from prosperous, but she had never seen such a dirty and terrible downtown area as here. Each building was built in a different style, but it looked like a refugee camp with the streets filled with rubbish.

    Feeling sorry to see all this, she realized that the car had sped up suddenly. Having no time to ask why she saw that a riot had started on the corner of the street. Someone passed the crowd of people and ran on the street with a pile of things in his chest. It was not until he ran to the end of the street that his feet stopped working. He fell down onto the ground, and his shoulder began bleeding.

    The surrounding people fled like a terrified flock of birds.

    Someone ran forward. After picking up the things off the ground, he continued to run away. Irish realized that there was a gun in his hand, and it seemed that the person lying on the ground had been wounded by his gun.

 Chapter 197 197: Do What I Ordered

    Behind him was a crowd of policemen with batons in their hands.

    "Are they shooting a police film?" Irish pulled Joseph''s sleeve, pointing at the scene outside the window.

    Joseph didn''t stop her from watching and exined, "Here, this kind of thing is normal."

    Irish was astonished and immediately realized that she had just seen a real shooting, killing, and robbery with her own eyes.

    "The old town of Johannesburg was the center of this city before. When it was controlled by the whites, the cks had to leave here byw. The establishment of a new authority has helped the cks gain freedom with the abolition of Apartheid." Joseph gave a brief introduction to the situation there and then added, "But it''s still unsafe here because there is no death penalty."

    Upon hearing this, Irish felt a little afraid.

    Seeing her tremble, heughed andforted her by holding her hand, "Don''t worry. You''re safe as long as you''re beside me."

    Irish didn''t respond, however. She put her chin on his arm, squinting. Feeling strange, he pinched her chin and ordered her to look at him, and then she focused on him.

    "Are you afraid?" He asked lightly.

    "Ah?" Irish shook her head after a while, "No. I just thought that if I could escape from a robbery, I would make a fortune. As we all know, the weaker the legal system, the easier it is to achieve something like that."

    Joseph was surprised at first and then smiled and shook his head, flicking her forehead, "You really have a different mode of thinking from others." He had thought that she was terrified.

    Irish covered her forehead, "I''m just talking about a practical issue."

    "It would be better to take some gold g back so you could earn a lot by smelting it." Joseph signed. He had thought wrong. Such a money-loving person shouldn''t havee here, and he wondered what would happen if she came to the jewelry factory. He was afraid that she would do something evil.

    Irish''s face lit up, "Gold g?"

    Joseph knew that it would be unwise to disclose much to her. He had no way but to point out the window and gestured for her to take a look. Irish turned around and was shocked by the scene outside the window.

    As they left the old town, they arrived at the famous gold city with the gold g shining in the sunshine. Irish was so excited that she couldn''t wait to ask, "Are those all gold?"

    "Gold g, actually." Joseph adjusted her.

    "Is there any difference?"

    "Gold g is a semi-finished product because it isn''t refined due to imperfect refining technology." Joseph found that she took a great interest in gold g, so he then added, "So people here have made the mountains of gold g grow grass by using chemicals."

    "What a pity." Irish felt very sorry about it and pulled his arm, "Let''s go around it."

    "So you really think that you can steal some gold gs?" Josephughed, "This is for sightseeing, if you want to enter it, you need to pass a security check."

    Irish felt upset for a moment.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Joseph pulled her into his chest directly and lowered his head to say into her ear, "You actually want to do this? I don''t permit it."

    Joseph''s low voice was incentive enough for her. She felt so embarrassed and pinched him silently, staring at his face angrily. The driver was still absorbed in driving while Belle cleared her throat and said, "Mr. Dover, Mr. Hall wanted to make an appointment with you this afternoon, but I have already arranged it for tomorrow morning since you''ll need to have a good rest now."

    Joseph thought for a while, "Please arrange a car for me this afternoon. I want to take a look at the factory."

    Upon hearing this, Belle turned around with concern, "Everything is fine. You need to have a good rest now."

    Joseph looked at Irish to ask, "Are you tired?"

    Irish shook her head.

    "Belle, do what I ordered." Joseph didn''t change his mind.

    Belle took a nce at Irish and nodded after a long while.

    Irish understood the whole conversation and grasped Belle''s facial expressions. Her concern for Joseph seemed to be beyond the range to which an assistant should treat her boss. It was an emotion that belonged to a woman who wanted a man. Thinking for a while, Irish smiled lightly, then said simply but clearly, "Joseph, Belle is responsible for her work, next time, you should take Daisy here to make her learn how to make arrangements in this country."

    Daisy had never arranged anything on her own, she simply followed Joseph''smands, but here Belle regarded herself as a hostess.

    Irish made sure Belle heard what she had said. Belle then said slowly, "I''ll need to learn from Daisy."

    Irish didn''t say anything and turned to see the world outside the window. There was always someone who couldn''t find their exact position in the world.

    Joseph smiled softly beside her and just let her do what she wanted.

    "Who''s Mr. Hall?" Irish asked as she arrived at the hotel.

    "He was the person who was responsible for the exploitation of the diamond mines." As he said it, he unbuttoned his shirt and opened the cab. Inside it are the clothes Belle had prepared for him, including business suites, casual wear, pants, and outerwear. Under it was a ss-framed cab, and inside it were several expensive ties. Still behind it were three lines of leather shoes, each pair chosen with care.

    Irish got close to him and shook her head, "Belle is truly an almighty woman. To be honest, she is more capable than Daisy. Therefore, you should employ her by your side directly."

    Such an arrangement made someone think that Joseph was going to stay there for a long time. It was apparent that Joseph stayed in this hotel every time he came to South Africa. He had done so for many years.

    Joseph threw a casual suit onto the sofa and smiled slightly, "Why do you mention Belle? Didn''t you ask something about Hall?"

    "I can feel that you don''t want to talk much about Hall," Irish said directly.

    "A clever woman is always attractive," Joseph looked at her, "You have a good insight, it''s not difficult for you to tell something about Henry."

    "You still want to make a psychological counselor into a sessful businesswoman." Irish sighed.

 Chapter 198 198: A Call From Cassie

    Joseph didn''t say much and prepared to take a shower in the bathroom.

    She embraced him from behind and then snickered, "I want to know more about Belle."

    "If you want to know something about her experience, you can log into the official website of the Runestone Group. She is just my assistant." He expressed hisst sentence clearly.

    "Okay," Irish tended not to be exact in this kind of question. She looked at him from one side. "Then I can go sightseeing at Mand Square. Although I haven''t had a view of the natural scenery of South Africa, it''d be nice to get a feel for its capital."

    "No." Joseph turned to hug her, "After taking a shower, I''m going to take you to the diamond mines of the Runestone Group and its recycling center. The only way for you to have a clear idea about the process of exploiting, picking, and recycling the diamonds is to see for yourself."

    "No..."

    "If you don''t follow me, I will cancel our n to go shopping," Joseph smiled and patted her cheek lightly, turning to the bathroom.

    "Joseph, you''re really a stick in the mud!" Irish shouted to his back. However, the door of the bathroom blocked her shouting.

    Irish took out her casual wear angrily and cursed his inhumane decision-making silently. Just at this moment, the phone rang. She picked it up and felt happy at once. "Cassie, do you miss me?"

    "I should not have called you since you left regardless of me, but I cherish our friendship. Even if you are cruel and sometimes stubborn, I''m still broad-minded and friendly. So I''m still concerned about your situation." Cassie said in a serious way.

    Irish felt annoyed at Cassie for speaking so highly of herself. Nestled in the sofa and ying with Joseph''s shirt sleeve, Irish just said, "I should be med, but I still want to remind you that it must be expensive for you to call me now."

    "It doesn''t matter. I just want to tell you something."

    "What?"

    Cassie remained mysterious, "You haven''t paid attention to the news at home? Joseph has proposed to divorce Ruby, your sister."

    "Ah?" Irish sat up suddenly, "When?"

    "Recently. We do not know the exact situation, but this news has been spread widely."

    Irish felt very surprised. Recently? At that time, he was with her. Maybe it was after they had met each other in China. She thought about when Joseph asked her to be with him. So it really was when he was in the ancient town, she thought.

    But she didn''t understand. If it was a fake marriage between Joseph and Ruby, why did Joseph still need to divorce her?<novelnext></novelnext>

    "So we all read Joseph wrong and thought that he was a good man. Irish, you are so lucky not to be with him. You know what? It''s said that Ruby has found evidence of Joseph''s marital infidelity, and Joseph was forced to make such a decision." Cassie sneered.

    "Ah? Marital infidelity? Really?"

    "Yes, he''s having an affair with Britney. I admired Britney so much before, but I never expected her to ruin someone else''s marriage."

    It was no wonder that Cassie sounded angry, the first reaction of anyone who realized they''d admired the wrong man would be anger. It was human nature. Irish couldn''t think straight. Cassie kept talking into her ear, "Hello? Can you hear me?"

    "Ah." It was a long time before Irish spoke. "I''m listening, I just think that on this kind of thing, we can''t follow what others think, right?" She had seen Joseph and Britney White together, and her enthusiasm still lingered in her head, but then Joseph found her on the te-paved Street. Then what was this about Britney? She didn''t ask Joseph, and he did not mention her.

    "What are you saying? Where the hell have you been traveling? Why do I feel like you are away from the entire world? Didn''t you read the entertainment news? The media revealed that the investor behind Britney''s movies was a well-known diamond businessman. The conditions listed indicate Joseph. Ruby avoided the media but advocated the divorce. The outside world was unclear on this matter. But we have determined inside the Runestone Group that she is the third person who tried to sabotage Joseph and Ruby''s marriage."

    "When were they together?" Irish felt a little sore while breathing.

    ? "I don''t know exactly when they were together, but I heard it was a long time. Every time Britney went out to shoot, Joseph went to visit her, pretending it was a business trip. Oh, yeah, I also heard that they are together now, Joseph has been on a business trip for a long time. It was said that she apanied him, which made Ruby so angry that she would have to divorce him."

    The corners of Irish''s mouth twitched, "This time?"

    "Yes," Cassie sighed. "Irish, you have to tell me clearly that you did not have a rtionship with him, and you did not destroy their rtionship."

    Irish''s face looked as if she had been pped as if what she had done had been discovered, but fortunately, the question had been asked about a previous time. Clearing her throat, her tone sounded unnatural, "Don''t put that on me."

    "I''m a good friend of yours, I obviously believe you''re innocent, I''m afraid the media will try to involve you again. You were misunderstood before, and it was a catastrophe."

    "I thank you for your concern," Hearing that the bathroom was silent, Irish thought that he was about toe out, and she said, "Okay, I''m going to save your calling fee, goodbye."

    Cassie wanted to ask her where she was, but Irish ended the call.

    When she set aside the phone, Joseph walked out of the bathroom. His wet hair had not yet dried. Drops of water fell off his bare chest, and his corbone and only a bath towel covered his waist. He went to the bar and poured himself a ss of red wine with his back towards Irish. The light reflected off the crystal ss onto his powerful body, making him look even sexier.

    Irish was thinking of getting up, but the phone rang again. She picked it up to hear a voice message from Cassie. Her voice was sharp and miserable, "Irish, where the hell have you gone? Why is my calling fee so high?"

 Chapter 199 199: I Want You

    She could not helpughing.

    Seeing her silly smile, Joseph slowly took a sip of red wine and also raised his lips. "Who''s calling you and making youugh?"

    "Nobody," Irish said, getting up and heading towards him. She took the ss from his hand and also sipped some red wine. Smiling, she was close to his chest, "I wonder how many women are obsessed with you?"

    Joseph was able to put his hands around her and hold her in his arms. He looked down at her for a little while with a slightly confused expression, but she didn''t exin much. Finally, she looked up and kissed him on the lips.

    Joseph naturally liked the fiery passion of women. His arms tightened, and his passivity was transformed into the initiative, and he kissed her with force. Irish''s heart was filled with indescribable emotion, and her face rose to cater to his request. She did not know whether what had happened between Britney and him was true or not, but she knew his good intentions.

    Ruby''s attitude was the clearest to her. It had all happened so suddenly that she could not doubt that Joseph was doing it on purpose.

    Thinking about it, her love for him increased, but with a strange pain.

    After they kissed, her facey gently against his chest, listening to his heartbeat, which struck her eardrum with a steady and powerful force. Joseph gently pinched her chin, facing her eyes, "Who are you jealous of? Belle?"

    She winked in silence.

    "As I said, she''s just my assistant," He smiled lightly.

    Irish bit him like a tiger, "She is a beautiful woman."

    Joseph felt a pain, raising his hand to gently tap her hip, "Whether she''s beautiful or not has nothing to do with me."

    She couldn''t helpughing.

    Joseph pinched her waist and turned serious again when he looked her in the eye. "Isabel, I told you, I don''t have time to y games, so once I fall in love, I''ll take it seriously."

    "I know," Having heard that, her heart beamed, and Irish could not help hugging his waist. "I won''t bother being jealous about anyone else either."

    "I like it when you look jealous, as long as you don''t act up," Joseph bowed his head and kissed her cheek gently.

    She chuckled and escaped his lips, "I have no reason to cause trouble." She nted a hot kiss on his corbone, then slowed down.

    Joseph took a breath and stroked her head with his big hand. Her extraordinary enthusiasm made his breath quicken. Irish teased him on purpose, and her whole body rested on his chest, and her slender finger gently seduced him. He could not help hugging her, and a hoarse voice fell in her ear, "Go to bed."

    "Why?" Asked Irish deliberately, leaning against him further and even rubbing against him intentionally...

    Joseph''s eyes were filled with desire, and he kept her earlobe in his mouth. His hot breath swept down her neck, and he said, "Bad girl, don''t you know what I want?"

    "I don''t know," She smiled, but her hand had already felt it.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Joseph pulled her skirt up and whispered, "I want you."

    "Do you? Well, I need to see how much you want me." She liked the way he was infatuated with her, not nearly as serious as he was in public. She knew how passionate he was in bed. As if such a man liked her, she was happy to think about it.

    Her fingers grew more uncontroble, and they gradually moved down until they covered his crotch.

    "Isabel." Her boldness surprised him. Irish clung to him, ncing boldly at his deep eyes, and her fingers on the towel could feel the man''s strength, so hard and powerful.

    "Reach in," Joseph pressed his lower lip on her ear,manding her.

    Their hot breath mixed together, and they could feel their mounting waves of desire. She boldly followed his order, and her fingers slithered like a snake into his bathrobe and touched him directly, almost burning her from the heat.

    "Hold it," His chest rose and fell, and his lustful voice became even more maic and sexy.

    Irish looked up at him and did what he hadmanded, but the next moment she gasped, "It''s too big." Her hands could not encircle his maleness, but her palms could feel the pulsing of his bulging blood vessels.

    The softness of a woman''s palms made Joseph''s strong stomach flip again. He bowed his head and smiled, "Don''t worry, you can hold it."

    Irish wore an evil smile, and her hand began to touch it, and she raised her head to gently kiss his throat knot like a spirit, "Baby, do you know how good I feel when it''s inside me?"

    Joseph enjoyed the softness and clumsy but infatuation of her palms, and he tucked his big hands into her bra to feel the pleasure of her warm chest. His voice became a murmur when kissing her neck, "How do you feel?"

    She raised her head, and her sweet breath fell on his hair, and her kisses on his neck became moist and hotter, "Every time it fills me up, I feel like you''re pushing my body to the limit. Joseph, I ampletely conquered by it, and it upies me with desire."

    These honeyed words naturally stimted Joseph. His breath was getting hotter and heavier, and he simply reached out his hand and prepared to pick her up.

    Irish suddenly left him, and the air was filled with her evilughter. Joseph had much passion burning inside him, and he strode forward to catch her. She slipped into the bathroom as quickly as a cat. He just caught up to her when the door pped shut and locked.

    "Isabel." Joseph called her name,ughing and crying, "Come out."

    "You are so restrained," Irish teased him through the door. "Because I suddenly thought you were taking me to the mine to learn about diamonds. If you take advantage of me, I will be too tired."

    Joseph simply began knocking on the door. "Hurry up ande out."

    "What''s the hurry, Joseph? Let''s wait until the evening," Irish lit a fire in him and went to bathe happily.

    Joseph was so angry that he gnawed his teeth, "You know what, you''re dead tonight."

    A pleasant whistle came from the bathroom.

 Chapter 200 200: Runestone Group Mining Site

    Because of its rich resources, South Africa was destined to be explored by gold miners. As their first stop, Joseph and Irish went directly to the primary diamond deposit. He hoped Irish could see how the Runestone Group mined the primary deposit with her own eyes. Before arriving at the site, Irish looked down from the helicopter''s point of view, and the deposit looked like a big deep cut in the earth.

    "Such a big hole! The earth has been pierced by you," Sitting in the helicopter, Irish looked down at the big hole and sighed, "The whole mine belongs to Runestone?"

    "And how rich is your father?"

    "The size of the diamond mine is different," Joseph said with augh. "You see, this is a big mine with huge diamond reserves. There are three or fourpanies mining at the same time, but the scope of the Runestone mining isrger than that of other countries. Except for South Africa," he said. "The Runestone Group still has a diamond mine in the northern part of Western Australia, can I test you on why the Runestone Group chose to drill in Western Australia?"

    Irish thought, "If my guess is right, the diamond mine is in Argyle, Western Australia. I see that Vera Club now has a rare collection of pink diamonds and blue diamonds, which must be the reason for choosing Western Australia. Although Argyle is rich in diamonds, they are usuallycking color, and many people prefer South Africa and Russia. But Argyle can produce bright rose-colored, pink, and blue diamonds, all of which are rare treasures. So it''s no surprise that the Runestone Group is keen on Western Australia."

    Joseph looked at her with a smile and patted her on the head in encouragement. He gave amand to the pilot, "Land here."

    The helicopter brought the two people down to a ce near the mine, and they felt the rolling heat wave afternding. Close by all kinds of people were working, but most of them were the local cks. They were mostly half-naked and were busy with their work, barely noticing the helicopter arriving.

    Irish''s smooth face looked as white as an egg and naturally attracted many of the workers'' eyes.

    She wasn''t afraid because Joseph had apanied her.

    A handsome ck man came forward to say hello to Joseph. His attitude was respectful, and it was not difficult to see from his clothes that he was responsible for the supervision of the mining process. It was no surprise that Irish knew from the interview that the ck man was working for the Runestone Group. Most of the workers in this mine were employed by the Runestone Group. After a brief greeting with the man, Joseph went into the mine with Irish.

    It was not that Irish hadn''t seen this kind of mine on theputer, but she was still shocked by the spectacr fan-shaped spectacle, like a cluster of dandelions.

    "Do all your workers have obsessivepulsive disorder?" She joked at him.

    Joseph knew that she referred to the shape of every staircase in the mine, and he held her hand and walked to the pit, "This is open-pit mining, which is the simplest technique. It strips off the cover from the top of the rock,yer byyer, and digs down to the bedrock. The steps you see are for reducing the risk ofndslides as the pit deepens."

    Irish nodded. It was stunning. After spending nearly an hour in the open-pit mine, Joseph checked the work of choosing stones, and the ck man gave him a detailed ount of the recent progress. Then she followed him to another mine.

    Unlike the new opencast mine, this was an underground one. The most notable feature was a giant iron tower. Joseph told her that this was an elevator for transporting ore, consisting of four cages in two groups, which worked up and down at the same time. The weight of each cage was 8 tons, and the steel rope carrying the cage could reach 6 tons, which held the ore.<novelnext></novelnext>

    There were far more workers than in the open-pit mine, mostly people who worked diligently to support their families in the mine.

    Joseph pointed to a range, "This is the Runestone''s mining area, I can take you down to see inside, but you must follow me, and without permission, you can''t walk away." He also pointed to arge area adjacent. "Next door is the diamond mine that the Runestone is going to bid for locally."

    "Is that what Leo wants?"

    Joseph nodded.

    "It seems that the untapped diamond could be very valuable," Irish teased.

    Joseph contemted, "Only the sessful bidder has the right to investigate it."

    Irish was shocked, "That''s quite an adventure, but what if there are no diamonds in it?"

    "This is gambling, but it all depends on experience. Some people spend a small portion of their money to make their family rich. Some people invest hundreds of millions of dors in it, but they bet on an empty mine and go bankrupt overnight. Outside the South African bidding house, it''s not unusual for a diamond dealer to jump to his death from a building every day." Joseph''s tone was surprisingly light.

    But this surprised Irish, she looked ahead of the unexplored mine and said, "What if you lose this bet?" She turned and looked at him again, with a shiver, "Will you jump?"

    "Me?" Joseph smiles, "It is better to live than die, and this is my purpose in life. Let''s go and I''ll show you the mining area."

    She nodded.

    Joseph had just put a hard hat on Irish when Belle came up from the bottom of the mine. She was wearing a hard hat, and when she saw Irish, she was obviously stunned. Irish did not expect to see Belle, and although it affected her mood, she still calmly smiled at her. Belle did not smile but showed a serious face, looking at Joseph, "Mr. Dover, it''s not good to bring outsiders into the mine."

    "She is not an outsider, Belle."

    Belle''s face soured.

 Chapter 201 201: You’re Not Her

    Irish followed Joseph down to the bottom of the mine. Belle followed them, but Irish didn''t care about her. Everyone knew that the woman liked Joseph. Had she not been for Joseph''s position as an assistant, Irish would have been toozy to care about her.

    At the bottom, there was a mining house where only one car could pass by. The workers here must have known Joseph. After seeing him arrive, they greeted him one after another, and Irish looked around. It looked more like the framework of a coal mine. There was arge searchlight illuminating the deep dark bottom of the mine. Joseph inspected the work and introduced Irish. Nowadays, underground mining is abination of traditional sublevel room work and ore block caving. A series of roadways have been established to pass through the rock tube ording to vertical spacing and to be mined back in the 3m vertical sections. Fan holes are drilled out of sessive ore mining surfaces, and explosives are filled to let ore fall onto the roadway. The ore is loaded into the ore truck to be transported from the mine, which is the most productive mining method.

    Irish listened attentively. After Joseph had exined the principle to her, she heard the sound of an explosion faintly. She was curious to see it but was pulled back by Joseph, "It''s dangerous inside."

    Irish stopped.

    A momentter, the sound of a truck was heard, followed by arge piece of ore sliding along the chute. Irish looked at it in surprise and pointed to the ore on the chute, "Is that a diamond?!"

    "These are just minerals that need to be sent to the first grounding," Joseph said as he took a small piece of ore from the ore cart and pointed to it. "Do you see the y on the ore?"

    Irish nodded and reached out to hold the ore in her hand.

    "How should the y above be handled?" Joseph asked again.

    Belle listened in surprise, "Mr. Dover��." She couldn''t understand why he had asked the woman such a simple question.

    Irish nced at Belle, racking her brain, and thought, "It seems that��."

    "Seems that what?" Joseph frowned, looking serious.

    "y on the ore can be removed by arge rotary drum scrubber fitted with a water spray nozzle," Irish answered the standard word for word. She knew that the man''s harshness in the face of work should not be taken lightly, and he would not forgive her for herck of seriousness in spite of warming his bed.

    He was satisfied, and smiled, "When we get up, you can see the process of ore peeling."

    Irish rolled her eyes fiercely. He was a different person after putting on his clothes. She liked him better in bed.

    "Why are you still holding onto the ore?"

    "I''ll take it."

    Joseph was helpless, "There may not be diamonds inside."

    "I also learned about gambling stones," Irish yed with the mineral in her hands, disapproving of it.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Belle was displeased, "You''re not allowed to take away the ore."

    Irish frowned at her voice, "Are you in menopause? You startle easily."

    Belle did not understand her.

    Joseph motioned to Belle to give up and then looked at Irish, "The ore is full of y, and it makes your hands dirty."

    "No, it''s what makes me rich." Irish clenched the ore tightly and smiled obsequiously. "What you want is a diamond mine, which is not what I want." She said, "I am satisfied with the actual diamonds."

    Joseph felt flustered, and he was right to guess that she would try to take something away from the mine, so he just let her do it.

    At this time, a staff member came forward, a white man in working clothes and a hard hat. His face was still grayish and covered in y, and he waved a drawing as if he had seen someone who could save his life. As Irish could hear, it probably meant that they were wet mining and that they took on a few projects that would cost a lot of money.

    She took a closer look at the drawing, which was full of numbers and symbols, and it made her dizzy. After taking the drawing, Joseph examined it for a long period of time, and then he gave a suggestion, "The diversion of the river should be made immediately."

    "It may not work, I calcted the data and felt it''s possible it will copse," The White engineer said hesitantly.

    Joseph restudied the drawing, then reached towards him, "Pen."

    The engineer hastened to give him a pen.

    Not knowing what was being calcted on the drawing, she squinted at it for a long time and saw that he hadid out a series of forms. She remembered some of the signs, but most of them she was clueless about. He redrew a few lines and said to the engineer, "You can block it along the centerline and block one side to drain the water out for digging, so there''s no chance of copse."

    The engineer studied it carefully and nodded.

    Irish looked at Joseph by the light of the minemp. Wearing a hard hat, he looked extremely serious about his work. He looked different from when he was sitting in his office or at the conference table in the seat of power. At the mining site, Joseph''s appearance was even more indicative of his determination and meticulous nature.

    Joseph asked her to wait there. He followed the engineer to the bottom of the mine to survey it, and Belle didn''t follow him. She stood beside Irish, and when Joseph had left, she said, "I''ve seen photos of Mr. Dover''s wife. You are not her."

    Belle''s tone was blunt, and her beautiful face was stained with a clear sign of disapproval. Irish looked at her again with a smile, "I''ve never introduced myself as Mr. Dover''s wife." Her tone was simple and clear.

    Belle and Daisy were two different kinds of women. Daisy amplified Joseph''s seriousness and harshness. In Irish''s eyes, Daisy dressed very formally at all times. She didn''t like tough and did things methodically and meticulously. She was like a robot without emotional ups or downs. She rarely spoke in front of Irish other than when she helped her clear out her desk. Even if she suspected anything between her and Joseph, Daisy never asked. But Belle, from the moment they met at the airport, she could clearly feel her hostility.

 Chapter 202 202: Take It

    Irish did not deny her ability to do things; otherwise, she would not be an assistant to Joseph at such a young age. Joseph was a person who was hard on people and his affairs. Naturally, Belle was no worse than Daisy. What Irish saw in her eyes proved that Belle was experienced in dealing with this ce. It was not easy for a woman to do that.

    But Irish was a person who loved and hated outwardly. She would not deliberately please anyone and would not be stopped from getting what she wanted. Belle''s admiration for Joseph was not something she didn''t understand. Joseph was a rich man. The mor he exuded at work was enough to make any woman feel excited, not to mention in such a ce as South Africa.

    Belle did not expect Irish to speak like this, nor did she expect her to answer in the most direct tone, and for a moment, she was silent.

    After waiting for her to continue asking questions, Irish took off her helmet and loosened her ponytail to rx her scalp. "Do you have any other questions?" Seeing that she had never spoken, Irish was toozy to listen to her again and went to the chute to pick up some ore, no matter how dirty it was.

    "Hey, what are you doing?" Belle saw here up and pull her away, her face displeased.

    "Just a couple extra pieces. What''s the deal? It could improve your hit rate, don''t you know?"

    Belle saw that her fingernails had hurt her and released her hand.

    Irish looked at her arm. Her skin was broken, and she rolled her eyes, "What are you worried about? I''m not stopping you from liking him," She said to the point.

    Belle was shocked, "Don''t you like him?"

    "No, I like him very much," Irish slowly grabbed four pieces of ore. Joseph was right that not all the ore contained diamonds, so she needed to take a few more, and in case she got a diamond, she would make a fortune.

    Irish smiled gently, "Miss Belle, I''m not jealous. Everyone expresses their love in different ways. As long as I can think about him, I''m content." As she spoke, she patted her chest above her heart.

    Belle continued frowning.

    "Joseph is not a man who is good at expressing his love. He likes me, but he doesn''t say sweet words to me every day. We are all adults, and we can ept the easiest ways to love someone." When Irish saw that she was dumbstruck, she added, "Do you understand what I''m talking about?"

    Belle closed her lips, "I like him too. I''ve liked him for years."

    "I thought Joseph was as smart as he thought," Irish was tired and sat on the ground.

    Belle''s eyes were dim, "I don''t understand why he brought you here, you''re not his wife. He''s not responsible for his marriage."

    "Are you asking for justice for his wife?" she said.

    "Isn''t it true that we should have morals?" Belle mocked.

    She blinked a few times, then her face went nk.

    Hearing the faint sound of conversation apanied by footsteps, Irish knew that Joseph had returned from his investigation of the situation underground, and she lowered her voice to Belle, "Here''s a suggestion. Concentrate on your work," she said. "If you work without distraction, you can stay with him longer."

    Belle was dissatisfied, but when she was about to retort, Joseph and the white engineer came out, Belle hurried forward and asked, "Is the situation bad inside?"

    The white engineer replied, "It''s all right, thanks to Mr. Dover."

    Belle looked up at Joseph, her eyes filled with admiration. Seeing that, Irish got goosebumps but shook her head. She was not angry and put her mind on the four pieces of ore that might make her a fortune. Joseph did not look at Belle, and when his eyes fell on Irish, he suddenly became unhappy, "Get up!"

    Irish was startled by his sudden cold voice and looked up at him in astonishment.<novelnext></novelnext>

    He walked up to her and frowned, then grabbed her. Irish saw that he was really angry and quickly took out all four pieces of ore from her pockets, "I just thought that the probability of finding a diamond in a piece of ore was so small. I''ve got three more, I-"

    "Who told you to take your helmet off?"

    Joseph didn''t wait for her to finish speaking. He yelled at her in a terrible tone, then picked up the hard hat she had thrown aside and sped it to her head without pity. The pain of the strap almost made her cry.

    "It hurts."

    "Hurts? It''s better to hurt than to lose your life if a falling rock hits you!" Joseph yelled at her again.

    Seeing that he was really angry, she stopped talking and looked up above her head. It didn''t look as if it would be copsing any time soon.

    "Belle!" said Mr. Dover, who set his eyes on her.

    Belle had never seen Joseph so angry, and she also became cautious. She went forward, "Mr. Dover..."

    "As someone familiar with the mining site, why didn''t you remind her?" Joseph''s eyes were cold.

    "All your bonuses are deducted this year," Joseph remarked coldly.

    "I''m sorry, Mr. Dover," Belle was almost in tears.

    Irish took advantage of Joseph''s scolding to loosen her helmet, "She had nothing to do with it, I took it off myself."

    "What''s wrong with your arm?" Joseph saw a scratch on her arm and pulled her to see it. He frowned again. Belle stiffened nervously.

    "Ah, I just scratched." Irish squeezed out a smile.

    Joseph frowned with suspicion.

    "Well, don''t be angry. I''ve paid for my mistakes," Irish approached him with a soft tone and looked at him in a grotesque manner, but when she went to grab his arm, the ore bulging in her pocket prevented her.

    Joseph looked down.

    Irish, embarrassed, clutched her pocket and took out the ore again,ughing.

    "Take it." Her appearance melted Joseph''s anger, and he sighed and allowed her to take them with her.

    Irish grinned from ear to ear, following him. When she passed Belle, she felt a little sorry for her, "Sorry, I did not expect to get you into trouble, I''ll pay you the money you''re owed."

    "You don''t have to be merciful," Belle turned her face away.

    Irish rolled her eyes.

 Chapter 203 203: Why Not Start?

    Outside the mine, Irish followed Joseph bitterly, and when he finally looked at her, she pointed at her head.

    "Take it off," His tone became lighter, and he smiled.

    Irish hastened to take off the helmet, and her scalp hurt as she removed it.

    "Now that you''ve taken it, go and choose the ore yourself."

    "Me?" Irish pointed at her nose in shock.

    Joseph did not say anything and grabbed her hat to bring her directly to the ore choosing area. In order to save time, most drilling mines had separate ore choosing and recovery sites, and the entry and exit processes were very strict. It was necessary to carry out safety checks before they could enter or exit it because the production of concentrate was also involved.

    Irish saw that the instruments were extremely sophisticated. He told her that they could always check if anyone had taken out any concentrate. When she came to the ore choosing center, she saw the equipment used for mineral processing, the rotating washing tes, mineral table, heavy media separators, and hydro cyclone separators, all of which were more detailed than what she had seen in her books.

    "What is the main principle of mineral choosing?" Joseph reached for the four pieces of ore in her pocket.

    "Well... Give me two minutes to think."

    "Take it easy," Joseph, waving his hand, threw one of therger ores into the mine cart without giving her any chance to talk.

    Irish suddenly felt a sharp pain, like a knife cutting her heart, "My diamond..."

    "There are three more questions, and if you don''t answer correctly, you''ll have to watch the other three pieces fly away," Joseph smiles, freeing one of his hands to pat her head slightly.

    "Joseph, if you stop me from making a fortune, I''ll kill you!" She said in a loud voice and used him.

    But Joseph didn''t reply and just smiled.

    Her ore was mixed into a bigger pile of ore and was quickly sent to the stone selection area. Irish found that Joseph was still staring at her, and she couldn''t helpining, "Since you''ve thrown away my piece of ore, shouldn''t this question be over?"

    Joseph didn''t answer, but once again, he raised his hand.

    "Okay, okay, I''ll answer," Irish was afraid that he would do it again and hastily held his hands. She then exhibited an unprecedented amount of wit and knowledge to answer his question. "The rtive density of diamonds is 3.52, while the rtive density of diamond-bearing ore is 2.6 on average. This rtive density difference can be used to remove most of the waste in the beneficiation process. Mineral processing is to use the physical and chemical properties of different minerals to break the ore up so that the useful minerals will be separated from the useless minerals."

    Joseph was satisfied with her answer.

    But when it was time for the diamond beneficiation process, he asked her to do it on her own, "You can use table concentration to do it."

    Irish stood in front of the instrument and was hesitant to start.

    "If you don''t know how to do it, you can look around at others. As for the operation of table concentration, I seem to remember that you can recite it fluently from memory."

    Joseph took a stone in his hand.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish was so nervous, fearing that his next move would be to throw away the ore in his hand. She swallowed hard and began to observe the people around her. Table concentration was a traditional ore beneficiation method. Simply put, the stone was piled on the sieve and moved up and down by means of a rapid water pulse so that the lighter minerals could float up while the heavier minerals sank to the bottom.

    She was familiar with the principle, but it was very different from the practical operation.

    There were all ck people working around, including men and women. Looking at them for a while, gradually, Irish became distracted. When she was thinking, she heard a bang, and it gave her a violent shudder. A bad premonition came to her, and when she looked up at Joseph, it turned out that he had thrown off the second piece of ore.

    "Joseph!"

    "If you get distracted again, I will throw them all away," He said slowly like a river flowing into the sunset.

    Irish was irritated and shouted at him, "Well, then throw them all away!"

    Joseph raised his hands again and threw another piece of ore away and then took another in his hand.

    "Honey!" Irish rushed to him and held his hands tightly. She wanted to use some soft tactics on him, but she couldn''t squeeze out a smile at the moment since she was almost in tears, "I know. I know."

    "Then go, do it," Joseph smiled at her.

    Irish didn''t dare to dy any further since three of the ore pieces had been thrown away already. She stamped her foot and began to operate the table, and she felt that her heart had almost broken.

    She took a nce at the operation team and tried to figure out what she was doing so she didn''t lose herst piece of ore.

    During the recycling process, which was also the final process of separating the rough diamonds in the concentrate, Joseph took herst piece of ore in hand and said to her, "You can use the grease station and the transmission belt, or you can use the ray sorter. You decide which one to choose, but remember that you don''t have a chance to make another mistake."

    "I choose the ray sorter," She replied hastily.

    Then he took thest ore to her and asked, "What''s the principle of it?"

    "Diamonds will fluoresce under the rays."

    "Great!"

    Irish felt like she was a robot under his coercion and temptation. She stepped up to the equipment and perceived that he was getting close to her. Her back was wet with sweat as if there was a centipede crawling down her backbone. She was chilled with nerves and didn''t know what to do with the equipment.

    "Why not start?" Joseph said quietly behind her.

    Her brain was running at top speed. She suddenly turned around and showed a sweet smile to him, "I am afraid of radiation.

    Joseph raised his eyebrows.

 Chapter 204 204: Joseph, I Love You

    Irish looked around and got closer to him when she found there were few people around, and leaned into his arms, "The radiation will have a bad effect on my body, and if we want to have a baby in the future..."

    Joseph repressed a smile, allowing this shrewd woman to lean on him.

    After seeing that his eyebrows had eased, she pulled at his sleeves and mumbled, "Joseph."

    "The grease station and the transmission belt are also old traditional methods for recycling. You can use this method. Tell me, what''s the principle of it?"

    Irish was relieved by his words and answered, "It used the oleophilic hydrophobicity of the diamond." Just as he said, it was an old method and was invented in 1896, and now it was reced by a ray sorter. This old method was very simple. Pour the heavier concentrate as well as the water onto the greased countertop so the diamond will stick to the grease, and the other minerals will be washed away by the water.

    Hearing this, Joseph finallyughed and embraced her into his arms with his chin on her forehead. "Isabel, I love you so much."

    Holding the concentrate tightly, Irish was moved by his words. She leaned against his chest, and her trepidation vanished. She held his waist,ining, "What a carrot and stick policy!"

    He lowered his head and gazed at the woman who felt wronged, "I''m good for you."

    Irish bit her lips and did not reply to him.

    Joseph kissed her forehead slightly. It made her feel warm since he was such a serious man, and he treated her so intimately in public.

    He took the concentrate from her hand and handed it to a worker, and then he exined it to him for a moment. The man took it to the sorting station, and Irish was about to follow him, but Joseph stopped her and said, "Let the professional do it, you''ve learned enough today."

    "Is there really a diamond in that ore?" She asked as she looked at him with glittering eyes.

    "It would have been removed during beneficiation if there wasn''t a diamond in it."

    Hearing this, she became even more excited, but soon sheined, "It''s your fault you threw away three pieces of ore, or I would get more."

    "Don''t be greedy," Joseph gazed at her and added, "The other three pieces'' ore were all just barren rock. The only ore that contained diamond is the one I gave you just now."

    "Ah?" She deliberately picked three big pieces of ore, how could they be barren rocks?

    "The diamond-bearing ore is heavier," Joseph was experienced in this area, and he could easily tell it.

    Irish was suddenly enlightened, and she thought he had casually picked up a piece of ore to exin it to her, but she realized now that he had measured the weight of the ore with his experience. The reason why he threw away the other three pieces was that he knew they were all barren minerals. Thinking of this, she was even more impressed by him and held him more tightly.

    Her intimacy towards him made him feel more considerate. He caressed her face gently and whispered into her ear, "Do you really want to have a baby with me?"

    Irish was shocked, and then she went pink, pushing him away and clearing her throat, "I''m not afraid of your threats anymore."

    Joseph crossed his arms and smiled at her, "Well, now you''re free from my oppression."<novelnext></novelnext>

    "I won''t have a baby with a profiteering merchant," She avoided his eyes and turned her back to him. But the man behind her kept silent for a long time.

    When she was going to take a look, he suddenly grabbed her waist. Her back was embedded into his chest, and the man''s deep voice sounded over her head, "I''m the only one you can have a child with."

    She turned aside to look at his serious eyes and mumbled, "I don''t..."

    Before she could finish, the man suddenly bit her neck as if he was punishing her.

    "Oh, really?" Joseph smiled when he saw that her eyes were mingled with a trace of indignation.

    Irish covered her neck and widened her eyes at him.

    When they were trifling in love with each other, the worker walked toward them excitedly, holding a diamond in hand, "Mr. Dover."

    Stepping forward, Joseph took it and squinted at it. The worker was so excited. Irish didn''t know what was going on but caught a couple of words in their conversation, including the word "blue." She was hesitant and walked toward them. "Joseph, what''s wrong with it?"

    The ore had been stripped off to reveal a small stone.

    Joseph ordered the man to go back to work, and then he showed the rough diamond to her, "You are lucky. It''s a blue diamond. I think it will be light blue after polishing."

    "A blue diamond?" Irish widened her eyes.

    "The most likely ce in South Africa to find blue diamonds is the mine in northeastern Pretoria. There is only a very small chance of producing colored diamonds here. Isabel, you are so lucky that you should go to buy a lottery ticket," Joseph put it into her hands and smiled.

    Oh my God!

    Irish was totally astonished. It was just her joke to make a fortune here, but she never thought God would really bless her like this. She was overwhelmed with great joy and rushed into his arms and eximed cheerfully, "Joseph, I love you!"

    Joseph held her tightly andughed.

    ****

    Just as the old saying goes, extreme joy begets extreme sorrow. When Irish realized she had found a precious blue diamond, she jumped with joy. Therefore, when Joseph went to supervise the recycling of a new batch of rough stones, she held the blue diamond and stared at it for a long time. She carried it in her bag, and she would take it out to check asionally.

    However, it was lost.

    Irish was so anxious and called Joseph in a panic, but she couldn''t get through to him because of the unstable signal. She simply sat down on the ground and tried to calm herself down, and began to recall the people who had recently passed by her.

 Chapter 205 205: What Are You Going To Do?

    (Triggered Warning! This chapter contains some words that might trigger hatred and bad impressions in some people from the African continent. Rest assured, I take full responsibility and have only portrayed some characters or individuals'' greedy attitudes but not to the extent of humiliating one race. Any simrity to the real-life events is unintentional, and this chapter is only a product of my wild imagination, fictitious, and means no harm to anybody.)

    Irish scratched her hair and remembered that the diamond had been in her pocket, so it must have been stolen by someone there. Thinking of this, she stood up abruptly but stepped on someone standing behind her. "Ouch!" A loud scream sounded.

    She turned back and found it was Belle''s distorted face.

    Irish hastily removed her foot. Belle was like a savior in front of her, so she grabbed her and said, "My diamond has gone missing. Help me find who took it!"

    "Your diamond?" Belle sneered and continued, "This diamond mine belongs to the Runestone Group, so the diamonds in this mine belong to the Lake Family. It is none of your business."

    Irish took a deep breath and tried to calm down, and then said impatiently, "Don''t you know I''m also a member of the Lake family?"

    Belle was shocked.

    "Do you need Joseph to verify it? Or do you want him to deduct your entire bonus this year?" Irish behaved very curtly towards this woman, who she regarded as her rival in love. She was in a bad mood because of losing her diamond.

    As a result, Belle''s arrogance suddenly disappears. Though she still looked angry, she didn''t offend her again but frowned and said, "How can I help you to find it among so many people?"

    "It''s easy," Irish did not chastise her any further and continued, "Everyone whoes here needs to authenticate their identities, and they even need to be scanned when entering the recycling center. I only need to search for the people who entered the recycling center five minutes ago. The person who stole the diamond should still be in the recycling center because it only opens for staff once every half hour."

    "Keen observation," Belle snorted and then added, "I can only help you with a security check, but I can''t promise you that I will find your diamond."

    "Perhaps your eyes are even sharper than those instruments," Irish said with annoyance.

    Belle was confused.

    "Okay, let''s do it right away," Belle rolled her eyes at her, and though she was reluctant to do so, she had no choice but to call the people who entered the recycling center five minutes ago. There were dozens of people in total, and a few of them were women. They lined up in a long queue. Irish looked at them and felt helpless since all of them looked the same to her, a ck faces with white teeth.

    Belle took a security scanner in hand and asked, "Are you sure you want to act first and report afterward?"

    "Yes, I have to, I can''t get through to Joseph now. Or do you want to wait until hees back so that my diamond can be taken out of here?"

    Belle knew that she had found a valuable blue diamond, so she dared not trivialize the matter, so she said to the workers, "Please line up in order and ept the security scan."

    Some of them began to whisper andin.

    Irish ignored it and sat on a chair beside them to supervise the security scan.

    "I am just afraid that you will feel pity for them, after all, they are your staff."

    Belle was extremely irritated by her but still began to conduct the security scan.

    Irish sat on the chair leisurely.

    "If you don''t find your diamond, you will have to exin this situation to Mr. Dover yourself. Don''t you know their working hours are precious?" Belle said resentfully.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Don''t worry. He won''t me me." Irish stared at every staff member in front of her.

    After hearing this, Belle seethed but couldn''t say anything.

    Time passed, and the security scan cleared the workers one by one. When there were only two people left, Belle said sarcastically, "It seems that you''ve lost it yourself."

    Irish didn''t reply but gazed at one of the two people.

    He was tall, at nearly 1.9 meters, with strong muscles. He looked bold, and his upper body was naked, and he only wore a pair of long trousers with a tattoo on his arms. When he finished the security scan, Irish said to him, "Stop, please."

    He stopped and looked back at Irish coldly.

    Belle was confused and asked her in a low voice, "He has passed the scan, and there''s nothing wrong with him. What are you going to do?"

    Irish ignored her and walked to the man directly, then looked up at him, "Hey, have you seen my blue diamond? It is not as big as the size of a soybean."

    The man took a look at her and shook his head.

    "You haven''t seen it?" Irish asked again.

    He still shook his head.

    Irish smiled and asked, "Do you understand what I am talking about? Or you haven''t seen it?"

    "I haven''t seen it," The man finally answered.

    Belle took the opportunity to scan thest worker, and there was nothing wrong with him. When she finished, she walked forward and said, "Perhaps it''s you who lost it."

    "Do you mind epting a body search?" Irish smiled at the man.

    Obviously, the man was shocked by her words.

    The next second, Belle whispered angrily to her, "Are you crazy? You are viting his human rights."

    "Human rights? He didn''t care about human rights when he stole my diamond," Irish still smiled.

    Belle lowered her voice and continued, "You should realize that you have no evidence now."

    "So I have to find my evidence."

    "You don''t have the right to do so."

    "Belle, you should also be clear that it is not in America but Africa where robberies and racial discrimination ur almost every day. How can you talk about human rights with me here?" Irish drew back her smile and added, "Or you are afraid that you will lose face if I find my diamond from him. After all, it''s you who employed him."

 Chapter 206 206: Did You Get Hurt?

    (Triggered Warning! This chapter contains some words that might trigger hatred and bad impressions in some people from the African continent. Rest assured, I take full responsibility and have only portrayed some characters or individuals'' greedy attitudes but not to the extent of humiliating one race. Any simrity to the real-life events is unintentional, and this chapter is only a product of my wild imagination, fictitious, and means no harm to anybody.)

    "I...I just think it''s ridiculous," Belle widened her eyes at her.

    "Don''t judge too early," Irish was decisive, especially when she lost money. She stared at everyone carefully when Belle began her security scan, and she found that some of them looked absent-minded while others looked bored, but she believed that anyone who felt guilty would give himself away.

    She found that when that man finally passed the scan, he sighed slightly as if he was relieved. Therefore, she knew that there was something wrong with him.

    But at first, she was not so sure, but when she asked him several questions, he tried to avoid her eyes. She had been a psychologist for many years, and it was easy for her to tell if a man was lying, except if the man was especially proficient at hiding the truth. But he was just an ordinary man, it was easier for her to tell.

    Of course, Belle had to stop her since it was her who employed the staff here. If it turned out to be true, she would not know how to exin it to Joseph. A burning hatred for Irish lit a fire in her heart.

    When they were arguing, Joseph came back along with several staff members. He stepped forward and asked, "What''s wrong? Why aren''t they at work?"

    Belle reported the situation to him, "Mr. Dover, she said that she lost her diamond, so she decided to frisk this worker."

    Joseph was astonished and turned to Irish.

    Irish stared at Belle and thought she was a shameless woman. She had left out the process of the security scan and evaded her responsibility. But Belle was wrong since Irish was a person who would never be made a scapegoat, and she sneered, "You''re wrong because I didn''t intend to frisk him at all."

    Belle was astonished.

    Irish continued, "I just saw that he''s in good shape, so I wanted to act indecently." Before Belle could understand what she was talking about, she walked over to the man directly and pulled down his trousers.

    Obviously, the man didn''t expect that she would do this to him, and he didn''t take any precautions. His pants came down, including his briefs.

    Everyone present was shocked, including Joseph.

    Before the man could scream, Irish took the diamond that was stuck in his calf and

    asked, "What''s this?"

    Belle''s face went pale immediately. The man was startled, and Irish could see the sweat on his forehead. The people around them began to whisper to each other, and some female workers turned aside to avoid such a situation. Irish looked him up and down, then sighed and asked, "Why do you have to be a thief?"

    Joseph looked serious and turned to a supervisor and talked to him for a while. Then the man nodded and took out his walkie-talkie to call the security officer and then walked to the man who stole the diamond.

    "Stop! You can''t leave."

    The man hitched his trousers and pushed him to run away.

    Irish rushed to him and kicked him. Obviously, the man didn''t expect Irish would do that, and he lost his bnce, staggering back. She was going to reach out to grab him and catch his shoulder tightly. Though the man screamed out of pain, he still stood there steadily.

    Irish widened her eyes, and she didn''t know how to cope with him in such a short time. She looked at his big hands and felt muddled. At this crucial moment, someone rushed to him and held her tightly, and then the man cried out.

    People around them all dispersed like panicked birds.<novelnext></novelnext>

    After a while, Irish opened her eyes, and Joseph''s sexy figure entered her sight. Her eyes moved to his hand that was grasping the man''s shoulder. It was easy to tell that he exerted a lot of effort to mp him down.

    Soon the security officer arrived and subdued him.

    Joseph embraced Irish and looked at Belle, and said, "Never let hime here again."

    "Yes, Mr. Dover," Belle was frightened and couldn''t help trembling.

    When everything returned to normal, Joseph turned to her face, and he gradually became gentle, "Are you okay? Did you get hurt?"

    Irish looked at him for a long while, and she finally asked, "Leo knows karate, what martial arts have you learned?"

    "I don''t have to learn anything since you are such a mighty woman," When thinking of her behavior, Joseph became slightly angry with her. "Did you really think you could stop a man like that?"

    "I defeated Jay once," Irish frowned. "Jay is your cousin, so he didn''t hurt you." He rubbed her head and added, "I really worry about you."

    "I just haven''t trained for a long time," Irish hit him slightly with her elbow and then continued, "Don''t forget that I saved your life before."

    Joseph gazed at her and sighed slightly, "Yes, I got it."

    "Got what?"

    He replied slowly, "People die for money while birds die for food."

    Irish was surprised by his words.

    When they went back to Johannesburg, Joseph asked the driver to go first, and then he drove back to the hotel in person. Sitting beside him, Irish couldn''t help praising him, "Your driving is excellent!"

    Joseph looked forward and said slowly, "I don''t want to cause any trouble for others since I can drive personally."

    Staring at him, Irish giggled and got close to him, "Are you still angry?"

    Joseph didn''t reply.

    Irishughed and continued, "You can''t be so narrow-minded. Don''t be angry."

    But he still didn''t respond to her.

    Instead of being annoyed, Irish smirked and reached out and then grabbed his cock. Joseph did not expect her to do this, and his back went stiff for a moment, and soon he freed one of his hands and held her, "I''m driving. Don''t do that."

    Irish got rid of his hands, and her slender fingers began to explore his waist, and she would asionally touch his sensitive parts. "I thought only ck men have big dicks, but I was wrong because yours seems to be bigger than theirs. I''m really happy about that."

 Chapter 207 207: I Only Need Your Love

    Joseph didn''t stop her this time but kept driving. It seemed that her words didn''t work on him anymore. The street lights on both sides of the street were looming, and the dim light poured from the windshield into the car, which made him look even more handsome.

    Irish originally thought he would respond, or at least warn her to stop, but he didn''t. His eyes were calm, and he looked forward. She thought for a while and then said, "It''s not my fault that your assistant Belle is half-hearted about her work. She did not treat the security scan seriously. If she were more serious, things would be different."

    But Joseph still kept silent.

    Irish bit her lips and frowned at him, thinking that he was really a demanding man!

    "Joseph, you''re not ignoring me, are you?"

    He wrenched the wheel and drove towards the downtown area.

    "Are you serious?" Irish squinted at him, and an evil idea urred to her.

    Joseph turned aside slightly and took a glimpse at her, but he still kept quiet and focused on driving.

    Irish was like a wild cat, throwing herself beside him, and giggled, "I don''t believe that you can keep silent forever." After finishing, she reached out her slender fingers and slowly moved them down from his face to his sexy Adam''s apple and then unsped his buttons. Her soft body writhed beside him while her hands reached into his shirt.

    She could feel the man''s strong chest.

    "Joseph, your chest is so sturdy," She said in a sweet voice.

    Joseph showed a faint smile, and his Adam''s apple bobbed in his throat.

    There were only a few cars in the street, which was why Irish acted so audaciously. Of course, she only focused on Joseph''s response and didn''t notice that the buildings outside the window were getting fewer and more deste.

    Irish was an ambitious girl, and she had always been passionate about extreme sports and enjoyed the adventure. So when Joseph became the man she wanted to conquer, she was as enthusiastic as if she was trying to climb a mountain.

    Her hands moved down and untied his belt slowly.

    Through thefortable fabric of his underwear, her palm was warmed by the heat within. She was deeply shy in her heart, but she was also excited to explore, so her hands touched the outline of his maleness.

    It was already fully erect, like a wild beast ready to devour her, and that was about to be released, full of dangerous strength.

    His Adam''s apple bobbed again, Irish noticed it and felt proud. She liked tormenting him and enjoyed seeing a rational man lose hisposure because of her flirtation. Thinking of this, she got closer to him, and her plump breasts rubbed against his arms that were holding the steering wheel.

    Her fingers fumbled and slowly lowered thest barrier.

    The next second, his erect cock was exposed to the air.

    "Joseph, it''s so big," She kept tempting him, but at the same time, she was praising him. She did not intend to disguise her desires and held it gently to feel its power and temperature.

    Joseph slowed down the car, freed one of his hands to hold her, and put his arm around her shoulders. Finally, he said to her in a hoarse voice, "Witch girl."

    "Wow, you are talking to me," Irish got closer to him while her hands became more restless. She looked down at it where the blue veins stood out, and she felt a warm stream flowing from her underbelly, affecting every bone in her body.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Joseph could feel her slightly cold hands, and when she held them, his abdomen trembled slightly. Her soft hands felt like silken cotton. They did not cool him down but ignited a fire, forcing him to release his male power.

    It was in the middle of the night, and it was quiet.

    The luxury business car was like a deep-sea fish swimming along quietly under the faint street lights. If someone passed by, he would inevitably see a handsome man driving in a steady manner, but if he looked at it again, he would find that his clothes were not entirely on, and an enchanting woman was leaning against him.

    Joseph gently caressed her face with one of his hands. Though he still looked forward while driving the car, his voice turned husky and whispered, "I only need your love."

    "I don''t trust you," Irish liked him when he was like this when his harshness had been removed and reced with a trace of evil charm. "Haven''t your assistants ever done this, such as Belle?"

    "She would not dare to do this," Joseph smiled softly at her.

    Irish smirked and continued, "Well, what about Britney?"

    "Unless she wants my investment," He answered directly.

    "How about other women?" She looked at his handsome face, especially his thin lips, which appeared so luscious. She was eager to kiss him.

    Joseph swerved, and the car drove into a depopted area. He replied to her with his deep voice, "You are the first woman to act so audaciously before me."

    Irish puckered her face in a smile and was amused by his devilish look. She pretended to help him dress up again and said, "Well, I think I''d better be moderate so as to leave a good image for you."

    "Toote," He said unexpectedly.

    Irish did not understand him.

    But the car stopped suddenly, and he locked the doors.

    It was not until he stopped the car that Irish realized that it was deste outside the window, and they were not on the way back to the hotel. The buildings loomed in the distance, sparkling with light. It was quiet, and there were no other cars passing by.

    "Joseph, where are we?" Aren''t we going back to the hotel?" She felt a little bit concerned in such a deste ce.

    He did not reply but stalled the car and then leaned against the seat. With a faint smile in his wolf-like eyes, Joseph stared at her motionlessly.

    Irish was a little startled by him and pressed on the window, looking outside, and then she turned to Joseph and repeated, "Where are we?"

    "The old town," He replied slowly.

    Irish was shocked by his answer.

    "Old town?" Irish cried out and widened her eyes, holding him tightly. "We have to leave. It''s not safe here."

    "You''re afraid? But you were so audacious when I was driving just now."

 Chapter 208 208: Are You Scared?

    Then he pressed upon her with his tall figure while his thin lips got closer to her cheeks, and his big hands fumbled over her.

    "Joseph, I was just joking with you," Irish swallowed nervously with her hands resisting his chest. "Let''s leave. I''m serious."

    ? She knew robberies and shootings often urred in this ce.

    "But I''m not joking with you," Joseph smiled, and then he turned on the switch. The seat began to lower, and he pressed upon her while his hand pulled up her skirt.

    In the dim light, his usual rationality was reced by a strong Iust. He was like a beast that was going to swallow her.

    Irish knew what he was going to do and was stunned by his behavior. She took a look outside the window and covered his lips. "Are you crazy? Do you want to make love here? I want to go back to the hotel."

    "Are you scared? I thought you loved adventure," Joseph tore her clothes open and squinted at the enchanting woman in his arms. Her beautiful corbone and plump breasts attracted him. She was like a beautiful mermaid whose tail had be slender legs which tempted Joseph.

    He held her hands and then lowered his face to kiss her lips, whispering beside her. "Don''t worry. You can moan as you want in this ce."

    "I am afraid someone will pass by," Irish was scared. Though she was usually courageous, she was really scared this time. She just wanted to joke with him and never thought he would take it seriously and certainly did not expect he would want to have sex with her in the car.

    "We are safe in this car," Joseph smiled and took off her underwear. His slender fingers slipped along her waist and then fell on her breast. He began to knead her plump bosom, which led her to moan, but he covered her mouth and rubbed harder.

    "Joseph...." She called to him in a low voice.

    "Honey, undo my buttons," Joseph ordered her beside her ears, with his thin lips moving slowly down to her breasts.

    Under his spell, she felt that she couldn''t control her hands anymore. Irish could easily see his broad shoulders and sturdy chest, which looked seductive under the dim light. She gazed at his handsome face, thick eyebrows, and well-defined chin while his strong chest muscles undted with his deep breath. She had to admit that she was obsessed with his perfect figure.

    His mermaid lines unfolded clearly before her eyes when he moved over and took off his pants.

    Irish felt dizzy, but she burst into mes and tried to beg him, "Joseph, I am wrong, and I apologize. Let''s leave here. I''m afraid someone will shoot us."

    His lips were lingering in front of her bosom and their breath intertwined with each other, forming a dense that wrapped them tightly.

    "Joseph!"

    Heughed with his hands, embracing her waist.

    Her voice turned soft again, and she was burnt by the lust in her heart.

    The old town was a dangerous ce, and most people were unwilling toe here, but Joseph took her there as if trying to punish her. However, she was turned on so much by Joseph''s big, warm hand and began to moan. Her rationality was buried by a great joy that intertwined with her fear.

    She was nervous and a little scared, but she was also looking forward to this great and unprecedented joy.<novelnext></novelnext>

    His body pressed down finally.

    At the moment he entered her body, she couldn''t help trembling and raised her head to bear his huge manhood. He deliberately slowed down his speed so her wet core would expand properly.

    Joseph kissed her heavily and warned her, "If you dare to take off another man''s pants again, I promise I will punish you heavily."

    After finishing his words, he mmed into her and nailed her to the rear seat.

    His sudden rush stimted Irish, and she could only wrap her body around him for fear that she would fall into the abyss the next second.

    She knew the reason why he was angry with her.

    So she tried her best to exin it to him in such a passionate moment, "I knew he lied to me, but he wasn''t wearing a shirt, so I knew that the diamond could only have been hidden on his lower body."

    "Really?" Joseph was eager to enjoy her body and did not pay much attention to her exnation. He kepting in and out inside her body, drowning himself in an addictive sensation caused by the friction between their connected bodies.

    He was breathing quickly, and he could feel that she was trembling. He slowed down so she could adapt his movement, and then he became more greedy as the sounds of her moaning and pping of their lower bodies were like captivating music bearing pleasure and excitement.

    Irish felt her wet core burning with me, and every time he rushed into her body, she was filled with his fire.

    She looked at her swollen body and felt his big hands had almost broken her. Just like he said, she couldn''t help moaning loudly, and finally, her moans turned into sobs.

    The hazy moonlight poured into the car, ting a thinyer of silver onto everything within.

    It was like a banquet.

    The man was a diver, while Irish was a sexy mermaid that had just been captured on the dining table.

    There was a smell of hormones in the car, and she held his back tightly and found a sense of security in his strong body.

    Joseph was soaked by his sweat while thrusting deeply, igniting the burning fire brought by their desires, and Irish instinctively scratched his back. Joseph was like a farmer, while Irish was like the fertile soil that he plowed.

    She couldn''t remember when he finally took her back to the hotel, but she felt safe in his arms.

    There were no shootings, and no one disturbed them, there was only great joy that night.

    She was on the bed of the hotel when she recovered her consciousness. Her smooth, naked body stuck to the soft bed, and she felt like she was sleeping on the clouds.

    She was still sleepy when dawn broke. She was woken by the man who went to the washroom. He returned shortly after and then held her in his arms. She could feel his steady breath, which made her feelfortable.

 Chapter 209 209: You Can Only Be With Me

    In this way, Irish soon woke up, and she turned into his arms and looked up at him, whose eyes were still closed. She felt warm and held his waist, then buried herself into his armspletely.

    There were no obstacles between them, what a good life it was!

    The explicit encounter in the car the night before made her exhausted but enhanced her love for him. She took a deep breath to inhale his smell but soon felt a little bit sore. She didn''t know when she started to care if he belonged to her and when she began to be afraid of losing him.

    Pressing his chest and hearing the steady heartbeat, she had to admit that she couldn''t control her deep fondness for him.

    She loved him so much.

    The woman in his arms was like a small cat that tickled him. When he felt that she was curling near his chest, he embraced her into his arms directly and let hery on his arm, with his other hand holding her waist.

    She buried her head in his armpit, and her breath was mixed with the wooden fragrance in the room.

    "Joseph," She called to him with a low voice. She knew he was awake.

    "Yeah?" He replied to her over her head.

    Irish sighed slightly and held him even more tightly, and after a long while, she asked, "Is there a reason you brought me here?"

    His hands on her waist moved slightly, and then he said with his husky voice, "Have you called Cassie?"

    Irish blinked her eyes and nodded slightly. He was smart, and she didn''t try to hide her doubts and worries.

    Joseph held her and replied leisurely, "Don''t think about it too much. I just want to try my best to protect you. I have to be responsible with you."

    "But I don''t understand."

    "What?"

    She looked up at him and touched his newly grown beard as if she was thinking of something and then said, "But you''re trying to protect Ruby at the same time, right?"

    Joseph lowered her head and lightly bit her fingers. When he saw her draw back her fingers, he smirked and said, "Sometimes a life-and-death struggle is not the best way to solve problems. What''s more, I run the Lake family."

    "But Britney received a bargain. Rumors will only add fuel to the mes."

    "It seems that you''re prejudiced against her." He gently smiled.

    Irish frowned and said, "Yes, I was unhappy with her from the day that she stuck to you like a big octopus."

    He smiled and lowered his head to kiss her. "Don''t take it seriously. It''s mutually beneficial for both of us."

    "Ruby won''t agree to the divorce. I mean, she won''t let me be with you." Irish was so worried when she recalled the firmness in her eyes in the hospital that day.

    Joseph caressed her back and said, "I will handle this."

    He did not make a promise to her, but Irish was still relieved by his words.<novelnext></novelnext>

    She did not continue to ask him about it and curled up in his arms, thinking even though they would meet many obstacles in the future, she would be content as long as she could be with him.

    But Joseph thought she felt cold and tightened his arms so that he could get closer to her. The lust of men was always strong in the morning. The scene in the carst night was lingering in his mind, and her moan ignited the mes in his body again.

    He lowered his head and kissed her.

    But at this time, Irish suddenly asked, "Joseph, are you only responsible for me?"

    Joseph became stiff for a second, and then he pinched her chin, staring at her eyes, and said softly, "Do you still not understand me?"

    Her eyes were glittering.

    "I''m serious," He said with his sharp nose touching her face.

    Irish showed a sweet smile. He said before that he would not y any games of love.

    Joseph was obsessed with her smile, and when he kissed her, his hands also slipped down.

    Irish perceived his lust, so she smiled to avoid his lips and pretended to be serious, "Do you know the sexual form? First, use the first number of your age and multiply by 9. The first number of your age is 3, so 3 multiply 9 equals 27, which means you can have sex seven times within 20 days."

    But Joseph ignored her so-called theory and mumbled in her bosom, "Well, then I am going to need an advance." After finishing his words, he pressed himself upon her body again.

    Irish began to moan.

    It was in the morning when the sun finally came out from the clouds, and it was getting hot in the room.

    When she reached orgasm, Irish couldn''t help trembling and held him tightly.

    Her tears burst out because of the great joy, and she mumbled, "Joseph, I love you. What can I do?"

    Joseph felt extremely pleasant after hearing this, and he kissed her affectionately and ejacted at this passionate moment. He whispered beside her ears with his husky voice, "Remember that you can only be with me."

    ****

    It was a beautiful night in New York, but the Lake family was surrounded by an uneasy atmosphere.

    Shirley zipped back and forth across the living room and tried the phone over and over again, but she couldn''t get through. Finally, she rushed to Henry and said, "You only care about your business all day. Can you please care about your daughter? She hasn''te back yet and hasn''t answered my calls."

    Hearing this, Henry looked up and shot a quick glimpse at her and then sighed slightly, putting down the newspaper in his hand, "She is an adult now. You have to give her space. Why are you trying to control her?"

    "But this is different. You know what happened to her. And Joseph wants to get divorced from Ruby. She must be pessimistic now." Shirley was so anxious.

    Henry shook his head and said, "She won''t be. Joseph saved her when he filed for divorce, and now she is free from the rumors while Joseph is still trapped by them."

 Chapter 210 210: Are You Reluctant To Hear This?

    "It is easy for you to say this, but it is not fair to our daughter." Shirley was unwilling to let this go and added, "He is so astute. He''s out of order, and the woman is not Britney but Irish! Your bitch daughter!"

    "Enough! Don''t let other people get involved in this matter. We are talking about the issue of their divorce."

    "Are you reluctant to hear this? Even a blind person could see that it is Irish who has taken the initiative to seduce Joseph. Do you know why Joseph decided to get divorced from Ruby? It must have been Irish who persuaded him to do that. I am not surprised." Shirley was extremely irritated and continued, "Don''t think I don''t know your thoughts. You still love Irish''s mother, so you will cover for her no matter what she has done. But can you be fair? Ruby is also your daughter."

    "The two of them are both my daughters, what can I do?" Henry raised his voice with severe eyes. "I have told you before not to interfere in their lives, but you still don''t understand that forced love doesn''tst. Ruby did not understand before, but I think she will realize everything after having this experience. Just as the old saying goes: fall into the pit, a gain to your wit. Do you want her to live her life in such an unhappy marriage? Obviously, Joseph didn''t love her."

    Shirley sneered and said, "I think I understand your point now. You were ming me when I forced Rachel to leave you before. But Henry, I have been taking care of you for so many years. But how have you treated me all these years? You would like to find a mistress, but you''re reluctant to be with me. I know you are punishing me and torturing me. But I can tell you now that no matter how much you loved her, she is dead, and I am alive. She will nevere back anymore, open your goddamn mind!"

    Henry looked at her sorrowfully and said, "You still don''t see it. You are right, Rachel is the only woman I have loved, and she was my only wife. It''s none of your business whether I let go of the memories that I have with her or not."

    "You..."

    "But Ruby is my daughter, and I have given you more than enough respect over these years." Henry said coldly and then continued, "I don''t have any disagreement on Joseph''s divorce with Ruby because it is a kind of disengagement for her. If Joseph decides to be with Isabel, I will also support him because I trust him, and he will be nice to her. Isabel is also my daughter, and I hope she can be happy. It is the best solution for them to attain happiness in their life."

    Shirley shook with anger and pointed at him, "Well, Henry, today you''ve finally told me the truth. What a ridiculous reason. Do you really think I don''t know your tricks? You said you are doing the best for Ruby, but if you want to be fair, then why do you intend to give shares to Irish? Do you think I don''t know that you want to give her shares so that she can join ourpany, even be on the board of directors? But why don''t you care about Ruby? Why do you love that bitch so much? Since she died, her daughter has created a disturbance in Ruby''s marriage and also disturbed the life of our family."

    Henry was extremely irritated by her words, and he stood up abruptly, thumping on the table, "Shirley, clear your mind now! Thispany is the result of years of my hard work alone. It is my business to distribute shares how I wish. I will not only keep shares for Irish, but I will also correct the will, leaving some property for her. Remember, she is my daughter!"

    "You...you..."

    "You''d do better to talk to Ruby. We''ve all made mistakes in our marriage, do you want your daughter to repeat your mistakes?" After finishing his words, Henry left the house.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Shirley fell back on the couch and began to sob. After a long while, someone knocked at the door and then entered. It was William, and after seeing this, he walked quickly to her. "What''s wrong? I just saw my brother Henry leave in anger."

    "William, my life is so bitter," Shirley held him and cried.

    William frowned at her and sighed slightly.

    But outside the door, someone was looking in at them with gloomy eyes.

    ****

    Mr. Hall was a white person.

    South Africa was a ce with arge number of colored races, but white people still upied the highest social position there. Though the establishment of the new South African regime has improved the status of ck people, cks still lived in the lower middle tier of society. They were not yet able to enjoy many of the luxuries of the middle or upper sses, and indeed many ck children still couldn''t afford to go to school.

    Hall was the person responsible for this bid. He was around forty years old with a goatee and was dressed neatly. When he sat down, he lit a cigar, and the smoke obscured his face. His eyes were a shade that reminded Irish of the gray tiles in Light Town.

    In South Africa, many mineral deposits were private, and the government had no right to participate in the management or disposal of private minerals, which naturally included gold and diamond mines. There were many ways for miners to get minerals, and some of them even used violent means.

    On the way to the subsection of the Runestone Group, Irish had learned from Joseph that Mr. Hall was not only the person responsible for the bidding but also a sight holder.

    The so-called sight holder was actually equivalent to the total wholesale, and there were less than one hundred sight holders in the world. At this time, 90% of the global diamond production was monopolized by the DTC, and the sight holders were jewelry dealers selected with their qualifications and hereditary conditions.

 Chapter 211 211: Are You Going To Sell It?

    Those who could enter the DTC to select goods, they would have the benefit of getting an extremely low price. But because of the strictness of the selection conditions, only a few people could join it.

    Hall inherited the position from his forefathers, and all of whom had been sight holders.

    Of course, some diamond dealers could purchase diamond mines with enough funds, such as Joseph and Leo. In this way, they could circumvent the control of the DTC, but it required keen eyes and the rich experience of the investor because if you were unlucky and invested in the wrong mine, it would bring disgrace and ruin upon yourself.

    Irish came to meet Mr. Hall with Joseph, but upon entering the meeting room, she was choked by the smoke. She couldn''t bear the smell of cigars. Upon Joseph''s arrival, Hall put aside his cigar to stand up and shook hands with Joseph. Belle was also there, and obviously, she didn''t expect Irish would alsoe, so she frowned at her.

    Hall''s eyes lightened when he saw Irish, and his goatee trembled, "Mr. Dover, is this beautifuldy your assistant?"

    When he was about to answer, Irish reached out her hand to Hall and answered, "Nice to meet you, Mr. Hall. I am the psychological counselor of the Runestone Group." She smiled at him.

    Hall and Belle were astonished.

    "Mr. Hall?" Her hands extended.

    "Hello, hello, nice to meet you," Hall finally reacted and shook with her.

    Joseph showed a faint smile and allowed her self-introduction, and then he reached out his hands and said, "Mr. Hall, please sit down."

    Hall stared at Irish after sitting down, but his eyes were a little bit hesitant, "Ms. Irish, I am curious about who your tutor is. You are very young to be a psychological counselor. I really admire you."

    "Doctor Drin was my tutor,"

    Hall widened his eyes and asked in reply, "Doctor Drin? Is he the doctor who won several international prizes in psychology?"

    "Yes, he was my tutor. Doctor Drin is the most popr psychologist in the world, and he specializes in praxeology. His psychological reports have been in many textbooks." But he was a wacky old man. When she studied praxeology abroad, her tutor was Doctor Drin. However, she became fascinated with the analysis of dreams, and Fredrick became her tutor. In fact, she was Doctor Drin''s favorite pupil.

    Hall nodded his head.

    "I''m just along for the ride here today," Irish smiled faintly.

    "Okay, okay." Hall also smiled.

    Joseph began to negotiate the diamond mine purchase with him, and during the conversation, Irish did not speak a single word, leaning against the chair leisurely. She would asionally nce at Hall, and sometimes he would also peer at her. When he found she was also looking at him, he would smile in embarrassment and then turn his head to discuss it with Joseph again.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Belle was quietly taking a record beside them.

    Hall brought some information about the structure of the mine, which was mainly intended to encourage the bidders. Of course, they did not mention the amount of funds required. After all, there were still other investors, so Hall had to obey the rules.

    They talked with each other for nearly two hours, so when Hall peered at Irish for the tenth time, Joseph finally turned to her and said, "You can leave but don''t go far."

    After hearing this, Irish hastily stood up and then left the meeting room. Before she left, she saw clearly that Hall was relieved.

    There were many people in Mand Square, and some of them were feeding pigeons while others were going for a walk with their kids. This was a ce with arge gap between the wealthy and the poor. Though there were many poor people, many rich businessmen also gathered there. Irish had researched it and found that among the less than 100 sight holders, 17 of them lived in South Africa.

    It was still early, so she went shopping at the Shopping Mall, and one and half hourster, she began to shop in some famous stores where the products were cheaper than in America, but she still was not very interested in them.

    Thanks to Joseph, under the temptation of his bonus, she learned a lot about diamonds, so now her understanding of them was far better than before. She could also tell the quality of diamonds now. Of course, she was still less experienced than Joseph, butpared with others, she could be called an expert.

    When she was looking around a diamond store, the workers in the shop all gazed at her ne, so she left after a while. Suddenly someone called behind her, and when she turned back, she found that it was a ck man.

    She subconsciously stepped back. The man stopped when he saw the panic in her eyes and hinted at her not to be afraid. He then took out his business card to show to her. "Don''t worry. I''m the manager of this diamond store, and this is my business card."

    Irish felt awkward since she knew that she was anxious, and then she stepped forward and took his business card.

    "Oh, I just want to ask you where you got the rough diamond around your neck," The manager pointed at her neck and asked.

    Irish reached out to touch it and then smiled, "My friend gave it to me." It was the blue diamond that she had just got yesterday, and it had not been polished yet. Joseph promised her that he would bring her to the polishing center, but he was afraid that she would lose it again, so he put it on a chain.

    The man gazed at the rough diamond and asked, "Are you going to sell it? I will give you a good price."

    "Ah?" Then Irish realized what he meant and shook her head, "No."

    "Perhaps you can consider it. I can give you a high price."

    "No, it has nothing to do with money. This diamond is important to me." Irish declined his request.

 Chapter 212 212: I Know You’re Clever

    The man was disappointed, but he still showed his understanding, and finally, he urged, "My beautifuldy, I suggest that you keep it well. It is not safe here, and since you are beautiful, it will attract even more attention."

    Irish was shocked by his words and thanked him.

    When he went back, she immediately put the diamond in her pocket and started to leave the shopping center for fear of getting robbed.

    She walked back quickly, and when she got back to Mand Square, she felt relieved because there were many people, and it would be difficult for a robbery to ur. She sat beside the fountain and was going to call Joseph, but suddenly she found that a man had quickly rushed to the other side of the street to avoid her eyes.

    She hesitated for a while and lowered her head to pretend she did not see him. Two minutester, she found the man was still there. It was a ck man in a blue hat who was dressed in a casual suit. Her heart missed a beat because she remembered him looking at her when she started shopping. Thinking of this, she thought perhaps he had followed her for a long time.

    Was it because of the rough stone around her neck?

    Irish felt that since she came here, she had experienced a lot of good luck, as well as a lot of bad luck. She adapted to it because it was a ce where both angels and demons lived.

    Instead of being afraid, she felt a little excited.

    She clenched her phone and gave up calling Joseph since he was doing business, so she stood up and then went into a coffee house.

    As expected, when she sat down beside the window, the man also followed her in and sat in a corner close by.

    Irish ordered a cup of coffee and took a sip of it slowly. She had chosen a perfect position. Outside the window, there was a fountain beside which the policemen were on patrol. So even if the man rushed to rob her, she could seek help from the policemen.

    But after a long while, the man still sat there motionlessly. It seemed that he was more patient than she expected.

    Her phone rang, and it was Joseph.

    He had just finished the negotiations with Hall and was about to find her, so she told him the address. When she was answering the phone, she was acutely aware that though he pretended to read the newspaper, the man in the corner focused on her. Thinking about it, she lowered her voice and asked, "Is it safe in Mand Square?"

    Joseph kept silent for a few seconds, and soon he replied, "Wait for me there. Don''t move."

    After she finished the call, the man returned to normal again.

    Irish stopped drinking her coffee and hoped that Joseph woulde soon.

    He showed up within 10 minutes, and the spray of the fountain blurred his figure, but he discovered her through the mist with his sharp eyes.

    Irish was suddenly relieved by his appearance.

    Joseph ordered a cup of coffee and then walked to her. The smell of the rich coffee fragrance intertwined with his faint woody fragrance made Irish feel at ease.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Are you okay?"

    Irish shook her head and stirred her coffee leisurely. She did not intend to tell him that someone had followed her, and she also didn''t want to tell him that there was a man in the corner who kept staring at her.

    She smiled and asked him, "How did your dealings go with Mr. Hall?"

    Joseph felt relieved when he saw she wasn''t frightened, and he took a sip of coffee and replied, "Thanks to you, Mr. Hall has restrained himself before me."

    "In psychology, we call it the authority effect. Though it may not be so appropriate to use it on such an asion, at least it had an effect." She deliberately made a self-introduction when she had met Mr. Hall so as to mp down on him.

    His smoking, as well as his shaking hands, had revealed his arrogance. Irish''s self-introduction was also not her temporary intention because she wanted him to know that there was a psychologist who was employed by the Runestone Group to supervise their negotiation. He must understand that she was by no means ordinary.

    She had mentioned her tutor, who was famous around the world, and Irish knew he must know him because sight holders always liked to learn about business psychology. She showed her authority to him so he would restrain himself. Generally speaking, the so-called authority effect would make people feel safe, but Mr. Hall was a special case. When he talked with Joseph, he would look at Irish from time to time. She believed that he was afraid that she might see through his mind.

    It meant that he was hiding something from Joseph.

    "No matter what the reason was, I hated his behavior," Joseph smiled softly.

    Irish showed a bright smile and said, "Are you happy to be taking advantage of your girlfriend in your business deals?"

    "Nonsense!" He patted her head gently.

    "It turns out that we work well with each other. Perhaps others won''t understand what I am doing."

    Josephughed and said, "You certainly have a silver tongue!"

    "I know you''re clever, I just wanted to do a favor for you."

    "Well, then talk about your opinion," Irish stirred her coffee and thought for a while, then looked up at Joseph and said, "Though I don''t know the details of your conversation, I know Mr. Hall is eager to draw the investment on it. He is arrogant but can still sense his uneasiness from his eyes and behavior, but I don''t know what he is trying to hide."

    Joseph held his chin and thought for a while. He agreed with Irish''s opinion and then nodded, "That''s what I was thinking during our talk."

    "Joseph, is there any problem with this diamond mine?" Irish suddenly proposed an assumption.

    Joseph squinted and didn''t respond, and Irish didn''t continue to talk but drank her coffee quietly.

    "Most of the mineral resources in South Africa are private, except for therge deposits controlled by the Anglo-American consortium. The rest of the deposits are in the hands of locals in South Africa. Henry has dealt with the locals more often than I have. Your assumption is possible because the chaos of mineral property rights can also lead to the ubiquity of investment traps, such as the production of mineral deposits, and contracts can even be fraudulent," He said in a low voice.

 Chapter 213 213: I Know You’re Clever

    "If that''s true, then we are in trouble," Irish was worried because she knew that Joseph had devoted a lot of time to this diamond mine, and once that happened, how could he exin it to the board of directors?

    Joseph was calm and added, "Of course, that is the worst situation, but there is another situation where someone wants him to pass on information."

    Joseph stopped and looked at her.

    Irish suddenly understood and widened her eyes, "You mean Leo?"

    "You are clever," Joseph raised his hands and caressed her face.

    Irish was in a poor mood because she knew that if it were real, then there would be violentpetition for the sake of profit. She understood Joseph''s conjecture. There was still another reason for Hall''s dodging, and it was that there must have been someone who broke the rules to increase the amount of investment. That''s why Mr. Hall pretended to be hesitant since he wanted to hint to Joseph to increase the investment. He knew that they were all experienced businessmen, so Joseph would understand his intentions so that he could make a lot of extra money.

    It must have been Leo since he was eager to defeat Joseph.

    Of course, all of this was just their conjecture.

    But Irish would like to believe that it was just a surmise. As a psychologist, she understood that people''s minds wereplicated, but as for Joseph and Leo, she would rather they gave up the chance of making money and was reluctant to see that they had abandoned their code of brotherhood.

    "There must be many bidders this time." Irish contemted and asked after a long time. The coffee gave out a faint scent that warmed their hearts and refreshed their minds.

    Putting down his coffee, Joseph stared at her with a faint smile. Irish looked up at him and sighed, "I just hope that it is not true."

    He knew what she meant, so he smiled and gave her the answer she wanted. "You are right. This time, there are so many bidders that it may not be Leo."

    After hearing this, Irish felt a little bit relieved.

    Joseph smiled softly, he was touched by her. Suddenly he recalled the words that she had whispered in his ear that morning. She told him that she had fallen in love with him, and he was even more moved by thinking of this. She was a woman who was clear-cut on what to love and what to hate, and that was the reason why he loved to get along with her because she could make him feel at ease at any time. Reaching out, he said, "Your coffee is getting cold. Let''s switch."

    "But my coffee is sweet, and you may not like it." She felt warmed by his consideration.

    Joseph smiled and said, "But you''ll have to adapt since my coffee is bitter."

    "Can I refuse it?" She raised her eyebrow and winked at him.

    "No, you can''t," Joseph giggled. Irish couldn''t helpughing and took a sip of his coffee, and soon, her face wrinkled like a walnut, "It''s really bitter."

    Joseph was amused by her and was about to get the sugar for her, but Irish stopped him and said, "I''m fine. It is good to switch to another taste asionally."<novelnext></novelnext>

    Joseph was at a loss and then sat down.

    "I like this vor because of you, or I wouldn''t change it so easily," She blinked at him.

    Joseph felt happy about her frankness, and he reached out and tucked a strand of her hair behind her ears and said cheerfully, "I am d to hear this."

    She looked up at him and saw that he was drinking her coffee, and she felt sweet in her heart. Of course, Irish still remembered that there was a man in the corner who was following her. She cleared her throat and said to him in a low voice, "Perhaps it is because of my outstanding appearance or because of the priceless blue diamond around my neck, but someone is following us."

    Joseph looked at her directly and smiled, "Someone has shadowed us, but it is not because of our outstanding appearance or the blue diamond. It''s because they''re keeping track of all the bidders," When he came in, he immediately noticed a stealthy man in the corner who was staring at them.

    "It seems that I have overestimated myself," After hearing his words, Irish realized he had perceived it already.

    Joseph spread his hands and said, "You also overestimated me."

    "Are we in danger?"

    "Are you afraid?" He smiled.

    "Yes, I would be afraid if I was alone in South Africa." She said frankly to him.

    Joseph covered her hands and crossed her fingers, "So you have to stay with me and never leave me. It seems that I have looked down upon this trip." Irish sighed slightly. She thought they just had to engage in some social activities, but now it seemed that she also had to protect her life in such a chaotic ce.

    "I told you before that birds die for food while people die for money, and it''s always true," Joseph concluded his experience briefly. In this country, where thew was still notplete, every bidpetition would cause a violent business war, and people had to fight a bloody battle to get what they wanted.

    Irish secretly took a quick glimpse of the man and asked, "What are we going to do next? Why don''t we run out now?"

    "If we do that, people will misunderstand that we are trying to run away." Joseph was amused, and Irish alsoughed at his words.

    "Take it easy. It is normal to be shadowed here. If it''s necessary, I will find out who it is," Joseph tried tofort her.

    Irish nodded, and she trusted that Joseph would handle this. She had never been there before, so she did not understand the customs. But Joseph was experienced, and he often dealt with the local people there, so he would know how to solve this problem. He was right. She had to stay with him and not make any rash moves.

    Joseph finished his work in Johannesburg one day earlier than expected and went shopping with Irish for several hours. After buying some souvenirs, they went to Cape Town, the secondrgest city located at the northern end of the Cape of Good Hope. It was known as the "mother of cities" for its rich and colorful cuisine and mellow wines.

 Chapter 214 214: What A Pity

    Cape Town''s resources were also abundant. Although Johannesburg actually had more diamond mines, it still retained its title of "City of Diamonds" as well as its status as the diamond capital of South Africa. They drove from North to South, from Gingbury to Stellenbosch, and then arrived at Cape Town.

    Joseph drove afortable SUV to Cape Town this time while Irish sat in the passenger seat with a sunbo on her head. The breeze was suffused with the fragrance of the fruit. It was only the two of them, and when they drove through thend of South Africa, beautiful scenery unfolded before them.

    They didn''t stay for a long time in Gingbury; though there were many tourists there and Irish was curious about this city, Joseph did not intend to let her find out more about the city. They soon arrived at Stellenbosch, and outside the window, they could see endless vineyards as well as white cabins.

    Joseph stopped at a vineyard and gestured to Irish to get out of the car.

    Irish was curious and followed him to get out of the car. As soon as they got out, a couple of people stepped forward. They seemed to be Joseph''s friends since they intimatelymunicated with each other. Joseph introduced Irish to them and told her it was a famous vineyard in Stellenbosch. The beautiful Dutch architecture was like a pearl embedded in the green jungle, and their wines were sold out all around the world because of their mellow taste.

    Irish had previously traveled to several cities in Provence and had seen thergevender fields and endless vineyards, but it was not as beautiful as the scenery here. Joseph told her they would have a rest here so she could visit the vineyard in the sunshine.

    After visiting for a long time, Irish came back with a basket in her hands in which there were sweet, juicy grapes. Joseph was chatting cheerfully with the owner of the vineyard, and he couldn''t help smiling when he saw Irishe back with a full basket of grapes. Her cheeks were red under the sunlight, and her eyes were glittering like diamonds. It was easy to tell that she longed for such a leisurely life.

    The owner was very enthusiastic about her because he knew she was Joseph''s friend, so he invited her to participate in the wine brewing process and visit the wine cer that had never been opened to the public. Irish was extremely excited and enjoyed herself very much.

    When leaving the vineyard, the carriage of the car was filled with a box of red wine which made Irish feel pleasant. When the car started to move westward, she couldn''t help but ask if they were going to Cape Town, but unexpectedly Joseph shook his head.

    "It seems that you''re in a hurry. Why are we stopping here?" When she found Joseph had stopped the car, Irish asked him.

    He didn''t reply to her but turned her face to the other side.

    Irish took a quick glimpse at the sign, and when she was about to ask him, she realized where she was and then excitedly looked at the sign again. Joseph expected she would act like this, and he just stood there with a bright smile.

    They had arrived at Highgate ostrich farm, where she had longed to be for a long time. It was muchrger than she had expected. Joseph took a look at the time and said, "We can stay here overnight, there is an ostrich game at seven o''clock."

    Irish was so excited that she jumped into his arms, "You were trying to finish your work ahead of time in order to surprise me!" Now she understood Belle''s resentful eyes and herst words to her when they left, "What a pest!"

    Joseph had gone on a detour to give her this surprise since he could have driven to Cape Town directly as Belle originally nned.

    "Do you like it?" he asked with a smile, and his tone was gentle.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish nodded, and she stood on her tiptoes to kiss him. "Thanks!"

    Joseph enjoyed her kiss very much, but Irish had already rushed to the ostrich farm when he went to kiss her back. As she ran, she waved her sunbo and shouted, "Dear ostriches, I aming!"

    She greatly amused Joseph.

    The Highgate Ostrich farm had attracted many tourists, most of whom were Europeans. They attracted many people''s attention when they entered.

    She held Joseph and asked, "Is my blue diamond so conspicuous?"

    Joseph took a look at the people and replied with a smile, "I think it''s because of your beauty this time."

    Hearing this, she went pink and puckered her face into a smile.

    The farmer was also enthusiastic and had reserved the best room for them deliberately. Standing on the balcony, looking out, they could see the blueke, lush green grass, and colorful flowers. Over theke, the sky was decorated with a gorgeous sunset.

    In Stellenbosch, Irish had seen the cheetahs near the vineyard, and people were familiar with them. As a result, she was surprised that one could keep so many ostriches.

    "There are around 100,000 ostriches here," Joseph told her when they were taking a walk under the sunset.

    "100,000 ostriches?" Irish was surprised and widened her eyes at the ostriches running around them. "What a caring farmer!"

    Josephughed and said, "You''re wrong. He keeps them because of the great profits."

    Irish frowned at him and felt confused.

    "Do you think the ostriches are only here for viewing?" The wind was rising, and Joseph took off his coat and put it around her. "This is a famous ostrich farm in South Africa, with the greatest amount of ostriches. The breeding conditions here are also of the best quality, so the price is high. The price of ostrich eggs and ostrich meat reach 2,000 dors, let alone a live ostrich."

    "What a pity!" Irish looked at the kicking ostriches and sighed. It was hard for her to imagine how miserable it was when they were killed by humans.

 Chapter 215 215: Will You Sponsor Me?

    Joseph couldn''t helpughing and replied, "It is inevitable since humans stand at the highest point of the food chain."

    "But we still should not hurt other animals so casually."

    "Then all of us would only be vegan."

    Irish looked up at him with pitiful eyes, "But I really like eating goose liver."

    "So you''d better draw back your sympathy," Joseph pinched her nose gently.

    "Ouch!"

    Irish still participated in the ostrichpetition, and she was the only girl among thepetitors. At close to seven o''clock in the evening, Irish was ready to go, and she even wore her diving sses. Joseph was confused, but she exined that she was trying to protect her eyes in case of an ident.

    The phone rang, and Joseph stood up to answer it.

    Irish vaguely heard a woman''s voice, and then she stepped to him, holding him from behind, with her face pressed against his back. She wanted to eavesdrop on the call.

    It was Belle, and she had already arrived in Cape Town, so she called to report her scheduling. Irish held him tightly and pouted since she was reluctant to let Joseph contact any other woman.

    Joseph didn''t push her away, allowing her to squeeze him, and talked to Belle while he fiddled with Irish''s fingers. He told her that he would stay in Stellenbosch for a night and urged her to arrange everything in Cape Town for him first. Obviously, Belle was surprised about Joseph''s decision, and Irish felt very pleased when she heard her exmation.

    When he finished the call, Irish cried out, "It''s awful that other women covet my boyfriend."

    Joseph turned around and embraced her, leaning on the window with his tall figure covering the sunset glow. His eyes were so deep, and his hair was stained with a trace of red under the glow. He pulled down her goggles and looked into her eyes, "Isabel, it seems that you perceive danger in every sound."

    "I''m serious, and it''s because you look so handsome." She reached out and fondled his face, eximing, "Doesn''t it make sense that one would worry about everything if they had such a handsome boyfriend."

    "What if one has a beautiful girlfriend?" Joseph held her waist and lowered his head. "Should I also worry about that?"

    She snorted and replied, "In your eyes, I am just as beautiful as Ruby, and you only praise me in bed."

    He flicked her forehead and said, "What a bratty woman."

    Irish buried her head in her hands and smirked. Then she stared at him cheerfully because when she recalled Belle''s resentful eyes, she felt so sweet since Joseph only cared about her.

    She still curled up in his arms, feeling his fresh breath. She thought for a while, and then she asked softly, "Do you think I will win?"

    "The most important thing is to participate."

    "I heard that there is a prize for the winner."

    Joseph sighed and replied, "The prize is not enough for you to buy a pocket full of souvenirs."

    "Then will you sponsor me?" Irish puckered her face with a smile and then added, "Just like you sponsored me at the contest in the Runestone Groupst time. Did you remember that?"<novelnext></novelnext>

    She finally told him.

    Joseph did not expect that she was aware of this, so he answered her with a soft smile, "Now that you know this, I won''t do it again."

    "Is it because you have already slept with me?" She asked deliberately.

    Joseph rubbed her hair and said, "How can you ask me this? Silly woman."

    "But that''s all I can think of. Men always go back on their word as soon as they have slept with a woman," She pretended toin to him.

    Joseph giggled upon hearing her answer, "But I have to save some dough for myself."

    "Well, if you want to save your dough, I have a suggestion for you."

    "What is it?"

    "Participate in ostrich riding with me, and we can tie the championship and win double the money."

    Joseph had expected that she would give him such an idea, and heughed. She often quickly got some idea to trick him, "But I don''t know how to ride an ostrich."

    "I don''t know how to either, but you can learn it from me in a short time."

    "No, I am going to be your cheerleader instead."

    "What a pity? What can you ride?"

    "I can ride horses and...and of course, you." Joseph showed an evil smile.

    It took her several seconds to react, and when she finally understood, she went pink and hit him gently. He was a serious man and never joked with her like this.

    Josephughed and stared at her with his doting eyes. He loved seeing her blush.

    While their love heated up quickly in South Africa, it seemed that Lilith was meeting many obstacles in New York. Under pressure from her mother, she finally agreed to go on a date with Ben, the son of Uncle Martin. When she got the news that Ben was diverting in a pub, she decided to go and take a look. She drove there and changed into the uniform of the wine seller.

    She got the information that Ben had a bad reputation among his peers, but he tried his best to act like a good man in front of elders. So she pretended to be a wine seller to get more information. He would definitely not agree to date a wine seller in a pub since he was an arrogant dandy.

    Lilith thought it was a good idea, so she carefully put on some makeup. Of course, she learned her makeup skills from Irish, and when Lilith called her, it seemed that Irish was in a good mood, so she gave her some advice and asked what it was for, but Lilith didn''t tell her the truth.

    It was very noisy in the pub, and Lilith walked directly to the room where Ben was drinking. She saw that he was hugging two women in his arms. Though he wasn''t bad looking, his dissolute manner was disgusting.

    Under the dim light, when she was about to step forward, it seemed that he had added some powder into one of the women''s cups, but the woman did not show any fear. Then the woman smiled at him and drank it.

 Chapter 216 216: Caught Handed By The Police

    Soon, the woman''s body melted like a marshmallow into his arms which made himugh proudly while the other woman also curled up in his arms. He took a sip of wine and then kissed the two women deliberately.

    Lilith felt sick by looking at the man in front of her.

    Jesus, she would never get married to such a disgusting beast!

    When she was still resentful about his behavior and was about to get close to him, the noisy music suddenly stopped, and all the lights turned on.

    Under the bright light, she could clearly make out the surrounding scene.

    Some people were dancing while holding each other, some were kissing, some of them were drinking alone in the corner, and some were even indulging in sex acts, including Ben. The woman who drank the wine with the powder was kneeling on the carpet with her head buried in his crotch.

    There was a tangible sense of embarrassment in the air when everything was exposed under the light.

    Lilith felt so awkward, but when she saw the man who entered the room, she was eager to find a ce to hide herself.

    Several cops opened the door, came in, and roared at them when lights were turned on, "We are policemen. So stay put and don''t move.

    As the team leader, Jay was also there dressed in his uniform. He did not say anything but ordered his subordinates to deal with the case. He stood there calmly but looked very stern.

    Lilith saw Jay immediately. She was so anxious that she hastily rushed into a corner and squatted with her head lowered. She silently prayed in her heart not to be discovered by him since she was dressed in an indecent costume.

    It was not the first time she had encountered Jay handling a case, but at least she was the casualtyst time, so she could talk to him openly. But it was weird this time since he was still the policeman, but she was just an unscrupulous wine seller.

    She kept looking at the ground and subconsciously pulled down her extremely short skirt while simultaneouslymenting how unlucky she was. Then they were required to produce their identity cards and stand in two rows to make a distinction between guests and workers there. Some people began toin about that.

    Soon the manager of the pub came out and took the initiative to shake hands with Jay. Lilith covered her face with her long hair and squinted at the manager, who was smiling sweetly. Obviously, he was also anxious, and he held Jay''s hand tightly, "Nice to meet you, Mr. Jay. What brings you here today?"<novelnext></novelnext>

    Jay shook his hand to show his respect and then replied indifferently, "We received a report that someone is taking drugs here."

    "Oh, how could that be possible? This is a formal entertainment venue, and there is no illegal activity urring here." He hastily began to exin to him and then added to fawn on him, "Mr. Jay, now it''s time for guests to be entertained, and the guests will not be happy if you address the case at this time. Please be kind."

    "I understand, but it is our duty, so please cooperate with us," Jay declined his request directly. He was dressed in his uniform and looked serious under the colorful lights.

    "Mr. Jay..." The man looked around and whispered to Jay.

    Lilith could see them, but she could not clearly hear what they were talking about. She saw the manager take out a red packet and put it in Jay''s hand.

    Lilith was shocked, and she felt that her head was being beaten with a stick. Though she couldn''t hear them talking, it was easy for her to know what was in the red packet. There were two situations in which a person in charge would carry a red packet. The first situation was that he had expected the cops woulde here at any time, so he prepared some money to bribe them with, while the second situation was that he knew that there were uwful acts going on, so he prepared the cash in case of any incidents.

    No matter the reason, she felt unpleasant about the man''s manner, but at the same time, she was also confused. On the one hand, she hoped that Jay would take the red packet and leave the ce, while on the other hand, she hoped he would not ept the bribe. Then Lilith turned to Ben, who was drunk, sitting on the ground with the two women who also were drunk, leaning against him. It reminded her about the powder he had put in the woman''s wine and how it must have been a narcotic drug.

    When they still remained deadlocked, she suddenly heard the man''s anxious voice, and she secretly peered at Jay, who was walking toward her. The manager followed him as nervously as an ant on a hot pan. It seemed that Jay had not epted his bribe.

    Somehow, Lilith was suddenly relieved, and it turned out in her deep heart that she had been reluctant to see Jay ept the bribe. But soon, a new problem urred since those policemen began to search in order to find out the narcotic drug as well as the suspect.

    Lilith wailed in her heart when she saw Jay, and she hastily lowered her head and covered her face with her hair again.

    Time passed, and the policemen found many drugs in the room and put them in front of Jay. Examining some of them, Jay smelled careful and then frowned. The manager was flustered and hastened to exin, "This is none of our business. The guests took it here. We are doing business in a clear and innocent manner."

    "Take out the relevant documents, and we will search each person one by one. Anyone without an ID card will be brought back to the police station," He ordered, ignoring the manager''s pleas.

    In a short time, the room was full ofints and anger. The manager had no choice but to cooperate with the policemen and took out the relevant documents of the employees for Jay to examine. Of course, there were still some without credentials, and they were brought back to the police station.

 Chapter 217 217: Take Out Your ID Card

    Most of the guests had not been taking drugs, and just a few were detained, including Ben.

    Lilith was so nervous, and her brain was running at light speed to figure out a solution. She was trying to slip away, but it was impossible since Jay stood in the center of the room.

    She took a deep breath and tried to calm down.

    When she was thinking, a policeman walked over to her and asked coldly, "Take out your ID card, please."

    She had not brought her ID card, and she was shocked by his voice, so she looked up and squinted at the policeman in front of her. It was an unfamiliar face, and she did not know him at all. She realized that Jay wouldn''te to check this pub for no reason, especially when he came here for the purpose of finding drugs. The only answer was that he took charge of the drug-rted crime unit again; why else would she not recognize his colleagues?

    She couldn''t help whining over how unfortunate she was. She could have escaped from there if she had known one of them.

    "What are you thinking? Where is your ID card?" He roared at her.

    Lilith quivered with fear and said, stuttering, "I didn''t bring it."

    "What''s your name?" The policeman asked.

    "I..." Lilith was so anxious and exined, "I am not part of the staff here."

    "Who woulde to drink here in such a costume? Do you think this is Halloween?" The policeman said loudly and took out the record sheet, "Name!"

    "...I am really not part of the staff here. I just came here to help my friend work for a night. You can ask the manager if he knows me." She looked up at him directly and said pitifully.

    "It seems you''re really a go-getter!" Don''t waste my time. What''s your name?"

    Lilith was really sorry that she didn''t take her ID card tonight.

    But her behavior had attracted the other policemen''s attention, and they all turned to Jay, "Jay, we have a suspect."

    "I am a suspect?" Lilith widened her eyes, and when she was about to argue with the policeman, she found that Jay had already looked at them. She felt that it was the end of the world.

    She never thought she was good at making up lies, so she couldn''t change her appearance through makeup very well. If she had predicted she would be trapped in such a dilemma, she would have learned how to do her makeup more effectively. Otherwise, Jay''s eyes wouldn''t turn to ice when he took sight of her.

    His sharp eyes could see right through criminals, so she knew he had already seen her.

    Finally, Jay walked up to her slowly. Her heart almost jumped out of her throat and her ears buzzed. She lowered her head and prayed that he would ignore her.

    But he finally stopped before her. His shining leather shoes gleamed before her eyes, and she wanted to cry.

    "Look up," The policeman beside him said unpleasantly.

    Lilith had no choice but to look up. She thought Jay must know that she wasn''t a worker here, let alone a drug addict.

    But when she looked directly at Jay, she was shocked by his cold eyes, and the coldness soon spread all throughout her body.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Jay looked at her for a long time and then asked, "Please take out your ID card."

    "Jay, are you crazy? It''s me." Lilith couldn''t help eximing in a loud voice. Obviously, the policeman who stood beside him was astonished by her words, and then he turned to Jay, "Do you know each other?"

    "I am a friend of his. Yes, we know each other," Lilith hastily exined. "I do not work here."

    The man looked at Jay hesitantly.

    But Jay ignored her exnation and called the manager over.

    "Is she part of the staff here?"

    Lilith widened her eyes at Jay.

    The manager looked at her for a while and replied hesitantly, "Mr. Jay, you know we have many temporary wine sellers here, I am not sure if she only worked here tonight for her friend."

    "Hey, you..."

    "Don''t you have your ID card?" Jay interrupted her and asked coldly. She swallowed and shook her head. Jay stopped talking and stared at her with a meaningful expression while his colleague hastened to ease the situation, "Jav, perhaps there is no problem here since you know each other."

    Lilith smiled at him in appreciation, but Jay still looked cold and, after a long time, ordered, "Take her back to the police station."

    "What?" She was shocked, along with his colleague beside her.

    Jay didn''t talk to her further and walked away. Lilith stamped her feet with anger.

    ****

    It was seven o''clock at the ostrich farm in South Africa, and the ostrich riding game was about to start.

    The atmosphere of this stadium was like the excitement at the American Vige Culture Festival. There were passionate girls who specialized in serving tourists. They were all plump, wearing short skirts and an ostrich doll on their heads, which jumped as they walked, and they looked very cute.

    The girls walked through the crowds, carrying beers of all kinds and smiling brightly as sunflowers.

    There were tenpetitors in total, and they all rode an ostrich up to the track. As the only femalepetitor, Irish got the number eight, which was a good number.

    It was easy to ride an ostrich, and she knew she just needed to grab it tightly. Therefore, she picked a docile ostrich topete with. When she appeared on the track, many people gave her apuse, while the other nine malepetitors whistled to her, but she snorted and waved at the audience proudly.

    Irish was brightly dressed, and she even wore an exaggerated western cowboy hat which attracted many people''s attention. She also wore a red scarf with her ostrich, and after greeting the audience, she found Joseph among the crowd.

    He was dressed in casual clothes and leaned against his chair leisurely. He smiled at her softly while drinking beer. Irish was excited and waved at him while Joseph gave her a thumbs-up.

 Chapter 218 218: She Won The Race

    When she was about to turn around, she saw a passionate girl step up to him and get very close to him to pour his beer. Her plump breasts were almost falling into his arms, which annoyed Irish.

    With the shot of the gun, the ostriches began to rush forward, including Irish''s. It ran so quickly that she had to grab its wings tightly to avoid falling off.

    The ostrich''s wings were like the reins of a horse, and she could control its speed as well as the direction through its wings. Though it couldn''t fly because of its heavy body, its wings still yed an important role in them. When they run in the wild, their open wings can be used as a sail to speed them up, and when they fight, their wings can deter enemies. They could even be used as an umbre under the sun as a shelter for their chicks, and when they were courting, they used their wings to attract attention.

    Riding ostriches here was a special activity because the ostrich has evolved to have amazing strength in its legs and feet. They could kick a dog to death with their strong legs, and many animals could notpete with their running speed of 60 kilometers per hour.

    Therefore, when Irish was riding on the ostrich, she felt very excited, as if she was driving a fast car, and her hat almost flew away.

    Gradually she mastered the riding skill and began to speed up, overtaking the people ahead. When she went head to head with another racer, the man couldn''t help jeering. "Hey girl, you won''t win this race."

    Irish patted the ostrich, and it suddenly sped up, but at the same time, the other racer also sped up. She took a glimpse of the man who wasughing at her, which made her feel ufortable. Suddenly she squinted and pulled off the colored silk scarf around her neck and waved it at the other ostrich. The man''s ostrich became excited, and she loosened her hands, letting it float away, and the ostrich carrying the white man squawked and chased the silk scarf.

    The man screamed angrily, whose cry was mixed with his ostrich''s.

    No one said it was a fairpetition, so Irish felt very proud of her trick.

    When the man''s ostrich left the track, Irish knew she had eliminated apetitor. However, she was not afraid that he would catch up with her again because, obviously, the ostrich was more interested in her silk scarf. Moreover, the ostrich was more than three meters, and she bet he would not jump down from it.

    Suddenly another man ahead frivolously whistled at her, and when she caught up with him, he began constantly chattering with her, which annoyed her. Irish couldn''t leave him behind in a short time, but the man was so nosy that he even asked if she had a boyfriend, but she did not reply.

    Irish finally took a glimpse at him, and he took the chance to ride his ostrich up by her, side by side.

    She took out a whistle from her pocket and suddenly blew it, immediately producing a sharp noise. The man was shocked, and before he could respond to it, his ostrich chirped and then rushed into a haystack, and the man fell down.

    Irish raised the whistle in her hands and said cheerfully, "I''m really sorry!"

    It was the so-called "ostrich spirit." When they encountered any danger, they would bury their heads and turn a blind eye to it.

    She eliminated many opponents with her tricks, and she was getting closer to victory. Many of her opponents were left behind by her, but there was still one man in front of her. As long as she could surpass him, she could be the winner of the race. It was not difficult for her to eliminate him.<novelnext></novelnext>

    When Irish was riding on the ostrich and chasing him from behind, she suddenly shouted at his back. The man turned back to take a look at her, and Irish smiled and waved to him. However, the man was confused, and she suddenly took out an ostrich egg from her pocket.

    Irish waved the ostrich egg and pretended to throw it at him. The man hastily sped up while Irish also rushed to chase him. When she was just three or four meters away from him, she shouted at him again, and the man turned back at her once more.

    At the moment he turned back, she threw the ostrich egg to him, which frightened him as well as his ostrich. The ostrich fluttered its wings, and the man couldn''t grab it and fell off his ostrich as well.

    Irish giggled, and when she passed by him, the man shouted at her in anger.

    Finally, Irish won the game with her variety of dirty tricks. Of course, she also encountered a small incident. As she rushed to the finish line, thunderous apuse erupted from the crowd. Irish arrogantly raised her hands to cheer for herself and forgot to hold onto the ostrich''s wings. In two seconds, she was thrown from the ostrich''s back and fell onto the ground as well.

    The world began to slow down from the moment Irish flew off the ostrich''s back. Her body first bounced off while her hands spread out in the air, and her cowboy hat flew away in the wind. Her expression was shocked and scared.

    The audience was amused by her, covering their mouths to stop themselves fromughing.

    When the world returned to its normal speed, they could see that Irish had mmed to the ground, and she cried out.

    She won the race but almost broke her ribs.

    After limping from the ground, the first thing she did was find Joseph, but she saw that he was surrounded by severalpetitors who were all filled with indignation.

    Irish hastily slipped away since they were all her opponents who were foiled by her tricks.

    When Irish won the race in a despicable way, Lilith was not in a good situation in New York. Though Irish fell down and was hated by her opponents, she won the game and got the prize.

    However, at the same time, Lilith was being taken back to the police station.

    She squatted in the corner of the police station with several wine sellers without ID cards, and she felt depressed because it was Jay who interrogated them.

 Chapter 219 219: You Decide

    There were seven people to be interrogated in total, and she was the fifth.

    When it was her turn, Jay asked her coldly, "What''s your name?"

    Lilith squatted there silently.

    Jay stopped, looking up at her, and then repeated, "What''s your name?"

    She squinted at his face and couldn''t wait to bite off his nose. She gnashed her teeth and answered, "Lilith."

    "Sex?"

    Hearing this, she widened her eyes, gazed at his handsome face, and replied sharply, "You decide."

    Jay looked up at her again expressionlessly and jotted down a note.

    "Age."

    She still kept silent.

    Jay pped the pen on the table and frowned at her. He looked serious and said to her, "Please cooperate with me."

    She had never seen him like this and drew back her neck in her cor like a turtle. "Twenty-three." She replied.

    Jay took up and continued, "Why did you go there? Did you see anyone who sells drugs there?"

    "I am innocent, and I don''t even know them," Lilith tried to exin to him and added while she stood up, "I don''t know anything about the drugs, and I��."

    "Have I asked you to stand up?" Jay roared at her.

    "Jay, this is too much of you," She was worked up.

    The people in this room all looked at them, but Jay still kept his countenance and warned her, "Don''t move."

    Clenching her fists, Lilith had no choice but to follow his words. "Did you see any suspicious people there?"

    "No." She replied resentfully.

    Jay recorded and repeated the question again, "Why did you go there?"

    "I went there for a blind date."

    He suddenly stopped and looked up, frowning at her, "A blind date?"

    "I went there to find out if the man who will date me is reliable. And if he was, I was going to get married to him." She said directly and widened her eyes at him.

    Jay was shocked and frowned even more tightly, "Why?"

    He did not know why he would ask her like this, and his question had a deeper meaning.

    But Lilith stood up again and roared at him without any hesitation, "It is because you pushed me to do so." Then she turned to the people around, asking, "Have you ever seen such a man who would force his girlfriend to go on a blind date with another man?"

    They were all astonished by her words, and one of the girls even said slowly, "Hey girl, have you know that is just the instinct of men. They are the most unreliable creatures in the world."<novelnext></novelnext>

    After she finished her words, others began to whisper.

    His face changed after hearing this, and then he took out his phone and called someone, while at the same time keeping his eyes on Lilith, "Larry,e in, please."

    Lilith rolled her eyes at him and leaned against the wall with her arms crossed. Larry came in, and Jay ordered him to take the others out and urged him not to let them go until their families came.

    When everyone left, Jay stood up, walked to the interrogation room''s mirror, and pressed a switch. After that, he also turned off the camera.

    Lilith stared at him with vignce and rushed to the corner of the room as if to avoid a monster. Jay did not step forward but went back to his chair, leaving her panicking, and then he asked slowly. "Who is the man you are going to date?"

    "It''s none of your business," She replied harshly.

    "You just said that you are my girlfriend, so I have to ask you this," There was a faint sulkiness in his eyes.

    She sneered and said, "How can you allow me to talk nonsense now? Dear officer, I dare not im any rtionship with you. What''s more, now that you are so unselfish, why did you turn off the cameras?"

    Jay ignored her and looked through the papers on the table, and after a long time, he said briefly, "Ben."

    She was shocked.

    "You are going to date, Ben." He repeated and put the papers back.

    "How do you know?"

    Jay did not intend to hide from her and replied, "Only his family''s status could match yours. Of course, there are some suspects that have been released, and he may be among them. But I guess that it''s Ben."

    She gnashed her teeth and snorted for a few seconds, "Yes, I am going to date him. If possible, I will get married to him."

    "Get married to him?" Jayughed and pointed to the papers on the table, "Are you serious? He is a dandy who always dates different girls and even takes an analeptic.

    "I don''t care. It''s my business," Lilith offended him and then added, "Analeptic is not methamphetamine. Nowadays, many people take it. If you want to arrest a major suspect, why not go back to Florida?"

    "It seems that you know a lot about him." Jay leaned on the chair and then asked indifferently, "Did you fall in love with each other at first sight, or have you been in love for a long time?"

    "Jay, no matter what the situation is, I won''t find a man worse than you."

    "A man who takes an analeptic?"

    "I have told you he just takes it for fun." She leaned against the wall and sneered.

    Jay did not continue to interrogate her, and he stepped toward her quickly after a long while. After seeing this, she was no longer calm and pointed at him and said, "What do you want to do? I can sue you." She wouldn''t have been as worried if he did not turn off the camera.

    "Now that you know him so well, why not talk to me? If you can exin it clearly to me, I will release him, but if you can''t, you''ll have to stay here with him."

    Lilith looked up, pretending to be calm, and said, "If you have any evidence, then you can arrest me now."

    "You want to protect him?" Jay pinched her chin.

    The pain spread from her chin to her teeth, and she almost burst out in tears. She pushed him angrily, "Yes. What''s wrong with that? You are not allowed to restrain me. Do you have any evidence?"

 Chapter 220 220: It’s Rare That You Admit Your Mistakes

    She was so anxious, but she couldn''t move. When she beat him, he held her hands. He looked at her pitiful eyes that were filled with tears. Her cheeks were pink and looked so beautiful.

    Jay felt a trace of restlessness in his chest, and a me rose as the woman in his arms resisted violently. He felt that he was almost burning. He loosened his hands, and she fell directly into his arms, making her frown at him.

    His eyes turned slightly dismal, and then he reached out to hold her face, "Well, then I am going to find the evidence, and I will figure out if you have taken an analeptic."

    Lilith did not understand his words but gazed at him angrily.

    Then he suddenly lowered his head to kiss her.

    "Em..." She did not expect that he would do so, and she widened her eyes in astonishment.

    She was stunned and opened her mouth slightly, and his tongue slipped into her mouth. And it was not until this moment that Lilith then realized what was happening.

    She pushed him with all of her strength.

    Jay finally let her go while feeling regret for his behavior and was also confused by his runaway mood. He looked at her irritated eyes and finally said indifferently, "Inform your family to take you back."

    "Jay, you are a dick." She was so angry she wanted to pull out all of his hair.

    ****

    It was nine o''clock in South Africa.

    Irish sat on the couch like a broken machine, and she was still dressed in her racing clothes with her hat down on the ground.

    Joseph got some medicine for her injuries from the fall and sat down beside her, looking at her helplessly. "Take off your clothes and let me check your injuries."

    "There is no trauma but internal injuries," Irish replied sickly.

    "Then go to take a shower first, and I will give you some medicine after that." He patted her head lightly and said softly. He had never seen such a covetous woman who would rather get hurt than lose a prize.

    Irish shook her head and buried it in the pillow.

    "What''s wrong?"

    After a long time, her dull voice sounded, "It''s a bloody shame."

    Joseph knew she was a proud woman and smiled tofort her, "I think it''s your opponents who will feel ashamed." However, it was not until the game was finished that he discovered she had used many tricks.

    Hearing this, Irish turned to face him, "But you said before that birds die for food while people die for money."

    "So why do you feel ashamed? You won." Joseph tucked her hair aside and asked.

    She still bent over and sighed, "I was wrong."

    He raised his eyebrows and said, "It is really rare that you admit your mistakes."

    She waved dismissively at him while he pulled her up. Then, she added, "I mean, the ostrich egg was also expensive, so I shouldn''t have thrown it away." Irish leaned on his chest gloomily.

    Joseph looked at her in surprise, "I really can''t figure out your mind."

    "You mean my brain cells or my thoughts?" Irish joked with him.

    Joseph smiled and couldn''t help kissing her forehead, "You make my life so colorful, honey" Before her, he had never seen such an adorable woman, and his life was so peaceful. But from the day when he met her, his life changed. She had many defects: she was arrogant, and she was also a money-grubber. Perhaps people wouldn''t like this, but somehow, those defectsbined as a rare characteristic that attracted him.

    He had never been so charmed by her, and at this moment, he just wanted to hold her tightly.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish kissed his lips secretly and asked, "Will you help me appease my opponents?" When she saw that he was surrounded by those women, she slipped away and felt a little bit guilty.

    "Luckily, they are all reasonable, and they epted my apologies," Joseph pinched her cheeks lightly.

    "You are so good." Irish held him with her lips pressing against his chin. "But I''m still worried since you are so noticeable." Then she kissed him again and sighed after a long time, "Can you wear a mask every time you go out?"

    Heughed after hearing this. "Is that really necessary?"

    "But the girls are so passionate. They looked at you meaningfully." She frowned and pouted her lips.

    "Men''s eyes also follow you. You bewitched them with your enchanting beauty." Thinking of this, Joseph felt a little unpleasant and embraced her, biting her neck slightly. "I really want to gouge their eyes out."

    "Then you''d better gouge my eyes out first."

    "I can''t bear to do that." Joseph was tickled by her and added, "Though you can move forward while I resolve everything for you. I won''t allow you to run wild next time."

    "You never allow me to run wild." Irish frowned and added, "A boyfriend should pet his woman."

    Joseph sighed and replied, "Well, that is my fault, and I will do better in the future. But can you just go take a shower now?"

    "I am too tired and just want to sleep after washing my hair."

    "No." He shook his head and declined her proposal. "You almost became an ostrich."

    "But I''m really exhausted."

    Joseph did not reply but began to unbutton her dress.

    "Joseph, you are unreasonable. I am tired."

    "Stop talking," He brought her to the bathroom directly.

    It was hot in the bathroom, and therge bathtub was filled with blushing rose petals when Irish sat in it. She looked so petite in such a big bathtub.

    She leaned her head on the massage mat while her long hair was in Joseph''s hands, who was washing gently for her. The chandelier emitted a faint glow, falling on the man''s hair and the woman''s cheek.

    "Joseph, have you washed other women''s hair before?" Under the red rose petals, her body looked enchanting. She opened her eyes and asked him.

    Joseph shook his head and smiled, "Never. You are the first one."

    "Well, can I ask for more service?" He gazed at her and asked, "What service?"

    "What about massaging my head? It aches." She smirked.

    Joseph freed one of his hands and slipped down from her shoulder. "I can massage your whole body."

    He was amused by her tenderness and began to massage her.

    "Ouch." She suddenly cried out since he kneaded her head so harshly. "Are you trying to kill me?" She gazed at him andined.

    He smiled helplessly.

    "Women are more fragile than men." He could see the outline of her plump bosom. He smiled softly and tried again to knead her head more gently, making Irish feelfortable this time. Finally, she closed her eyes and sighed.

 Chapter 221 221: Have A Try

    Joseph was delighted with Irish''s appreciation, staring at her face and smiling.

    In the bathtub, the floating rose petals gave out a fragrance that stayed in the air, so alluring. Rose petals were clinging to her shoulder, and there seemed to be a cinnabar mole on her clean skin, and thus, the skin appeared even paler.

    While enjoying such a beautiful scene, Irish asked idly, "Has any woman served you like this?" She seemed to be indifferent to anything superficial, but the envy and terror in her inner heart were palpable. She paid more and more attention to every woman appearing next to him, no matter who appeared in the past or those who would show up in the future, even Ruby. She was afraid that he would be tired of her and that he would fall in love with others.

    After posing this question, Joseph kept silent.

    Feeling surprised, she opened her eyes and met Joseph''s. There was a sense of hesitation in her eyes, and she wanted to avert them, but she couldn''t do so. His eyes were also dyed with the red color in the bathtub, as attractive as bloodstone. After a while, he sighed and touched her face lightly, "Irish, what are you thinking about?"

    Irish hated herself like this, so she just frowned and looked down.

    Joseph just smiled lightly and said, "I am not ustomed to others touching my head."

    Irish closed her lips lightly, feeling so happy in her inner heart. She then looked down at the petals floating in the water and dragged one up, squeezing it so hard that her fingertips were infected with its heavy scent.

    Joseph''s arm came down, and he entwined his fingers with hers, smiling lightly, "Except you."

    Joy exploded in her heart like fireworks, and everything seemed brilliant to her. Irish smiled and couldn''t help embracing him. For a man who would not make any firm promises, this affirmative answer was already the best promise he could provide for her. Seeing her smiling face, Joseph also felt pleasant. He just joked, "Your behavior is alluring to me."

    His arms were held around her bosom and squeezed her breasts.

    Not being shy, Irish turned around. Her figure, covered by the rose petals, was as beautiful as a glowing fish. She looked into his eyes with an obvious sense of enchantment, "Mr. Dover, could you please be bolder?"

    Joseph smiled and lowered to pinch her chin lightly. He just asked, "Tell me, how do you like it?"

    She lowered lightly and licked his fingers, smiling, "I will be the first."

    Joseph raised his eyebrows questioningly.

    Irish pulled his arm with great strength. Joseph didn''t struggle, either. He just followed her will and dropped into the bathtub. Therge bathtub suddenly became crowded.

    The water sshed out and soaked Joseph''s clothes. They were attached to him, especially his upper body. As he straightened up and held her happily, the outline of his strong pecs could be obviously seen.

    "You are bolder and bolder." He wasn''t angry and held her tightly by supporting her waist, lowering to look at her with a heavy breath.

    Irish reached her arms to hold his neck with wet hair clinging to her back. The tips of her hair were floating on the water, surrounded by the rose petals, just like seaweed that was endowed with life and swayed in the wind.

    "I suppose that it will be excellent to eat you."<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Good idea." Joseph smiled, and as their foreheads touched, his breath became hotter. With one hand moving down along her tailbone, he said, "But I am ustomed to taking the initiative."

    Irish''s arm also moved down and unlocked his buttons teasingly and slowly, "I think that it might also be good for you to be passive."

    Soon she took off his clothes. Her fingers touched his corbone and moved down, and finally fell on his strong chest, praising him, "Your attractive body is poison."

    "So you only love my body?" Joseph frowned and pretended to be unhappy.

    Irish smiled and offered to kiss him, biting his lips. Her hand also moved down and touched his maleness that was already erect. This behavior made him burst out a satisfied sigh.

    Irish murmured just like a clingy cat, "In fact, you can conquer women with it. So it is even more attractive than your handsome face."

    Joseph enjoyed the softness of her palm andughed loudly upon hearing her words. He lowered his head and kissed her ear heavily, "Hey, girl. It is up to me whether I''ll be mild or cruel to you."

    "Joseph..." She lost her bnce from his breath and looked up to ept his light kisses. At the same time, she held his shoulder, gasping lightly and resisting her shyness, "Do you want me?"

    The warmth of the water motivated them to be attached to each other even more closely. Her softness made him breathe heavily. His hands touched her skin with strong emotions, and every inch of her skin was as soft as silk and satin. He was fond of her softness, light quivering, and even her blind boldness.

    "You said that you wanted to take the initiative?" He asked.

    She clung to him like duckweed and

    said lightly, "I''m afraid of it."

    "Have a try." Heughed, inhaling the smell of her hair.

    Irish crawled on his body. Either reflected by the rose petals or out of shyness, her cheek blushed, but she still fell on at his waist boldly.

    At the next moment, she frowned and grabbed his shoulders. The sense of fullness made her moan. Her posture and the pressure under the water made her suffer.

    Her initiative made Joseph''s lower abdomen shrink suddenly, and soon the sense of softness and pressing came. He praised it, feeling sofortable. Then, recognizing her great difficulty, heughed and rushed forward without warning.

    "Oh my god��." Irish screamed at this moment. This kind of feeling almost killed her.

    Joseph lifted up her body and even knelt down directly. Irish shouted out in surprise and could only rely on him with legs surrounding his waist. Her whole body was on the water, with her toes touching the rose petals asionally.

    "Joseph!" She was afraid that she would fall down, so she just held his neck tightly.

 Chapter 222 222: Why Didn’t You Call Your Family?

    But Joseph just moved calmly with his strong arms surrounding her tightly. He was so fit, while she was petite as a feather, gasping and immersed in his chest like a paste.

    This kind of position required a man''s total control. In this way, Irish realizedpletely what the real feeling of being conquered was.

    "You...broke your words. You let me take the initiative��." This unique posture and sense of excitement made her gradually numb with every thrust he made.

    Joseph lowered and kept her in his mouth with a light voice while his actions sped up, "It''s better for a man to take the initiative."

    "Joseph..." She looked up and was nearly cramped. She called out his name repeatedly while savoring the pleasure they shared.

    ****

    Compared with Irish, Lilith was not so lucky. While the barmaids were bailed out and left one by one, she was still in the interrogation room, drooping her head and losing her will like a piece of limp lettuce.

    The neon light outside the window was broken into pieces, and the darkness was pasted on the window like ink.

    She didn''t know what time it was, so she looked up at the clock on the wall. It was nearly ten o''clock at night.

    Beside her was her phone, Jay gave it to her to let her call her family. She did so, but she told them that she was workingte. As a result, she saw her fellows leaving one by one. Feeling tired, she sat on the chair and leaned against the wall, slouching.

    After a long while, the interrogation room door was pushed open.

    She didn''t take a look and just stared at the geometric pattern on the floor.

    And then a man stepped on the pattern.

    Lilith raised her head and felt very surprised when she saw the man''s face. She thought that he would have left.

    Jay had changed into his casual wear. Having taken off his uniform, he was still standing upright. As he saw her, he frowned and asked impatiently, "How''s it going?"

    Lilith just nced at him and didn''t answer, keeping her head down. As she thought of his forced kiss, her heart beat quickly.

    "Say something!"

    "How''s it going? You took me to the police station, and you''re asking me this stupid question?" She sniffed.

    Jay shouted, "I mean, why didn''t you call your family."

    Lilith raised her eyes to nce at him idly, cocking her head a little to one side, "Actually, you are part of my family, so there is no need to call anyone."

    Puzzled, Jay turned to be more serious, "Lilith, do not think that that kiss represents anything. I am not your family."

    Lilith stared at him, "Sir, you think too much. I didn''t mean that. I am Irish''s cousin, and you are too. So to some extent, we are family."

    Jay might not have expected that she would answer him in this way. Embarrassed, he cleared his throat and said, "Call your family quickly." Sometimes he had to admit that Lilith had something inmon with Irish in terms of personality.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "You do it. I will not call my family since you need to be responsible for your behavior." Lilith was no longer rational.

    "You��" Jay frowned.

    However, Lilith still looked at the geometric pattern, seeming to care about nothing. Jay stared at her, and after a while, he turned to go away. She had not expected this, so as the door closed, she stood up from the chair and rushed to catch him. She wondered if she would have to stay there overnight.

    Thinking about it for several minutes, she was still wondering whether to call her family. Jay entered again, and this time there was a bag in his hand. Lilith was confused, and he threw it at her.

    It was her bag, which was regarded as a clue and taken to the police station.

    Lilith raised her head to look at him, not fully understanding.

    "You can go now." Jay suddenly said.

    Lilith still didn''t understand, "Ah?"

    "Take it. I''ll bring you back." Jay told him patiently.

    Lilith felt happy immediately, "Sir, are you bending thew for personal gain?" Jay didn''t answer her but turned to leave. Lilith took up the bag and quickly followed him.

    It was strangely dark.

    There was thick fog at night, which was not good for driving. Lilith sat in the passenger seat, carefree and pleasant, while Jay was still indifferent.

    Jay stopped at a red light, and beside his car, there was another one, stopping beside Lilith slowly. The driver was a young man, aged 18 or 19, with strange clothes. As he turned to see Lilith, he then took a nce at the inside and then put the car window down, whistling towards them, "Sir, do you like this type of girl?"

    With the windows open, Jay grasped his words easily and turned to look at him. Such a coincidence! He was one of the others who were taken to the police station from the bar. A typical dude! Since he was usually innocent, he was also bailed out. Jay didn''t respond, and the younger guy drove away without saying anything further.

    Lilith sniffed at him while Jay drove his car silently. After a while, he suddenly said, "Change your clothes."

    No wonder the younger man would y such a joke. Lilith looked like a ygirl, especially in her skirt, which was incredibly short.

    Lilith took a nce at the back seat where her bag was. She then looked around and said, "We''re surrounded by so many buildings. You want me to change my clothes in front of them?"

    Jay didn''t say anything and drove onto a side road.

    "Or in front of you?" Lilith grinned. He took a look at her and then threw a package of wet paper napkins at her, ordering her coldly, "Clean that ridiculous makeup off your face."

    Surprised, Lilith adjusted the rearview mirror to have a look. She then stared at him, "How delicate I am! You don''t know how to appreciate beauty."

    "Clean it!"

 Chapter 223 223: Why Would He Send It To Me?

    Lilith had to listen to him, unhappily taking out a piece of a wet paper napkin. She was so reluctant to rub away the makeup. Gradually, her clean face appeared. Jay then looked at her again, "It''s good now. You are naturally beautiful."

    "You mean I am naturally beautiful?"

    "You naturally show off your beauty." He reproached her without thinking much.

    "Women tend to do so." Lilith was unhappy, "What''s more, I learned from your cousin."

    Jay was still unsatisfied, "It''s suitable for her, but not for you."

    This time Lilithughed at him, "It seems that you have an attachment to your sister."

    "Nonsense!"

    "As the saying goes, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. In your eyes, your cousin is the most beautiful. It''s difficult for me not to think about it." Lilith deliberately drew it long, "You know what; it''s illegal to marry your cousin now."

    "Shut up." He was pissed off.

    "Am I right?" Lilith loved to see his angry facial expression, deliberately distorting his words, "Tell me now. Do you really like your cousin?"

    Jay frowned, "What are you talking about?"

    "It''s because you think this makeup isn''t suitable for me," Lilith grinned.

    Jay didn''t answer her and suddenly braked somewhere he didn''t know. Lilith rushed forward without any preparation, screaming out loudly, "Are you mad?"

    He still didn''t respond to her shouting but took her bag from the back seat, throwing it to her, "Change."

    Lilith massaged her injured arm, shouting at him, "Here?"

    "Yes!"

    "In front of you?" She asked angrily.

    Jay turned to look at her. She was afraid to see him, pointing at him, "What are you going to do?"

    He approached her suddenly with his face close to hers. Lilith was terrified, but he still approached, "How do you like it?"

    "You...you��" She felt nervous about his sudden behavior.

    Jay stared at her face. Such a short distance made it easy for him to smell her fragrance. Seeing her little red lips and teeth shining like pearls, he thought of that uncontrolled kiss at the police station. It was the first time he had kissed a woman against her will. Her lips were as soft and sweet as jelly. He longed to have a taste of them.

    Thinking of this, the expression in his eyes was different, and he swallowed.

    Lilith didn''t know what he was thinking about but found that his expression changed sensitively. She wrongly thought that he would hurt her, feeling terrified, so she just spoke again carefully, "I warn you that you are a police officer, and I am a citizen. If you dare to hurt me, I will report you to your leader��."

    Jay felt helpless, grabbed her bag to press it onto her, and said harshly, "Change quickly!" And then he got out.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Lilith took the bag. Seeing Jay standing outside the window and lighting a cigarette, she just sniffed and changed her clothes.

    ****

    Unlike Lilith''s terrible experience, Cassie was luckier because she received a valuable gift.

    ? It was a delicate ck gift case with a dark purple bow. The girl in the administrative sector couldn''t help asking her what it was as she signed her name to take it away, but Cassie didn''t actually know.

    When she returned to the office, she opened it, and she first thought that it might be from Fredrick, but that proved wrong when she saw the gift.

    It was a shining diamond ne decorated with ice blue agate to entuate the brightness of the diamond. She could tell the agate was rare, let alone the value of the diamond.

    She had seen this ne before. She chose it because Roy said that he wanted to give a ne to Irish. The more beautiful it was, the better. Thinking of this, Cassie frowned. Why would he send it to me? She thought.

    As she took out the ne, a little card fell out with a light smell. It belonged to a man. Cassie picked it up, and it read, "You worth it! I willnd at 6 o''clock. Let''s have dinner together."

    Below the card was his name and the name and address of the restaurant.

    "What an idiot," Cassie tore it off and threw it in the rubbish can beside the desk. She then took a nce at the ne, and a secondter, it was thrown into the case again.

    The phone rang. It was from Cassie''s mother.

    "Cassie, are you off work now? Your father and I are at the foot of your office building."

    "Yes, yes. I will go down immediately." Cassie threw the ne and the case into her drawer, leaving the office quickly.

    This time, Fredrick didn''t break his promise. Instead, he picked up his parents at the station. Along the way, Cassie''s parents asked many things about him and emphasized how good he was in front of Cassie. Finally, Cassie thought it necessary to say something about Fredrick to her parents, so she made an appointment with her parents to have dinner together, telling them about Fredrick''s family.

    But she had never expected that such a yboy would have destroyed her good mood.

    In the elevator, Cassie was angrier and angrier. She had had a good intention to choose a gift for Irish with him, but he just teased her. Have dinner together? What a daydream!

    ****

    It was in South Africa, and the night was alluring.

    The sex had made Irish exhausted, and she finally fell asleep.

    In the bed, Joseph turned off the light, hugging her into his bosom. Maybe it was because he was excited by her initiative, or he was satisfied with the passion, but he was not sleepy at all. He observed the woman in his bosom under the moonlight, feeling so pleasant.

    The moonlight was like silver, making her eyebrows and eyes look so clear. Her eyebrows, eyshes, nose, and lips were all dyed with moonlight, cold and clean, like a silverfish in a dream, drawing his attention.

    Joseph''s eyes were deep through the moonlight, and his fingers touched her face. At this moment, he couldn''t help thinking of a sentence: "One day, someone wille into your life and let you understand why you and others get no results."

 Chapter 224 224: She Was His Luxury

    He thought that every day he was just repeating the previous day. He was always busy. In this increasingly cold and indifferent world, it was hard for him to find his soulmate, so love was a luxury that could not be found, something that could not be bought for any price.

    But God had blessed him, so he finally met her. Finally, after experiencing more than 30 confusing years, he finally tasted love and understood that once the right person appeared, one would realize how boring their past was.

    So he treasured and took care of it.

    She was his luxury.

    He didn''t want to lose her.

    The night was deeper, and Irish became increasingly unstable.

    Buried in Joseph''s arms, her forehead began to sweat, and her eyebrows knitted tightly together. Her eyes were closed, moving quickly under her eyelids.

    In the dream, the towering peak was daunting, and the summit was covered with ayer of white snow. The sun poured down, shining silver light.

    She climbed up all the way against the wind. On the half, the mountain blew a cold, sharp wind mixed with the icy snow. Her eyes felt cold, and she blinked to try and warm them. She turned around. Beside her was Adam, and she marveled at his strong, tall stature.

    Close by, Adam climbed to a height close to hers, turning his head and gesturing to her. Irish smiled, but gradually, the smile on her face turned to surprise.

    When Adam''s face gradually became clear before her eyes, she found that it was Joseph''s!

    Her eyes widened suddenly, but there was no sound uttered from her mouth.

    Joseph''s face became clearer and clearer in her cold eyes, and the sun shone on his handsome cheeks, which looked so real to her, and she wanted to cry. As she saw him reach slowly to her, she forgot to reach for him in astonishment.

    Somehow there was an ominous feeling of foreboding in her mind.

    Soon, this premonition came true!

    The man''s body shuddered, the fastening buckles attached to the cliff burst off, and the ropes suddenly slipped off the safety buckles. Before she could call his name, he fell like a bird with broken wings from half a mountain up!

    "Adam!" Irish called out his name subconsciously, and then she opened her eyes.

    Before her eyes were only the quiet night, where was the frosty peak?

    Irish woke in a panic, and her breath was erratic. The strong arm around her chestforted her.

    Gradually, the sweat on her forehead faded, and her breath became stable. Only the familiar breathing of Joseph could be heard.

    Joseph...

    Irish looked up gently, seeing his chin. She closed her eyes and then opened them again. His breath was steady and deep, and his face was clearly visible in the moonlight.

    It was not Adam but Joseph.

    But why was the face she saw in her dream Joseph''s?<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish''s temples were throbbing in pain. How long had it been since she went rock climbing? It seemed that she had no courage to approach a peak after Adam fell from the mountain.

    She sat back in Joseph''s arms, listening to his steady heartbeat. She never dreamed of Adam, even if he was gone, nor did she dream of that day. Thinking of this, Irish suddenly opened her eyes again, and a trace of horror spread from the bottom of her heart.

    She slowly looked up again, staring at Joseph, who was sleeping with his eyes closed, and the horror that spread from the bottom of her heart grew stronger. Finally, she discovered the problem, which was why she couldn''t remember Adam''s face. How did she begin to forget what Adam looked like?

    However, the more she couldn''t remember Adam''s face, the more she felt that the man beside her was like Adam.

    When she met Adam, they got along very well, and her days with him were short but happy. He had given her the same sense of happiness and security as Joseph gave her. Thinking this way, Irish was even more frightened because she found that Adam and Joseph were oddly simr in some ways. For example, Adam was as unpredictable as Joseph when he was silent. On the other hand, when Adam was serious, he made her crazy like Joseph.

    The more she thought about it, the more she panicked, and she couldn''t help but shiver.

    Why did she dream it for no reason? Since she had been with Joseph, she had never woken up at 1:30 am, and there were no more childish voices in her dreams, and no one uttered distant incantations in her ears.

    There were no more uneasy nights that troubled her.

    There was nothing but dreams.

    Adam...

    She repeated the name in her mind. What on earth did he look like? Why did she wake up from her dream when she thought of Adam and could only remember Joseph''s face?

    The clock in the room was ticking, and the sound of her eardrums buzzing could be heard.

    After a long time, Irish gently raised her hand, and her fingers covered Joseph''s cheek. There was hesitancy in her eyebrows, and suddenly, she withdrew her hand, secretly startled at her absurd thoughts.

    He was Joseph, not Adam, no!

    Irish got into his arms and couldn''t help hugging him so that she could truly feel his presence and feel that the man who was sleeping beside her was Joseph, the man she loved so much.

    The man''s arm also tightened around her, so she was close to his chest, breathing his breath. She closed her eyes, and her mind kept telling herself to forget the dream.

    The woman in his arms was finally quiet, and after a long time, her breath was rxed and steady.

    Joseph opened his eyes with his chin against her head, hugged her again, and sighed heavily. He felt the pain spreading as her breath fell on his chest.

    It was the first time Joseph had felt uncertain.

    Was she in love with him?

    Or was she still deeply in love with the man named Adam?

    What kind of affection had they experienced that wouldn''t let her forget he had died and even call his name in his arms?

    Love, indeed, was sweet, but it was uncertain.

 Chapter 225 225: Why Did He Always Show Up?

    Joseph hugged her, absorbing her fragrance. It was said that he died from falling off a mountain, but was he really dead?

    He bowed his head, staring at Irish''s beautiful face illuminated by the bright moonlight. He could not imagine if Adam still existed in this world and one day suddenly appeared in front of her.

    Would his woman leave with her lover?

    At the thought of this, Joseph frowned, and his imagination was terrible. He had always hated such baseless imagination! He kissed her on the forehead with a clear feeling that she belonged to him and that he would not allow anyone to take her away.

    ****

    The mealsted nearly two hours. It was a gathering of three, without Fredrick''s presence, Cassie would speak to his parents directly. That night, she did not inform Fredrick and just wanted to talk to her parents about her future husband.

    Cassie was born into an ordinary family, and her parents were both ordinary working-ss people who paled inparison with Professor Tim, who was famous in New York. Cassie''s mother was worried after hearing how her daughter met and loved Fredrick. With a sigh, she said, "Cassie, I''m not sure how I feel. I always think it''s better to be matched for love or marriage."

    "Mom, don''t you like Fredrick?" Hearing her words, Cassie''s face fell, pouting her mouth.

    "I do like him." her mother said, "The man is good-looking and capable. Which parents wouldn''t want to marry their girl to him? But Cassie, we are an ordinary family. Won''t you suffer if you get married? What if his father despises us?"

    "You mean I''m not being realistic?" Cassie was unhappy.

    Her mother saw her anxiety, shook her head, and said, "I am afraid that he is too good to be relied on."

    "Dad," Cassie asked for help. "Mom says you''re no good."

    Her mother immediately frowned.

    Her father was an honest and steady manughing after hearing her words. "Don''t be impatient, listen to your mother before you express your opinion."

    "Dad, why don''t you help me? Do you both want me to marry a poor man? It''s not your decision," Cassie always liked to stay with her father. From childhood, he had always blocked bad things for her, so naturally, she assumed he would help.

    Of course, her father was the one who loved his daughter the most. Seeing that her daughter had a wrinkled nose and a tearful eye, he looked at his wife. "I see that children should find their own happiness," He said softly.

    "It''s okay if Fredrick treats our Cassie well. You should not worry so much. Besides, Professor Tim is a famous person. How could he look down at people in such a way? If he did, he wouldn''t want to meet us."

    "Mom, don''t look down on your daughter, either. What''s wrong with me? Why don''t I deserve Fredrick?" Cassie was more and more aggravated. "He was born into a senior intellectual family but also graduated from a famous university. He''s a psychologist, and I am a jewelry appraiser."

    "Are you an appraiser now?" Father Lin teased a remark.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Cassie blushed. "No, I''m an assistant, but one day I''ll be a famous appraiser. Nobody''s sess is idental, and it takes time. Either way, have a stable job," she added.

    After graduation, she worked at an enterprise. Although her sry was lower than usual, her benefits were good. She was working hard on her way to sess.

    "Oh, you don''t understand." Her mom hurriedly opened her mouth, "Being matched is not really an important reason, I just have my reservations. He is a psychologist, and you say that he has contact with many patients, couldn''t he also be neurotic?"

    "Mom-" Cassie was helpless at her mother''s imagination and exined, "They are not called patients, they are called individual cases. Who isn''t mentally ill in this society nowadays? You are too out of date, don''t always look at people with old eyes, okay? Fredrick can do this profession because he has the ability to do so, how can he be a neurotic?"

    "Cassie, I am saying this for your own good. Do you remember Rita, who you were friends with when you were little? She married a doctor a few years ago. It sounds like it''s all in the air. In fact, uh, the man is a gynecologist who deals with women every day. I heard that they were getting divorced when we came to New York."

    Cassie felt crazy, "Mom, Fredrick is a psychological counselor, not a gynecologist, besides, what''s wrong with gynecologists? The gynecology department is nearly all-male doctors. They''re not getting divorced because of his upation, they may want to split because of something you don''t know."

    "In my opinion, a counselor is no different from a male gynecologist." Her mom curled her lips.

    Cassie was speechless, and after a long time, holding her head up, she asked, "Do you mean I won''t marry a good person?"

    Her mom said, "His status is good, but his upation is not."

    Oh, my God.

    Cassie nearly spits out blood in anger.

    Just as she was about to engage in another spat with her mother, someone suddenly took her shoulder and sat down next to her. It was a familiar figure, with a familiar voice, which she hated.

    "Have you been waiting a long time for me? I''m sorry, there was a traffic jam on the road."

    Suddenly the man and his voice made Cassie stand up like she saw a ghost. Staring at the smiling man beside her, she widened her eyes, "You..."

    Why did he always show up?

    "Oh, are you Cassie''s parents?" Roy paid no attention to Cassie''s face. "I''ve heard a lot about you, and I know that you just came to NY, so I prepared gifts for you." At the end of his speech, he took out a gift box from his pocket and pushed it slowly toward Cassie''s parents.

    Cassie looked at the smiling man, staring at the box again. Her father was also surprised by the sudden appearance of this man. He didn''t immediately take the box but looked to Cassie to ask, "This is...?"

    Cassie opened her mouth, but after a while, she did not utter anything.

 Chapter 226 226: I’ve Found That I Really Like You

    Roy took the initiative to introduce himself to them. He rose very respectfully and bowed slightly. "I am Cassie''s boyfriend. My name is Roy Lake."

    "Ah," the voice came from Cassie and her mother, who were both astonished.

    "Who is my boyfriend?" Cassie asked in shock.

    Roy smiled, "I''m your boyfriend."

    "You..."

    "Well, are you still mad at me because I couldn''t stay longer? I''m very busy at work. Don''t be so mischievous," Roy stretched out his hand to hold her, as if affectionately, and looked at her dumbfounded parents, smiling.

    "Because I''ve been flying around a lot these days, Cassie has trouble with me, so you understand," he said. "I''m sorry."

    "Cassie, you are..." Mom was in a state of confusion.

    Cassie was going to be furious. "Roy, don''t go too far!"

    "Are you really breaking up with me?" Roy sighed, "I''ve already bought you a gift to make amends. I just got off the ne, and I couldn''t wait to see you. I know your parents love basketball games, so I bought game tickets for them. Can''t you forgive me?"

    Her Father took the box and opened it, in which were two basketball tickets. He had loved basketball all his life. This year he learned that his favorite basketball team hade to NY to y and wanted to buy tickets. Unexpectedly, there were too many fans, so he could not buy tickets at all. He was still depressed for a long time as a result, and he didn''t expect this young man to be so thoughtful.

    Her mother was looking at Roy all this time but secretly sighed in her heart. Not only was his mind meticulous enough to please the old man, but he was also handsome. Her daughter really dealt with handsome men. First was Fredrick, then was Roy. But she could not ask directly for fear of disclosing anything.

    It was obvious that Roy was very attentive, so she wondered whether he knew of the existence of Fredrick or whether her daughter was two-timing him.

    Her Father asked most skillfully, "Cassie, why don''t you tell us about your new boyfriend?"

    "I...I don''t..."

    "Uncle, she''s so bent on breaking up with me that I couldn''t help it." Roy looked like a sad puppy.

    "Roy, don''t speak recklessly!"

    "Cassie, have you received your gift?" Her Father became serious.

    Cassie licked her lips but nodded. "Yes." That damn ne.

    "How can you break up with him after you''ve epted his gift? You break up cleanly or stay together. What are you doing?" Her Father looked majestic.

    "I..." Cassie was so flustered she almost cried.

    The mood of the meal changed entirely because of Roy''s appearance. In Cassie''s parents'' eyes, this family gathering tonight was only a discussion of whether Cassie should marry Fredrick, but Roy''s actions made her mother shift their attention to their daughter''s shameful act of two-timing.<novelnext></novelnext>

    As a result, Cassie tried to drag Roy like a dead dog to a corner with her parents'' displeased eyes. Finally, anger and dissatisfaction broke out in her heart, and her posture looked like she was going to swallow him. "Roy, what did I do in a past life to deserve this? Why do you lie to my parents?"

    Roy closed his lips and looked at her. After she had finished, he raised his eyebrows. "Then why did you break your promise?"

    "Break promise? Did I promise anything to you?"

    Roy approached her, "Well, I wrote it clearly on the card in the gift box. What happened? I''m thankful for your colleague, or I would have been kept waiting for you. like a silly man."

    "Mr. Lake, it''s your own wishful thinking. I didn''t promise anything to you." Cassie had never seen such a shameless man and hated him for everything he''d done.

    Roy had no choice but to sigh after hearing what she had said, "Cassie, I''ve never paid so much attention to anyone."

    "Yes, how do you even know what my parents like?" Cassie was indignant and looked him in the eye.

    "I didn''t buy those two tickets on a whim. It took me a long time to learn about your parents. They were meant to be handed over to them tonight," Roy raised his hand.

    Cassie squinted slightly, and after looking at him for a long time, she suddenly asked, "It''s just the two of us now. I''d like to hear the truth from you. Tell me, what exactly is your intention in getting close to me?"

    Her sentence made Roy freeze, and after a long time, he murmured, "I like you. How can I exin it?"

    Roy turned serious, "Do you think I''m like a person who can be casually in love?"

    "I don''t think so, and it''s serious. Either way, certainly not with you." She had seen many beauties around him in the past.

    He scratched his head and sighed. His hands suddenly pressed on her shoulder.

    She was shocked and struggled. He increased his strength to make her unable to break away. He bent down and said, "I am not married, and neither are you. What happens if I chase you?"

    "I already have a boyfriend, and we are talking about marriage!" Cassie frowned and hated his voice to the extreme.

    Roy suddenly smiled, "You also said that as long as you are not married, I have the right to pursue you."

    "Roy, you are used to the taste of beautiful women. Are you going to change your tastes? Let me tell you, I will not ept that ne, and I will not wear it. I am not the object of your pursuit, so give up and stop haunting me!" Cassie waspletely furious and stared at him in anger.

    Instead of letting her go, Roy lowered his face. "All right, let me be honest with you. I''ve been really tired of it for so many years. I want to settle down. It''s that simple."

    "You want to settle down, so you torture me?" Cassie looked at him strangely, "Mr. Lake, your thinking is unique enough."

    Roy sighed, "I just wanted to tease you before, but these days I''ve found that I really like you, and sometimes I lose my mind at work because I miss you."

    His tone sounded serious and helpless.

 Chapter 227 227: He’s Not Right For You

    Cassie stopped being cynical. She took a deep breath and relented her tone. "I already have someone I love. I love Fredrick, so Roy, you can''t force people to do anything you want."

    "He''s not right for you," He spoke with conviction.

    "Then you''re even less right for me."

    "I mean, I don''t think he cares about you." Roy had no choice but to say it.

    "You''ve said enough, Roy. You''ve said this once or twice, and I''ll take it as if you just like talking!" Cassie frowned, turning around to leave.

    Roy stretched out his hand and grabbed her. "At least you have to give me a chance to y fair."

    "Let me go!" She turned her head and yelled at him.

    Roy, seeing that her eyes were lit by anger, which was as beautiful as a me, could not help pulling her into her arms.

    He felt a sudden pain, and his hand unconsciously loosened. Cassie took advantage of the opportunity to push him away. He rubbed his arm, rolled up his sleeve, and found a bite mark. He shook his head with a bitter smile.

    Before Cassie could leave, he said, "Is that it? You''re going to leave because I disturb your life? Was it really hard for you to give me an equal chance to prove my feelings for you?"

    She halted her tracks but didn''t turn around, "I love Fredrick so much. ept it!"

    Roy seemed hit with a huge stone in his heart, "He will hurt you, mark my words. And let me tell you, even if you push me hard, I will keeping to your life until you be mine."

    She was lost for words, and she could hear his heavy footsteps slowly moving away.

    ****

    Leaving the Highgate Ostriches Yard, Joseph and Irish drove through the hills all the way, and they stopped several times during the journey to Cape Town because of baboons.

    Baboons yed an important role in many ces in South Africa. They would block the road, begging passing tourists. In the beginning, Irish got out to feed them happily and took pictures of them. Joseph, who was experienced, disagreed with her behavior of getting out casually and told her to protect her belongings.

    Irish only thought they were funny, so she didn''t listen to Joseph''s advice until the baboons began to attack the vehicles after the food was gone, and one stole Irish''s camera. Then she understood Joseph''s good intentions. They drove all the way after the baboon and bought some fruits to trade for the camera.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Therefore, when they met baboons on the road after, she just opened the window and left them food, and drove away.

    The two of them finally arrived at Cape Town, the birthce of South Africa, the paradise and gathering ce of 650,000 white and people of color. Like prosperous cities in other countries, Cape Town was divided between rich and poor. Compared with Johannesburg, it was more of an international city. In Cape Town, the well-being of cks remained unimproved, the people who settled there all year round were Dutch, and the majoritynguage spoken was Afrikaans.

    However, Cape Town was colorful, because of the rich racial diversity, all kinds of cultures and music were too prevalent. When Joseph drove into Cape Town, celebrations were taking ce outside the windows. Colorful costumes adorned the whole street. There was also live music with distinctive features. Most of the participants were white people. They were singing andughing, dancing with enthusiasm.

    As the car turned around and headed downtown, Irish saw many ck people marching with chess pieces, which was lovely. Irish could not help asking Joseph whether it was a demonstration. Joseph denied that it was a ck political conference. Since the establishment of the new South African regime, the National Assembly has allowed ck people to participate in politics, so they would actively elect their strong candidates. But in fact, the status of cks had not improved, and some people could not afford to go to school, and there werepanies that didn''t hire ck people to work.

    After hearing that, Irish had no choice but to sigh.

    Their car stopped in front of a building with Dutch characteristics, and Belle waited there early. Seeing Joseph get out of the car, she was about to cheerfully ept the briefcase he had just grabbed. But Irish cut in front of her, took Joseph''s arm, grabbed his briefcase, and said with a sweet, coquettish voice, "Honey, are we staying here tonight?"

    Belle stared at Irish''s back with hatred, gnashing her teeth.

    Joseph saw through Irish''s mind, and his lips rose, allowing her to misbehave. At this moment, he preferred to believe that she loved him and forced himself to stop thinking about the way she had called for Adam in his armsst night.

    "This is Runestone''s diamond center in South Africa, and we will stay in an apartment not far from here tonight." As he climbed up the steps, he could not help holding her hand, and his voice was soft. "I''ll show you up, and we''ll go to the cutting centerter."

    "Are you really going to let me spoil this stone? I''m reluctant to lose it." Irish was so nervous about the diamond stone around her neck. The manager in Johannesburg paid so much attention to her neck that she was convinced that the diamond was priceless.

    Joseph disagreed with her, saying, "If you can wear a diamond that you cut and grind yourself, you should be proud of it. So many people haven''t had this opportunity. Besides, I will teach you myself, don''t worry."

    "I knew you were the best to me." With a sweet face against his arm, she got into the elevator with him.

    Joseph looked at her, and he felt so warm at her smile that he wanted to ask her how much she loved him, but Belle and other workers followed them.

    The diamond center was mainly a ce to provide various colors of raw stone for the Runestone headquarters. It was small in size and upied only one room of the office building. However, it was very troublesome to enter, requiring several identity checks, and Irish was repeatedly blocked from the door when they visited. Finally, Joseph ordered Belle to take a copy of her pupil information. After listening, Irish was astonished. Entering thepany even required an eye scan. Belle, who had been unhappy with her for a long time, finally got a chance. Like looking at a rat, she asked, "Do you think this is a vegetable market where you can enter and exit at your leisure? Any diamond here can lead to an emergency; we must be very careful."

    Irish twitched her mouth at her back.

 Chapter 228 228: Falsely Accused

    As a result, the first war between them inexorably broke out, and it could be said that Irish and Belle had endured each other for far too long.

    Joseph entered the conference room for a meeting with several top officials in the center. Irish stayed in his office. The door was pushed open while she was lying on the sofa and flipping through a magazine. She felt a grudgeing toward her. Looking up, she saw Belle''s resentful blue eyes. She was slightly surprised because Joseph was having a meeting. Why didn''t Belle, as an assistant, need to attend?

    Thinking, Belle opened her mouth and pointed to Irish, asked, "What are you trying to do? You want Mr. Dover to fire me, don''t you?"

    Irish was baffled at her question but still looked calmly at her, slouching, "I really hate the way you walk around in front of him. But I haven''te up with any good ideas to get him to fire you.

    "So you''re trying toe up with some bad ideas, right?" Belle said resentfully.

    Irish could not help asking, "Have you been robbed of money or a body?"

    "You abominable woman!" Belle rushed forward with anger and pointed at her, "Don''t pretend to be innocent."

    "Did your mother not teach you that it is impolite to point at someone?" Irish raised her eyebrows and knocked her hand away.

    "You..."

    Belle just wanted to continue to scold her, but the door to the office was pushed open. Joseph returned to the office, followed by an executive to report his work. After entering the door, this scene weed Joseph, slightly surprised, and frowned, "What''s going on?"

    "Mr. Dover," Before Irish opened her mouth, Belle went to Joseph, almost crying in front of him. "She locked me in the toilet, and my voice was nearly hoarse before someone let me out."

    Joseph was shocked.

    Irish heard her but began tough until tears almost came out. She said, "You were locked in the toilet? Which angel did that to you? I should buy her a gift."

    "Mr. Dover, you see how much she hates me for doing such a thing." Belle exploded in anger and was filled with indignation.

    Irish was still smiling.

    Joseph had no choice but to walk forward and put his hands around Irish''s shoulders and ask in a low voice, "Did you do this?"

    Irishughed the entire time and shook her head at Joseph.

    Joseph did not continue to question her, turning to Belle, "This must be a misunderstanding. Let it go."

    "Mr. Dover, she''s lying," Belle insisted. "I heard her go into the toilet when I was in it. Who else could do that?"

    "Hey, is the toilet yours? Are you the only person allowed to use it? Have you ever heard the story of a suspected neighbor in China? I think you had a problem with me early on, so it''s natural for you to rte it to me. You might as well think about who you''ve offended at this time."<novelnext></novelnext>

    With her blond hair knotted in the back of her head, Belle looked smart, but in Irish''s eyes, her hairstyle was stupid.

    Belle bit her lips. Joseph had rarely encountered such a situation. His men in China never dared to deal with him like this.

    Even if they did, Daisy came forward to handle it. However, it was still appropriate in American management to conform to the American model. Chinese people have an absolute sense of hierarchy. Superiors and subordinates are polite and never overbearing, but in other countries, the concept of superior and subordinate rtions is fragile, they prefer a state of cooperation, which is not only reflected in the workce but also in school.

    Daisy''s shrewdness and maturity were inherent in Chinese working conditions. Belle was also smart and capable. But when she encountered problems or emotional dissatisfaction, she would react directly to Joseph, and sometimes she would even argue loudly because of disagreements at work. So at this moment, Belle, in front of Joseph, makes resentful usations about Irish''s behavior and does not give way because of the closeness between Irish and him.

    "You need to apologize to me!" Belle shouted angrily at Irish.

    "Apologize?" Irish seemed to have heard a funny joke, exaggeratedly raising her eyebrow, "I''m sorry, I''m not used to this,"

    "Apologize to me for doing something wrong!"

    "For your being locked in the toilet?" Irish scoffed, "You know, I just dislike you, but I never did what you used me. Sue me if you have proof."

    "You, you..." Belle trembled with anger.

    When the two women gave him a headache, the cleaner came in. She knocked on the door when she heard the quarrel. Then she quickly apologized with embarrassment. "Belle, I''m sorry, I didn''t know you were in the toilet," she said. "I identally locked the door."

    Belle was astonished.

    Irish shrugged her shoulders and sat down on the sofa with her hands at her sides. "The truthes out, and it''s really boring."

    "I''m sorry to bother you all," The cleaningdy bowed and apologized.

    "It''s okay. Go back to work," Joseph told Belle after the cleaner had left.

    Belle fixed her eyes on Irish and stared at her, smiling, "I''m sorry, I didn''t give you the opportunity to make a big fuss. Next time, I''ll leave you in the toilet to let you y with yourself, okay?"

    Belle snorted, but because of Joseph''s presence and the cleaner''s admission, it was no good to say something. She left unhappily.

    After the executive had left, there was only Joseph and Irish in the room. He took a look at Irish, didn''t say much, and turned back to put the file on the desk. Irish stretched and then rose up and hugged him from behind, "I''m hungry, take me to dinner. I waited for you for more than two hours. You must treat me to a big meal after that."

    Joseph did not turn around. He stood there silently, not knowing what he was thinking.

    "Come on, I heard Cape Town has a lot of food. Prepare to let your wallet lose weight. I''ll have a nice meal today." Irish leaned over and looked at him, smiled, then loosened her arm and turned to grab her bag.

 Chapter 229 229: You’re Too Quiet For Me

    Her wrist was pulled by Joseph, who put her in his arms. The sudden movement made her body and mind feel unstable. Her nose knocked into his chest, and tears nearly came out.

    "Joseph��"

    ? "Next time, will you lock Belle in the toilet?" He asked her by surprise.

    Irish looked at him, puzzled, frowned for a while, then said, "I was just kidding, are you really serious?"

    "Could you possibly do the same to me in the future?" Joseph stared at her for a moment.

    His words were so strange that she was puzzled by them and then smiled at him for a long time, "What''s wrong with you?"

    Joseph did not have an expression, and his face was horribly calm. His eyes had been locked on her face and never moved. Then, when Irish guessed his thoughts, he suddenly hugged her, kissing her lips forcefully.

    She did not know what had happened to him, but she raised her head to receive his sudden kiss. Her wrist could not move because of his strong grip, but she felt that his kiss was nearly tearing off her tongue and that it was so painful that she could only give out a sound of protest from her nose, but he explored deeper.

    After a long time, Joseph let go of her, and his handsome cheek still buried her ear. Hot air followed his voice into her ear. Finally, he asked, "Did he treat you like that, huh?"

    Irish''s body was a little tight, and her chin was sore, rubbed by his new stubble but not as unforgettable as his question. She remembered at once why he was asking that. Seeing her silence, Joseph nced a little into her eyes and asked the whole question in a low voice. "Adam. Did he ever hug and kiss you like this?"

    Irish was stunned and could not understand why he suddenly mentioned Adam.

    Joseph looked at her, waiting for her answer. Irish thought the question was a little baffling, and thinking about his behavior, she closed her lips and said, "I told you about him and me earlier." Adam brought her an endless sense of security, which had gone beyond the lustful love of men and women.

    Joseph''s eyes seemed to be less nervous, and the harshness of his eyebrows softened. Reaching out his hand and caressing her face with pity, he pulled her into her arms. He sighed heavily over her head, murmuring, "Isabel, you know what, you belong to me. Only to me."

    Irish did not understand why he had mentioned Adam, but because of his announcement, her heart was suddenly filled with joy and happiness, and she nodded heavily in his arms and put her hand on his waist. She loved him. She loved this man so deeply that she was not afraid that the road ahead was full of thorns because of his promise to "give it all to me."

    Besides, she was his, and that is what he often mentioned.<novelnext></novelnext>

    She looked up at him a few minutester and frowned. "Do you wish I had locked Belle in the toilet just because I was jealous?"

    Joseph also noticed that he had forgotten himself and couldn''t helpughing. "You''re too quiet for me."

    "Do I have to worry about your subordinates?" What kind of boss is like that?

    "Of course, let it go, I just like to see you jealous," Joseph said honestly.

    Irish finally reached out and put her arms around his neck, hanging off him like an otter. "In fact, I am jealous almost every day."

    Joseph bowed his head and kissed her lips. This time, his kiss was tender, long, and affectionate.

    ****

    The main diamond cutting and grinding centers are concentrated in Belgium, Israel, New York, Bombay, India, Bangkok, Russia, and China. Fifty percent of the world''s diamond trading takes ce in Belgium. Provided it isbeled "Antwerp cut," it is synonymous with perfect technique. Israel is the main supplier of new cut style diamonds, with 40 watchmen in Israel. Between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, New York''s 47th Street is another famous diamond street. India, which mainly processes small diamonds, is not as good as other countries, but it also has 29 cargo watchers and 80 cutting workers. On average, it processes more than 1 billion diamonds a year. Russia''s polishing technology is very good, and China has begun to develop into an important diamond cutting center in recent years.

    In Cape Town, its cutting and milling are only for local diamond retailers and some ntpanies. In South Africa, you can see the diamonds are much brighter than the other providers. It was a magical ce where Irish fell deeply in love as soon as she arrived.

    It had a Mediterranean climate, with mild air and a beautiful coastlinepared to Johannesburg. Thend was surrounded by rich sea resources, where sunlight shone on its harbor as if it were an endless strip of gold. The blue water was visible, gently hitting the ancient rocks. One who stands in Cape Town thinks they have gone to Europe, where there was the best fusion of the original wild and elegant modern civilization.

    Because Joseph was an old customer, the head of the cutting and grinding center opened up a green channel for him, which was convenient for Irish to follow in and participate in the diamond cutting and grinding process. She was unhappy with Joseph''s desire to bring her into the jewelry industry, but as he put it, it was a matter of pride to be able to wear diamonds that she had personally polished.

    Joseph kept his promise, teaching her by hand.

    It is very important to draw a line on the original stone because one can only drill or see the diamond ording to the line. Irish studied it for a long time, and it turned out that the line was nted or skewed. Joseph shook his head to indicate that it was no good, but she frowned. "Can''t a diamond be cut as a polygon?"

    "Yes, but in terms of the types of shapes currently avable on the market, they are the best models for bringing out the brilliance of a diamond." Joseph stressed, "The shape of the stone in your hand is best suited to a standard cut."

 Chapter 230 230: Media Speculations

    Irish held the stone in her hand. After a long time, she asked Joseph, "Can I cut it into a heart and arrow or a plum shape?"

    "Then you are the world''s hottest diamond cutting technician." Joseph pressed her head and smiled. "Cutting is a work of excellence. You can''t do it."

    She was too impatient to sit, so Irish nodded with a smile.

    Next, Joseph took her to do a series of preparations for cutting diamonds and exined to her that thetest technology and high-tech equipment have made diamonds scientific and efficient to process.

    In addition, Irish also had close contact with the fully automatic 3D diamond grinding tool. This instrument could make the diamond retain its quality while being cut. It used aser to finish the diamond cutting and grinding, forming a 3D state automatically, and the advanced grinding machine was the most suitable for 0.01-10ct stones.

    After a while, Irish could not help but deeply admire the time-consuming andborious work. But, more importantly, determination, patience, and meticulousness were imperative in cutting and grinding diamonds, and she could not help turning her head to look at Joseph. At this moment, she became more aware of his character.

    When it came to cutting and polishing, Joseph personally operated the machinery, though Irish was patient enough to watch him work little by little. Gradually, the diamond''s splendor became more obvious, with light and shadow falling on the neckline of his white shirt. The sharp outline of his cheek was shining, and at this moment, he was so enchanting that she could not help but stare at him unwittingly.

    The perfect diamond needs a perfect identity, and this identity had the high-techser waist code, which meant the diamond had been verified by the authorities with a real price. However, because of the diamond''s particrity, the technicians agreed when Irish asked for the number she wanted.

    Finally, the local authorities gave her the diamond, which had been filled with the painstaking efforts of the two of them, with a smile. "That''s a perfect blue diamond," he said. "Do you understand the rtionship between diamonds and love?"

    This somewhat baffled her, turning her head to look at Joseph, not knowing what he was talking about with the manager of the cutting and grinding center. His expression had always been serious and calm. Today he wore very simple clothes, a white shirt with ck suit pants, the most formal but somehow most casual shirt without a tie. His cor button was unbuttoned, and his sleeves were rolled up to his elbow, showing his strong arms. The lights of the room and the sparkle of the diamond walls around him made him look so handsome, and the mechanical watch on his wrist was luxurious and low-key.

    "I don''t know." It was a long time before she turned her eyes back.

    The man smiled, "South Africa is a dreand, so it gives more beautiful markings on colored diamonds. Yellow diamonds mean dreams, red diamonds mean romantic love, green diamonds mean clear love."

    "What about my blue diamond?" The diamond in her hand, like the blue sea of Andersen''s fairy tale, was as deep and charming as the iris. She never thought that such a small piece of in raw stone could be so shiny and bright through Joseph''s processing. He gave it life.

    "It represents love with reason."

    "Love with reason." Irish repeated the words, subconsciously looking at Joseph.

    Joseph, who was talking, seemed to sense something, and happened to turn his head to look at her. As the two looked at each other, there was a faint smile on his lips, which melted his serious eyebrows as the smile darted deeply into his eyes.<novelnext></novelnext>

    She smiled too.

    She loved her love with reason.

    ****

    In New York, the Runestone Group was still busy, and the Lake''s house was calm, but no one knew what had happened behind this calmness. The calmer the sea, the more waves crashed underneath.

    The scandal between Britney White and Joseph was zing. Ruby evaded it, and Joseph was far away in South Africa, so reporters had to turn to Britney because they could not catch them. But Britney''s attitude was ambiguous, which made the heat of the affairst a long time. Gossip to stars is like the rtionship between water and a boat.

    Water that can sink the boat can also carry the boat. Britney was one of the top figures in the entertainment industry; naturally there would be an agency trying to control the scandal to the level of perfection.

    It was neither too exaggerated nor too cold to forget, so Britney stood at the point of public opinion. When she attended some events, many entertainment reporters also wanted to find out something about Joseph to confirm the love affair between the two people.

    Britney''s price had risen sharply. Ruby could not sit down at this time and took the initiative to ask for Britney. Her purpose was simple, just hoping that Britney would not mention Joseph at the next event, not even his name.

    Ruby forgot that Britney was good at manipting gossip. She knew how to use hype to improve herself with years of experience in the entertainment industry.

    Therefore, the media quickly exposed the meeting between Ruby and Britney. Some outlets imed that this was the first direct confrontation between the legal wife and the other woman and vividly described how the daughter of the Lake family had defended her wife''s title. In addition, some reporters spected that Ruby refused to divorce because she still loved her husband, and the worst thing had been done by the man, not the woman.

    Shirley was so angry that she almost attacked the media, but she was stopped at the order of Henry Lake. When the Lake family was discussed heatedly by the media, the public voices halted, and the talks revolved around Britney and Joseph, while no one mentioned the Lake family or the meeting between Ruby and Britney.

    Ruby did not expect her behavior to be exaggerated by the media, and she was so angry. Seeing that, Shirley was worried and saw a doctor. Compared with Shirley, Kelly was at ease, but Lilith was not sofortable because she had been arranged to meet the son of the Winston family.

    Lilith was embarrassed to tell her family that Ben Winston had taken drugs in the pub and had been brought back to the police bureau to investigate. If she had mentioned it, her whereabouts would have been disclosed.

    So, when she sat in front of Ben, she always thought of the scene when several beauties surrounded him that night.

    Ben was very formal, in a suit and leather shoes, and Lilith could not help but sigh after seeing that the man really relied on beautiful clothes.

 Chapter 231 231: I Thought We Could Try

    Ben didn''t recognize Lilith because they had been taken away by the police that night before they had a chance toe in contact with each other. So after seeing her, he first froze and then smiled and took the initiative to pour her a ss of fruit juice. "There are many beautiful and graceful girls in the Lake family," he said. "It seems that to hear it was less true than to see it with your own eyes.

    "Besides my two sisters, I''m nothing," Lilith said lightly.

    "Two sisters?" Ben was stunned. He heard that there were only two girls in the Lake family.

    Lilith knew his idea and reiterated, "Yes, I have two elder sisters."

    "Oh. You''re the most beautiful girl I''ve ever seen," continued Ben, who knew the Lake family from her parents and didn''t take them seriously. He stared at her.

    Lilith felt goosebumps and lifted her eyes as if smiling, "It looks like you have seen a lot."

    It seemed like stabbing something at Ben, who stood there for a while and smiled awkwardly for a long time. Lilith did not have too much affection for him, and naturally, she would not think of developing any affection. "To be frank, I don''t think we are right for each other, so don''t waste your time with me."

    Ben disagreed. "I thought we could try."

    Try?

    Lilith heard this and got a headache. She did not want to get along with this person after every day, having to worry about her own drinks having foreign powders in them or not. Just thinking about how to decline politely, she inadvertently took a nce at a familiar figure.

    It was Jay.

    He and several of his colleagues also came to the restaurant for dinner. It waste in the afternoon, and the restaurant did not have many people. Nevertheless, they were talking andughing, which made it seem more crowded. Jay, dressed in in clothes, sat down with them. Laughing, he also inadvertently nced around the environment because of professional habits, not expecting to see Lilith close by.

    Lilith, like feeling electric shock, hurriedly turned her head. Her heart jumped, and her whole body felt numb. Not knowing what was happening, Ben thought her appearance was cute and could not help reaching out to cover her hand, asking with concern, "What''s happening?"

    His action was bold and abrupt. Lilith had originally wanted to shake him off, but the thought of Jay''s usual indifference to her naturally made her angry, and she said, "It''s alright."

    "Don''t get me wrong. I love to y, but I don''t take them seriously. I think you''re the one I''m looking for. If you''re with me, I promise I won''t be bad to you, and I won''t do bad things outside." Seeing that she did not refuse, Ben felt so pleased that he directly clenched her hands, enjoying the soft, silky touch of her hand, and even his eyes became bold, staring at her

    V-shaped neckline, and began to imagine what she looked like without clothes on.

    Lilith resisted the impulse to p him in the face and turned away. Not far away, Jay seemed to be talking andughing with his colleagues. She had no intention of stepping forward, and her jaw clenched. Quietly, she drew her hand back and said in a light tone. "You have to understand one thing, Mr. Ben. I only met you here to appease my family. In fact, you don''t suit me, and I don''t suit you, so let''s just get through this today."<novelnext></novelnext>

    "No." Ben Winston got up and sat next to Lilith.

    Lilith frowned and moved inwardly, but his arm wrapped around her shoulder, and his voice was very ambiguous, "Do you believe in love at first sight? I think I fell in love with you at first sight. "

    But she felt nothing.

    "Mr. Ben, listen to me��."

    "Listen to me first," he hugged her more closely and stared down at her evasive face. "My parents have business dealings with your family, which is why this is the most suitable match. Rather than having to go on blind dates one after another, you could give me a chance, and maybe one day you will like me."

    Lilith was stupefied by the smell of cologne on him, and the mucous membranes of her nose seemed to be stuffed with ayer of sticky fragrance. She could not even sneeze and was so miserable that she could not care whether Jay paid attention to her side or not. She wanted to get rid of the man.

    On the other hand, Jay''s conversation with his colleagues seemed a bit absentminded. When he entered the restaurant and identally nced at the woman''s figure, the tea seemed to taste wrong, and the food didn''t taste good either.

    "Jay, your team has been doing quite well. You boys should not take the lead in our criminal investigation team," A colleague joked.

    "Howe, who didn''t know you were Sherlock Holmes?" Jay lifted the teacup against his lips and replied with a joke, but his eyes looked unwittingly at Lilith, and his brow frowned slightly.

    When he saw Ben holding her hand, the smile on Jay''s lips withdrew, and his eyes darkened.

    "Jay is a workaholic, but fortunately, he is not in my group, or I would be exhausted." Other colleagues were also joking.

    Jay did not respond this time because he saw that Lilith did not push the man away.

    "What are you looking at?" Someone hesitated to ask Jay. Jay did not reply but continued watching.

    Other people also noticed that he was not in the right state. Looking at the situation, the leader of the criminal investigation team looked at it for a while and said, "Isn''t that Ben Winston, the young master of the Winston family? Well, I don''t know which girl he''s going after. He''s a famous yboy who, by virtue of his money, has harmed many girls, but there was no proof. If there were any evidence, he would have been taken back to the police station to talk."

    Lilith was on the back side of the booth, so when everyone looked at them, they could only see the front side of Ben.

 Chapter 232 232: You Don’t Know Who I Am?

    Jay had always been silent, but when he saw the man sitting beside Lilith and hugging her, his face turned dark. One of his colleagues seemed to remember and reached out and patted Jay on the shoulder, "Did you bring this man back to the police station a few days ago?"

    Jay turned a deaf ear to this and suddenly got up.

    "Jay!" His colleagues froze and looked at his back as he walked towards the other booth.

    Lilith was resisting Ben''s impolite hands. She had to reach out against his chest, but it looked more like a y of hard-to-get-to him. Seeing her small, white, ruddy face, the debauchery in his bones was aroused, drawing himself closer to her.

    "Don''t be so quick to say no."

    The smell of perfume went into her throat, and she resisted as if trying to avoid the gue. She wanted to scold him but heard a cold and unpleasant voice above her ask, "What are you doing?"

    She just felt the hand loosen, and the perfume became less abrasive in her nose.

    When she saw him, Ben had been pulled to the other side by Jay.

    Her heart began to beat quickly again, and she looked up at Jay. His face was as terrible as ever, and because he did not like tough with this color, he looked full of belligerence.

    Ben didn''t recognize Jay at first. After all, that night, he was drunk and smoking powder. When a strange man jumped out, he naturally got angry and suddenly got up. His eyes looked directly at Jay''s, and his tone was not polite. "Who are you? This is none of your business! I am on a date. Am I disturbing you?"

    "Dating?" Jay ignored Ben''s shouting, turned to look at Lilith, and his pupils suddenly shrank.

    Lilith did not like his eyes appearing this way and also knew that he was angry. She bit her lip and did not speak. Jay only took Ben as a pathetic man and stretched out his hand, putting it on Lilith''s head.

    "Have you forgotten everything I said to you? Have you!" How eager was she to get married? Even if she knew he was a drug abuser?

    Lilith wanted to exin, but Ben came to "save" her. He reached out a hand to pull Jay''s hand away, then pointed at him and said, "Excuse me? Who are you?"

    "Don''t yell at him!" Lilith got angry and beat away Ben''s hand.

    The next moment she suddenly pulled Jay''s, staring at Ben with her round eyes, "In fact, I just wanted to tell you that I have a boyfriend."

    "What?" Ben seemed astonished.

    Without any unnecessary shock, Jay turned his head and looked at her.

    "He is my boyfriend." Lilith took a deep breath to cheer herself up even though she lied.

    At this time, Jay''s other colleagues also came forward.

    Ben looked up and down at Jay, squinting, and after a long time, he asked, "Are you really her boyfriend?"

    Her fingers grabbing Jay''s arm tightened suddenly, along with her body.

    Jay could feel it, staring at Lilith, and Lilith also looked at him, her eyes seemed to be begging for help. He raised his hand and put Lilith in his arms. He turned his head to Ben and said coldly. "I''m her boyfriend, and you''re not allowed to touch her," his words were followed with indignation.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Ben was speechless, and after a long time, he looked at Lilith with anger and pointed to her, "You''re ying me? Ah..." He cried out in pain before he could finish. Jay was displeased, and he almost broke his fingers.

    "It hurts, it hurts..."

    "Be nice to girls next time, okay?"

    Ben nodded, "I got it."

    Jay let go of his hand.

    "You don''t know who I am? Tell me who you are, and I''ll make your life miserable!" Ben was part of the second generation of rich who did not experience humiliation. Naturally, he didn''t want to lose face before a woman.

    Lilith was shocked, subconsciously pulling Jay''s sleeves, fearing that Ben would retaliate again. However, Jay had been used to these threats for a long time and sneered, he took out his badge directly from his pocket and pointed it at him. "Jay of the Drug Enforcement Agency, you''d better not fall into my hands again.

    "Drug, drug Agency?" Ben did not expect that he held such a position, and hearing that he was a narc, he stuttered for a moment.

    "Any questions?" Jay retracted his badge after the cold question.

    Ben looked at him and looked around at the people behind him. Although they were dressed in in clothes, almost all of them were police officers. They smiled awkwardly and took the bag. "Today is a mere misunderstanding, I''m sorry."

    At the end of his speech, he turned around and left.

    "Stop!" Jay yelled.

    Ben frowned inwardly, "Sir, what else do you want?"

    "Captain, I think this man needs to be brought back to the police station for good questioning. As you can see, he''s trying to harass my girlfriend." Jay''s eyes were inexplicably cool.

    "Sir, you can''t just bully people, can you? You��"

    "Ben Winston, the Winston family''s son, aren''t you?" The leader walked to them with a faint smile, "What is bullying? What we see is that you are influencing the safety of others in public. Come with me."

    "You, you''re acting in collusion! I will sue you!"

    "Sue? It''s against thew to try to get close to a girl if she resists, to make a scene in public, and even threaten an officer, that''s an obstacle to public safety. Good job, idiot." The Captain''s face was cold, and he yelled loudly.

    Ben''s angry face turned gray, fiercely staring at Lilith.

    Lilith shrunk her head to hide in Jay''s arms, feeling afraid. As a result, Ben was taken by several policemen to the police station, leaving only Jay and Lilith there. After everyone left, Jay did not hesitate to yell at her, "Have you suffered a head injury?"

    Lilith was startled, quickly dissatisfied with his response, "What are you scolding me for?"

    "Don''t you know he''s a drug addict?" Jay''s eyes were angry, "And you go on a date with such a person? Then, one day, he will sell you in exchange for drugs, and you won''t even know!"

 Chapter 233 233: Well, I’m Not A Child

    "You force me!" Lilith''s face was in grievance, "Why did you ignore me? I am a woman, my youth is limited, and I can''t wait for you my whole life! You don''t want to be with me. Should I wait forever for you and not get married?"

    "You''re only 23. So why are you in a hurry to get married?" Jay was furious, "At this young age, you should continue to study or work for a career. Do you want to be just someone''s wife with no personality?"

    "Screw you. What do you know? Do you think it''s normal for women to get married in their 30s and 40s like men?" Lilith was angry, almost jumping as they quarreled, "Getting married and giving birth to children in your 20s is normal for women!"

    Jay stared at her, silent for a long time, then turned back to his table and sat down, turning his back, disregarding her. Lilith stood there for a long time, seeing the staff around them whispering, she was so angry, and she prepared to leave.

    "Stop!" Jay yelled coldly again.

    Lilith heard him, bing even angrier. Why did she need to obey him? So she just walked faster.

    When her hand just sped the doorknob, her arm was suddenly pulled by him, then she frowned and shouted.

    "Listen to me!" He pulled her back to the table.

    "What are you doing?" She was pressed down to sit next to him, grumbling.

    Jay took his tableware directly in front of her and ordered, "Eat!"

    "I''m not hungry."

    "You''re not hungry. I''m still hungry." Jay frowned. "Eat. Listen to me!"

    Lilith was so angry that she wanted to poke him in the head with her chopsticks, and she said impatiently, "Can you please be nice to me?"

    Jay stopped talking and stuck a chopstick with meat into her mouth.

    ****

    The morning in Cape Town was pristine and sweet.

    They were in a row of detached vis near the shoreline. The pure white buildings were like pearls in the sea, where most of the people living there were businessmen and wealthy vacationers, so the environment was very pleasant. The bedroom was huge, and the load-bearing walls were made of transparent, toughened ss, top-down, almost four-sided. One felt like they were in the middle of the sea.

    One of the windows was open, and the gentle sea breeze came in, gently blowing the pink curtains. The broken sun spread across the floor, on which there were gently flickering chimes, which faint sound was very pleasant.

    On the side was the outdoor balcony, connected with the innermost end of the bedroom, which was also covered in fancy white designs. The balcony was the same as the bedroom. There was a scenic spot where people could face the sea to read newspapers and drink coffee. Anybody could even lie and look up at the blue sky and white clouds leisurely. Half of the balcony was allocated to the outdoor swimming pool, and the water was as blue as the color of the sea.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish liked the design of the pool because she could sit on thefortable sofa on the balcony and watch Joseph swim. Of course, his favorite was to swim at night.

    He changed his clothes from the dressing room and returned to the bedroom. The light was mild and bright, which was reflected on the big bed. Under the white mantle, Irish was still asleep, covered by the thin nket. He came forward, seeing her bare shoulders. On her delicate neck was a kiss print that he had left when he had been passionate the night before. The sea breeze stroked her hair and carried a string of clear fragrance.

    He smiled, hung his tie around his neck, and kissed her forehead.

    To get up, the woman stretched out her arms around his neckzily but still kept her eyes closed and smiled happily.

    Joseph was not anxious to leave, and his hands were on the bedside, smiling, "Are you awake?"

    She opened his eyes and saw that he was wearing a white shirt and a ck suit coat, and then she said, "You''re dressed so formally."

    "All the executives will be there today for a video conference." Joseph reached for the hair on her cheek and talked softly.

    She rose from the bed, hugging his neck, without caring that she was naked and close to him in a shirt and shoes. She smiled sweetly, looking up to him, "You look really handsome in a suit."

    Joseph''s big hand stroked her smooth back, sping her hips and chuckling, "You''re going to seduce me so early in the morning?"

    "I just want to do something." She tugged at his necktie, her little finger twirling around the end of it.

    Joseph put his arms around her and frowned.

    "Honey, you see, you''re going to have a video conference, and I''m not going to take part in this kind of internalpany activity," she said, as her voice grew sweeter and her cheek was on his chest.

    Her little fingers tickled Joseph, and his hands could not help but tighten up, bringing her body closer to him to ease the rising tension in his lower belly. "You won''t wait for me at the apartment."

    Irish could feel his body tighten, and her slender body clung to him closer, "I can y ball with the seals or go shopping. I can''t miss the many fun ces in Cape Town."

    Joseph also knew that she had been bored for two days, and when he saw her offering to be good, he couldn''t helpughing. "It''s okay, if you don''t go to those boring meetings, I''ll put the bank card at the door, and when you go out, don''t forget to take it and your mobile phone with you, and remember to turn it on so that I can find you."

    "Well, I''m not a child." When Irish heard his nagging, her heart was warmed, and she reached for him and put on his tie. "I used to travel alone to strange ces."

    "That was before, and now you have me." Joseph did not like her always mentioning her life before and pinched her face as punishment.

 Chapter 234 234: Eat You Tonight

    Irish smiled, and her fingers were flexible enough to tie his necktie.

    His smoke-gray striped tie added color to his formal suit and looking at his tall, handsome figure, Irish''s heart started to beat quickly.

    "It''s still early. You can continue your sleep." Although Joseph said that, his hands still seemed to stick to her body.

    "Well, be safe on the way," Irish looked up and kissed him on the chin, smelling the refreshing smell of his cologne.

    Joseph bowed his head and kissed her lips heavily, smiling, then breathed beside her ear. "Go back to bed, or I''ll bete for the first time."

    When she looked up at his deep eyes, she suddenly understood what he meant. She couldn''t help but cover her lips by hand and make fun of him. She slipped back into bed and pulled the nket around her, leaving only five fingers outside, waving at him like a cat. "Bye-bye."

    Joseph smiled at her, "You are a goblin."

    Irishughed.

    ? ****

    After sending Joseph off, Irish didn''t want to sleep. She had lunch alone, then went to the seaside to watch the sea lion''s performance and spent some money ying ball with the trained seals. She looked at the time and thought about taking a stroll around the city. When she returned to her apartment, she changed, and her phone rang.

    It was the ck driver who could speak twelvenguages, who hade to pick her up at Mr. Dover''smand. The car had reached the apartment entrance, and he was her private driver.

    "Where''s Joseph?" When she saw the driver, she couldn''t help asking.

    "Mr. Dover is still in his meeting," The ck driver was very talkative and opened the door. "I will be your driver and free guide whenever you want me to," he said. "Oh, no, it''s not free, I''m going to get my sry from Mr. Dover."

    Irish couldn''t helpughing and got into the car.

    She understood Joseph''s good intentions. Cape Town, though full of modern civilization, would have hidden dangers of the unknown, and it would have been safe to have someone he trusted to apany her. When the car started, Irish pulled out her cell phone and thought of sending a voice message, "Honey, I''m dating the handsome ck man who knows twelvenguages. Don''t be jealous."

    After that, the ck driver nced in the rearview mirror and smiled. "Wow, you''ll have to support me when I get fired."

    Irish was amused by him.

    Soon, the phone vibrated, she looked down at Joseph''s response. Perhaps he was in a meeting, unable to reply by voice, and sent a few words over: not jealous, eat you tonight.

    Irish could not helpughing at the thought of how he listened to his employees'' reports.

    ****<novelnext></novelnext>

    It makes sense that Cape Town, South Africa, can be called the mother of cities because whether it was the coast of the Antic Ocean with blue sky and white sand, the seagulls flying over the rough seas, or the town with a variety of cultural features, and delicious food, everything there seemed so unique.

    The ck driver, Will, was her guide the entire way. He was indeed anguage genius and made Irishugh a lot. Atst, Will joked. "Who is more attractive, Mr. Dover or me?"

    "Of course it''s you. He''s not as funny as you are." Irish was teasing and smiled.

    Will winked. "That''s our secret. It can''t be heard by Mr. Dover."

    Irish shrugged, "If you take me to Stellenbosch winery."

    Will made an okay gesture at her.

    On their way to Cape Town, Joseph took her to taste South Africa''s wines, and these days they all drank that wine, which had a unique dry vorpared to France''s red wines. However, one of her most memorable wines was the wine produced at Stellenbosch winery.

    Stellenbosch, to the west of Cape Town, is the home of South Africa''s red wines, and most of the people who work there are ck. Will told Irish that it used to be hard for cks in South Africa to find suitable jobs, but now in Stellenbosch, the ce was a ck paradise, they had mastered a unique brewing technology, and even the ck began to manage the production.

    Irish loved to drink wines from all over the world, so she tasted almost every kind of wine at the winery. Will was very familiar with the winery staff, and they had a friendly conversation with Irish. It was a beautiful gathering ce, as pure as heaven, with the surrounding green vegetation.

    There was a ck man there who was good at painting faces, and Irish asked to have a try. South Africans always liked bright colors, so soon, her cheeks were painted with beautiful patterns, mainly red and white, and on her chin was the color of theke and a bright yellow. Irish was so happy and gave the painter a tip of 30 rands.

    Will took a photo of her, and when she got it, she sent it directly to Joseph, and soon he replied: Stellenbosch''s red wine is strong, don''t get greedy.

    She was amazed and shouted at Will with her mobile phone, "Does your boss have a tracker on me, or do you keep reporting our position at all times?"

    Will was confused and came up to understand the reason,ughing, "You have the background behind you in the picture."

    Irish almost choked. The background was just a white house, could he really tell where she was? Joseph''s eyes were too sharp, right? Will gave the most normal and logical exnation, and he said, "Mr. Dover has been to South Africa constantly, especially Cape Town, he is familiar with every tree here."

    Then Irish understood, thinking she should send Joseph a message: The focus is on the face! Look at my face!

    After a while, Joseph returned: Who is so bold to touch my woman''s face?

    Irish saw his reply and was happy again. What a boring man!

    After leaving the winery, Will took her to the Dutch town and the colorful town. The Dutch town was worthy of its name and looked like it belonged in the Nethends. Irish preferred colorful towns. Every street and house was colorful and dazzling, just like in a fairy tale world. Most people in the small towns were Mysian. In the off-season, they resided there. The streets were quiet, but she took pictures excitedly, and Mys came out to greet her with enthusiasm.

    When the sun set, Irish left reluctantly.

 Chapter 235 235: It Was My Husband

    The car drove all the way to downtown, across the My district with its bustling shops, coffee houses, and colorful street entertainers. Irish had always liked being in crowds, so she let Will, who had been with her for the whole afternoon, go back first. Will felt embarrassed and said that he could not do so on ount of Mr. Dover, so Irish said that she had be familiar with the city and would hitchhike back to the apartment. Will gave up, told her to be safe, and then left.

    Irish walked all the way to the Georgemercial street. It was the most suitable ce to go shopping, from therge shopping centers to the dazzling open shops. When she roamed excitedly, her mobile phone rang, it was Joseph.

    He spoke in a slightly exhausted voice, "Why did you tell Will to go away?"

    "He''s a big man, and I''m shopping around the street. I would feel embarrassed for him." Irish entered a shop and picked up a folk art piece.

    "But he was keeping you safe. South Africa is a ce where riots or terrorist attacks can take ce any day," he sighed.

    "Don''t worry, I''lle back after a stroll." Irish heard his tiredness and asked with concern. "Are you still at thepany? How long will it take to finish?"

    "It''s a bit tricky. We have to continue the meeting in five minutes."

    "What''s the matter? Do I need toe to you at thepany?" For a moment, she felt a little guilty. He was too busy, but she had been enjoying herself shopping.

    Joseph smiled at the other end, "Seeing your conscience is really rare. Have a good time." He heard Professor Timin about Irish''s ways. She always arrived at public meetings aste as possible and went away after saying everything she wanted to, never waiting to hear others.

    He could understand that she did her own thing and would not waste time courting anyone. It was all because of her character.

    Irish smiled.

    Joseph repeatedly stressed to her to remain safe and then ended the call.

    The shop owner was a white woman who looked in her forties, and she had brown-red hair, brownish-green pupils, and a colorful dress. She looked like a palette of colors, and when Irish finished talking, she said, "The pattern on your face is so beautiful."

    Irish epted her kindness and said thank you. She looked down at the work of art in her hand. She saw that it was a wooden sculpture and looked around at the environment of the shop. It was a ce full of religious colors. It was filled with works of art rted to religion.

    "Is that your husband? He''s very considerate." The shopkeeper smiled at her.

    A slight blush filled Irish''s cheeks. Husband? She pictured Joseph''s handsome face in her mind and felt proud. She had never dared to ask for it; from time to time, she wanted to escape like an ostrich. As long as she was with him, as long as she was around him, everything would be okay.

    However, the woman''s vanity prompted her to nod, and the moment she nodded, her cheeks became even hotter, and her voice seemed to tremble. She answered softly, "Yes, it was my husband."

    The shopkeeper saw her flushed cheeks and smiled, "I can see your rtionship is good."<novelnext></novelnext>

    "My husband is very kind to me," Irish said, and her heart went wild. The shopkeeper said some blessing words, and she immediately felt embarrassed to look at the works inside the shop.

    Walking in her shop, she inadvertently saw a painting. She pointed to it and said, "This painting is very unique."

    "Oh, it''s from the European Renaissance, about Genesis." The shopkeeper then asked her, "Are you Christian?"

    Irish shook her head.

    South Africa is a multi-ethnic country, so religious beliefs are also diverse. The majority of whites in the country were Christian, as well asrge poptions of Hindus and Buddhists. Some ck people believed in primitive religions, and some people believed in Im. All kinds of religious beliefs coexisted, and no one interfered with each other.

    "This picture is about the creation of the Bible, where God created man but was disappointed by human greed and mutual destruction, so he let the heavy rains destroy the world."

    Irish took down the painting, where in the middle of the flood was a ship, which was supposed to be the legendary Noah''s Ark. She sighed, "How much despair made him destroy everything he had created?" What she wanted to say was: the creator is like a parent. How can a parent kill his child with his own hands? But the shopkeeper was clearly a Christian, and she could not vilify the gods; otherwise, she would not respect her religious culture.

    The shopkeeper exined, "God has his kindness, so he sent angels to execute people."

    "Oh," Irish nodded.

    In light of the shopkeeper''s enthusiasm, she bought the painting.

    Outside the shop, Irish was nning to hang out for a while and then return to the apartment, but the road was suddenly blocked by a roadster. It urred to her that she might get robbed. But it was wrong. How could there be a robber in a luxury car?

    She put the painting behind her and prepared to battle against the danger before her. But, when the door opened, her eyes tightened, and her nervousness turned to consternation when the owner got out of the car.

    How could it be him?

    At night, the man dressed leisurely. He got out of the car and stood therezily, smiling at her and saying hello. "Hey, I haven''t seen you for a while. Do you miss me?"

    It was Leo.

    Irish should have expected that he, who was also a bidder, had a reason to show up in Cape Town.

    On the Antic coast, the night was tender and affectionate, but sometimes waves beat the rocks and stirred up thousands of waves. When the yacht passed Penguin Ind, Irish actually saw the penguins off the coast under the moon, one by one, all snuggled up. She had never seen so many penguins, and at first nce, she would have mistaken them for a mirage.

 Chapter 236 236: I Can’t Leave Him

    Leo brought two sses of red wine to the deck and handed her a ss. "Aren''t you going to wipe your face off?" He pulled out a wet tissue as a trick. "I''ll be preparing for you all the time."

    Irish closed her lips, smiled, put her ss aside, took a napkin, and then wiped her face. The dye scrubbed off, leaving only her clean, white face. She wore no makeup that day, and her cheeks were easy to scrub.

    "To tell you the truth, I don''t find it so wonderful to go out to sea at night. In fact, being in the middle of the sea can cause a sense of insecurity." She threw the dirty paper napkin into the trash can, picked up the ss, and shook it. "Besides, don''t tell me that the yacht is yours or that you came to me to show off your new yacht."

    "That was really my n." Leoughed by her side, shoulder to shoulder, "Joseph never understood romantic things, as soon as he arrived in Cape Town, he only went to work. I can apany you to visit the mountains and rivers. Is that okay with you?"

    Irish blinked, "Is it really your yacht? A new one?"

    Leo nodded.

    "It looks like you''re pretty sure about this bid for the diamond mine, and you''ve already spent your earnings," Irish smiled and sipped the wine.

    Leo put his hand around her shoulder and looked down at her face.

    "Who is richer then, you or him?" She did not shy away from him and looked at him sideways. Leo hooked his lips, not hesitating to reply, "Him."

    "That''s rare, you admit your adversary is richer."

    Leo suddenly bowed his head, and the bridge of his nose almost pressed against her, "He has you, so he''s richer than me."

    "Then what are you going to do? Rob him of the mine aspensation?" Irish gently smiled, letting his breathe to her.

    "Well, there are still two days to bid. Is it not certain that he will get mine?"

    "Do you have to fight with him for life and death?" she said. "Both of you are as well known to be adversaries to each other as anyone in the business world."

    "Do you know that the end of Joseph''s marriage has be an interesting story on the street?" Leo raised an eyebrow.

    Irish took a deep breath, "I''d like to wait until he gets divorced."

    "Would you rather bear the title of a third party? Or the title of inducing your brother-inw?"

    Irish frowned.

    "To be honest, I don''t want to see your participation, and yet you still stand for him." He sat straight up and drank the wine in his cup.

    She also drank up her ss, picked up the wine in the ice bucket, poured another out for each other, and said, "I love him, so I don''t care about anything."

    Leo suddenly turned his head and looked at her. "Why are you so crazy for him?" he muttered. "How can you be so infatuated with him?"

    "I don''t know," Irish smiled and pressed the ss against her lips, and the sea wind blew her long hair, but could not hide her smiling eyes, "Inexplicably, I love him, and I can''t leave him."<novelnext></novelnext>

    Leo frowned tightly, gnashing his teeth. "I told you when I was in Pennsylvania that Joseph was a man without a heart. Why didn''t you listen to me? He''s not as simple as you think. Nobody knows what he''s nning! You will be hurt."

    "But I am so confident that he loves me." Irish had her legs crossed and her body leaning against the railing. Her voice was blowing far away with the sea breeze. "I think it''s good to follow my own intuition. Jealousy would make people tired."

    Leo sighed heavily.

    "Leo." Irish kicked him with a smile and stretched out her legs.

    Leo did not smile, "I want to take you now."

    "Now?" Irish shook her head, and her eyes twinkled like the stars at night. "I make no habit of two-timing."

    Leo simply pulled her back to his side, frowning, "How can you be so silly?"

    "Because I am," Irish could not helpughing.

    Leo stared at her face and suddenly said, "What if I said I want to kiss you?"

    "Just kiss," Irish unexpectedly closed her eyes and looked up at him.

    He was stunned.

    Her face was brighter under the moon, herplexion was silky, and her lips were beautiful. Leo''s love for her had not subsided, so he naturally wanted to kiss her deeply, so he lowered his thin lips directly down towards hers.

    But before touching her lips, she reminded himzily, "Joseph kissed these lips, did you intend to taste what he tasted?" Leo''s enthusiasm suddenly faltered, and he turned his head, intending to kiss her cheek, she smiled, "He also kissed this cheek."

    "You��" Leo breathed quickly, pressed her shoulders with his hands, and pressed his head down to her neck.

    She opened her eyes and said slowly, "I''ve been in bed with him."

    Leo trembled, and after sitting up straight, he stared into her eyes. He yelled at her, "Are you crazy? You know he has a wife. He''s your brother-inw. You still did that? Was it worth it? You are a good woman, and there are men who want to love you, and you want to have a rtionship with a married man?"

    "Leo." Unable to exin Joseph''s marriage to him, Irish sighed, "I just want to love when I can love, so I won''t have regrets when I can''t love."

    Leo had no choice but to shake his head, helpless. When he wanted to say something, the phone rang. He got up and went off the deck, watching her sigh and answer the phone. She did not know what the other party had said, and Leo went down below the deck.

    She was left alone on the deck, and the water under the night sky was so deep and wide that she dared not stand alone in the face of the emptiness of nature, so she poured a little wine away from the fence.

    She wanted to hear the conversation, but they did not speak English or Chinese, and she could not understand a single word.

 Chapter 237 237: I’ll Help You

    It was the first time Irish had entered a casino.

    The yacht crossed the coastline to reach this tumultuousnd. In South Africa, casinos were well-known.

    It could be seen that Leo was a frequent visitor here. He was greeted by a lot of people as soon as he came, but Irish''s arrival surprised many people. He exined to Irish that they were surprised because he had never brought a woman to the casino before.

    Irish put her arm into his arm. "Will this be more fitting?"

    "It really makes me look good," Leo no longer paid attention to what she had said on the yacht, simply watching her smile. It made him so happy.

    "Joseph left a bank card just before he went out. If I lose all my money, will you cover for me?" She joked. The casino''s environment was even more spectacr than Las Vegas'', but of course, she had never been to Las Vegas. She felt dazzled. Affairs in the casino were somon that she couldn''t even think about it.

    "A man who loves money will never let himself lose too much, but more importantly, for a person who loves money, as long as the money is in his hand, it should be regarded as his own money." Leo always smiled when he greeted the crowd, but his words were sharp and unrelenting.

    She drew back her hand and put a fist in his back so that he nearly spewed out all the wine he drank on the deck. "I am trying to soothe your heart without gaining your money, and you insult me with your words? Damn it!"

    Leo did not spoil her, reaching for her neck like an eagle catching a chicken and pulling her over. "You and I are allies here, and you are still so unfriendly to me. If you lose, I won''t help you."

    "Don''t forget that I''m the best at looking at people, and I don''t believe that nobody is cheating here," Irish shook off his hand and then ran straight to the slot machines.

    Leo howled, "You are ying with some technical...ah."

    It turns out that Leo''s prediction was correct. Someone who loved money would naturally try her best to win money, even if he lost a little like a cut in her flesh. But he couldn''t imagine she wouldn''t lose money by ying slot machines.

    The slot machine, like the tiger''s mouth, is one that devours the gamblers'' money, and yers lose the most, but she ys smoothly. Though killing time, she made a small profit.

    Leo always liked to y the five-card stud, but he was very patient with Irish ying the slot machines and the gambling table game. Irish was thrilled. Only when she yed at twenty-one did she lose a handful of money, and her little face fell immediately and said she would y no more.

    Leo looked helpless, "Miss, you have been lucky tonight." They say that the more they can''t gamble, the easier they are to win.

    "People''s luck is limited, and if I start losing money, then it will be difficult to pull back in the next few rounds." It was not her superstition. It was all seen on TV. "Didn''t you say you had sharp eyes?"

    "The dealer looked cold and indifferent, and the gamblers never raised their eyes once, it was hard to read them."<novelnext></novelnext>

    Leo nodded, "Right, they are old gamblers, and they evade people like you who could look at changes in the moods of people."

    "What then? I can''t lose any more. I lost all my money. He will kill me."

    Leo patted her on the head, "I''ll help you."

    As a matter of fact, Leo was really good at gambling. However, he only yed with the stud, and after several rounds, he doubled his chips. Irish was only interested in the interactive gambling games, but when she saw Leo win money, she began to get interested in the stud, a boring game that tests IQ.

    Leo saw her eyes shining and also let her share the chips in his hands to y. Maybe God wanted to let Irish taste some sweetness and let her win two games in a row. When the third round began, Irish''s gambling luck began to develop into a low trend, and she stopped, returning the gambling table to Leo.

    Leo said that she was too timid, but she held her own winning chips and said that people should quit while they were ahead.

    As a result, colorful chips began to pour toward Leo''s side, which made Irish very jealous. When her mobile phone rang, Irish was watching Leo''s cards nervously. The atmosphere dared not make a sound because if he had won the game, the chips would not only have doubled several times but dozens of times. ying the game was to y with fate.

    Irish was startled by the sudden ringing of her cell phone, and she reluctantly took a look. It was Joseph, and she then looked at the time. It was gettingte, so she answered quickly. At the same time, Leo won again.

    As a result, Joseph heard Irish''s crazy cheers, and her voice became so sharp with extreme excitement that it almost pierced Joseph''s eardrums.

    He frowned and took the phone away from his ear, waiting quietly for her screams to stop before asking, "Where are you?"

    In the casino, Irish''s excitement had not dissipated, and she also did not analyze whether the man on the mobile phone was unhappy or not and said happily, "Joseph, you really shoulde to the casino to y, we won a lot of money!"

    "You went to the casino? With whom?" On that side, the man''s voice sharpened a little.

    "I''m with Leo. He''s so good. Come on, let''s win the money together."

    Joseph''s voice sounded calm and light, ending the call after asking for the address.

    On the other side of the casino, Irish waspletely immersed in the colorful chips, which could be turned into countless different currencies, which kept swimming around in her mind. When she helped Leo count chips, she sincerely sighed and finally understood why the casinos have been crowded since ancient times.

 Chapter 238 238: Don’t Be So Serious

    Leo began teaching Irish how to win money at 21 or stud when he was at half-time and instructed her about the games one by one. She learned very carefully. It was also very simple. She had always been diligent about making money, especially this spective way of making money.

    Irish was confident and was ready to hold her own chips to win, but a chest suddenly blocked her way. She was so excited that she didn''t expect his appearance, and her feet did not stop, her face bumped into his chest, and she felt a pain in her nose.

    "Do you��" Irish was about to denounce him but unexpectedly looked up at the man''s eyes. She stopped suddenly, and her voice became cheerful, "Joseph, you came very quickly."

    Standing behind her was Leo, who was not surprised and looked at him with a faint smile.

    Joseph nced calmly at Leo and left without saying anything, pulling Irish''s arm. Irish was shocked, and all the chips in her hands fell to the ground. She was so anxious that she tried to break away from his big hand, but it was of no use. So she shouted at him, "Joseph, my money! I''ve lost all my money!"

    Joseph kept silent, holding her arm in his big hand.

    Irish feared that the chips on the ground would be snatched away by others. She bit Joseph''s wrist without thinking. He did not expect her to make such a move. When he was reacting to the pain, she took advantage of the opportunity to push him away. She picked up the chips that fell to the ground one by one.

    Joseph''s brows frowned tightly, and he stepped forward with great strides, but Leo stopped in front of him,ughing, "Joseph, this is a ce for people to rx. Don''t be so serious."

    Irish squatted on the ground to collect the chips. They were only money in his eyes.

    Joseph nced at Irish, then looked back at Leo. His eyes were much colder. "You''re crazy. What are you doing? Taking her to such a ce?"

    "y," Leo''s arms were folded across his chest, saying slowly. "She''s not a minor. Why can''t shee here?"

    Joseph stared at him for a long time, gradually loosening his frown. He didn''t respond to him and said to Irish, "We should go back."

    Irish held her chips, walking to Joseph.

    Even a fool could see the change in mood inside the room. Thinking about it, she smiled at him, her eyes full of affection, "It''s still early, let''s y here for a while."

    "No." Joseph''s tone was light but always strong.

    "Joseph��" Irish tried to attract him, putting a hand out to touch his bitten wrist and calling his name tenderly. "One hour, let me y for another hour."

    "You''ll have to follow me tomorrow, and we have another arrangement. So you''ll have to go to bed early tonight." Joseph''s tone had slightly softened.

    Irish smiled. "I''m not a child anymore. Don''t take care of me like a child. Let''s just make a deal, and I''ll y for another hour."

    "You..."

    "Joseph, if youe here, don''t be hesitant like a woman. I think you should also take part in the bet. A big fight ising, but you don''t have to make a clear distinction between friends and foes so soon." Leo saw Irish stick around Joseph, and he felt ufortable,ughing sourly.

    "I think that''s a good idea. The three of us can join forces and win more money." Irish understood the meaning of Leo''s speech. The big war was imminent, and indeed, he was about to bid. It seemed that Leo was also likely to win. No one could predict what kind ofpetition would arise. At this moment, it was really calm before the storm.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "I don''t know how to bet," Joseph said honestly.

    Hearing that, Irish was ted, "The omnipotent Mr. Dover actually has a thing he doesn''t know how to do!"

    "Joseph, aren''t you afraid of me, are you?" Leo stepped forward, raising his lips andughing.

    Joseph looked at him, saying word for word, "You''ll know whether I''m telling you the truth or not."

    Leo burst intoughter. After seeing the situation, Irish did not understand, pulled at Joseph''s arm, and asked, "He really can''t?"

    "He is a man of three principles, one is whores, the other is from drugs, and thest is from the casino." Leo kindly gave her an exnation. Irish chuckled, he was a good man.

    "Come back with me." Joseph did not pay attention to Leo''s strange words, making the straightforwardmand to Irish.

    How could Leo miss the show? He hurriedly pulled Joseph, "I think you should not be so rigid. If you can''t y the big one, why not just the small?"

    "Leo, what''s wrong with you tonight?" Joseph frowned.

    "I simply wanted to rx, nothing else," Leo hurriedly raised his hand to make the rification.

    Irish also said, "Yes, it''s so much fun here. We don''t bet very often. So, I''ll share some of my chips with you to y."

    "Isabel." Joseph was slightly helpless. He didn''t like to see her so exuberant about gambling.

    Leo seemed to be determined, "So, we y with our own chips and whoever wins the most has to buy dinner?"

    ? "Okay," Irish agreed.

    Joseph looked at Irish silently. "That''s it. I''ll take half the chips I have just won, and let''s y a few games. The one who wins treats everyone to dinner, and if we lose, we stop." Leo made the decision.

    "I agree with Leo, and we only y with small amounts of money." Unfortunately, she couldn''t afford to y with a lot of money.

    Joseph sighed, stretching out his hand and rubbing Irish''s head. "Howe you like to gamble?"

    Irish smiled, "Don''t be worried, I have self-control, I''m not addicted."

    Leo reached his hand toward Joseph, "Give me your wallet." Leo looked at him hesitatingly. After a moment, he took out his wallet. Leo took out a MasterCard from it and handed it to the Houseman of the casino, saying, "Cash in 1 million chips, thank you."

    The man respectfully took it.

 Chapter 239 239: I Won Again

    Irish red at Leo, and Leo looked at Joseph.

    "I''ll give you half of my chips, plus capital, and you and I each will have 1.5 million chips." He paused and looked up at them.

    "How about ying at 11:00 pm?" Joseph was speechless.

    Irish could not help saying to Joseph, "Didn''t you say that you should y a small game? 1.5 million? What do you think?"

    "In a ce like this, these are pennies," Leo exined.

    Irish was speechless, looking down at the chips in her hands, "Here, I only have 20,000."

    "So if you were in Las Vegas, you wouldn''t have enough money to change it once." Leoughed.

    Irish frowned, "Unfair, I have too little, I am doomed to lose."

    "At least you don''t have to buy dinner for us." Leoughed again.

    Soon, that Houseman exchanged the chip and came over. Joseph saw that the overall situation had been determined, so he did not say much.

    Leo took Irish''s hand in his, "Come with me." Leo smiled at Irish, "He can not y well, and if you go with him, you will lose."

    Irish felt guilty about leaving Joseph because she had just bitten him with great force. If she stayed with Leo all night, he would certainly tear her apart back at the apartment.

    The result was that they were divided into two different groups.

    Leo was good at ying the show-hand while Joseph walked around in the casino for a long time but still couldn''t decide what to y. Irish followed behind him, and as the time passed, she thought it was necessary to remind him that the casino was sorge that if they continued to wander around, it would take them all night.

    She pulled him and said, "Joseph, we are not here to visit. If we keep hanging around there, people will be suspicious of us."

    Joseph raised his eyebrow, and obviously, he didn''t understand what she meant.

    Irish rolled her eyes at him and exined, "The people here will be suspicious of your intentions, and I''m afraid that they will treat you like a terrorist."

    Joseph smiled helplessly and then replied, "Well, then let''s y something casually then."

    "You can y show-hand, I am going to y 21 points or one-arm bandit." Irish still wanted to y something she was interested in.

    Joseph thought for a while and said, "Leo is good at show-hand, but I''m not."

    "So, do you want him to win? I have seen him win a lot of money before," Irish held his arms and joked with him, "Do you want to lose to him?"

    Joseph showed a faint smile and said, "Your words won''t work on me." In fact, Leo had been going to casinos for many years.

    Irish squinted at him, and his face looked handsome under the light. She held him and said softly, "Honey, are you angry with me?"

    He was pleased with her since she rarely called him "honey," so he pretended to be calm and said, "What do you think?"<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Don''t be angry. I promise I will report my position to you at any time." She swayed in his arms.

    "Well, that''s alright." Joseph puckered his face and smiled.

    Irish held him tightly, and he finallyughed when he saw her sweet face and soft eyes. Joseph kissed her forehead and said, "Enjoy yourself."

    She nodded and felt warm in her heart, but when she was about to y 21, she soon came back and kissed him on her tiptoes. "What''s wrong?" Joseph was confused.

    "I want to apologize to you since I just bit you." Irish smiled while Joseph embraced her and whispered, "I will bite you back tonight.

    "Joseph!" Irish went pink and ran away.

    Looking at her back, Joseph smiled softly, but when she joined the others, he began to be worried.

    Time always passed quickly in the casino. If you got into it, you either returned fully loaded or lost everything you owned. Irish was obsessed with the game, and since she had only a few chips, she only won a small amount of money.

    It was 22:30, and Irish was absorbed in ying when someone patted her shoulder and sat down beside her. She turned around and found that it was Joseph, so she asked him cheerfully, "How much money have you won?"

    Joseph did not reply to her but pointed at her chips, "Let''s talk about itter when you finish your game. Irish was pleased since she thought Joseph must have won a lot of money because she knew he was a decent man. Therefore, she focused on her betting, and when the dice unfolded before her, she was so excited that she almost fell from her chair, shouting, "I won! I won again!"

    It was the first time that Joseph had seen her act like this, and her eyes were as bright as the lights above him. After she collected all the chips she had won, she stopped and pulled Joseph away. "How much money have you won? It is not even eleven o''clock yet, we can still y for a while." After finishing her words, she was going to pull him to try other games.

    "Wait a moment," He stopped her with a little embarrassment.

    "What''s wrong?"

    "I lost a lot of money." He said frankly.

    It took her some time to respond, "You.... ...you lost a lot of money?" She blinked her eyes.

    Joseph nodded.

    "Oh, don''t worry. I don''t think Leo will win much either," She tried tofort him.

    Joseph spread his hands helplessly, "But I lost all my chips."

    "What?" Irish shrieked as if there was someone choking her neck, and many people paid attention to her. She asked him again to be sure. "You mean that you lost all of your money, and there isn''t even a penny left?"

    Joseph nodded again.

    Irish was extremely shocked and looked at him motionlessly. "But it was 1.5 million dors."

    "Yes, I lost all of it."

    "My God!" Hearing this, her legs turned soft. The next second, Joseph held her crumpling body.

 Chapter 240 240: Be Gentle To Her

    Joseph looked at her and was at a loss whether tough or smile. It seemed that this news had really knocked her down.

    "Joseph." After a long while, Irish said to him with her ears buzzing. "Who won your money? I will win it back for you." Finishing her words, she hastily walked forward.

    It was 1.5 million dors! Though it was not her money, she still felt upset.

    "Are you sure you can win all of it back?" Joseph asked with a smile.

    Irish replied, "If I can''t, then I will use some dirty tactics."

    "But that''s how a casino works. People can take all of your money as long as they can win," Joseph smiled and pulled her back.

    "But it was 1.5million dors."

    "So you need to remember I lost 1.5 million dors because of you," Joseph said slowly.

    Irish was a little shocked and looked up at him, "What a profiteer! Obviously, it''s your fault!"

    "Anyway, I have to earn the money back with you." Joseph held her waist and said with a faint smile.

    Irish replied deliberately, "Do you want me to sleep with the other men so you can get back your money?"

    "You think too much!" Joseph pinched her nose and added, "You can only apany me!" He held her hands and stepped forward.

    "What are you going to do? Do you want me to sleep with you now?"

    "We are going to find Leo." Joseph sighed slightly.

    Leo was obsessed with gambling, but their situation seemed different than expected.

    He was still ying the show-hand and had not changed games. When they stood beside him, he focused on his cards and then took a quick glimpse at them when the dealer ended the round. "You win?" Leo asked briefly.

    But they didn''t reply.

    Leo did not continue to ask because he was focusing on his game. When his opponent added his chips, Leo thought for a while and was also about to raise the bet with his chips. Irish stepped in, asking him in a low voice, "Leo, why are there so few chips left?"

    Somehow, an unfathomable premonition urred to her. Leo patted her hands and said, "Don''t disturb me, please."

    Joseph pulled Irish back and whispered to her, "It does not seem optimistic."

    Irish felt very nervous after hearing this.

    At the end, when his opponent showed his cards, the dealer gracefully dered the result. Leo clenched his fists in anger. Irish was so anxious, but when she was going to ask him, Leo turned to Joseph directly and said, "It seems you are really my bad luck charm."

    Irish felt dizzy when she saw all of Leo''s chips taken away by the others. Even though he lost, he remained as the God of Gamblers in her heart.

    "Leo, you''d better give up now before you lose all of your money," Joseph leaned against the gambling table and said indifferently.<novelnext></novelnext>

    But the new round of the game started.

    When the dealer was distributing cards, Leo looked at Joseph with aplicated expression and replied after a long while, "If that was another person''s suggestion, then I might agree. But do you think that I would believe you?" After finishing his words, he knocked on the table and said to the dealer. "Go on."

    Irish stood there and tried to understand the meaning of their words.

    Unluckily, the final result was that Leo also lost all of his money. When they sat in the car, Leo couldn''t help shaking his head and talking to himself, "What a shame! An awful shame!"

    "Yes, how could the so-called God of Gambling lose?" Joseph smiled faintly.

    "Don''t forget that you also lost all of your money," Leo sneered at him.

    Joseph raised his eyebrows and replied, "But I never thought I would win."

    Leo waved his hands restlessly and said, "No, I will not submit to such a loss. I have to go back and win my money back."

    Hearing this, Irish immediately stopped him and said, "Don''t do this. I''m afraid that you will lose your yacht."

    "If that happened, he would have no choice but to take my car," Joseph sneered.

    Leo scratched his head and kept silent for a while and then said to Joseph, "I thought you would at least win some money."

    "But I did not intend to invite you for a meal, so I don''t have to win money."

    He rolled his eyes at Joseph, and when he took a quick glimpse at Irish, his eyes suddenly turned bright. Irish was smart and knew he had some wicked ideas. Before he could say anything, she hastily said, "I am so thirsty. I''m going to go to buy some water.

    But before she could move, Leo grabbed her tightly, which made her startled. Joseph then turned back and said to him, "Be gentle to her."

    "Isabel." Leo said softly to Irish, "Have you won anything? I saw you change money just now."

    Her unfathomable premonition finally came true. She pushed him away and widened her eyes at him, "Both of you are two big crocodiles while I am just a shrimp. What are you going to do with me?"

    Leo showed an evil smile, and under the streetlights, his white teeth glittered, "Though we are two big crocodiles, we lost all of our money while you, a small shrimp, have won a lot of money. Are you going to be dishonest? We had a deal before that the person who wins money should have to buy the meal."

    "You must have lost on purpose."

    "Oh my God! We lost so much money, and I''m upset about it; how could you say that!" Leo pretended to be depressed.

    Irish looked at him and then turned to Joseph, "Well, fine. I will treat you to some snacks."

    "Snacks?" Leo was incredulous at her words and said, "I am so hungry! I have been waiting for a feast tonight. Are you serious that you only want to treat us with some snacks? No way! I need to eat a feast of delicious foods."

    "I won less than 20 thousand dors in total!" Irish resisted in a loud voice.

    "Is that true?" Leo was hesitant and then turned to Joseph, "You stayed with her for almost the whole night, you must know.

 Chapter 241 241: You’ll Go To Hell Earlier Than Me

    But Joseph did not get involved in their scuffle and replied briefly, "I don''t know."

    Leo bit his lip and said, "Are you going to work hand in hand with each other? It''s okay, I will find it out." After finishing his words, he took Irish''s bag and abruptly began to rummage through it. Irish was shocked and was about to grab it back, but Leo held the bag in his arms tightly. Finally, he opened the bag, and he found that it was full of money. Irish was suddenly awkward.

    "Little shrimp, it seems that you have won so much money!" Leo derided her.

    Irish snatched her bag, stared at the two of them for a while, and finally said, "You are a profiteer, while you are a robber."

    After hearing this, Joseph finally broke the silence and rubbed her face with his big hand, "You have to keep your promise."

    In the end, Leo lost the most money and ate the most food.

    They ate at the best restaurant in Cape Town that had the best chefs as well as the most expensive wines. There were many waiters serving them, and Leo was very happy while Irish was anxious about her money.

    She looked at him, who was stuffing himself with delicacies as if he wanted to spend all of her money.

    Thinking of this, she turned to Joseph beside her, hoping that he would turn to her as well so that she could ask him for help. But Joseph focused on eating and did not pay attention to her. Though he ate in a graceful manner, he still ate arge amount too.

    Seeing this, Irish put her ss on the table heavily after taking a sip of wine. When the waiters were about to pour more wine for her, she reached out and stopped him because when they approached her, she could feel the expensive service fee in her bones. They ate there leisurely while her heart was racing.

    "How can you let a woman pay for a meal?" Irish couldn''t helpining. Leo, who was obsessed with the delicious food, did not look up but reached out a hand and waved at her. "Trust me, if I won today, I would treat you much better."

    Hearing this, Joseph put down his tableware and said slowly, "You cannot even stop eating while talking."

    "Anyway, this meal has already been paid for, I will eat as much as possible." Leo ignored Joseph and then picked up a ss of wine, "Enjoy your life at all times, Joseph. But you never understand."

    "But that may not be true on every asion," Joseph took a sip of wine and replied.

    "Well, you can obey your rule. Then why stop drinking?" Leo held his ss up.

    Joseph frowned slightly and put down his ss directly, "Don''t poke your nose in my business."

    "Don''t be so self-righteous. I am just afraid you might have to go to the hospital at midnight just likest time. We are in South Africa now, and I don''t want to bring you there." Leo held the wine in his hands and added when she saw Irish, "Did you know that? I heard he got ill again since he drank too much in Pennsylvania and asked Daisy to find doctors for him."

    After hearing this, Irish was in shock while Joseph just sat there calmly and said to Leo, "You are really well-informed."<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Have you heard that your capability is decided by your opponent? You have to have the same ability as me if you want to fight me." Leo smiled faintly.

    Irish did not focus on what they were talking about but was absorbed in the issue of Joseph getting ill because he drank too much in Pennsylvania.

    He was drunk that night. In fact, he had drank for her.

    Irish was distraught since he knew he had gastrorrhagia before. No wonder he was not in the room when she woke up the next morning. Staring at his face, Irish wanted to hold him tightly.

    She couldn''t feel the pain of his illness that night but could feel the loneliness when she saw a doctor there. Guilt suddenly almost overwhelmed her.

    Now she also understood why Daisy had mentioned the situation to her the day she submitted her resignation. She did not ask her in detail, but now it seemed ridiculous. They had arrived in Pennsylvania one day earlier than Daisy, so how did she know what had happened there? If she could ask her in detail, she could know the real situation that night.

    Joseph turned back to her and said, "It is all bullshit. Don''t listen to him."

    But Leo continued, "Joseph, you might go to hell the day you die, but before that day, you''d better live well. I might hate you so much, but I don''t want you to get I''ll."

    "Don''t worry. You''ll go to hell earlier than me," Joseph snorted.

    Looking at them, Irish suddenly remembered the words that Leo had once said to her. At that time, she didn''t understand why they had to fight with each other, but Leo told her that since their friendship was gone, the best way to acknowledge each other''s existence was to fight with each other. She sighed. Though they never told her what happened to them, she could still perceive the profound friendship they once had.

    Men''s emotions were more direct and loyal than women''s. Even when a friendship had ended, its shadow would linger there forever, so they had to choose such a way to remind them of their past friendship.

    ****

    It was nighttime in New York. Lilith went home exhausted, and as soon as she entered the house, she saw that her mom was practicing a tea ceremony. The fragrance of the tea drifted through the room, which relieved her tiredness. She greeted her, and when she was about to go upstairs, Kelly slowly told her. "Stop."

    Lilith stopped and turned to her mom.

    "Have you gone on a date with Ben?" She wanted to vomit upon hearing her mom''s words.

    "What do you think of him?" Kelly said slowly.

    Lilith replied briefly. "I don''t like him."

 Chapter 242 242: Did You Follow Me?

    Hearing this, Kelly was not surprised at all and fiddled with the tea set. Lilith stared at her for a while and was reassured when she saw Kelly was not angry with her. "I have to go to rest now, I am so tired after a day''s work."

    After finishing this, she turned back. "If Ben is not appropriate, then I still have many other good men selected for you," Kelly added again behind her.

    Lilith was astonished and turned to her, "Mom, what are you trying to tell me?"

    Kelly put down the tea set in her hands but still did not look at her. "I am going to tell you, I will arrange this for you, but I don''t want you to be with Jay."

    "Mom!" She never expected that Kelly would know this and was shocked by her.

    "You have to stay away from him," Kelly took a cup of tea and smelled it while talking to her slowly.

    Lilith rushed to Kelly and sat down beside her anxiously, "Did you follow me!"

    Kelly put the cup on the tea table and looked at her unpleasantly, "Do you think I need to investigate you? Ben told me what happened when you met the other night. You are really something. You hid the fact that you fell in love with Jay, and he even arrested Ben and brought him to the police station. His father called to ask me why you went on a date with him since you have a boyfriend. You are my daughter, and I didn''t even know this. What do you have to say for yourself?"

    "Well, what''s wrong with Jay? I think he''s a good man," Lilith said quickly.

    "If he changed his family name and had a different job, I would also think he was suitable for you."

    "What''s wrong with his job and his family name?"

    Hearing this, Kelly stopped and said, "Is it because I spoiled you, or are you just stupid? Don''t you care about the issues between our family and Jay''s family? You are a member of the Lake family, so you have to avoid doing something that will cause problems. Don''t you know that Jay''s family hates us? Though you can get along well enough with him, his family will not treat you well."

    "Mom!"

    "What''s more, his job is too dangerous." Kelly did not give her a chance to argue and added, "He is a policeman, and that is a job that is full of danger. Would you want to live alone for your whole life if an ident happened to him?"

    "Mom, enough! The conflict between our two families is none of my business. I just know I love him, and I have to be with him," Lilith said grumpily.

    "It''s easy to fall in love with someone, but it''s difficult to maintain that love. Why would you want to jump down into the abyss that you know what awaits you?"

    "Mom, you are really pushing me."

    "I am your mother, and I am doing this for your own good."<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Mom!"

    "Wow, you are arguing with each other. What a surprise." Their argument was interrupted by Shirley, who had just entered the house, shooting a sarcastic look at Kelly.

    At the same time, Roy came downstairs since their argument woke him up. He stretched and sat down on the couch, "Auntie, don''t argue with her anymore. Think about how much she loves him. Let her be with Jay."

    "You are a really good brother," Lilith immediately held Roy tightly, as if he was her liberator, and smiled.

    Shirley walked to him and patted his back heavily. "Ouch! Mom, why are you hitting me? I''m not the one in love with Jay."

    His words amused Lilith.

    "Darn, kids. This is all nonsense. You rarelye back, and you are always full of nonsense. Go back to sleep. This is none of your business." Shirley frowned at him.

    "Lilith is my younger sister, so I must stick up for her as her brother." Roy smiled and turned to Lilith, "Tell me that he treats you well? Is he as funny as me? He...."

    "Roy, you''d better help me to persuade her to stay away from Jay as soon as possible," Kelly ignored Shirley and said to Roy with a sigh.

    "Why?" Roy was confused and added, "Auntie, you must never have seen Jay before. He is a handsome and capable man and the most talented cop in his police station. I heard of his heroic deeds in Florida, and I really admire him. I think it would be good for Lilith to be with him."

    Kelly frowned, and Shirley began to cause trouble beside her. "Sister, just as the old saying goes: A grown girl can''t be kept at home. In my opinion, when Lilith gets married to Jay in the future, she will understand why you stopped her today." After finishing her words, Shirleyughed sarcastically and added, "After all, Mary is a famously shrewd woman. Lilith will live a hard life with them."

    Kelly knew she was taking pleasure in their argument, so she squinted and said, "Why do you always poke your nose in other people''s business? I believe your daughter is in big trouble now. I will not allow Lilith to have any rtionship with Jay, so you''d better pray that your son will also refrain from contact with their family."

    "As far as I know, Irish is the only daughter in her family, so my son will definitely not have any rtionship with them unless Mary gives birth to a daughter now." Shirleyughed.

    Kelly clenched her hand into a fist in anger and turned to Lilith, "You''d better not disobey me and don''t contact Jay anymore."

    "Mom, you can''t be so unreasonable!" Lilith was outraged and rushed upstairs. Seeing this, Kelly followed her upstairs.

    When everything went quiet again, Shirley smiled sarcastically and sat down on the sofa, "She deserves it. Did you see her just now? I''m really happy with that."

    "Mom, Jay is a good man, and you don''t get involved in it," Roy said to her, lying leisurely on the couch with his legs beside the teapot.

 Chapter 243 243: Let Me Feel Your Breath

    Shirley pped his legs and said, "I have no free time to get involved in it, I was just worried about Ruby. I also have to take care of you."

    "What''s wrong with me?" Roy took an apple and had a big bite.

    "You are the only son in the Lake family, and you are always busy with your work. And you don''t even have a girlfriend now? So I really worry about it."

    Roy was afraid of her muttering and grumbling, so after eating his apple, he said to Shirley, "Mom, don''t worry about me. I am fine. I have to have a rest now because I still have jetg."

    "Stop. You should treat this seriously. Do you know that the board of directors isn''t satisfied with Joseph? So you might have to go back to the Runestone Group."

    "Here we go again," he murmured, adding, "Why should I return to ourpany?"

    "You are the only son of this family, so you have to take charge of it," Shirley tried to persuade him. She continued, "Joseph has already gone to South Africa, and he may seed in getting the contract for the diamond mine. If he seeds this time, his position will be consolidated again.

    Roy rolled his eyes and replied, "He is the manager of the Runestone Group, so it is natural for him to consolidate his position."

    "Nonsense! Why are you as stubborn as Ruby? You are unwilling to go back to the Runestone Group, and Ruby doesn''t want to work there either. And now Joseph has even filed for divorce with her, so who do you think will get thepany in the end? I am afraid we will be homeless!"

    "But you still have shares in the Runestone Group. How can they do that to us?" Roy yawned, stretched himself, and added, "To be honest, I like my present job."

    "Damn, kid! How can you be so petnt with me?" Shirley frowned at him and shouted behind him. "If you don''t go back to thepany, then find a girlfriend and get engaged to her, or I will arrange a blind date for you."

    "Okay. I get it." Roy repliedzily and went back to his room.

    Shirley shook her head helplessly and sat on the couch quietly for a while. Her mind was full of the image of Joseph being weed back by the board officers after getting the contract for the diamond mine. The more she thought of it, the more she was afraid. He had been the best man to be her son-inw, but now it seemed that she had invited a wolf into her den. If he never came back or if he just disappeared into the world, things would be easier for her. She can''t let Joseph take everything she worked hard for.

    ****

    It was the middle of the night in Cape Town, South Africa. The neonmps were lit in the street.

    The door of the apartment was opened, and Irish was attached to Joseph, holding his waist as they entered the house. The door opened. She smiled at Joseph and held his neck in her hands, and took the initiative to kiss him.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Joseph was surprised by her initiative and her unusual passion, and his hands began to slip down her back to her hip. She dodged him slightly but still held him tightly and buried her face in his arms.

    Joseph smiled and embraced her.

    But soon, he felt that his chest was wet and hot. Lowering his head to take a look at her, Joseph was astonished. He held her face and was surprised by her tears, which made her look pitiful.

    It reminded him of the night when he met her at the bar for the first time, when she also buried her face in his arms, crying.

    "What''s wrong? Why are you crying?" Joseph reached out and wiped her tears gently, just like that night, but he couldn''t help kissing her at that moment.

    Irish held him tightly but still burst into tears quietly. After a long time, she said in a low voice, "Joseph, sometimes I think I am dreaming because life is so great that I feel a little anxious about it."

    Joseph gazed at her and said, "You''re drunk. Don''t think so much."

    She also looked at him directly with her tearful eyes, "I am drunk, so my emotions are real. Sometimes I feel afraid that you will leave me someday. Or perhaps originally, it''s just a dream and not real at all. I''m afraid of losing you."

    "I won''t leave you," He sighed slightly with his cheeks pressed against her nose.

    "Do I think too much?" She enjoyed his breath and continued, "But I never used to be like this, but now I don''t think I could bear the loneliness anymore."

    Joseph embraced her and said, "Honey, I said before that I would not leave you alone, so you don''t have to fear this."

    "But I also don''t want you to face loneliness on your own either." Irish looked up at him and added, "You shouldn''t have hidden from me that night. I am so depressed."

    Of course, Joseph understood what she was talking about and reached out to tuck her hair behind her ears while saying, "Trust me. I was fine that night, you can ask Daisy about this."

    Upon finishing his words, Irish suddenly kissed him with her fingers slipping down from his corbone, undid his buttons, and whispered, "Let me feel your breath so that I can know that this is real and not a dream."

    "Honey." There was aplicated emotion lingering in his heart, he felt warm but also sore. He could understand her panic. It was getting closer and closer to the bidding day. As time passed, it meant they would meet more obstacles. Though he had prepared to face all kinds of problems when they went back to New York, he knew Irish had hidden all of her worries in her heart. He was not sure their way would be smooth because sometimes promises did not work at all.

 Chapter 244 244: The Way To Demonstrate Their Love

    The sky in the night was ck as ink, dark and profound. Even the sea outside the apartment was tranquil as if it had fallen asleep. The moonlight poured into the room and illuminated broken silvers on the ground.

    Under the dim light, Irish closed her eyes and kissed his lips as well as his sturdy chest. Through the light, he could see her slightly trembling eyshes. Though her lips were red and sexy, she looked pale under the moonlight. Joseph felt sore seeing her as if his heart had been pinched.

    The woman in his arms was like a flower, and he couldn''t help kissing her. At that moment, their passion was abruptly ignited, and his kiss turned mighty while she responded to him actively.

    They held each other like two fish in the ocean and used the most violent way to demonstrate their love.

    Joseph controlled the initiative and turned her around, pressing her against the door. She looked up and opened her eyes to look at him, undoing hisst button. Her clothes were taken off, and she was like a beautiful butterfly emerging in its full splendor.

    Irish could feel his hot breath, and his lips almost melted her heart. His kiss was so mighty, and she responded to him passionately.

    Their clothes were scattered on the carpet.

    Irish whispered and called his name. When Joseph circled her legs around his waist and entered her body with great passion, she felt she was like an arrow that was poised for flight. She bit his shoulder to release her great joy when she had an orgasm.

    Joseph was wild and pressed her against the door as if he was trying to embed himself in her body permanently.

    He was so strong, and she felt like she was a soft sponge that was getting squeezed out by him. She couldn''t help moaning from the great physical pleasure.

    Under the dim moonlight, they were soaked with sweat, and she bore his violent pounding with her soft body. Her long hair entwined them like seaweed in the ocean, drifting in the rapids.

    ****

    They were in the Linkus Mental Research Institute in New York.

    After finishing lunch, ir was about to read some documents about a case, but Cheska knocked on the door and came in with a pile of documents in her hands, putting them on his table and saying, "Now that it is a mystery case without any clues, I am afraid that I can''t help you."

    A mystery case without any clues meant the case was not the same as the case referred to by the police. ir had such a case. He was a behavioral therapist, and when he never encountered a bottleneck in treatments, he would seek hypnosis assistance from Cheska. In general, many cases do not ept hypnotherapy because, at present, hypnotherapy is still at a controversial stage in its development.

    "You can''t do it?" ir frowned.

    "Your client refused to cooperate with me because he thinks you gave up treatment on him and transferred him to another therapist, like throwing away a piece of chewing gum."

    Hearing this, ir shrugged his shoulders.

    But Cheska did not leave immediately.

    "Anything else?" ir asked.

    She sat down in the chair and said frankly, "Did you know Professor Tim wants to retire earlier?"

    "Retire early?" He thought for a while and asked, "Is that necessary? Why does he want to do that?"<novelnext></novelnext>

    "I heard that he wants to focus on his research."

    ir shook his head and replied, "I haven''t heard this news yet."

    "It is not important if it is true, the key point is if Professor Tim retires in advance, who will take charge of his position? I think it should be Irish."

    Hearing this, ir sneered and said, "Irish? You must be joking. She is a young therapist, how could she take charge of the entire institute?"

    "You''d better not look down upon her." Cheska warned him and said, "Or do you think Professor Lincoln asked an airborne soldier for nothing?"

    ir hesitated for a while.

    "What''s more important, I heard that Tim''s son was Irish''s tutor." Cheska got close to him and added, "His son, Fredrick, specialized in psychology and has won many international awards. He is regarded as the most promising psychologist, and most of his works have been collected into textbooks. Irish is his student, and she even works at his father''s institute. Do you still believe there is no inside story?"

    ir squinted and thought for a long while. When Cheska was still waiting for his opinions, he cleared his throat and replied, "Even if that is the case. It is none of my business. Cheska, I am busy; perhaps we can find another time to chat."

    After hearing this, Cheska stood up and sneered, "ir, it is toote to pretend to be sanctimonious."

    ir also stood up and opened the door for her, "Goodbye, Cheska."

    Cheska walked to him and said sarcastically, "It''s not appropriate to burn a bridge after crossing it." And then she left.

    The door was closed, and ir began considering what she had just said to him.

    ****

    It was a sunny day in Cape Town, but the temperature had cooled down.

    Belle brought Will to their apartment in the morning. She was a stubborn girl, and no matter how horribly Irish treated her, she would collect the documents as well as some necessary items for Joseph every morning. In the beginning, Irish was annoyed by her behavior, but gradually she became ustomed to this because she found that it was interesting to argue with her asionally.

    Joseph took a long call, and she couldn''t hear what he was talking on the phone clearly. From her perspective, he looked a little serious, especially in his eyes.

    Irish had been ustomed to his busy life and did not feel surprised at all. She walked into the room leisurely, leaning against the door, and said to Belle, "Please put on my sunscreen."

    Belle stopped and turned around to her, "I''m not your assistant. You can do it yourself."

    Instead of being annoyed, Irish smiled faintly.

    Belle rushed in front of her and widened her eyes, "Don''t think I will be your ve, even if you are Joseph''s girlfriend."

    They were getting so close that Irish pinched her cheek, frightening her. "What are you doing?"

 Chapter 245 245: It Is Useless To Me

    Joseph, who was on the phone, also saw this, but he did not stop her. He was preupied with his business.

    Belle couldn''t get rid of her hands so Irish could see her face clearly, "I did not intend to force you to do that, but I can''t bear to see that your beautiful face is tanned."

    "What do you mean?" Belle was shocked.

    "Bring my sunscreen and rub it on your face. You are Joseph''s assistant, so you have to maintain a good image before the public. Look at your face! It''s so shallow!"

    Hearing this, Belle rushed to the mirror, carefully looked at her face, and widened her eyes.

    "You have to learn from Daisy on this point. You represent the image of thepany, if you can''t maintain a good image, how can we do business with others?"

    After finishing this, Irish threw the sunscreen on the table and added, "It is the best sunscreen at present, you can use it on your whole face. Don''t say that I didn''t warn you."

    Belle took it hesitantly and said, "I don''t intend to thank you."

    "I never expect your appreciation; it is useless to me." Then she left.

    Belle was shocked for a while, and then she hastily began to put on the sunscreen to protect her face from the burning sun.

    Joseph had told herst night that today''s trip would be very busy and that she had to follow him the whole day. Joseph had given her a passionate experience of physical pleasurest night, and he looked refreshed, but Irish was exhausted, so she did not ask him in detail about the day''s itinerary.

    The driver was cleaning up the car, and Irish stood beside him, looking at him quietly, while Will was chatting away. She was amused by him.

    Suddenly, Irish remembered something, and then she asked him, "Now that you are proficient in 12 differentnguages, I have some questions for you."

    Will was confident and thumped his chest to assure her that he would not be defeated by her questions. Then Irish roughly told him the words she heard from Leo when they went to sea. It was not in English, and he sputtered, so she could only remember a few words.

    Unexpectedly, Willughed and said, "I have told you that you can''t defeat me." Her eyes lit up at Will''s answer and hastily asked, "What do they mean?" Will said proudly. "It''s Dutch. Many people here speak Dutch."

    Irish was suddenly enlightened. It was no wonder she felt familiar with it since she had heard Joseph speak Dutch with others before.

    "Then what''s the meaning of the words? Will replied to her without any hesitation," ''Fund'' and ''my ount''."

    Irish nodded and recalled the other two words.

    Will had finished cleaning the car and was washing his hands, and after hearing this, he said with a smile, "The first word means ''transferring between ounts,'' and the second word is simple. It is a number, and it means ''three hundred million''."

    When she got the answer from Will, the first thought that urred to Irish was that Leo was going to transfer three hundred million dors to someone else. But after thinking for a while, she felt weird about it. When she was pondering, her waist was suddenly encircled by Joseph. She looked into his eyes andughed.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Get in the car," He said softly.

    Irish nodded and held his arms. When they had just opened the door of the car, an idea suddenly came to her mind. Leo did not intend to give others money; instead, he asked someone to transfer money into his ount.

    If it was true, then things would be easy to exin. The bidding day wasing, so he needed this amount of money in it. It seemed that she had eavesdropped on his personal affairs.

    Joseph perceived that she was distracted since she got into the car.

    "What are you thinking about?" He put aside his portfolio and asked her.

    Belle and Will were in the front of the car, so there was enough private space for them. Irish ignored Belle''s vision and whispered to him, "I am recalling the passionate moment we hadst night."

    Joseph smiled gently after hearing this and got closer to her. "Did you like that?"

    "Joseph!" She rarely saw him act like this before in public, so after hearing his words, she went pink and hit his shoulder lightly, which made himugh.

    Belle took a look from the rearview mirror and did not know what happened, but she was astonished by Joseph''sugh since he hardly everughed in public before.

    It was not until they had arrived that Irish realized their ns for the day.

    They were going to meet with the diamond dealer, Tuell, who had a diamond shop in Cape Town.

    He was of mixed American and Indian descent.

    They came to him because of a rare diamond. Joseph had shown pictures to Irish on their way, and its color was extremely rare.

    It was a blue-green diamond that had a magnificent gradient.

    If you saw it in a dark ce, the diamond would be blue, but under the sunlight, it would change to a dazzling green. Many diamond dealers were eager to own it. Irish thought the blue diamond on her neck was beautiful enough, but now it seemed that there was no limit in the universe, and there was no best diamond, only better ones. What''s more, it was even more priceless because of itsrge size.

    The diamond was a small carbon elemental crystal reflecting the light, and once possessed, it would bring about a bloody business war because it was a game of power, money, and love.

    Unexpectedly, when they arrived after their long trip, Irish was astonished. Compared to the splendid and imposing building in her imagination, Tuell''s diamond shop was located in a concealed position. It was an ordinary office building, and after going to the fourth floor, the diamond shop was at the end of the hall.

    There were no advertisements or signs for the diamond store outside the building. Joseph told Irish that Tuell had been living in South Africa for many years, and he was good at seeking rare diamonds, so he had many priceless jewels that were not sold to the public. Therefore, not everyone had the chance to see his collection. What''s more, it was unnecessary for him to advertise, because his visitors would bring new customers there. He never received unfamiliar guests or individual guests.

 Chapter 246 246: Why Did You Come Here, Mr. Dover?

    Irish learned a lot during this period, but she still did not understand Tuell''s behavior, and before they got into his shop, she asked Joseph, "Now that his shop is open to visitors of this country, how can his diamonds be so precious?" In her impression, the diamonds in the shop that do this kind of business with visitors generally catered to a lower demographic, and their products weren''t as expensive.

    But Joseph corrected her, "His collection of diamonds will never be opened to regr visitors."

    Belle added, hearing this, "We have cooperated with Tuell for many years."

    Then Irish understood the reason.

    In South Africa, where the security situation was bad, acting in a low-key manner was for safety. But she still never expected that his shop would be so inconspicuous. Compared to the domestic decoration standards, the diamond shop could be described as simple.

    The shop was less than 200 square feet and even smaller than her bedroom in her apartment. The ss counters were arranged densely inside, holding diamond rings, nes, bracelets, anklets, breast pins, and some rough diamonds. She had never seen this before.

    There was only one salesperson in the shop, and there weren''t even any lights on the counters; unlike other diamond shops were inside the counters were dazzling. But as long as they observed carefully, they could see that cameras were installed in every corner, and the counters were made of carefully processed armored ss, which was bulletproof. Belle came forward to report their intentions to the salesman, and he nodded and made a call to Tuell.

    Taking advantage of the time, Irish carefully looked at the diamonds on the counters and quickly dismissed the idea of looking down on the store. She took out her mobile phone and shone the light of the phone on a bare diamond, and soon it radiated light that was so bright that it forced her to close her eyes.

    Of course, these were just some ordinary diamonds, and now she totally trusted Joseph''s words. The valuable diamonds would not be put on the counters, and only special customers would have a chance to see them. It was the way Tuell did business with others.

    For somemon customers, the quality of diamonds did not make much sense, as long as the color rity was above average. Besides, if it wasn''t for the experts and professional instruments, it was hard to distinguish the difference with the naked eye.

    What customers cared about was the price, so they would not pay much attention to the diamond quality.

    Before Tuell''s arrival, Joseph exined a lot to Irish. The external price of each diamond in this diamond shop was basically 70% or lower than the price in New York. But the higher the quality of the diamond was, the smaller the difference in price. So it was cost-efficient to buy diamonds under one karat here, and the frequent visitors could get a much lower price.

    Irish looked at the wall, and there were three people in his family. The man in the photo was thin but had glittering eyes, and a woman with a soft smile stood beside him. She looked like an American. Their kid stood between them, with curly hair, and looked very cute.

    "It is his wife and his kid. But they are gone," Joseph took a look at the photo.

    Irish stopped for a while and asked, "What do you mean?"

    "Two years ago, they were killed by a robber," Joseph replied indifferently, while Irish was extremely astonished.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "One or two diamonds can''t arouse people''s greed, but for diamond dealers, arge number of diamonds means not only profit but also risk." Joseph sighed slightly.

    Tuell was engaged in diamond retail, but because of the quality of his diamonds and the price, many customers came to do business with him, so he made a lot of money. Soon he brought his wife and kid to South Africa to live together with him, but the great fortune also meant huge danger, and he aroused the attention of robbers. At night when he was out, they finally robbed his shop and killed his kid.

    From that day on, he vowed that he would never be engaged in diamond retail, and since then, he has acted in an extremely low-key manner.

    "Have those robbers been arrested?" Irish was sad after hearing this.

    "Yes, they have been arrested thanks to the number under the bottom of the diamond. Before entering the sale process, most diamonds in South Africa have to go through two procedures. The first step is to be identified by authoritative departments, while the second step is to mark a number on the bottom of each diamond byser. This global uniqueness clearly records the identity of each diamond, and it provided the police with a clue to solve the case."

    "Like this one on my neck?" The blue diamond on her neck was unique.

    Joseph smiled softly and answered, "Yes."

    Looking at the photos, Irish sighed, "But his family would still nevere back even though robbers had been caught. He will be desperate for his whole life." Finishing this, she turned to Joseph and continued, "Are you in any danger? Tuell''s family was killed even though he only owns a small diamond shop, but there is a diamond mine in your hands. Do you think of how many people want to kill you?"

    Joseph touched her head lightly and answered with a smile, "A lot."

    She was surprised by his answer, and it made her breathless.

    "I don''t think too much about gains and losses, but it''s different now." Joseph perceived her worries and clenched her hands to reassure her, "I want to be with you forever now, so I will be more cautious."

    Irish was warmed by him and couldn''t help getting closer to him to hold his hands tightly.

    At this moment, a gloomy voice sounded, "Why did youe here, Mr. Dover?"

    His English was very good. Irish was right that his wife was an American. She looked up at the man who looked like he had walked out of the photo, thin and shrunken. But the difference was that his eyes were as bleak as his shop. He did not talk much with Joseph and stepped in front of them with his expressionless face.

 Chapter 247 247: I Think He Lied To You

    Tuell''s voice sounded like a saw grinding on rusted metal, making them ufortable. What''s more, it was easy to tell from his face that he had experienced many hardships and miseries. If Irish did not know his experience, she might be apathetic towards his countenance as well as his voice, but since she knew what he had gone through, she was sympathetic to him.

    It seemed that Joseph was ustomed to his attitude and said to him directly, "I came here for your jewelry."

    Irish saw Tuell''s mouth tremble slightly as if he was pondering something, but soon he replied, "The diamond mine to be auctioned soon has aroused much attention, and I have to tell you frankly that I don''t want to get involved in it."

    "I just want to make a purchase from you, and that''s all," Joseph took a photo from Belle and handed it to Tuell.

    He took a quick nce at it and then looked up at Joseph again, "Mr. Dover is a member of the business elite, how did you get this photo?"

    Irish had also seen the photo. It was a photo of the blue-green diamond.

    "Mr. Tuell, may I have a word with you?"

    He nodded slightly and entered the room inside with Joseph. Though Irish could not hear what they were talking about clearly, she could see their expressions.

    They were talking in a low voice, but it seemed they were discussing the price of the diamond, and soon Tuell shook his head.

    Irish didn''t bother to look at the various diamonds on the counter, and she nced at the room from time to time. Tuell looked quite firm, but Joseph looked even more decisive than him. After a long time, she walked to Belle, who was looking at a ne on the counter beside her, and asked, "Do you know how to lipread?"

    Belle was surprised by her, "What?"

    "Do you know what they are talking about?" Irish stared at Joseph''s face from the crock in the door.

    But Belle shook her head.

    "You should learn this since you are his senior assistant."

    "Well, does Daisy know it?"

    Irish kept silent for a while and replied, "I thought she knew better than you."

    Belle rolled her eyes at her and said, "Mr. Dover intends to buy that diamond, and they must be discussing it." After finishing her words, she went to look at the nes again.

    Irish thought her words were reasonable, so she gave up listening to them and was about to look around. But at the moment when she turned back, she suddenly saw Tuell point in her direction. She was surprised, but she thought perhaps it was unintentional. But soon, Joseph also looked at her with a serious look. She realized that they might be talking about her. Irish wondered what they were talking about. When she took a quick glimpse at Tuell and then turned to Joseph, she perceived his wandering eyes, and he shook his head violently. Tuell stood up abruptly and mmed the door.

    Irish felt that she was offended, while Belle smiled beside her. "I have never seen such a curious person as you." But she ignored Belle.

    They did not talk for a long time, and they went back to the car after their meeting.

    Will was listening to music in the car, and he turned it off when they came back to open the doors for them.

    When they got in the car, Joseph didn''t ask Will to start the car immediately but looked outside as if he was thinking. His eyes were so profound that they could not figure out what he was thinking about. Belle didn''t dare to ask him, but Irish was his girlfriend, so she finally asked after keeping silent for a long time, "The diamond..."<novelnext></novelnext>

    "It is not in Tuell''s hands," Joseph replied directly.

    Irish was astonished and asked, "Has it been sold?"

    "Perhaps."

    "Let''s go," Joseph ordered, and Will nodded slightly.

    At the moment Will started the car, Irish suddenly held Joseph''s hands and frowned, "I think he lied to you."

    Hearing this, Joseph reached out, knocking on the driver''s seat, and Will stalled the car immediately. Looking at Joseph, Irish recalled Tuell''s dodgy eyes and said, "If you were talking about the diamond the entire time, then I think he still has it. There are two reasons for him to lie to you. The first one is that he does not intend to sell it, while the other is that he has an ulterior motive."

    Joseph thought for a while, and Irish stopped talking. She wanted to ask him if they were talking about her since she knew that Tuell''s behavior was not intentional, and there must have been a reason for Joseph''s serious look.

    After a long time, Joseph patted her head lightly and then said to Belle, "You three stay in the car."

    Belle nodded while Irish pulled his hands and called his name, "Joseph!"

    He smiled gently and said, "I''ll be back soon."

    Irish nodded to him.

    After Joseph got out of the car, Belle turned back from the front and showed a faint smile to Irish, "I never knew you could see through people''s minds."

    "I am a psychologist," Irish replied briefly since she was lost in her thoughts about the diamond.

    Belle blinked her eyes and continued to ask, "Are you not a member of the Lake family?"

    Irish ignored her. Around 30 minutester, she saw Joseph from a distance and jumped out of the car immediately.

    "What''s going on?"

    Joseph pulled her hands and sighed slightly when he got in the car, "It seems that the Runestone Group can''t get the diamond. It must be fate."

    Hearing this, Belle was shocked. Irish knew that it might have been a wild goose chase, so she tried tofort him, "Well, we can definitely find a diamond better than it."

    Joseph smiled at her but did not say anything.

    When the car left the diamond shop, Joseph asked Will and Belle to go first since he wanted to bring Irish around. Irish was cheerful while Belle bit her tongue, and finally, she said to Joseph, "Mr. Dover, you''d better not go around here, it is not safe."

 Chapter 248 248: I’ll Be Fine

    Before Joseph could reply, Irish smiled at her and said, "Joseph, it seems that you have found a maid."

    Joseph knew she was acting in a bratty but charming manner, so he smiled and said to Belle, "Don''t worry. I''ll be fine."

    Belle had no choice and left first.

    After going shopping for a long time, Joseph selected a restaurant for lunch. There were several bags beside them that contained some souvenirs.

    But Irish felt that Joseph was distracted and couldn''t figure out his thoughts. Irish understood that she shouldn''t ask too much about his business, but thought the atmosphere was weird, so she tried to talk to him. But Joseph just listened to her but rarely responded.

    Irish was a little bit upset.

    The waiter served a green pepper dish to them, but Irish focused on Joseph and ate it directly without even looking at it. Soon a spurt of heat swept through her throat, and her stomach was burning.

    The green pepper was very spicy.

    Her nose went red, and she almost burst into tears. When Irish was trying to attract Joseph''s attention with her pitiful look, she found that he just ate quietly and did not notice her at all. Perhaps he was worried about his business, so she gave up on trying to get attention.

    "Honey, it tastes delicious, you should have a try."

    Then Joseph came out of his meditation and asked her softly when he saw her offer him a piece of green pepper, "Do you like green pepper?"

    "I don''t like it. But it tastes delicious in this restaurant, so I think you will like it." Irish smiled an evil smile and put it into his mouth.

    Joseph didn''t think too much and took a bite of it directly.

    Irish gazed at him quietly since she knew that Joseph couldn''t eat anything spicy, so she waited to see if he burned his tongue.

    However, he was so calm and ate it without any change in his expression, let alone burst into tears because of the unbearable spicy pepper.

    "What do you think of it?" She asked him. "Don''t you think it is spicy?"

    Joseph replied, "It tastes good."

    "Ah?" Irish was shocked and continued, "Does it really taste good to you?"

    "Yes. It tastes good, and it''s not too spicy."

    Irish looked at him hesitantly and thought it was impossible because she had just tasted it, and even her stomach was burning. He looked so calm, and he didn''t look like he was lying, so she was so curious and ate the rest of the pepper he had left. Soon she felt like a me was burning her throat.

    Joseph suddenlyughed and showed an evil smile to her. Irish knew he had fooled her and her face turned red. She red at Joseph and pretended to roar at him, "Joseph, you lied without even blushing!"

    Josephughed and replied to her. "It''s you who told me that it''s not spicy."

    Irish felt speechless but replied to him, "But you also lied to me."<novelnext></novelnext>

    "I return blow for blow." Joseph reached out and rubbed her head as if he was punishing her.

    "But I thought that you can''t eat spicy food."

    "In fact, my throat is also burning," Joseph began to drink water while Irish was finally amused by him.

    There were still other people in the restaurant, and they were all attracted by the sweetness between them, but Joseph did not mind and kept smiling at Irish.

    In this way, the weird atmosphere between them vanished. Irish was finally relieved and asked him, "Is that diamond really that significant to you?"

    Of course, Joseph knew she wanted to ease the atmosphere and felt warmed by her consideration. Therefore, he reached out and said to her, "Come over here."

    Then Irish took her te and walked to sit beside him.

    "Do you still remember the embroidery shop in Light Town?" Joseph said to her while eating.

    Of course, she remembered, especially the flower tree in the yard. She remembered that it was him who took her there and the flowers were falling in the breeze. He looked so handsome that day when he was dealing with his business, and she would never forget it.

    "Is the embroidery shop rted to this diamond?"

    Joseph was dealt with diamonds, so how could it have something rted to embroidery?

    Joseph nodded his head and replied, "The diamond in Tuell''s hand is extremely valuable, and I nned to collect it. The culture of Chinese embroidery is broad and profound, so I wanted tobine traditional Chinese culture with the diamond in its design with its mosaic techniques so that our Runestone Group could be a pioneer in this area."

    Irish knew that he was a smart man, and she also expected this from him, but when she heard this from him directly, she still felt excited. She looked at his face, and her affection for him was even more profound.

    "Can''t you use another alternative? She asked the question in her heart.

    Joseph replied firmly, "There is no alternative, it must be that diamond."

    Irish was surprised.

    "Don''t forget that we have mastered thetest cutting process of "Blue me," and if webine this technology with the green-blue diamond, then it would be perfect."

    After hearing this, Irish was suddenly enlightened. She had seen the cutting process of "Blue me" in the past. Before the invention of this cutting process, the cutting technique of the diamond using 71 cuts was a symbol of extravagance, and it was better than the hearts and arrows cut. But it was expensive because it was very difficult and time-consuming. But soon, it was defeated by "Blue me," and this new technique had improved the face of cuts from 71 to 89 so that the diamond would look even more dazzling. Therefore, if he used this high-end technique on the green-blue diamond, it would be priceless, and even more so if worked into the embroidery.

    "But you can''t get it, right?"

    Joseph frowned and thought of something.

    Irish was also lost in thought, and through her analysis, she thought that if he could get that diamond, then it would be like a tiger with wings. That diamond had aroused many people''s interests, but no one could make use of it like Joseph. She believed that if he could get it, it would cause a tremendous sensation because the Runestone Group had mastered the cutting technique that otherpanies did not have.

 Chapter 249 249: I Really Worry About Her

    As far as she knew, even Leo hadn''t mastered this technique yet.

    "Why did Tuell point at me when we were in his store?" She finally asked him.

    Joseph turned to her, and there was a fire leaping in his eyes, but he smiled and replied, "Nothing. He said since I have such a beautiful girl, he tried to persuade me not to covet that diamond.

    Irish blinked and continued, "Covet? Why did he use this word? Did he think that you were going to take that diamond without payment?"

    "No, I believe I have given him a higher price than others."

    It sounded so weird, and Irish couldn''t figure out the reason why he was reluctant to sell it to Joseph.

    Perceiving her doubt, Joseph smiled and said, "But we can''t force him, right?"

    Hearing this, sheughed at him and replied, "Wow, I thought you were the kind of person who would get it at any cost and by any means."

    "But only when we know how far to go and when to stop can we move forward." Joseph raised his eyebrows and got closer to her: "It seems that you already regard me as an adulterer."

    "I will change my mind if you would treat me better," Irish showed an evil smile at him.

    Joseph reached out and held her, "Don''t I treat you well?"

    "You always give me lessons as if I am your student." She said sarcastically.

    Joseph thought for a while and then replied seriously. "Well, then I will restrain you as I would a child."

    "Who''s allowing you to do that?" Irish hit him lightly while Josephughed.

    She was moved by his smile and felt at ease, so she curled up in his arms and said softly, "Honey, you should have known how greedy I am. I love you, but I also love your money."

    "It seems that to get your love, I have to make even more money."

    "Of course, it is the foundation of one''s life. No bread, no life!" Irish smiled at his eyes and touched his chin with her slender fingers. "Do you know how to express your love to a woman? You have to spend money on her. A lot of money!"

    Joseph embraced her and allowed her to act spoiled like a kid in front of him, and in the end, he gazed into her eyes and said, "Then how about being my housewife?" Irish couldn''t tell if it was just a joke or if he was serious.

    Irish was surprised, and soon she realized what he meant, so her cheeks went pink immediately, and she cleared her throat. "What are you even saying?" And then she went back to her seat.

    Joseph didn''t reply to her but looked at her with a smile which made Irish even more embarrassed. She hastily forked a piece of beef to eat, but her mind was full of the words that Joseph had just said to her.<novelnext></novelnext>

    ****

    Cassie couldn''t sleep well during this period, and she would also always awake from dreams. This was all because of a call from Irish, and she waspletely restless.

    Irish asked her how she and Fredrick used birth control effectively. This question was like a bomb for her, and she eagerly interrogated Irish for a long time before she got the answer. She was in South Africa with Joseph. Needless to say, Cassie could figure out the reason why she asked her such a question.

    Therefore, Cassie felt that the sky had copsed, and her mind was filled with Irish''sst words over the phone, "I love Joseph. I love him so much."

    Irish was so honest with her, but Cassie hoped that she was just joking since Joseph, Britney, and Ruby were still trapped in the rumors. Now that Irish had told her she loved Joseph, it was a little bit hard for her to ept the news. Irish was her best friend, and she vowed before that she would support her in anything, but she didn''t want her to get involved in a storm.

    What''s more, when thinking of Irish''s uncle, the man who had almost stabbed Joseph and punished Irish to kneel before her mother''s memorial tablet, she would be even more worried about her. She couldn''t forget that stressful night. If he knew that Irish was in South Africa with Joseph, and had fallen in love with him, and had even slept with him, she could expect how her uncle would respond to all of this.

    That''s why Cassie worried about her.

    Fredrick also perceived Cassie''s concern, so he stayed with her as long as he had any free time. Sometimes, he would even chat with her parents. Cassie exined for nearly two hours to her parents that Fredrick was a good man and finally changed their minds about him.

    After finishing dinner one night, Fredrick left Cassie''s house at around nine o''clock, and Cassie also apanied him downstairs. When Fredrick was about to get into his car, he suddenly turned to her and stared at her for a long time.

    "What''s wrong?" Cassie asked.

    Fredrick got closer to her and asked, "What''s wrong with you? Why don''t you tell me?"

    "Nothing. You know that I can''t sleep well these days."

    "But there must be some reason. It''s inconvenient to talk in front of your parents, but now there are just the two of us, why not be honest with me?"

    Cassie hesitated for a while and sighed after a long time. "It''s about Irish. I really worry about her."

    Fredrick was astonished and asked, "What''s wrong with her?"

    Cassie took a deep breath to release the anxiety in her heart and then answered, "She told me that she has fallen in love with Joseph."

    "What?"

    "What should I do? I don''t know if I should dissuade her or support her." Cassie was absorbed in her thoughts and did not notice Fredrick''s eyes suddenly turn dark.

    After a long time, he said in a mournful voice, "Is that to say they have been with each other already?" It was like his treasure had been stolen by someone, and there was only emptiness in his heart. He was overwhelmed by endless desperation, but soon he felt very irritated.

 Chapter 250 250: Why Did You Come Here

    Then Cassie realized his weird tone, so she looked up at him, trying to figure out the strangeness in his eyes. Fredrick realized that he had exposed his emotions in front of her. Therefore, he drew back his eyes, cleared his throat, and said, "I am her tutor, and I don''t want to see her walk down the wrong path and get trapped in another nightmare."

    "I think��" Cassie tried to consider it from Irish''s perspective, and she said hesitantly, "Irish is rational. I think there are reasons she has chosen to be with Joseph."

    "You mean that she still resents the Lake family?" This was the only reason that Fredrick could use tofort himself.

    But Cassie shook her head and replied, "No, she told me that she loves Joseph. This must not be because of revenge."

    Hearing this, thest dim light was finally extinguished in his heart, and his worries grew more and more intense until he was swallowed into the endless darkness. It took him a long time to calm down, "They can''t be with each other because Irish will get hurt. The Lake family is still not to be trusted, so we can''t let Irish get involved in it. We don''t know what Joseph is going to do, but how can he be with Irish since he still hasn''t divorced Ruby. Even if he is divorced, can he bring happiness to Irish? He is a jerk!"

    In the end, his voice sounded very dreary.

    Cassie was even more depressed after hearing this since she originally intended to findfort in him, but unexpectedly Fredrick also disagreed with it. "I don''t think either of them is vtile, especially for Joseph." She recalled that night when he had stared at Irish in the bar and tried his best to protect them. From this point of view, she was grateful to Joseph, so when she was at a loss, she would persuade herself that perhaps things were not so bad and Joseph must know what he was doing.

    Fredrick looked at her severely and said, "Cassie, Irish is your best friend, so you shouldn''t hesitate. For the time being, no matter what kind of a man he was, we all know how things will develop. And you shouldn''t bear to hope at this crucial moment. Though Irish is rational, she is still a woman, and women will always be bewildered in the face of love, so you have to dissuade her of this."

    Cassie felt that his words suddenly enlightened her, and her confused mind became clear. In fact, Fredrick was right. Irish wanted to be with Joseph for whatever reason, but they all knew what would happen in the future. Just as the old saying goes: "A bystander is always clear-minded." Perhaps Irish was just really impulsive this time.

    She made a decision in her heart and was determined to have a talk with her as soon as she came back.

    Fredrick knew he had convinced her, and he left.

    It was a little bit cold that night, and the leaves in the tree would sometimes fall down. The air was fresh, and she could see the stars and the moon hanging in the sky. Cassie was relieved, and it was not until Fredrick''s car disappeared from her sight that she turned back and was going to go upstairs.

    Then the humming of a car''s engine suddenly broke the silence of the night.

    A yellow phoenix leaf fell on the ground and made a slight crunch.

    Cassie was startled by this sound, and she turned back to check it out and found a car parked in the corner, and its headlight shed twice when she looked back. She covered her eyes with her hands and walked toward the car slowly.

    The driver was leaning back in the seat leisurely with one of his hands on the window. When she got close to the car, he showed a smile. But when Cassie saw him, her expression changed immediately, and she turned back quickly to go home.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Do you want me toe in and chat with your parents?" Roy''s maic voice sounded behind her.

    Cassie stopped abruptly and turned to gaze at him. She couldn''t tell if he was real and if he had really followed her to the house. Cassie didn''t know what her parents would think.

    "Roy, why do you always follow me?"

    Roy smiled after hearing this and said, "Come on."

    Cassie stared at him as if he was a disgusting rat.

    After seeing this, Roy opened his door, and when he was about to get out of the car, Cassie hastily asked, "What are you going to do?"

    Roy stopped, but the car door was still open. "Is it necessary to talk to me from two meters away? I really have to talk about something with you."

    Cassie also wanted to finish this conversation quickly, so she stepped to him and said, "Well, go on."

    But Roy reached out and grabbed her hands abruptly, startling her. When she was going to get rid of him, Roy asked, "Why are your hands so cold?"

    Cassie was shocked, and before she could give a response, he suddenly took off his jacket and put it around her and then said unpleasantly. "He is a man, so he obviously wouldn''t feel cold, but didn''t he know that you would be cold?"

    The man''s fragrance was mixed with his breath, which spread into her nose. It was fresh and cool, but Cassie was still shocked by his words and did not know how to reply to him. It was the first time that she had heard him talk to her in such a serious tone.

    Under the moonlight, Cassie''s face was clear and beautiful, and Roy was absorbed in her beauty at the moment he frowned at her. Cassie lowered her head, and after a long time, Roy still kept silent. She looked up but unexpectedly met his gaze.

    "Why did youe for me today?" She didn''t understand why he had just waited there. How could he have been sure that she would even go downstairs tonight?

    Roy restored his usual expression and raised his eyebrows, "We have known each other for a long time, so you have to meet my parents this week."

 Chapter 251 251: Do Me A Favor

    Cassie looked at him as if he was delusional and sneered for a long time, "Did you forget to take your medication today? Why do I have to meet your parents?"

    "Do me a favor, please," Roy sighed slightly and added, "Perhaps I haven''t expressed myself clearly. My parents urge me to find a girlfriend every day, so I hoped you would help me for once."

    "Ah?" Cassie looked at him with confused eyes and said, "Mr. Lake, what are you going to do this time?"

    "Cassie."

    "There are so many women around you, and you can ask any one of them to help you. Why would you ask me to help you?" She interrupted him sarcastically.

    Roy touched his nose and red at her, "They are not suitable for me."

    "It is even more inappropriate to ask me to help you with that since I will be married soon." And then she took off his jacket and put it into his arms. "I am sorry. I can''t help you."

    When she turned around, her arms were pulled by Roy abruptly, and then he held her waist from behind, shocking her. And at the very moment she wanted to resist him, he lowered his head and kissed her.

    Cassie felt his breath spread into her chest, and she was astonished. Soon she reacted and bit him brutally, which made Roy cry out and stop kissing her. "Are you a hedgehog?"

    "Let me go!" His hands still held her waist.

    "Okay. I came here today just to see you." Roy responded to her violent reaction and tried to persuade her softly.

    Cassie hated to be close to him, but she still couldn''t get rid of him, so she had to give up and asked him irritably, "Roy, what do you want to do? I have told you that I don''t like you and I am getting married soon. How can I get you to leave me alone?"

    "Well, I will let you go now." He deliberately misread her words and loosened his hands.

    Then Cassie could breathe freely and said, "Don''te to see me again, anywhere."

    "Wait." When she was about to leave, Roy called her and put the jacket on her again. Before she could refuse him, the man''s voice sounded, "It''s cold. Don''t take this off. I know you hate me, but please take care of yourself. I can''t bear to see you get sick."

    Cassie was speechless, and an unnamed emotion rose in her heart. Roy turned to his car without looking at her again. She stood rooted on the ground while Roy''s car sprinted along the dark road.

    ****

    Irish and Joseph spent a rare leisurely afternoon together on the condition that Joseph shut his phone off. It was bustling in the streets of Cape Town with a variety of street performances going on.

    After lunch, Irish held Joseph''s arms and went for a walk under the bright sunshine of South Africa. "Life would be great if we could live like this." After watching a performance, she sighed with the feeling in his arms.

    "That day wille." Joseph smiled and kissed her forehead.

    Irish looked at him, but her eyes fell on a ce close by and were attracted by the scene, so she turned her head directly. Joseph also followed her and found that it was a white couple who were kissing in the street. They looked very romantic, and Irish couldn''t help eximing, "How happy they are!"

    Joseph was perceptive and asked with a smile, "What do you want to express?"

    Irish smiled and looked up at him, "I mean, you should learn from him."

    Joseph couldn''t help smiling and called her softly, "Isabel."<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Would you kiss me here?" She asked deliberately.

    "But we''re in public." Joseph smiled awkwardly.

    Irish stared at him and smiled faintly since she understood that he was a man of strong discipline, so he definitely would not kiss her in public but would be intimate with her privately.

    Joseph had to surrender when he noticed her expression and then lowered his head and kissed her cheeks, which made her burst out in violentughter, and Joseph felt even more embarrassed about it.

    "Joseph, Joseph...." Holding his neck, Irish whispered beside his ear and curled up in his arms, "You are so charming."

    He was a principled person, and his behavior had almost reached his bottom line. But she still loved him, loved his principles, his embarrassment, and his righteousness.

    "Am I reaping the fruits of my actions since I picked a psychologist as my girlfriend to strengthen my heart?" Joseph held her tightly and joked with her.

    "It turns out you still have to make some progress."

    "Nonsense!" Josephid his chin on her head and said happily. After finishing his words, he saw a man with a ck hat in the crowd.

    He squinted, and the smile gradually vanished from his face.

    "What''s wrong?" Irish had perceived his anxiety, and when she was about to look at him, Joseph stopped her and whispered to her, making them look very intimate from the perspective of a bystander.

    But unexpectedly, he said to her in a low voice, "Your uncle has taught you Chinese Kung Fu, but I don''t know if he''s taught you how to escape."

    Irish was shocked, but soon she reacted and smiled, "I''m sorry, I don''t know how to escape, but I know how to fight."

    "Perhaps that is not the best method to solve this, you will have to run away if it is necessary." Joseph urged her, then held her hands, walking out of the crowd.

    Irish looked forward but still felt the dangerous atmosphere getting closer to them, so she walked quickly with him and asked in a low voice, "Is he the man we saw in Johannesburg?"

    "I love your perception!" Joseph clenched her hands.

    Irish puckered her face with a smile and replied, "Well, perhaps I could defeat them with my perception. Joseph, don''t be afraid. I can protect you."

    "Wow, I am so moved." He turned to her with a smile but actually took a quick look at the situation behind them with his split vision. "But what if he is not alone?"

    "He has aplices?"

    "At least five to six aplices," Joseph said firmly.

    Irish was astonished and changed her attitude immediately, "Well, I think I''m good at escaping properly."

    "Are you sure?"

    "He has five to six aplices, and they are all cks who are usually strong as bears. I don''t think I can defeat them." Irish felt the danger was getting closer and closer.

 Chapter 252 252: Be Careful

    Joseph stopped joking with her and urged her again in a shallow voice, "You have to run if things get ugly. Leave me alone and run to find Leo."

    Irish looked at him in astonishment.

    "Except for me, only Leo can protect you in South Africa. I only trust him." Joseph emphasized to her.

    Hearing this, Irish was touched. Although they fought each other in business, they still trusted each other in such a crucial moment."

    "I am not weak."

    "But they have guns." Joseph took her into a small alley while talking to her.

    Irish was shocked and asked, "Is it convenient for them to attack us?"

    "I am going to lead them away."

    "Joseph, are you crazy?"

    Joseph elerated his pace and replied, "It''s the best way to figure out who they are." As soon as he finished his words, some people rushed up to them, and before she could warn him to be careful, she was pulled behind him.

    Joseph immediately jumped aside, holding his wrist tightly and smashing the assant with his elbow. The assant was in severe pain and could not lift himself up.

    Irish looked at the scene and couldn''t help admiring Joseph''s agility.

    Soon another ck man rushed into the alley. His figure was twice the size of Joseph''s, and he took out a gun when he saw his partner lying on the ground. After seeing this, Joseph hastily pushed Irish to his back and kicked the iron bucket next to him, which flew up and blocked the bullet in time.

    Footsteps were getting closer, and their friends heard the gunshot and rushed into the alley. Joseph perceived things were getting worse, and he roared at Irish, "Hurry up and run away! I will stop them."

    "No!" Irish determined she would not leave him alone and shook her head violently.

    Joseph still wanted to say something, but several ck men had rushed to him. He jumped up and mmed his fist into one.

    The man in front of him screamed, and his gun fell to the ground.

    "Grab the gun!" Joseph shouted.

    Irish rushed forward without any hesitation and picked up the gun.

    "Be careful"<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish heard the sound of a gunshot and felt the bullet brush past her, apanied by screams. She was in great shock when she looked up and saw clearly what had happened.

    Joseph held the assant and blocked the bullets with his body. The man was riddled with bullets, and there was blood all over Joseph''s body.

    Irish was terrified and tried to raise the gun regardless of the danger. When the rest of the men rushed toward Joseph, she raised the gun, but she had never used a gun before. She wanted to shoot but was afraid that she would hurt Joseph, so she shouted at him, Joseph!"

    Joseph swiped another man''s nose, followed by his scream. The man they saw in Johannesburg took a gun and began shooting at them, but Joseph found a pir and avoided the bullets. He rushed out again when he saw them look at Irish.

    It was the first man who had been knocked to the ground by Joseph. He was about to attack Joseph, but Irish shot him square in the chest.

    Irish held the gun tightly, covered in sweat and breathing rapidly.

    It all happened within just a few seconds. If she had fired the shot one second earlier, the bullet might not have hit the attacker, and if she had shot a secondter, Joseph would have been killed. The man fell down to the ground and covered his wound, screaming. He was not dead yet, but his blood was spurting out.

    The man they saw in Johannesburg saw that the situation was not good, and he directly raised his gun toward Irish. But Irish''s legs were frozen to the ground, and she just stood there and couldn''t move. She didn''t know what to do, and when she regained consciousness, she found that she was lying on the ground while Joseph was over her body. The gun was in Joseph''s hand already. He held the pistol, pointed it at the attacker, and pulled the trigger. The sound of the gun shocked her eardrum.

    He shot the attacker''s hand, and the bullet passed through his palm, and his gun fell down to the ground. He screamed out of severe pain, and Joseph rushed to him and kicked the gun beside him, and pressed his gun against the man''s head.

    Irish sat there motionlessly and was frightened by Joseph''s behavior. The first thought that urred to her was that he was going to kill the man.

    When she was still in shock, she heard Joseph ask the man, "Who sent you here?"

    The tracker resisted for a while, but he couldn''t get rid of Joseph and shouted at one of his aplices. Joseph frowned and quickly nced at the man he was shouting at and found that man had picked up a gun. Joseph raised the gun that was pressing against the attacker''s head. In a sh, two shots sounded out loudly.

    "Joseph!" Irish shouted at him.

    She found that one of the bullets was shot through the hand of the injured man while the other was shot through the attacker''s chest. The attacker died shortly after.

    Irish then realized that the injured man was trying to kill the attacker!

    The sound of the police cars was getting closer, and they stopped at the alley entrance while the police rushed to them. Joseph pushed the attacker aside without any hesitation and rushed to Irish, pulling her hands and running away. Irish''s head was buzzing, and she stumbled along to escape with Joseph.

    The police quickly took control of the scene.

    While the police were inspecting the area, Joseph had escaped with Irish through other alleyways to a sparsely popted area. They got in the car and went directly back to the apartment. After arriving at the apartment, Joseph checked the cameras and felt relieved they were safe.

    The sleeves of his shirt were torn, and then he rolled them up, he found there was a bruise on his arm, but luckily it was not serious. Joseph ignored his wound, walked to Irish, andforted her when he saw her pale face. "We are safe now. Don''t be afraid."

 Chapter 253 253: Don’t Say Things Like That

    Irish was still in shock, and the bloody scene was lingering in her mind, but the voice of the man above her head pulled her back to reality. She turned around and finally gazed at her hands and said in a trembling voice, "I...I killed people. Joseph, I killed people just now."

    She had seen dead people before and even bloodier crime scenes while assisting Jay in investigating the human dismemberment, but she never thought she would ever have to shoot someone someday. She was unsure if the man was dead, but she knew he had bled a lot.

    "Isabel, calm down." Joseph knew she was frightened and held her face to look at him, "Look at me. Listen to me."

    Irish followed his words, but her eyes were still full of fear.

    "We are in South Africa, and you know the public order is in chaos. So remember that you didn''t murder anyone, you were protecting yourself. It was self-defense." Joseph said to her firmly.

    Irish swallowed, taking a long time to calm down, and then she nodded lightly. Joseph was relieved since he felt she was no longer trembling and then embraced her into his arms. The pain in her heart was more than the pain in her arms.

    He deeply condemned his own selfishness.

    He was clear about what kind of ce South Africa was, and he shouldn''t have let her get involved in danger. He was also thanking God for his blessing during their trip, but if any incident urred to Irish or she had been shot in the fight...Joseph didn''t dare to recall the scene. He felt that even a small danger would be daunting for him because she was there with him.

    In the past, he had experienced much more dangerous situations, and he could deal with them without distraction because, at that time, he was not with her.

    In fact, she had many chances to run away. Why had she remained in such a dangerous situation? She didn''t escape and chose to stay with him, and even saved his life even though she was frightened.

    What kind of woman was she? Joseph was even more obsessed with her.

    Irish, who was curled up in Joseph''s arms, also felt his strength, and gradually her panic vanished, and when she spoke to him again, her voice was so hoarse. "Joseph, who were they?"

    Joseph thought for a while and replied, "Perhaps they are Spanish." Irish was surprised and looked up at him.

    "Do you still remember when the attacker finally shouted at his aplices?"

    She remembered that when Joseph put the gun to his head, he had shouted to another injured ck man, and then she nodded. She definitely would not forget the two gunshots sounding at the same time since she thought Joseph had been shot.

    "He spoke Spanish, and he asked for help from his aplices."

    "So when the injured man raised his gun, you thought he was going to shoot you." Irish had regained herposure and began to analyze the situation. But she was still stunned by the situation.

    Joseph nodded. That was why he pointed at him with his gun, and it was to defend himself. He never thought the man would kill his own aplices.

    "There are a lot of underworld organizations in Mexico, and several people form a team toplete a task. If they failed, they would kill each other. The first reason was that they were afraid of being betrayed by their aplices, and the second reason is that they don''t want to be arrested by the police." Joseph exined.<novelnext></novelnext>

    After hearing this, Irish started sweating.

    She knew nowadays that many people are driven by greed, and in an environment where there was no rule ofw, value can only be measured by greed. People always tend to be cold and detached. She had traveled to many ces and experienced many things, but the ces had always been peaceful, and she had never seen people shoot at others with guns. Perhaps it was because the higher you stood, the greater the risk you had to face.

    Generally speaking, she and Joseph belonged to two different circles. She was a psychologist, so the people she met were always ordinary people with mental issues, but Joseph was a businessman, and the people he met were sometimes psychopathic. He was exposed to the darkness of humanity in his line of work.

    They would never have met each other if not for the Lake family.

    But fate led them to meet each other, so she was destined to experience this with him and bear it together.

    "Can we seek help from the police?" Irish looked at Joseph and clenched her fists. The bid wasing up soon, and more dangers would await them.

    Unexpectedly, Joseph shook his head and said, "We can''t bring up unnecessary matters at this crucial moment. In this ce, our diamond dealers can only protect themselves.

    "So why do you want to avoid the police getting involved?" Irish looked up at him and felt confused.

    Joseph fondled her hair and replied, "It''s not the fault of the diamond, but the fault of greed and human nature."

    "But what should I do with the stuff that I bought? Will the police find us through those things?" Irish really missed Jay, and she began to miss the days of being in a secure society with properw enforcement.

    Now they were the victims, but they couldn''t ask for help from the police.

    Joseph replied word by word, "You should be thankful that we bought those things with cash."

    Irish then realized that he was right. Fortunately, they did not use their credit cards, or it would be easier for the police to find them. She calmed down for a while and asked in a low voice, "Joseph, please tell me if I have killed people? I am so panicked and feel so bad now."

    Irish was still thinking about the matter, and she felt her head hurt.

    "If you didn''t shoot, I would be dead now, so you should thank that shot, or you would be holding my dead body at this moment."

    "Don''t say things like that." Irish covered his mouth with her trembling hand.

    Joseph finally smiled and pulled her hands into his lips, and kissed her fingers, "I promise that I won''t let you get hurt as long as I am here."

    Irish looked at him, and her nose twitched. She trusted him.

 Chapter 254 254: The Unexpected Visitor

    His wound was only a scratch, so it was easy to deal with, but Irish was filled withplicated emotions when she was helping him. Perhaps what had happened was just a repetitive game, but it was a great astonishment for Irish. It was hard for her to imagine that this incident had happened to him so many times. How had he escaped from such dangerous situations from time to time? And how could he stand at the top when facing so many risks?

    She couldn''t know all of these things, but she knew that she had experienced a life that she had never had before being with him.

    After dealing with his wound, Joseph began investigating the assants since he thought they would encounter more problems if he did not figure it out.

    He called in front of her and arranged for bodyguards toe, and finally, he called Daisy.

    Irish was confused since they were in South Africa while Daisy was in New York. What''s more, he had his assistant Belle here, so why did he call Daisy, who was far away from them?

    In South Africa, sometimes Irish couldn''t figure out the reasons for his behavior. Belle and Will didn''t know that they were attacked today, and obviously, he did not intend to tell anyone about this except for Daisy. After a lot of shocks, Irish was exhausted, and she didn''t dare go out. Even the bodyguards could not bring her a sense of security.

    Soon she fell asleep, and when she woke up, it was dark outside and peaceful. The sky was like a piece of dark silk fabric, and the wind sounded faint. She opened her eyes and found the soft light by the bedside. When she got up, she felt all her limbs were stiff. It was actually a good thing for her since it indicated that she waspletely rxed. Joseph was not in the bedroom, and Irish looked around, trying to find him.

    Somehow, she felt anxious again since she had experienced so much today. She began to worry that she would lose Joseph someday and was afraid she would not see Joseph again when she woke up.

    She got out of bed and went out of the bedroom barefoot to look for Joseph in the house. She heard his voice from the study room and then felt relieved. She entered the room without knocking, and when she was about to talk to him, she suddenly found that he was talking to a visitor. Obviously, they did not expect her to enter, and they all looked at her.

    Irish was surprised and soon hastily apologized and left the room in embarrassment.

    Joseph also reacted after a few seconds, and when she was just about to close the door, she heard him call her softly, "Isabel."

    Irish then opened the door a bit and looked at him.

    "Would you mind preparing some refreshments for Mr. Vincent?" Joseph was amused by her and couldn''t help smiling softly.

    She nodded and said, "Okay."<novelnext></novelnext>

    Joseph gave her a chance to be a hostess to treat his guest, and when she came to the study room with refreshments again, she had changed and was dressed neatly.

    When she bent over to put the refreshments on the coffee table, her ck hair fell from her side like a waterfall. Mr. Vincent was amazed, and Irish smiled at him. When she was going to leave, Joseph suddenly took her hands and pulled her to sit beside him. She was surprised but soon understood when she looked at Joseph''s eyes. He wanted her to meet his guest together with him.

    Through the introduction, Irish then knew that Mr. Vincent was the president of the famous BRIGHT Group. It was a high-end chain of shopping malls worldwide, and the consumers were always all noble or rich. There were two requirements to enter the BRIGHT Group. The first one was that the products needed to be the world''s top luxury goods, while the second was that they should be specific premium private customizations of the brand. Many luxury brands all intended to enter the BRIGHT Group because only in this way could the products be positioned at the top level of luxury goods.

    She never expected thismerce big shot would be so humble, he was not arrogant. He was about sixty years old, and she couldn''t find any luxury items on him. He was dressed in a Polo shirt and casual trousers with a hat on his head. No one would think he was a famous businessman if he walked in the street like this, he looked more like an ordinary man.

    But his eyes were glittering and full of wisdom. In those aged businessmen, people could easily read their rich experience and wisdom from their eyes. That was what Mr. Vincent looked like. Therefore, even if his clothes were verymon, Irish did not underestimate his social status.

    Joseph''s behavior told Mr. Vincent that she was not an outsider, and he could also perceive Joseph''s obsession with Irish, so he smiled and said, "Joseph, this is the first time that I have seen you bring a beauty with you to talk business."

    After hearing this, Irish blushed and served tea to them. Joseph took it with one hand and embraced her with the other hand. He took a glimpse at Vincent and then smiled, "We are friends." Then he looked at Irish and asked softly, "Do you feel better now?"

    Irish was not ustomed to his care on such an asion, so she just nodded slightly and did not say anything. But it aroused Mr. Vincent''s attention, and he asked, "What''s wrong with her?"

    Irish took a look at Joseph, and soon he answered for her. "Nothing. She was just frightened."

    Vincent smiled and said, "It seems you have rerun into some small incidents."

    "Compared to your experience, I don''t care about this ident," Joseph replied.

    "The diamond mine you are going to bid on is very precious, it has even greater value than the diamonds in your hands now. I''m afraid the incident would not be so small this time."

    Joseph smiled and replied, "I had to invest in this diamond mine to attract you toe here in person. I know you''d never get involved in some worthless thing."

 Chapter 255 255: You Have A Good Appetite

    "You are right. You know I''m getting older, and I don''t have too much excitement in my life, I just want to join in the fun." Vincent did not hide his real purpose at all, and then he took two pieces of dessert, putting aside his cup and adding, "You are like this teacup, and on both sides are Leo and Alston. One of them wants to expand in the American market topete with you through this diamond mine, while the other is your opponent who has harbored a grudge with you for a long time. Both of them are big shots." And then he pinched some tea leaves, putting them beside the desserts, and continued, "In addition, there are still some diamond dealers that are also interested in this diamond mine, so it is time for a bidding war to begin soon. How could I not join in the fun?"

    Irish listened to them quietly but kept silent and was surprised at Vincent''s metaphor. He didn''t seem to be lying, but did he reallye here just for fun? Through his words, Irish could feel the pressure on Joseph''s shoulder. Not to mention the background of those diamond retailers, Leo had put huge pressure on him, and now he had to face Alston as well.

    Irish had not met Alston before, but she had learned about hispany, Ennd mour Diamond Company, from Joseph''s information. The royal family supported it, and it was reported that royal family members had directed it to design jewelry. She heard before that the mour Diamond Company intended to enter the American market, and it was not difficult to see his ambition since he came here in person for the auction.

    Joseph smiled at Vincent''s metaphor and fiddled with Irish''s hands. Then, he replied when Vincent finished his words, "I am afraid that you will feel bored by this auction."

    "Oh? Why do you think so?"

    Joseph turned around and swiped the tea leaves and then put back the two pieces of dessert and pressed on the teacup heavily with his hands, "It is because the teacup is only suitable for one person."

    "Why are you so confident?"

    Joseph smiled faintly but did not reply.

    "I like to take adventures. It will be boring if it''s a smooth ride." Vincent fiddled with the teacup in his hands and shot a meaningful look at Joseph, "As I expected, it will not be easy for you to acquire that diamond mine."

    "Then how about making a bet?" Joseph said unexpectedly.

    Mr. Vincent was surprised by his words, and soon his eyes lit up, "Go on."

    Joseph sounded extremely calm, but he looked at Vincent firmly, "I will get the mining rights of the diamond mine at a price below even half of my budget." After finishing his words, he showed a faint smile and then added, "Do you trust me?"

    Vincent was shocked by his words, and even Irish, who had been sitting quietly beside him, also felt astonished. She couldn''t help looking at him with suspicious eyes and wondered why he was so confident?

    "Joseph, I''m afraid you are joking." Vincent did not believe him and shook his head.

    "Well, then, do you want to bet?"

    "Of course. I will take you on to the end."

    "Okay." Joseph smiled meaningfully and asked, "As long as I get the mining rights of the diamond mine at a price lower than my budget, then I win, and vice versa."

    "What''s your overall goal?" Vincent was interested in their bet.

    "You must know my purpose since you are so wise."

    "You want the Runestone Group to enter the BRIGHT Group?"

    "It is just one of my goals." Joseph added, "I know you have an excellent mining team in your hands, so if you lose the bet, you have to allow the Runestone Group to enter your malls, and your team will also work for me." This diamond mine was priceless, so Joseph had to find a good mining team for it, while Vincent was interested in all kinds of jewelry, so he formed an elite mining team to serve him, but others couldn''t employ it. That''s why he added this chip.

    In astonishment, Vincent took a deep breath and said, "You have a good appetite."<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Do we have a deal?" Joseph asked in reply.

    Vincent thought for a while and then asked, "What if you lose?"

    "The chips are all equal." Joseph took a sip of tea, leaned on the couch, and said indifferently, "If I lose, then I will retire."

    Irish''s heart trembled when she heard this since his bet was so extreme.

    Obviously, Vincent was also shocked by his words, and after a long while, he said, "Are you serious?"

    "Of course, I''m serious." Joseph smiled faintly.

    Irish thought Joseph was either a prophet or totally crazy.

    "ording to the inside information, Leo''s base price was 400 million while Alston''s minimum price was 500 million. Are you still sure you want to bet with me?"

    Joseph looked at him with a smile and said, "Well, then do you want to bet with me?"

    "Of course, I''d like to bet with you." Vincent gazed at Joseph and said, "I am really curious about what you''ll do in the jewelry world."

    "Fine." Joseph picked up his teacup while Vincent also took him and cheered with Joseph.

    But Irish was worried about it.

    When Vincent left, the night was getting darker.

    At dinner time, Irish had lost her appetite, but Joseph did not mention their bet with her at all; instead, he sat leisurely beside the dining table. He cut his steak into small pieces and put it in front of Irish. Soon he perceived her worries and asked, "What''s wrong with you? That is your favorite, goose liver!"

    But Irish ignored his words and said, "I am frightened by your bet with Mr. Vincent."

    "I am fine. Don''t worry." He smiled.

    "At least you know the base price of yourpetitors."

    Joseph thought for a while and answered, "Perhaps, Vincent is right."

    "Well, then what about Leo? Is his base price really 400 million? Do you believe it?" Irish suddenly remembered the number she heard on the deck of the yacht. She felt it was weird, but she couldn''t tell what was wrong with it.

    "It''s just an estimation, but I agree with Vincent''s opinion because if he wants to get the diamond mine, he will bid a high price." Finishing his words, Joseph rubbed her hair and said, "Don''t worry. Let''s eat."

    Irish looked down at the steak he had carefully cut into small pieces, and somehow the hunch hovering in her mind made her feel stressed.

 Chapter 256 256: She Is Human, Not An Animal

    It was getting colder in New York, and the leaves began to fall down, and the smell of autumn was in the air.

    People in the metropolis had no time to smell how sweet the smell was or notice how many leaves were on the ground. They were all busy making a living and chasing their goals, but at the same time, they also lost themselves.

    Jay was doing a meaningful job, and he was busy shadowing several suspects during this period. Finally, he seeded in smashing a rich businessman''s drug party and seized a great number of drugs. The people involved were rich merchants. In addition, the police station also set up a special team to wipe out drug syndicates.

    That night, Jay, who had not slept for nearly four days, did not take a break and joined the interrogation process. It seemed that coffee and cigarettes had be a necessity.

    When he was interrogating a suspect, one of his co-workers came in and whispered in his ear, and Jay asked very impatiently, "Who is she?" His workload and the ipatibility of the people involved in the case annoyed him.

    "She said she is part of Lilith''s family."

    Jay was surprised and patted him, "You continue to interrogate him."

    "Okay, I will."

    Outside the police station, there was a coffee house with a pleasant environment. Jay often drank coffee there, so he was familiar with theyout of this coffee house. Moreover, there were not many customers there at this time, so when he went to the second floor, he saw a woman sitting there. The woman was dressed in low-key but gorgeous clothes, without exaggerated headwear or jewelry. Her hair was coiled tightly behind her head. She sat straight and had rose tea in front of her. She slowly tasted her tea, and her movements were very gentle and elegant. It was easy to tell that she was a cultured woman.

    When she saw Jay, she waved at him calmly and shook hands with him, "Nice to meet you, I am Lilith''s mother."

    She was well maintained and looked very young, people would never expect she would have a daughter in her twenties. Lilith looked like her, but this woman''s eyes were more severe.

    Jay was a policeman, so he had incisive eyes and knew she was not a simple woman.

    "Sit down, please," Kelly said to him.

    Jay sat down, and the waiter soon served him the coffee he used to drink while Kelly just tasted her tea leisurely. When the waiter finally left, she began to talk to Jay," Mr. Lane, I''m afraid that you haven''t slept for a few days, so I will get straight to the point to save time."<novelnext></novelnext>

    Jay had bleary red eyes from hisck of sleep. He took a sip of coffee and tried to talk to her gently, "Yes, please."

    "You know the Lake family has conflicted with your family for many years. Of course, it has nothing to do with you and Lilith, but to avoid some unnecessary troubles, I think you''d better avoid seeing my daughter." Kelly said frankly and expressed the purpose of her visit.

    Jay was smart, so he knew it was impossible for Lilith to take the initiative to confess this, and he was afraid it had something to do with Ben. Therefore, he smiled faintly and replied, "It seems that many parents like to interfere in the love affairs of their children."

    Kelly did not expect he would reply like this, and she was slightly shocked, but soon she said, "I am her mother, so I will arrange a path that suits her best."

    "But she is human, not an animal. She has the right to choose her own road."

    "Mr. Lane, she is my daughter, so I know her very well." Though she still spoke slowly, her tone became sharper. She added, "What she wants is a simple but happy life, and many men could give her this, but not you. Of course, I do not deny your moral standing, but I''m not okay with your job since it is very dangerous. I don''t want Lilith to worry about you daily."

    Jay didn''t respond as if he was pondering.

    Kelly then continued, "She is still young, so she is still in the stage of blindly longing for love. Mr. Lane, to be honest, you are really attractive since you are tall and handsome and have the rich experience of capturing drug smugglers. You have many achievements at such a young age, so Lilith would naturally be obsessed with you, especially in your police uniform, bringing a sense of safety to young girls. But she has never experienced any hardship in her life, and that''s why she believes that love is always beautiful. Jay, if you love her, I think you''d better get rid of her. You know how dangerous your work is, and you''re in contact with drug smugglers every day, so you can''t ensure that you won''t bring risk to Lilith." Kelly said in a reasonable tone and added, "I will never allow her to have business connections through marriage to benefit our family, but I want her to get married to someone who has an ordinary job that could bring her happiness. Obviously, you are not such a man."

    Jay clenched his coffee cup and frowned tightly.

    "Unless you give up your present job." Looking at the tired man who waspletely overloaded by work, Kelly sighed helplessly. She was not a woman with an icy heart, and she had to take care of this since he was a man who her daughter loved deeply. She had seen Jay''s photo before, but it turned out he was even more handsome than in the photo. It was easy to tell that he was a brilliant man, no wonder Lilith loved him so much. Perhaps, there were still many other girls who would be obsessed with him.

    Hearing this, Jay looked up at Kelly and said, "Give up my present job?"

    "Yes, if you are willing to give up your present job, then I may agree for you to be with each other." Kelly was finally moved withpassion because she believed that she had a good judge of his character and he was a responsible man.

 Chapter 257 257: Is That Your Requirements?

    Jay stirred his coffee and even frowned more tightly. His eyes reflected in the coffee, and an unnamed depression spread through them. There was a moment of hesitation, and sudden pain surged in. A small figure appeared in his mind who trembled in a corner, with bruises on her wrists.

    His eyes soon became firm, and when he looked up again, he had calmed down and said indifferently. "I''m sorry. From the first day, I became a policeman, I was determined that I would never give up my work for anything."

    It seemed that Kelly had expected he would answer like this, so she replied, "What a pity! It seems that we can''t reach an agreement."

    "I can end my rtionship with Lilith, but I have a requirement," Jay said coldly.

    "Please go on."

    Jay looked at her and sneered, "You are so resolute. Aren''t you afraid I will ask you for a hugepensation?"

    Instead of being irritated, Kellyughed and said slowly. "If that is your requirement, then things will be easier. Any problem that can be solved with money can''t be a problem at all. But the key is that you are not a greedy person."

    "But it would be good if Lilith would regard me as such a person." Jay clenched his fist.

    Kelly was shocked and asked, "Is that your requirement?"

    "No. This is just a tip for you." His voice became icy, and then he continued, "My requirement is very simple. Don''t let Lilith get married to a dandy like Ben, who takes drugs and enjoys picking up random girls. Never allow such a person to ruin Lilith''s life." After finishing his words, his heart ached severely, and he felt frustrated.

    Kelly felt shocked for a long time when she heard this, while Jay gazed at her motionlessly with his sharp eyes.

    "I promise you that I will select a good man for her."

    Hearing this, Jay nodded and then stood up, "I am sorry that I have to go now. I still have a job to do."

    "Remember your promise," Kelly repeated.

    Jay bit his lip and then left. Kelly was finally relieved.

    ****

    It was a rainy day before the auction in Cape Town.

    The rain hit the ss, and it even thundered outside. It was 8 o''clock in the morning when Irish woke up, but the light was still dim outside the window. She turned around and found that Joseph was not in bed, but his woody fragrance was still on the pillow. She could see the blue ocean through the window, but many dark clouds floated in the sky.

    It was the first time she had seen such a rainy day since she came here.

    The door opened, and Joseph walked in and sat beside her. When he saw that she was awake, he caressed her hair. "Were you woken up by the thunder?"

    "Em," Irish replied leisurely. She was naked under the nket and didn''t want to move because of his great passion the night before. She found that he was dressed neatly, and it seemed that he was going to go out, so she asked, "Where are you going? It is raining outside."<novelnext></novelnext>

    Suddenly a bolt of lightning crackled through the sky and shed through the dark clouds, scattered into every corner. Joseph looked even more gentle under the light, smiling, and replied, "I am going to check on the diamond mine."

    "You are going to Johannesburg?" Irish was shocked since she thought he was just going to have a meeting.

    Joseph nodded, and Irish immediately got up. The nket slipped from her, so she hastily pulled it to cover her body and then looked at him. "But tomorrow will be the auction day. Why are you going to Johannesburg today?"

    "I have arranged a helicopter, and I will be back soon. Don''t worry."

    Irish reached out and held him, "I will go with you."

    "Don''t go anywhere. It is raining outside, wait for me here." He had arranged for the bodyguards to protect her so it was safe for her to stay.

    Irish was going to resist and go with him, but soon she remembered that she had more important things to do, so she agreed and nodded, "Okay. I will wait for you here."

    Joseph kissed her forehead and stood up, and Irish was also quick to get dressed, getting out of bed with him. She brought his coat and briefcase to him and hesitated. Josephughed and then embraced her, "What''s wrong?"

    Irish also did not intend to hide her doubts and asked directly, "Why do you suddenly have to go there? Is anything wrong?"

    "I am going to check the diamond mine that I am going to bid for. It is better to be cautious since it will be bidding tomorrow."

    Then Irish nodded and said, "Be careful." After experiencing the gunfight the day before, she finally realized that his life could be hanging in the bnce.

    "Don''t worry. I will be back at dinner time."

    "Em."

    Joseph held her in his arms for a while, and when he was about to leave, it thundered again outside the window. Somehow, Irish trembled, held her arms unconsciously, and called to him, "Joseph!"

    He turned back to her and found her face was a little pale, and behind her was therge, gloomy sea. She looked so sorrowful. She held his sleeves and said in a low voice after a long while, "Joseph, I love you."

    She had never expressed her love so frankly to him, so when he heard this, his heart trembled like the waves thatpped against the rocks in the sea outside. He turned back again and embraced her into his arms.

    Irish held him tightly with her cheeks pressing against his chest, hearing his steady heartbeat, and whispered, "No matter what happens, you can''t leave me alone. You promised me, so you can''t go back on your words." She was worried, and the weather outside seemed to reflect her mood.

    Joseph felt like his heart was almost broken after hearing this, so he held her face and looked at her with his firm and soulful eyes, "I will."

    He kissed her lips fondly.

 Chapter 258 258: Cool Down

    Jay didn''t know how he got back to the police station, even though it was just a few steps from the coffee shop. He felt like he had walked for a long time. When he returned to the interrogation room and found that they still hadn''t gotten any information from the suspect, he suddenly became irritated. He patted his colleague''s shoulder and said unpleasantly, "Let me do this."

    His colleague nodded and was shocked by his irritated expression.

    When he left, Jay took a chair and sat in front of the suspect, mming the record chart on the desk and saying with a cold voice, "You''d better tell me all the information you know and stop wasting our time."

    The man who was being interrogated was around twenty and looked very young. But after hearing this, the young man put his legs directly on the table and saidzily, "I don''t want to say a single word to you, my family ising soon."

    "Do you think you are special because you are rich?" Although Jay had looked through some information about him and knew his family was engaged in business, he was just a ck sheep.

    The young man snorted and ignored Jay.

    Jay was irritated and stood up abruptly after seeing this. "You want to keep silent, don''t you?"

    The man took a look at him and still didn''t reply. Jay''s eyes were filled with me, and he reached out, lifting him up. Before he could scream, Jay''s fists had hit his chest already.

    The man cried out and felt choked, but Jay was furious and continued to beat him. His fists all fell on his body, he did not touch his face.

    Jay was so strong that the young man began screaming, "Help! Help!"

    So when the door of the interrogation room was opened, several of his colleagues were very surprised since they saw Jay as self-disciplined and always remaining professional. Therefore, they hastily pulled him away.

    The young man pointed at Jay while crying out and said, "I...I will sue you!" Hearing this, Jay was going to rush toward him again, but his colleagues stopped him and persuaded him to calm down. "Cool down. We will deal with him."

    Then they took the suspect away.

    Jay put his hands on the table, looking like a lion with angry red eyes. When he reached out again, he mmed the chair against the wall, breaking it into pieces.

    ****

    After Joseph left, Irish ate something for breakfast and dressed quickly, preparing to go out. Some bodyguards were standing at the door, and when they realized she was going to go out, one of them said to her. "Mr. Dover has left instructions for us that if you are going to go out, then we have to apany you."<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish was not an unreasonable woman, and of course, she understood Joseph''s intentions, so she nodded and said, "I have called Will, and he wille here to pick me up soon. Two of you wille with me while the rest of you have to guard the apartment here." Joseph left some papers in the apartment; though she did not know if they were important, it was better to keep them safe.

    "Yes." The bodyguard was a little surprised since he saw that Irish did not cause trouble for them, and she was so self-assured.

    After a while, Will arrived, but Belle was not with him, perhaps she had gone to Johannesburg with Joseph. He hastily brought an umbre to Irish since he saw her standing at the apartment door and said with a smile, "It''s terrible to go out on a rainy day."

    "Will the bad weather affect the helicopter?" She was worried about Joseph.

    Will thought for a while and replied, "Yes. But you don''t have to be worried, since the captain is a man with more than forty years'' experience. It is only raining in Cape Town today."

    The two cars were driving in the streets one after the other, and when they left the apartmentplex, it rained even more heavily. They finally stopped in front of a luxury hotel. Irish urged the bodyguards to go around nearby, and she went into the hotel alone.

    She went directly to the top floor of this hotel without stopping. This was an elevator for VIP hotel guests, and the luxurious Australian design was spread from the elevator to the end of the corridor. The beautiful hanging crystal lights were magnificent, and the walls were covered in handmade tapestries from Iran, adding an exotic style to the hotel. The tempered ss insted the hall from the lightning and thunder outside the window, so the entire corridor was silent.

    Irish walked to a room, took a deep breath, and then rang the bell.

    The door was opened, and a man''s body unfolded before her eyes the next moment. He was half-naked, with only a nket around his lower body. The yellow light behind him made his skin look enchanting. He had a sturdy chest and strong arms like Joseph, and he looked almost as attractive. Irish had to admit that he was a very handsome man.

    When he found it was Irish, he cried out, "You are fast."

    "Leo, I know you never get up early." Irish took a look at the time and showed her watch to him, "I deliberately waited until eleven o''clock toe to you, I have given you enough sleep time." She still remembered how he always lingered in bed in Pennsylvania, and he could even sleep well in a crowded room. If Joseph had not encouraged him, he would not have gotten up to participate in the game.

    Things would change as time passed, and she had thought that they would be invincible if they worked together. But now they were in South Africa, and a business rivalry was waiting for them tomorrow. Thinking of this, Irish felt slightly sad.

    Leo let her in. He yawned and scratched his head, then asked her when he found that her shoulders were wet, "Is it raining outside?" The window was covered with thick curtains, so it was tranquil.

    Irish sat on the couch directly, uttering, "You''d better get dressed."

 Chapter 259 259: It Might Hurt You

    Leo leaned against the couch with his hands crossed in front of his chest and said, "It seems you wouldn''te here for nothing."

    "Yes, I have something to talk to you about," Irish said frankly.

    Leo raised his eyebrows and yawned again after staring at her for a while, "Do you mind if I have a shower first?"

    "Please."

    He then went to the washroom.

    Irish began to look around this room. It was big, and the bedroom, living room, assembly room, and study room were all divided independently. There was even a gymnasium in it.

    There was a door at the end of the bedroom, which was the entrance to the study room. One had to pass through the bedroom to get into the study room; it was designed to maximize privacy. However, the door wasn''t closed, so even though she was standing in the bedroom doorway, Irish could vaguely see the carpet corner on the floor in the study room. Somehow, her heart suddenly beat quickly, and she thought that perhaps he would have left some confidential documents there.

    Irish gazed at the room and thought she just had to pass through the bedroom, and then she could enter it.

    An idea drove her to move forward and step into the bedroom. Though she was wearing high heels, the carpet muffled the sound, and she noticed the bedroom was suffused with Leo''s scent. Finally, she got to the door of the study room. She took a deep breath and then stepped in.

    Because of the rain, there was little lighting through the window. However, the room was a little dim. Irish could still see her surroundings.

    To her surprise, it was very orderly. Theputer on the desk was in standby mode. Beside it was a pile of documents lying on the desk, and it was easy to tell that Leo had been dealing with his business here.

    Irish reached out, but she hesitated when her fingers touched the documents. She identally touched the keyboard when she was about to draw back her hands. At that moment, the monitor lit up, and she could see theputer desktop directly without inputting a password.

    She suddenly felt that she had opened Pandora''s box. Irish was frozen in front of theputer. She looked at the file names on the desktop and found the file names strange. The names were made up of numbers and letters, followed by an English word that meant ''bid document''. Irish carefully analyzed the letters and numbers in the file names, which looked very familiar. Soon, she remembered the scene when Joseph took her to the diamond mine in the helicopter.

    She suddenly recalled that these numbers were the longitude andtitude of the diamond mine because she had heard Joseph mention it to her.

    She realized the document was about that diamond mine. She felt like her heart was going to jump out of her throat.

    Her breath began to rush, and she squinted. Her heart beat so fast that she felt distracted, but her hands moved slowly to the keyboard, and she clicked on the file. As long as she opened the file, she could see the content inside and view the amount of money.

    Leo would lose to Joseph this time. Her hands clenched several times.

    Outside the window, the dark clouds became even thicker, which made it hard for her to breathe.<novelnext></novelnext>

    She clicked the mouse and finally opened the file.

    The document opened before her eyes, and she was right, it was a document pertaining to his bid.

    Irish could only hear her fast heartbeat, and her ears were ringing because of the sound. Her mind was in a whirl because of the stuffy atmosphere, or maybe it was because she was so nervous.

    She suddenly stopped, and she didn''t continue to look at it. She was trapped in a huge contradiction since, on the one hand, she knew that she could help Joseph if she looked through it, while on the other hand, she knew it was immoral and Leo would suffer from a great loss that would make her feel guilty for her whole life.

    Should she help Joseph in such an immoral way?

    Irish sat in the chair and pressed her chest with her hands, finally turning it off.

    Her panic and anxiety vanished. Then, the next second, a man''s voice sounded abruptly, "Why not look through the file now that you''ve opened it?"

    Irish was startled by his sudden voice, and when she turned back, a sh of light suddenly crackled in the sky, illuminating the man standing in the doorway.

    She didn''t know when he came in. He just leaned against the door leisurely with his upper body exposed as droplets fell from his short hair onto his sturdy chest muscles. The bath towel on his lower body had been reced with loose white trousers, which made him lookzy.

    But his eyes seemed dark as if there was ayer of thin ice in them.

    Irish had never seen such a cold look on Leo''s face. There was a thick air of tension in the room, but she didn''t get up, sat in the chair, and looked at him calmly. "I am more eager to learn the answer from your mouth rather than find out by reading this document."

    Leo smiled and stepped up to her. He stopped in front of her and said in a sarcastic tone, "You''re really a brilliant psychologist that you can still be so calm at such a moment being caught."

    "I could have looked through all the contents of that file." She looked up at him and did not try to exonerate herself. She tried to tell him she didn''t read it because she cherished her friendship with him.

    "Well then, should I be grateful to you?" Leo walked behind her and put his hands on her shoulders.

    "Leo, I almost made a mistake just now, but in fact just wanted to know if you are going topete with Joseph fairly." Irish straightened her back, and she could feel the warmth of his fingers through her thin clothes and the me hidden under his faint smile.

    "Be more specific." The man''s hands pressed her harder.

 Chapter 260 260: Why Do You Love Joseph So Much?

    "Three hundred million." Theputer screen went dark in front of her eyes, and she could see his figure behind her in the reflection. She then said directly, "On the day when we went out to the sea, I heard you ask someone to transfer 300 million dors to your ount."

    Leo smiled and replied, "I never knew you were so proficient innguages."

    "Leo, Hall told us that the potential value of that diamond mine is no less than 10 billion dors. I want to know if you have conspired with Hall to raise the price. If you didn''t, then why have you only prepared 300 million dors?"

    "I also want to know." Leo''s voice slowly approached her as he leaned over, and his hands also slipped down from her shoulders, and finally, he embraced her into his arms. His lips were slightly raised and were close to her cheeks, "Why do you love Joseph so much? Why can''t you treat me like that? Answer me! Answer me!"

    "You are as important to me as Joseph is in my heart." Irish straightened her body, did not resist him, and continued, "You are my friend, so I don''t want you to get hurt. I know you have harbored a grudge for many years against him, but I believe that you still care for each other, so why do you have to fight with each other so relentlessly?"

    Leo stared at her face silently.

    "Joseph doesn''t know this, and I don''t mention it to him. But I want to hear the truth from you." Irish turned to him and looked in his eyes directly.

    Leo showed a faint smile and tapped her shoulders gently, "You want to know the truth? Really? It might hurt you. Are you sure you want to know the story behind it?" Her eyes looked firmly at him while the smile on his face suddenly widened, then he lowered his head and kissed her on the lips.

    Irish did not expect this and widened her eyes at him. She began to resist, but Leo suddenly lifted her out of the chair and walked toward the bedroom. He put her on the bed and pressed himself against her body, ignoring her struggle.

    "Leo..."

    But soon, he gagged her with his kiss, and he even opened her mouth the moment she called to him. He enjoyed the sweetness of her lips, holding her resisting hands over her head and pressing down on her with his strong body. He turned even ruder.

    After a few minutes, Leo loosened his grip in her arms. He raised his hand and grasped her chin tightly, saying, "You''d better not be so smart. Otherwise, I will kill you!" Leo threatened her.

    "Okay. You can just do it." Irish was not afraid at all now. Actually, if someone wanted to be cruel, he was not so scary. However, if he pretended to be kind and warm-hearted, he would be more difficult to deal with. She walked out of the bedroom quickly and returned with a knife in her hand. She threw it into Leo''s bosom and pointed at her breast, "You can just stab here."

    Leo quickly threw the knife away and frowned at her, shouting, "Are you mad?"

    "You got it!" Irish shouted back, "I feel disgusting now that you''ve touched me."

    "You..." Leo didn''t realize that she would answer in this way. Keeping silent for a while, his unhappiness disappeared suddenly, and he couldn''t helpughing, "You won! You love him that much?"

    Irish was relieved that he was not as angry as before and said to him seriously, "I don''t care how you battle with Joseph, as long as your lives are not involved. You can''t fight him to death. At the same time, if Joseph means to try and kill you, I will not tolerate it either."

    Leo looked at her, seeming to think of something.<novelnext></novelnext>

    They both kept silent. At this time, Irish''s phone rang, and lightning shed outside. Irish suddenly felt stressed without any reason.

    She quickly walked to the living room and took her phone out of her bag. The ringing made her nervous. As she connected, another sh of lightning appeared outside the window. It rained heavily outside. She heard Belle''s anxious voice.

    She suddenly lost control, and the phone fell down on her foot. However, it didn''t hurt, and only the anxious voice of Belle lingered in her mind.

    Leo walked out to see what was happening, feeling strange about the silence. Seeing Irish standing there motionlessly, he felt surprised and walked towards her, pulling her, "What''s wrong?"

    After a long while, Irish looked at him with a pale face.

    She trembled and said in a low voice, "Leo, something terrible has happened to Joseph."

    Leo was astonished.

    ****

    Cassie became suspicious, and it was all thanks to Roy.

    He made her feel afraid of hanging out casually because he always showed up out of nowhere. Now she just went back home as soon as she got off work. She seldom went shopping and was afraid of being alone since she didn''t want to meet him face to face.

    It was the weekend again, and it was sunny. It always made her feel pleased to see the brilliant blue sky.

    Some leaves got yellow, but most were still green and remained on their branches.

    Fredrick had several days off, which was rare for him. Cassie had nned to have fun at Disnend, so today, he apanied her patiently. Cassie had longed to go to Disnend, but at the time, Fredrick was abroad, so she just kept waiting for him.

    She wanted to go with Fredrick. It was not because she was afraid of going alone, but she desired to clench Fredrick''s fingers as they were full of excitement and shout, "I Love You" to him. It would be amazingly romantic.

    When Cassie and Fredrick flew down the roller coaster at high speed, she held his hand and shouted, "I love you, Fredrick!"

    The surrounding screams mainly drowned out her shouting, but Fredrick was so close to her that he must have heard it. However, he just held her fingers and didn''t give her any response, let alone express his love to her.

 Chapter 261 261: We Have To Break Up

    When it was over, Cassie still hadn''t heard his answer. She thought her voice was so low that the surrounding noise swallowed it.

    They spent a whole day at Disnend and then had dinner together. Fredrick then brought her back home. As they entered her apartment building, Fredrick stopped but didn''t open the door for her. The floormp light came on, illuminating half of his face while the other half remained dark.

    Cassie took her bag from the backseat and looked at him, "Want to have a drink together?"

    "No, thanks."

    Cassie hesitated, "My parents want to have a chat with you." She gave an obvious hint to him. It had been a long time since her parents hade to New York, and Fredrick still hadn''t arranged for their parents to have dinner together. She didn''t know how to ask him the reason, so she just continued to remind him subtly.

    Fredrick took a deep breath and turned to look at Cassie with aplex expression.

    "Do...do you have anything to talk to me about?" Cassie saw that he was not happy at all. Although they had great fun at Disnend, Fredrick seemed to be upset.

    Fredrick nodded, and after a long while, he said in a low voice with great regret, "Cassie, I''m sorry. We...we have to break up."

    The night in the fall was colder. Although the window wasn''t open, Cassie felt cold for no reason. It seemed that her spine froze, and gradually the chill crawled up her neck. She felt heartbroken.

    As Fredrick expressed his intention to break up with Cassie, he stared out the front window. He didn''t dare to look at Cassie''s face. He knew that once he told her, she would be very upset. However, he didn''t want to destroy the rest of their lives with responsibility and regret.

    This thought had lingered inside him for so many months. When Irish told him to cherish Cassie, he was determined to treat her well, and he thought that he could do it. He believed that as long as he forced himself to emphasize his love for Cassie, he could achieve it. As a result, he had been determined to marry Cassie.

    However, when Cassie told him about Irish on the phone, he could not be at peace any longer. These days he couldn''t sleep well because a thought lingered in his mind. Irish loved Joseph! This fact was a shock to him. He couldn''t imagine Irish smiling in Joseph''s bosom, let alone them making love.

    He had not felt good since then. One time he couldn''t help calling Irish. The sound of her voice on the phone was so familiar that it touched him easily, but her smile didn''t belong to him any longer. She just happily asked when he would marry Cassie without any other emotion. He thought Joseph was at her side, and the two were to go out, so he just hung up.

    At that moment, he felt his world break apart immediately.

    It was just at that moment he realized that he couldn''t give up on Irish. He couldn''t continue to cheat himself. Otherwise, it would make him go crazy.

    "Cassie. I know it''s irresponsible to say it now, but please, believe me, I don''t mean to y games with your heart. I just don''t think that we can''t be together." Fredrick seemed to be very regretful.

    Cassie didn''t say anything.

    Fredrick turned to look at her. Her silent expression made him even more nervous, "Cassie, could you please say something?"<novelnext></novelnext>

    Cassie lowered her head. After a while, she looked up at him and forced a smile, "Fredrick, today...today is not April Fool''s Day."

    "Cassie."

    "I''m very tired. We spent the whole day together. Let''s have a talk tomorrow." She tried her best to smile at him and then she went to open the car door.

    Fredrick had to admit that he was to be med. He didn''t cherish her. He just pulled her arm in apology, "I don''t want to continue to cheat you. You can vent your anger in any way you want."

    Cassie held the car door tightly with one hand. She exerted such great strength that her arm ached. Her pale face reflected in the window, "I don''t understand. We...we are going to get married..."

    She had never expected that she would separate from him one day. She knew that he was busy with work, so she was always obedient and didn''t disturb him. If he didn''t have time for her, she spent her spare time alone. What she longed for most was to go shopping and have fun with him. However, she neverined about it because she knew that he was an ambitious man who had something to pursue.

    When he was not beside her, she would recall the days they had spent with each other. She imagined their future every day, and when he proposed to her, she thought that she was the happiest woman in the world. She began to think of their marriage. Maybe she would give birth to two children for him, and they would travel at home and abroad.

    She had never thought of what would happen if he walked out of her world.

    But this day finally came.

    Just when they were to marry, he decided to leave her. As a result, her world fell apart drastically.

    "Sorry, Cassie, I don''t want to cheat you for a lifetime. I can''t marry you." Fredrick''s voice was so bitter, but he was sad to see Cassie''s suffering.

    Cassie''s hands quivered. The cold made her body tremble, "But we are so close. Why? Why are things different now?"

    "Sorry." Fredrick could not give her anything except for an apology from his heart.

    She turned to look at him with her wet eyes, but her tears didn''t fall down. Fredrick looked at her. At this time, she felt so heartbroken. She still loved him.

    "Do you love another woman?" This was the only reason she could think of.

    Fredrick was a little surprised to hear it, but he shook his head, "No, Cassie. I don''t."

 Chapter 262 262: Joseph Was Abducted

    "So, I''m the problem?"

    He shook his head, "You are good. I''m the problem. I''m so sorry."

    Cassie lowered her eyes and didn''t speak again. Fredrick pulled her hands, "You can do anything you want to me as long as you can feel better." He was afraid that she would act in this way.

    However, she pulled her hand back, shaking her head lightly with her eyshes trembling, "You are the one I want to love deeply. How could I hurt you? As long as you are happy..." She stopped here and then continued, "If you believe that it will be good for us to break up with each other, then I... agree."

    Fredrick felt shocked since he had never expected her to say that.

    "I will not me you," Cassie clenched her fist. Her voice was as soft and weak as a

    helpless beast, "Anyway, I want to thank you because you loved me."

    "Cassie..."

    "It''ste now. I...I need to go home. Drive safely." She took a deep breath and tried to smile at him.

    "Are you okay?" Fredrick was worried about her.

    "Of course." Cassie tried to smile again, "You''re right. We need to give up if this love is lost. Right?"

    Fredrick looked at her for a while and nodded.

    Cassie got out of the car and waved to him again, "Let me see you leave."

    Fredrick felt stressed and apologized to her again. He started his car and left while Cassie still stood there, watching his car drive away. Atst, when she felt the coldness in the fall night, she couldn''t help crying, and her tears fell down like a waterfall.

    Her love disappeared in the cold air.

    ****

    The rain got heavier as Will drove the car back to the apartment. Leo followed them. When Irish saw Belle''s figure, she couldn''t wait to get out of the car. She ordered Will to stop immediately and then rushed into the rain, running towards Belle, who was at the door.

    Leo also stopped his car. He saw that Irish was anxious, and he was also concerned. He stopped and rushed out of the car.

    Belle, who was nervously waiting at the door, came forward immediately when she saw Irish. Irish pulled her arm anxiously and asked, "What''s wrong with Joseph?" As she asked, she found that her palm had blood in it. At this moment, she nearly suffocated. After a careful check, she found it was from Belle''s arm. She nearly screamed, "You''re wounded?"

    At this moment, Leo arrived. Behind him was Will, who was also restless.

    Belle was in a panic regardless of her wounded arm, "Someone hijacked the helicopter and abducted Mr. Dover."

    "What!?" Irish and Leo asked at the same time.

    Belle told them what had happened briefly: When the helicopter left Cape Town, the rain got heavier, and it needed to perform an emergencynding. They intended to wait to take off until the rain subsided. However, several cars came and surrounded the helicopter. A group of men with guns and masks got out. They killed the captain and abducted Joseph, and then they left. Belle was wounded during the process.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Who were they? Did they leave any clues or say anything?" Irish thought that because they didn''t kill Belle, they wanted Belle to notify them.

    However, Belle shook her head nkly. She exined, "From their appearance, it was difficult to tell where they are from. They spoke English and didn''t say anything but abducted Mr. Dover immediately. Their target was him, and they killed the captain to stop the helicopter from taking off."

    Irish was at a loss. Finally, she asked subconsciously, "What about Joseph? Was he wounded?"

    Belle shook her head, "They just abducted him."

    Irish clenched her fists tightly. Her anxiety didn''t soften with this answer. Instead, a terrible foreboding urred to her. Those gangsters found him so easily, which meant they were notmon thugs. They had targeted Joseph. So who on earth were they? They clearly knew about Joseph''s identity, and they abducted him directly. What was their purpose?

    Did they want to ckmail him or��.

    Irish thought quickly, and then she had a revtion. They wanted to stop Joseph from appearing at the auction.

    Irish did not want to see, no matter what purpose the robbers had. A group of evil people had kidnaped Joseph, and she knew how dangerous the situation could be. Leo remained silent for a moment and saw that Belle was still bleeding, so he asked Will to drive her to the hospital. After Belle left, Irish took out the key to open the door, but because her fingers were trembling, she dropped the key several times. Finally, Leo grabbed the key and opened the door for her.

    "Thank you." She walked through the door weakly, and her long, wet hair clung to her cheeks, which made her ufortable. She couldn''t believe Joseph had been abducted.

    Leo followed her into the apartment. She turned her head and looked at him as soon as he came forward. Her eyes were cold. "Does this kidnapping have anything to do with you?"

    Leo was stunned, "What are you talking about?"

    "The mine site, Joseph is your biggestpetitor, if he doesn''t show up tomorrow, you will be the biggest gainer," Irish''s eyes became sharp.

    Leo hesitated, then answered, "It has nothing to do with me."

    After looking at him for a while, Irish didn''t press the question but said, "I''ll make a phone call."

    Leo looked at her back, sighed, and sat on the sofa.

    Irish took a few breaths to suppress her panic and uneasiness. Then, she picked up her cell phone and dialed Daisy''s phone number. Soon the call connected, and Daisy sounded very busy.

    She had not expected Irish to call her, and her tone was slightly surprised, "Dr. Irish?"

    "Daisy, he was kidnapped..." Daisy was obviously stunned. "I called to ask if you have any information about who it might be."

    "Do you suspect it was an organized group?"

    "Yes, I believe so."

    Daisy was trying to be calm, "From the description, I already have some clues. These people were Mexican gangsters, and the person who employed them is still under investigation. But I don''t think Mr. Dover was kidnapped by them."

 Chapter 263 263: We Can Find Him

    "Why not?" Irish frowned.

    "I heard from Mr. Dover that you were there when he was shot, and you should know that those people wanted to kill you. Just think about it, if Mr. Dover had met those people, would they have abducted him?" Daisy expressed her bold assumption.

    Irish suddenly realized that Daisy''s analysis was correct. They would never have had enough patience to kidnap him. They should have shot Joseph on the spot if they wanted to kill him.

    "Daisy." She tried to calm herself down. "Because I don''t know what''s going on in South Africa, I can''t do anything, so I need to ask you, do we need to call the police?" Belle had worked for Joseph in South Africa for many years, but she still didn''t have Daisy''s calmness. Since Joseph called Daisy after being shot, it could be imagined that he trusted Daisy the most. She had been working with Joseph for many years and must have experienced situations like this more than once or twice. Irish needed to ask Daisy''s advice before she could think about what to do next.

    Daisy hurriedly said, "Do not call the police. Mr. Dover is a foreigner who goes to South Africa to do business. If the South African police step in, they will contact the headquarters of the Runestone Group to find out about his background. When they do, the members of the board will know about this. You know all of the group''s shareholders are putting pressure on Mr. Dover, and if there''s a situation in South Africa at this time, Mr. Dover''s position on the board of directors will be in jeopardy."

    Irish knew the situation was serious and tried hard to catch her breath.

    "The only thing to do now is to find Mr. Dover as soon as possible so that he can attend the auction tomorrow." Daisy''s tone was positive.

    "If he doesn''t show up, can I bid for him?" Irish wanted to find a better solution to the matter.

    "No, Mr. Dover has not authorized you. They would not admit it."

    Irish clutched her fingers. "How can we find him as soon as possible?"

    On one end of the phone, Daisy thought, "Only through the locals have you talked to Tuell?"

    "Tuell?" Irish remembered his cold face.

    "He knows South Africa well and has done business with Joseph for many years. If you go to him for help, he won''t turn you away. I''ll call himter and ask for his help."

    Irish took a deep breath. "What if he cannot help?"

    Daisy was silent for a long time. "If so, then we''re in trouble," she said.

    Irish''s head buzzed like there was a stick that had hit her.

    Leo''s voice came from behind them as the two discussed the n on the phone.

    "I''ll help you find him."

    Irish turned to look toward Leo.

    "I assure you I will bring him back unscathed." Leo came to her.

    Irish looked at him for a long time and picked up her phone again, and said, "Daisy, wait for my call." At the end of the conversation, she once again looked into Leo''s eyes, "Why?"<novelnext></novelnext>

    He knew that as soon as Joseph reappeared at the auction, he would have a strongpetitor.

    Leo understood her question and answered bluntly, "For you."

    Irish was once again startled.

    "Unless you''re still suspecting that l have something to do with it."

    "No. I don''t believe you would lie to me."

    "Anyway, I''ll try to find him, and you can do it your way. Maybe we''ll have a better chance of finding him in two ways. Leo patted her on the shoulder with a serious look.

    Irish did not have time to analyze him much and nodded heavily.

    "We can find him, just cheer up!" His voice reassured her.

    ****

    Everything was dark for Joseph when he regained consciousness. He wanted to open his eyes, but he found himself blindfolded, then tried to move his body but was unable to move. He was tied to a chair, with his hands tied from behind, so he could only listen to the sounds to try and find out where he was.

    His consciousness was graduallying back to him.

    He remembered that a few masked men had dragged him into a car, and he had lost consciousness when someone suddenly hit him from behind.

    It was quiet. He heard a faint voice, speaking low, but Joseph could tell he was in the room, and a harsh smell of paint filled his nose. He assumed it was a room or warehouse where the paint was stored, and he tried to move his feet again. His feet were not tied, and as he threw his leather shoes on the ground, he could feel sand particles. It was not cement but sand ground, and he even stepped on a few pebbles and calmly kicked one of them hard forward, listening carefully to the sound of the pebbles hitting the wall. He kicked the other two pebbles to the left and right, respectively. On the left was the faint sound of hitting a bucket, and on the right, the sound of it hitting a wall.

    Joseph stopped moving, but his brain was racing, quickly judging the size of the ce by the sounds of the stones hitting the walls.

    More importantly, he reasoned that paint was stacked on his left.

    He made the assumption that he was in a small warehouse without a concrete floor, indicating that it was only a temporary warehouse. He thought it might have been a warehouse on a construction site.

    If it was a construction site...

    Joseph began to try to recall the speed at which the robbers had been driving. ording to his memory, he believed that the car had been heading south, and then he analyzed the approximate position through several turns. He made some advanced calctions in his brain. He was also familiar with buildings and factories being developed in Cape Town and the nearby cities, roughly inferring that he should be at least 50 kilometers south of Cape Town.

    He vaguely remembered that there was a site in that area under construction!

 Chapter 264 264: Why Are You Trying To Cause Trouble?

    Listening carefully, he found that there was no more rain. Every time he nned a trip, Daisy or Belle would have at least told him the urate weather for theing week. It was raining all day in Cape Town that day. In particr, the afternoon rainfall would exceed 50 mm, and the reason for his early departure was to get away from the rain as soon as possible before the storm hit. It was the opposite of where he wanted to go. As far as he knew, there was not going to be any rain in the afternoon south of Cape Town, so he was right.

    While specting about who the kidnappers were, someone pushed the door in, and Joseph listened carefully to the noise his footsteps made. It sounded like three people wereing in. One of them talked in well-spoken English, but he could not tell which dialect gave Joseph an important message: their background was not simple.

    The man said, "Sir, he''s awake."

    Then Joseph heard the sound of a chair being dragged. Someone sat down in front of him. He could not feel the breath of the other person sitting extremely close to him.

    "You''d better be honest and keep us out of trouble, man." The leader opened his mouth, and his voice was thick and deep.

    Joseph was not gagged, so it was not a problem to speak. He smiled. "It looks like your employer is afraid I''ll be at the auction site tomorrow."

    The man sneered, "You are said to be a very clever man, and now I see it."

    "Since you know me, you should know what I do, and since you are only looking for money, I can double the amount they''re giving you." Nevertheless, Joseph remained calm, and the man''s reply told him indirectly what the real purpose of the kidnapping was.

    The chair opposite him made a faint sound, and it was not difficult to judge that the man had gotten up and he finally stopped in front of Joseph. His voice was disdainful, "You want to tell me you have money, right?"

    "I want to tell you not to back yourself into a corner. You must learn to be flexible when you are looking for money." Joseph retorted quietly.

    The man hit him with his fist, hard. Joseph''s face felt a white sh of pain, and a trickle of blood came out of the corner of his mouth.

    "Don''t think you can teach me a lesson!" The man''s voice became fierce, and Joseph''s words seemed to have offended his dignity, so he screamed like a tiger whose tail had been trampled on.

    Joseph stopped talking and made a preliminary analysis of this person''s temperament. It was not difficult to see that this so-called leader was easily angered, with an irritable and violent disposition. In other words, he was moody. He spected that the person might not be in good standing with his organization, as he did not seem overly professional as a criminal.

    "I''m here to give you a message." They pulled Joseph''s hair and continued, "someone," told you not to be so active with the mine. You should be obedient. Why are you trying to cause trouble?"

    Joseph kept silent.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "So I warn you to listen to me. Stay here, and tomorrow I will let you go. If you try to y any tricks with me, you''re not going to make it out of South Africa alive." The man let his hair go, spitting orders at his men. "You guys look at him. He is good at fighting. If you dare to let him go, I''ll chop you up and feed you to the dogs!"

    "Yes, Sir."

    The room was quiet again.

    ****

    Irish, Leo, and Belle started to act on three different ns. Irish ordered Will to take Belle to the hospital to treat her wounds. In order to find Joseph as soon as possible, she decided to go to Tuell for help, while Leo looked for Joseph in his own way.

    The afternoon rain in Cape Town was getting heavier, and the ground was starting to flood. Vehicles had slowed down speed because of the water on the ground, resulting in a rare phenomenon of traffic jams. Had it not been the Dutch buildings outside the window, Irish would have felt like she was driving on the streets of NYC.

    The car drove into the white area of Cape Town, and Irish told the driver to stop, getting out of the car with an umbre. When she stepped into a puddle with one foot, her shoe became soaked. Cars passed by again on the side of the road and ran over a bunch of mud. Her skirt was sshed, and mud ran down her leg. Some girls walked by her with their umbres and saw the scene,ughing and whispering. She was already in a bad mood, and when she saw the look on the faces of the girls, there was even more fire in her heart. She red at them and stuck out her middle finger at them.

    "Fuck you!" One of the white girls yelled at her when she saw her.

    Irish did not show her weakness to her. On the contrary, she also shouted a curse at them.

    The girl didn''t know what she was saying, and herpanions started to grumble and leave because of the rain. Irish wanted to take off her heels and hit them, but she didn''t have time to fight with them.

    Finally, she found the office building. The floor that Tuell''s diamond shop was on was still quiet, and she could only hear the sound of the rain pattering on the window restlessly as if numerous monsters were stretching out their long ws and trying to steal his jewels.

    When Irish walked down the corridor, it happened that the safety door of the diamond shop was slowly lowering. She rushed to the gate of the diamond shop, bent down, and her head moved down with the falling safety door, and shouted, "Tuell! Tuell!"

    When Irish was about to lie on the ground, the salesperson standing at the counter came over, paused the falling door, and said through the door board, "Today''s weather is too stormy, we have to close our shop early, and you''ll have toe tomorrow."

    "I''m not here to buy. I want to see Tuell. There''s something urgent!" Irish stared at the salesperson''s bright red leather shoes anxiously.

 Chapter 265 265: My Man Is In Danger

    The saleswoman hesitated. "Who are you? You''re looking for our shopkeeper?"

    ? How could she introduce herself? Obviously, her name did not carry much weight here. The shopkeeper would not know her name. She wondered if she should say Joseph''s name, but how would she exin the rtionship between her and Joseph? Thinking, she cleared her throat, "My boss is Mr. Dover. Tuell should know my boss''s current situation, and Daisy must have called him."

    Tuell may not know her name, but he must know Daisy''s since she had told her to call Tuell, which demonstrated she knew him.

    The saleswoman thought about it, turning into the room, and after three or four minutes, she returned. This time, the door rose slowly, showing the salesperson''s calm face. Seeing Irish with her muddy skirt and wet shoes, she was not surprised and said, "The shopkeeper is inside,e in."

    Irish thanked her and hurried into the shop.

    It was the room that Joseph had a secret conversation with Tuell in. What was unexpected was that there was nothing other than a tea case and a sofa. Tuell sat beside the teapot and made tea leisurely. After seeing Irish knock on the door, he pointed at the sofa. "Sit down, please."

    Irish sat down opposite him, and the temperature in the room was just right for the hot tea, but it made her drenched skirt cling to her thighs, and it felt extremely ufortable. Tuell poured her a cup of tea, and she took it, looking at him, then she looked around the room again. At the end of the room was a small door, which seemed to be an exit for people to leave after the safety door was closed.

    "This room is different from what I sawst time." She spoke.

    Tuell''s silence left her unable to read his mind for a while, so it was better to take a step-by-step approach. Tuell heard her words, raising his eyebrows, "What is the difference?"

    "I thought you lived in the shop." There was no bed and no groceries. She thought Tuell was a person who had lost his family, and he had nothing to lose but his store, so she assumed he would be more protective of it.

    Tuell''s face was still the same, and his eyes were as lifeless as his shallow cheeks.

    "People always make wrong decisions when in a hurry, just as I didn''t know Joseph had another assistant, I thought you were his lover."

    Irish was a little embarrassed.

    "You think this shop is all I have? So I stay here day and night?" Tuell slightly raised his eyes, took a sip of tea, and went on, "Jewelry is valuable no matter how expensive. As long as you have money, there is no jewelry you can''t buy, but the experience of losing a loved one is different. This experience will tell you that life is the most important thing at any time, far more than those stones outside."

    His words hit the topic that Irish wanted to cut into most, and when his voice fell down, she immediately opened her mouth. "So I asked for Mr. Tuell''s help. I think Daisy has already exined the situation to you."

    Tuell continued slowly to make tea. "I heard that Joseph''s been kidnapped."

    "His whereabouts are unknown, and I am not familiar with South Africa, so I thought of you, Mr. Tuell." Irish suppressed her anxiety as much as possible, trying to speak in a calm tone.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Unexpectedly Tuell shook his head. "I''m sorry, I can''t help you."

    "Why?"

    "The world is fickle, and everything happens for a reason. Perhaps this is not a bad thing."

    Irish froze, then quickly asked, "What do you mean?"

    Tuell, aware of the concern she had shown, sighed, "You can''t always win. Joseph is not a god. He can''t dominate everything."

    "But the mine site he''s going to bid on tomorrow is very important to thepany!" Irish''s tone was urgent.

    Tuell suddenly scoffed, "A man that puts all his efforts into things that can be bought and sold with money?" He shook his head. "It would be a relief if such a man died."

    "Why are you saying these things? You can refuse to help, but you don''t have to say sarcastic things about him." She rose to her feet, and her eyes turned cold.

    "Sarcastic words? Little girl, all I say is the truth." Tuell''s tone was indifferent. "There''s an old Chinese saying, if you make enemies in a crowd, the crowd will attack you. Since Joseph took charge of the Runestone Group, his actions and this year''s listing have already displeased people in the industry. It would be better for him to step back this time. Safety is more important than anything else."

    "So, do you know there is a simr old Chinese saying: stand out from the crowd, and everyone will attack?" Irish pressed her anger, "Human nature is always the same. Whether we make enemies or stand out from the rest of the world, we''re all going to be attacked by the public anyway. Why not be the one who stands out from the crowd? Joseph is the one on top. You might think he is so ambitious, but you know nothing about his struggle to get to the top."

    Tuell finally smiled. "No. Did you think he has a small appetite? No, it may not be until the end that you discover that he is the one with a lion''s mouth. You better know your boss well before you drift into his world."

    A gust of wind blew arge amount of rain against the window. The crackling and mixed with Tuell''s dry and lifeless smile, Irish began to get annoyed. Her hands trembled, and she closed her lips, "Even if he is a lion, he''s now a lion in prison. Mr. Tuell. I only know that my man is in danger, and I want to save him no matter what."

    Tuell looked at her in concentration.

    "Since you don''t want to help me, I''ll leave. Anyway, thank you for taking the time to see me." Finally, Irish did not want to waste any more time and got up to leave.

    Tuell thought about it and suddenly asked her, "He''s not your boss?"

 Chapter 266 266: Well Done

    Irish answered without looking back, "I love him, he is the most important man in my life." She could not pretend anymore, which was the best answer.

    Tuell was silent behind her for a moment. Irish did not know why he suddenly asked this question. She turned to him and looked at him, trying to figure out what he was thinking. He still looked like a walnut, and it was hard to understand his behavior.

    Tuell soon gave an answer. He sighed first, then spoke in a solemn tone. "Joseph would not bring a woman who wasn''t an assistant toe to my shop. If he dared to bring you here, it would indicate that you are very important in his heart. I knew it when I heard you say that again. Since you are the closest person to him, I will help you."

    Irish''s eyes sparkled, "Do you know where Joseph is?"

    Tuell shook his head, "Of course, I don''t know, I said I wouldn''t help you find Joseph, and I won''t look for him."

    His attitude made her very angry. "What do you want to tell me?"

    Tuell slowly picked up his cup of tea, put it down, and stared at Irish, saying, word for word, "The mine he is bidding on is empty!"

    It was like a sh of lightning had struck Irish, and her whole body trembled. Her brain was nk, and it took her almost a minute to regain consciousness. "What did you say? The mine is empty?"

    How was that possible? Although the exploration and appraisals of its diamond contents were not permitted before cing the bid, Joseph had been dealing with the mine for the entire year. He had rich experience in mining, how could the mine be empty?

    "I know all about South Africa, every mountain, everyke, and the contents of that diamond mine are only 1/10 of the amount reported by the owner." Tuell''s eyes were serious. "I''m only telling you this because of my many years of cooperation with Joseph. That''s why I said being kidnapped right now is not necessarily a bad thing."

    Irish could not ept the fact for a while but clearly understood that Tuell did not need to lie to her. By the time she came out of the diamond shop, she was still in shock and forgot to hold her umbre. The heavy rain blurred her sight and made her unable to see the road ahead.

    She was lost.

    She felt that Joseph was caught in a difficult situation. If the bid for the mine were unsessful, he would be punished by the whole board of directors, but if he got it, and it was only a vacant mine, it would be even more difficult to ount to the board of directors. She could not figure out what the best solution was, but what was clear was that she wanted to find Joseph. She needed to find him!

    Suddenly, her phone rang.

    The ringer was mixed with the sound of the raindrops beating the eaves of the building beside her. Irish was brought back to reality, and she took out her mobile phone, and her eyes brightened. It was Leo, and she rushed to answer it. Before she could speak, Leo said, "Irish, I know where Joseph is. You go back to the apartment, I''ll save him right away."

    Irish was so excited that she didn''t know what to say until Leo hung up the phone. She walked quickly into the rain.

    Leo''s driver drove carefully, and even though the windshield wipers moved back and forth, the ss was immediately drenched again by the rain. Leo leanedzily on the back seat, his eyes on the building blurred by rainwater outside the car window. His phone rang, and when he picked it up, he found that the voice on the line was modest. "Mr. Dover has been found."

    "Well done." Leo lightly said, "Excellent work."

    "It''s my pleasure to serve you, Mr. Shelton." The other side gingerly said with a smile, "I must help you get Mr. Dover."

    Leo smiled and adjusted his posture slightly. "Yes, he will y the leading role tomorrow. If our main actor isn''t present, how can the y be performed?"<novelnext></novelnext>

    "But��" The man began to hesitate.

    "Say what you want."

    "I''m afraid that tomorrow if he seeds in bidding, he will find an empty mine. I am afraid he will not let me go."

    Leo responded, "When he is too busy at that time, how will he take care of you? Who in this business doesn''t know that gambling on a mine is like betting in a casino? He has always held the opinion that a ''bad life is better than a good death, but it does not mean that he will still have time to retaliate against you when he is in prison."

    "I can rest assured with your word, Mr. Shelton."

    "What you have to do tomorrow is stand on the stage and calmly restate the contents of the mine. Joseph has a pair of eagle eyes, and there''s a psychotherapist with the same sharp eyes around you. You definitely can''t hesitate, even slightly."

    "Don''t worry, no problem." The man said, but his next sentence became hesitant again, "And... about the senator and me��"

    "When you''re done, I''ll have the video back to you. I''m not interested in your passions in bed."

    "Good."

    "Send me the address where Joseph is being held."

    "Yes, sir."

    After the call, Leo mused, and soon the man sent him Joseph''s location. He looked at it and pressed the remote control, and the divider in the car fell slowly. Hezily ordered the driver. "Go to the construction site 50 kilometers south of Cape Town."

    "Yes, Mr. Shelton."

    The car quickly picked up speed and passed through the torrential rain.

    Leo took a deep breath and called Irish again, "Irish, I found Joseph''s position. You go back to the apartment, and I''ll get him right away."

    ****

    After handling the case, Jay went back to the drug center. As he pushed the door in, he noticed that the people around him had ambiguous eyes. When he was about to speak, each one of them went back to their work. As he stared at one of his men, Jay''s face suddenly turned pale, and he strode into the office.

    That afternoon, the sun shone through the window, illuminating the ground with golden splendor, but Lilith remained shrouded in the shadows. When Jay saw her, he thought she looked like an angel.

 Chapter 267 267: I Don’t Know Why I Like You

    She was standing in front of him before the window, watering the new nts. The sun stained her hair, and her fingers looked almost transparent in the light. She looked back when she heard the door being pushed open and smiled at Jay. Her eyes were full of love for him.

    Jay was just back from a mission, in his police uniform, wearing a police cap, and looking tall and powerful. His appearance made Lilith''s face blush. Jay quickly reacted, frowning, "Howe you''re here again?"

    "To bring new nts." Lilith did not care about his fierce expression and said with a sweet smile, "I told you, if your nt died, I would buy a new one."

    "That''s enough, Lilith!" Jay was irritable and frowned even more. "I told you that kiss didn''t mean anything, it is impossible for us to be together."

    The expression on Lilith''s face turned dark. She looked down at the long leaves, yed with the watering can, and bit her lip forcefully. Jay looked into her eyes and felt a sudden sharp contraction in his heart as if it was being crushed by a big hand. He cleared his throat and then said with a light voice, "Please, do note here to see me again."

    Lilith raised her eyes to stare at him. Gradually, the bottoms of her eyes became wet. Seeing her tears, Jay felt guilty but still did note forward. He clearly knew that if he walked forward, he would hold her in his arms tofort her.

    "If you really don''t feel anything towards me." Lilith''s voice choked up. "Why did you ask my mother not to let me marry someone like Ben Winston?"

    Jay was surprised.

    "I know my mother came to you, and I can imagine what she said to you." Lilith forced back her tears. Her mother did not hide it from her, and regretted that if Jay had not been a policeman, she would have agreed to their rtionship.

    "She''s right, I really can''t give you anything." He said reluctantly. "I''m not right for you. You should marry a man with a steady career, not a man like me. I don''t know whether tomorrow I''ll be alive or not."

    Jay said his crisp and ruthless words and made Lilith''s eyes turn red. But this time, her anger was more than grievance, and she felt more than sadness.

    She shouted at Jay, "You don''t know me well, why are you so sure that I should marry a man with a stable job?"

    Jay was choked up for a long time and then said, "In short, we''d better not talk to each other anymore."

    Lilith was angry at his attitude, and she bit her lips to stop herself from crying. Her red eyes were looking at Jay, "Okay, so you don''t think I''m fit to marry a cop, do you? I''ll let you see if I suit you!" After putting the spray pot heavily on the balcony, she grabbed her bag from the desk and passed Jay to open the door.

    As soon as her finger touched the doorknob, her arm was pulled by Jay, and her whole body almost flew into his arms. She looked up at him, he was frowning, and his tone was displeased. "What are you going to do?"

    "If you don''t love me, someone else will. There are many male officers outside the door, and most of them are single. I just want you to see if I can fall in love with and marry a police officer. Let me go!" Lilith was furious, staring at the man''s eyes under the brim of his hat. At the end of her speech, she suddenly shook off his hand and rushed out the door.

    Jay reached for her but saw her figure had rushed out the door and left without saying anything. The noise on this side of the office had attracted the attention of his colleagues. When Lilith ran out of the room, everyone looked at each other. She stopped angrily and looked around. As soon as she started to speak, Jay came out, reaching out and pulling her to his side. He lowered his voice and shouted, "Will you please stop?"<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Who''s acting up?" Lilith lost her temper and looked at him coldly.

    Jay had lost his patience, and his eyes were as cold as ice. He asked her slowly, "What can you do other than get angry? If you want to find a boyfriend, you can find whoever you like!"

    After speaking, Jay turned around coldly.

    Lilith''s face was so red that she clenched her fists. A second before he opened the door to his office, she took a deep breath and shouted at his back, "I still like you!"

    Jay stopped suddenly.

    The colleagues around them froze. Lilith''s voice hung in the area. She stared at him and continued, "Jay, I like you! Only you!"

    Everyone was motionless. They were all surprised and then they looked at them. Jay suddenly turned back, looking at Lilith''s eyes, naturally astonished. He said nothing to Lilith but walked over to pull her back into the office.

    The door of the office was closed, and it was not difficult to see the unhappiness in Jay''s heart. He turned around just as he shut the door and was preparing to denounce Lilith for her nonsense, but Lilith took the initiative to fly into his arms. Her hands sped around his neck, and her cheeks pressed against his hard, majestic uniform, and her tears flew down. "Don''t push me away, Jay, I didn''t act up. What I said was all true. Can''t we be together? I can''t believe you don''t feel anything for me."

    Jay lowered his head. Her eyes were dim, and her long curly eyshes were wet.

    His chest also became wet, and for a while, his hands were unable to push her away, and he let her cry in his arms. After a long time, when she started sobbing, he gently pulled her away, staring at her, and his tone was helpless, "What exactly do you like about me?" He was not a college student who had just left school. He had passed the age of ignorance towards love and society. He had seen the worst of human nature. The countless tragedies caused by human greed. He knew how much helplessness and sadness there was in the world and how much he could only watch the dark reality surrounding them. He had ex-girlfriends. There was a time when a girl said she would stay with him forever, but then she broke up with him for his work.

    He knew what he should fight for and what he had to give up.

    Like love.

    Lilith, the woman who had no intention of breaking into his life, was a young woman. He really couldn''t understand what she liked about him.

    Lilith stared at his eyes and murmured, "I don''t know why I like you, but I really want to be with you."

    Jay looked at her, and his heart felt pain. He sighed and reached out to hold her in his arms.

 Chapter 268 268: I’m The Only One Who Can Match You

    After Irish had left the diamond store, Tuell sat in front of the tea case and sipped his tea. He did not rush home from work. Soon, his shop assistant knocked on the door and came in. When she saw Tuell sitting there musing, she did not immediately leave. Sitting opposite him, she hesitated and asked, "Uncle, what are you thinking about?"

    In the shop, Tuell had always employed his rtives, but after his wife and children were killed, he dismissed all of them. At present, only one niece is left working at the shop. It was also a way to keep his rtives safe.

    Tuell handed his niece a cup of tea. mulling it over, and said, "I was wondering if Joseph will be able to show up at the auction tomorrow."

    "Do you wish for him to appear tomorrow?" Asked the niece after she took a sip of tea.

    Tuell''s face twitched for a moment, and he put down his teacup. "If it were for our own sake, I''d like him to show up."

    "If?" Her niece seized on the sensitive word in Tuell''s speech. "Your tone doesn''t sound so sure."

    "After all, those attending the auction tomorrow are not ordinary people."

    His niece shrugged her shoulders. "But it''s not about what we want to aplish, so it''s not about us."

    Tuell nodded after a long time and murmured, "Yes, it has nothing to do with us."

    "I would like Joseph to show up tomorrow. We can go back as soon as tomorrow is over, so we don''t have to live in this ce like ghosts." His niece sighed from the bottom of her heart.

    Tuell looked down at the tea leaves floating in the cup, and his eyes gradually turned dark. "He will show up unless he doesn''t want the diamond."

    ****

    Because there was no sunshine in the warehouse, Joseph could not judge what time it was by the heat. He could only hear his watch''s second hand beating to make an estimate. From his assumption to the present, it had been about five hours. The storehouse was quiet, and the guards stayed outside, and asionally he could hear their conversations and footsteps.

    But half an hour ago, all the movement stopped.

    Joseph had no time to figure out what had happened. His backbone was straight against the back of the chair. He stretched the rope around his wrists as far as he could towards the edge of the chair and tried his best to use the angle to break the rope. Even if it could damage the texture of the rope, it would cause less restraint, and arger distance between his hands could facilitate his escape.

    There was a sound of footsteps approaching the warehouse.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Joseph immediately stopped, and the next moment someone walked in. The man entered the warehouse and did not say a word to Joseph, so he could not infer any information about him. He felt something hard against his forehead, followed by the sound of loading bullets.

    Joseph frowned. The thing against his head was a gun!

    The sound of footsteps rose again at the door, and he could hear the men who had been watching him. Without losing his calmness, he opened his mouth and said in a cold voice, "You are not with them!" The gang who kidnapped him only wanted to dy his time, and if they wanted to kill him, they wouldn''t have left it until now. As soon as he entered the door, he pointed his gun directly at him, and Joseph could tell that he was in a position to take his life directly and that his watchmen were all outside the door. It was easy to infer that this man was not with the group but must have known them.

    The man with the gun chuckled, "You''re so smart that if I can kill you, I''ll be proud."

    Joseph''s face was still calm, but his hands tried to break the rope as quickly as possible. The man smiled and pointed the gun at his temple. When he was about to pull the trigger, Joseph listened to him, who suddenly hummed and fell to the ground.

    Everything came fast, so fast that even Joseph was surprised.

    The smell of gunpowder floated in the air, very light, but it did not escape his nose. Someone had used a silenced gun. While he was thinking, he heard the noise of footsteps and screams from outside, and at the next moment, everything was calm again.

    This time, it was truly calm, and Joseph felt the danger subsided.

    Someone came forward and pulled off his blindfold, followed by a familiar sarcastic voice. "The famous Mr. Dover, would you look at that?"

    When Joseph raised his head to the cold and impatient eyes of Leo, his frown left his face, but the light in his eyes remained cold, "You are more dangerous to me than these people."

    After hearing this, Leo did not get angry but smiled. He did not immediately refute it or untie Joseph. His arms crossed across his chest, looking at him for a while before sneering. "At least I can recognize the rtionship between my enemy and myself," Leo arrogantly uttered.

    "I''m the only one who can match you. I can''t let myself die worthless." Joseph downyed his words and tried his best to untie his hands behind him. The rope, which the corners of the chair had weakened, finally broke. He raised his hands and massaged his wrists, then stood up.

    Leo wasn''t too surprised by this, remarking simply, "If I were those kidnappers, I would not have looked down upon my enemy."

    "Don''t worry, I''ll tell the kidnappers to tie you up tighter next time." Joseph looked around, and the room was exactly the same as he guessed. He got up and went out. He looked around outside and was sure enough, it was a construction site. The dust was flying outside, and the few kidnappers who had just fallen to the ground at the door had already disappeared. He could tell that Leo had note alone.

    He looked back at the man who had fallen beside his chair, the man who was about to kill him. He was a tall, sturdy ck man. He could not tell from his appearance where he was from, but because of his intent to kill him, Joseph ventured to assume that he had something to do with the group that had tried to shoot them in the alley.

 Chapter 269 269: Leave Me Alone

    "Anyway, Joseph, you owe me a thank you," Leo slouched forward. When a car drove up to the door of the warehouse, he added, "At least you should thank me for not making you walk back to the apartment."

    "Those two words are too pretentious for us. Don''t worry, I''ll do everything to save you next time when it''s your turn. No one else is qualified for it. Besides, I know you have your purpose by helping me." Joseph smiled and got into the car.

    Leo sneered after hearing him but did not say anything as he followed him into the car.

    ****

    Cassie had to keep herself locked in her room. The door was closed, and she took a few days off. Her cell phone was turned off, and shey silently in bed.

    Her parents noticed and kept asking her what had happened. Cassie''s mother kept knocking on her door with soup, and she would get out of bed and open the door, then return to her bed to sit. Her mother, who had entered the bedroom, had not adapted to the light in the room for a moment. The curtains blocked the light outside the window, and when she came in, she felt as if she had fallen into darkness. Cassie just sat there with messy hair in her pajamas. Her face looked tired, and her skin was pale.

    Cassie''s mother was frightened and put the soup aside to sit down by the bed, reaching for her forehead. She asked anxiously, "Are you getting a cold? Or are you feeling sick?"

    Cassie looked at the foot of the bed without emotion and then shook her head gently.

    Her mother was anxious. "So, what''s the matter with you? You don''t go to work or go out. Tell me, don''t let me be worried."

    She suddenly thought of something, and suddenly she raised her voice, "Are you having a problem with Fredrick?" She hadn''t seen the two of them interact for many days.

    Cassie was bothered by her mother''s questions and slipped back into the quilt, frowned, and said, "I''m fine. I just want to have a good rest for a few days."

    Her mother sat by the bed, looking suspiciously at Cassie.

    "Mom, leave me alone. I''m fine." Cassie pushed her hands on her mother.

    Her mom saw some clues, but because her daughter did not respond, she did not ask more and sighed before leaving.

    The room returned to its usual darkness as the door closed and the curtains blocked out all the light. She stared at the ceiling, and her eyes became wet. Then, two lines of tears silently rolled down from her eyes.

    She had developed severe insomnia.

    All that she could think of was Fredrick''s breakup with her in the car.

    Even barely asleep, she dreamt of Fredrick leaving her alone in the street while he drove away. She would wake up from the dream every time, and the endless darkness and despair hung over her.

    Cassie never understood why he didn''t love her. They were so close to getting married, but he decided to break up with her. She envisioned one day marrying the man she loved and building a family with him. Fredrick was who she chose. From the moment she first met him, she knew clearly that he was the man she wanted to settle down with. She always thought that if they had children, they would be lovely. They would look just like him.

    Except everything had fallen apart. She had only memories to spend the rest of her life with. When thinking of this, Cassie cried even harder.

    The phone rang.

    It rang for a long time, and Cassie slowly turned around, picked up the phone, and saw Roy''s name in her tearful eyes. Irritation and anger reced her sadness for a brief period, and she rudely pressed the ignore button.

    The next moment, her room was restored to its dreary silence.<novelnext></novelnext>

    ****

    The rain in the city smashed against the ss windows. The sky was dark, and under the ck clouds, the sea was turbulent.

    The doorbell rang as a sh of lightning streaked across the sky to illuminate the heavens and the earth.

    Standing in front of the window looking at the rain, Irish''s hands trembled. She stopped her prayers and flew over to open the door.

    The door opened slowly.

    At the door were two tall men.

    Joseph''s face was clearly reflected in Irish''s eyes. His lips were red and swollen, and his cuff was slightly dirty. When he lifted his hand to her, she saw that he had a mark on his wrist.

    He looked at her andughed softly. She looked at him in deep pain.

    His slender fingers clung to her face, and when the temperature of his fingers touched her skin, her tears slipped down and dripped onto his fingertips.

    His smile moved her, and he whispered, "I''m back."

    Irish was blinded by tears and dropped into his arms.

    ****

    Late in the night, the rain out of the window finally reduced to a drizzle.

    Irish took coffee into the study. Joseph was calling someone in front of the window, and she could hear clearly that it was Daisy, who should have asked him for advice.

    Neither of them had mentioned the kidnapping as if it had never happened. After Joseph ended the call, Irish brought in a medical kit, ready to clean his wounds.

    Joseph gently embraced her from behind, and his tone was low and soft, "I''m fine."

    Irish leaned in his arms. The whole day''s nightmare was finally over, and he pulled her onto the sofa, still hugging her, and sighed after a long time, "Sorry, you worried about me all day."

    "As long as you''re alright." Irish also sped around his waist. Nobody knew that when he had been kidnapped, every second felt like a year, and when Tuell refused to help, it was only then that she felt a deep sense of despair.

    She thought she would lose him.

    This despair nearly killed her.

    Joseph did not mention the kidnapping to her, nor did she ask. After a long hug, she looked up at him and asked, "Do we need to call the police?"

    Joseph thought and shook his head. "Leo killed everyone there. And we don''t have proof."

 Chapter 270 270: I’m Afraid You’ll Lose

    Irish was startled.

    "In this case, everyone''s lives were worth no more than that of an ant." He knew what she was thinking, but it was South Africa, where there were fewws, and human life was not so valuable.

    After a long time, Irish said, "It seems that Leo''s actions have not improved your rtionship with each other."

    "He does things for his own purposes," Joseph put his arms around her, "In the face of this auction, everyone''s mind will be difficult to guess."

    Joseph''s sentence reminded her. Irish grabbed his hand and looked anxious. "Joseph, there is something wrong with the mine, it''s empty. You must not bid to win tomorrow."

    "Empty?" After hearing her words, Joseph frowned and looked at her for a long time before he asked, "Who told you this?"

    "Tuell." Irish, without concealing it, told him everything about going to Tuell for help during the day and finally added, "If that mine is really empty as Tuell ims, you will go to prison instead."

    Joseph thought deeply.

    "Joseph."

    "Now that I have no way to back down, I might as well bet on it." A long timeter, Joseph said a few words in a light tone.

    Irish was shocked to hear this, "How can that work?"

    Joseph said no moreforting words to her. He got up from his desk, opened the drawer, took out arge envelope, and returned to the sofa. He sat down and handed the envelope to Irish. She did not know what he was going to do and looked at him hesitantly. He looked at her and said, "Isabel, I need your help."

    Irish nodded, "As long as I can."

    Joseph lifted his hand, rubbed her head, and said in a caring tone, "There are two contact addresses and phone numbers in this envelope. If something happens to me, you must follow the instructions given in the envelope and find these two people."

    Irish was at a loss and lowered her head to open the envelope.

    The next moment, Joseph reached out to stop her from moving and became serious. "Remember, you need to wait three days to open it."

    Irish was more confused but still nodded and promised.<novelnext></novelnext>

    The next day it was a sunny day in Cape Town. The rising sun, like a hot piece of gold, gradually appeared from the shoreline. It returned the sea to its original looks, like a giant blue gem iid between the sky and the earth. Yesterday''s torrential rains left no trace, and the branches that had been broken and scattered by the storm were all cleaned up by sanitation workers.

    At 10 a.m., the bidding for the mine would officially begin, and Irish participated in the bidding as an assistant to Joseph. The auction venue was not veryrge, and the small meeting hall, which could amodate about 50 people, was not as luxurious as the conference center they went to in Phdelphia. It was effortless and didn''t have many extravagant decorations, but it had an ingeniousyout.

    Because the venue adopted a Dutch architectural style, the interioryout was dominated by white crystalmps, sparkling candlesticks, a white carpet, and white tablecloths with gold trim. The podium was decorated with white lilies and white roses, and even the buffet tes were all made of zed white porcin.

    The organizers of this auction had never received very much publicity, and answers to the public''s inquiries were only vague. Therefore, there would not be much fanfare during the event, even though the participants in the auction were all famous celebrities, well-known businessmen, and rich men. Therefore, the organizers made sure that the food was of the highest quality they could offer.

    It had been said that the world''s top chefs had been responsible for the uninterrupted food served throughout the venue. The organizers had invited famous chefs from China, which represented Asian cuisine, Turkey for Middle-Eastern food, and France, which represented European and American cuisine. They were there to provide the most authentic and delicious food for the guests attending the auction. In addition, local and French wines were delivered by air, while ice wines from Canada and Germany were served to meet the needs of different people.

    The tableware ced on the tables was also exquisite, with fine detailing and exquisite craftsmanship. However, the most extravagant part was the golden pearls that were used to ornament the tips of the forks and chopsticks. These were all native to the northern sea of Australia, pearls known for their diversity of colors, so they were priceless.

    The tes stacked next to the cutlery were also beautiful. They were the best porcin used by British aristocrats, while the tableware was mainly made of China''s top zed china.

    In short, the venue looked simple, but every detail was specially selected and included products worldwide.

    Irish followed Joseph, and after a series of meticulous security checks, she finally met thepetitors who participated in the bidding. After entering the venue, someone came forward to greet them individually. Joseph and Leo arrived at the site one after another, but Leo saw Joseph as an invisible man and only greeted the others.

    Vincent, who had made a bet with Joseph, also showed up. He brought a ss of red wine and gently cheered with Joseph, smiling with obvious happiness. "It seems that the value of this mine far exceeds our previous estimate. Several famous diamond collectors from all over the world are here."

    Joseph gently sipped a mouthful of wine, and his tone was as light as the breeze, "Are you afraid of losing?"

    "I''m afraid you''ll lose." Vincent''s smile widened.

    Joseph smiled back, "Gambling on this kind of thing, no one can predict the oue until thest second."

    "But do know that some people just can''t stand to lose," Vincent said, turning his face to the other side. Joseph also raised his eyes. Someone had just walked into the venue.

    Irish also looked and was startled. The man was wearing an English gentleman''s suit, an English hat, and a small ponytail on the back of his head. His blue eyes looked as bright as sapphires, and there were no fewer than ten bodyguards behind him. He greeted the other attendees one by one and was enthusiastic when he saw Leo, but Leo did not show much enthusiasm towards him.

    "I heard that someone did something to you yesterday. Was it this guy?" Vincent said slowly.

 Chapter 271 271: The Bidding Began

    Josephughed but did not reply. Irish looked at the man but could not remember who he was. She approached Belle and asked her about him. Belle told her that his name was Alston. Irish thought of him. The real person looked much younger than in the magazine photo. Soon Alston saw Joseph and walked over to greet him extravagantly, approaching him with open arms. "I thought I''d see you here," he said.

    Joseph smiled and shook hands with him. As the two approached, he whispered, "I''m sorry you wasted so many of your human and financial resources yesterday."

    Irish was close, so she could hear what Joseph had said, looking at Alston in dismay. Yesterday''s kidnapping was rted to this English gentleman? Joseph seemed certain of.

    Sure enough, Alston''s facial muscles twitched after hearing it, but he kept smiling in public and whispered when he approached Joseph again, "Yesterday you were lucky, Mr. Dover. If you don''t want the people around you to suffer today, you know what to do. Let me tell you, and I''m going to get this mine." After his speech, he straightened his body and broke out inughter in front of the public, patting Joseph on the shoulder, "Thetter is better, Joseph, today, you''ll have to show me mercy."

    Joseph continued to smile, but his eyes were cold. When Alston left, she came forward and asked, "What did he say to you?" She did not hear Alston''s words clearly, but she could clearly feel the coldness in Joseph''s eyes.

    "Nothing. Go get some food. Your favorite foie gras is provided." Joseph reached for her hand and squeezed it.

    Irish hesitated to look at him for a long time before nodding her head. "What do you want? I''ll go get it with Belle."

    "Red wine," he said.

    "You are only allowed to drink champagne." Irish chuckled.

    His eyebrows were raised, and he looked helpless, "Isabel."

    "Or not? Otherwise, there is water. "

    Joseph had to surrender, draw her closer, and lower his voice. "You are like a housewife!"

    Irish''s face turned red, and she pushed him away and went to the dining area with Belle.

    ****

    The bidding began.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Hall came to the stage as the head of the mine and gave a detailed introduction of the mine for the bidders present.

    The M100 meteor crater contained a huge diamond mine about 50 kilometers in diameter. ording to the geologists'' survey, the mine had a history of nearly 40 million years, and its diamond reserves amounted to tens of billions of carats, enough to meet the global diamond market for the next two thousand years of demand.

    The M100-2 diamond mine on the southwest side of the crater is one of the best parts of the M100.

    "As we all know, at thest auction, the Runestone Group seeded in bidding for M100-1, which has brought huge profits to the Runestone Group." Hall stood on the stage, behind him was a huge curtain presenting a video of the meteor crater, and he joked, "It won''t be as easy for you to take the M100-2 mine this time. Look at all the bidders who are watching you. It''s not hard to see that they smell huge profits on you."

    Joseph smiled softly.

    Others alsoughed.

    "The reason why M100-2 is more valuable than the M100-1 is that, in terms of the current mine, I believe most people have already seen the rough stone of the pink diamonds on the surface. This stone alone is enough to prove that it is not impossible to produce colored diamonds in South Africa. I specifically asked an evaluation team to assess the value of the stone. The preliminary estimate of the stone alone is as high as 50 million US dors. The value we can see is as high as that, and the initial estimate of diamond storage in the M100-2 diamond mine ounts for 2/5 of the entire M100 crater, which is far more valuable than our previous estimates."

    Hall drank some water and pointed to the screen. "At today''s diamond market price of $5,000/carat, the value of the entire M100 rough mine could be as high as 4 trillion. This is a mine that the government has blocked for years. It was only in thest two years that we began to divide it and started the bidding process."

    With a ss of wine in her hand, Irish listened to Hall''s introduction on the stage, but her heart seemed to be extremely surprised. God, she had stood on a $4 trillion diamond mine. She thought that the mine they were bidding on was already worth a lot of money, but she never considered that it was just the tip of the iceberg. It was only after Hall''s introduction that she realized how poor she was. The numbers that popped out of his mouth were astronomical, and she was astounded.

    But after her experience in South Africa, she also understood that the greater the wealth, the greater the risk. In this weird world, people''s minds were hard to read, and that''s what this industry was all about.

    Hall introduced it and talked about the pink diamonds from M100-2, which increased the investment value of the mine. Seeing these eager rich businessmen, Irish was confused for a moment and became even more hesitant about Tuell''s words. Was this mine really empty?

    While she was thinking, the bidding on the M100-2 mine had started at a base price of 200 million with an increase of 100 million at a time. The floor price was extremely low in terms of diamond reserves, but it did not mean that the bidders would be able to bid for the mine at a low price. Sure enough, some people put out a price, one after another, shouting prices in a row.

    Only three people remained silent: Leo, Alston, and Joseph.

    Alston looked like he was watching a y, and Leo was still sittingzily in his chair, eating fruit with a tray in his hand, while Joseph was tasting champagne. Irish saw clearly that those who bid at the first bid were like shrimps in the sea, and the real sharks had not yet started their games.

 Chapter 272 272: Did I Seem Very Strange?

    By the time the price of the mine was called at $500 million, the number of participants would obviously decrease. At this time, Leo had already eaten his te of fruit and wiped his hands on the wet towel delivered by the waiter, shouting, "600 million."

    The crowd looked, and the rich businessman who had shouted 500 million thought that no one wouldpete with him, twitched his face and finally gave up. The host on the stage was happy, asking if there was any bid higher than 600 million. Alston had been patiently waiting for a bid from Mr. Dover or Mr. Shelton. He knew who the realpetitors were. He chuckled at Leo''s bidding price, raising his hand and saying, "700 million."

    The price was getting higher and higher. Compared to the value of the mine on the diamond market, the price of the mine was lower, so it proved that there was a huge profit margin.

    Irish sat beside Joseph, listening to the bidding nervously and wondering why Leo''s bid was so high. And what about that 300 million dors? Was she really mistaken? When she tried to understand, Joseph pulled her hand, and his handsome face lowered. "How about you bid a price?"

    She felt a shiver in her heart, "Me?"

    He nodded.

    "I...how can I?"

    "Why can''t you?" Joseph smiled softly, ying with her fingers and saying with a soft tone, "You just say how much I say."

    Irish swallowed, "Are you going to let me experience the feeling of being pierced by everyone''s eyes?"

    "I''ll just let you feel like being a billionaire." Joseph was amused by her.

    Irish thought about it and nodded, "That reason is a little more persuasive."

    On the stage, the host started repeating the bidding price of 700 million.

    Joseph said, "800 million."

    Irish cleared her throat and shouted, "800 million."

    She was so nervous that she almost shocked the whole audience. With all the males there, it was strange that a female voice suddenly sounded out. No matter what the reason, her bid drew everyone''s attention, and she was embarrassed for a moment.

    "Thisdy, you are..." The host naturally did not know her.

    Irish was temporarily speechless, and Joseph raised his hand slightly, and the host saw him, repeatedly apologizing, "I am sorry, Mr. Dover, I didn''t notice you immediately."

    The crowd whispered.

    "Did I seem very strange?" Irish was close to him and asked him.

    Joseph shook his head with a smile. "No, they''ve just never seen a bidder as beautiful as you."

    These words made Irish happy. Belle bit her lips at the sight of her, "Narcissist..."

    Irish did not answer her.

    Joseph''s 800 million bid put pressure on the entire audience, and the previous bidders were silenced, only Leo and Alston remained. As Vincent had analyzed, Leo and Alston were the two obstacles in the way.

    Leo did not hesitate to bid at a price of 900 million. When his bid went out, Alston bid 1 billion, while Joseph patted Irish''s hand, "1.2 billion."

    Irish red at his eyes for reconfirmation, and with a bit of stuttering, she called out, "1...1.2 billion?"

    "Yes, 1.2 billion." Joseph''s tone was assured.

    Irish pulled his fingers hard and shouted at the stage, "1.2 billion." And then she turned to Joseph, "I never knew you had such arge amount of money," she said, "If you are so rich, why did you deduct my sry and bonus?"<novelnext></novelnext>

    The audience was already in an uproar.

    "Your father and the Runestone Group are rich. This mining site is not going to be purchased in my own name but under the name of your father''spany."

    Irish pouted her lips while suddenly thinking about her father. Her eyebrows contorted.

    Leo''s eyes, looking towards them, were a littleplicated. Irish turned her head and met with his gaze. When Leo saw her, he turned back, and his face looked gloomy. He shouted out a bid, 1.5 billion!

    "Is he crazy?" Irish was shocked.

    But Joseph still looked calm and did not rush to make another offer. Alston was not as rxed as he is, and he called out a bid for 1.6 billion.

    Leo did not continue to bid, and it seemed that he had given up. He shrugged his shoulders at Irish with a helpless face. Irish turned her head to Joseph, murmuring, "Shall we continue?"

    "1.7."

    "What?" Irish was already trembling and could see that Joseph was bound to win this mine.

    "Call the price."

    Irish followed.

    Then, all eyes fell on Alston and Joseph while Leo abstained.

    "1.8 billion!" Looking a little angry, Alston took out his handkerchief and wiped the sweat on his forehead. After shouting, he looked at Joseph with dissatisfied eyes.

    Joseph gave a sign to Irish, "1.9."

    Irish yelled out 1.9 billion, shivering. However, she saw Alston''s angry eyes and hesitated momentarily. Alston, intent on entering the American market, would continue topete for market share with Joseph and Leo.

    Alston hit the table and called the price to 2 billion.

    Irish wished that she was the mine. 2 billion!

    Joseph did not immediately bid again, leaning back, and the corner of his eyes inadvertently swept to the back of Irish and then looked up at Alston. He also looked at Joseph, and his eyes were no longer angry, but his smile became particrly strange.

    At this moment, Joseph''s eyes were cold to the extreme.

    The host on the stage began to ask if anyone continued to bid.

    Alston made an inviting gesture to Joseph, but Joseph did not say a word, and the lines of his brows wrinkled, which looked very serious. Irish did not wait for the indication, so she turned her head to Joseph, and when she saw his face, she felt strange and called his name lightly to ask if he would continue to raise the price.

    But Joseph kept silent, and his lips pressed into a sharp line. He stared intently at Alston, and his remaining sight was aware of a faint red dot on Irish''s back. The red dot was moving slowly, and it couldn''t be seen without looking very closely.

    He knew clearly that someone was aiming at Irish with a long-rangeser-guided sniper rifle, and if he continued to bid, she would be shot.

    He knew who the initiator was. Alston was famous for his fierce and vicious nature.

    Otherwise, he would never have been so sessful in such a short period of time.

 Chapter 273 273: Joseph Had Protected Her

    Irish did not know what had happened, and Joseph would not speak to her. Then, close by, Alston smiled a huge smile, and the people under the stage began to countdown.

    "Joseph, are you really giving up?" Irish stared at him, unable to understand it.

    Joseph said nothing, but in full view, he put his arm around Irish, and his arm blocked the faint red dot. Irish looked up and tried to look into his eyes. Joseph noticed it, then turned his head and smiled at her. "I had to give up."

    Irish frowned, was the price over budget?

    She only felt that her body was hugged more tightly, so tight that she was almost breathless. Why was he doing this? Joseph had always maintained a very meticulous public image. Last time he only reluctantly hugged her after she tried all kinds of coquettish behaviors and acted cutely.

    The host on stage announced the current bid, 2 billion dors.

    No one continued to raise the price.

    Leo pped his hands, and Joseph reluctantly gave up bidding. Alston''s smile expanded. Finally, the firm sound of a hammer rang out from the podium. Alston sessfully won the M100-2 mine at 2 billion dors!

    Everyone stood up and apuded him.

    Alston was even more proud. Irish followed Joseph to get up, only to find that his arm was still hanging on to her, and she couldn''t help looking up and asking, "What''s the matter with you?"

    Joseph turned his head and looked at her, but he saw the red dot move to the back of Irish''s head. Startled, he pulled Irish into his arms.

    Everything happened so quickly. Amid the loud apuse and false congrattions, Irish only felt that her face hit Joseph''s chest, and the bridge of her nose smashed painfully against his corbone. Upon looking up and asking him what had happened, she heard a groan from Joseph overhead. The people around him scattered like birds, screaming.

    Irish was agitated by these sounds around her and looked up to see his face, sweating. Irish was panicking, but he asked feebly, "Are you alright?"

    She did not understand and was just to ask but felt the weight of Joseph''s entire body on her. Both of them fell to the ground. Irish hastily panted, reaching out to hold him, but touched something wet behind him. She lifted her hand to see, and all five of her fingers were red!

    Blood!

    It was blood!

    Belle''s hysterical scream pierced Irish''s ears. She stared at the blood on her fingers, and the air in her chest was squeezed out. His sweet wood scent was mixed with the smell of blood. She forgot to cry. It was hard for her to get good luck and see what had happened to Joseph.

    He had been shot in the back of his heart.

    "Joseph!" Irish finally heard herself squeezing out a mouse-like voice. She couldn''t believe what was happening. Causes and consequences ran through her brain, and then she understood.

    Joseph had protected her.

    She should have been the one who was shot.

    He closed his eyes, and his coat ran red with blood.<novelnext></novelnext>

    ****

    Jay had been working all night, and as soon as he had left the drug control center, he saw Lilith sitting beside the flower bed. She was ying with rose petals in a white sweater, simple jeans under her body, and a pair of neutral Doc Martin boots. Beside her was a yellow sycamore, the wind blowing down the leaves, it was a beautiful picture.

    Jay was attracted to her immediately.

    Lilith happened to be looking up, and saw Jay, then smiled. She stood up and rubbed the dirt off her pants, and jumped forward while looking up at Jay, saying, "You always pay attention to your image. Why haven''t you shaved your beard today?"

    In autumn in New York, the weather was cool, and everything was golden beauty. Jay''s mood immediately improved, not knowing if it was because the woman in front of him was too beautiful.

    But his words were still a bit tense, "Why did youe?"

    Lilith directly reached around his neck and smiled. "I''d like to make an appointment with you in advance. I don''t know if you have any spare time for me tomorrow night."

    "Tomorrow night?" Jay raised eyebrows, "Why?"

    Lilith approached him, "I need to go on a date."

    When Jay heard that, he frowned suddenly, and he reached out to push her away. "Why should I have to apany you on your blind date?" He ignored her and walked toward his car.

    Lilith looked at his back and rolled her eyes.

    As soon as Jay just got to his car, the passenger door was opened, and Lilith crept in. She quickly closed the door and smiledzily at Jay. "You helped me veto Ben Winstonst time," she said. "You can also be my emotional counselor and help me see if the man is right for me tomorrow night."

    "I have no time," Jay said stubbornly.

    Lilithughed and said, "You have to do it."

    "Get out of my car!"

    "No," Lilith repliedzily.

    Jay scratched his head, and his short hair suddenly became as messy as a chicken''s nest. It could be seen that Lilith had ruined his original good mood. After taking a deep breath, he held back the desire to get angry. Turning to Lilith, his tone was almost begging. "Please, I didn''t sleep all night. Get out of my car, so I can go home and sleep."

    Lilith could see the blue shades of his eyes and thought about it. Without saying anything, she got out of the car. Jay was stunned. When he originally said this, he did not think that she would cooperate, assuming she would still be as stubborn as usual. This time, he should be happy, but he felt a little gloomy.

    Thinking, the door beside him was opened by Lilith, and she said, "Hey, you get out too."

    Jay looked up at her in surprise as if looking at a stranger. Lilith did not bother to talk to him and just reached for him. He did not know what she would do and was afraid his hands would hurt her, so he had to get out of the car. Lilith then sat in the driver''s seat, pointing at him, "You sit in the passenger seat, I''ll drive you back."

 Chapter 274 274: Tell Me The Truth

    Jay then understood her. With a helpless face, he went around the car and opened the door, sighed, "Lilith, can you stop causing trouble?"

    "Who''s causing trouble?" Lilith red at him and poked at the bulged eye bags under his eyes.

    "How can you drive if you''re so tired? Do you see those eye bags under your eyes? You''re a police officer, you should be setting an example."

    Jay leaned back, turned his head to her, and after a long time, he said, "I mean your blind date."

    Lilith was startled, and her cheeks slightly flushed. Her tone was unnatural, "Why is my blind date a trouble?"

    "Who said that I did not want a blind date?" She added quickly.

    In front of Lilith''s retort, Jay was speechless for a moment. Lilith saw that he was silent, so she didn''t say much and started the car. The police station disappeared behind them, and there was silence inside the car.

    After a long time, Jay opened his mouth, and his voice was soft. "Don''t go."

    Lilith was concentrating on driving the car. She did not think he would say that, so she was stunned, and her hands turned the steering wheel in the wrong direction. Jay quickly reached out to correct the steering wheel. Lilith stepped on the brakes in a hurry, and their bodies rushed forward at the same time. Jay pulled her back.

    "What did you say?"

    Jay''s expression was a bit awkward.

    "What did you just tell me not to do?" Lilith asked.

    "Nothing. Drive the care safely. If you can''t, let me drive. I don''t want to die young." Jay said unhappily.

    Lilith saw his awkwardness and hummed, "Don''t worry. I can''t die in a car ident, or my handsome man will miss me on my date."

    "What handsome man?" Jay asked.

    "The handsome man on my blind date. I heard he''s handsome, better looking than a movie star." Lilith smiled. "You know that people with money are looking for beautiful women, and their children have be more and more beautiful through gic modification. Now not all rich people are handsome and beautiful," she said, "But nine out of ten are pretty good."

    "Beauty can give you a free lunch?"

    "Yes, if the man is handsome, just by looking at him." Lilith was deliberately stimting him.

    Jay was irritated and said, "You get out of the car, don''t make me get angry!"

    Lilith saw his angry and anxious expression, but she was happy inside.

    She stopped the car and got out of it and asked him, "What has made you mad at me? I have no rtionship with you at all."<novelnext></novelnext>

    Jay was speechless again, but soon he frowned and yelled, "Didn''t you learn your lesson with yourst blind date? You''ll continue to be humiliated tomorrow."

    "Just tell me if you''ll be with me or not?" Lilith asked directly.

    Jay didn''t hesitate, "No."

    "Are you willing to leave me alone to meet another stranger?"

    Jay said nothing, but his face was dark.

    Lilith shrugged her shoulders and sighed, "Well, you make your own choice, I can''t force you to do it." She took out a paper and pen from her bag and wrote an address and a phone number on it. "Tomorrow night, he chose a nice restaurant. I read the restaurant information on the Inte before, and it was a very romantic ce. It''s in Lotus Park," she said. "I wrote down the address and phone number. You cane or not tomorrow night. Follow your heart as you want."

    At the end of her speech, she put the note into Jay''s hand.

    Jay stared at the name of the restaurant on the piece of paper.

    Damn it, he could have just found a normal restaurant, why did he choose a romantic one for a date! He thought.

    ****

    Although the ambnce arrived in time, the process seemed to take forever. Irish held Joseph''s hand tightly in the ambnce until they reached the operating room. Her fingertips cooled down when she loosened her hand, and the chilly breeze crept into her heart.

    On her clothes, her fingers, and even in her breath, she smelled his blood, making her feel suffocating. When the door of the operating room closed slowly, and the indicator on the top of the door lit up, she sat in the corridor feebly. She thought of her mother''s death, the bright sunshine outside the window illuminating everything in the world. There was no escape. Because when she was waiting by the door of the operation room, she did not see her mothere out alive.

    The death of her mother had made her world copse. When he had fallen down in a pool of blood, she felt her world copse again, and she could do nothing but wait ufortably outside the operating room.

    Tears blurred her eyes, dripping on the marble floor. Reflected in the marble was a pale woman''s face. A big hand supported her. When she looked up, through the mist of tears, she saw Leo''s face. Belle followed him with red eyes, tears flowing down her face. As if to cling to thest speck of hope, Irish stood up and rushed towards Leo, asking, "What happened? Wasn''t this just a normal auction? Why was there a gun at the scene?"

    Leo grabbed her, afraid she would fall down, but said nothing and frowned. Irish pushed him, asking him crazily, "Tell me! Tell me the truth!"

    "Stay calm, Irish." Leo pressed his hands on her body, feeling her body shaking under the palm of his hand. He looked so helpless, "To be honest, I don''t know how or why this happened."

    "You don''t know? Is there anything else you don''t know?" As soon as Irish heard this, she became irrationally angry, and her tears, like cannonballs, attacked Leo. "To get the mine for the profits, were you not pitted against each other? I see how money is put before human lives. You are all acting."

    Leo let Irish rant but never replied or exined anything. She continued until the operating room door was opened. The unexpected noise made Irish''s whole body tremble. Seeing a nurseing out of the room, she hurried forward and grabbed the nurse''s arm. "How is he, is he okay?" she asked.

    The nurse quickly drew back her arm and frowned. "The patient is still being operated on. He''s not looking good. Get out of my way." She then left in a hurry.

 Chapter 275 275: I Can’t Save Him For Nothing, Can I?

    Hearing this made her heart almost miss a beat, and her head buzzed. Leo saw her and quickly rushed forward to pull her away. Seeing her pale face, he was afraid that she would faint.

    Belle''s face was also worried. She clutched her hands.

    After a while, the nurse ran back again, followed by several doctors. When Irish saw the situation, she was even more confused. She wanted to chase after her and ask for information but was pulled back by Leo, he whispered. "The doctors are doing their best right now, you''ll interfere with their work."

    Irish watched them enter the operating room and shut the door again.

    Until nightfall, they waited outside the door for more than three hours, during which the doctors came and went several times. It was clear that Joseph''s injuries were serious. Irish sat in a chair in the hallway while Belle had been helping handle Joseph''s calls, including industry and gossip reporters. Leo bought them hot coffee.

    She couldn''t drink and stared motionlessly at the light above the operating room, expecting it to go out. Her nerves couldn''t rx, it seemed that from the time of the kidnapping to the present had been one long bad dream. When the door of the operating room was pushed open again, a doctor in a white coat came out and took off his mask, and Irish stood up reflexively and walked toward the doctor, stumbling.

    "Which of you are part of Mr. Dover''s family?" The doctor looked gaunt as well.

    "I am," Irish said quickly.

    The doctor nodded. "The location of Mr. Dover''s gunshot wound was in the back of his heart. It was very dangerous, and the diaphragm of his heart was damaged. We are trying to save the patient, but it is still bleeding. We had already injected him with new blood, but the family had better go to donate blood."

    "No problem," Irish said without thinking.

    "Mr. Dover has type AB blood, are you also that type?"

    "I..." She tried to calm down and muttered, "My blood type is B."

    The doctor shook his head and looked at Leo and Belle. "Who is AB here?"

    Leo and Belle shook their heads. Seeing that, Irish said, "Doctor, can''t the blood bank be used?"

    "Yes, but Mr. Dover has lost too much blood, and it will take time for the blood bank to deliver here."

    Irish felt cold all over and grabbed the doctor. "Why not test my blood type first? Maybe I am not type B."

    Then Leo opened his mouth and said, "I am type O."

    "Type O blood is fine." The doctor said quickly.

    Irish turned back to pull Leo as if she was afraid he would run away the next moment, "You are type O? Great, you''re a universal donor."

    "But why would I donate blood to save Joseph?" Leo said in a calm tone.

    Irish froze.

    Belle pleaded, "Mr. Shelton, it is said that you and Mr. Dover were friends for so many years. Please help him."

    Leo did not see Belle and continued looking at Irish. It took her a long time to get her voice back, and she said, "Do you really want to watch him die?"

    Leo''s face looked terrible.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "I can''t save him for nothing, can I?"

    "What do you want?" Irish knew it was not that simple.

    "You," Leo said.

    Belle was shocked, Irish''s mouth opened, and even the doctor beside her was stunned. Irish clenched her finger and squinted. "Is that the condition for you to donate blood?"

    "Yes."

    "Well, I promise, but only if you use your blood to save Joseph, or I''ll kill you and drain your blood either way!" She said with a cold expression. Time was of the essence, and she did not waste it hesitating.

    Leo was shocked, looking at her like a monster, "Are you crazy? You would do anything for Joseph?"

    "Yes, because he deserves it." Had it not been for Joseph, she would have died long ago.

    Leo stared at her for a long time before saying, "Irish, you are crazy, you would sell yourself for a man?"

    "Are you going to donate blood or not?" Irish sensed that what he had just said was nothing more than nonsense.

    Leo clenched his jaw, "Go! I want to see how happy you two are for the rest of your lives!" He walked toward the doctor and said, "Grab the blood bags."

    "Come with me." The doctor made arrangements at once.

    When Leo was about to disappear down the corridor, Irish suddenly shouted at him, "Leo!"

    Leo stopped walking and looked back at her.

    Irish took a deep breath. "Thank you."

    Leo''s expression looked a bit awkward, and when he opened his mouth again, he said, "For Joseph, I will certainly have to donate a lot of blood. I warn you that if you do not get me eggs and milk to replenish my blood afterward, I will not forgive you! Why do women often be stupid when they''re in love?" Hisst words were a bit sarcastic, but Irish was relieved.

    Irish choked back tears and replied, "You can rest assured that I will get you the best milk and egg products in the world! "

    Leo smiled and went with the doctor. Irish just sat back in her chair, and the uneasiness in her heart gradually became alleviated. Belle stepped forward a few minutester and asked in a whisper, "So you believe in him? What if he tricks you?"

    Irish looked up at the light and said, "He won''t. I believe him."

    Joseph had made it.

    Making full use of Leo''s blood, and through the efforts of doctors, Joseph was finally taken back from the hands of death. However, due to the long procedure, the patient''s physique would naturally be affected, and his recovery would be slow. Joseph was still in aa. Irish sat down beside him and refused to leave. She stared at the man lying on the bed. She could hear the sound of his breathing and see the blood pressure and heart monitor showing his stable state. At this moment, she thanked God.

    God had not ruthlessly taken him away from her.

    He was still here, alive.

 Chapter 276 276: Please Wake Up Soon

    During that time, Belle was tired, and she did everything to fend off the reporters. Leoy on a hospital bed temporarily added to the ward and saw that Irish was staring at Joseph. He felt bitter. He reached out and patted the bed vigorously, surprising Irish.

    "You scared me." She said, fearing that he would disturb Joseph.

    Leo said, "You promised me something after my donation! Where are my eggs? Where''s the milk? I don''t see even a cup of hot water!"

    "What''s the hurry? It''s just a blood donation. You''re acting like a woman who just gave birth?" But she got up and poured him the milk Belle had just bought and went up and handed it to him.

    "I would never have given blood if I knew you were such a viin." Leo took the milk and frowned, "Why is it cold?"

    "Oh, I forgot that women who just gave birth can''t eat cold food." Irish''s mood was improved because Joseph was out of danger, and she wanted to tease him. After taking it back, she stuffed it into the microwave. "What else do you need? Say so immediately. Do you want me to arrange your eggs in a flower pattern or a heart?"

    Leo''s face was envious, and he snorted, "When Joseph wakes up, you''d better not be too nice to him, or I''ll feel jealous. I might even have to shoot him again."

    The microwave oven beeped, and Irish took the milk out of it and handed it to him again. "Would you do it? Now that your blood is in his veins, if he dies, it''s your blood that will be wasted." There are people in this world that are real friends and also real enemies. They willpete with each other and even force each other to go to the end, but they will not kill each other. They will swear at each other and curse each other with the most vicious words but reach out to help each other when they are really in trouble.

    Perhaps Joseph and Leo were such people, both friends, and enemies.

    Leo took the milk, tasted it, and frowned, "Irish, are you kidding me. The milk hasn''t been properly heated in such a short time."

    "You can choose not to drink it then," Irish sat back at Joseph''s bedside, watching Leoin and drink up the milk.

    In the evening, Leo left, and Belle brought some daily necessities. When she looked at Joseph lying on the bed motionlessly, she looked at Irish and said in a displeased tone, "If you dare to do anything bad to Mr. Dover..."

    Irish knew that Belle was angry at her and med his gunshot injury on her. Joseph was lying in the room undisturbed. "He''s the man that all women yearn for. I love him, how could I give other women a chance to get close to him?"

    Belle threw Joseph''s mobile phone to her, "You handle his business. I am tired, I''m going back to sleep."<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish took the phone and said, "Go ahead."

    Belle sighed and walked away.

    Turning on his phone, Irish was startled. Belle could not be med for saying that she was tired. Over the past few hours, she had handled hundreds of calls, and there were hundreds of other unanswered calls. She took a closer look, seeing these numbers were all media outlets. Sighing lightly, she put aside the phone.

    She fetched clean water, soaked towels, and carefully wiped Joseph''s face, softly saying, "Tomorrow can you wake up? Actually, it''s nice to let you have a rest, just don''t sleep for too long."

    Speaking this, her voice became a little choked. Irish remembered that he had hugged her tightly at the auction. The more she thought of it, the more she was sorrowful. She never thought that a woman would be dependent on a rtionship, and she preferred the feeling of being able to go hand in hand with the man she loved. When she was with Joseph, she became increasingly eager to maintain this feeling and their rtionship.

    Because he was so good, she had to be good to keep up with him, otherwise, she would one day be afraid that they would lose theirmonalities, and she would not allow herself to stagnate. She would not allow herself to lose this beautiful love because of herziness.

    Joseph had never been able to make hypocritically good remarks to her. He had only promised to protect her as much as possible on the way ahead. How could she not feel guilty about a man like this? Watching him fall into the pool of his own blood, she was heartbroken, regretting that it was him who was shot.

    Now she wished Joseph would wake up in peace. He had given her life, and he could not be so selfish as not to give her a chance to love him.

    "Joseph, I''m afraid I can do anything for you, but please don''t let me face those directors alone?" After cleaning his face and body, she leaned on him carefully. She was afraid to touch his wound. She did not dare toy on his chest and sped his fingers, "You should handle these things before theye to me. Please wake up soon."

    Josephy on the bed with his eyes closed. His handsome face had be white due to the loss of blood. Her heart ached, and she reached out to touch his face, feeling many emotions. In Light Town, he wanted her to be with him, and until now, they had had very little time to really get along with each other. During the day, he had taken endless telephone calls, countless official duties, and dozens of meetings. In South Africa, he was even busier with the mine. He had the foresight to ask her to help him. But for a couple, that was not enough.

    At that time, he had time to apany her, but now he was lying in bed with his eyes closed.

    Sighing, Irish reached out to dim themp. She was about to sit down, but the mobile phone at the head of the bed rang. The ringer was monotonous but rapid, which Irish had ridiculed many times, saying it was too cliche. At that time, Joseph replied to her with an indulging smile. Irish took the phone, nced at the screen, and shook her head, afraid of what woulde.

 Chapter 277 277: Why Can’t I Be With Him?

    The phone kept ringing, and she answered it, "Daisy."

    "Dr. Irish, I need to speak to Mr. Dover." Daisy''s voice was very serious.

    Irish nced at Joseph on the bed, nervous, but kept her voice calm. "He''s not in any state to answer the phone right now."

    Instead of asking more, Daisy said bluntly, "The failure of Mr. Dover''s bid has reached the headquarters, and the board of directors has reacted very strongly to this incident. They are putting pressure on us, hoping for Mr. Dover toe forward and give an ount to the board of directors."

    On the phone, Daisy''s tone was as smooth as usual, but her words were stuck in Irish''s heart. She knew that Daisy was only a messenger, but she was still very unhappy when hearing this. The old people on the board of directors were quite capable of waiting. She couldn''t imagine how the man in the hospital bed was going to address them. Trying to calm down, Irish said, "I''m sorry, he may not be able to exin it to the board at the moment."

    At the other end of the line, Daisy paused with a touch of consternation in her tone. "What''s the matter?"

    "He was shot and is in the hospital, and he is still unconscious."

    "What! How?"

    She took a deep breath and exined what had happened in the daytime to Daisy over the telephone. When Daisy learned the details, she felt worried. She did not expect the situation to be so serious and didn''t know what the board would do. "You know, the board has always wanted Mr. Lake toe back to take charge of thepany,"

    "At the moment, you''d have to work hard to influence the directors. They can''t cross the river and then tear down the bridge." The more she said, the more agitated she became.

    "Okay, I''ll take care of it." Daisy heard her mood change and hurried to appease her. She paused and warned, "The outside world is still concerned about Mr. Dover''s marital status. The incident between you two in South Africa has not been reported by the domestic media yet, so when you return home..." Daisy drifted off.

    "I know what to do," she said, "I won''t go out with him when I return home."

    Daisy sighed and did not say much more. After the end of the call, she sat down and raised her hand, but she did not dare to touch his face for a moment. Deep in the bottom of her eyes, her sadness slowly gathered, and the stream trickled down to the bottom of her heart. Atst, her fingers gently fell to his forehead, and she felt the warmth of the skin.

    Men were always greedy. Because she had never been warm, she desired warmth. When she found that warmth, she hoped that it couldst forever, but she forgot that good times were always short. If life was always so perfect, why did it highlight warmth and beauty? From the Light Town to South Africa, Joseph gave her an experience she had never lived before. His smile, seriousness, happiness, harshness, and every look made her never want to leave.

    Women were best at filling ordinary monotonous days with memories of good things in the past. She felt she could do that too and waited patiently for the day she would be able to hold hands with him openly and brightly and not be criticized by others, no longer hurt by the gossip.

    By the second day, Joseph still had not woken up. The doctor examined his wound again and said that everything had recovered well, but the patients'' physiques were different, and the loss of so much blood in operation was catastrophic, so a short-terma was normal.

    Leo did not return home immediately and strolled leisurely into the ward. He apanied Irish for a while and then left. At three o''clock in the afternoon, the original noisy hospital became quiet, even the wind outside the window had bezy. Irish was a little sleepy, but she still raised her spirits to tell jokes to Joseph while he slept.

    "I''ll tell you another one. It was so funny when I heard it." Irishy beside him, ying with his fingers, "One day a husband made his wife unhappy, the wife told him, ''get out of here!'' The husband smiled and said, ''if I go away, who will talk to you?'' The wife was angry and yelled, I''ll let you go straight. No, back and forth!" At the end of the joke, sheughed.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Joseph did not respond, still quietly lying there, motionless. Irish sighed but still forced herself to be happy and said, "If I said this to you, how would you react?"

    Joseph did not respond.

    Irish clenched his hand and stared at his face for a moment, hoping he would open his eyes the next second. But the next second came as expected. Something moved, but it was Joseph''s mobile phone vibrating. Irish took a look, hesitating to answer it. When she finally answered it, she heard a deep and kind voice that she had not heard for a long time. "Joseph?"

    Irish clenched the phone tightly. This sound made her head ache. It was so strange to listen to her father''s voice on the phone.

    "Hello?"

    Her voice was cold to the extreme, and she replied, "This is Irish."

    Henry was obviously stunned and asked, after a long time, "Daisy reported the situation to me. Has he woken up yet?"

    "No."

    Henry was aware of her tone, and he felt embarrassed. Finally, after another several seconds, he asked, "Is it possible for him toe home for treatment?"

    Irish clutched Joseph''s hand and looked at him softly, but her words to Henry were as cold as ice. "That''s not what you called to talk about."

    Henry was startled; after a long time, he asked, "Isabel, how can you and Joseph be together?"

    "Why can''t I be with him?" she sneered.

    Her question rendered Henry speechless.

    "We are both your daughters. Don''t you think Ruby gets too much and I get too little? Perhaps you forget that you''ve never been my father, and now you dare to question me that way?" Irish squinted, and her tone became sharper.

    "Isabel, I don''t mean to use you."

    "You have no right to use me, either." Irish was like a hedgehog, spreading her thorns all over her body. "I will spend my whole life with Joseph. Didn''t you say you wanted my forgiveness? Just urge Ruby to get divorced quickly."

 Chapter 278 278: Confronting Leo

    Henry sighed and said, "You are too aggressive, Isabel."

    "You are wrong, I am not aggressive, I''m always standing on the sidelines to see her rtionship with Joseph. I want to ask, what is the meaning of a worthless marriage? You knew very well that Joseph hadn''t loved her."

    Henry was stunned.

    Irish did not give him a chance to speak and hung up the phone. She sat by the bed, putting the cell phone aside. She looked out the window at the birds and flowers, and her eyes became red. On the third day, outside, the window was still bright, and Joseph was still quiet.

    The stock market had bad news. The Runestone Group''s shares in the opening of the market had decreased in value dramatically!

    It turned out that the news of Joseph''s failure had been spread through the industry. Once the industry knew this, it would be a disaster. Peers were enemies, and the weapon used to attack their peers was the media. New York was also a gathering ce for the media. The negative news of the Runestone Group blew up, the share price fell, and the board members shirked their responsibilities among themselves, and finally, the me was unanimously ced on Joseph. On the morning of the third day, Joseph''s phone was blowing up.

    At first, Belle dealt with it. Later, she simply stopped answering. After the phone had stopped ringing a little, Irish called Daisy and asked about the situation at the headquarters. Only then did Daisy tell the truth. The board of directors panicked, and Henry''s physical condition worsened, so it was impossible for him to host the meeting. They could only put all their hopes on Joseph. Irish heard it and felt unhappy, unsure if it were because Daisy mentioned Henry or feeling pity for Joseph and the pressure he''d face upon waking up.

    Finally, Irish asked Daisy to try to appease everyone. At least until Joseph woke up. Daisy agreed.

    She returned to her apartment in the afternoon and fetched some clothes. These days she is almost gaunt. She took a bath, turned on the bathroom screen, closed her eyes, and listened to the news on television as she eased her exhausted body. She fell asleep in the tub, and she had many confusing dreams. In one, Joseph pulled her to escape, protected her from the bullet, and fell down, and then he smiled at her under the viburnum macrocephalum tree.

    Until...

    "It is reported that the Ennd mour Diamond Company sessfully bid for the M100-2 mine in Johannesburg, South Africa, with a bid of 2 billion dors a few days ago. However, ording to the exploration conducted by a professional survey team, the diamond reserves in the mine are far smaller than the data given by the biddingpany. The market valuation is about 170 million, less than 10 percent of the total investment. Compared to the huge investment of 2 billion, the M100-2 mine is equivalent to worthless ore. Hall, the head of the biddingpany, imed that the amount of diamonds they gave as an investment reference was without legal benefit, while Alston, on behalf of the Ennd mour Diamond Company, a failed-bidding investment firm, never showed up to rify the matter. Thepany officials declined to be interviewed by the media..."

    Irish woke up suddenly. At first thought, she was dreaming, staring at the screen to find out if it was real. The news was reporting on the failure of the investment of the Ennd mour Diamond Company, which had ignited a series of topics like a fuse. Within a short time, some television stations had started to report on the topic of how to avoid risks on gambling stones and invited experts to sit in front of the television to exin to the audience.

    Her whole body felt tight, like an iron te lying in the bathtub, and she wiped the cold sweat from her forehead after a long time. Tuell was right, that mine was really empty. Fortunately, Joseph did not seed in bidding. The more she thought about it, the more she thought of Alston''s face at the auction and his excitement after winning the bid. Who would have thought that a 2 billion dor investment would end up at a market value of 170 million?<novelnext></novelnext>

    Wait...

    A man suddenly appeared in her mind, and she thought about his suspicious behavior before and after the auction. It was Leo. Before she clearly heard him mention 300 million. At the auction, why didn''t he continue bidding? Did he know something?

    Irish washed up and put on a bathrobe, and entered the study. After thinking about it, she finally dialed Leo''s mobile phone. It sounded noisy, like he was in a bar. Leo received the phone call from Irish with a slight surprise,ughing and asking if she wanted toe to have a drink. Irish was expressionless, and her tone was calm, "Leo, Alston purchased an empty diamond mine, did you know?"

    "Of course, today''s news has been fired up on the television." Leoughed.

    "You knew that M100-2 was an empty mine." She didn''t use an unquestioning tone, just a simple affirmation. Leo was silent for a long time before saying, "Yes, I already knew."

    "How?" Irish''s heart raced, and although the result was what she guessed, Leo''s confession was a surprise to her, and she would rather he had not known.

    Leo shifted position, and his voice became very clear, "It''s very simple, I just wanted Joseph out of the industry."

    "So your bidding at the scene was just a show?"

    "Yes, I was raising the price so that Joseph would lose more." Without concealing his thoughts, Leo said, "I just didn''t expect Alston to raise the price like a mad dog."

    "Why did you still donate blood if you hate Joseph? You could have just watched him die." Irish asked coldly.

    Leoughed with a deste smile, "Joseph had always thought that what he was doing was right and others were wrong. What I hate most is seeing him act like a god and dictate other people''s lives. Why? What right does he have to arrange other people''s lives? I just want to see him bow to me and admit that he lost to me. How can I let him die before that day?"

    Irish murmured, "Leo, you are truly a madman!"

 Chapter 279 279: Surprise Birthday Date

    "Irish, you know very well that we are the same kind of person. I am crazy, and so are you."

    "You''re crazy, you''re all crazy!" Irish shouted at him and hung up the phone.

    In this society, everyone was truly ill, but even as a psychiatrist, she was powerless. Just like Leo, she could not judge whether his actions were right or wrong, nor could she hold a positive or negative view of his behavior. She could only sigh.

    The phone call left Irish feeling weak and powerless because even if she knew the truth, she couldn''t do anything. Leo set a trap, Alston had stumbled into it, and Joseph had been admitted to hospital. What else could she do? Could she face the board of directors calmly like Joseph? Could she be as justifiable as Daisy and help him with all his business? At this moment, Irish felt she was barely any help to him.

    Irish inadvertently thought of Ruby; what would she do? Even if she didn''t have anything to say at all, the directors would listen to her, right? First, she was known as the daughter of Henry Lake, and secondly, she was Joseph''s wife. Irish became more anxious with her thoughts and threw her phone on the desk, which was blocked by an envelope and stuck.

    Irish nced at the envelope. She was stunned, then quickly stepped forward and grabbed it. Damn it, she almost forgot about the envelope. It was handed to her the night before the auction by Joseph, who insisted that it should not be opened until three dayster. On the condition, he could not appear to deal with the situation himself.

    How could he expect that he could not handle the situation after the auction?

    Irish calcted the time, which was almost three dayster, and hurried to open the envelope. A check slid out from inside and fell to the ground. Irish picked it up and looked. Unexpectedly, it was a check for 200 million dors!

    Who was it for?

    Irish hurriedly emptied out all the contents of the envelope. In addition to the check, there was also a printing paper, which should have been a piece of paper that Joseph had taken away in his study. He had mentioned two people before. Irish took a look at the paper, and her eyes fell on those two names. She stared at it in shock.

    Where the paper was signed, Joseph urged her to focus on two points. First, she could only trust Daisy and tell her what the envelope mentioned. Second, remember to act alone.

    Thest inscription was strong and powerful, and his seriousness and sharpness could be seen in his written words.

    Irish carefully looked at the words on the paper. There weren''t many, but they were enough to make Irish understand what to do next.

    ****

    At night, Lotus Park became a lively ce, and when the neon lights of the bars on both sides lit up, theke was illuminated, the bridge was reflected in the middle of theke, and soon a boat passed underneath. Beautiful girls in skirts yed guitar at the front of the boat, and the light made their faces look as pink as peach blossoms. The smell of wine spread across the ship, intermingling with the sounds of the piano ying.

    Lilith leaned against the window and looked at the people dully. The restaurant was elegant, and she could see the neon lights flickering on both sides of theke. She had reserved a position beside the window so they could watch the view. Then, after more than fifteen minutes, a familiar figure finally came into her eyes. She smiled and sat back in her chair.

    After a while, someone came upstairs, slow and steady. Lilith''s heart began to beat quickly.

    Jay went upstairs and saw the woman sitting by the window. Her face looked worried. He strode forward and sat directly across from her. "Where is he?"

    Lilith pretended to be frightened and raised her eyes to look at him. She said in a soft voice, "Why do you ask?"

    Jay, who had taken off his police uniform, wore a casual dark gray suit. He looked wise and handsome, but his frowning face made her want to hit him.

    Lilith got up and pressed her hand between his eyebrows. "You''d look better without frowning."<novelnext></novelnext>

    Jay was startled for a moment and quickly pushed her hand aside. His brows frowned again. "What about the man?"

    "Here hees."

    "Where?" Jay asked.

    Lilith held his head with both hands, smiling, "You."

    Jay froze again.

    "I have to date you in this way." Lilith smiled, "I was still worried if you woulde or not and did not really expect you toe here. Jay, we haven''t been on a proper date yet. This is nice now, but you can''t bete for the next date."

    Jay finally realized but still could not believe that Lilith would use this kind of trick to force him to submit, stuttering, "You, you..."

    "Jay, you say you don''t care about me. Why did youe tonight if you really didn''t care?"

    Lilith''s question choked Jay, and his handsome face looked embarrassed. After a long time, he cleared his throat and found a way out. "I am a policeman, and it is my job to protect the safety of all citizens."

    "Well..." Lilith pouted.

    Jay raised his hand and touched her nose unnaturally.

    "So, would you mind epting a bribe from a citizen?" Lilith smiled at him sweetly.

    Jay raised up his eyebrows and didn''t understand what she meant. Lilith did not reveal it immediately but said to the waiter beside him, "Bring it right now."

    The waiter nodded and turned away.

    Jay was confused.

    In a few moments, several exquisite dishes were served up. When Jay was still wondering, a waiter brought him a cake with a candle. Lilith began to p her hands and sing happy birthday to Jay after seeing it.

    When the cake was on the table, the candle lit up her eyes, and they looked as beautiful as fireworks.

    This time, Jay stiffened like a wooden man, staring at Lilith.

    "Happy birthday, Jay!" Lilith sang and urged him, "Make a wish and blow out the candles quickly!"

 Chapter 280 280: Can I Be Your Girlfriend?

    Jay found his voice. "How did you know it''s my birthday?"

    "It just shows that I love you." Lilith said brazenly, "Hurry up, and the candles are burning out."

    Jay looked into her eyes, which were full of expectation, and his displeasure disappeared suddenly. Somehow it was as if a pool of candles had melted his heart, burning and hot, so that he could not bear to refuse her request. He obeyed and blew out the candles in one breath.

    "You didn''t make a wish." Lilith wrinkled her little face.

    "Then...umm...for world peace."

    His words made Lilithugh, pointing at him, "World peace? Oh my god, you''re kidding me."

    Jay saw her smile, and his mood also became strangely happy. It would be a lie to say he wasn''t moved. The girl hadbored to prepare all of these things, which could move even a stone-hearted man.

    "To be honest, I''ve never celebrated my birthday." First, he had no time. Second, he did not like noisy crowds. Every year at this time, he just received a phone call from his parents because he always forgot his birthday. This year in New York, he originally wanted to go home and have dinner with his parents, but the entire time he was thinking of Lilith dating other men, and he turned the steering wheel unconsciously in the other direction.

    Mary was delighted to hear that her son was going to Lotus Park. She was a very trendy mother and knew it was a ce for young people to enjoy. Jay could not help thinking that his mother would like him to take a girl home tonight, marry her tomorrow and have children the day after.

    Lilith''s brain was sneaky, and after listening to Jay, her eyes slyly turned. A smile in the corners of her mouth gently widened like a dazzling spring flower. "So, I''m the first person to celebrate your birthday?"

    Jay thought about it, nodding, and it was true. Seeing him, Lilith was even more delighted, "Even my sister doesn''t celebrate your birthday?"

    "Like me, she doesn''t celebrate her birthday." Jay knew that by ''her sister,'' she was referring to Irish, and his eyes darkened slightly.

    Lilith could see the change in Jay''s expression and quickly changed the topic. "That would be even better. You will never forget that I''m the first person who celebrated your birthday, no, the first woman." She didn''t know why Irish didn''t celebrate her birthday, and obviously, there was something she didn''t know about. But it was Jay''s birthday today, and she didn''t want him to be affected by other topics.

    Lilith was so cheerful that she couldn''t help butugh, and he could not ignore her good mind. She looked very happy, cut a slice of cake for him, and personally put a piece to his lips,ughing, "Open your mouth."

    The restaurant was quiet, but there were other diners, and their romantic gestures attracted others'' attention. Jay was a big man with a lot of dignity and a brave man who had been dealing with criminals for many years. His character was reserved, and he was not that good at expressing his emotions. Lilith was quite the opposite of him. She was frank and enthusiastic and obviously talkative. So when she enthusiastically started feeding him the cake, Jay was very embarrassed, and his handsome face became ufortable for a moment. He pushed her hand away and had to whisper, "Put it down, I''ll eat it myself."

    "No, I want to feed you." Lilith giggled.

    Jay subconsciously looked around and saw that people were looking at them and his whole face became red.

    Lilith did not care about the other people, and her small mouth pouted, "Hurry up, my arms are sore!"

    Jay had to obey her, opening his mouth quickly and eating his cake. He could see that Lilith bore a certain resemnce to Irish, they were both stubborn enough to make people helpless. He assumed that if he did not open her mouth, Lilith would hold the cake there until he did.

    Seeing him eat, Lilith was satisfied. She smiled, asking him, "How is it? Does it taste good?"<novelnext></novelnext>

    Jay nodded, "It tastes good." He never liked sweets like cakes, but it wasn''t overly sweet.

    Lilith became even happier, "I know you don''t like sweets, but I went all over the city, looking around every big or small cake shop, and I chose this one." She looked at him again, "My feet are worn out."

    He was moved.

    Jay looked at her. His heart seemed wrapped in soft silk for a moment, and he nced at her feet. "You wore high heels, of course, it hurt your feet. "

    "Are you concerned about me?" Lilith asked, surprised.

    Jay caught the pleasant surprise in her eyes, feeling pity for her. She was such an easily-satisfied woman, and he had always been stingy with his words towards her. His lips moved, and he could not help but say, "You are a silly woman."

    It waste at night.

    Jay''s car drove very slowly, but they finally came to the door of the Lake''s house. At a ce where the cameras could not catch them, Jay switched off the engine and looked over at Lilith, who was blushing. "Here we are."

    Lilith nced at the window and nodded. Instead of immediately getting out of the car, she slouched against him and smiled, "Jay, I haven''t given you a birthday present yet."

    "You''ve already celebrated it with me." He could not drink because he needed to drive, but she had drank wine at the restaurant, and at this moment, her eyes were sparkling, her face glowing.

    Lilith shook her head. "That''s not a gift."

    Jay raised his eyebrows.

    "Can I give you a girlfriend?" Lilith came close to him and smiled.

    "What?" Jay was startled.

    Lilith giggled, "Me!"

    Jay froze, but suddenly an indescribable feeling arose in his heart. She leaned in close.

    "Alright?" Lilith pretended to be miserable again, extending her two fingers to grab his cuffs, gently shaking them, "Can I be your girlfriend?"

    Jay''s heart wobbled with her fingers, like a boat floating gently on a ripplingke. The woman in his arms was shy, but he yelled at himself in secret with anger. Jay, what are you fussing about?

 Chapter 281 281: The Risky Negotiation

    "Jay." She called out his name. This soundpletely destroyed the defense in Jay''s heart, and the emotion he had repressed surged out like a flood breaking through a dam. He stared at her, and his firm lips twitched. Finally, he said with great determination, "Okay."

    Lilith froze. She did not think he would agree, and for a while, she felt too dizzy to even look at him. Jay saw it, loving her even more. He had to wonder if it was the fragrance of wine around him that made him lose his mind, but his hands had risen to her face uncontrobly, and he said with an indulging tone. "This is the best gift you''ve ever given me."

    Lilith''s smile got wider and wider, and suddenly she cried, opening her arms and holding him tightly, "Jay, am I dreaming?"

    "No." He knew exactly what he was repressing because he couldn''t stand to see her with other men. Although the road ahead might not be easy, and his career would put her at risk, he thought he would rather protect her in person than let other men protect her.

    The little woman had broken into his heart, and he could not ignore his increasing desire to see her every day.

    Lilith was ttered, still hugging him, "You are really going to be my boyfriend from now on?"

    "Yes." He finally reached toward her.

    Lilith pushed him away slightly and looked in his eyes. The surprise had spread from her eyes to her whole face, extending her little finger, "You promise; otherwise, you will regret it."

    "Silly woman, I won''t."

    "No, I''m afraid you''ll run away."

    "We don''t need to do this." Jay looked at her face and reached out to hold her little hand.

    Lilith looked at him motionlessly and blinked, "Then how are we going to promise it?"

    "Like this." Jay bowed his head and kissed her lips.

    At this moment, everything seemed lost in their kiss, like fireworks in the night sky.

    ****

    There was a fragrance of fresh flowers in the air. Irish tasted her coffee slowly, and her mood matched the scene at the moment. Sitting face to face with her was the head of the Ennd mour Diamond Group, which had sessfully bid on the M100-2 mine for 2 billion dors a few days before. He had three bodyguards, each majestic, standing close behind him. The coffee in front of Alston was already cold, but he did not call for a new one, staring at the 200 million dor check on the table as droplets of sweat fell down his forehead. Reaching out to wipe away his sweat, he picked up the check and looked up at Irish. His voice was hoarse, "...I don''t understand. You know...that mine is an empty mine. How did you...?"<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Mr. Alston, I came here at Mr. Dover''smand, only to ask you, is this mine to be transferred or not? Irish put down her coffee cup, leaning back and looking indifferent. "If you transfer it to us, you can make back at least 200 million. Although it is nothing but a dimepared to the 2 billion you bid, it is not much different from the market value of the mine. If not, you can keep the empty mine and pay for it."

    In the envelope that Joseph gave her, the first thing he had exined was to go to Alston. He made it clear that she had to use the 200 million dor check to buy back the mining rights of the M100-2 ore and possession of the mine. He was as sinct as usual, and Irish knew what to do. Though Joseph''s behavior was somewhat iprehensible to her, she did it anyway.

    Joseph told her that every bet on a rock was like gambling on life, so he would analyze everypetitor thoroughly. It turned out that Alston''s temperament was exactly what he''d expected. He said that Alston was a man of great pride and that he was doomed to look into the mine as soon as he got it to prove to the losers how unique his vision was.

    So, by the time Irish came to his door, he was there standing.

    Alston was astonished by her visit, and when the news of the empty mine came out, the media paid so much attention to him he had to hide in his private home, a ce known by very few. Irish simply said one thing: regarding the empty mine, Mr. Dover can help you out.

    Two hundred million was enough: arge transfer fee for the 170 million market value, plus the amount of money he spent on the survey.

    "This is the rights transfer contracts for the M100-2 property and mining rights, if you sign it, you can have the 200 million." Irish took out three contracts from the bag and handed them to him. To prevent loopholes, she also specifically requested awyer. The contract was in triplicate, as long as it was signed by Alston. She would hand the third copy directly to thewyer to ensure it was legally enforced.

    Alston read over the contract word for word. After reading everything, he put the contract aside and said with a bitter smile, "You are very prepared, it''s clear that Joseph''s work is meticulous. He does things very well." Speaking of this, his expression changed again, and his eyes suddenly became sharp. "But, I think that Joseph had expected I would have a problem with the mine. He forced me to pay a high price, and then he took them back at a low price."

    "If he hadn''t been shot, he could answer your questions." Irish became angry, and her tone became harsh.

    Alston''s face looked awkward.

    "I really do not understand, you won the auction, why did you still want to see Joseph dead?"

    "Without him, I wouldn''t have gone as high as 2 billion. Of course, I wasn''t trying to kill him, I just wanted to teach him a lesson." Alston exined.

    Irish squinted, leaning forward, and stared at him, "But at the time, Joseph was shot to protect me!"

    "I said it was an ident." Alston suddenly became irritable.

 Chapter 282 282: Reset The Password Yourself

    Irish could see that he had no need to lie, and her tone returned to her usual coldness. "Are you going to sign or not?" To be honest, she hoped Alston would refuse to sign. Why give him 200 million? However, Irish could understand Joseph''s practices. The mine was not totally empty. The M100-2, which could develop diamonds, was next to the M100-1, which the Runestone Group had already acquired. This was convenient for unified management, although the value of the second mine was far lower than that of the first. But it was better than nothing. Moreover, she had heard that Joseph also gambled with Vincent on it.

    "Don''t expect me to thank Joseph for this olive branch!" Alston took the contract, clenched his pen, thought for a long time, and finally thenpromised, signing his name on each of the three contracts.

    Irish sighed and said secretly in her heart, "I have done something for you atst." She thanked Joseph for his faith in her. "The survey team is not included. I paid for them." Alston uttered feebly, sitting in his chair like a deted ball.

    "Mr. Dover will use his own survey team," she said. "You don''t need to worry about it."

    Alston''s face looked embarrassed.

    "Now, please hand over the pink diamond." Irish grabbed the contract but did not leave immediately.

    He was startled, and his eyes shed quickly, "What diamond?"

    "Mr. Alston, you''re so forgetful." There''s a fine stone on the edge of the M100-2 mine, which Hall exined at the auction. He may have deceived you in the amount of diamonds, but the stone was actually there, as we all know, or we wouldn''t have bothered to bid on the mine.

    "I haven''t mined anything yet," Alston stuttered for a moment.

    "On the contrary, I think the stone has already been extracted. Although I do not know the mining procedure as well as that of Mr. Dover, I know more or less about the principles of diamond mining. If you didn''t mine that rock first, how can you mine anything else? And, Mr. Alston, please remember, just now, you have signed the agreement of the transfer, which states that you need to transfer the possession and mining rights of the mine. The pink stone was from the M100-2 mine, so it should belong to us. If you don''t cooperate with me, Mr. Alston, I''ll have to go through the legal process, and I think many media reporters would enjoy being spectators."

    "You..." said Alston, with a pair of blue eyes fixed on Irish as if he was looking at a demon. "You are as eloquent as Joseph!"

    Irish smiled, "Thank you."

    Alston snapped his fingers, and one of the bodyguards came forward behind him. He whispered a word to the bodyguard, nodded, then returned with a small portable safe in his hand. Alston took it, scanned his fingerprints, and the safe opened slowly. Inside it was a dull stone that almost looked gray, but Irish knew that this was the priceless pink ore, and once it had been polished, its resplendent mour would reveal itself.

    Alston removed the fingerprint password and pushed it in front of Irish, saying, "Reset the password yourself."

    Irish held out a finger and put her fingerprint on it. The box made a sound, and the fingerprint was reset sessfully.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Thank you, sir, for your cooperation." She said with a smile.

    "South Africa is in disorder. So be careful, if you walk out with something like that, who knows what might happen!" Alston was indignant.

    Irish smiled happily, "Mr. Dover''s bodyguard is pretty good."

    Alston looked to the bodyguard next to him. The bodyguard walked forward, took out a gun, and pointed his gun at Irish, but she clenched the safe box in her hand and hit him violently. The bodyguard did not expect her to fight back. He didn''t move, and the safe smashed him on the side of the head. Irish hit him so fast that she snatched the gun from his hand, then turned to point it at Alston and pulled the trigger without hesitation. The coffee cup in front of Alston shattered into a thousand pieces, and the coffee spattered everywhere with the broken ss.

    It all happened so fast that when Alston reacted, he was covered with coffee. He suddenly got up, and several bodyguards came forward and pointed their guns at her.

    "You''ve messed up with the wrong person. I''ll kindly remind you that I''m not good at shooting, Mr. Alston. Your bodyguards are very scary to me. I can''t promise the next bullet will not go through your body. Then there will be more than coffee on your clothes." Irish pointed the gun at Alston with a light smile on her face.

    She thanked her uncle, who had forced her to practice self-defense every day. Although she couldn''tpare with an expert, she still had more than enough practice to protect herself. Besides, she had gone through so much in South Africa these past few days that she had learned to shoot quickly.

    Alston''s face twitched in anger.

    At this moment, the bodyguards waiting outside rushed in after hearing the gunshot. When they saw the situation, they pulled out their guns and confronted each other''s bodyguards.

    "Who taught you to be so rude?" Irish seemed to scold the bodyguards behind her, but the gun was still in her hand. "Mr. Alston is a man who does great things, how could he put me, a woman, in danger?" She turned to Alston again, with a cunning smile on her beautiful face, "Am I right?"

    Alston had no choice, and when he saw that everything was done, he had to give the order, "Drop your weapons!"

    The bodyguards did what he said. Irish''s smile widened, and she threw the gun a few meters away. She turned around without saying anything. Her bodyguards behind her were always on guard and left behind her.

    The car was parked two kilometers from Alston''s house to avoid his sphere of influence. Along the way, the bodyguards kept a close guard, and Irish walked hastily. Finally, just before the car, when one of the bodyguards approached to open the door for her, her legs felt feeble, and she almost fell to her knees. The bodyguard quickly supported her. She smiled and thanked him.

 Chapter 283 283: Mysterious Singing Figure

    She had done a good job of pretending not to be afraid.

    Getting into the car, Irish quickly called Daisy in New York to exin the progress, just as Joseph instructed in his letter.

    After getting the stone, Irish did not return to the apartment but rushed to the white district of Cape Town and visited Tuell again.

    The diamond store was not open because of Irish''s phone call. Tuell closed the store early, and he waited for her in the back room, making tea.

    The second thing Joseph told her to do was to get a pink diamond from Alston and trade it with Tuell for a turquoise diamond.

    After seeing the contract signed by Alston, Tuell held the safe box, nced at the pink diamond inside, and said, "It''s priceless,parable to my turquoise diamond."

    Irish finally heard clearly that the diamond really was in Tuell''s possession. It looked like Joseph had found Tuell again, but she did not know what the two of them had talked about. Since Joseph wanted her to see Tuell with the pink diamond, it was probably about the exchange conditions. She thought that when Tuell saw the pink ore, he would be very quick to trade, but he closed the safe and said in a calm tone. "But I will not trade diamonds today."

    "Why?" Irish frowned.

    "I have to wait," Tuell said slowly. Irish was about to try and persuade him, inadvertently remembering Joseph''s advice in the envelope. He exined that if Tuell wanted to consider it, she should not force him, but she would only give him one day to think about it. "I''ll give you only one day. I''lle back tomorrow afternoon."

    Tuell looked up at her, and after a long time, he hesitated to say, "Is this your decision or Joseph''s?"

    "It was his advice," Irish said truthfully.

    Tuell frowned, "He''s awake?"

    "No, he arranged it ahead of time."

    Tuell was stupefied after hearing this, then heughed and shook his head, "Joseph, you are really something special." He looked at Irish, and his eyes sparkled. "Okay, just one day. I''ll let heaven decide how much my diamond deserves!"

    Irish nodded but was confused.

    ****

    It was the middle of the night at the Lake family''s house in New York.

    It was a windy night, and the leaves outside the house were flying in the wind while several leaves tapped on the window. A cat''s meow also sounded somewhere, which added a trace of unrest to the night. Suddenly the dimly discernible sound of singing drifted into the house with the wind, which sounded pitiful but permeated every corner of the house.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Shirley was sleepless because Henry insisted on changing his will, and she was also worried about Joseph in South Africa. Henry had already slept earlier in the study room that night, and since they had been sleeping in separate rooms for so many years, Shirley was woken up alone by the noise when the leaves blew against the window. Somehow she felt very lonely in the big room.

    There was no water in her ss on the bed stand, so she had to go downstairs to get water from the kitchen, which was close to the garden, and sometimes the fragrance of flowers woulde in. It smelled very pleasant. But just as she was about to go back to her room, she suddenly heard the faint sound of a song. The voice almost seemed to be vagued from the distant night sky, but it came in through the slightly opened window.

    Shirley was even easily irritated since she couldn''t sleep well these days, so she took a cup of water and walked to the small garden behind the house. The Lake family members were all particr about their living environment, so they had nted various trees in the garden, and they were all old trees. Moreover, there were many flowers there, which could provide petals for them to take showers with. It was a beautiful garden during the day, while it was very tranquil at night.

    Now, the flowers were dying, the leaves of the trees were starting to fall, and the dead branches were scattered on the ground. Shirley staggered forward and tried to find out who was still singing in the middle night, disturbing her sleep.

    Thinking of this, she sped up again, but the song did not stop; instead, it was getting clearer.

    The moonlight was pale and spread on the ground through the sparse leaves. Shirley held the ss tightly, where the water had already cooled down. The coolness spread from her fingertips into her heart, giving her a violent shudder. Finally, she saw a figure close by from under the moon at night.

    The woman was wearing a very long red skirt. The skirt fanned out, forming a colorful visual effect beside the golden leaves on the ground, but it was creepy sote at night.

    Her back was turned to Shirley, and her long hair came down to her waist. In the moonlight, she gently raised her arms, and her slender body twisted into a delicate arc like a snake. Her voice was sorrowful and drifted into Shirley''s ears, frightening her.

    "Who...who are you? Why are you singing here?" She shouted at the woman. The only weapon in her hands was the ss, so she clenched it tighter as her voice was trembling.

    But the woman did not respond.

    Suddenly the wind started blowing, and the sound of singing chilled Shirley''s back. She was about to leave, but her feet were pinned to the ground, so she couldn''t move a single step. "I am talking to you. Are you a servant? Why are you here?"

    The woman suddenly stopped singing, and Shirley was stunned.

    The woman''s neck turned slightly as if it was rigid, and then she began to turn around slowly.

    Shirley''s heart was beating so fast, and the woman''s hair became brighter under the moonlight. Her thick hair looked like seaweed covering her face, so even when she turned her head slowly, Shirley couldn''t see her face clearly.

    But when she turnedpletely toward her...

    Shirley widened her eyes, loosening her hands, and the ss fell down to the ground and shattered. The following second, she screamed hysterically, and then she passed out and lost consciousness out of fear.

 Chapter 284 284: Is Your Wound Hurting?

    In the private ward in the Cape Town hospital in South Africa, the bed was big enough for Irish to sleep beside Joseph. She was so tired these days, except for going back to the apartment to pick up some clothes or handling something Joseph urged her to do, she spent all of the rest of her time in the hospital. As long as she had free time, she would talk beside Joseph as if he was a nt.

    At this moment, Irish was sleeping soundly, but her eyelids were slightly shaking, indicating that the content of her dreams was not enough to cause tension in her brain. She had a lot of dreams that night, and thest scene was that she was on a stone-paved street beside which some joss papers were spread on the ground. The shakingnterns made her unable to open her eyes. Someone took her hands, warming her palms, and gave her a sense of security.

    It was a small kid who took her hands, and she could only see the back side of his head. He was dressed in a blue hoodie and a light gray cap. He was a small boy, holding her hands, passing through the long stone-pavedne. When they arrived at the entrance of thene, she heard the noises behind her. It seemed to be an adult''s footsteps, but somehow she was not nervous at all.

    But soon, the boy shouted at her: "Run away! Hurry up!"

    Irish was awakened by the sound again, and she opened her eyes abruptly. She had this dream again, which had stopped for a long time. But she felt something was different than usual, and soon she found the reason. The sunshine was pouring in on her, making her warm. She took a look at the time; it was six o''clock in the morning.

    It was rare that she didn''t wake up at half past one in the morning, but it also happened once when she had met Joseph for the first time and also had the same dream. But it was weird that after she met Joseph, she rarely had this dream again, and even if she had it, it had broken the rule, and she did not wake up before dawn.

    She realized she had never had such a dream since she had sex with Joseph.

    Irish was lying there leisurely, recalling the warmth from that boy in the dream, and even felt her palm was still warm. When she looked down, she couldn''t helpughing since she found that she had been holding Joseph''s hand when she was asleep. His hands not only warmed her hands but also smoothed her uneasy emotions in the dream.

    She did not get up immediately but gazed at his fingers. After a long while, she released his hands and depicted his palm print, which was just as clear as the first impression he had brought to someone. The soft smile sounded beside her ear when she was pondering, "You came here to take care of a patient, but you slept in my arm for the whole night, and now my arm is numb."

    The man''s voice disturbed the morning''s tranquility and disturbed Irish''s rationality, which had not fully woken up yet. His face was pale, but he was looking at her with a smile. She easily found the fondness deep in his eyes.

    Seeing her staring at him for a long time, Joseph didn''t move but was amused by her and showed a bright smile. His smile was like a magic amulet, finally opening Irish''s pressure points, and at the next moment, she screamed out and got closer to him with her eyes wide, gasping, "Joseph, are you really awake?"

    He was finally awake! She couldn''t believe her eyes. It was like a dream for her in which she came to South Africa with Joseph for the diamond mine, and they experienced all kinds of funny and adventurous things, finally culminating in Joseph protecting her from a gunshot. Just when she was helpless and desperate, she suddenly woke up from her dreams, and when she woke up, she found that Joseph was lying beside her and smiling softly at her.

    Even though it felt like a dream, she knew clearly that they were in the hospital, and Joseph had actually woken up.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Her face was so close to him that her long hair hung down in front of his cheeks and tickled him.

    When he said to her again, his voice sounded weak. "Come closer to me."

    Irish followed his words and got closer to his cheeks.

    Joseph reached out slowly and held her head, and pressed her face down. In this way, he kissed her lips easily.

    It was real, and she could feel his dry lips, while he also could feel the coldness of her lips, so he stuck out his tongue and warmed her lips with his mouth.

    Throughout the whole process, Irish was so passive, and it was not until Joseph loosened her hands that she stood up, and soon she was overwhelmed by great pleasure. She covered his face and said excitedly. "Jesus! You''re awake! It''s not a dream!"

    Her happiness moved Joseph, and heughed, but it affected his wounds, so he frowned. Irish then realized he was wounded and said to him, "Wait for me for a moment, and I''ll call the doctors to check on you."

    After finishing her words, she hastily got up and was about to rush out, but Joseph called her suddenly. She stopped and turned back to ask him, "What''s wrong? Is your wound hurting?"

    "My dear idiot." Joseph reached out, patted her hands, and said in a loving voice, "Put on your shoes and don''t get cold."

    Irish then realized she was not wearing shoes. There was usually carpet indoors, so she always forgot to wear shoes these days when she got out of bed. Staring at Joseph, she felt warmed by his consideration, and she couldn''t help kissing him slightly but still didn''t know how to express her pleasure. Finally, she said to him softly, "I''ll call the doctor."

    Joseph nodded, and she put on her shoes and rushed out of the ward.

 Chapter 285 285: You Have Done A Good Job

    She suddenly understood the truth when Joseph was awake. Since she was a little girl, she thought she would not get hurt as long as she could be adamant. This faith supported her during the years she was abroad. It had never faltered. Whether she was very self-conscious or she was being mean, it was the method she used to protect herself.

    But since she had been with Joseph, this faith had changed somehow, and she began to get used to relying on him. She was even obsessed with it. When Joseph was shot, she felt that her world had copsed and that the faith that had supported her for years had also copsed. She suddenly realized that she had be a frog in hot water. She had to work hard to get back her independence and determination. She bit her teeth and wouldn''t even think about whether it would be dangerous to do so. She thought that she was strong, at least when Joseph was sent to the operating room, and she didn''t cry when Alston pointed a gun at her. She was calm.

    However, it was not real at all. When Joseph finally woke up and had a full-body examination, Irish realized what her sense of security was. She had waited for him to wake up for so long, and she finally understood how frightened she was. She had just forced herself to be strong.

    She finally couldn''t control her emotions, and her eyes were full of tears. When the doctors left, she wiped her tears away and sat down beside Joseph, but when she looked at him, she wanted to smile. She didn''t know the reason behind herplicated emotions. It was true that love would make people lose themselves.

    Joseph leaned against the sickbed, looking at her, and didn''t know whether tough or cry. He adjusted his posture, and Irish rushed to hold him. Joseph reached out and pulled her to sit down beside him, embracing her into his arms. "Don''t cry. I''m fine."

    "Do you know how long you have been in aa?" She curled up in his arms andined. She could smell the disinfectant from his hospital gown, which was mixed with his wooden fragrance from. She leaned on him and tried her best to smell the fragrance from him.

    "I just heard from the doctor." Joseph enjoyed her leaning on him like a cat, which made him feel at ease. He lowered his head and kissed her hair gently, "It must have been hard for you these days."

    Irish held his waist and looked up at him. Her lips could touch his chin, and there was guilt in her eyes. Perceiving her emotions, Joseph asked with a smile, "What''s wrong?"

    She sighed with feelings and hesitantly replied, "If I hadn''te to South Africa, you wouldn''t have been shot." She never thought before that she would meet a man who would block a gunshot for her. She couldn''t get used to such a deep fondness, and she also didn''t know how to respond.

    Hearing this, Joseph smiled at her, saying, "You are wrong. If you didn''te here with me, I would never have known how boring my past trips were."

    "Are you indicating that I have made a lot of trouble for you?" She couldn''t help smiling finally and raised from his bed so that he could lean morefortably.

    Joseph knew absolutely that she was trying to hide her guilt deep in her heart, so he said with an evil smile, "You know what I mean."

    His words warmed Irish, and this warmth spread all over her body.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish stuck to him like an otter. She held his hands to feel his pulse. She sighed with satisfaction and said with feeling, "Thank God you''re awake. I couldn''t do anything without you."

    Joseph looked at her and was cheered up by her words. He tightened his arms and clenched her fingers while the smile on his face turned brighter. She told him frankly that she needed him, which made him feel warm. Therefore, his voice turned even softer when he said to her again, "I told you before that I would not leave you alone."

    Irish looked up at him, and her eyes turned red again. After seeing this, Joseph held her face and said, "My silly woman, you have done a good job."

    "You trust me that much?" She asked and then continued, "Are you not afraid that I would fail since you trusted me with such important things?"

    "You wouldn''t," Joseph replied with a smile.

    Irish took a deep breath and tried to calm down, but she deliberately made fun of him and said, "I''m really surprised about your trust, but don''t you want to know how it is going?"

    When he woke up, he did not ask her about the diamond mine or the things about Tuell, which made her have a deeper understanding of his love.

    Joseph fondled her head and said, "If there were any problems, you wouldn''t have time to cry. I know you well."

    Irish was amused by him but had to admit he was right. Therefore, she began to tell him about the issues with that diamond mine. She became worried after telling him the issues about Tuell, and she looked at Joseph and asked, "I am really confused why he had to wait for another day? But you also had expected that he would consider it."

    During the whole process, Joseph listened to her carefully and did not disturb her but also didn''t give any opinions to her. When she asked him about this, he thought for a while and then said softly, "I know Tuell very well. He has his own purpose, so I can''t force him."

    Irish frowned and heard his exnation. She thought it was like an answer, but it also seemed that he had not replied to her. Though he spoke briefly, it sounded meaningful. After a while, she asked again, "Is the diamond in Tuell''s hand that priceless? You were even willing to buy that empty diamond mine for 200 million dors to purchase that blue-green diamond with the pink diamond, which is also priceless."

 Chapter 286 286: He Needs Rest

    "Isabel, you have to remember that the value of diamonds is not determined by itself but by the maniptor behind it." Joseph adjusted his posture and embraced her into his arms again while saying, "Diamonds are just stones formed by carbon molecules. What value can a stone have? It is how people define them. Pink diamonds or blue-green diamonds are the same in my eyes, and I just think the blue-green diamond in Tuell''s hand is more suitable for the embroidery series of the Runestone Group."

    Hearing this, Irish was stunned and looked at Joseph since the priceless diamond was regarded as just a stone. It was true that ''The well-fed don''t know that the starving suffer''. If she could own just a few pieces of the diamond, she would be rich now.

    Seeing her expression, Joseph was amused.

    He kissed her slightly opened mouth and added, "Choose the diamond you need best because only in this way will it be valuable to you. It should be people who manipte a diamond''s value, do you understand that?"

    Irish nodded, but soon she frowned and replied, "I am not a kid anymore, so don''t teach me as if I am a kid."

    "I have to urge you since you are a money grubber." Joseph smiles widely.

    Irish gazed at him and took the initiative to kiss him, and soon their breath mixed with each other''s while her soft voice sounded again, "If you say this again the next time, I won''t help you. Don''t forget that you are still waiting for me to get the diamond from Tuell."

    "You don''t have to get that diamond so quickly since there is a more critical thing you have to help me with." Joseph ignored her threat and embraced her waist with his other hand.

    Irish gazed at him and asked, "What is it?"

    "Help me with my discharge procedures."

    "You want to get out of the hospital?" Irish was shocked, but soon she shook her head and said, "No. You have been awake for such a short time, how could it be possible?"

    "You just heard from the doctor that I''m fine."

    "What do you mean you are fine, you have been in aa for several days? I don''t agree." Irish declined his request directly.

    "Isabel, I can recover even if I get out of the hospital."

    "No."

    "Please. Please help me toplete my discharge procedures." Joseph persuaded her softly, and then he added, "Don''t worry. I will call the police at any time if I don''t feelfortable."

    Absolutely, Irish knew that a man like him didn''t want to stay in the hospital for a long time, and perceiving his pleading tone, she had to nod, but she also urged him, "If you feel bad, you have to tell me at once, and you can''t get too tired either."

    "Okay."

    Irish sighed helplessly and then walked out of the ward.

    When they went back to the apartment, it was one o''clock in the afternoon. Will and Belle came to pick them up.<novelnext></novelnext>

    When she brought Joseph back to the bedroom, she went to get some water for him. However, when she returned to the bedroom, she saw that Belle was reporting to him, so she hastily walked toward them, mmed the ss on the bed stand, and growled, "Belle, he needs rest. Why are you in a hurry to report your work to him now?"

    Belle''s face turned red after hearing this, and she wanted to argue with her, but Joseph was there. Therefore, she frowned and replied, "Mr. Dover asked me to report to him."

    Hearing this, Irish was even more unpleasant and said to Joseph, "Joseph, did you forget your promise to me in the hospital? Do you want me to bring you back to the hospital?" She couldn''t control her anger, even if Belle had been there since he went back on his words.

    Joseph was at a loss.

    After seeing this, Belle couldn''t help arguing with her. "Why do you have such a bad attitude with Mr. Dover?"

    "He is my boyfriend! It is none of your business!" Irish said harshly while her eyes were full of anger. She wanted to kill Belle at this moment.

    Belle was speechless and didn''t know how to respond, but Joseph knew that she was really angry, so he said to Belle, "Go back first."

    Belle shot a nce at Irish and then turned away.

    After she left, Irish mmed the door and said loudly to him, "Joseph, if you dare to employ another coquettish woman as your assistant like Belle, I will castrate you."

    Joseph was shocked by her, but soon heughed and stood up without saying anything.

    "What are you doing?" Irish shouted behind him while her eyebrows twisted.

    ? "I am going to the toilet."

    Then she was relieved, but soon she showed an evil smile and also stepped forward and pushed the door of the bathroom open a small slit, looking in the door. Joseph had just pulled down the zipper of his trousers, and when he heard the movement, he turned his head. When he found it was her, he smiled helplessly and said, "I''m serious. I want to piss."

    "Oh."

    Joseph thought she would turn away, but looking at his tall figure, Irish wanted to y a trick on him. Therefore, she walked stealthily behind him and held him from behind, which frightened him. He was just about to piss. He stopped and turned back to her while Irish burst outughing, "Are you going to piss? Well, go ahead."

    Joseph was so embarrassed and said, "Get out of here." How could he piss in front of her?

    Unexpectedly, after hearing this, Irishughed even more cheerfully and replied, "Why do I have to get out? I have seen it. Don''t pretend to be embarrassed. Do you forget how you tossed me about in bed?" After finishing her words, she suddenly held his dick and began to fondle it. "What''s more, it was me who took care of your problems when you were in aa, so you don''t have to be embarrassed."

    "Isabel." Her palm was so soft, and his lower abdomen shrank violently when she grabbed his dick, but he was even more eager to piss, so he deliberately pulled off her hands and said, "Honey, don''t do this. I''m not joking with you."

 Chapter 287 287: A Lot Of Jokes

    "Did you forget thatst time you did this?" It happened when they had just finished making love with each other, and Irish staggered into the washroom tiredly. Unexpectedly, Joseph also followed in, and she still remembered that she pleaded with him to go out, but he still ignored her words. Finally, she had to piss in front of him, which made her feel so embarrassed when thinking of it, so she was determined to do the same thing to him as well.

    It seemed that Joseph couldn''t hold it anymore, so he began to persuade her with a pleading tone, "Well, that is my fault. I apologize to you. Can you get out now?"

    "I''m curious about how men pee." She deliberately joked with him.

    "Isabel." Joseph was speechless.

    "Okay, I forgive you this time, and I am going to run the bath water for you." Irish finallypromised since she knew he needed to save face, but when she was about to leave, she took the chance to pinch his manhood and then whistled out of the bathroom.

    Listening to her whistling, Joseph had a physiological reaction for a while, but he had no choice but to shake his head helplessly. He couldn''t help wondering how did he fall in love with such a naughty like her? Josephughed.

    It turned out men enjoyed the process of taking showers just like Joseph at this moment. Since he was wounded, Irish had to help him to take a shower. Irish was reluctant, while Joseph enjoyed it very much.

    "Joseph, when you didn''t wake up, I had to take care of you, but now that you are awake, I still have to serve you, so you''d betterpensate me when you recover," Irish said while washing him carefully, avoiding his wound while teasing him.

    Putting an arm on the side of the bathtub, Joseph moved his arm to her slender waist directly while his fingers began to slip down. "What kind ofpensation do you want? I can give you physical or mentalpensation."

    Perceiving his intentional flirtation, Irish did not resist him immediately, instead, she repliedzily, "Don''t worry. I will ept both."

    "Really?" Joseph showed an evil smile and then tightened his arms, "Then we will start with physical satisfaction."

    "Don''t be so fast." Irish held his chest with one of her hands while washing him with another hand. "Did you know that I told you many jokes every day to wake you up?"

    Joseph was smart, and he knew she wouldn''t say this to him for no reason, so he stopped and looked at her with great interest and asked her, "What kind of jokes did you tell me?"

    "A lot of jokes. Have you heard of them before?"

    "I was in aa at that time, how could I hear the jokes?" Joseph smiled and added, "But you can tell me a joke now."

    Irish smiled and said, "Okay, I''d like to see if your IQ is high."

    Joseph signaled her to go on.

    She then began to tell him the joke. "One morning, when a senior officer got up, he found that there was a red circle on his dick, so he hastily went to the hospital in case of it being with a disease. However, the doctor couldn''t find the reason, so he advised the officer to check at the Infectious Diseases Department, but a young nurse standing beside him stopped him and said, "Don''t be in a hurry, let me take a look." Then she took an alcohol swab to wipe the red mark on his cock, and then she told the officer. "Don''t worry. It is just waterproof lipstick. Hearing this, the doctor was speechless and then sighed and said, "Wow, it seems that we need to study thisprehensively, or we will be eliminated someday."

    After finishing the joke, Irish burst outughing, while Joseph didn''tugh at all. Therefore, Irish was a little bit astonished and asked, "Don''t you think it is funny?"<novelnext></novelnext>

    Joseph was speechless and asked her after a long while, "You told me this kind of joke when I was in aa?"

    "Can''t I tell you such jokes? What''s more, you are not a pure young man anymore." Irish showed an evil smile and gazed at his cock in the water directly. "Even if you pretend to be pure, your cock will not agree."

    "Yes, it is more honest than me." Josephughed.

    Irish got closer to him and asked, "Tell me, has your dick ever been stained by lipstick?"

    Her fragrance triggered the familiar impulse in his heart, so he reached out and pinched her cheeks and said ambiguously, "Do you understand the meaning of that joke?"

    "Yes, of course," Irish stared at him.

    Joseph raised his eyebrows and said, "But it seems I haven''t taught you that before." He had experienced her boldness before, but he always conquered her in bed. And it was him who had taught her many things about sex.

    However, Irish replied frankly, "Don''t forget that I had watched a lot of porn before and learned a lot from it."

    "Wow, you are so great!"

    "Don''t avoid my question. Be honest to me." She turned serious to him.

    "Isabel." Joseph sighed but did not reply to her directly.

    Irish got the answer from his expression and then reached out, pinching his chest.

    "Ouch!" Joseph screamed while Irish said to him harshly. "Joseph, how could you y such games with a sex partner?"

    Joseph was regretful when he found out she was annoyed by it. Now it turned out that he should give her a beautiful lie, so he pulled her to get closer to him and said softly, "You wouldn''t trust me if I said no, right?"

    "You dirty man!" Irish was eager to beat him.

    "But I''m pure now since I''ve been with you and slept with you." Joseph was still patient, while Irish was reluctant to beat him harshly since he was wounded. Therefore, she could only stare at him angrily and say, "It''s unfair. I''ll have to find another man and y this game with him as well."

    "Oh really?" Joseph suddenly became serious and pulled her, ignoring the pain from his wound, and said coldly, "It is your fault, how could you squirm at me?" Irish widened her eyes with anger and was offended.

 Chapter 288 288: My Silly Woman

    Joseph was speechless, but when she saw her pale, his heart turned soft immediately, and he began to say gently to her, "My silly woman, even if you wanted to annoy me, you can''t let others take advantage of you. Women always suffer losses in such things."

    He was not a man who would apologize to others, and Irish knew that well. She got mad at him because she was jealous because when she recalled her boyfriend had made love to others in bed, she was so irritated. But he apologized to her and was so patient with her, so she allowed him to embrace her and didn''t resist him anymore, but continued to say, "There are women who enjoy that very much."

    "Including you?" After perceiving that she had begun to cool down, his fondness for her was even deeper. If she were a woman who would be deliberately provocative, then perhaps he would not love her so much. However, she was rational and mature, and that was the reason he was attracted to her so deeply.

    Irish gazed at him, and then her eyes turned tricky. "Of course, it is a way for women to conquer a man." After saying this, her finger pointed at his chest and fondled it with an enchanting smile, "Looking at the man bing increasingly manic at her own lips and mouth, she bes the real queen. Therefore, women are not just pleasing men, but conquering them at that time."

    Hearing this, Joseph felt his underbelly tighten suddenly, and he began to breathe quickly. He fondled her lips and slipped in to enjoy the softness of her tongue. Then he said frivolously. "My queen, do you want to stain my cock with your lipstick?"

    Irish bit his fingertips lightly, and soon he drew back his fingers. Her fingers began to slip down past his sturdy chest and finally covered his cock, the source of his power.

    It had awakened already, directly expressing its desire. Irish tried to grab and fondle it, which tickled Joseph and stimted his mind. She stared at it through the water, looked at Joseph with enchanting eyes, and said in a seductive voice, "Honey, I''m afraid that you won''t have the luck to enjoy it."

    "Try." Joseph could see her exceeding fascination, and he enjoyed her soft touch, which was so alluring to him that his voice turned husky, like the sound of stones scratching against sandpaper.

    He was eager to feel her warm mouth.

    Irish straightened herself slightly, rolled up her long hair under his fiery gaze, and then leaned over with her scattered hair hanging down, which looked charming. Her hair tickled his chest, and he couldn''t help holding her head, signaling her where to move next.

    She puckered her face with a smile and didn''t push his hands away but lowered her head with her red lips sticking to his chest and sucking the water drops. She slowly moved down while Joseph felt his lower belly tighten up, and the muscles all over his body were hard as steel tes.

    His eyes turned deep, and his breathing became fast.

    Her lips were getting so close to his maleness that she could feel its temperature. Under her gaze, it got even harder. She looked up at Joseph and found that he also gazed at her. His eyes were full of deep emotions, and he encouraged her to go on. Irish had to admit that she had a sense of surrender to his gaze, so she couldn''t help bowing down and opening her mouth.

    The next second, Joseph''s abdomen shrank, and he couldn''t help groaning with his hands holding her head, his fingers in her hair with great joy.

    Irish''s movements were clumsy, but it was charming to Joseph. He was totally obsessed with her.

    The temperature was rising in the bathroom, and it was suffused with spray. They twined with each other in the bathtub, forming a beautiful scene like in a dream.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Her enthusiasm made up for her clumsy behavior. The man''s cock was so big that her mouth couldn''t fit it. Joseph''s finger touched her head so she could feel the hotness in his fingertips.

    Gradually, her abdomen also became so hot, and as if there was a warm current in the deep of her body which made her tremble as well.

    The man''s breath stained every corner of her mouth, and she could even feel the man''s breath on the top of her head. The faint woody fragrance was stained with the scent, which made her cheeks be hot.

    Joseph''s eyes were filled with desire, and he couldn''t help sticking out his waist and fondling her hair with his fingers. He pinned her hair behind her ears so that her mouth that contained his dick would be revealed in front of him. Looking at her clumsy and unfamiliar movements, Joseph was so satisfied with her.

    When he was enjoying her enthusiasm, she suddenly got up and released her mouth with a smile.

    Her hair was messed up, and her lips were a little red.

    Joseph was stimted by her appearance and gasped heavily. With his hand clenching her wrist tightly, he ordered, "Sit up!"

    Irish did not avoid him and gazed at his erection directly, touching it slightly, and then said, "I didn''t say that I would serve you further."

    "A sensible woman would sit up at this time."

    Unexpectedly, Irish reacted quickly and replied, "A sensible woman would protect her man if he were wounded."

    Perceiving her evil smile, Joseph bit his teeth and said, "Witch woman!"

    "Yes. Your witch woman will hold you to have a rest now." Irish smiled.

    But Joseph clenched her wrist and threatened her, "Hurry up, or I will use some hard tactics."

    "Don''t linger on the present joy, or I''m afraid your wound will worsen, and I''ll have to bring you back to the hospital, then the loss will outweigh the gains," Irish said cheerfully.

    But Joseph''s Iust did not vanish because of her words, and he took her directly. Irish was like a small rabbit in his arms, but she did not resist since she was afraid that she would hurt him. While they were enamored, the phone rang.

 Chapter 289 289: Alston Is Dead

    "Your phone is ringing, Joseph."

    Joseph ignored her words and lowered his head, but soon Irish stopped him and said with a smile, "Hurry up and answer the phone, don''t dy your business."

    The phone rang several more times before Joseph had no choice but to answer it.

    Irish took the opportunity to clean up, and when she wasbing her hair, she took a quick nce at Joseph but identally found that his eyes had turned severe.

    He was just listening on the phone and did not say anything. After a long while, he said briefly, "Okay, I get it."

    Irish knew something must have happened, so she stepped forward and asked, "What''s wrong?"

    Joseph kept silent for a while and replied, "Alston is dead."

    "Ah?"

    "He jumped from the building andmitted suicide." After finishing his words, Joseph got out of the bathtub. Irish hastily took the bath towel and handed it to him. He put it around his waist and then walked out of the bathroom, and Irish also stepped out.

    Joseph turned on the TV in the bedroom, and it was broadcasting the news about Alston''s death. He jumped from the top of the diamond mine bidding hall at noon, and no pedestrians passed by at that time. When he was discovered, he was already dead.

    "Why did he kill himself?" Irish asked while holding Joseph on the bed since she was perturbed by the scene on the news.

    Joseph sighed and answered, "You should be aware of the cruelty in this industry. Every time you invest in a mine, you can''t be sure if the mine you''ve invested in is priceless or worthless. There are many people who have invested in an empty mine like Alston. They invest all of their money but get nothing, so many people will choose to kill themselves."

    "But we have taken over the empty mine." Irish was still confused.

    Joseph thought for a while and then said meaningfully, "Perhaps he really suffered a great loss this time."

    Irish frowned and thought for a long time and then shook her head, "I think that''s so weird. I saw him yesterday, and he didn''t look like a person who was about tomit suicide."

    Joseph remained silent while Irish continued, "Joseph, don''t you think it is weird? Try to think, if he had determined tomit suicide already, he wouldn''t care about transferring the empty diamond mine and wouldn''t protect that pink diamond either."

    But Joseph still kept silent.

    Irish took a deep breath and said, "Perhaps, it was not suicide but a murder."

    "You think too much," Joseph finally said to her calmly and added, "The police have begun to investigate it, so we don''t have to care if it was suicide or murder."

    Irish also understood that, but she felt depressed about it. After all, it was a living person, and she just saw him yesterday.

    "Go to find Tuell," Joseph said to her unexpectedly, and Irish was shocked. "It is time to get that rough diamond now."

    Irish said hesitantly, "But what should I do if he insists on not giving it to me?"

    Joseph shook his head lightly and said firmly, "No, you go to find him now. I am sure he will give it to you."

    Irish was astonished again, and she was confused why Joseph was so confident. Obviously, Joseph did not intend to exin it to her and just patted her hands lightly and said, "Go ahead."<novelnext></novelnext>

    ****

    When Shirley woke up, it waste in the morning the next day, and when she opened her eyes, she saw many people in her room. Roy and Ruby were sitting beside her, and they were pleased when they found she was awake. "Mom, you''re awake." Roy was finally relieved.

    Looking around, Shirley found that she was in her bedroom, and she murmured, "What''s wrong with me?"

    "You passed out in the garden and were discovered by our housemaid." Henry said seriously and asked, "How did you pass out in the garden at night?"

    His words reminded her of what happenedst night, and she began to scream with her head buried in the pillow.

    Ruby and Roy were both startled by her, and Henry frowned since he was disturbed by her sharp screaming, so he roared, "Stop! Tell me what happened."

    But Shirley didn''t stop screaming at all. Though Roy was unsatisfied with his father''s attitude towards his mother, he could do nothing but hold her and try tofort her, "Mom, what''s wrong with you? Are you sick?"

    When he held her, Roy found that she was trembling, and her body was so cold that it stunned him. Ruby also found that something was wrong, so she was also anxious.

    Shirley looked up, and her eyes were filled with fear. She grabbed Ruby and then grabbed Roy''s hands and said in a quavering voice, "I saw the ghost in the garden."

    Ruby was shocked and asked, "Mom, what are you talking about?"

    "A ghost! I saw a ghostst night." Shirley was in a panic and couldn''t help her messy image, hastily saying to Henry, "Henry, I really saw a ghost! She was dressed in a red skirt with long hair."

    Henry frowned and said, "Don''t talk nonsense!"

    "I am serious!" Shirley was hysterical and shouted, "She didn''t have a face, and when she turned to me, I still saw the back side of her head."

    "Mom." Roy was confused andforted her. "You must have it wrong. There is no such thing as ghosts in the world."

    "No, I saw it. I really saw it."

    Henry lost his patience and stood up, "Call our family doctor." Then he walked out of the room while Shirley was still muttering in panic.

    Ruby and Roy sighed but couldn''t do anything for her.

    Kelly stood beside and kept silent for a long time, and they also turned to leave. Seeing her, William also followed her out of the room. When they left the room, he touched Kelly''s arms and asked in a low voice after looking back at Shirley. "Do you trust your sister?"

    "Trust that there are ghosts in the world?" After hearing this, Kelly sneered and then added, "Just as the old saying goes: A clear conscience fears not a false usation. I am afraid that she has done too much, and she feels guilty. She deserves it."

    William looked at Kelly''s cold face and sighed helplessly, "She''s your sister..."

    Kelly looked at him weirdly and asked, "Do you think she is worth pitying?"

    "Nonsense!" William frowned at her and left, then Kelly also snorted and went back to her room.

 Chapter 290 290: Tuell’s Agony

    When Irish went to Tuell''s diamond store, she was anxious since she didn''t know if he would give the rough diamond to her. She wondered what she would do if he refused to give it to her. However, Tuell opened the door for her in person this time, led her to the back room, and then beckoned her to sit down. "I thought you woulde here early." He said slowly.

    Irish sat down and was a little shocked after hearing this.

    Tuell showed a rare smile. Though his wrinkled face looked like a dried walnut, she could feel the rxation from his smile, which puzzled Irish. He kindly added, "I have been waiting for you here for nearly an hour."

    "You mean that you''ll agree to trade for the rough diamond?" Though Irish didn''t know the reason why he changed his attitude, it was improper to ask him too much at this time. The essential thing was to get the rough diamond now, and she could ask himter about other things.

    "That rough diamond is not important to me." Then he walked to the safe, and then Irish saw a small box in it. It must be a rough diamond.

    Soon he took the box and sat beside her, pushing that small box in front of her. She opened it and found that it was a blue-green diamond. It could be seen that he had waited for her for a long time, and then she suddenly remembered Joseph''s words. She was surprised that Joseph could know him so well.

    Just as Joseph said, it was not so important for Tuell, and Tuell said the same thing to her just now. The rough diamond was ced in the box directly without any insurance. It was obvious that he didn''t care about this priceless diamond at all.

    "That is the pink diamond that you want." Irish took out a small lockbox, input the password, and then opened it. The pink diamond was lying quietly inside.

    Tuell took a look at it and then gave her the rough blue-green diamond, putting the pink one into the small box and then cing the box in his safe. Irish was surprised since it was easy to tell that he did not care about that pink diamond at all.

    After she carefully secured the rough diamond, she asked, "Can you tell me why you changed your mind?"

    Tuell looked at her and asked in reply, "Joseph didn''t tell you the reason?"

    Irish was slightly shocked and then shook her head.

    Tuell stared at her for a long time and then said, "It seems that Joseph really cares about you."

    Irish was even more confused about his words.

    "What do you mean?" She asked.

    "The less you know, the happier you will be. I think you will understand it." Tuell smiled and opened a small door in the wall, and walked in.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish was stunned and then followed him in. She found that there was a darkroom. It was not very big, and she could see everything inside at a simple nce, but the things inside it shocked Irish.

    It was a mourning shrine.

    ck and white satin were tied into a bouquet, with two ck and white photos in the middle. One was a photo of a woman, while the other was a kid with a bright smile. Two memorial tablets stood in front of the photos, and many fruits and incense sticks were put in front. He ignited three incense sticks and whispered to the photo, "Now, you can rest in peace."

    Looking at his soft and warm eyes when he looked at the two photos, she knew that it must be his wife and son, but she never expected that he would set up a shrine for them in his diamond store.

    Looking at Tuell''s behavior and hearing the words he said to his wife, Irish felt it was so weird. She leaned against the door and looked at his back. Recalling his cooperation in trading the rough diamond with her, her mind was running fast, and suddenly an assumption appeared in her mind. Her heart beat quickly, and she also felt that her blood was boiling.

    Tuell was still murmuring in front of the photos, and she could easily tell that he often chatted with them there. Taking a deep breath, Irish tried to calm down and then asked. "You promised to exchange diamonds with me. Is this rted to Alston''s death?"

    Hearing this, his hands that were holding the incense trembled slightly, but Irish still saw them clearly. Then she realized her assumption was right. She didn''t have any evidence, but it was too coincidental that Tuell agreed to exchange the rough diamond with her after Alton''s death.

    "Joseph once said that you were a smart woman. It seems that he didn''t lie to me. It is no wonder he loves you so much and even almost gave his life for you." Tuell put the three incense sticks into the holder carefully, looking up at the woman''s photo and caressing it affectionately.

    She had got the answer from Tuell''s words, so she was not pleased by Joseph''s praise at all at this moment but wondered about the rtionship between Alston and Tuell.

    After a while, she asked again, "Alston murdered your wife and kid, didn''t he?"

    "He killed them himself!" Tuell suddenly became irritated and turned to Irish with a cold expression, and then he added, "He killed them for his personal desire!"

    Irish was frozen after hearing this, and it took her a long time to react. She swallowed and then continued to ask, "But he runs hispany, how could this happen?"

    Tuell was exhausted and sat down in his chair, lighting a cigarette. He took a drag on his cigarette and then said, "Now that you are Joseph''s girlfriend, I will tell you."

    He fell into his memory and poured out everything that happened in the past in a sorrowful tone.

    Just as Joseph told her, Tuell had run arge diamond store in South Africa, and many insiders knew that the quality of the diamonds in his store was excellent. What''s more, Tuell liked to collect rare and priceless rough diamonds which were never made public. The most valuable one was the blue-green diamond. Many business big shots contacted Tuell, including Alston, who had just entered this field of business. He was a diamond retailer, but because of its unique design, he attracted many consumers.

 Chapter 291 291: The Real Perpetrator

    But he had always been in the retail market. He knew that if he wanted to be a predator, he must get the support of the royal family, so the first thing he had to do was to get some rare diamonds. Gradually, he umted arge amount of money, so he started learning to invest in mines as many diamond dealers do, and in this way, he got to know Tuell.

    Tuell was enthusiastic and liked to make friends, while Alston knew that Tuell was an able man in South Africa, so he asked his help to get more valuable diamonds as well as some diamond mines.

    In the beginning, Tuell tried his best to help him, and Alston acquired many priceless jewels with his help. Gradually, his products attracted many Royal customers.

    However, once Alston drunkenly flirted with Tuell''s wife, Tuell stopped helping him.

    Naturally, Alston didn''t want to give up his money tree, so he apologized to Tuell after waking up the next day. Though Tuell forgave his ridiculous behavior, he began to be on guard around him, and he would urge his wife not toe to the store when Alston came around each time.

    At that time, Tuell had collected many rare rough diamonds, and Alston began to have some evil ideas about these rough diamonds. He tried to persuade Tuell to sell these on the market through hispany so that they could be in a mutually beneficial situation. However, Tuell declined his proposal because the jewels were his wife''s favorite, especially that blue-green diamond, so he would never sell them.

    Alston had no choice but to give up, and Tuell thought he must have abandoned his idea. Unexpectedly, the tragedy urred one night.

    It was a stormy night, and Tuell had gone outside to collect a rare gem. He couldn''t get back that night, but he learned there would be another heavy rain in Cape Town, so he called his wife to close the diamond store early. His wife followed his orders, and they even chatted for a while on the phone. It sounded like everything was ordinary as usual. It was not until Tuell went back in the next day that he found that something had gone wrong in the store.

    His diamond store had been looted, and his neighbors reported it to the police, so many policemen were in his store when he arrived. There was even a picket line outside.

    He saw his dead wife and son lying there quietly, and the police told him that the robbers had entered the diamond shop at two in the morning. His son''s time of death was earlier than his wife''s, which indicated that his son was killed first. When the police told him of his wife''s death, the police officer''s face was heavy and dark. He told Tuell that his wife had been assaulted before her death, but they couldn''t find any clues from her female organs because the murderer was obviously afraid of leaving evidence, so he cut off the organ.

    Hearing this, Tuell almost went crazy.<novelnext></novelnext>

    In the end, the police handed him a cufflink that was found in his wife''s hands. It was assumed to be torn off the murderer as hemitted the crime against his wife. Tuell had seen this cufflink before on Alston, but it was not unique in the world, so the police couldn''t judge from the cufflink who the murderer was.

    But it was not difficult to find his lost diamond since there was aser code engraved on the diamond in his store, so police retrieved most of the lost diamonds and arrested the rted suspects. There were three people involved in the case, and all of them were locals in South Africa. They insisted that they were convinced tomit the crimes at the sight of the diamonds, and there was no evil mastermind, but they also hadn''t assaulted his wife.

    It suddenly turned into a pending case. Though the police had dered the case closed, they hadn''t found the person who assaulted his wife in the end.

    Tuell thought it must have been Alston, and those three people were hired by him. After some time, when Tuell saw on the TV that Alston''s Ennd mour Diamondpany hadunched a priceless diamond, he finally ensured that the murderer was Alston. Tuell couldn''t wait to kill him.

    That diamond belonged to Tuell. Alston had liked it very much at that time, but he couldn''t get it from Tuell. Tuell entered hispany through an acquaintance and got to know that Alston owned many rare diamonds that he had collected over many years. Of course, Alston didn''t get the blue-green diamond he had longed for because it was hidden in Tuell''s house, not far away from his store on that fateful night.

    In this way, Tuell finally found out who the real murderer was, but those rare rough diamonds had never been disyed before the public, and most people did not know of their existence. They had just been knocked into the coffer without being polished or engraved with aser code. They looked like ordinary stones, so he couldn''t give any evidence to the police to prove that Alston was the murderer.

    Therefore, from that day on, the only desire driving him to live was vengeance. He had to take revenge on him and tried to avoid the police to seek justice for his wife as well as his son. He didn''t believe that Alston would always be lucky.

    "Over the years, I have watched the Ennd mour Diamondpany expand and develop, relying on my rough stones, and it even got support from the royal family. I have been waiting for a chance to enact my revenge on him." He smoked his cigarette, and there was a thinyer of cigarette ash on the ground as his eyes looked dreary. The next second, there was faint light glinting in his eyes. "Finally, I got the chance. Alston came back to South Africa again. He thought I wouldn''t be there anymore, and he thought the wrongdoing he had done could be forgotten. No. I was going to destroy him and take everything he had!"

    "So it was you who killed Alston, right?" Irish asked abruptly.

    asionally missing content, please report errors in time.

 Chapter 292 292: The Decided Cooperation

    Unexpectedly, Tuell sneered and said, "Kill him? Don''t be so ridiculous!" He stepped on his cigarette butt on the floor and squinted, "It was his own avarice that killed him. He wanted to enter the American market, so he bet everything on a single throw, but he failed in the end, so it was natural that he wouldmit suicide."

    Irish looked at his face, and it was easy to tell that he hated Alston bitterly, but his death also had something to do with him. She didn''t respond immediately but to sort out the information in her mind. ording to Tuell, Alston not only killed his wife and son he also assaulted his wife. He bore this grudge for many years in his heart. He waited for a chance to defeat him, and it finally paid off in the end.

    Therefore, death was the lightest punishment for him since Tuell wanted to torture him slowly until he would rather be dead than alive. Out of this, it was not Tuell who killed Alston, just as Joseph had said before, but he killed himself because he couldn''t bear the pressure.

    But who was the mastermind behind this game? Thinking of this, Irish''s heart sank and turned cold, and then she looked at Tuell again. She knew that he couldn''t have done this alone, so there must have been someone who cooperated with him. And that man was Joseph!

    She felt there was a bug crawling down her back, but she knew it was just her cold sweat. The wind wasing in through the window slits, and her back was so cold. Tuell then looked at her eyes directly and snorted after seeing her expression. "You are a smart woman, so you must have understood."

    Irish felt that the tip of her tongue was numb. After a long time, she squeezed out a voice. "You and Joseph had decided to cooperate with Alston��"

    Tuell told her before that the diamond mine was empty, so he must have warned Joseph, and she also told Joseph that there were problems with the diamond mine, but Joseph told her that there was a certain risk in gambling for a mine, and now it seemed that he had lied to her. The truth was that Joseph had known that it was an empty mine! Therefore, during the auction, he pretended to be confident about getting the diamond mine, not because he wanted it, but to raise the price to force Alston to pay more to get an empty diamond mine.

    That was all that Irish could think of, and Tuell''s smile proved that her assumption was right, but he added one point, "But you might get something wrong because the only person who wanted to deal with Alston from beginning to end is me. Joseph never intended to deal with him."

    Irish frowned and wondered what he meant.

    "Joseph is a businessman, so he would only focus on profit." Perceiving her confusion, Tuell kindly exined to her, and then he continued, "To be honest, we cooperated with each other out of convenience. He got the news that it was an empty mine from me and took advantage of it to defeat Alston so that he couldn''t get into the American market. Joseph was trying to protect his own interests. But as for me, at the expense of that blue-green diamond, I ruined Alston sessfully, and now he is dead. That''s why we cooperated with each other."

    "But when did you reach this agreement?"

    "When Joseph came to me for the second time, we reached such an agreement," Tuell said frankly. "It is not easy to get revenge, so I had to find someone I could rely on. Joseph believed that that rough blue-green diamond was still in my hand, and he was determined to get it, so when he came to me again, I told my thoughts to him. If he could help me defeat Alston, then I would exchange that rough diamond with him."

    It meant that when she was waiting in the car for him with Will and Belle, Joseph had reached an agreement with Tuell already. Thinking of this, Irish shivered even though she wasn''t cold. Recalling the scene when he came out from Tuell''s diamond store, he said that perhaps the Runestone Group would miss this valuable rough diamond.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Now it turned out he had lied to her.

    "In fact, Joseph was the best man for this case, and I believed that if I could get his help, Alston would be defeated, so when you came to me for the first time, I hinted to him, but he was hesitant at that time." It seemed that Tuell''s legs were numb since he had been sitting for a long time, so he stretched out and rubbed them, adding, "I guess the reason he came back to my store was because of the words I said to him."

    "What?"

    "I told him that people have to feel for others, and I asked him what would he do if his beloved woman was assaulted and killed by someone else?" Tuell said word by word.

    Hearing this, Irish was almost frozen, but gradually her memories about the scene that day all came back. She remembered that Tuell pointed at her, and Joseph turned to her with a serious look.

    It turned out that Joseph had known the blue-green diamond was still in Tuell''s hands, but she thought it was her who reminded him about it. It felt awful!

    "Then you also predicted that Joseph would be kidnapped? Or was the kidnapping incident also your own n?" Irish was muddled and couldn''t figure out if the kidnapping was real.

    However, Tuell shook his head and replied seriously, "It was real. Though I don''t know if Joseph had predicted that kidnapping, I never expected it. But I believed that Alston would do anything to prevent Joseph from showing up to the auction."

    Irish clenched her hand and found it was so cold, so she held them together to warm her hands. "But you also hoped Joseph would not show up to the auction. Why?" Joseph was the only one who could help him to achieve his goal, so naturally, he should have helped Joseph.

    Tuell looked at Irish''s eyes and said after a long while, "Because my mind had changed for a while."

    Irish was shocked by his words.

    "Alston is a madman, and he even dared to kill people. When Joseph was kidnapped, I wanted to get him free since I knew it must have been Alston who had done that to him. But when you came for me here, I changed my mind suddenly because I was afraid of any other incidents that would ur to Joseph. As expected, he was shot and almost lost his life."

 Chapter 293 293: Let’s Take A Walk

    "Do I need to thank you for your sympathy?" Irish sneered.

    Tuell shook his head helplessly and said, "No. But you have to know there is no right or wrong in this industry. No one can be sure who is a good man and who is a bad guy, including me, Joseph, or our opponents such as Alston or Leo. We cooperated with each other just for the profit, so there were no covert means, only overt means in this field."

    Speaking of this, Tuell suddenly said, "But Joseph is a man who would obey the rules in this field, which is rare in South Africa. He didn''t intend to take the blue-green diamond at no expense, so he purchased the empty diamond mine for 200 million dors. It was a gentleman''s behavior."

    Was it real?

    Irish was so helpless, and she never thought the meaning of gentleman had changed to such a superficial extent in the business world.

    "Can I leave with this rough diamond?" Irish said after a long while in a low voice because she felt that she was weak, and her head was still buzzing.

    Tuell nodded and added, "By the way, please extend my appreciation to him."

    "You''d do better to extend your appreciation in person." Then Irish left without looking back.

    ****

    Roy rarely went to the Runestone Group, though he was the only son of the Lake family, and he was also the legal heir to thepany. But since he became a captain, he never expected to do such. However, he had to go there because of Cassie.

    He couldn''t get through to her cell phone for several days, so he was determined to find her since he had two days'' leave from work.

    It was natural that he attracted many people''s attention when he entered the Runestone Group, and half of the attention came from women. The affable secretary led the way for him with a big smile, but finally, his sister, Lilith, blocked his way at the door of the appraisal department.

    "Cassie has asked for sick leave, don''t you know that?" Lilith wore exaggerated ck-rimmed sses, and her voice was stuffying out from the dust mask.

    Roy was shocked, and it took him a while to respond. He pinched Lilith''s ears and said, "Why didn''t you tell me about it earlier at home?"

    Lilith replied calmly, "My dear cousin, you didn''t ask me at home."

    Roy loosened his hand and turned to leave.

    "Hey, what''s wrong with you?" Lilith shouted behind him.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Don''t poke your nose into my business, you should take care of yourself and hide your love affair with Jay," Roy replied directly.

    Lilith shrank and gazed at him.

    When Roy came to Cassie''s house, her mother opened the door for him, and she was so pleased when she saw him. Roy was also pleased since her mother still remembered him, so he hastily presented the fruit basket to her mother. Before he could state his purpose, her mother suddenly held his hands as if he was a savior and then said to him, "We don''t know what''s wrong with Cassie since she''s been staying in her room for days and even locked the door. She doesn''t eat much these days. We persuaded her to see a doctor, but she just ignored us. We are so worried about her."

    Roy suddenly felt proud since he was entrusted by Cassie''s parents as if he had epted a divine task. Therefore, he knocked on the door of her bedroom without hesitation but got no response.

    Her father was anxious and knocked on the door heavily, "Cassie, your friend hase to visit you. Come out of your room."

    After a long while, she replied in an extremely low voice, "I''m tired, and I don''t want to see anyone right now."

    Her parents stared speechlessly at each other, and then they looked at Roy with embarrassment. But Roy did not feel awkward at all; instead he reached out again and said with his usual threatening tone, "Dear, if you don''t open the door, I will kick it open. You know I will do as I say."

    Her parents were shocked by his words, and they also suspected his rtionship with Cassie, but their daughter had exined that they were justmon friends. Now it seemed it was not that simple between them.

    What made them even more surprised was that Cassie opened the door as soon as he finished his words. Cassie stood at the door of her bedroom, looking at Roy with cold eyes, while Roy was stunned by her look. She was dressed in her night dress with her hair hanging down, and her face was pale and gaunt. Roy felt he couldn''t even recognize her. Regardless of her puffy eyes, Roy reached out and held her face and then said softly, "Cassie, what''s wrong with you? I''ll take you to the hospital.

    Cassie''s mother could see the fondness in Roy''s eyes since it was so sincere. But Cassie still looked severe, and after staring at Roy for a while, she said, "Let''s take a walk."

    Roy was surprised and nodded.

    The leaves outside were rustling in the autumn wind.

    On both sides of the street, there were eucalyptus trees with leaves that had turned yellow in autumn that were floating in the wind under the sunlight. The road was covered with golden leaves, and there was a slight crackling sound when they stepped on them. From a distance, everything seemed to be as beautiful as a painting.

    Cassie put on her coat and gently crushed the dead leaves under her feet. She sped up while Roy followed behind her. From Roy''s perspective, she looked so dim, as if she would disappear at any time. Somehow, his heart trembled, and then he stepped forward to her and held her hands.

    She turned back at him while he lowered his head slightly so that they could look at each other directly.

    "The wind is rising. Don''t get cold." Roy''s gentle voice rang. Roy perceived her coldness toward him since she always treated him with such an attitude, so he was used to it. He took off his coat and put it on her shoulder gently.

 Chapter 294 294: Why Are You So Happy?

    Cassie did not resist him but still stared at him. Through the sunlight, Roy looked even more handsome. She was confused that there were so many women around him, why was he always focused on her? She was not very young, and she also knew that there were no romantic love stories such as Cindere and her prince. Therefore, she only longed for simple butsting love. Wasn''t it difficult?

    Roy didn''t know what she was thinking but was warmed by her gaze. The golden leaves were swirling over her head while the sunshine poured down her face, making her look less pale. He could kiss her easily as long as he lowered his head. Therefore, he did that.

    He couldn''t help lowering his head, pressing down to her lips. But when he was about to touch her lips, Cassie suddenly spoke to him with a cold and indifferent voice, "You came for me today just to kiss me?"

    Roy was shocked by her words and straightened his body after a while, letting out a sigh, "Cassie, I really care about you. I am worried since I couldn''t get through to your phone for several days."

    "Now you see that I am fine."

    He sighed slightly and reached out to hold her shoulder. "What happened? If you are not feeling well, then we can go to see a doctor."

    "No. It''s unnecessary to do that." Cassie declined him directly.

    Looking at her, he asked after for a long

    time, "Did Fredrick humiliate you?"

    Cassie''s heart trembled after hearing this.

    After seeing this, Roy understood what happened, and he turned back to leave without saying anything, but Cassie pulled him aside and frowned at him, "What are you going to do?"

    "I am going to seek justice for you," Roy was annoyed.

    "It is none of your business." Cassie roared at him and added, "What does it have to do with you?"

    "Cassie, you know that I love you. And��I mean it!" Roy raised his voice while the leaves fell from the trees behind him as if they also felt his agitated emotions. "If he could treat you well, then I wouldn''t be poking my nose in your business, but he doesn''t. Look at you! Have you ever checked yourself in the mirror?" A sudden pain was visible in his eyes, and he added, "If he does not want to cherish you, then I will warn him to stay away from you. I want to be with you, and I don''t believe I will lose to him."

    Hearing this, Cassie was not moved by him at all, and when he finished his words, she said indifferently, "I have told you that I don''t like you and I won''t be with you. Roy, please leave me alone. Wee from two different worlds."

    "Cassie..." He was obviously upset by her words as it''s visible on his handsome face.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "What''s more, no matter what happened between Fredrick and me, you are just an outsider, and it has nothing to do with you. I am tired. Thanks for what you have done for me, but please do note to find me again." Then she took off his coat and handed it to him, and then she left.

    Roy wanted to hold her hands, but his feet felt like they were nailed down, and he couldn''t move. Of course, he saw the resolution in her cold eyes, and she left even without looking back.

    He was overwhelmed by a feeling of frustration he had never experienced before, and he was also at a loss and didn''t know what to do. He stood there motionlessly and looked at her, vanishing from his sight.

    Compared with Roy''s situation, Lilith was luckier.

    After work, she saw Jay''s car parked on the side of the road with the window opening. The daytime was getting shorter in autumn, so when she got off work, it was getting darker, and she could see the faint light of his cigarette from the window.

    She rushed to the car cheerfully and found that he was smoking.

    Jay soon finished the cigarette and reached out, opening the door for her. "Get in the car," Jay said with a smile.

    She got in quickly and closed the door as happily as a cheerful mouse. Jay didn''t start the car immediately, and he was pleased when he saw her bright smile. He reached out and removed the leaves in her hair and asked, "Why are you so happy?"

    "Because you came here to pick me up!" Lilith said frankly with a big smile.

    She had drank some wine on his birthday and boldly requested to be his girlfriend. Unexpectedly, he agreed. When she woke up the next day, she felt it was like a dream, and she couldn''t help wondering if he was serious. But she didn''t get the call from Jay the next day, so she was disappointed and felt he must have been joking with her.

    However, on the third afternoon, she got a call from Jay, whose voice sounded maic. He asked what she was doing and what she ate for lunch. He had never asked her questions like this before. Lilith''s heart beat so quickly that she felt it almost jump out of her chest. She answered his question carefully in a low voice.

    But soon, Jay told her that he went to carry out a task away from New York these days, and he called her upon arriving there, which made Lilith feel more excited. She felt that only the two of them existed in the world, and she asked him why he called her with such a tremulous voice. She felt weird because Jay would not have called her before, but now he not only called her, but he also took the initiative to tell her about his trip.

    Jay was surprised that she would ask him such a question, so he stopped for a while and then answered, "Have you forgotten what you said the night before? I have taken it seriously."

    Lilith then realized it was not a dream, and Jay was serious, and now she was his girlfriend!

 Chapter 295 295: Are They Sweet Words?

    In this way, as long as he had time, he would give her a call. Of course, Lilith knew the nature of his work, so she never took the initiative to call him and just waited for his call every day. She was cheerful when she got his call, and their feelings were developing rapidly. It was very romantic, and they felt very happy.

    She never asked him what kind of tasks he was carrying out and never asked when he woulde back. When he showed up in front of her, she was so excited and even wanted to kiss him because she missed him so much.

    Jay was also amused by Lilith, and he patted her head lightly, "I just wanted to give you a surprise."

    "I just wish you could be safe forever." Lilith curled up in his arms, and her heart beat so quickly since she was afraid that he would push her away like before. However, he still pushed her away gently.

    At this moment, her heart sank and turned cold suddenly, as if she was getting soaked in cold water. She wondered why he still pushed her away since she was his girlfriend now. But Jay did not perceive her depression and turned back and took a bag from the back seat, then handed it to her.

    Lilith was confused while Jay said with a smile, "Open it. I am not sure if you will like it."

    Lilith followed his words and then opened them. It was a plush kitten that was very cute, and there was even a shiny cor on its neck. It was easy for her to tell that the cor was made up of some excellent crystals, but...

    "Is it a gift for me?" She asked hesitantly.

    Jay looked at her with a little bit of puzzlement, and then he replied, "Of course, it''s a gift for you. Do you think I bought it for myself? I don''t like stuffed toys."

    "You bought it for me?" She asked yet another idiotic question.

    Noticing her strange expression, Jay took the plush kitten and sighed slightly. "You don''t like it? I went shopping in several malls and then decided to buy it. I thought girls liked plush toys. To be honest, I didn''t know what kind of gift I should give to you."

    "Jay. I like it. I like it very much. I''d like anything as long as it was sent by you, even if it was just a leaf." Lilith couldn''t restrain her excitement and held him before she could finish her words.

    Jay reached out, embracing her this time, and looked at her tearful eyes. "Hey, honey, why are you crying?" He asked.

    "It is because your gift is so beautiful." Lilith held him tightly as if she was afraid that he would disappear if she loosened her hands. In fact, she wanted to say more since she was moved that he spent a lot of time buying a gift for her.

    "I am d that you like it." Staring at her cheerful face, Jay was very happy, and then he held her even more tightly, adding, "I have never bought a gift for a girl, so I was not sure if you would like it."

    "I like it. I like it very much." Lilith held the small kitten and looked up at him, "Jay, I love you so much."

    She was not a small girl to y with such a toy anymore, but she liked it because it was a gift from Jay. Perhaps, in his opinion, he thought girls would like plush toys at any age, so she cherished his simplicity and purity.

    Jay stared at her enchanting eyes and couldn''t help kissing her forehead. She closed her eyes and was obsessed with his kiss. After a long time, she blinked and smiled, "It feels good to be embraced by you."

    Jay also smiled and said, "It also feels good to hold you."

    After hearing this, her eyes were glittering, and she asked, "Really? You have never said sweet words to me before."<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Are they sweet words?"

    "Yes." She nodded. It was rare for him to say anything like this since he was not a romantic man. Then Lilith continued, "I thought you were refusing me like before when you just pushed me away."

    "Push you away? When?" Jay frowned.

    She reached out to smooth his eyebrows and smiled, "You pushed me away in order to get the gift. I misunderstood."

    Then Jay realized and felt regret and looked at her. "I will not do that next time."

    Lilith was amused by his serious look and couldn''t help holding his neck and said, "Jay, I am so intoxicated by you."

    Allowing her to hold his neck and act like a spoiled child in his arms, Jay showed a big smile and said to her after she calmed down, "I will take you to a new restaurant."

    "Okay!" She nodded cheerfully.

    ****

    When Irish returned to the apartment, Joseph was on the phone, sitting on the couch. It was not convenient for him to hold the cell phone since there was a wound on his back, so she stepped forward and held the phone, leaning it against his ear.

    Irish didn''t know who he was talking to, and she didn''t want to know. Finally, she heard Joseph urge, "Start from channel reconstruction."

    Irish also knew something about channel reconstruction because she had seen it before while in Johannesburg with Joseph. Now it seemed that they were talking about the diamond mine. After the call ended, she put the phone aside, grabbed the safe, and opened it. The blue-green diamond was revealed in front of him.

    "That''s what you wanted. I brought it back." She said indifferently.

    Joseph took a look at it and then put it down. "Thank you."

    Irish didn''t respond.

    He closed the safe and stood up, smiling at her when he saw that she was speechless. And he held her face, kissing her cheeks, and then was about to return to the bedroom.

    Finally, Irish said behind him, "Don''t you want to exin it to me?"

    Joseph stopped after hearing this and turned to her, but he didn''t reply to her immediately, while Irish waited there for his answer.

    The atmosphere suddenly cooled down, and it was so quiet in the room. But Joseph finally broke the deadlock and smiled softly, "I thought Tuell had told you everything."

 Chapter 296 296: You Want A Child?

    "I know now that you didn''t intend to hide it from me since you asked me to get that rough diamond from Tuell. But don''t you think it would be better to exin it to me in person?" Irish frowned and looked unpleasant.

    Joseph sighed slightly and sat back on the couch. "Come over here." He waved at her and patted the space beside him.

    She hesitated for a second but still walked to him, reaching out to him. She sat down beside him and curled up in his arms. Joseph said with a low voice, "Why should I exin for the second time? Isabel, you know I am injured, and I don''t want to talk much."

    "You are making excuses." Irish looked at him and got so close to him that she could even smell his woody fragrance.

    Therefore, she finally saw his smiling eyes, which looked like the light rising from a calm coastline and expanding gradually. "I am serious," Joseph said.

    "But you shouldn''t hide it from me." Irish took a deep breath and looked frustrated. "If you hide all these things from me, I will feel that I am an idiot in front of you."

    "My witch woman, you are so important to me." Joseph kissed her hands and added, "How else could I choose you to be my girlfriend?"

    "Yourforting words didn''t work." She mumbled.

    Joseph smiled softly and said, "I have to admit that I am not very humorous." He fondled her fingers.

    Looking at their intertwined fingers, she was in aplicated mood. She loved him deeply, so she couldn''t get angry with him. Irish sighed heavily and looked frustrated while Joseph held her tightly without saying anything.

    After a long while, she looked up at him and said, "Joseph, I admit that it feels terrible that I am still rational in love, and I hate to be like this. But there is still a question lingering in my mind which forced me to treat it rationally."

    "Is there anything Tuell didn''t tell you?" Joseph looked at her eyes seriously.

    "I think only you can answer my question."

    Joseph raised his eyebrows and hinted at her to go on. Irish licked her lips and got out of his arms so that she could also look at his eyes. "You have predicted everything, so it''s impossible that you didn''t expect Alston would y tricks before the auction. I think it was easy for you to avoid kidnapping, but why did Alston kidnap you?"

    After hearing this, Josephughed, "Are you suspecting I was both directing and acting?"

    "No, I believe that it was Alston, and he even used me to threaten you, or perhaps you would not have been shot." Though she was a little angry, it didn''t mean she would be deliberately provocative, so she tried her best to calm down and asked him her doubts.

    "You knew it was dangerous, but you still ignored it, so what is your real purpose?" Irish added since she couldn''t figure out the answer.

    Joseph was a man who always focused on efficiency, so he would never waste his time on useless things.

    Joseph looked at her for a long time and said, "Isabel, I am not God, so I can''t predict anything."

    Irish was speechless after hearing this.

    "Trust me. I didn''t tell you because I was afraid you would worry about me, and that''s it." Joseph said softly and embraced her again. "You are my girlfriend, and I can''t allow you to take any risks."<novelnext></novelnext>

    Curling up his arms, Irish was moved by his words, but there was still an unnamed emotion lingering in her heart. Perhaps, just as Tuell said, she still didn''t know him well.

    She tried tofort herself, but she was so anxious because she saw many unknowns in Joseph and also because there were many things she couldn''t control.

    Most importantly, it was because she was afraid that she would lose Joseph someday.

    It was getting dark, and Cape Town became tranquil as the bustle vanished and neonmps turned on. The seaside apartment was also lightly illuminated by the lights.

    Irish was cleaning Joseph''s wound and was about to change the dressing for it. When she took off the gauze, the scar unfolded before her. Though it was painful and recovering well, she still felt sore, and her anger soon vanished. He tried to protect her, risking his life, and she was touched, what else did she expect?

    She carefully handled the wound for him. and dressed it in fresh gauze. After finishing this, she hugged him from behind, avoiding his wound carefully, with her cheeks pressing against her back.

    Joseph felt her soft body leaning on his back, and his heart also turned soft with a smile hanging on his face. He took her hands and asked, "What''s wrong?"

    His voice spread through his chest, which sounded even more maic. She listened carefully and felt her fondness for him. After a long time, she took a deep breath and said, "Joseph, I can''t tell the difference between true and false now."

    "Don''t think too much, there are manyplicated things in the world." Joseph said gently and then added, "You just have to remember that I love you."

    Irish nodded slightly and felt warmed by his words.

    After a long time, she asked again, "I have something to tell you."

    "What?"

    Irish hesitated for a while and then said, "Something about a baby."

    "Isabel, are you pregnant?" After hearing this, Joseph turned to her hastily, but perhaps she touched his wound, so he frowned. But his eyes were glinting, shining like the star in the sky.

    Irish felt so much regret at this moment because she could see the excitement in his eyes.

    "I..." She still hesitated and lowered her head.

    But Joseph misunderstood her and thought she was being shy, so he smiled and kissed her forehead and said softly. "It is natural for you to get pregnant since we didn''t use any birth control."

    "You want a child?" Irish asked while Joseph got closer to her and replied, "Of course, I would like to have children with only you."

    After hearing this, Irish was even more panicked, and she didn''t dare to tell him the truth suddenly. But Joseph didn''t get the point. Instead, he took her hands and stood up, which frightened her. "What are you doing?"

    "Let''s go to the hospital." Joseph grabbed his phone and was about to call their driver.

 Chapter 297 297: Can You Understand Me?

    Irish hastily stopped him and said, "I''m not pregnant."

    Joseph was shocked, and Irish was so embarrassed.

    "Isabel..." He called her name in a low voice, and obviously, he was confused.

    He called her with such a soft and lenient voice, making her feel guilty. She bit her lips and finally said in an extremely low voice, "I''ve been taking birth control.

    After finishing her words, she closed her eyes and was about to ept his me. Joseph was a man who wouldn''t express his emotions before people. But she could perceive his happiness and expectation in his eyes. However, she let him down, so he must be angry. She was waiting for his me, but he just kept standing over her head.

    Irish carefully looked up, and she was shocked when she looked into his dreary eyes. He frowned at her and looked severe. He didn''t yell but just gazed at her quietly, which made her afraid to move.

    Joseph then realized that he could pamper her, but it didn''t mean he didn''t have a temper. He was arrogant, and her behavior definitely stepped over the line.

    Joseph finally spoke to her, but his voice sounded so indifferent. "That''s what you were going to tell me?"

    "Yes," Irish replied briefly.

    "Why didn''t you discuss it with me? You must know that it''s not just your business."

    He sounded unpleasant.

    "It''s because..." Irish clenched her fingers and looked at his eyes. "It''s because I didn''t want to cause trouble for you. Many things happened during this period, and you are so busy. Moreover, it is not a proper time to have a baby."

    Joseph was silent.

    Irish got closer to him, holding his waist and saying sincerely, "Please trust me. I want to have a baby with you, but we must be rational. Do you think it''s the right time to have a baby now? During these days in South Africa, I almost forgot those rumors, but we have to return to New York, so I don''t want our baby toe into the world before everything is settled."

    He stared at her face and pondered.

    "Sorry, I didn''t know you were expecting a child." She tried her best tofort him and held him tightly out of fear. Then she added, "I know I should have told you this earlier, but I just wanted to create a good environment for my child. Can you understand me?"

    Joseph finally held her waist, and she almost burst into tears at that moment. His palm was still warm, and she felt safe curling up in his arms. She heard him sigh and then say helplessly, "Isabel, I''m sorry."

    ? Irish was sore when she heard this, so she looked up at him, replying, "Don''t say it like that, please."

    "You are right." He looked serious, but his eyes were filled with fondness, "I forgot that you would be anxious before we are married, and I haven''t even given you any promise. It is not proper to have a baby at this time, and I should create a good environment for you and for our baby first. Please forgive my selfishness."<novelnext></novelnext>

    "No, Joseph..." Her eyes were filled with tears, so she buried her face in his arms and said with feeling, "I just want to be with you. I don''t need any promises, and I don''t want to lead you into a dilemma." She began to hate herself because the person who was selfish was not him but her. He just wanted a baby with her, but she...

    "Honey, I have to be responsible for you, or I am not a good man." Joseph held her face and felt sorrowful when he saw her tearful eyes. He kissed her eyes and said softly. "But I have to ask you for one thing."

    Irish stared at him quietly.

    "Don''t take birth control anymore. It is bad for your health. I will take contraception measures." He said softly.

    Her nose twitched, and she leaned on his chest, "I''d rather you me me."

    "I won''t."

    "Joseph��" She called his name several times and felt her fondness for him was getting deeper. "You can''t spoil me like this or I will be capricious."

    Joseph held her tightly and whispered, "It is rare that you finally admit that I treat you well. Who always says that I am a profiteer and who mes me for my seriousness?"

    Upon finishing his words, Irish stood on her tiptoes and kissed him to stop him from going on. Josephughed and responded to her kiss.

    ****

    Ever since Shirley said she saw a ghost in the garden, the house was surrounded by a weird atmosphere at night. She was anxious at night and asked the housekeeper to keep vigil at the door of her bedroom since Henry didn''t sleep with her in the same room. In this way, other people in this house also felt anxious at night, and some rumors began to spread.

    Shirley went back to her bedroom early at night while Kelly was doing a tea ceremony in the living room alone. Other servants had gone to sleep already, so it was very quiet in the house, only leaving the ticking sound of the clock. The room was suffused with the faint fragrance of tea. Kelly was awake because she was worried about Lilith, who was unusually cheerful, so she suspected that she was still in close contact with Jay.

    When the clock pointed to twelve o''clock, it chimed twelve times. Kelly put down the tea and saw a red shadow drifting outside the window, which frightened her, and she rushed out without any hesitation.

    Outside, the shadow disappeared. Kelly shivered and then turned around but found that the ce where the shadow disappeared was in the garden!

    Shirley''s words suddenly appeared in her mind. Was there really a ghost?

    Suddenly, there was a hoarse voice on the top of her head which frightened her. When she looked up, she found it was a crow, and she was relieved and felt that her back was soaked in sweat.

    There were always many crows in autumn, and it was often to be seen in this season, but Kelly hated them.

 Chapter 298 298: Her Sweet Dreams

    She wanted to go back to her room, but she faintly heard someone singing in the garden. Kelly never believed that ghosts existed in the world, and she also didn''t want to be teased by others, so she crept closer to the garden.

    It was quiet, so she could hear the sounds of singing clearly, its tune as well as its lyrics.

    "There are flowers without leaves, and leaves can''t be seen; they miss each other in samsara."

    The voice was resentful and ethereal. Kelly became so anxious and felt the shadow in the tree looked like a woman. Suddenly a red coat swept through and covered her mouth, and she rushed to leave the garden.

    When she got back to her bedroom, Kelly''s face was pale.

    William was reading newspapers in the bedroom, and he felt weird when he saw his wife''s pale face, so he put aside the newspaper and walked to her, patting her shoulder lightly. Kelly was frightened and screamed out. William was also scared of her, so he asked, "It''s me! What''s wrong with you?"

    "William, I really saw a ghost just now." She held his arms and trembled.

    William was shocked, and he knew Kelly well. She was a woman who always stayed calm to keep a good image, but she was so frightened she must have seen something horrible. He pulled her to sit down on the bed and asked, "Was she also wearing a red skirt?"

    "Yes, she was dressed in a red skirt, and I even heard the sound of singing." Kelly was more courageous than Shirley and didn''t talk nonsense.

    William was confused and asked, "Did you hear the lyrics?"

    Kelly thought for a while and replied, "The tune was weird, but I remember some lyrics. ''Flowers without leaves, leaves can''t be seen.'' That is all I can remember."

    She focused on recalling but she didn''t perceive that William suddenly turned severely. He widened his eyes after hearing her, as if he also saw the ghost.

    "Is there a ghost in this house?" Kelly mumbled to herself, but soon she shook head, "No, it''s impossible. There must be someone ying a trick, ghosts don''t exist."

    Hearing this, William then reacted and tried to hide his panic andforted her, "Yes, there are no ghosts in the world." Kelly sat there with a pale face while William also sat silently with his eyes flickering.

    ****

    A mobile phone ringtone woke up Irish, and when she opened her eyes, Joseph answered the phone. He kissed her forehead since he was sorry to wake her up and then asked on the phone, "What''s wrong?"

    Irish ignored what he was saying since she was still sleepy, but it seemed it was Daisy. She curled up in his arms when he answered the phone like a ko. With her face pressing against his chest and her hands holding his waist, she could hear his heartbeat clearly.

    The sunlight poured into the room, covering the carpet while the sea breeze flew in. Irish felt so leisurely and hoped she could sleep like this forever. She had a lot of dreamsst night, but not the nightmares from before. Instead, they were sweet dreams in which Joseph was decorating a Christmas tree back home in New York. The neonmps were lit outside the windows while the room was warm. A beautiful baby was also there together with them. He was their son, with a sharp nose and deep eyes just like Joseph. She wore beautiful Christmas attire while Joseph raised him over his head and yed cheerfully with him.

    Therefore, when she was woken up by the phone ringtone, there was still a smile lingering on her face.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Her hair wrapped around his arm while he smiled at her. Perhaps he was afraid he would disturb her, so he spoke in a low voice while Daisy also perceived it, so she also talked with him in a low voice. Joseph''s voice was full of maism, and since he spoke with a mild tone on the phone, Irish felt sleepy again. She adjusted her posture slightly to find out the mostfortable sleeping position.

    Joseph was amused by her adorable look and stared at her while answering the phone. He felt that his heart was warmed by her when he saw her rosy cheeks, her thick eyshes, and her red lips.

    After some time, Irish, who was still in a dazed state, heard Joseph say, "Okay. I will arrive soon."

    She suddenly woke up and gazed at Joseph with confusion. But she turned after he hung up and said with her eyes closed, "That was really an annoying phone call, and it disturbed my sweet dreams."

    Joseph didn''t get up immediately but turned around, hugged her from behind, and smiled softly, "What kind of sweet dream were you having?"

    It was in the morning, his voice sounded maical, and his breath tickled her neck. She shrank her neck slightly but still closed her eyes, with her face buried in a pillow.

    This way, her slender white neck was exposed in front of Joseph. He lowered his head, kissed her, and buried his face in her soft neck.

    Irish opened her eyes and begged for his mercy since his newly-grown beard tickled her.

    "Which awful girl called you just now?" She turned to him and asked deliberately with a sweet voice.

    Joseph smiled and replied, "Daisy would be sad if she heard this."

    "Was it really Daisy? I just thought I was wrong." Irish smiled softly and then said deliberately, "I heard that you talk in a gentle and soft voice while totally ignoring me."

    Joseph shook his head helplessly and replied, "What a bad woman! I spoke in a low voice because I was afraid I would wake you up."

    Irish knew this, but she just wanted to joke with him and act like a spoiled kid. Therefore, when he finished his words, she took the initiative to kiss him and said, "Well, I will forgive you this time. Now that you only belong to me, so I will be magnanimous, and I will allow other women to contact you."

    "It seems that I''ve spoiled you." He held her tightly.

    Irish repressed a smile and asked, "Where are you going?"

    "Johannesburg."

    "Ah?"

    Joseph got up, patted her sexy bum, and said, "You have toe with me as well."

 Chapter 299 299: I Have To Stay With You

    During their trip to Johannesburg, the sky was as blue as jade and clear without any w. The helicopter flew through the broad sky, which looked as small as a dragonfly.

    Irish liked this feeling of looking down from such a high altitude since she could see everything, which was why she loved climbing. When she stepped on the mountain, the wind blew on her cheeks which gave her a feeling of unnamed lofty joy. But she couldn''t ept this sport after the nightmare that happened when she saw Adam fall from that mountain.

    Thinking of this, Irish withdrew her gaze and wasn''t in the mood to appreciate the scenery anymore. The memories about Adam had gradually vanished in her mind. She frowned slightly since she was not thirty years old yet, but she couldn''t remember clearly what Adam looked like and only vaguely remembered thefortable feeling of staying with him. It was the same as the feeling Joseph gave her.

    For a time, Irish even suspected that she was suffering from a degenerative brain disease monly known as Alzheimer''s disease). Tim also said that it was not only a disease for the old because some people with over-strained nerves could also suffer from this disease, such as a psychologist.

    Joseph was having a rest beside her, and Irish knew he wasn''t asleep. Therefore, she turned to him, looking at his well-defined face, and began to worry that if she got Alzheimer''s disease and couldn''t recognize him someday, how would she go on in the future? Recalling the scene in the morning when she helped him to dress, she felt so happy. Since he was wounded, she had to take care of him every day and did many small tasks for him. She began to get used to this feeling, so she hoped this kind of happiness would not be deprived so quickly.

    Thinking of this, she couldn''t help sighing slightly with her feelings. After hearing her sigh, Joseph didn''t open his eyes but asked with a smile, "Why are you sighing?"

    Irish got closer to him, leaned on his shoulder, looking forward, and then asked him, "If I forget you someday, what should I do?"

    "Why would you say that?" He still closed his eyes, but he held her tightly.

    Irish stared at his cufflinks and yed with them so that they tickled him, and then he grabbed her hands. Looking at his hands, she felt warm and hated herself for being so sentimental. She hesitated for a while and then said, "I can''t remember what Adam looks like now. Do you think I am sick?"

    Joseph opened his eyes to look at her while she also gazed at him, but she suddenly found that he was frowning at her. Irish was a little bit shocked and asked, "What''s wrong?"

    "Don''t recall if you can''t remember." He said seriously, and Irish was surprised.

    Joseph reached out, pinched her cheek, and then said, "You are missing him in my arms?"

    Irish blinked and then reacted when she saw his serious look and couldn''t helpughing. "Are you jealous?"

    Joseph ignored her words while Irish still stuck to his chest and patted him lightly. "What a petty man!" Actually, she liked watching him be jealous.

    Joseph raised his hands and rubbed her hair as if trying to punish her. Irish didn''t have time to avoid him, so her hair soon became all messed up.

    ? It was in the afternoon when they arrived.

    The wind was rising in Johannesburg, and it was even stronger when they arrived at the diamond mine. Standing on the top of it, Irish was swayed by the wind since she was thin and slender. When they arrived at the entrance of the diamond mine, she was so surprised that many people stood in a line there, and obviously, they were waiting for Joseph. Of course, what she was surprised by was not the people but Daisy, who stood in front of the line. She had alsoe to South Africa!

    Irish was confused and had a premonition that something must have happened in this diamond mine.<novelnext></novelnext>

    When she was still in a mess, Daisy walked to them. After greeting Joseph, she looked at Irish and said, "Hello." It seemed that Daisy was not surprised at all when she saw them arrive together.

    "Hey, Daisy." Irish was a little embarrassed since she thought of her as Joseph''s liaison and was suddenly exposed before her.

    However, Daisy did not intend to chat with her, and soon she turned to Joseph and said, "Mr. Vincent has been waiting for you in the nt room."

    Joseph nodded, handing the portfolio to Daisy while Irish looked at him, who stood in the wind, the hem of his coat pping in the wind. Perhaps he stayed in the helicopter for a long time, and he was wounded, so he looked pale. When she saw that he was about to get into the mine, she hastily stepped to hold him.

    He was warmed by her behavior, and his voice turned soft, "I am fine. Don''t worry."

    "I have to stay with you."

    Joseph smiled and shrugged his shoulders, "Okay." And then he turned to Daisy, "Prepare a set of overalls and helmet for Isabel."

    Daisy calmly replied, "I have prepared them already."

    It seemed that Joseph was not surprised at Daisy''s high efficiency, so he took Irish''s hands and pulled her, "Let''s go."

    Irish held his arm and said in a low voice, "Belle is like a small sorcererpared to Daisy."

    Hearing this, Joseph smiled but didn''t say anything.

    Mr. Vincent had been waiting for him for a long time, and there were several cigarette butts in the ashtray. He was also dressed in the coveralls. When he saw Joseph, he stood up to shake him with great enthusiasm and said, "Joseph, many people have been worried about you since you were shot. Do you feel better now?"

    "Thank you for your care. I am fine." Joseph shook hands with him and replied politely.

    Vincent quickly nced at Irish and smiled, "You will get better soon since there is a beauty to take care of you every day."

    Irish didn''t reply but just smiled, and Joseph soon replied for her. "Yes, indeed."

    "I am relieved since you have recuperated. I knew you would not give up since you still have to do many things." Mr. Vincent finally got back to the point and showed a weird smile. Then he added, "Now, it is time for you to fulfill your promise."

 Chapter 300 300: You Did Win

    Irish knew that he did not really care about Joseph''s wound, instead, he came here to cause trouble for him. Joseph replied indifferently beside him, "ording to our agreement, you lost."

    "Yes, you did get the diamond mine only with 200 million dors, but don''t forget that it is an empty diamond mine, and it''s worth 170 million dors at most. Joseph, you don''t have to do that to win and keep your status in the jewelry industry. It is not worth the loss."

    Joseph smiled faintly but didn''t argue with him.

    But Vincent said again, "But it is just a game, and I am not going to force you to withdraw from this area if you admit you lost before the public. What''s more, I think there is no need for my mining team to exploit this diamond mine for you since it''s only worth 170 million dors."

    Irish stared at Vincent and was a little annoyed by him.

    However, Joseph still smiled faintly and said, "Mr. Vincent, perhaps you will be disappointed, and your mining team has to work for me."

    Irish was shocked and didn''t know why he was so confident.

    "Oh?" Vincent was also interested and said, "You might put fine timber to petty use."

    Joseph didn''t say anything but turned to Daisy, and Daisy soon stepped forward, handing a paper to Joseph and saying in a low voice, "The legal documents for the transfer have taken effect. You have the right to mine."

    Joseph took a look at the document and then asked, "What is the situation inside?"

    "Just as you expected," Daisy said mysteriously.

    Joseph finallyughed, and the smile expanded into the deep of his eyes. He then handed the document back to Daisy, staring at Vincent, "Now that Mr. Vincent is so interested in M100-2, why note to have a look with me?"

    "Well, I would like to." He agreed since he hoped to have a look within. After finishing his words, he pointed in the direction of M100-2 and asked, "Where is the car? Don''t tell me that we have to walk there."

    "It is unnecessary. We could go there through the M 100-1 diamond mine that also belongs to the Runestone group." Joseph said with a smile and then turned away.

    Vincent was astonished but followed him.

    They directly entered the M100-1 diamond mine, while Irish supported Joseph and Daisy led the way in front of them. There were many mining workers who greeted Joseph on the way to M100-2 while Joseph also nodded to greet them. Finally, they arrived at the deepest part of the diamond mine.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish had never been to such a depth, and it was not until they arrived there that she realized this was the ce Joseph required to make a channel reconstruction. There were several people that had arrived there earlier, and a lot of equipment was installed beside them, which looked very expensive and professional.

    One of them saw Joseph and hastily walked to him with great astonishment. He said cheerfully to Joseph, "Mr. Dover, we have detected the diamond storage of this diamond mine."

    "How much is it?" Joseph looked eager to get the answer.

    "This is an unprecedented giant diamond mine. From the results of the preliminary survey, the M100-2 diamond storage is 70% of the total mine. Once this amount is announced, it will be amazing!" The man was excited and then added, "A total of nearly 9 billion tons of storage!"

    The plot reversed quickly. A moment before, M100-2 was worthless, but now it was a priceless diamond mine. Irish saw clearly that after the man finished his report to Joseph, his smile expanded on his face and the depressing cloud finally vanished from his eyes.

    She was shocked since the story was reversed so fast, while Mr. Vincent was astounded and grabbed the arms of the man reporting, asking with a shrill voice, "You said there is 9 billion tons of diamond storage in this mine?"

    The man was frightened by him and looked at Joseph for help, so Joseph said to Vincent with a calm voice, "Mr. Vincent, now it is the time for you to fulfill your promise."

    "It is impossible. It must be impossible." Vincent loosened his hands and gazed at Joseph with stunning eyes, "It is an empty diamond mine, how could this be possible? You must have the wrong number."

    "It seems that you received inside news before betting with me." Joseph smiled faintly and added, "However, God bless me."

    "What is done can''t be undone, so asking the reason is nothing more than asking for trouble." Obviously, Joseph didn''t intend to tell him the truth, and perhaps he didn''t want to tell him, or perhaps he thought it would waste his time. Soon he added, "The right saddle must be set on the right horse, so I have to thank you for betting with me, or I couldn''t enter the BRIGHT Group, and your mining team also wouldn''t work for me. Now it has saved me a lot of money, so Mr. Vincent, please choose the best store positions for our Runestone Group."

    After a long time, Vincent gazed at Joseph and said, "Well, you did win!"

    Vincent left, and Joseph escorted him personally. When he came back, his face was still pale, but she could perceive the smile in his eyes. It was 9 billion tons of diamond storage, and no one could be indifferent to this news, let alone Joseph, who had been depressed because of the pressure from the board of directors and the rumors from outside. But now, as long as it was going to be mined, it would bring inestimable profit.

    Joseph determined the mining position with the survey team and asked them to act carefully in every movement. Daisy spread theyout schematics, and Irish could see it was covered with numbers and symbols, which she didn''t understand.

    "Mr. Dover, we have sessfully outlined the general shape and internal structure of the M100-2 mine ording to your request. You can take a look." Daisy handed it to Joseph, pointing at one of the points, and said, "The mine is divided into three vertical zones: A, B, and C. Alston and other diamond dealers only looked at zone A, which was the outermostyer, and the diamond storage was extremely low. Actually, he was right since there were only 170 million tons of diamond storage. Zone B. is in the middle, and there was no diamond storage in thisyer. That''s why many people thought it was an empty mine. However, the huge storage capacity is in Zone C. The most favorable mining entrance in Zone C can only be found through M100-1 which belongs to the Runestone Group. Mr. Dover, your assumption was right, and this is not an empty mine; instead, it''s a priceless mine!"

 Chapter 301 301: The Priceless Diamond Mine

    Joseph looked at the drawing and nodded while Daisy asked immediately. "We have faced great pressure from the board of directors, and the share price was vtile..."

    Joseph thought for a while and then ordered, "Notify the domestic public rtions department to publish the news. Remember that we have to take the front page. Send the specific storage content of the mine to the headquarters, but don''t release the specific number to the media yet."

    "I will do it right away." Daisy nodded.

    With this news, he could eliminate shareholders'' dissent, and the stock price could also be stabilized.

    It was getting darker when they got out of the diamond mine. Irish got in the car first, and Joseph followed after assigning other duties to Daisy. When the door was closed, she felt the familiar woody fragrance again, but her muddled head was not getting sober; instead, she felt a headache.

    After fastening his seat belt, Joseph didn''t start the car immediately but turned to Irish and asked softly. "What''s wrong?"

    She didn''t talk much the whole afternoon while he was busy with the issues about the diamond mine. When he looked at her asionally, he saw her standing there quietly.

    His soft voice woke her up slightly. She looked up, and her eyes were vacant. She shook her head slightly while Joseph said to her. "We will stay here for a night in the hotel that we stayed at before."

    Irish nodded, and then he drew back his hands. When he was about to start the car, Irish suddenly said, "Let me drive since you are still injured."

    "I''m fine." He started the car and drove forward.

    The sunset was finally overwhelmed by the darkness. The night wasing, and it was getting colder. Irish looked at the buildings outside the window and tightened her coat. Joseph was a considerate man, and after perceiving her movements, he pressed a button to raise the car windows.

    The window slowly closed while it was suffused with a faint woody fragrance in the car.

    She was warmed by his consideration and said softly. "So, are you a billionaire now?"

    Joseph found her mood swings, but he still looked forward and replied seriously. "Isabel, don''t forget that this diamond mine belongs to the Runestone Group. I just work for it and take my own sry as well as a bonus from it."

    "I don''t understand." Irish looked forward where the headlights dispelled the darkness, and she continued, "You could have your ownpany since you are so talented, why are you still working for the Runestone Group?"

    "I have told you before that I owe the Lake family."

    Irish then turned to him and asked, "Will you leave it someday?"

    Josephughed and quickly exined, "Is this a question and answer time?"

    "I am just curious."

    A red light was ahead of them, and Joseph slowed down and stopped before the red light. He looked forward as if he was pondering. After a long while, he replied, "When I''m finished paying a debt of gratitude, I will leave."<novelnext></novelnext>

    Somehow, when hearing this, she felt weird.

    "Do you still have any questions?" Joseph nced at her.

    "Yes, I have a lot of questions for you, but now I am confused and don''t know which one I should ask you first." She was eager to know the truth about the diamond mine. She thought she had got the answer to some questions, but what happened today was beyond her expectations. She also wanted to know why Daisy was there. Now it turned out things were not as simple as she thought. What''s more, she also wondered what kind of role Joseph had yed in Alston''s death.

    A series of questions gued Irish, and she wanted to vomit but failed, and it made her feel sick.

    Joseph noticed that and caressed her hair and said softly, "Then you can ask me when you know what you want to ask, but now don''t think too much and have a good rest." She looked tired since she got up early this morning.

    Irish nodded lightly and then nodded her head, so when the car started again, she closed her eyes, but she still felt a headache.

    After arriving at the hotel, Irish opened the door, and when she was about to take a shower, someone rushed out and grabbed her. Before she could respond, a strong arm pulled her away. She was shocked.

    When she calmed down, she found that she was standing behind Joseph, and soon she heard Joseph ask someone in an unpleasant voice, "Are you crazy?"

    "Joseph, I was just greeting my old friend. Why are you so annoyed?" The man said sarcastically.

    She was familiar with this voice, so when she took a look, she was shocked, "Leo!"

    "Hello! Did you miss me?" Leo smiled and waved to her.

    "Hi!" She waved at him, but she knew he hadn''te here just to see her.

    Joseph had calmed down and asked faintly. "How much money did you give to the hotel cleaner?"

    "Wow, you know me so well. But I only bribed the cleaner with a big smile."

    Joseph snorted.

    "When you repurchased the diamond mine with 200 million dors, I knew I was cheated. The value of the diamond mine was definitely more than 170 million dors. You are good at getting the maximum profit for the lowest investment. No one is qualified to be your opponent in such games." Leo leaned on the couch leisurely and added, "Do you think I am the person who knows you best?"

    "What do you think?" Joseph''s answer was brief but precise.

    Joseph didn''t feel surprised about his arrival, perhaps he had expected he woulde here sooner orter. But Irish still perceived a trace of gunpowder from Joseph''s serious expression and Leo''s rambling eyes. Absolutely, they had to clean up the messy battlefield after the war, but was the battle really finished?

    She thought as a psychologist, she could see through their minds, and she also thought since she was a bystander, she could see clearly the development of the situation, but she was wrong. When she thought everything was finished, it had only just started.

 Chapter 302 302: Did You Promise This To Him?

    Just as Irish expected, though Joseph was not surprised by Leo''s arrival, he was extremely displeased by his appearance. He put aside the portfolio and said indifferently. "If you were the person who knows me best, then you wouldn''t have lost so bitterly in thispetition. I had warned you at the gambling table that you''d better retreat early before losing."

    She remembered this. It was in Cape Town, and she thought it was just thefort of Joseph, but she never thought he had advanced gradually and entrenched himself at every step. Perhaps it was even earlier than she expected.

    "In fact, I didn''t lose a single penny."

    "But in fact, you didn''t make any money." Joseph argued directly and added, "You wasted a lot of time and energy, so in thispetition, you lost indeed."

    Irish noticed the change in Leo''s expression, and there was a trace of coldness in his smile. Hearing this, he sneered and said, "Joseph, don''t burn the bridge after crossing it. Without my blood, do you think you could walk into the diamond mine alive?"

    "Do you really want me to extend my appreciation?"

    "It''s unnecessary because she will give me the best gift." Leo pointed to Irish suddenly with a faint smile hanging on his face, and a meaningful look had reced the coldness.

    Joseph frowned and turned to Irish while she was confused and looked at Joseph nkly. But soon, her heart trembled, and she looked at Leo. "What kind of gift can I give you?" She was confused by Leo since she was just a bystander.

    Leo leisurely stepped forward with a smile, but before he could get close to Irish, Joseph suddenly blocked his way to Irish. Joseph soon frowned and looked very unpleasant while Leo still smiled leisurely. Finally, he simply asked Irish, though Joseph was standing between them, "Irish, do you still remember what you promised me?"

    Irish could only see Joseph''s broad back, and she was even more confused when she heard this, but she had perceived Joseph''s irritation, so she chose to keep silent.

    However, Leo didn''t intend to give up and said to Joseph directly this time, "She promised me that as long as I rescued you, she would be my girlfriend."

    Irish saw clearly that Joseph''s back had turned rigid, and she couldn''t help trembling as well. He turned back to her while she looked up at him, and she trembled again. His handsome face still looked calm, but he frowned tightly with his lips twisted which made him look very severe. Joseph just gazed at her motionlessly. But she had said this to Leo just to save him. She thought it was noble behavior, but somehow she felt guilty as if she had done a rotten thing.

    After a long while, Joseph said in a slow but solemn voice, "Did you promise this to him?"

    Irish licked her lips. When she was about to draw back her gaze, she heard him again, "Tell me."

    Though he didn''t even raise his voice, it still sounded grave.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Yes." She replied briefly with an extremely low voice and clenched her fingers. She knew it was unnecessary to tell anything else to him, and he must understand why she would make such a promise.

    Hearing this, Joseph frowned more tightly. It was the second time that she had seen him with such a cold look. The first time was when she came to rescue the hostage at the airport. In the next second, she heard Joseph say unpleasantly, "Nonsense!"

    He turned back to her but didn''t lose his temper, but Irish felt sore and aggrieved when she heard this from him.

    But soon, she heard Leo say in jest, "What are you doing? Why do you speak in such a tone to my girlfriend?" But before she could warn him not to speak carelessly, Joseph said again calmly, "Leo, you don''t have to take it seriously since anyone would promise anything in an emergency. You must understand that since you are an experienced man."

    Leo was amused by his words and turned aside to Irish behind him and said with a casual tone, "Irish, you are different from other women, so you have to keep your promise."

    After hearing this, her grievance turned to anger, and when she was about to ost Leo harshly, Joseph suddenly turned to her again and fondled her face with his slender fingers. There was even a big smile on his face, which looked totally different from his somber look just a moment before. His voice turned soft, "Isabel, I told you many times not to make any promise if you can''t keep it. It is easy to make a promise but difficult to fulfill. Do you understand?"

    "Ah?" Irish was shocked slightly, and soon she saw his deep eyes, so she nodded unconsciously.

    "Get in the room. You are exhausted today. Go to sleep first, you don''t have to wait for me." Joseph held her head so that she could get closer to him while, in the next second, he kissed her abruptly.

    Her face turned rosy, and he smiled and loosened her.

    Irish rushed to the bedroom and heard Leo shouting behind her. "Irish, look at you! What a coward! You will tumble someday if you keep being entranced by him!"

    Yes, she was a coward. She had to admit that because she was in love with Joseph. Any girl would be intoxicated with him.

    The atmosphere in the study room regained.

    "After flirting with my girlfriend, now it''s time toe back to our story." Though he was a gate-crasher, Joseph still did the honors and poured tea for him. After that, he lit a cigarette.

    Leo took a sip of the tea and frowned. Obviously, he was not interested in the tea he served. "Can you give me something else, such as wine or whiskey?" After finishing his words and before Joseph could reply to him, he suddenly patted his head and added, "Oh, forgot that you rarely drink." He put down the tea and also put a cigarette into his mouth.

 Chapter 303 303: You Are No Better Than Me

    Joseph still looked at him indifferently without saying anything. A wisp of smoke rose from the burning cigarette and soon vanished after reaching his chin.

    "I came here to see you since you are so lucky." Leo leaned against the couch leisurely but didn''t light the cigarette in his mouth. He fondled the lighter and showed a faint smile to Joseph. "Many peoplemitted suicide from gambling in ore, but why are you not a part of them? Joseph, don''t you think you might be too lucky?"

    "Maybe." Joseph also leaned back with one of his hands holding his cigarette while the other rested on the couch. Two of his shirt buttons were undone, revealing his sturdy chest. Unlike Leo, he looked graceful and elegant as the dark sky, but his voice sounded cold.

    Leo squinted and continued, "I''m really confused, why are you so lucky?"

    "It is because God ced the entrance of that huge diamond mine inside of M100-1, and no one knew this secret except me." Joseph smiled faintly and took a drag of the cigarette, gazing at Leo through the smoke with his deep eyes, adding, "If you were not so eager to defeat me, you would also have found it since you are so smart."

    Leo mmed the lighter on the table while his eyes turned severe, but he still showed a cold smile, "It turned out you have suspected me for a long time."

    "However, you got the wrong information and lost this huge diamond mine." Joseph smiled, which looked very enchanting. "I assume you''re very clear about how much profit I can gain from 9 billion tons of diamond, I remember that you are good at math."

    Leo stared at him and lit his cigarette after a long while.

    The cigarette in Joseph''s hand was not extinguished yet, and the fire slowly swallowed it. He flicked the cigarette ash away and said to Leo, "You got the news that it is an empty mine before me, and then you colluded with Hall to mark up the diamond price. Finally, you pretended topete with me with just a small amount of money to force me to bid on that so-called empty diamond mine with my total worth. In this way, you were able to vent your hatred. Leo, your motives are despicable."

    Leo dropped cigarette ash on the ground directly but still didn''t remove his eyes from Joseph. After hearing this, he sneered and asked, "When did you begin to suspect me?"

    "You are my deadly foe, so it is normal for me to be vignt towards you." Joseph smiled and put the cigarette butt out on the ashtray, pressing to extinguish it with his slender finger. Thest wisp of smoke rose from it and surrounded him but soon vanished. After a few seconds, Joseph said continually, "But I truly realized what your ambition was on the day when I was kidnapped."

    The tea cooled down while the smoke dissipated, but the atmosphere remained very tense in the room. The two of them were deadlocked.

    Joseph leaned back on the couch after extinguishing his cigarette, and the smile on his face was even fainter. He then continued, "Alston was determined to enter the American market, so M100-2 was essential for him, and he needed to try his best. Then we all became his enemies. In this way, it was natural that he would kidnap me. I just waited to see who woulde to rescue me in the end."<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Joseph, don''t forget that I was your savior." Leo squinted.

    "You were so anxious that you lost your mind," Joseph said slowly. "I never thought you would want topete with me because we are all the same. I know you wanted to defeat me, so you wouldn''t care what kind of means you used as long as you won. You just wanted me to lose everything I have, so the most splendid part of the game was on the bidding day. How could you allow me not to show up? In order to achieve your goal, you would find me at any cost. I had been suspecting your rtion with Hall, and it was not until you showed up at the kidnapping scene that I was sure that you must have made a great effort against me. I am familiar with South Africa, but you are not, so it was not easy for you to find a reliable man. The only man who could help you was Hall because he knows everything in South Africa, like Tuell. But obviously, you don''t know Tuell at all."

    "I never thought Alston''s kidnapping would help you."

    "Yes. Perhaps, just as you said, I''m too lucky." Joseph sneered and then asked, "But there is still a point that I don''t understand. Why would Hall help you and tell you the secret about this mine?" Zone B of the diamond mine did create a false appearance, and it deceived Tuell as well as Hall.

    Leo drew back his eyes and said, "You don''t know the reason?"

    "Hall is not an honest man, but how could he listen to you and tell you the secret unless you coerced him with something." His eyes flickered and continued, "But I can''t figure out how you coerced him."

    Leo smiled and said, "It was easy. He had an affair with one of the South African councilors."

    "But as far as I am concerned, the politicians here are all men." Joseph was a little shocked and frowned.

    "Can''t men be with men?" Leo said ironically.

    Then Joseph realized what he meant, and he smiled while shaking his head, "Leo, you are so contemptible."

    "You are no better than me, and don''t forget, I learned it from you. It was you who told me that businessmen are all crafty." Leo sneered and stood up, and then he continued to say, "You''d better consider carefully how tofort Irish before you are going to rake things up against her. Did you think how she''ll feel when she finds out that you purchased a huge diamond mine at such an extremely low price by using her? Oh, perhaps she knows that already. I guess she was bitterly disappointed when she saw Daisy show up at the ''empty'' mine."

 Chapter 304 304: You Will Eventually Realize You’re An Idiot

    Joseph''s faint smile gradually vanished, and he squinted slightly and replied, "Thanks for the reminder." His eyes were severe, and he also stood up with his hands in his pockets.

    However, Leo got closer to him and whispered beside his ear, "Joseph, if she were my girlfriend, I would never allow her to bear such disappointment."

    Joseph looked forward and said slowly, word by word, "Unfortunately, she''s not yours. If she loves me, she has to ept all this."

    Leo stepped back, straightened his back, and sneered after looking at him for a long while, "Joseph, just wait and see." When he was about to leave, the door of the study room opened suddenly. Irish''s pale face appeared in their sight. The two of them were stunned.

    Leo reacted first and said to her while staring at her pale face, "You will eventually realize you are an idiot if you still fall in love with a man like this." Then he turned away.

    Irish trembled after hearing that, and when she looked up, she found that Leo had left.

    There was only a faint smell of tobo in the room. She looked over and found a wisp of smoke still floating in the air, blurring the man by the couch. He stood there quietly while his slender figure reflected under the light outside the window. She suddenly felt unfamiliar with him, but he was so real in front of her. But why did she feel that she couldn''ty a finger on him?

    "Come here," Joseph said with his usual calm voice.

    She stepped into this battlefield where the smoke had still not fully dissipated. Through the hazy smoke, she got closer to him, and at least she could feel him in this way. Joseph took a glimpse at her and then turned to open the window. Soon the night breeze blew in and dispelled the smoke from the room, but Irish felt that the woody fragrance which originally belonged to Joseph had been dispelled.

    Joseph didn''t look back after opening the window but stood in front of it, overlooking the city where the lights were shining from a distance. His shadow was lengthened under the moonlight.

    She lowered her head and slowly looked up from the shadow on the ground and finally met his back which looked unfamiliar and lonely.

    How could she describe this man who had gained a diamond mine of 9 billion tons of diamond storage? He should be happy, but why did he look so mncholy?

    She realized why he was so confident until now. It was because he had seen through his opponent''s mind since he was experienced with such businesspetition. A person like him would be vignt to every opponent who appeared around him, and he would eliminate them soundlessly. Once, he and Leo all lost in the gambling house. Two big alligators lost while a shrimp survived. But now, it turned out that the people who were proficient in gambling were not her, instead, they were the two big alligators who once lost so severely. She won because she was lucky that day, while they lost because they didn''t care about such small games.

    ? But Joseph was wrong on one point. He said before that a sessful psychologist was half businessman, and he said that she should get involved in the business. But now it turned out that he had promoted her since she had not measured up to him at all. Because as a psychologist, what she cared about was the will of people, while as the businessman, Joseph or Leo only focused on humanity.<novelnext></novelnext>

    All of the justice or conscience should make a concession before business profit. She never made a judgment on this behavior since the businesspetition was the same as a war on the battlefield, and there was no way to retreat for them. But she felt so sorrowful when she knew that she had been exploited.

    It was so quiet in the room, and the neon was cked out since it was the middle of the night.

    After a long time, Irish said with a soft but hollow voice. "I didn''t intend to eavesdrop on you, I was about to ask you if you wanted to have a midnight snack." She was sure it was not God who blessed him every time, or how could she have the opportunity to query him and torture him?

    He didn''t turn back but said indifferently, "Well, do you know what it is you want to ask me now?"

    "Yes, I have four questions, and I think you can give me the answers."

    Joseph finally turned to her with his back leaning against the windowsill, and his eyes fell on her and waited for her questions.

    Irish took a deep breath and asked firmly. "You knew that the mine was not empty, right?"

    "I was not sure once Tuell told me it was empty and when Leo took the risk of giving himself away to bring me to the auction."

    Joseph replied frankly because he knew that she was eager to know this answer, and he could perceive her depression at present. So he continued, "Everyone believes that M100-2 is an empty mine because any experienced man who had checked the mine would call in question, including me. It was not until the channel reconstruction that I found the inkling. When the water was pumped out from the runway, I found that there was a ce that was linked to M100-2, and this position was so special that I thought it might be a huge mine, ording to my experience. Of course, I couldn''t estimate its diamond storage at that time, and no one would know this because they couldn''t get into the M100-1, which belonged to the Runestone Group. The special point about M100-2 is that there is an emptyyer in it, and that''s why many people think it is an empty mine. I was also hesitant about whether I would get this mine. But finally, I decided to take a bet.

    Irish looked at him quietly and nodded slightly after hearing this, and then she continued to ask, "You said that you perceived Leo''s intentions when you were kidnapped, but what was the reason you sounded him out before?"

    "It was because of you." Joseph sighed, and Irish was shocked.

    "That night when I made a bet with Vincent, you asked me if I trusted that Leo''s minimum price was 400 million dors." Joseph looked at her with soft eyes and then said again, "Every time when you began to suspect something, I could perceive it from your eyes, and because of your words, I began to be vignt to Leo."

    Irishughed helplessly. It turned out that he noticed all the particrs she wasn''t even aware of.

 Chapter 305 305: Love Is The Same

    Her smile was as light as a gust of wind, only shown beside her lips, but it touched Joseph and made him feel ufortable. He frowned and grabbed his fingers. At this moment, he felt fretful without any reason. It might have been because of her smile or the loneliness and helplessness implied by her smile. He didn''t know how tofort her, so he just released his fingers and put them into his trouser pockets again. His slender figure seemed to stand up straighter.

    Irish felt a little bit cold. The wind blew and brought the smell of wood that she was familiar with. She suddenly felt distressed.

    Joseph looked more handsome against the moonlight, but his tall and straight figure seemed lonely and mncholic. She wanted to embrace him tightly regardless of her hesitation and nervousness. But what she next did was ask the question that she hardly dared to know the answer to but had lingered in her mind for a long time.

    "Why didn''t you tell me the truth, especially when you asked me to find Alston?"

    Joseph closed his lips tightly. His look had been a lure for Irish. When he kept silent, his lips and chin would form a perfect and sexy appearance. However, at this moment, Joseph''s expression made Irish question him since she didn''t know what he would answer.

    And then his low voice came, "It''s simple. I didn''t want to make any new problems."

    This answer seemed to be blown to Irish. Her body trembled and soon became numb. Only his voice lingered beside her. Seeing her hurt expression, Joseph knew that she misunderstood him, so he just sighed, "Irish. Sorry. I didn''t mean to. Clever as you are, you are not as experienced as Alston. Any unnatural action you made would arouse his doubt, and you would finally be immersed in this dilemma of conscience and reality. There was no need for you to endure it. In addition, it was I who insisted on purchasing the mine, and actually, I was not so sure about whether it was an empty mine. Besides, how would I let my woman suffer in this bloody battle between businessmen."

    Irish looked at him silently.

    His voice was so light, and his expression was soft, "I had no other choice in this gamble. I needed to win." He stopped briefly and then continued, "Love is the same. You have to gamble to get the woman you love."

    Actually, it was the same case for her.

    Every breath Irish made was painful. She had an impulse to cry, so she just looked somewhere else and nodded. She said, "I understand." Then she couldn''t say anything else. The statement "I understand" was not meant vaguely but to express a true understanding of his words.

    She admitted what he said and would not question it. He was just such a man who would never hesitate when it was the right time to confess. She felt sorrowful because the truth was always the most difficult to ept.

    Joseph was right. Whether she found out about it sooner orter, she would be in a dilemma. She was not a child, so she understood that he would always take a step-by-step approach that could even be regarded as cruel. It was only because Irish didn''t know the truth that she was able to be so calm in front of Alston. And that was Joseph''s intention.<novelnext></novelnext>

    What she felt upset about was not that Joseph didn''t tell her the truth but the issue of conscience. It was because Alston thought it was an empty mine that he chose tomit suicide by jumping from the roof of that building. A statement made him end his life, and that was what she could not forget. But in reverse, if Alston hadn''t been told, Joseph would have been in danger.

    "The M100-2 mine is very valuable. I just thought that if you had given Alston a higher price for it, he might not have killed himself." Irish said in a very low voice, and she sounded like an injured bird. Then she just shook her head and forced a smile. Before his answer, she continued, "No, just as you said, you don''t want to create new problems. If you offered a higher price, he would have found something."

    Joseph felt sorry for her. Sometimes he hoped that she was not so clever since the clearer she was about it, she would condemn herself. She was a psychologist. Although sometimes she was stubborn, what she did wasfort others. However, in the business field, human beings'' kindness could be neglected, conscience could be ignored, and sometimes one''s life could be a stepping stone for someone else while pursuing their interests. Until now, he hadn''t realized that he was wrong and should not have involved her. However, at that time, she was the only one he could trust, and he knew that everyone except her could potentially betray him.

    He didn''t tell her about this. She was instinctive about everything, so there was no need to exin it. After a while, he just said in a low voice, "Sorry. I didn''t mean to upset you."

    His analogy made Irish feel both touched and suffocated. Joseph was so proud of himself, and his apology was torture for her. She understood that his apology was not for his behavior but for the psychological burden caused by it.

    She had onest question.

    Irish wanted to ask for it but couldn''t. Joseph looked at her and asked lightly, "You still have one question."

    She opened her mouth but finally shook her head helplessly.

    Joseph walked toward. The moonlight made him look cold.

    He pinched her chin lightly with his slender fingers, "What''s your fourth question?"

    He was most concerned about her final question. Irish looked at him, and his eyes looked deep. Those eyes could draw every woman''s attention at any time. This was her beloved man. Maybe he just couldn''t understand that the more a woman loved a man, the more she would be in terror and the more paranoid she would be...

 Chapter 306 306: Is This Your Last Question?

    She just looked away. His fingertip skimmed over her lips, and thus the familiar scent of wood fluttered by. She walked backward away from him and asked, "It''s time to go back to New York. When will we leave?"

    Atst, she asked herst question.

    "Is this yourst question?" Joseph felt a little confused, and soon he felt unsatisfied.

    Irish didn''t look at him, so she didn''t know how serious he was being now. She just said lightly, "Maybe."

    "The day after tomorrow."

    She nodded without saying anything and turned to her bedroom.

    Against the dim light, she looked extremely tiny, as if she was about to be swallowed by night. Joseph frowned and said as she was about to enter the room, "If I could have chosen again, I would still do it."

    Irish stopped suddenly and didn''t turn around.

    His voice seemed to be cold in the air, "I don''t long for sess, but in these vital games, only the strongest can survive. So if it is necessary, I make the rules. I hope you can understand that you don''t have to know everything."

    What an aggressive tone!

    Irish forced a smile. This corresponded to his personality.

    "I see." She said lightly and then walked back to the bedroom.

    The air became cold when the woman beside him was gone. Joseph stopped there for a long time, still looking at the door.

    ****

    Irish knew that sometimes she was very paranoid, but it wasn''t shown clearly. Last night Joseph was so direct since they weren''t children anymore. Sometimes it would be more convenient to say something directly than to talk in a roundabout way, though telling the truth would hurt more.

    Joseph didn''t sleep all night, not because of her but because of business.

    She found out after getting up.

    It was cloudy outside the window as if it was going to rain. She opened her eyes and felt cold immediately. She looked at the spot where Joseph should have been lying beside her. However, it was extremely clean and without any trace of having been slept in.

    In the past, she was used to sleeping in his bosom and being nestled in his strong arms. She enjoyed being attached to his bosom and falling asleep with his light wooden aroma. She never knew that she would feel so cold here.

    Although she was nestled in the quilt, she still felt cold without him.

    Joseph, Daisy, and the engineer she had seen before were discussing some issues rted to mine M100-2 in the study room. She didn''t know when Daisy and that engineer had arrived at the hotel.

    Standing outside the study, she looked at Joseph from the crack between the door and its frame. There was a cup of coffee in front of him, but obviously, it waspletely cold now because he hardly touched it, upied by his business.<novelnext></novelnext>

    From afar, Irish could see how tired he was. Because of his wound, he was not as energetic and passionate as before. Instead, his face was pale, but he still insisted on making further arrangements.

    In this case, Irish could not assist him, so she just went back to the living room. She kept changing channels on the sofa, feeling unhappy. After a while, she found that she could not calm down, so she just turned it off and stood up to call the restaurant in the hotel, asking them to send breakfast upstairs.

    But instead, she washed herself and went out quietly.

    It was 9 am.

    It should have been a sunny day, but it was so cloudy. There were just a few people in Mand Square and a few pigeons. Maybe they were afraid of this kind of weather.

    She sat on a wooden chair, taking up the coffee she bought at the cafe beside the square. The heat lingered in her mouth but didn''t bring much warmth to her. The fountain was shooting arcs of water into the air, and the high buildings behind it nearly reached the clouds. What a grand scene!

    Irish took up the cup, and it warmed her fingers to a certain extent.

    In a trance, she seemed to see another Irish who sat at the caf�� idly and pleasantly. She looked out through the window with great expectation. Gradually she lit up when a man sat down.

    She seemed to see Joseph changing their coffee silently. He said, "Your coffee is cold now. Drink mine."

    She smiled sweetly and said, "Mine is sweet. Maybe it''s not suitable for you."

    While the manughed, he said, "Mine is bitter, but you need to adapt to it." A gust of wind stopped Irish''s daydreaming.

    And as she looked at it clearly, the seat of the caf�� was empty now, without her or Joseph. A leaf blew past the window, reflecting her loneliness at this moment.

    Then Irish suddenly realized something.

    Why had she been so stupid before? Joseph had told her how to get along well with him. He said that she had to adapt to the bitterness of his coffee. It had the same meaning as his statement, "If she loves me, she has to ept everything about me."

    Adaptation was a process of fitting perfectly, which every couple needed to go through. However, Joseph was the main character, so it might be very difficult for her to adapt to him.

    A raindrop fell down. She had no time to escape it, and rain started to fall down onto her hair. She felt cold from her inner heart, and suddenly she thought of a statement, "Only the real rain can make one wet."

    She stared at the coffee in her hand, shaking her head and smiling forcefully.

    Atst, she realized that she had bought a cup of ck coffee, which was Joseph''s favorite. She had been unconsciously influenced. She walked forward to the trash can, nning to throw the coffee in her hand away. But the next moment, she was unwilling to do it.

    She decided to keep it.

    She had a simple lunch and then went back to the hotel. Her hair was wet, and it was muggy as she went inside. When she got out of the lift, she saw Belle, who didn''t feel good. She looked like she had been crying.

 Chapter 307 307: Why Did She Get Dismissed?

    Irish stopped. Seeing Belle draw near, she thought that she had hardly seen her in the past few days, especially after Daisy came here. She felt surprised and somewhat strange. The diamond mine had had such great changes, and Belle should have been the busiest of everyone. Why would Joseph call Daisy here rather than Belle?

    As she thought about these questions, Belle had already approached and raised her head. She hadn''t expected to see Irish there and looked astonished.

    Irish didn''t know what to say to her, so she just leaned to one side.

    However, Belle didn''t move and stared at Irish. After a while, she asked, "You know how long I have worked for Mr. Dover?"

    This unreasonable question confused Irish. How would she know?

    Belle felt embarrassed to ask this question. She felt she shouldn''t have asked.

    Irish sighed lightly and asked her, "Are you okay?"

    Belle shook her head lightly. After a while, she said "sorry" and turned to enter the lift.

    Irish was perplexed.

    As she entered the room, she smelled the strong scent of coffee that Daisy was making. Seeing Irish had returned, Daisy asked, "Is it raining?"

    Hearing her question, Irish realized that her hair was still wet. She just nodded, "It rained for a short time, but it has stopped now."

    Daisy felt sorry for her, expressing that she was busy with business and didn''t know that it had rained outside. She should have told Joseph about it. Irish got the meaning of her words. Joseph was a typical workaholic, and when he worked, he would take nothing else into consideration. He might not even have known that she had been out.

    Indeed, Daisy added, "Mr. Dover thought that you were still sleeping, so he ordered me to bring breakfast for you as you woke up."

    Irish smiled and said that she had already eaten.

    Irish suddenly thought of Belle''s facial expression, so she casually mentioned, "I saw Belle just now."

    Daisy cleaned the cup she was holding before pouring coffee, as was the practice in a 5-star hotel. Irish saw it and felt that she had been careless before. She had made coffee for Joseph before, but every time she did, she put it directly in front of him, while Daisy was very careful about it.

    As she thought of this, she felt regretful. She always pointed out that Belle was as able as Daisy, but what about Irish? Maybe she was no match for even Belle. Daisy was perfect, even in such small details. No wonder she had gained Joseph''s full trust.

    Not knowing how, Irish felt like she was an outsider while Joseph, Daisy, and that engineer had built an intimate world to which she didn''t have ess.

    Daisy didn''t know what Irish was thinking about, so she just put the handkerchief aside and put a delicate spoon on the te. She answered Irish''s question, "Belle? She was dismissed."

    Irish was shocked at this news.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Why did she get dismissed? She thought.

    Thinking of Belle''s expression, she suddenly felt stressed. Was it rted to her? Then she rejected this thought. Joseph was a very reasonable man. As a ruler, he could separate private affairs from work. In his eyes, rtionships could not be mixed with work. Irish really didn''t know himpletely. Belle yed such a significant role in South Africa, so why had Joseph dismissed such an important assistant?

    She also knew that even if she asked these questions, Daisy would not say much, so she just hid them. Seeing Daisy holding the coffee and turning to the study, Irish walked forward and said lightly, "Let me do it."

    Joseph''s pale face lingered in her mind. She wanted to take this opportunity to take a look at him.

    However, Daisy refused with a soft and helpless voice, "It''s okay. Mr. Dover is not in a good mood right now."

    Irish''s hands just hung in the air. She noticed the strong coffee smell. She believed what Daisy had said. Irish stopped for several seconds and asked, "What''s wrong with him?"

    Daisy shook her head, "Mr. Dover was stubborn again. The directors of the Group urged him toe back quickly and exin some issues rted to the mine. They called him over ten times. As a result, Mr. Dover was very angry and even prepared to drop his mobile phone."

    "He..." Irish hesitated.

    "Mr. Dover must go to Hong Kong first and then back to New York. The directors are impatient about it. In addition, he has not fully recovered yet, but I hope that he can be back as soon as possible. However, he insisted on it." Daisy frowned and was very concerned about it, "I don''t know why he needs to go to Hong Kong. If there was something important to deal with, he could give it to me."

    She sighed heavily and turned to the study.

    Irish stood there in a trance. Her long hair was attached to her face, making her ufortable, but her pain was greater than the small difort.

    ****

    At 3 in the afternoon, it was not as cloudy. Faint sunshine prated through the thick clouds, making the floor look both dim and strangely bright.

    Irish didn''t have much luggage, so it was easy for her to pack everything up. She walked out of the bedroom after phoning Will and went to the study through the living room.

    The door of the study room was not fully closed, but she couldn''t see clearly what was happening inside but could hear the sounds. It appeared that Daisy had received a call from the directors again, and she hesitated to pass it on to Joseph. Joseph didn''t take it over but discussed the issues concerning the mines with the engineer.

    After a while, Irish heard Daisy''s persuasion, "Mr. Dover, we''d better book the ticket to New York."

    Soon his low and unhappy voice came, "Are you my assistant or theirs?"

    Daisy soon answered, "I see. Mr. Dover."

    Irish closed her lips tightly with fingertips pressed against her palms. She could tell that Joseph had lowered his voice deliberately, but his anger was obvious. He was not a man who was angry often. It could be said that until now, she had not seen him lose his temper. He was a calm man who never behaved like this.

 Chapter 308 308: Just Two Tickets

    Taking a deep breath, she knocked at the door lightly.

    Someone stepped over, and a secondter, Daisy opened the door.

    Ignoring Daisy''s face, Irish saw Joseph in the chair. His face was still pale. Without enough rest, his cheeks had be sunken and more angr. He heard the sound and raised his head. Seeing her standing beside the door, he was not as serious as before.

    "Please give me some time." He said briefly.

    Joseph stood up. Daisy let him past, and he just walked out. He was surprised at her neat clothes and then looked out the window, frowning, "It''s not a good day for you to go out."

    He thought that she was about to go out.

    He didn''t know that she had been out and back already today.

    Irish looked up at his face. On his chin was newly-grown stubble. His tall figure exuded a strong power, but his exhaustion could still be felt. She wanted to touch his face lightly or hug him.

    She sighed lightly and then pretended to be rxed, "I have booked the ticket to Hong Kong, 7 o''clock tonight."

    She saw Joseph''s surprised expression. He then spoke with a sense of indulgence and helplessness. "Irish. You know we leave tomorrow."

    "You misunderstood me." Then her words became hurtful. She licked her lips and avoided his eyes deliberately, "I just booked mine, and I have packed up my luggage. Mr. Will is on the way to pick me up. I...I just wanted to tell you."

    As she stopped, even the air became cold. Joseph''s face looked like it was made of ice.

    His whole body went stiff. Irish could not catch her breath, so she just forced herself to look at him. She found that not only his face but his eyes had be cold as well. He just closed his lips tightly. Irish didn''t want to see him looking at her like this.

    "It''s difficult to change old habits, and I actually like to do things alone." Her voice was so light that it sounded casual. However, she didn''t dare speak louder because she knew she would choke and start to cry.

    Joseph didn''t say anything. His eyes became terrifying and cold.

    She lowered down her head to conceal the loneliness in her eyes, and her heart beat quickly. Although she lowered her head, she could still feel his sharp nce, which shot down her whole spine and made her feel weak and powerless.

    After a long while, she heard his voice, showing indifference.

    "Whatever." He blurted out.

    Irish was shocked, so she looked up at him. He didn''t leave immediately after it but stared at her. He seemed to be acting very strangely.

    "Daisy!" He suddenly shouted.

    The door was quickly opened, and Daisy walked in. She sensitively figured out the strange atmosphere, so as she spoke, her voice sounded very careful, "Mr. Dover��"<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Book the tickets back to New York immediately." He ordered her stiffly.

    Daisy was confused at first but soon realized the situation. She nodded and looked at Irish, "Doctor Irish, your passport��."

    "Just two tickets. One is for me, and the other is for you." Joseph interrupted Daisy''s words and turned back into the study.

    Daisy was astonished. As she looked at Irish, she asked tentatively, "What''s...wrong?" She had worked for Joseph for many years, and she had never seen Joseph so angry.

    Irish lowered her head and felt very embarrassed. She tolerated the great pain and didn''t answer Daisy''s question. She just repeated Joseph''s words lightly, "You just need to book two tickets. One is for you, and the other is for him."

    ****

    After half an hour, Will arrived at the hotel. Irish came out with her luggage. Feeling strange, he walked forward and took her luggage, and put it in the trunk. He wondered why Mr. Dover hadn''te downstairs with her.

    She was very tired and didn''t want to exin much, so she just said lightly, "He is very busy."

    It was true. She had a clear idea about how busy he was and how fretful she was.

    The sunshine had been covered by dark clouds again. The wind blew again, and the leaves were blown against the window heavily, apanied by a little rain. Soon the rain became heavy and blurred the world outside the window.

    Will had his seatbelt fastened and kept cursing about today''s weather. He was fond of sunshine, so this kind of weather put him in a bad mood.

    Irish sat on the back seat, turning her head to see the sudden rain. Finally, she had a way to vent out her anguish. She cried.

    She didn''t want to leave earlier, but she was afraid that she would be a burden to him.

    It wouldn''t change much even if they had gone to Hong Kong since they would still be faced with the rumors when they went back to New York. It would be better for her to go on a trip alone and let him go back first. In this way, at least the directors would not lose their temper with him, and he could have a good rest.

    The car left the parking lot of the hotel. She turned back and looked at the tall buildings through the mist. She knew that she couldn''t see him, but she longed to do so.

    Her tears fell down her face and filled her eyes, making it difficult for her to get a clear look through the front.

    There was a soft voice in her mind, "Joseph. I love you so much. We tend to lose our tempers at people who provide a sense of security for us, and you are the man who makes me feel safe. As a result, I subconsciously know that you will not leave me. Sometimes being wild is a demonstration of independence...."

    Back in the study, Joseph didn''t sit down but stood silently in front of the window for a long time. As Daisy entered, she saw his strong but lonely figure. He looked like a lone wolf that nobody would dare approach.

    But Daisy still said rapidly. "Mr. Dover, Doctor Irish has left." She didn''t know what was wrong between them, but it felt strange.

 Chapter 309 309: Where Is She Going?

    Joseph didn''t respond, just like an angry lion. He looked out of the window nkly.

    Daisy walked forward quietly, intending to figure out what he was looking at. Following his gaze, she saw Irish''s weak figure dragging her luggage. She asked in surprise, "Where is she going?"

    Joseph stared down and saw Irish getting in the car. He answered slowly, "Hong Kong." As he said it, the heavy rain poured down, and it became dim outside. He frowned and straightened his back.

    Daisy fully understood and felt regretful.

    "Mr. Dover, so��"

    "Let''s carry on." Joseph sat back in his seat. His demeanor became cold.

    Daisy still asked, "So tomorrow..."

    Joseph still looked cold and said lightly, "Back to New York."

    ****

    There was a kind of beauty in the mncholy fall in New York.

    However, the nightlife wasn''t influenced by the weather and still showed itsfort to those who were lost and upset in a vibrant and independent way.

    In the box at the bar, there was a line of spirits. Psychedelic lights shed, boisterous music yed, and men and women embraced each other on the dance floor.

    Only Roy was drinking silently, he was the only lonely figure in the lively bar.

    The dim light brightened the Swarovski crystal on the dark purple velvet couch, in contrast with the mour of the crystal ss beside the table. Roy sat on the sofa, shaking the ss in his hand lightly, and then he drank it in one gulp. Then he began to pour another ss of Vodka, and soon after, the whole bottle of Vodka was finished by him.

    When people got mad, the quietest man was the most attractive. Roy wore a pink shirt and an orange sweater with long sleeves over the top, with simple cream-colored casual pants. He looked young and handsome; however, his expression was ipatible with his clothes. He leaned against the sofa idly with two or three buttons undone on his shirt. In this way, his chest was partially showing, making him look sort of a wild boy.

    Hispanions saw him drinking, so they sent the barmaid to Roy and requested that she serve him well.

    The barmaid was so happy. Among the crowd, Roy''s strong and good-looking figure attracted much attention. She walked forward and sat beside him in a fascinatingly charming way. Her sexy body was attached to his bosom, and she grabbed the ss in his hand quietly. In themplight, her eyebrows and eyes were very alluring, "Roy. You are usually so wild, what''s wrong with you today? You are just drinking without saying anything."

    Roy just let her lie against him andughed idly without speaking.

    The barmaid was sharp, and she figured out that he had something on his mind. So she didn''t say much but took the bottle, adding some wine to it, "Let me keep youpany."

    Roy raised his eyebrows in approval.

    The barmaid picked up fruit with a fruit fork and brought it to Roy''s lips, and he ate it. The barmaidughed and still looked at his sexy lips, wondering how wonderful it would be to kiss them.

    Spirits became the catalyst of their attachment. The barmaid''s body was so soft, and she continued to bring the ss to his lips, saying sweetly, "Let me serve it for you."<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Roy. I also want some."

    Roy''s eyes seemed to look deeper against the light. He raised his lips lightly and sat up to pour Vodka into the ss. He then leaned back, pointing at the ss filled with Vodka, and said lightly, "Drink it."

    The barmaid had never seen a man who was so friendly just now but changed his mind.

    Theirpanions also saw the scene, one of which immediately walked forward and tried to smooth things out, saying, "What''s up? What''s going on?"

    "I..." The barmaid didn''t know what mistake she had made.

    However, Roy was still indifferent and pointed at the ss, "Didn''t you want to drink? I poured it for you, and you should drink it."

    And then they understood, so he said immediately, "Do what Roy said."

    The barmaid looked at the ss of Vodka on the table. She felt strange, but she had actually experienced a lot. Thinking for a while, she leaned against Roy, "A whole ss? Roy, do you want me to suffer? What reward will you give to me?"

    Royughed happily, which made the barmaid feel immersed in him again.

    "If you just drink it, I will give you a big tip. If you drink the whole bottle, I will take you out."

    Hispanions were astonished by him. It was known that Roy was a yboy, but he would never have sex with a barmaid.

    What he had said was exactly what the barmaid wanted. She took the bottle and

    drank it without hesitation.

    It was a newly opened bottle of Vodka. Even a ss of it was hard to swallow, let alone a whole bottle. That barmaid drank it desperately, which astonished everyone. As she finished half of it, she was faced with great difficulties. Roy became impatient, grabbing the bottle and frowning.

    "I can do it..." The barmaid said drunkenly.

    Roy pushed her to the side and took out his wallet, threw money onto the table, and said lightly, "Wade, I''ll pay for it. And she belongs to you tonight. You can take her away if you like." Then he took out his phone and left.

    The barmaidy down on the sofa, looking at his tall figure and calling after him, "Roy."

    Everyone was surprised. What was wrong with Roy?

    Roy entered the restroom and washed his face with cold water. Finally, his headache was relieved. Having rubbed the water on his face, he didn''t go back to the box but entered the lounge.

    The lounge wasn''t big, but it upied the best location. The beautiful night scene could be viewedpletely through the French sash. Nestled on the sofa and faced with the view outside the window, Roy found that the nightlife could be very quiet.

    He was not fretful anymore. Thinking for a while, he took out the phone and dialed the number whose owner made him upset all night. Finally, he called her.

 Chapter 310 310: He Won’t Be The Best For You

    The door of the lounge protected him from the noisy music outside, and it would make the woman''s voice sound clear and gentle. In this way, Roy also felt gentle.

    However, the first words he heard were, "Roy. I have had enough of you."

    The kick of vodka came, and it made Roy feel unreasonable. He became annoyed again, frowning and shouting, "Cassie, what on earth do you want me to do?"

    "Stop bothering me," Cassie said calmly.

    Roy stared at the night scene outside the window, frowning. He was too intoxicated to say anything normally, "You will belong to me finally."

    Cassie was silent and then said after a long while, "Roy, I will not pick up calls from you anymore."

    The call dropped.

    As he heard the dial tone, he realized what he had just said. So he just gripped his fingers and suddenly threw the phone into the wall.

    The night outside the window stayed perfectly silent.

    ****

    It took Irish 38 hours to fly from Johannesburg to Hong Kong since she had booked the ticket casually and there were no internal connecting flights. Halfway there, she transferred to Frankfurt. Luckily, the airlinepany notified her that she could upgrade to first-ss. As a result, she could spend the rest of the 38 hoursfortably; otherwise, she would be tired to death.

    It was already 4 in the afternoon when she arrived at the Hong Kong International Airport.

    As she waited for a taxi, a ck SUV stopped in front of her. The driver asked whether she was Doctor Irish. She nodded, and then the driver told her that he was employed by the hotel to pick up guests. Irish thought that she had indeed booked a five-star hotel when she was in Frankfurt.

    Seeing the driver show his credentials, she got in.

    ? The driver turned to drive in the direction of downtown, far away from the crowd.

    The rain kept falling outside the window, blurring the view of Hong Kong.

    Irish sat in the back seat, looking out of the window without any words. The buildings and nts were all drenched by the rain. Sheughed with sadness. The weather stayed the same as her feelings.

    As she left, it was raining in Johannesburg. In Frankfurt, it was also raining. Now at her destination in Hong Kong, it was still raining.

    In fact, the whole world seemed to be raining.

    A light cold wind blew with the smell of rain. Irish wrapped her clothes around her tightly, but she still felt cold. It was colder in Hong Kong than in Johannesburg. Seeing such a scene, the careful driver closed the windows and separated her from the boisterous world. However, Irish felt even colder.

    The rain formed intense round dots on the window. She reached to trace the outline of the round dots. Gradually she made an outline of a man with a handsome face and tightly closed lips that she was deeply fond of.

    Irish kept her fingers on the window and looked at it motionlessly. As the outline slowly disappeared, she felt sort of sad. During this period, the two were lost in the rainy cities, apanied only by their loneliness.

    Someone called her.

    She first thought of Joseph.

    When she answered, she found that it was a man, but not him.

    It was Leo.

    Maybe she was right. The whole world was raining, and it made people everywhere be upset and mncholy.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Leo was in the same boat.

    After saying hello, he didn''t say anything. She could hear his breath through the phone. Somehow she had an idea about his silence. She knew the reason he called her and then chose to be silent.

    The car moved slowly and silently through the rainy streets of Hong Kong, like a fish swimming in the deep sea.

    As the car made its way, Irish was also silent.

    After a long time, the man said in a low voice, "I heard you had arrived in Hong Kong."

    Leo''s voice seemed to be distant, as if the modification of the radio waves made it even deeper. Irish looked out the window at the carsing and going in the rain, and she answered gently, "Yeah��"

    She looked lonely.

    "I just wanted to apologize to you." Leo''s voice was sincere, "Having been involved in the diamond business, you will always feel a certain helplessness."

    How could Irish not understand this truth?

    In the gunfire in South Africa, Joseph and Leo all abandoned their consciences and fought for their own interests. There was no fairness. There were no human feelings. All that was left was their swords and gunfire. She understood his apology, for she was innocent from beginning to end, dragged into the war by Joseph or himself.

    In the end, Joseph retreated.

    And so did Leo.

    She was the only one left who lingered in this world of conscience after the smoke cleared.

    Therefore, whether it was Joseph or Leo, they all had to apologize to her. She had understood Joseph''s apology, so why couldn''t she understand Leo''s mind?

    She finally replied, "I ept your apology."

    "Do you think I''m mean?"

    "You have the right to choose to be mean." Irish sighed, "Because you have no way out."

    Leo''s face spread into a bitter smile.

    Irish''s eyes were deste. Leo had been defeated and lost very badly, but did Joseph really seem to have any joy in winning? In this battle of lost consciences, perhaps nobody had truly won.

    "You went to Hong Kong alone, which was worse than killing me, even if it had nothing to do with me."

    "I''m fine. I''m used to it."

    He sighed, "But Irish, I''m still saying if you need a shoulder, I am here for you."

    She shook her head and said in a low voice that being alone felt really good. Leo seemed to hear the determination in her words. When he spoke again, he felt a little helpless and a little heartache. "I just want you to know that I''m still waiting for you."

    "But I have gone too far just to turn back."

    "Just give up, he won''t be the best for you, you and he won''t have an easy life."

 Chapter 311 311: I’ll Sue You

    The voice in her ear was so sad that it made her heart feel tight, as if an invisible fist squeezed it. Her breathing became so heavy that her lungs were in pain.

    "Why do you always say that? Has my future really be such a pessimistic prediction in your eyes?" She tried shouting as much as possible, only to find her voice sounded feeble.

    "No." Leo''s voice still echoed from the distant mountains, expressing concern for her, "Because you told me that the person you''re going to marry must be simple."

    The rain outside the window suddenly became heavier.

    The driver sped through the street, more or less avoiding the rush-hour traffic. It was dark a little earlier than usual when they arrived at the hotel due to the rain.

    It was not her misconception.

    The temperature in Hong Kong was significantly lower than that in Johannesburg, and when she got off the bus, she felt the cool wind mixed with the rain. Although the rain had stopped, there was still a cool feeling in the air.

    A doorman came forward to carry her luggage.

    Irish stood at the door of the hotel, looking up at the Chinese redbud pattern over the square, but in her ears inadvertently picked up the sound of his footsteps. A fountain of splendor appeared in front of her eyes, and her eyes shone like sparkling water.

    She put her hands around his neck with an evil smile. "Joseph, I''m going to hit you if you regret this."

    "You can do anything you want to me."

    Then she hung on him like a vine and ran her fingers along his forehead. "If you don''te to Hong Kong with me, I''ll draw a redbud on your head."

    The fountain suddenly rose with the music, and the world before her disappeared.

    She smiled and took a deep breath. Next to her, the doorman watched her for a long time. Finally, he looked strangely at her and asked, "Ma''am?"

    Irish reacted, apologizing quickly, then entered the hotel.

    The light yellow wallpaper and bright lights alleviated her sorrow, and she smelt the faint fragrance of chamomile vor, but it made her think of his familiar wood fragrance again. He had really spoiled her. Why did she feel that the only good smell was his wood fragrance?

    "I''d like a room with the best nighttime view of Hong Kong."

    "Miss Irish, you have an online reservation for an economy room."

    "Can I change rooms for an additional fee?"

    The staff member nced at hisputer and nodded with a smile. "Yes, which room do you want to change to?"

    "I just said I''d like a room where I can see the most beautiful view of the city at night."

    The staff member hesitated for a moment. "For your requirements, the president suite would be best."

    "I want it." She decided.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Unfortunately, the staff member shook her head. "I''m sorry, Miss Irish. The hotel''s presidential suite needs to be booked by phone or reserved at the front desk in advance; no online reservations or booking changes are epted."

    On the way to Hong Kong, Irish had already been in a very bad mood, but she thought that she would definitely improve it when she arrived. At this point, she was unhappy, and her smothering feelings of more than thirty hours on a ne from South Africa to Hong Kong were all vented in the form of anger and yelling.

    "What do you mean? Whether it''s a reservation or an exchange, aren''t all of your rooms for people to upy? Why? Do you care about human rights?"

    "Madam, you misunderstand. The reason you need to make a reservation in advance for the presidential suite is that we need to schedule a butler, and we can''t do so if we change bookings on the spot." The staff exined with patience.

    But Irish had lost her patience, and her pale face had be sharp, "Don''t talk so much nonsense to me! I warn you, if you don''t give me a presidential suite today, I''ll sue you!"

    People around her looked back when they heard the yelling, attracting much attention in the quiet hall.

    When the staff saw the situation, they said less. They called the manager to exin the situation to her, and soon the manager arrived in the hall. He was a stout man, dressed neatly in a white shirt and ck trousers. But Irish looked at him like he was a panda and thought to herself, "It seems that a white shirt is not something just any man can wear."

    The manager was very friendly, speaking English with a Cantonese ent, and introduced himself to Irish, who interrupted his introduction with her hand.

    "Speak Chinese."

    The manager froze and quickly changednguage.

    After learning the whole story, he said, "Well, madam, we can make an exception for you. Are you sure you want to change rooms tonight?"

    "Yes, change it to a presidential suit." It was not like she couldn''t afford it.

    The manager nodded and told his staff, "Change her to a presidential suit and arrange a housekeeper as soon as possible for thedy."

    The staff member nodded and smiled again as he looked at Irish. He checked the system and politely said, "Miss Irish, ording to your request, there is only one room left with the view you want, which has already been arranged for you."

    Irish noddedzily, and after a quarrel, she seemed to have lost all her strength.

    "An overnight stay in this presidential suite is 100000 Hong Kong dors, which is 12800 dors or 78000 yuan. How many nights will you be staying? Are you paying by credit card or cash?"

    "12800 RMB?" Irish responded with surprise.

    "No, that''s US dors, it''s RMB 78000." The staff member smiled politely.

    She didn''t expect the hotel''s presidential suite to be so expensive, 100000 Hong Kong dors a night. She could afford it, but it was too expensive.

    "Miss Irish?" The staff member was surprised to see her zed eyes and called her name softly.

    Irish had wanted to find a ce to escape to, only to realize that without Joseph around, even nonsense and willfulness had be a luxury.

    She closed her lips and thought of using her credit card, but when she thought of spending that money, it grieved her. She was not that rich, at best a middle-ss person, and staying there for a night was so expensive. She thought of leaving Hong Kong the next day.

 Chapter 312 312: I’ll Take The Room

    With her fingers clenched, she felt determined. Not knowing anyone there, she cleared her throat and smiled at the staff. Her attitude remained indifferent, and she said, "I''ll take the room I booked online."

    "Huh?"

    "Nothing, I just wanted to see your service attitude and if you were patient with customers." She admired her own calmness and took out her bank card, rudely tapping on the desk, "Quickly help me check in, I just got off the ne, I''m very tired."

    Irish stayed in the economy room, which she had booked earlier that morning.

    Although there was no view of the mountains around her, nor the presidential suite''svish size and courteous private housekeeper, it was still beautiful. The room was covered with snow-white carpets, and the big bed was more than enough.

    The clerk put her luggage in the room, and she tipped him, closed the door, and went straight to the window, drawing back the white curtains and looking at the bustling city below.

    Hong Kong had been washed clean by the rain, and the neon lights outside the long window were increasingly bright. Hong Kong''s nightlife had just begun.

    She fell onto the bed and looked at the crystalmp above her head. She soon felt sleepy after thirty hours of exhaustion on the ne. She was just about to close her eyes when the doorbell rang.

    Irish thought that after so many years of freedom, she had long ascended to the highest realm of being a woman. But looking back, the habits of a few years had been changed in just a few days.

    When the doorbell rang, she got up, and when she passed by the mirror, she was frightened by her pale face, her long bangs covering most of it. At first nce, it was more terrible than a ghost. Looking at her reflection, she thought of how ugly she looked.

    She shook her head and smiled bitterly.

    In such a big world, the distances between cities are vast. Without Joseph around, who was she trying to look good for?

    The doorbell was still ringing.

    Irish gathered up her long hair, put a smile on, and reached the door. Her heart beat very fast for some reason. There was a premonition, like a butterflying out of its cocoon, fluttering in her heart.

    Her fingers clutched the doorknob with a slight tremor, and her breathing became even faster.

    The doorbell came to a stop at this time.

    In an instant, everything became still; only the buzzing sound in her ears was clear.

    There was no movement outside the door.

    For a moment, Irish felt panic, she was afraid of what she had missed, and the tall figure seemed to fade away gradually. Her heart felt pained, and after opening the hotel room door and seeing there was really no one there, she rushed out.

    The man in the corridor stopped. When

    he turned around, her heart''s excitement suddenly disappeared and became a boundless destion. Was it a disappointment? Or the feeling of loss?

    When her heartbeat slowed down, she returned to her original silence.<novelnext></novelnext>

    It was the "panda" manager.

    How could she think it was going to be Joseph outside the door?

    There was a bitter smile in her heart.

    The panda manager saw her standing in the hallway with a look of excitement, and then loss, and now with a bitter smile. Feeling concerned, he asked, "Are you all right?"

    Irish stood there like a wooden man, staring at the manager. He thought that she was about to be petrified, but she finally spoke, "Yes, is there an issue?"

    "Well, we got a call from the maintenance department saying there was something wrong with hot water in your room." The manager thought she was acting very strange. She was really beautiful and well-built, but very strange.

    "Well,e in." She turned into the room, followed by the manager. She opened the door of the bathroom, swept her hands over the sensor tap, and the cold water on her fingertips chilled her nerves.

    "Don''t you have hot water in your hotel?" She asked viciously.

    The panda manager was terrified of this and exined hastily, "There is only something wrong with your hot water pipe. The staff from our maintenance department wille and fix it immediately."

    Irish felt angry, and when the manager saw her face, he added, "This is an embarrassment to our hotel. I''m sorry, we''llpensate you."

    "Compensate? Would you like me to go back and find another hotel thiste in the evening? Or should I wait here until you fix the hot pipe before I can take a bath?"

    The manager thought, "Of course, we won''t bother you, this is all because we haven''t done our job well. Why don''t you change your room?"

    "Change rooms? Well, I''ll sue if I''m not satisfied! Hong Kong is serious about thew, I think you know that very well!" Irish seethed.

    The manager was in a quandary.

    "If you don''t check the equipment in the room beforehand, that''s disrespectful to the guests. If Iin, you have topensate me for anything I want."

    The manager had topromise. "Well, what do you want?"

    "Your mistakes have caused my stay to be very inconvenient and have ruined my mood. If I am in a bad mood, my sleep will be awful, which will affect my business tomorrow and make me lose a lot of money." After her series of reasons, Irish pointed to herself and said, "I''ll forgive you for your negligence if you change my room for me free of charge."

    "Huh?" The manager froze.

    "Your presidential suite is only one hundred thousand Hong Kong dors a night. I am going to lose more than that tomorrow. Will your hotel pay me then?"

    "Em..." The manager smiled awkwardly and beckoned her to wait as he turned to make a phone call. She leaned against the door with her arms crossed and watched him, thinking that he would report to his superiors.

    A momentter, the panda manager returned to her, and she couldn''t stand his silly smile. She cleared her throat, waiting for him to speak as if she could see some hope in his small, bright eyes.

 Chapter 313 313: The Past Is Too Sweet

    Sure enough, the next second, he said, "Miss Irish, you can change to the presidential suite now because our negligence has caused you trouble. I''m very sorry."

    Irish felt a little joyful but still asked coldly, "Is it free? It would be ridiculous to ask me to make up the difference."

    "For free, you can rest assured, this is our carelessness, and we shouldpensate you."

    "For how many nights? If it''s just one night, you will have let me down." She looked powerful.

    The manager lifted his hand and wiped the sweat off his forehead. "You booked our hotel for three nights, so it will be three nights for the presidential suite. Don''t worry, we won''t send you back to the economy room."

    "Well, call the attendant toe to pick up my luggage."

    "I''ll do it at once!" Said the manager. Irish shrugged her shoulders and let him do it.

    ****

    The luck of her trip to Hong Kong more or less alleviated the sadness in Irish''s heart, and even if she had gone through some trouble, at least she was in a better position now.

    As she imagined, the hotel''s presidential suite had a better view. The beautiful night scene before her eyes made her almost want to cry, and for a while, she had to admit that there was a real payoff after bing a ve to money. She thought of the rich who had traded their conscience to enjoy this good fortune.

    Thinking, she also understood the reason why the presidential suite was so luxurious and spectacr.

    It was because the rich were so tired and lost so much of themselves trying to get ahead in business that they might as well use this luxurious beauty to make up for what they lost.

    She couldn''t sleep anymore, and seeing that it was still early, she simply washed her face and walked out the door.

    After going around downtown, she arrived at Mong Kok in Kowloon. She not only wanted to try the snacks here, but she felt that a ce with lots of people around would not be so lonely.

    Seeing many moon cake advertisements, Irish realized that the Mid-Autumn Festival was approaching, and she looked up at the night sky. The moon was almost full, and the light pouring down was as cool as water, as clear as silver. The street was still lively, but it seemed that the only person alone was her and that the moonlight was cooler.

    She bought a bowl of curry fish balls in the street market and sat down on the corner. Among the dozens of steaming delicacies, she was used to eating fish balls, and the sweet sauce made it taste even more delicious.

    The hot air stung her eyes, and she remembered that day she said to Joseph, "When we go to Hong Kong, I want you to eat curry fish balls and experience the famous Hong Kong street snack culture. People like you, living an extravagant life, never have a chance to eat street snacks."

    "Street snacks are too unsanitary."

    "Will you eat them or not?"

    Joseph hesitated but nodded, then said in a low voice, "Alright."

    Perhaps she had just picked a spicy one, and the curry had irritated her throat and stimted her to tear nds. Irish raised her hand to press rub her eyes to suppress her tears.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Didn''t she know he didn''t like spicy food?

    Taking a deep breath, she finally swallowed thest fish ball, and heat spread along her esophagus to her stomach with an overwhelming force, like memories. The past was too sweet, and she felt excited and sad when she thought of it.

    There was music in her ears, a familiar melody with a clean and fresh voice.

    She raised her eyes and, through the neon lights, she found a nearby building with an LED screen ying When You Say Nothing At All, a very old song, but one all people her age knew.

    ? The excitement of Mong Kok did not shock her. Instead of getting up out of the shop, she walked across the street and held her head up, looking at the music video, with the sad music fluttering through the night sky.

    The neon lights illuminated her face, as bright as the moon.

    She smiled, but tears slipped down her eyes.

    Recalling Leo''s phone call, he had said she and Joseph wouldn''t ever find peace, even in the future. He was right. She knew how hard it would be to continue down the road ahead, so she said she had gone too far to go back.

    For there was only one Joseph in the world.

    Only he could make her heart beat, even if there was only pain in the end; she really loved him.

    What was love?

    It was a process of self-abuse that both hurt and healed each other.

    As the saying goes, some people give you their hearts, and you pretend not to see them because you don''t like them. Some people take out your heart, and you still pretend not to hurt them because you love them.

    Leo gave her his heart, but Joseph had emptied her heart.

    ****

    Irish slept deeply.

    The presidential suite''s bed could hardly contain her. She had slept all night in every position, and when she awoke, she was lying across in the middle of the bed. The soft white quilt buried her with only two nostrils left breathing and four or five pillows piled on the carpet.

    A telephone call woke her up. Her long hair draped over her shoulder, and her face was still faint and white. The quilts, carpets, pillows, and decorations around her were all white, but her long hair was as dark as seaweed. So at first nce, she looked particrly painful.

    For a moment, she could not remember where she was. Her eyes were still staring at the veil curtains in the distance with a sleepy squint. The sun came in, and she raised her hand to cover her eyes. A crisp bell sounded, and she mutteredzily, "Joseph, the phone is ringing. You take it."

    She suddenly woke up, and her pair of big eyes looked confused. She looked around; where was Joseph to answer the phone? She felt a sting in her heart and sniffed. She should be used to his absence by now, shouldn''t she?

 Chapter 314 314: Who Are You?

    When she answered the phone, the staff members spoke humbly.

    Soon, a hearty lunch was delivered to her room; her favorite foie gras, skan crabs, and asparagus soup.

    For a moment, the pain sprang up again.

    It was a sunny day, and Joseph had taken her to a famous restaurant in Cape Town to order foie gras. She was ttered, and though it was delicious, it was hard to cut.

    He smiled, pinched her nose affectionately, and then started to cut it for her. From that day on, all the delicious things that were difficult for her to cut naturally became Joseph''s job, on his own initiative.

    The housekeeper cut the dish for her, and when Irish came in, he stepped aside and waited for further orders. Irish sat down and thought it would be lunch without vor, but she was excited by her first bite. It was her favorite smell, which had never changed.

    The sun poured in.

    She seemed to smell the faint fragrance of wood again as if Joseph was still sitting opposite her.

    "The air smells nice." She whispered.

    The housekeeper replied respectfully. "This is the special incense of the presidential suite in our hotel."

    She nodded. The scent was so faint that she wanted to cry.

    In the afternoon, she nned to go shopping, but Irish lost all interest when she got to the shopping mall. She called Cassie to ask what she wanted.

    "Bring me thetest texture lipstick, in a blood red color," Cassie replied.

    Irish smiled, she never put on heavy makeup, what was wrong with Cassie?

    Fortunately, she had three or four friends to talk to in Hong Kong, so she called a few people to meet. Her friends hadined for a long time that she had taken too long toe to Hong Kong for a reunion. In the afternoon, the girls proposed to find a restaurant to eat a meal at and go to KTV at night. Irish agreed without thinking because she had nothing else to do. Drunkenness was also the best way to forget the pain.

    The neon light was colorful outside the window, but without exception, the rain kept pattering on the ground. The day''s clear weather did not extend into the night, and the rain in the night became more deste. When Irish followed her friends to the final stop, the ss was assaulted with bean-sized raindrops.

    "Why is it raining again?" Someone murmured into a microphone, but soon their displeasure was driven away by a quick rhythm. ps, whistles, and music filled the KTV room a momentter.

    At this joyful party, Irish was the quietest, leaning on the sofa, tapping a bell in her hand to the beat of the music. Her eyes fell on the window in the corridor, and there was a moment of dejection.

    Taking out her phone, she quietly looked at the string of numbers she had been reciting in the directory. Her sadness continued like a river, flowing from the depth of the eyes and entangling her heart, finally bing a sea.

    For a moment, she wanted to dial, to hear his low, maic,forting voice. She longed for it, and on such a cold and rainy night, her heart would feel less helpless if she could just hear him whisper her name.

    However...

    Her fingers hovered over the string of numbers for a long time.<novelnext></novelnext>

    What would she say if she did?

    Would she tell him that the rain from South Africa had followed her to Hong Kong?

    She smiled bitterly and finally threw the phone back into her bag.

    She clearly knew that he was angry, or else how would he be so cold to give her a "whatever" like he had? Maybe he didn''t know it, but she saw it clearly. When he said the words, the lines between his eyebrows had deepened, and even his cheeks were stern and harsh.

    Was she beginning to be timid and scared?

    Or was her love so deep that she was confused?

    Soon, someone closed the door, blocking her gaze, and the box became an independent closed space. A friend sitting by her side put a ss of wine into her hands while frowning and said, "You''re so quiet today, that''s not like you. What''s wrong, a breakup?"

    "Who said that?" Irish turned around with a smile, touched the cup, drank it, then shook her head andughed, "Are you a child? You''re still drinking red wine?"

    Her friends were interested and asked, "What else do you want?"

    Then someone cheered alone, "What would you like to drink?"

    Someone quickly retorted, "What''s the strongest one?"

    With a wave of her hand, Irish interrupted the crowd. "All kinds of wine are all on the table!"

    As a result, two hourster, Irish was flushed and staggered into the toilet to vomit. Her stomach was full of pain, so she washed her face in the sink, feeling a little relieved.

    Back in the box, she drank again with her sisters, and empty bottles were all over the floor. After she had drunk thest bottle of wine, she couldn''t see anything before her eyes. It was as if everything was spinning, all twisted together, and she began tough wildly. Her deep sorrow was stretched to the limit by the alcohol, and so she began to cry again.

    Someone came up to her, nagging at her ears, and cried even harder than she did. Others drank a little more andforted her.

    Irish grasped for the rest of the wine again. She staggered up and took a half bottle. As she was about to pour it into her mouth, a hand reached out of nowhere and snatched the bottle. She tried to fix her tearful eyes that were blurred by the alcohol.

    She seemed to see him in the dim light.

    Joseph, the man who she was deeply in love with, was that him?

    Everything was spinning, including the face in front of her. She stretched out her hand and tried to catch him as hard as possible, but her body swayed. A strong arm grabbed her tightly.

    She looked back, her head leaning up and her whole body nted against his majestic figure. She felt he was a serious man.

    She spoke like a crying child, "Who are you? Who?"

 Chapter 315 315: Who Are You Looking For?

    He was like Joseph, but it was also not like him.

    Her Joseph was already angry, was no longer paying attention to her.

    "Please." Her feeble legs shuddered, and her eyes were wet again, "Take me to him."

    A deep voice sounded in her ear, "Who are you looking for?"

    "Joseph. I''m looking for Joseph." At the end of the day, she almost cried loudly.

    A sigh swept across her face, heavy and helpless.

    She felt his strong arm hugging her more tightly, and his voice seemed to calm her down again. "I''m sorry, I''mte."

    The next second, she just felt a rotation, and her body was suddenly light. Not knowing how long it had been, she noticed there was a cool wind blowing, and she sighedfortably, wanting to open her eyes. Her surroundings were quiet, but she could vaguely hear a sh of thunder.

    She whispered something unintelligible.

    Her lips were warm as if something had been gently pressed down on them.

    She closed her eyes and slept soundly.

    ****

    The next day''s severe headache was the consequence of her intoxication.

    Irish woke up to the sound of vibration in her ear. She looked up in a daze and sank into the pillow. Her eyelids could not be opened as if they had been glued shut. She could not tell for a moment whether this was a dream or a reality, but she had not yet fully awakened. She raised her hand to feel around, and she finally found a phone on the bedside table.

    The vibration of the cell phone stopped.

    Her hand stopped on the phone, and she fell asleep again.

    Suddenly, the vibration began again, and this time she felt it against her fingertips. She woke up with her eyes half closed and put the phone to her ear.

    "Hello?" Her voice was a little hoarse, and her throat was burning with pain.

    From the other side came a surprised voice, "Dr. Irish?"

    Irish carefully recognized it and thought it was Professor Tim''s voice, so she gently made an "um" sound. She really could not bear the pain in her throat and moved the phone to her other ear, freeing her hand near the bedside.

    She grabbed a ss of water and took a drink. It was lukewarm lemon salt water, which was effective in relieving her sore throat. The presidential suite''s private housekeeper was really good and served Irish well, but she would have to remind herter not to enter the bedroom while she was sleeping.<novelnext></novelnext>

    When Professor Tim noticed that Irish wasn''t in a terrible mood, he hurriedly asked her when she would return to New York. Irish put down the cup and leaned on the pillow again, and saidzily that her holiday was not yet over.

    Professor Tim was renderedpletely anxious by this remark.

    "Dr. Irish, you''ve been on vacation for too long. There are so many things to do, so pleasee back quickly. Your client files have piled up. Besides, the school has called you five or six times to ask about your situation."

    ? Faced with Professor Tim''s anxiety, Irish was not worried, "You''re behind schedule? How about the two days of my holiday left?"

    "It''s fine to make up for your annual leave. You can take it as overtime, but you''ll have toe back soon."

    "Then I''ll take it as overtime work and settle the cash." She yawned.

    Professor Tim agreed and said that there was a real shortage of hands.

    After the call was over, Irish saw that there were a dozen unanswered calls on her cell phone, all of which were from Professor Tim. She didn''t remember when she had switched her phone to vibrate. Was it done by the housekeeper?

    She was amazed, the high standard of service was really sweet.

    After turning over, she felt the full pain in her head and then sat up, feeling as if she had been run over by a bus. She knew it was the punishment for drunkenness.

    It was sunny outside the window. Although there was a thick curtain, it still could not block out the sun. Squinting at the golden light through the curtain, Irish felt the warmth of the sun.

    She rubbed her eyes and realized that she hadn''t seen the sun for many days.

    She stretched, easing her tired body a little. When she looked down, she found that she was wearing her pajamas, and after a moment''s surprise, she could hardly remember who had changed her clothes. She had forgotten everything that had happenedst night. She only recalled eating and drinking with a few friends and finally going to KTV.

    It rainedst night, she knew, so she assumed she drank a lot of wine to ease her sadness.

    Remembering the room of her friends, Irish thought they must have done it. Holding a pillow and leaning against the bedside, she took out her mobile phone again and dialed a number. Her long hair poured down beside her cheeks. There was a faint smell of shampoo, and her heart felt warm. Her friends were so sweet that they didn''t forget to wash her hairst night.

    The other person answered the phone quickly with a slouching voice like her. Listening to the sounds in the background, she sounded like she was in an office; there were clicking keyboards and phones ringing constantly.

    "Sarah,st night you were very considerate."

    "Yes, we were, but you were not." Sarah lowered her voice. "You put me in a bindst night because of your desire to party, especially you. You knew that I had to work this morning, and you kept asking me to drink."

    "Dear Sarah, I know you''re the best." The first reason Irish thought of Sarah was that she didn''t drink much, and she was a careful person. She was probably the one who brought her back to the hotel and washed her up. "Thank you for taking me back to the hotelst night. Why didn''t you sleep here with me? It''s near your office?"

    But Sarah replied, "I didn''t take you back to your hotel. You made me blind drunkst night, and I finally called my cousin to take me home."

 Chapter 316 316: Is He Your Husband?

    Irish froze.

    The light outside the window seemed to grow stronger, sshing into her eyes and opening her box of memories. Vaguely, she recalled a man''s face. In the dim light, she could not see him fully, but he was very powerful and supported her. Holding her hand to press her temple, she hesitated. "Was it your cousin who brought me back to the hotel?"

    Sarahughed, "You think it was my cousin? Why? He didn''t have time to care about you."

    This sentence surprised Irish, and Sarah seemed to continue the conversation, full of grumbles, "You hid your secret so deeply, when did you get married? You didn''t even send us invitations? You are so��"

    "Wait, Wait, Wait." Finally, Irish interrupted Sarah and swallowed, "Who''s married?"

    "Please, don''t pretend to be single to your friends." Sarah could not help but say. "Last night, everyone saw it, your husband came to pick you up."

    "Huh?"

    Sarah excitedly continued, "Irish, your husband is so handsome, he looks a little familiar. What does he do?"

    "Sarah...." Irish said in a weak tone, feeling very afraid, "I don''t have a husband, are you sure I wasn''t taken away by a strange man?" After speaking, regardless of her headache, she rushed to the bathroom with her mobile phone, opened her pajama buttons, and stared into the mirror for a long time. There was no ambiguous trace on her body.

    "It''s boring to talk to you. That man called himself your husband and held you in his arms. If you were strangers, how would we know?" Sarah said grumpily.

    Why did this seem so familiar?

    Irish wrapped her clothes back up, squatting on the toilet with her head in her hands. Had she been drunk and hugged a strange man again? Oh, my... "Do you remember what that man looked like? Did he call himself my husband? Who was he?"

    "Of course, I will never forget such a handsome man in my life. I almost thought I had met a prince!" Sarah was excited again. "He was about 186 or 187 cm, with a thick brow, a high nose, a sharp face, a fine build, wide shoulders, and he dressed very well. It was simple, a white shirt and deep tan trousers."

    She told her the most ambiguous appearance of a man, but it made Irish''s heart suddenly shrink, then she bounced back up. Her breathing became quicker, and beside her ear was Sarah''s voice, "Is he your husband?"

    The voice was close but distant, intertwined with the deep voice that had lingered in her earst night, gently shaking her heart. "Don''t cry, listen to me."

    Her dead heart began to beat again, a little stronger.

    Sarah, on the other end, noticed that she hadn''t spoken for a long time and said "hello" several times to bring Irish back to reality.

    She answered and asked weakly," What did he say?"

    "I was a little drunk at that time, I just remember he was going to take you away, of course, we wouldn''t let him, and he said he was your husband, so we didn''t bother him further." Sarah exined everything andughed, "He called you Isabel, in an intimate tone. We could all see your rtionship was obvious. Why do you deny it?"<novelnext></novelnext>

    As soon as Irish''s hand loosened, the mobile phone dropped onto the ground. She could not hear what Sarah had said, and her brain was full of the word "Isabel."

    Only Joseph called her that!

    However, she would never falsely im that he was her husband. His temperament would never ept such an overbearing act, not to mention him calling himself her husband. He would not even say the word "love."

    Irish returned to her bedroom, opened the curtains, and the sun burst in. Her whole body was shrouded in light, andst night''s memories suddenly came to her.

    She seemed to remember seeing Joseph''s face, hugging her, and saying. "I''m sorry, I''mte."

    Vaguely remembering that she had been picked up by his strong arms, getting into a car, and crying all the way back to the hotel. She sank into his warm chest.

    The man''s slender fingers kept wiping away her tears, and atst, he bowed and kissed her lips. Had it been him? If it had been him, where was he?

    Irish began to panic and her fingers that buttoned her clothes were trembling. She tried to persuade herself she wasn''t crazy, but somehow she could not settle down. Had it been him or not? The question was hovering in her mind.

    At that moment, vaguely hearing the hotel''s door open, she dashed into the living room, and her hopes were dashed at the sight of the man. The butler, who hade in to put in new flowers, caught sight of Irish running out with her hair loosened for a moment and immediately bowed with respect. "Madam, you''re awake."

    The light in her eyes waspletely extinguished. She nodded and turned back to the bedroom, but an idea shed through her mind, and she quickly approached the housekeeper, startling him. She pulled him into the bedroom and pointed to the ss beside the bed. "Did you bring me that water?"

    The housekeeper shook his head. "My cell phone, oh, my phone..." Irish suddenly remembered that her phone was still in the bathroom. She rushed in and took it out, looking at the housekeeper, "Did you set my cell phone to vibrate?"

    The housekeeper shook his head again and looked at her with a terribly confused expression.

    Irish waspletely panicked, pulling her long hair, "What about my hair?"

    The butler tried to speak, swallowing, then hesitated, "Miss Irish, isn''t your hair on your head?"

    "No!" Irish was angry and yelled, "Who washed my hair?"

    The butler licked his lips and replied carefully, "Well... Miss Irish, our service does not include the washing of our client''s hair. "

    She sat on the sofa, her eyes staring straight ahead. Her head was in a mess, and her stomach was ufortable, as if a big hand was desperately kneading it. She had a premonition, a premonition that she dared not face.

 Chapter 317 317: I Just Saw Him Downstairs

    The housekeeper could not understand what had happened to her and did not dare to say much, so he silently went to one side to ce the flowers. Irish looked subconsciously at the flowers in the vase, and they were beautiful, pale white daisies. She inadvertently thought of the time when she was discussing flowers with Joseph.

    She had said, "You never sent me flowers."

    At that time, he was buried in a document. After hearing it, he looked up and smiled, "Well, what kind of flowers do you like?"

    "That''s insincere, think for yourself."

    "Roses?" He guessed.

    She gave him a hard look. "How vulgar can you be? I''m not like your lovers."

    "Give me a hint."

    She thought to herself, "These flowers bloom all year round, but the seasonal ones are the most beautiful."

    His eyes smiled as if the sun were shining through them. "All right, I got it."

    Until now, he had never given her a bouquet of flowers.

    "I think it was your husband." The housekeeper''s sudden utterancepletely interrupted Irish''s memory and shocked her.

    She gazed at the housekeeper with her head in a daze for a moment.

    "You drank too muchst night, and it was your husband who took you back to the room, and then he never came out again. He was taking care of you, I assumed." The housekeeper said while tidying.

    "My husband?"

    The butler nodded. "His voice had been heard before, andst night I was sure that he was your husband."

    Irish''s throat seemed to be covered with thorns, and her breathing led to pain, but she was unable to suppress her excitement, and she rose up and clenched her fingers. The butler turned his back to her and did not see her agitation, so he continued, "I could see that he was very concerned about you. As soon as you switched to this presidential suite, it was your husband who told me about your eating habits. The incense was also arranged by your husband. He said that you do not like strong scents and that they are not conducive to your sleep."

    Irish''s fingers began to tremble, and soon it passed over her whole body. She could feel every cell trembling, which was caused by her indescribable excitement.

    "Oh, and the daisies over thest two days, your husband ordered them." The butler smiled, pointing to the table. "He asked the hotel what flowers were in bloom this season, and he ordered a lot of daisies for you."

    Joseph!

    It was him!

    Irish''s breath suddenly stopped, and tears suddenly blinded her so she couldn''t see the appearance of daisies close by.

    The housekeeper mistook her expression, hurriedly stepping forward to help, but she pushed him away, murmuring, "Why didn''t you tell me this earlier?"

    The housekeeper was astonished, "You...never asked."

    "Where is he?" Irish was absent-minded.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "What?"

    "The man fromst night! The man who talked to you on the phone!" Irish''s voice grew louder and louder, pulling the butler close and hurting him. Worrying he might not understand her, she yelled at him directly. "Where is my husband?"

    The housekeeper opened his mouth. "I saw himst night, but I didn''t see him today. He told me toe inte to give you more time to sleep."

    Irish loosened her fingers.

    The bell rang, and she burst out of the room and opened the door.

    The man saw her excitement, and his face met her with a bright smile. He said to her in surprise, "You opened the door instantly. Are you that eager to see me?" He then frowned and reached out to her face. "Were you just crying?"

    She was transfixed, and after a long time, she said incredulously, "Leo? How is it you?"

    Leo was confused and asked, "What?"

    She took a step back, but her eyes were sharp enough to see that there was still a suitcase beside him. He had evidently just arrived in Hong Kong, and she swooped forward and grabbed him. "What about him? Leo, what about him?"

    Leo understood, sighed lightly, then shook his head and smiled, "I thought I could get ahead of him, but I didn''t��"

    Irish''s heart rose to her throat.

    "I just saw him downstairs."

    Irish rushed out of the room.

    Leo looked at her figure disappearing into the elevator and gradually frowned, and his eyes filled with sadness. "Irish, you know I came here for you, but your heart....is with him��"

    Irish felt that her and Joseph''s love was different. They did not dare to ask for longsting or magnificent love. What they had was passionate, immediate, and extreme.

    She had separated from him in the early autumn in New York and met in the ancient town of Millennium. When she stood still in the middle of the old stone street, he had steadily stepped forward.

    In the evening rain, they had been separated again, and she looked for him, regardless of the bitter rain and wind. She was at a loss, bewildered, and had never had such a strong desire to look for a man. She thought he was gone, but he appeared to her with an umbre, letting her know that although he was sessful, he was also hesitant.

    And she was looking for it.

    But this time, her fear was greater than ever, more than when she was in the old town. He appeared but did not see her and silently did everything for her, then chose to turn away. She was afraid, deeply worried that this time she wouldpletely lose him.

    Because he was impulsive, she was afraid of him taking the initiative to retreat.

    She could not imagine what she would do without him in the days toe. She was even more afraid that this time their separation would be permanent.

    Irish dared not think about it, nor did she dare to define her rtionship with Joseph in this way. She was afraid of it.

    Rushing into the elevator, her trembling fingers pressed the button of the next floor, and fire sprang up in her heart. All the blood in her body seemed to solidify in anxiety quickly, and her fingers went cold. The metal door reflected her white face, her untidy long hair, and her disheveled clothes. She did not care about her appearance and looked up at the numbers beginning to change. She began to me herself in her heart. Why had she stayed on the top floor in the presidential suite?

 Chapter 318 318: Hurry Up

    At this time, there were a lot of guests rushing in. Almost every floor''s elevator button had been pressed. Everyone who entered the elevator was frightened by her and looked at her with concern. Irish had no time to pay attention to these people. She clenched her fingers, closed her lips tightly, and said to herself, "Hurry up."

    She had never felt an elevator descend so slowly. When the elevator stopped again, she was on the fifth floor. Irish finally could not resist anymore and rushed out. Someone looked out of the elevator curiously, only to find that she had rushed into the stairwell.

    In the quiet stairwell, every step had been polished by the cleaner, and the glowing light yellow marble floor almost mirrored her anxiety. Clinging to the railings, she flew down the stairs, hoping to fly down it with wings. But, because of fright and anxiety, when she reached thest step, her feet slipped, and she fell to the ground. The railing hurt her through the thin cloth, and one of her knees hit the cold marble. The pain spread through her body, and she took a deep breath.

    Her nose felt sour, and tears flooded her eyes. She bit her lips and rose from the floor in pain, limping through the door out of the stairway.

    The hall was still magnificent, and sessful men in suits came and left, and Irish rushed out of the stairwell.

    There was a strong light shining through the windows in the lobby of the hotel, shining brightly through the crystal chandelier above, like gold. When Irish burst into the hall, she was unable to adjust to the light in front of her for a moment. She raised her hand to cover her eyes and also heard gasps of surprise around her.

    Needless to say, she knew how difited she was at this moment.

    Putting down her hand, her eyes began to search the huge space, confused and anxious. She was afraid not to see the long figure she had been missing so much.

    But then, as her eyes swept over the green nts at the southeastern corner of the lobby, she felt nothing but pain in her whole body. There was too much light and the slender figure that had made her feel almost tearful.

    Far away, he stood with his back to her. In the vast space, he was the only one who was still, in a fitted white shirt and lead-gray trousers. It looked simple but also so attractive.

    There were other people standing next to him, hotel executives from the looks of it. The panda manager she had seen was also talking with him. Joseph listened to the respectful executive, and his handsome face did not show the slightest emotional change. He was as indifferent as ever.

    There must have been thousands of beams of light shining on him; otherwise, how could Irish feel that even his white shirt was that dazzling? He was at his most attractive age, he was tall and handsome, and his behavior was unwittingly mature and steady, just enough to shine. Enough that any woman would keep her eyes on his slender figure.

    Not knowing what the hotel executive was saying, his eyebrows frowned for a moment, and his thin lips moved a few times, then the executive nodded repeatedly, and the panda manager said something.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Because of the distance, Irish did not know what they were talking about, but when she saw the corners of his mouth rising, tears suddenly covered her eyes, but she only felt a bright light shining in front of her. She blinked hard and saw his figure as clearly as she could. She was afraid of this being an illusion, that she was dreaming, and that the familiar figure in front of her eyes was just a dream.

    But she still had to chase even if it was a dream, right?

    If it was a dream, shouldn''t she just chase him anyway?

    She rushed up regardless, and under the appalled gaze of the staff and guests, she flew towards the tall figure like a running horse.

    Joseph, who was talking to the hotel manager, saw something strange in the corner of his eyes. He turned his face, only to see a pale "thing"ing towards him. In dismay, the "thing" rushed into his arms, and all of a sudden, two small arms encircled him.

    The two managers around him were startled. The first thought was that someone had broken in to harass their noble clients. Just as they were about to call security, they saw Joseph reach out, and the people around him stopped, looking in shock at the handsome man being held by a crazy woman with untidy hair.

    Joseph''s hands soon reacted. He looked down at the softball in his arms, the little face under her long hair wet with tears. He had just reached out to pull her away, but she couldn''t wait to open her mouth, and she was sobbing. "Don''t leave, don''t leave me. It''s my fault. I shouldn''t have left you alone. I miss you so much. I really do."

    Everyone looked on with difort at the scene unfolding.

    But, they did not expect this seemingly indifferent and harsh man to respond in such a way, with his eyes softening more and more by the second.

    He stood still, letting her hug him, and her nose and tears soiled his shirt like mud. He looked down at her in his arms motionlessly, but Irish did not look up to see his expression. She just sped her arms around him, clutching his shirt with her fingers, like a drowning man finally grasping a piece of floating wood. His warmth and the familiar smell of his body made her emotions flood out in an instant, and her tears immediately fell down.

    She did know how embarrassing she looked, especially in public, and she was no doubt behaving like an irrational idiot, begging for a beloved man. She was a psychotherapist who told her female clients more than once that people, especially women, couldn''t abandon their elegance under any circumstances. The more you were at a disadvantage, the more you could use it to protect your cheap self-esteem.

 Chapter 319 319: How Crazy She Was

    But now, she knew that love was a tormenting goblin, which would crush your elegance, destroy your pride, and make you lose your mind and dignity in the face of trouble and loss.

    She lost herself because she was so eager to have him.

    It was a long time before he opened his mouth, and his voice rose above her in a supportive, deep tone, "Isabel."

    He called her name and warmed her heart, and her tears came down like a burst of water. The manager of the hotel beside him couldn''t bear to see it anymore. Not far away, the onlookers had begun to whisper, and some even pointed their fingers, and he said hesitantly. "Mr. Dover, we are in public....

    The manager did not finish, but it was like a warning, suddenly waking Irish up, and she realized how crazy she was. She stopped crying, looking up at Joseph, and her eyes were timid for a moment.

    Joseph ignored the manager''s remarks. Instead, he looked softly at the wet face in front of him. But he frowned immediately after looking at the clothes all over her body.

    At once, she noticed that in his eyes, there was obvious displeasure. Unconsciously, Irish loosened her arms and flopped them to her side, embarrassed. She did not dare to look at his serious expression. She bowed her head and closed her eyes tightly.

    How could she be so careless? As the hotel manager said, this was a public ce; even if she threw her dignity aside, what about him? What would other people think of him when she cried and hugged him when she was disheveled with tears on her face?

    If she could, she would rather have stood in the stairwell and looked at him from afar instead of defiling him by her unspeakable embarrassment as she was doing.

    Was he angry?

    Otherwise, why was he so quiet?

    Yes, he should be angry. She was so wild and willful in full view of the public.

    The sun shone quietly on Joseph''s cheeks, painting a clear picture of his majesty. He called her name and said nothing more. He frowned at Irish with lips closed.

    She was astonishingly pale, especially against the backdrop of her scattered ck hair. She stood awkwardly before him. Her pajamas were as white as her cheeks andplexion, her slender fingers clenched in front of her, and his brow frowned even further when he looked down.

    She was not even wearing shoes.

    She ran to him, barefoot, as white as her pajamas, on the cold ck marble floor. Needless to say, her toes were numb.

    His displeasure had climbed up to his brow.

    When she could not help raising her head, she saw his displeasure, and her heart suddenly cooled. The corners of her eyes were still stained with tears, and her lips trembled, and she shyly said, "Joseph."

    He felt a pain in his heart worse than the one he had experienced when being shot. He pulled off his coat without saying anything and tightly wrapped her up in it. Not caring about her slightest disparate eyes, he held her in his arms.

    "Mr. Manager, we''ll talk about thepensationter." He felt a little sorry, trying to suppress his emotions. After saying this, he took Irish to the elevator.

    The sunlight fell behind Joseph, lengthening his shadow, illustrating his dizzying height and strength. Soon, he walked Irish into the elevator, and the metal door closed slowly and only then did the people who had been around him react. One after another, they scattered away.<novelnext></novelnext>

    The manager took a long breath, wiped his forehead, and said to himself, "I''m d they know each other, or else we would be responsible for her offending our clients." He didn''t know Joseph, but judging by the degree of attention that the hotel''s chief executive had paid to him yesterday, he knew his background should not be underestimated.

    The panda manager sighed. "This gentleman is very patient and polite, and the woman is his wife. What a strange woman. You just saw it, too."

    "Ah? That woman was his wife?"

    The panda manager nodded. "Yeah. That woman is weird."

    "If you don''t want to be fired in the future, don''t say that, especially in front of important customers." The manager started sweating again, inadvertently remembering the conversation just now. The presumptuous man standing next to him, in the course of the conversation with Joseph, had suddenly said the sentence, "Mr. Dover, your wife has a rather strange temper."

    This "strange" wife had always been the responsibility of his manager. Today, though it seemed strange to see for the first time, he couldn''t say that in front of her husband, let alone a guest valued by the CEO. But after hearing this, Joseph smiled unexpectedly and said to them in a light tone, "I''m sorry my wife has given you some trouble." He was a little strange too.

    It seemed that she was a very spoiled woman. ording to his men, the wife of Joseph was not only spoiled but also an argumentative, unpleasant woman. It was perfectly understandable to them that a wife with undeserved money was a little unbearable.

    In the elevator, the numbers changed one by one, quietly and silently.

    Joseph held her without a word. As he entered the elevator, he remained silent, and his face was calm as water.

    The elevator had not stopped in the course of its ascent, which made Irish uneasy. She had finally returned to reason after crying. She lifted her eyes quietly while touching his chin. The silence gave her an indescribable panic again.

    After a period of living with him, she knew him.

    Such calm and indifference could only mean two things.

    Either way, he was extremely unconcerned and dissatisfied. Or he was extremely angry but suppressing his displeasure.

    Why did she think...

    Was thetter more likely?

    Atst, with nervousness, her voice fluttered. "Let me go." Didn''t he still have a gun wound?

    Unexpectedly, Joseph remained silent, not even looking down at her.

    Irish was not happy, and she bit her lips hard, "Joseph."

    "Shut up." He finally said in a faint tone.

 Chapter 320 320: Is It Worth It?

    Irish was wise enough to shut up, fearing that someone would see her embarrassed when the elevator stopped on the way, so she buried her whole face in his arms like an ostrich.

    Fortunately, the elevator went directly to the top floor of the presidential suite and never stopped.

    The door of the room was wide open, and the private housekeeper stood respectfully at the door as Joseph brought Irish all the way back to the room. The housekeeper was not surprised to see Josephing in with Irish. Leo was sitting on the sofa in the living room as if he was at home.

    Joseph turned a blind eye to him and brought Irish directly into the bedroom.

    Leo rose and followed him in, leaningzily against the door frame with his arms sped around his chest, watching Joseph put Irish on the bed without saying a word.

    Irish felt extremely embarrassed. Her meticulously molded elegant self-image had been destroyed before these two men!

    Compared to Leo''s silence, Joseph was even quieter. After putting her down, Irish put her hand on his sleeve and looked up at him, obviously worried about losing him.

    "Let go." Joseph''s tone of voice was exactly the same as in the elevator. She sensed the harshness behind his calm tone, so she loosened her fingers, and Joseph turned into the bathroom.

    At this moment, Irish, feeling greatly aggrieved, sat in bed with her head drooping in frustration, her long hair falling over most of her face. After a long time, she only said, "Leo, I... Isn''t that terrible?"

    Closely followed by the man''s tall shadow, she raised her eyes to Leo''s helpless and concerned face. He sat down in front of her as if gazing at a dog thrown by the side of the road. She sighed, put her hand over her face, and her voice came out through her fingers. "Don''t look at me like that. I know how crazy I am."

    "It''s not easy for Joseph to hold back his anger," Leo said unexpectedly.

    Irish raised her face from her hands. She didn''t expect him to speak for Joseph.

    "If it had been me, I''d have scolded you harshly!" Leo''s expression was serious, even entuating his tone.

    Irish immediately felt that she was wrong. She was very clear about Leo. Usually, he was really forgiving, even in the business sector where she did not agree with him. She thought his personality was very easy to get along with. If even he expressed disappointment in what she had done, he could imagine how outrageous her behavior was.

    Subconsciously looking in the direction of the bathroom, her expression was sad. When would Joseph''s anger dissipate?

    But soon, a man''s hand held her face.

    When their eyes were opposite each other, Leo frowned and sighed, "Is it worth it?"

    Irish understood his meaning in four short words, and without hesitation, she answered, "Worth it."

    As her voice fell, she caught a glimpse of Josephing out of the bathroom with a wet towel. He stood beside the door, quietly looking in Irish''s direction.

    Leo saw hime out too but ignored him. His eyes turned to Irish, and he said in a more subdued tone. "Lily is not far from here. If he bullies you, you cane to me."

    A short and powerful sentence left Irish''s heart warm. Somehow, her nose felt sour, and her eyes were red, and she finally admitted that women were made of water, otherwise, how could she have cried so much today? Had she been lonely for too long, so eager for warmth?<novelnext></novelnext>

    If Leo hadn''t mentioned it, she would have forgotten that Runestone''s Vera Club and Lily both had sites in Hong Kong.

    Leo saw her red eyes, sighed, and said in a loud voice, "I just want you to know that one day if you are very tired, you can stop in ce, and I''lle to you."

    Irish''s eyes vibrated.

    He stooped down and kissed her forehead in front of Joseph.

    Irish was powerless, so she could not avoid it but felt a burning point on her forehead. Her whole body froze. Soon, a cold voice rose in the air. "Leo, the luxurious bed in the Lily is more suitable for you to get over your jetg."

    Leoughed and got up to face him, then returned to his usual idleness. "How dare Iin if you''ve been hurrying back from South Africa to Hong Kong without a singleint?"

    Irish was shocked that the two men hade from South Africa and had not returned directly to New York.

    Joseph came forward and seemed to smile. "I sleep at most five hours a day, and you need at least ten hours a day, so I suggest you go back to sleep, or how are you going to exin your absurd behavior in South Africa to your father."

    Leo shrugged his shoulders. "I''ll just have to tell my father. What about you? I''m afraid when you have to go back to New York you have a lot more exining to do than just business issues. Good luck, then!" After speaking, he left with a strange smile.

    Irish felt a strange pressure in the room as the two tall men stared at each other for a moment.

    However, when Leo left, the pressure inside seemed to subside slightly.

    Only then did Irish realize that what really baffled her was the man in front of her.

    Joseph did not seem to be very calm.

    The room became quiet again.

    Irish could only hear the clock ticking.

    Joseph finally sat down beside her, lifting his hand without saying a word. A warm towel was ced directly on her face, and he wiped it.

    "Joseph."

    As soon as she was about to speak, the towel in his hand moved to her mouth again, with slight aggravation, which blocked her words.

    After wiping her face, he got up and went back to the bathroom to clean the towel. Irish stared at his back as if she had done something wrong. When he came out of the bathroom and sat next to her, her face became a little red. She tried to say something several times, only to find that Joseph had a gloomy face and did not dare to say more.

 Chapter 321 321: Where Else Does It Hurt?

    When Joseph wiped her hand, she frowned as soon as he touched her arm. He looked up at her, and she smiled at him.

    Instead of being lured by the woman, he asked, "What''s wrong with your arm?"

    "Nothing." Irish heard him talking to her, feeling no pain, only joy.

    At the same time, he took her arm and pulled up her pajama sleeves, and his eyebrows frowned. Irish saw that his expression was scared. She looked at her elbow, red and swollen. How did that happen?

    "Nothing?" Joseph slightly raised his voice.

    "Ah."

    "Where else does it hurt?"

    Irish thought for a long time and shook her head at him.

    He stopped believing what she said and said, "Take off your clothes."

    "Huh?"

    "Take them off at once!" He said, like an adult scolding a child.

    Irish looked at him carefully. The man was obviously angry, which was a bad sign, but it was better than a poker face. Thinking of Leo, she also understood that Joseph''s displeasure was reasonable. So she gently grabbed his arm, thinking of easing the awkward atmosphere, "Why we just meet, and I need to take off my clothes? Why are you so bad?"

    Her little joke could not restore Joseph''s usual happiness with her. On the contrary, he repeated himself in a more serious tone, "Hurry up, or I''ll do it myself."

    Irish, at best, was a paper tiger and seeing that he was really angry, she took off her pajamas silently. She was a little embarrassed, but it was better than looking at his cold face. "Done." She looked at him pitifully.

    However, Joseph frowned again, "Take off all of them."

    "But..." She was only wearing a bra and underwear.

    "Take them off." He said, but his eyes were on her knee, too, and his face turned even worse.

    Irish looked down, bit her tongue, and found that her knees were blue. "It''s alright, isn''t it? It''s not like they''re broken." She would do anything to ease his displeasure, but the man''s anger was hard to subdue.

    Thinking, directly kneeling on the bed, she put her hand around his waist, "You really want me naked? I''m really not hurt anywhere else. Why don''t you check?"

    She took his big hand to cover her hip, opened the edge of her underpants, and let his fingers in.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Joseph didn''t listen to her. He pulled them off and pulled her body close to check it. He saw that she had not been bruised except in her arms and knees, and his frown alleviated. His big hand pulled the quilt over her almost naked body, and when he saw that she was about to push it back, he frowned and yelled, "Cover it."

    At the end of the speech, he got up. Irish left her head outside and could not help but murmur, "I''m naked, and you have no response, are you impotent, or did a womanst night use up all your energy?"

    The remark made Joseph pause. He turned and stared at her. Irish withdrew her head, pulling the quilt to block his sight, knowing that she had been bold.

    Joseph was not angry, but after a long time, he said, "I really didn''t have time to sleepst night, I just took care of a drunk woman who made me exhausted."

    Irish was happy, turning her eyes, "Well...can''t we be enthusiastic when we meet again after a long time?"

    Joseph slightly squinted and said, "Enthusiastic? I want to strangle you!"

    Irish was so frightened that she quickly tucked herself into the quilt.

    He said nothing more and turned out of the bedroom. Soon after, Irish heard him talking on the phone, and his voice seemed warm, "Yes, just take some liquid medicine, please."

    Irish sneered, he was only warm towards other people.

    Soon the steward took some medicine to them and asked carefully if he should call a doctor, but Joseph declined tactfully, dispatching him and taking medicine back to the bedroom.

    Irish was wrapped in the quilt like a rice dumpling, with only her eyes exposed. When she saw him entering the room, she looked carefully at him and reached out to wave at him like a Fortune Cat, saying, "You are thirty-five years old, if you always keep such a straight face, your age much sooner."

    Joseph deliberately ignored her, and after sitting down beside her, he took out her bruised leg, which tickled her. As soon as his fingers touched her leg, she couldn''t helpughing and said, "Don''t do that. You tickled me."

    However, Joseph did not care if she was being tickled and began applying the ointment. She had been in the quilt for some time, so her cold feet had been warmed, but when touched by the cold ointment, her feet curled slightly. But soon, Joseph warned her, "Don''t move."

    "Joseph, it''s cold."

    After experiencing severalplicated mood swings, the consternation when she woke up in the morning, the panic while she was looking for Joseph, and the worries of being undressed, Irish still kept calm. If she had been any other girl, she would have lost her mind already. But Irish was invulnerable since her uncle was a master, and her aunt was an irondy who raised her.

    What''s more, she was a professional psychologist. Though after meeting Joseph, she felt that she had learned psychology in vain. But as time passed by, she felt her wisdom was returning.

    She was not a fool, and she knew that Joseph wouldn''t get angry for no reason. It must have been because he cared about her and regarded her as family. A person like Joseph had a great capability to control his emotions, but he lost his temper before her, which indicated she was not an outsider to him.

    Therefore, Irish began to act like a spoiled kid in front of him, after all, she was a psychologist, and she understood that some sessful businessmen had weird tempers. Most of the time, when she argued with him, he would think she was unique and distinctive. He was even strict with himself, so he wouldn''t tolerate a woman causing trouble for anything.

    Sure enough, after hearing this, Irish found that his severe look had been somewhat relieved.

 Chapter 322 322: You Are Tickling Me

    She was happy she still understood him, and she knew how to cate him like a stubborn lion. But he still didn''t look up, so Irish couldn''t see through his mind. He stopped for a second, putting the ointment on his hands for a few seconds, then applied it to her wound. It moved her that he was warming it before putting it on her skin.

    She felt spoiled, and a warm current spread deeply through her heart. She looked at him carefully, and somehow she suddenly choked with a sob and bit her lip.

    Her silence attracted his attention, and when he looked up at her, he found that she was biting her lips, so he asked softly, "Does it hurt?"

    Actually, it didn''t hurt at all because after experiencing such tension, she felt aches all over her body and the pain in the knee was not so obvious.

    Of course, Irish wouldn''t pretend to be a tough girl at this time, so she loosened her lips and held her breath.

    As a result, her eyes turned red and tearful, which made her look so delicate and touching.

    Irish looked at him like a sorrowful rabbit and said in a pathetic voice, "Joseph, it really hurts." She didn''t believe that her tearful eyes wouldn''t touch him.

    Joseph frowned at her bitten lips, as well as her tearful eyes, and he said angrily, "It serves you right."

    Though he said with a bad tone, she perceived his pity, and his movements became softer as well.

    Irish chose to be silent and lowered her head.

    After seeing this, he finallypromised after a few seconds. Though his tone was a little bit harsh, it was softer than a moment ago. "Why didn''t you call me? Don''t you know how to use a cell phone? What if an ident happened to you because you ran out barefoot? Why do you always act so rashly?"

    "My phone was in the bedroom, and I was afraid that you would leave, so I rushed out without thinking about it." She said with feelings and pretended to be pitiful outwardly, "I was really afraid..."

    Hearing this, Joseph stopped for a while and looked up at her, sighing after a while, "You..."

    He was speechless.

    Of course, Irish knew he had made apromise, so she felt pleased and moved her legs to him so that she could get close to him. Her plump breasts were revealed from the quilt, and when she reached out to hold his neck, her cleavage was exposed to the air.

    "How did you find mest night?" Her legs were ced on hisp, so it was convenient for him to apply the ointment to her. Of course, it was even more convenient for him to look at her plump bosom, and Joseph didn''t avoid looking at it directly, and his eyes turned deep. He pulled her arm and began to apply the cream to it.

    Finding him keeping silent, Irish gave an exnation to herself, "Oh, I know it must have been Daisy since she is so talented."

    Joseph took a nce at her but didn''t reply.

    "You changed my pajamas for me?"<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Um..." He replied briefly.

    "You switched my cell phone to vibrate?"

    "What do you think?" He asked in reply with his husky voice.

    "Well, what about the food that you asked the steward to prepare for me?"

    Joseph finally couldn''t bear her endless chatter and pulled the quilt up to wrap her again, only leaving her head exposed in the air. "Why do you have so many questions?"

    "A day apart from you seems like three years." She smiled at him.

    Joseph was finally warmed by her, even if he had an iron heart. After applying the ointment for her, he rubbed her hair and said, "You always have such a sweet mouth."

    Hearing this, Irish knew that he was not angry anymore, so she couldn''t help smiling.

    "Where is it still hurting?" Her sweet smile almostpletely melted his heart, and he couldn''t be angry with her anymore. Even though he was irritated because she left even without informing him and also because she rushed out to find him even without wearing shoes, he was still tolerant of her. Even though she left so resolutely, when he saw her pale face in his arms, his anger vanished quickly after.

    She was the only woman who made him mess up his rules.

    Irish perceived the softness in the deep of his eyes and thought for a while, moving her toes, saying, "I''m fine, but my feet are so cold."

    "If you run out barefoot next time, I will throw you out directly." Though he said this, he still put her feet on his stomach to warm them.

    Perhaps it was because her feet were so small or because his hands were so big, but when he warmed her, she felt the warmth spread all the way to her heart. Looking up at him, she felt her fondness for him was even deeper.

    Joseph looked at her feet, which were so small that he could wrap them with his hand. The feet in front of him were cold and pale, and they looked whiter than ever. He couldn''t remove his eyes from her small ankle bones and beautiful foot curvature.

    He tightened his hands while Irishughed and said, "You are tickling me." Joseph finally smiled, and when he saw the quilt slip from her shoulder, a me flickered in his eyes. Irish saw that the ointment on her arms and legs was almost absorbed, and she straddled him directly because she had just seen his gorgeous smile.

    When she sat down, she felt his erect maleness and her cheeks quickly turned rosy.

    She leaned on his shoulders and smiled secretly.

    "We have not made love for a few days. Do you still want to add some more injuries to your body?" His hoarse voice sounded beside her ear, and his big hands slipped into the quilt, rubbing her gently.

 Chapter 323 323: What Is This Compensation?

    Her soft and tender body curled up in his arms, and he could smell her fragrance easily, stimting his hormones to wake up. Joseph was not an ascetic person. He hadn''t addressed his physiological needs for a few days, and now that his beloved woman was lying in his arms, it was natural that he would have a physiological reaction.

    He straightened her out and whispered into her ears while his breath became hot. His lips moved down from her earlobe to her corbone, and finally, he buried his face in her plump breast, opening his mouth to enjoy her sweetness.

    Irish felt warm, her breath elerated, and she felt his cock get bigger like a beast ready to be released from its cage.

    "Joseph��" She was a little bit shocked and held his head, staring at his handsome face. "You are injured and haven''t had a good rest since South Africa."

    Joseph''s lips fell on her wrist, and she couldn''t help drawing back her hands since his breath was so hot. Soon he lowered his head and kissed her plump breasts, which tickled her. She knew that it was his beard that tortured her.

    "Witch girl, do you know I want to make love to you?" His voice was maic and husky.

    Hearing this, Irish held his neck and whispered into his ear, "You have to have a good rest, and I promise I will treat you when you recuperate."

    "You can treat me now."

    Irish panted and held his neck while Joseph moved to kiss her.

    When Irish tried to avoid him, the cell phone rang, disturbing Joseph, who was full of lust. He stopped and frowned slightly, and she couldn''t helpughing with her finger touching his sturdy chest. Of course, she knew he was full of desire, so she hastily answered, and the steward''s voice sounded on the phone.

    "Mr. Dover, Mr. Liang has finished the list. Do you want to meet him now?"

    Irish was confused and wondered who Mr. Liang was and what was on this list.

    Though being disturbed, Joseph didn''t express his annoyance but took a deep breath and said, "Okay, please ask him toe here."

    After finishing the call, he pinched her hip slightly and said, "You''d better get dressed now or stay here and don''te out."

    She wriggled to him. He was eager to have sex with her now, but he knew that there were many wounds on her body, so he had to restrain his lust.

    Irish giggled and said, "Okay, I will get dressed soon."

    Finishing her words, she put on her pajamas while Joseph stood up and adjusted his clothes, but soon he saw that Irish wasughing violently. He looked down and felt helpless when he found that his cock was still erect in his pants.

    Generally speaking, men filled with Iust would be a little confused, such as Joseph, who was trying to restrain his desire, but it couldn''t return to normal in such a short time. From Irish''s position, she could clearly see his erect cock.

    "Joseph, it''s so big," Irish whispered with an evil smile.

    "I will make love to you now if you keepughing at me." Joseph threatened when he saw that she wasughing at him. And after hearing this, Irish quickly stoppedughing.

    The doorbell rang, and Mr. Liang waited outside.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish immediately got up from the bed, pointed at his crotch, and asked, "What are you going to do? Do you need me to meet him for you?"

    "Nonsense," Joseph said indifferently and walked into the bathroom, putting on a bathrobe. Irish opened her mouth but said nothing.

    Irish never expected that Mr. Liang would be the "Panda manager."

    She sat on the couch and looked at Mr. Liang handed a list to Joseph politely, "The totalpensation has been attached."

    Joseph took a look and nodded, and said, "Please wait for a moment." Then he left the reception room.

    Irish was confused, and after Joseph left, she asked, "What is thispensation?" She vaguely heard that when Joseph brought her back to the room, he had also mentioned it.

    Mr. Liang was startled by her and looked at her with panicked eyes as if she was a beast, which made Irish feel puzzled. Therefore, she got up and then walked to him directly, "Am I so horrible?"

    However, he became even more frightened and waved at her while backing up two steps. "No, no, no."

    Irish stopped and frowned when she found that he was sweating from anxiety.

    "Well, madam, Mr. Dover has dealt with everything for you." He stuttered while he wiped his sweat away.

    He felt that he had done something wrong since he saw Joseph was dressed in a bathrobe while Irish was dressed in a night skirt with rosy cheeks. As an experienced adult, he knew that absence made the heart grow fonder, so he felt embarrassed. Of course, what made him feel more frightened was Irish.

    When he received the call to switch Irish to the presidential suite, he felt that the two of them were very strange. After getting the hotel executive''s request, he had no choice but to call Mr. Dover. Unexpectedly, Mr. Dover said something which he couldn''t understand. He said that she wouldn''t agree to change to the presidential suite unless they pretended there was an issue with the hot water for her.

    But it turned out she was not aw-abiding person.

    Irish crossed her arms, frowning at Mr. Liang, and felt confused about what he had said just now. Therefore, she said to him, "Hey, please look at me."

    Mr. Liang forced a bitter smile on her.

    "What is thispensation?"

    When he was about to reply, Joseph came back, expecting what had happened, and he handed a check to Mr. Liang. "Please hand it to Mr. Liu."

    "Okay, I will hand it to him," Mr. Liang took the check and left quickly.

    Irish widened her eyes, and after a long while, she turned to Joseph and asked, "Did I do something horrible to him?"

    "What do you think?" Joseph asked in reply.

 Chapter 324 324: Come With Me

    After hearing this, Irish was still confused and thought for a while since she really didn''t know what she had done to Mr. Liang. After a while, she said hesitantly, "I don''t remember doing anything to him."

    "Yes, but you almost tortured me to death," Joseph replied helplessly.

    "Huh?" She then reacted and said, "You mean I did some horrible things when I was drunk? But I remembered that I just slept quietly."

    Joseph took a deep breath and embraced her into his arms for a second, and then took her into another room. They opened the door and went in.

    "Wow, there is still a big room." Irish was surprised.

    It looked like a study from its structure, with a floor-to-ceiling window from which they could see the scenery of the city. What was more shocking to her was a giant painting, which was the same width as the wall. Though it was a painting, it looked like embroidery of scenes with hills and rivers that looked very lifelike.

    Though she was not familiar with embroidery, she still could figure out that it must have cost a great amount of money to embed it into the wall. She never expected that this presidential suite would be so big, but it made sense that she knew nothing about it since she had only really slept in the bedroom.

    But when she looked carefully at it, she felt something was weird about it. Reaching out and touching it, she found that the flying bird on this brocade was out of shape and had been ruined, which totally destroyed the integrity and beauty of this spectacr work of art. "Why hang a broken painting in such a nice hotel?" She sighed slightly.

    But Joseph didn''t reply to her and just kept silent, and Irish suddenly trembled and turned to him as if she had recalled something. Looking into his deep eyes, an ominous premonition rose from her heart, and after a long time, she asked hesitantly. "Does this have something to do with me?"

    But Joseph just looked at her with a meaningful look.

    After seeing this, she widened her eyes and said, "How could this be possible? Did I destroy it?"

    Joseph shook his head helplessly and replied, "It was because you wanted the flying bird in this brocade."

    "I don''t understand."

    Joseph sighed and said, "Come over here."

    Her heart beat so fast, but she still stepped forward.

    "Do you see that bunch of branches?" He held her shoulders and pointed her to the corner of the wall.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish looked at the branches, which were piled up to half a person''s height, with leaves scattered on the ground. She originally thought it was just a decoration, but now it was not so simple.

    "You wanted to have a BBQ with the flying bird as well as those branches." Irish was greatly shocked by his words and looked at him with astonishment.

    How could it be possible, and where did she get the branches? But Joseph soon exined it to her, which made her feel shameful. "There were two pots of precious ornamental graftings of metasequoia. It was a newly introduced indoor tree species. Each one of them was more than 20 years old. You cut them apartst night to light a fire to BBQ that fake bird."

    Metasequoia was a precious tree species known as a living fossil. Irish had a particr liking for this elegant nt in the past, but now there were destroyed branches of the valuable tree in front of her eyes.

    What was more important was that she didn''t ignore Joseph''s words, it was a newly introduced indoor tree species. Each of them was over 20 years old. The outdoor metasequoia had be a state-level endangered species, let alone indoor graftings. Looking at this, Irish felt dizzy. She couldn''t figure out if it was the aftermath of the alcoholst night or if it was because she couldn''t ept the truth. Anyway, she staggered to the ruined branches, looked at them, and felt at a loss.

    She took one of the branches and couldn''t help wailing in her heart.

    It was too horrible to look at.

    The beautiful branches were forcibly broken, and the unevenness of the fractures was proof that they had been ripped off. She loosened her hand, but her fingers were stained with the smell of its fragrance. After a long time, she turned back at Joseph and tried to calm down, asking against her conscience, "You must have made a mistake. It isn''t possible for me to do such a thing��."

    It seemed that Joseph had expected she would say something like this, so before leaving the room, he said, "Come with me."

    Irish stood up slowly and looked back at the branches, and finally stepped out of the room.

    The reception room was located in the southeast corner of the president''s suite, and different from the cloudy weather a few days ago, the reception room was suffused with sunlight as if there was ayer of gold on the ground. Joseph was sitting in front of theputer, and Irish couldn''t figure out what he was doing. The sunshine illuminated his chest, and the white shirt blurred his handsome face. Irish stood close to him, staring at him since she never expected a man could look as handsome as this.

    "Come to look at this." He said calmly.

    Irish didn''t know what he wanted her to look at and stepped forward hesitantly. When she just sat down, she found a paused video on theputer, which stunned her, and she blinked out of consciousness.

    Compared with her panic, Joseph looked indifferent and began to y the video for her. He then leaned against the couch leisurely with his eyes staring at theputer screen.

    It was taken by the camera in the study room since the people staying there were very rich, so the study room was more important than the bedroom. It was necessary to install a camera there in case of an incident. Some people will choose to turn it off as soon as they stay there, but Irish obviously hadn''t done so.

 Chapter 325 325: You Are Really Amazing

    There was a weird atmosphere suffused in the big presidential suite.

    Irish looked at the person in the video with astonishment because she had never seen a drunk person act as crazy as this.

    And the person was herself.

    At first, she stumbled into the study room, while the beautiful light from the crystalmp under the camera beautified her drunken red face. She looked around for a while and then rushed to the brocade painting suddenly with her arms extended, with a smile spread across her blushing cheeks.

    Irish looked at herself in the video and felt unfamiliar with the crazy woman.

    It seemed that she had regarded the painting as a real scene because she was severely drunk. After a minute, she began to giggle, which made her flesh creep when she heard it. She had a premonition that she was going to cause trouble soon.

    Sure enough, she pointed at the flying bird on the brocade and shouted, "Do you think you are special since you have wings? Do you know who I am? I am good at archery, and I will shoot you with arrows and then will roast you."

    Hearing this, the sweat flowed down from her forehead, and she took a glimpse at Joseph, who was still calmly looking at the video, saying indifferently, "You are really amazing."

    Irish licked her lips and felt awkward, and she wanted to hide forever.

    Obviously, she started topete with the bird and took out a small knife from somewhere. The next second, she staggered into a chair and screamed excitedly, stabbing the bird. She then ripped the bird from the brocade and mmed it on the ground.

    Irish saw that only the bird''s head was left on it.

    She was so embarrassed since it was simply too shameful. In the following second, she turned to the two pots of metasequoia and acted excitedly. She cut off one of the branches in a few seconds.

    After seeing this, Irish moaned in her heart. She hoped that she could''ve gone back to that moment so that she could stop herself from destroying such precious trees and the brocade, which was much more valuable than she was.

    Of course, she was totally immersed in the great joy of nature and began to sing while splitting the metasequoia.

    After seeing this, Joseph said behind her faintly, "Look, you even sang a songst night."

    Obviously, she acted like an irondy in the video, and she cut the two pots of metasequoia, which had a history longer than human beings. She stabbed the flying bird,cking its head, and showed a weird smile. It reminded her of a vicious witch in a story.

    "I am going to roast you now!" Irish couldn''t bear to watch it anymore, and she huddled up on the couch with her hands crossed, her face buried in her legs, and only revealed her eyes to look at the video reluctantly.

    What she was worried about was that she was about to start a fire and burn the hotel down in the next second.

    Luckily, Joseph came in at that moment, and Irish could easily tell from the video that Joseph was also shocked by the scene when he entered the room. He stood at the door motionlessly, but she couldn''t see his expression clearly since he wasn''t facing the camera, but she could still perceive he was stunned by his movements.

    Seeing this, Irish covered her eyes, leaving only a slit.<novelnext></novelnext>

    He was typically so calm since he had experienced many hardships, he could even beposed in a gunfight, but he was startled by the scene in front of him.

    Irish had to "admire" her copsing force. From the slit, she saw that in the video, she staggered to Joseph, smiling cheerfully in his arms, and said to him straightforwardly, "I invite you to barbecue with me."

    Joseph didn''t move but looked very somber, but she still shouted that she wanted to have a barbecue, so Joseph guided her out of the room immediately.

    The video was still for a while. Time passed, and several minutester, Joseph walked in again and began to put the room in order. Finally, after picking up the body of the flying bird, he turned to the brocade and looked at it motionlessly.

    Irish couldn''t help wailing since she knew he wanted to kill her at that moment.

    She stared at the video without moving when he finally stopped it. Drawing back his hands, he said indifferently behind her, "I never suspected you of showing a propensity for violence. Have you seen a doctor before?"

    She knew that he wasughing at her and her cheeks blushed, and she buried her face in her knees.

    Now, she understood why she had felt her muscles aching when she got up this morning.

    It was no wonder why he was so astonished since it was the first time for him to see such a ridiculous scene.

    After a long time, she turned to Joseph, and he showed a faint smile to her.

    She leaned against him and cried out, "Joseph, you''d better kill me. Please! The brocade and the two pots of metasequoia are more precious than my life."

    She remembered that she had a dreamst night in which she was in Pennsylvania with him, and they were drinking and eating roast meat with the local people there. In the distance, there was a beautiful mountain, while in front of her eyes, they were enjoying the fire dancing show.

    It turned out to be a dream.

    Irish felt despair since she would have to pay a lot for the damages. Looking at the broken brocade and the branches of metasequoia, she felt her money flying away.

    Joseph leaned against the couch and embraced her. He smiled after hearing this, rubbed her hair, and joked with her, "You said that your life has no worth then, so there is no point in killing you."

    "Joseph, do you realize that I want to jump off the roof of this building?" She held him with her face buried in his arms.

    Her breath tickled Joseph''s neck, and he gently caressed her hair which was like silk cloth in his slender fingers. He liked to look at her draped hair, and he felt leisurely at this moment since she was curled up in his arms like a ko. Touching her silky hair, he enjoyed a rare peace at this moment.

    "Well, then I want you to know what you feel most sorrowful for, the brocade, the metasequoia, or the money?" He mocked her.

 Chapter 326 326: You Are So Dramatic

    "The money!" Irish replied without any hesitation. "I choose money." No matter how valuable the brocade or the metasequoia were, they had nothing to do with her, but she would have to pay so much money for them, and what was more important was that Joseph had paid a great amount of money for her. Since he was a profiteer, he would certainly ask her to do something for him. In short, what she was worried about was her future since she didn''t know what kind of tricks he would y.

    Hearing this, Joseph smiled meaningfully. He had expected it because she was a money grubber. Looking at his smile, Irish felt more anxious since she thought he wouldn''t be happy after losing such a great amount of money. But why did he still smile? He must have made a n already. Finally, she realized something was wrong and said hastily. "Wasn''t it you who picked me up from the bar? But why was I alone when I was back at the hotel?"

    Joseph was patient and asked, "What do you mean?"

    Irish got out of his arms, but his hands soon grabbed her waist again, rubbing her lightly. But she ignored it and said, "Joseph, this is actually your fault. Why didn''t you stay with me? Don''t you know that a drunk person always causes trouble?"

    Hearing this, Joseph nodded as if he agreed with what she had just said. He looked up at her with his deep eyes, and there was a faint light flickering in them. From her perspective, he looked very enchanting and sexy.

    "I was answering a phone in the living room for a few minutes." He said briefly while his implication was that her destructive power was huge.

    Irish was speechless at his words.

    But Joseph was amused by her, and when he was just about to continue to mock her, his cell phone rang, so he patted her head lightly and then stood up, walking to the window to answer the call.

    His stalwart figure warded off the sunlight, but the faint light fell on his shoulders, causing him to be enveloped in the warm sunshine. Irish looked at him and felt guilty since he looked like a man without a care in this matter.

    She couldn''t figure out who had called him. Though he spoke with a different voice, it sounded forthright. After finishing the call, he turned aside slightly and smiled a big smile when he saw Irish''s gloomy look in the corner of his eyes.

    She heard Joseph apologize on the phone, so they must have been discussing the destruction she causedst night. Soon Joseph said firmly, "No, no, no, I have topensate you for it,"

    After hearing this, Irish stood up immediately while her eyes were flickering. She rushed over to hold his waist, and Joseph took a quick glimpse at her but said nothing. Irish perceived that he didn''t intend to avoid her, so she walked in front of him, leaning against his chest to eavesdrop on his phone conversation.

    Unexpectedly, Joseph reached out and embraced her and didn''t stop her from eavesdropping. In this way, Irish could hear more clearly.

    It was the person in charge of the hotel, and he wasining that Joseph didn''t regard him as an old friend and said he needn''tpensate him for the damages.

    After hearing this, her heart beat fast, so she hastily hinted to him to find an excuse to take back the check.

    However, Joseph didn''t respond to her at all but smiled and said, "It is because we are old friends that I need topensate you."

    Irish was shocked and widened her eyes at him.

    She was confused about why he insisted, and she felt so anxious.

    But the man on the other end of the phone said again, "Joseph, you''ve trapped me in a dilemma."

    But Josephughed and replied, "I don''t mean that. Though we are intimate friends, I have to obey the rules. I didn''tpensate you at the market price, and I took a discount."<novelnext></novelnext>

    After hearing this, Irish felt that her head was buzzing.

    Joseph couldn''t helpughing when he saw this, and when he was about to raise his hands, Irish said immediately, "Don''t touch me, please, I feel so sorrowful at the moment."

    "You are so dramatic." He said in a low voice.

    While Irish replied feebly, "My heart is almost broken."

    "Well, can I change my shirt before your heartbreak?"

    "Why?"

    "My shirt is covered in your tears and snot."

    Irish stood up slightly and then replied, "Okay."

    Staring at Irish, who looked like a chump, heughed and held her back to the couch, then turned away to change his shirt.

    After a minute, she reacted and rushed to the dressing room. Joseph was taking off his shirt, which was stained with her tears and snot. He was not surprised when he saw her rush in, and he put on a gray shirt.

    She stared at his sturdy chest and began to chatter andin to him, "Joseph, the manager has said that we don''t need topensate him for it, why are you so stubborn? Maybe the brocade and the trees were counterfeit and not worth as much..."

    Joseph turned to her and kept silent, but he showed a faint smile, raising his hands elegantly to fasten the buttons of his shirt, which adorned his proud body.

    But Irish still chatted to him without stopping, "Even though you are rich, you can''t spend all the time extravagantly. I don''t think the brocade is worth that much money or how I could tear it up so easily. As for that metasequoia grafting, perhaps it''s also worthless now that the technology has improved."

    Joseph fastened thest button and then looked at her calmly. "Are you finished?"

    ? "Yes..."

    He then walked from her side.

    Irish was shocked, and it took her a long time to react, so she followed him to the washroom and said, "Hey, what do you mean?"

    He was washing his hands and didn''t look back but looked up at her from the mirror and said softly, "The unique feature of this hotel is that each president''s suite is unique because of the furnishings. The items are different. Just like the one we''re in now, the items are all different. The brocade you destroyed is said to be a curiosa, and the manager who called me just now spent more than two million dors bidding on it.

 Chapter 327 327: How Will You Compensate Me?

    Irish was in great shock. It was worth two million dors!

    "And just as you said, even though grafting technology has advanced, the metasequoia is only for decoration, but it is worth as much as the brocade." Joseph wiped his hands and said indifferently.

    Hearing this, her eyes and mouth were frozen. It turned out that they were really that precious, and she was filled with regret.

    Joseph turned back, staring at her leaning on the sink, and said, "Do you think I should pay him since such valuable items were destroyed?"

    Irish was speechless and clenched her hands, smiling at him, "Yes, I should pay for them since they were so precious." She thought it was just a brocade with a long history. However, it was undeniable that this brocade was indeed a rarity, so it was natural that it had great value. But she had stupidly destroyed it. She felt sick.

    When thinking about it, Joseph said suddenly, "Now that you''ve admitted that you should make up for it, now we have to talk about thepensation."

    Hearing this, Irish was stunned and immediately asked, "Haven''t you already paid for it?"

    "Yes, I have paid a great amount of money for you." Joseph smiled with his arms crossed in front of his chest, and then he added slowly, "But it is you who caused the damage, not me. How will youpensate me now that I''ve paid the hotel''spensation?"

    ? For a money grubber like Irish, what she hated most was when people borrowed money from her or she owed others. She was always afraid that she couldn''t get back the money she lent to others, while thetter situation was even more serious to her. Generally speaking, she could provide for herself, so she usually wouldn''t owe money to others unless there were one of two situations. The first one was if she went bankrupt, and the second one was if some incident urred to her. No matter what kind of situation happened, there was only one result: she either didn''t owe money, or she would owe a great amount of money.

    Now, her worries had finallye true.

    She woke up with a debt abruptly.

    Though he said it calmly, she felt stressed. She didn''t want to get involved with money problems for her whole life. But she was smart, so her brain worked rapidly when facing such a dilemma. She wouldn''t be stupid enough to reply to him directly but replied with a pitiful look, "Well, how much money have you paid?"

    Beyond his expectation, she didn''t get annoyed, and a faint glow in the deep of his eyes. He smiled and replied, "A great sum of money." He didn''t answer her directly and walked out of the washroom, sitting on the couch leisurely.

    "But you just said on the phone that you didn''t pay in full." She stepped forward and sat down beside him.

    Joseph raised his eyebrows and said, "What do you want to say?"

    Irish answered quickly, "In fact, I think you should also be responsible for it. If you stayed with me, it wouldn''t have happened."

    Joseph thought for a while and nodded his head.

    Irish, after taking an inch, reached out for a yard and continued, "What''s more, I just ruined some decorations in the hotel, I didn''t vite thew or hurt people. Don''t you think that''s really lucky?"

    "You mean I should appreciate you since you didn''t burn the hotel down?" He looked at her and thought she was really ridiculous trying to escape this responsibility.<novelnext></novelnext>

    After hearing this, Irish smiled shamelessly and said, "Yes. Try to think if I lit that firest night, you would have to pay for the whole hotel now."

    Joseph had to admire her cheeky spirit, but he still reached out and embraced her into his arms with a smile in his eyes and said leisurely, "Do you want to change careers? I know a goodwyer''s agency, and I can introduce you."

    Irish looked at him while her face distorted. She knew that he was mocking her, so she pinched his arm without hesitation.

    "Ouch!" Joseph cried out, he didn''t expect she would do this. She started her counterattack on him.

    "I haven''t settled with you yet since you pretended to be my husbandst night." Stretching out her hands, she poked his sturdy chest as if to punish him. Then she continued, "The friends who drank with mest night, as well as the manager of this hotel, were both swindled by you. You have damaged my reputation, how will you make it up to me?"

    As soon as she finished her words, Joseph pinched her nose.

    "Ouch! Ouch!"

    He loosened his hands and stared at her, "Who would dare to get married to you since you are such a money grubber?"

    "You..." She replied without thinking out of burning with a frenzy of rage, but soon she felt embarrassed, but she couldn''t draw back her words.

    Therefore, she saw Joseph gradually showing a faint smile to her.

    She blushed and tried to exin, "I don''t mean that..." Actually, she didn''t know how to exin at all. Joseph just stared at her without saying anything, only looking at her rosy cheeks and anxious expression. She found that she couldn''t understand his meaningful eyes, so she tried to calm down and said, "I mean, you also went too farst night."

    "If I didn''t say that, I couldn''t take you away from your friends, and I also couldn''t get in this suit." He said frankly.

    Irish was speechless.

    "So the ultimate beneficiary was you," Joseph added. He rubbed her hair and continued to ask, "Do you still want to settle with me?"

    Irish red at him speechlessly. Joseph walked out but soon came back with a pen and a piece of paper. He sat down beside her while Irish asked vigntly, "What are you going to do?"

    "You have to give me an IOU," Joseph said cheerfully.

    "Joseph, are you serious?" She wailed. "Yes, I am serious." Joseph replied indifferently and tapped the paper with the pen, adding to her, "You can''t run away anymore if you write this IOU to me." Irish red at him but didn''t take the pen.

 Chapter 328 328: Don’t You Think I’m Correct?

    "Do you want to repudiate this debt?"

    "Joseph..." She suddenly moved into his arms and began to act like a spoiled kid, "You are my boyfriend, so you don''t have to do this, I will not repudiate the debt. I really don''t want to write you an IOU."

    "But you always say that I am a profiteer," Joseph smiled secretly.

    "I was just joking with you. Don''t take it seriously."

    She decided to use some soft tactics since she didn''t believe that he was an iron-hearted man, so she buried her face into his neck and said, "I know I was wrong and made a big mistake and that you lost a great sum of money. But did you forget that it was me who helped you to acquire that blue-green diamond? It''s much more precious than the brocade or the metasequoia. So why are you still forcing me to give you an IOU?"

    She spoke in a sweet voice which made Joseph feel pleasant. Her hair tickled his neck, and soon an unusual impulse rose from his heart as if there was a feather that was gently tickling him, but at the same time, he also couldn''t restrain his smile anymore.

    "Okay, you don''t have to write it." He held her, and Irish looked cheerfully after hearing this.

    However, Joseph soon added, "But you have to do something for me, after all, I paid a lot of money for you, and now I am your creditor." He gazed at her.

    Irish puckered her mouth and mumbled, "A profiteer..."

    "What did you just say? I didn''t hear clearly." He asked deliberately.

    "I said you are a kind man." She smiled and asked, "What do you need me to do for you?"

    Joseph stared at her, and there was light flickering in his eyes. "I can give you two options: mentalpensation or physicalpensation?"

    She frowned and hesitated while Joseph waited for her answer patiently. Finally, one minuteter, she said tentatively, "Mentalpensation. I choose mentalpensation."

    "You can''t change your decisionter."

    "Wait." She felt that his smile was weird and changed her mind, "I choose physicalpensation."

    "Are you sure?"

    Irish hesitated again and frowned at him.

    Joseph flicked her forehead lightly and said, "Is it that difficult for you to make a decision?"

    "Who said that?" Irish argued with him and then said firmly, "Okay, I choose mentalpensation."

    "Okay." Joseph embraced her into his arms again and began to introduce the model of mentalpensation to her briefly. "Now that you have made your decision, I can tell you what it is. You just need to go back to the Runestone Group and work for me. Don''t bete or leave early. Don''t eat snacks when you are working. You must keep this job until you pay back all the debt to me."<novelnext></novelnext>

    "You mean I have to work for you without a sry?"

    Joseph smiled at her and answered, "Yes because you owe me so much money."

    "Are you serious? I am still young, why should I work so hard for you without a sry? I won''t agree to this with you." The real reason was that she didn''t want to go back to the Runestone Group at all.

    After hearing this, Joseph couldn''t helpughing.

    "Well, do you have any objections? The best age for women is in her thirties when she has reached the essential stage in life. Then you will have a solid material foundation. I am now 28 years old, and I will enter my golden age soon. Don''t you think I''m correct?"

    Joseph was amused by her and said, "Well, then do you want to choose physicalpensation instead?"

    "Okay. But I have an advance agreement for you first. You can''t order me around as a housemaid."

    "Don''t worry. Your work will be much more simple since you chose the physicalpensation." Joseph smiled faintly while Irish blinked her eyes.

    Joseph leaned into her and whispered into her ears with his maic and husky voice and showed an evil smile. "You only have to lie in bed."

    Irish was a little confused, but soon she blushed, "You really are ady-killer."

    He held her wrist and got closer to her with his sturdy chest pressing against her. "Of course, it would be better if you were active, in this way, you could repay the money to me faster. I think you may have forgotten that a man in his thirties has greater enthusiasm than ever. That kind of passion could bring a man much more enjoyment in bed. You must know that since you are so smart."

    Irish blushed because of his words or his hot breath, which echoed in her heart, swaying in the ocean like a boat. The next second, she covered his mouth and said, "Stop!"

    Heughed and didn''t move her hands but embraced her, intoxicated by her rosy cheeks and her long flowing hair. It reminded him of the nights when he was lying in bed with her, and her cheeks looked the same as they did now. Then, she would moan under his body while her arms held his neck tightly as his dick prated her. She would beg him to slow down and pouted at him because of his thick dick.

    Thinking of this, a me flickered in his eyes, and his lust made him eager for action. Irish looked at him and showed a faint smile. He looked at her motionlessly with his deep eyes, and she hastily loosened her hands since she was too familiar with him and knew what he was thinking.

    But Joseph restrained his strong lust and looked like a cool-headed lion, staring at his prey in front of him. He took her hands, crossed her fingers, and said in a deep but maic voice, "Now you have no other choice except for physicalpensation."

    Hearing this, Irish went pink again, and her heart beat so fast. She felt shameful and reached out to lightly beat his chest.

    "What an unscrupulous businessman!" Irishined while Joseph pinched her chin and replied, "Honey, it''s your honor to serve me."

    "You are a male peacock, arrogant andcent!" Irish argued.

 Chapter 329 329: Do You Still Blame Me?

    He couldn''t help smiling and stopped joking with her. "Go wash your face."

    Irish was shocked and pointed at him after a while, asking, "What do you want to do?"

    "Hold on to your passion. I have to feed you now so that you can bring me the greatest joy tonight."

    Irish was embarrassed since she realized that she had misunderstood him, and he just wanted to take her out for a meal.

    Therefore, she rushed to the washroom immediately.

    ****

    Cassie sat beside the bay window motionlessly, looking at the leaves turning yellow with her calm, deep eyes. Her parents had gone to the market, and she was left in the house alone.

    It was a sunny afternoon. The sunshine prated through the yellow leaves, leaving mottled light on the ground. In the garden downstairs, there were children ying, and their parents were chatting. It waste autumn, and golden leaves flew in the sky as the wind blew them, which looked so beautiful.

    Her face was lustrous under the sunshine, and she squinted slightly. It reminded her of a sunny afternoon like today when she met Fredrick. He had also stood under the sunlight, walking together with Irish. His sharp-featured face, as well as his handsome figure, had attracted her. Yet, thinking of this, she was so depressed.

    She couldn''t help dialing the number that she knew off by heart.

    The call went through, and a surprised voice sounded on the phone, "Cassie?"

    She felt suffocated while he was silent on the other end of the phone.

    After a long while, the deep voice sounded again, "Are you okay?"

    A leaf floated past the window, and she stared at it until it fell to the ground. She said with a tremulous voice, "I... I''m fine. How about you?"

    Fredrick didn''t reply to her directly, as if he had perceived her tiredness from her voice, so he said with an apologetic tone, "Do you still me me?"

    Cassie was so sorrowful, but she still replied softly, "No, I understand that nothing that is forced is going to work out."

    "Thank you."

    She sighed lightly, looking at the blue sky, and said, "It''s autumn now, I remember that we met in this season."

    "Cassie..."

    She smiled and said, "Don''t feel stressed. I was just recalling old memories at the familiar sight."

    "I''m really sorry."

    "Don''t say that. You brought me a lot of happiness, and I really appreciate that. I just wanted to hear your voice today. Don''t worry. I won''t haunt you."

    "I don''t mean that."<novelnext></novelnext>

    Cassie puckered her mouth slightly, but her eyes had infinite grief. She leaned against the window and said slowly, "I just think it''s really a pity that I have to appreciate such beautiful scenery alone."

    Fredrick sighed heavily and apologized to her again and again.

    She didn''t say anything else and hung up the phone gently.

    She loved him so much, but she was so helpless.

    ****

    Mary prepared many delicious dishes, and when Steven and Jay had finished washing their hands, it was ready to eat.

    Mary sighed beside them. Hearing this, Jay stopped for a second and lowered his head, starting to eat without saying anything.

    However, he felt diffident while Steven acted the same with his son.

    Sure enough, Mary began to chatter. "I must have done some horrible things in my past life. You all treat this home as a hotel and Steven..." She targeted Steven first.

    "Yes." Before she could finish her words, Steven interrupted her, replied quickly, and put down his goblet, "Dear, I am waiting for yourmand."

    "Command? Do you think mymands work on you?" Mary replied quickly and tapped her te with her chopsticks, "You only focus on your martial arts hall and never help me with any housework. Do you think you are a good husband? Other husbands always apany their wives, but you never stay with me. You shouldn''t go to the martial arts hall so frequently, your apprentices are all there, and they can help you look after it."

    "Okay. Okay. It''s my fault, please don''t be angry with me." He had been married to Mary for so many years, so he knew that her bark was worse than her bite. He was also patient with her and would apologize to her every time.

    Mary red at him and said, "You are always so sweet-talking, but you never change. You have to set a good example for the kids. Irish, Jay, and you, you all make me worry. Especially Irish, I''m so worried about her these days. She has been traveling for such a long time. I called her yesterday, and she told me she was in Hong Kong. She is a stubborn girl, and I don''t know why she is attracted to that man. In my opinion, he is a yboy, and there are still many rumors about him."

    "Don''t get angry. Let''s eat now, or the food will get cold." Stevenforted her gently.

    But it seemed that she didn''t intend to stop chattering and then turned to Jay. Jay was smart, so before she turned to him, he hastily put down his chopsticks and said, "Mom, please listen to me first..."

    "Listen to you? Don''t use your job as an excuse. Do you know how many times youe home in a week? If I didn''t call you back, would you evere here? What''s more, your own house is a mess, and I have to clean it for you frequently. You''re not a small kid anymore, and when..."

    "Mom, I have a girlfriend," Jay said briefly.

    Having been a police officer for so many years, Jay could see through other people''s minds very easily. As expected, Mary stopped chattering abruptly. She looked at him with great astonishment, as if she had won a prize in the lottery. She held Jay''s wrist and asked, "What did you just say?"

    Steven was also shocked and gazed at him motionlessly.

    Jay nodded and repeated himself, "Mom, I have a girlfriend."

    "Jesus! Thank God that you finally found a girlfriend!" Mary was so excited.

    Jay, who was drinking, almost choked and smiled a weird smile at her. "Mom, you are being rather melodramatic."

 Chapter 330 330: Is She Beautiful?

    "Dear, do you know how long I have been looking forward to this? Anyway, as long as you have a girlfriend, we will be happy." Mary said with a smile and added, "I hope I can have some grandchildren soon."

    Jay was speechless at this. "Tell me the situation about the girl. How old is she? What do her parents do? Is she beautiful?"

    Hearing this, Jay replied slowly, "You said you didn''t care so much just now."

    "But I still have to know something about her. What if you bring an old woman back?"

    Jayughed and started to eat again, "Don''t worry. I promise I will bring her back to visit you, but for now, can we eat first? I am so hungry."

    "Don''t cheat me. You''d better bring her back soon, or I will continue to be worried."

    Jay considered it for a while and then replied, "How about next week?" He knew that Lilith was busy with her work this week, and he still needed to give her some time to make preparations.

    "Okay." Mary was pleased, but Jay was full of worries, and he lowered his head. He prayed in his heart that things would go smoothly next week.

    ****

    After finishing the feast, Irish began to take a walk with Joseph. Though they could only stay there for a short time, Irish still felt pleasant since Joseph was there to apany her. However, when she saw a dolphin up close, she almost fell into the water while Joseph took a picture of her tomemorate the moment.

    After taking a long walk, Irish leaned against Joseph like she was a piece of sticky candy. The car was provided by a club, so Joseph drove it personally. He couldn''t restrain hisughter when he saw that she was leaning on her seat feebly and then carefully fastened the seat belt for her.

    Irish held his neck and stared at his well-defined face, which looked enchanting under the moonlight.

    People have to be reborn after experiencing some hardships. And before that, they are usually harsh or depressed. But there will always be a day when walking they will find that the sky over their head has suddenly cracked open, and the light pouring from the crack enlightens them. It brings them beautiful scenery that they had never seen before, as well as some other wonderful experiences. After many years of monotonous waiting, this scenery and experience can be the unforgettable memory they will have in their whole life.

    That moment of nirvana starts as soon as they fall in love with someone.

    At least, Irish believed this. Before meeting Joseph, she never knew that life could be so bright. She had gotten used to a in life and never intended to change it. However, everything changed when she met Joseph, and her originally in life was turned upside down.

    He was unique and changed her monotonous life.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Every woman would have an expectation in the deep of her heart during her teenage years and leave a position open for a man. It was a sunny afternoon in the crowd, and he stood in the mottled sunshine quietly, as if he was enveloped in a thinyer of mist. He was the man she had been looking forward to for a long time. Sunlight shone down on his face, and his white shirt made him look warm andposed.

    When she fell in love with Joseph, she found that the nk position in her heart was prepared for him. Her life had turned out to be colorful because of him.

    Just like the neon lights on the streets of Hong Kong, the gorgeous reflection on his face made him a foil of the night and also lit the small space inside the car. She held him because, from her perspective, his thick hair was dotted with the light as if there were stars on his head, and his eyes were flickering, which looked incredibly seductive.

    Joseph didn''t move but stared at her while a faint smile hung on his face.

    "Are there any women who''ve ever told you that you are really handsome?" She looked up at his sharp nose while Joseph raised an eyebrow to deny her.

    The reasons were very simple. At first, he had never been as intimate with any woman except for Irish. Secondly, no one would say something like this to him, but he had to admit that he was pleased by herpliment.

    "Well, should I be d that you like how I look?" Joseph lowered his head, with his lips falling gently on her forehead. Her sweetness intertwined with his woody fragrance. On such a beautiful night, his voice turned a little bit husky and roused her tender emotions.

    The man''s breath tickled her neck, which made her giggle. Seeing this, he got closer to her, and she reached out and held his chin, touching his beard. She then said with a smile, "Did you know that such a handsome man could make a woman feel embarrassed when having sex with him?"

    "Have you been embarrassed?" He was amused by her.

    ? "Of course." Irish looked at him seriously and suddenly covered his eyes and added, "Especially your eyes. When I look at your eyes, my heart beats so fast, let alone in bed. To be honest, I didn''t have any lofty ambitions for you when I met you for the first time because you looked like a beautiful painting, and it was pleasant enough just to look at you.

    Joseph moved her hands beside his lips, and his newly-grown beard tickled her palm while his breath slipped into her heart along her hand. He kissed her fingers gently while she couldn''t help smiling.

    "Don''t think I will be moved by your sweet words, I won''t let you go tonight." He whispered beside her.

    Irish boldly looked up to bite his throat lightly and said, "I won''t let you go tonight either. The biggest worry for a woman about making love to a handsome man is that she might get addicted to it."

    Her passion ignited the fire in his heart. Irish began to take the initiative to kiss him from his sexy Adam''s apple to his chin, which tempted him deeply.

 Chapter 331 331: I Want To Make Love To You

    Her hands slipped into his shirt, touching his sturdy chest, which was as hot as a me. Even though she touched it gently, the intoxicating heat soon spread into her palm. She moved down and slowly reached for his abdomen.

    She could feel his body temperature increase significantly, burning her fingers and warming her heart while his breath also sped up. In such a crowded space, their fragrance intertwined with each other. When she slid her tongue to lick his thin lips, he couldn''t wait to kiss her, but Irish soon withdrew her tongue with a smile.

    It was torture for him.

    Soon the man''s deep and husky voice sounded beside her ears, "Witch girl, do you think I should drive to a secluded spot?"

    Under the neon lights, she looked incredibly seductive as the lights shed in her eyes. She looked up at him as her fingers slipped down to his waist and finally covered his erect cock.

    She smiled softly and replied, "Of course, I think that."

    Joseph had been tempted by her and held her face, kissing her sexy lips with his tongue slipping into her mouth. His kiss was so mighty that Irish could not resist at all. His lips rubbed hers while his voice was strained with lust. "I want to make love to you right now."

    Her cheeks blushed, and she mumbled, "But I don''t want to be in the car."

    "We will go back to the hotel." He started the car.

    Irish leaned on the seat, staring at the man who was driving and smiling softly.

    Joseph took a quick nce at her and felt she was even more attractive, even though she was just sitting there quietly. Her sweetness was still lingering in his mouth and kept spreading to his abdomen.

    He felt a fire burning in his chest, which had burnt out his wit. His lower abdomen was also throbbing violently, and he was eager to release his desire, so he drove fast.

    The buildings outside the window were all passing by at high speed while the neon lights reflected on the windshield, shing on his handsome face. His strong desire was flowing in the deep of his eyes, making him look even sexier.

    Joseph freed one of his hands and clenched her hand. Soon she felt that his hand was burning.

    It was bustling in the city streets that night, stimting people''s minds and the great passion hiding deep in their hearts.

    Upon reaching the room, Joseph mmed the door and locked it, and the next second, he lowered his head, and his fiery kiss fell all over her.

    Irish didn''t hide her own desire for him. On the contrary, she enjoyed these passionate moments because, in bed, he was a man who could make any woman be obsessed with him.

    She didn''t resign to ying second fiddle and took the initiative to hold his neck to respond to his kiss.

    The dim light from outside fell on their intertwined figures; a strong man and a delicate woman.

    Her passion stimted the beast in his heart, so he tore her clothes, and her white skin was soon exposed in the air. His hands slipped in eagerly and rubbed her plump breasts.<novelnext></novelnext>

    His burning palm melted her heart and wit, and her hands also became restless. Finally, she began to undo his buttons one by one and turned around, pressing Joseph against the wall and taking back the initiative.

    Joseph looked at her, smiling, while his bare chest quickly moved up and down. He squinted like a lion that was ready for a fight.

    Irish took the initiative tounch her attack. Though she looked like a docile rabbit, she was a sly fox tonight.

    Her lips pressed on him while the man''s woody fragrance inspired her Iust. She moved down to his throat and then to his sturdy chest.

    His breath sped up, and he held her head as his slender fingers gently wrapped around the woman''s silky hair. The slight coolness and her moist tongue gave him an unparalleled feeling. He looked down at her, slowly moving down his body.

    Irish then looked up at him and was overwhelmed by lust. She felt her heart beat so quickly.

    She kneeled down on the soft carpet, straightened her body to undo the zipper on his trousers, and utched his leather belt. Her hot breath spread through the thin briefs, and soon his lower abdomen tightened when he felt her hot breath. Finally, she undid his belt as well as his buttons.

    In this way, she could easily feel the strong power of his cock.

    Under his briefs, his big cock was hard, as if it would erupt in the next second.

    Before Joseph hinted at her, Irish reached down and took off her panties. His big cock looked magnificent, erect over her head.

    Irish was insatiable that night. In the years toe, when she recalled the scene that night, her face would blush, and she''d feel extremely embarrassed.

    Perhaps it was because the night was so beautiful, but she felt like she was drunk and could act so audaciously in front of him.

    She held it in her hand and felt like she was almost melted by its heat.

    Joseph was so obsessed with her that when her soft hands covered it, his whole body trembled violently, so he pushed her head towards it.

    Without needing any other hints, she straightened her body again and opened her mouth, trying to engulf his giant cock.

    His abdomen shrank violently, and he couldn''t help groaning. Looking down at the woman kneeling between his legs, her clothes were disheveled, and her long hair covered her plump breasts. Of course, he had seen some passionate women before, but her enthusiasmpletely surpassed his previous notions.

    She had a unique allure. Perhaps it was because she was so beautiful or because he was so intoxicated with her. Even if she only shot a glimpse at him, he would feel moved.

    He looked down upon her beauty, and he couldn''t resist her charm at all.

    "You are so tall." She looked up andined.

 Chapter 332 332: You Are So Evil

    Of course, he understood what she meant, pinched her face lightly, and pulled her into his arms. He kissed her and skillfully took off her clothes.

    Her tender body leaned on him and felt his sturdy chest. Joseph felt there was a fire burning in his chest, so he held her against the couch, and they became intertwined with each other again. His big hands slipped down her body, and his kiss turned mighty. Soon her white skin was quickly blushing, and there were many love bites on her chest.

    "Now you can reach it." He whispered beside her ears.

    Irish got his point and went pink with a smile, which made her look enchanting. She straddled him directly, rubbing his chest while he buried his face in her bosom. She panted and moved like a snake over him. She could feel his erect cock, so she began to moan.

    Avoiding the man''s kiss, she slipped down to his crotch again. When she engulfed it again, he felt his cock enter a moist space, and her tongue was soft as she sucked it.

    He squinted and enjoyed the great pleasure.

    Joseph reached out, brushing her hair to reveal her small face. He looked at her swallowing while her small mouth was wrapped around him. He stared at her white neck as well as full breasts and felt satisfied.

    Coupled with the physical satisfaction, his eyes became wild and greedy.

    His masculinity filled her mouth, and it deeply stimted her desire, but it was impossible for her to engulf his whole cock since it was too big.

    She enjoyed his arrogance and even began to rub him with her fleshy breasts.

    Joseph held her head harder as her seductive movements prompted his impulses, and he felt his whole body tighten violently as he was eager to release himself.

    Therefore, when Irish rubbed his cock with her breasts again, he couldn''t bear the temptation anymore and pulled her up.

    Perhaps it was because she was too seductive that night, but he became wild and acted more aggressively than ever. He pressed her directly to the back of the couch without pity.

    Irish felt that she was almost crushed by him when she was pressed on the couch. The next second, his big hands stretched from behind, pinching her breasts, leaving noticeable red marks on her skin. She began to pant lightly and called to him, "Joseph��"

    His slender figure pressed against her back while one of his arms held her abdomen, the other hand still pinching her plump breast. He said in a husky voice, "You''re really an alluring woman."

    In the next second, her panting turned into a gasp. The moment she looked up, he kissed her and his tongue intertwined with hers.<novelnext></novelnext>

    He didn''t give her any time to prepare and entered the innermost part of her wet core directly without hesitation. He blocked her mouth with his lips when she screamed again. He enjoyed her tight, moist wet core so much that he didn''t move immediately after entering it. After being entangled with her tongue, he sighedfortably in her ear. "Isabel, you are awesome."

    Irish was held tightly by him, her back pressing against his hot chest, and she couldn''t help trembling.

    He buried his big cock in her body without moving to give her some time to adapt to it. She felt that her core was filled with him, and she couldn''t move at all. But the most sensitive part of her body still felt sore. Sheined softly. "Joseph, you are so evil."

    The woman''s gentle gasping caused him to squeeze, and she felt her tightening around him. He kissed her and called her name gently while his lower body began to move.

    She took a deep breath since the familiar pleasant sensation began to rise in her body. He became wild as she tried her best to pander to him.

    His eyes turned deeper and deeper. He raised her waist so that her legs were suspended. He embraced her with his strong arms, and this posture gave her a deeper shock.

    ****

    The night in New York was different from the one in Hong Kong.

    Henry lost sleep at night because the rumors of the ghost had spread. He was worried because of the joint letter from the shareholders, and he felt she couldn''t control his children''s destiny anymore.

    He didn''t believe that Shirley had seen the so-called ghost since she had liked to mystify things to attract his attention for many years. But the joint letter was the source of his anxiety. Joseph was a blessing for him since he could lead the Runestone Group to sess and vice versa. The share price plummeted because of his injury but soon fixed itself as he had bought the huge diamond mine at an extremely low price.

    ? He yed an essential role in the Runestone Group and controlled thepany. Of course, half of thepany belonged to his father, so he never worried that he would do some inordinate things with thepany. But he was still confused and wondered why he refused to cooperate with the board of directors. He was never a man who would hand all this work over to Daisy. But these days, the board of directors was annoyed by him since he still didn''t show up, so they required Henry to put pressure on him.

    He also heard that Irish had stayed with Joseph, and he had figured out the real reason he went to Hong Kong, but Henry didn''t make it public to protect the reputation of his family. He felt he was exhausted, so he went downstairs and lit a cigarette, his mind full of thoughts.

    He began to worry that his children would fall out and be enemies, just like the grudges in a rich family in a TV series he couldn''t control. He knew that Ruby was depressed and heard that she had called Joseph, but it seemed that he had made his own decision and was determined to get a divorce.

    Just a few days ago, he also called Joseph, and his words still lingered in his ears. He said he had to file for a divorce with Ruby, and he would even give up his shares of the Runestone Group as long as he could get divorced from Ruby.

 Chapter 333 333: Did You See The Ghost?

    Henry sighed heavily and worried about their future.

    Suddenly a figure appeared in his sight, moving slowly.

    His hand trembled, and the cigarette fell on the carpet. Soon, the fabric on the carpet was burned. He quickly picked up the cigarette and ced it in the ashtray next to the coffee table. He got up and looked around, but a face leaped up from the window.

    It had a red skirt, long hair, and a pale face.

    Henry was almost frozen, and he widened his eyes to look out the window.

    After a long while, the door opened, and the light was turned on. William came back after he had just finished drinking. He was frightened by Henry, who stood there motionlessly, and it took him a while to respond. Finally, he closed the door and stepped up to him, "Henry?"

    Henry didn''t reply to him and still kept rigid.

    "Henry!" He raised his voice and touched him.

    Then Henry came to himself and turned to William with great astonishment.

    "What''s wrong?" William was shocked by him.

    Perhaps the sudden fright had used up all of his strength, but he looked like a deted ball and sat on the couch, mumbling, "It''s Rachel. It''s Rachel."

    "What?"

    Henry looked at the cigarette that had been extinguished and said in a tremulous voice, "I saw Rachel just now."

    "How could that be possible? She''s been dead for so many years..." William sat down beside him and soon remembered what Kelly had told him. He licked his lips and continued to panic. "Did you...see the ghost?"

    After hearing this, Henry trembled violently.

    Who was the ghost in the house? Was it her?

    ****

    The night was quiet while the neon outside the window was still illuminated. No matter what happened, people would find a way to release their pressure, and that was why the nightlife here was so colorful.

    Irish indulged herselfpletely this night, enjoying the pleasant sensation in her body. Love was like a drug. It made people addicted to it, and they couldn''t control themselves.

    When they finally reached the orgasm, she burst into tears.

    Irish held him tightly, her cheeks nestling with him and their heart all beat so fast while her tears slipped down into her hair.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Joseph felt that his chest was getting wet, but he didn''t ask her the reason and just held her more tightly. When he gently fondled the back of her head, her tears continued falling, dripping onto the pillow and leaving mottled marks all over it.

    She didn''t intend to be so mncholy but felt that this happiness wasing so fast that she was afraid she would lose it. Joseph, her beloved man, gave her a great sensation of pleasure. When they reached the peak of their happiness, everything that had happened over the past few days, from Light Town to South Africa, everything appeared in her mind.

    She felt these memories were more precious than anything she''d had before.

    Therefore, she didn''t dare to recall it frequently. Joseph brought her so much happiness these days, and even a little memory was enough for her to relish for a few days. She was afraid that she was already a withered flower, and she could only survive through memories, so she couldn''t squander those valuable memories.

    Though he didn''t tell her when they would return to New York, she knew they could only stay here for just a few more days, which meant they didn''t have much time left to be alone.

    Irish was a coward.

    She never admitted that she would be brave and different in the face of love, even though she was a psychologist. She had told many women who came to her seeking psychologicalfort that they should reconcile themselves in the face of love since the end of it couldn''t be avoided. But in fact, she still couldn''t treat it with such a cid mind herself.

    She wanted to stay with him every day and longed for his attention.

    But this would be unrealistic when they went back to New York.

    Joseph never told her what he would do when they went back, and he also didn''t tell her how they could be with each other. That was the reason why she felt so helpless. It was because she couldn''t help him. She chose the most useless way to vent herplicated emotions, and that was to burst into tears.

    She admitted that women were all insane after falling in love with a man, including her. But she hoped he would understand her panic.

    He could not hold her any more tightly. In this way, with Joseph''s silence, Irish soon fell asleep. The passionate moment, as well as her tears, had exhausted her energy, so she slept very deeply, even though there were tears still hanging on her face.

    But Joseph did not sleep. Outside the window was the beautiful night scenery, while a trace of sentimental feeling lingered inside the room. He leaned on the bed, staring at Irish, who held him tightly.

    Half of her face was buried in his chest, and her thick eyshes covered her eyes. He had dimmed the light so that she could sleep well.

    The dim light fell on her face, which made her skin look like it was glittering and translucent. Joseph reached out, fondling her face, which was so small and exquisite that he could cover it with his hand.

    He recalled the rainy afternoon when she turned to leave while he stood firmly beside the window and looked at her, dragging her heavy suitcase to the car. The heavy rain blurred his sight. When the car disappeared from his sight, he was full of anxiety and anger.

    But he still found her, and in fact, it was not that difficult for him since he had his capable assistant, Daisy.

    He was familiar with her drunken appearance, just like the first time they met in the bar. She still held him tightly and smiled at him like a kid. She looked up at him and said, "You''re here."

    Yes, he finally came for her. But she cried, holding him tightly, and said, "Please take me to find him." He felt so sorrowful after hearing this since she said that she had to find Joseph.

 Chapter 334 334: I Thought You’d Left

    At that moment, he felt like his heart was broken and full of regret. She shouldn''t have gotten drunk, but he waste. He felt helpless and sore.

    He remembered that on the way back to the hotel, she cried out to find him while he held her in his arms and whispered into her ear again and again, "Isabel, I''m here."

    Looking at him with her tearful eyes, she fell in his arms. She was like a lost child being taken home by an adult, asking him continuously where he had been and why he was sote.

    He regretted why he had to get angry with her. He knew why she had turned to leave and knew he should have stopped her and not allowed her to leave.

    Joseph stared at the woman lying in his arms and then lowered his head to kiss her gently.

    He understood her worriespletely...

    The sunlight poured into the room the next morning when she woke up. The white gauze blocked the direct sunlight, making the whole room seem to be in a faint golden fog. For a time, she couldn''t tell if it was a dream or real.

    But her sore body reminded her it was real. Some dust floating in the air gently moved in the sunlight, which made everything look clean and fresh.

    She stretched herself leisurely in the bed like a small cat, but when her fingers touched the pillow beside her, she stood up abruptly since she found she was alone on the bed.

    She was shocked for a while and then hastily reached out to touch the pillow as well as the sheet, but he was not there. His woody fragrance was also faint.

    Her heart trembled, and her mind felt muddled.

    When she woke up, she thought she was in South Africa, so when the phone rang, she called him unconsciously, but now she was really confused about whether she was awake or still in a dream.

    She patted her head and ensured it was real and what happenedst night was also real. But where was he? Did he leave? The panic began to spread deep in her heart. She was so afraid. She got out of the bed, quickly putting on her nightgown, and rushed out of the bedroom, ignoring her sore body.

    He was not in the living room, where the sunlight was even brighter than in the bedroom, but she didn''t feel warm at all. She felt like a helpless kid, and her head was buzzing. He was not there. Did he go back to New York without telling her?

    She stood on the carpet barefoot, as lonely as a lost cat. The next second, she rushed to grab her phone and dialed his number, but the line was busy, which made her fingers tremble.

    When she was about to go to the lobby to look at him, the door opened, followed by a familiar voice that was deliberately lowered, "The design diagram has to be finished soon. Remember to force prices down."

    The familiar voice immediately relieved her worries. She stood up abruptly and rushed to the door, and he appeared in her sight. She was so happy, the panic in her eyes was reced by surprise, and she rushed into his arms.

    Upon entering the room, Joseph saw a small, lonely figure curled up on the couch. When he was taking off his shoes while answering the phone, he saw her rush to him, so he smiled and freed one of his hands to embrace her.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish was totally relieved when he embraced her, and she could feel his familiar breath.

    She was ted to hear his voice.

    She was so afraid just now since she thought he must have left. When he appeared in front of her again, she held him tightly and was reluctant to loosen her hands. Joseph perceived her anxiety and smiled helplessly, walking two steps forward while she went with him without loosening her hands.

    Heughed and dismissed the idea of embracing her on the couch and continued talking on the phone, "Okay, do what I just told you first, then call me back." After finishing, he hung up the phone.

    Putting his phone aside, he held her and then pinched her chin, staring at her carefully with a smile, "What''s wrong?"

    "I thought you''d left." Irish was so anxious, exined to him with pitiful eyes, and then added, "I couldn''t find you when I woke up."

    "Were you afraid?"

    She nodded and said, "I thought you had gone back to New York without me."

    Joseph was at a loss whether tough or smile because of her ineffable anxiety, so he exined softly, "I had an emergency to deal with this morning." Joseph was afraid that he would wake her up, so he left the room quietly. But he was also worried if she couldn''t find him when she woke up, so he dealt with it as soon as possible. However, he didn''t expect her to wake up early.

    Irish looked down at his tie and felt cheerful, but she still pretended toin to him. "Why didn''t you tell mest night first?"

    When Joseph finally saw that she was rxed, he felt relieved and said to her, "You were so passionatest night, I definitely was not thinking too much about work."

    Her cheeks blushed, and she buried her face in his armspletely, patting his chest.

    He clenched her hands andughed while she resisted. After a while, he gently pushed her away and red at her carefully. "Look at yourself in the mirror. You didn''t wash your face orb your hair. You are not the capable psychologist I knew before."

    It was a joke, but her eyes turned red after hearing this. "I was busy trying to find you when I woke up!"

    His heart shrank when hearing this, and he fondled her face. "But my suitcase is still in the room, where could I go?"

    She was so worried that she forgot to check that. Looking at her pitiful expression, he embraced her again and said, "Isabel, it''s time for us to go back to New York." The woman was frozen in his arms after hearing this, and he also felt sorrowful.

 Chapter 335 335: Are You Angry With Me?

    The sunlight was bright in the room, but Irish felt a little bit cold, it was not enough to prepare her for the coldness that wasing soon. She didn''t say anything and kept silent. When she was still in South Africa with him, she could tell herself that she still had a long time to live with him like this, but now she understood that the end wasing soon.

    They were going to go back together, but why did she still feel that the end wasing? Joseph finally made her face reality since he was always cool-headed, unlike her, who would always try to escape from reality.

    "Are we going back today?" She asked in a weak voice after a long time while he sighed heavily over her head.

    Irish could understand. Though Hong Kong was a beautiful city, they didn''t belong there.

    They hugged each other and did not speak. Time passed in silence as the dust floating in the air finally fell down to the ground.

    "Isabel, you may be upset by some things after we go back to New York." The man''s voice sounded over her head after a long while. It sounded like he''d nned to say this to her a long time ago because he said it without any hesitation.

    She buried her face into his chest after hearing this and nodded slightly.

    "Before everything settles down, I may not have much time to be around you." Joseph embraced her and sighed. He had to be frank with her, it was better than the impractical promises since he also had a lot to face.

    Ruby''s elusory attitude, as well as the close attention from the media, were both things that could hurt Irish. He had never dealt with such an emotional problem before and never expected he would get involved in this. Obviously, she would be trapped in a dilemma if he got closer to her.

    Even though he wanted to stay with her, he couldn''t bear her getting hurt. He was so worried about her.

    People were often afraid of the unknown, including him. It made him feel great to be with her, so he had to be decisive. He would not allow anyone to disturb this wonderful moment for them.

    Rumors were a great weapon to destroy people, and he couldn''t bear Irish beingpromised by those rumors, which would destroy his happiness.

    Irish nodded again in his arms and said softly, "I understand." If she was still a young girl, perhaps she would cry and force him to promise to be with her. But she was 28 years old, so she had to be rational.

    It turned out that maturity could bring not only people sensibility but also pain. Joseph perceived her tremulous voice and held her face. "Are you angry with me?"

    She smiled at him and shook her head. "I''m not angry with you."

    But Joseph still stared at her motionlessly.

    "I''m serious. I am not angry at all." Irish showed a big smile to relieve him and then asked, "When will we leave?"

    "After lunch."<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Okay," Irish bit her lips to restrain her emotions, tried to disguise the depression in her eyes, and added, "Well, we''d better not go out for lunch. You order a carry-out, and I will go pack my suitcase."

    Joseph looked at her helplessly and then nodded. Then she went into the room while he stood there without moving for a long time.

    Irish was trying to calm down in the bedroom while packing her suitcase and even took several deep breaths, but she still felt so depressed. For a time, she really wanted to call Ruby and ask her why she refused to leave him since she didn''t love him at all, and it was just causing pain for everyone. But she restrained her impulsion.

    Of course, she understood Joseph. Perhaps he had realized that his nominal marriage with Ruby had caused so many problems, so he would not make the same mistake again, but he still had to deal with it properly. They were not kids anymore, and they had to consider the consequences, but she knew that it needed to be resolved.

    She felt sorrowful after hearing his words just now, but she also knew that it was the truth.

    Suddenly, she felt that she was pushing him onto another woman, which made her feel so painful.

    Her nose twitched, and she stopped for a while to restrain her tears. Then she continued to pack her suitcase. Unexpectedly, a big hand reached out from behind and pulled her up.

    She was surprised and looked back at him.

    "Pack it tomorrow. Don''t you want to go to the Ocean park to feed the fish? We will go there after lunch." He stared at her with his soft, deep eyes.

    Irish was astonished and then reacted the following second. She hugged him immediately and asked, "Is this a joke?"

    "We won''t leave today." He embraced her as well.

    "But how can you exin this to the shareholders?" She almost cried tears of joy. Though she was worried, she still asked him excitedly.

    Joseph was moved by her excitement and pinched her nose lightly. "I came to find you from South Africa, do you think I will mind one more day?" He thought for a long time and finally made the decision, which shocked Daisy. He decided to stay for one more night. In South Africa, when they had booked the tickets back to New York, Joseph suddenly got up and booked a flight to Hong Kong while waiting in the first ss lounge. He saw her astonished expression at that moment.

    So he went to Hong Kong while Daisy went back to New York.

    Irish was so happy and held him tightly, though she knew that she shouldn''t be so excited because this would dy his work. However, she couldn''t control her excitement. He looked at her and felt warm since she could be satisfied so easily.

    They did whatever they wanted for a whole day, and Irish was as happy as a small kid. Joseph was very patient and apanied her to do whatever she wanted, and when they got back to the hotel, it was ten o''clock at night.

 Chapter 336 336: You’re The Only Woman I Love

    Compared to her depression in the morning, Irish was now more prepared to face the departure. She wascent since Joseph had been with her for the whole day, and she knew he was a person who always gave priority to his work before anything else.

    Though she was reluctant to part with him, she knew something was unavoidable.

    These memories were enough for her. She would have to face many hardships in the future, but with those sweet memories, she was not afraid anymore.

    After going back to the hotel, Joseph gave her another round of beautiful sinful enjoyment. They nestled up to each other and made love passionately.

    After that, Irish hung on him and kissed her wet forehead with a smile. Their hearts beat so quickly after they were finished.

    Irish got up after a long while, but he pulled her back immediately with his naked chest pressing her back, whispering beside her, "Where are you going?"

    Looking back with a smile, she kissed him without reply and then pushed him away, but she soon returned with a camera. "Look at these photos."

    She had taken many photos with him today, and every photo was her favorite because he was in it. He used to take pictures of her, and she never took a picture of him because she worried that he wouldn''t like it, but she finally asked for a photo with him today, and Joseph agreed immediately.

    Therefore, the camera was full of their photos. The whole afternoon they had been taking them with each other whenever he kissed her forehead or hugged her.

    She couldn''t help giggling when looking at the photos, and Joseph couldn''t help embracing her fondly.

    She took a glimpse at him and raised the camera. "Do you think that I should take a photo of us in the bed now?" He raised his eyebrows after hearing this.

    "Are you afraid? You''re naked. You''re the president of the Runestone Group, and I promise this photo will be a nude picture scandal." She showed an evil smile.

    Without saying anything, Joseph took the camera from her before she could react, and he pressed the shutter several times. She was shocked and hastily tried to grab the camera back, but Joseph soon grabbed her and kissed her lips. The following second, she heard him press the shutter again. "You..."

    "It''s a good way to record our life." He smiled and then buried his face in her bosom while his lips slipped down.

    Irish melted under his kiss again, holding him tightly and calling his name with joy. He was her beloved man, and he cared about her so much.

    ****

    The airport was bustling, and it was filled with people heading everywhere at once. The wheels of the luggage car squeaked on the smooth ground from the heavy luggage. Flight information was constantly rolling on the LED screens in the terminal building, adding to the tense atmosphere.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Too many films and television dramas, and novels have described airports with a romantic vor, but in reality, it was stressful and aggravating. Irish was so disappointed; she was eager to see a kind of ridiculous scene that was often seen in movies. But as time passed, nothing happened at all, no emergencies, no incidents, no heartbreaks. Joseph stood beside her, gave her a cup of hot tea, and asked softly, "What are you thinking?"

    Literature could only be literature.

    Literature is an art that derives from life but also from beyond life. She could imagine that writers were sitting in airports in the afternoon of ate autumn day, ordering a cup of coffee, looking at peopleing and going to create some eye-catching or moving scenes.

    The exaggerated literature wasn''t real, but the hot tea in front of her was. It was a cup of flowery fruit tea,bining the sweet vors of chamomile and snow pear. Irish took the exquisite cup and held it in her hands. The warmth of the tea soon spread to the very corners of her body, except for her heart, which was still icy.

    Tiny petals of chamomile floated in the tea like tiny aimless boats. Looking at them, she felt she was the wayward petals. She shook her head and turned to him, then replied with a big smile, "Nothing."

    Joseph stared at her as if he was trying to see through her mind, but she was afraid of his gaze, so she hastily added, "I''m just finding that most of the men in this room have a beer belly, except for you, who looks handsome. It reminded me of some girls who will puff themselves up at their own cost to buy a first-ss ticket in order to find a rich boyfriend. Joseph, you''re a primary target for those girls."

    After finishing her words, she took a sip of tea and soon felt warm, as if she had tasted the vor of happiness. But she still thought the happiest thing in the world was kissing Joseph.

    He didn''t expect she would think such far-fetched things and felt speechless while she puckered her face in a smile. Then he replied, "You''re right. There are many young girls who try to woo me." Hearing this, Irish stopped smiling.

    However, Joseph soon added, "But you don''t have to worry about it." He said with a faint smile while Irish was confused and raised her eyebrows.

    "Because you''re the only woman I love." He said to her frankly with a big smile.

    Irish blushed, holding her tea tightly, and said, "I am already 28 years old."

    "That''s a suitable age for me." He looked at her with a smile and then continued, "You are unlike those young girls who only know how to act in a pettishly charming manner."

    "Thanks." Her mouth twitched.

    When he was about to pinch her face, his phone rang. He answered it, and she heard Daisy''s voice. She ignored it and began to drink her tea. But when she took a glimpse at him asionally, she found that he was frowning, which stunned her. Daisy talked continuously to him on the phone for a while, but they eventually finished. Thest thing she heard him say was, "Let theme if they want."

    His indifferent voice sounded so cold at that moment that she couldn''t help shivering.

    "What''s wrong?" She hastily asked.

 Chapter 337 337: You’re Are Being Contradictory

    Joseph took a sip of his ck coffee and answered after a long time, "Two of the board directors are going toe to pick us up from the airport with Daisy."

    Irish was surprised, and soon she realized the reason, so she put her tea aside and tried to smooth his frowning eyebrows. "Don''t frown because you look very serious."

    He looked at her sorrowfully, but she smiled faintly and said, "Don''t worry. I won''t let them see me, and I will walk out after you have left."

    After hearing this, Joseph felt even more depressed, but he said nothing and just looked at her quietly.

    "Do you want more coffee?" Joseph did not respond but took her hands. After thinking for a while, he said, "Do you know why I came to find you in Hong Kong, all the way from South Africa?"

    Irish drew back her hands slowly and replied, "I know."

    He looked at her and continued, "When we were in Light Town, I asked you if you still wanted to stay with me. There are still many obstacles waiting for us in the future, and though I will try my best to protect you, I can''t promise you that you won''t get any hurt. Your answer was that you would like to be with me as long as I didn''t leave you alone."

    Everything that happened in Light Town was still fresh in her mind, so she nodded and said, "I know, and you promised that to me at that time. That''s why you came here to find me."

    Joseph sighed and didn''t reply.

    "But Joseph, you really don''t have to worry about me. I''ll be fine. You go to thepany, and I''ll go home. You are not breaking your promise." She stared at him and smiled softly.

    However, the more she smiled, the more pain she felt.

    After a while, he looked at her with meaningful eyes and then sighed. "Isabel, you should know what I am worried about."

    She gazed at him silently.

    "I am worried that you will leave me in the future if there are too many obstacles." He said slowly.

    Irish shook her head violently and promised him, "I definitely won''t."

    "You promised that without consideration." He smiled helplessly while he nodded again.

    "Women always give promises so quickly." Sadness wrapped his voice.

    Hearing this, Irish bit her lip but said nothing.

    "Isabel, can I trust you?" He asked quietly.

    "Yes." She red at him firmly.

    "Okay." After getting her promise, his brow rxed. But in her heart, she felt very sad too.

    "But I still have another requirement."

    "What?"

    Joseph kept silent for a while and then said, "Stay away from Leo."

    "Are you jealous?"

    "Yes, you are my girlfriend, but he wants you." His eyes turned deep, and he looked severe when he spoke.

    Irish suppressed a smile, looked at his face, and said deliberately. "But I don''t feel you are actually jealous. He kissed me in front of you that day, but you didn''t get angry at all."

    "I was angry." He said frankly and then added, "But I know him well. He would use all kinds of means in a businesspetition, but with this, he wouldpete with me fairly. At least he wouldn''t do anything to you behind my back."

    "You are being contradictory." Though she felt pleased when hearing this, she still replied to him deliberately, "You said he wants me just now, but you still think he ispeting with you fairly?"<novelnext></novelnext>

    Joseph smiled and said, "In my eyes, any man who wants to woo you is coveting you. Leo is smart, and I''m afraid that he will try to woo you during this period, so you have to stay away from him."

    "But I''m always so moved by his words."

    Unexpectedly, Joseph giggled and said sarcastically, "The man you''re thinking of is me, not him."

    "You are so arrogant." She smiled sweetly.

    "What I can promise you is that if we drift apart again when you want to find me, I''ll be in the same ce waiting for you." He said in a low voice, and he looked so serious that Irish trembled.

    "What if you''re not in the same ce?"

    He smiled and answered, "Then I wille and find you."

    "I''m really afraid that wille true, and we will have to keep finding each other endlessly."

    Joseph took her hands and squeezed them, "Give me some time."

    Irish held his hands tightly and nodded.

    There were only twenty minutes left before boarding. When he came back to the waiting area after finishing a call, he found Irish resting in the chair with her eyes closed. He sat down beside her and said, "Lean against me."

    He knew she hadn''t slept muchst night, but Irish shook her head and said, "Everyone in this room is going to New York, and I''m afraid that someone will recognize you."

    Her words moved him, but the next second, he pulled her into his arms.

    "Joseph.."

    "You can still have a rest for a while, and you can continue to sleep on theer." He interrupted her softly.

    Irish leaned on his shoulders, smelling his woody fragrance, then shook her head slightly, "I won''t sleep on the ne. There are only a few hours left for us to spend time with each other alone, and I want to cherish it."

    Joseph stared at her and kissed her forehead gently. "After getting off the ne, you can go out at Exit Eight."

    Irish was confused after hearing this.

    "I have arranged for a driver to pick you up there."

    "That''s unnecessary, I can call a taxi."

    "You have to listen to me." He definitely wouldn''t let her go home alone.

    Twenty minutes passed quickly, and it was time for them to get on board, but Joseph sat there motionlessly.

    Irish leaned on him and sighed after a long time, "We have to get on board now."

    Joseph held her hands tightly for a long time and whispered in her ear, "Call me at any time if you miss me."

    She nodded, and her nose twitched.

    "And remember, do not provoke Shirley."

    Irish was shocked and looked at his chin.

 Chapter 338 338: I Must Treat Her Well

    He paused for a while and then exined to her, "I suspect that the man who wanted to kill us in South Africa had something to do with Shirley."

    "How could that be possible? She..."

    "It''s Belle. She took the initiative to get in contact with her." He said indifferently.

    Irish tried to make sense of things with her brain running at full speed. She suddenly understood why Belle was dismissed.

    Belle was not only Joseph''s assistant but also an important administrative staff member for the Runestone Group in South Africa, so it wasn''t difficult for her to get in contact with Shirley. Now it turned out that she had underestimated Shirley; she never expected her to be such a vicious woman. Perhaps Belle had helped her to recruit people to kill them in South Africa.

    "When did you begin to suspect her?"

    She tried her best to recall everything rted to Belle, but she couldn''t find any clue.

    "When she was opposed to me going shopping with you in Johannesburg, I noticed it was unusual."

    Irish thought for a minute and then remembered.

    "Perhaps it''s because she loved you so deeply...so she hates me."

    I''m afraid Shirley''s intention was not that simple; she wanted to kill two birds with one stone."

    "You may be in danger when you get back!" Irish was stunned.

    Joseph raised his hands and said, "Don''t worry. She won''t act as rashly when we get back. Of course, I still don''t have any evidence."

    But Irish was still worried. She knew everyone''s mind in the Lake family; perhaps there was still danger waiting for them.

    ****

    When Jay was still asleep, Mary got into his house and went to his bedroom, pinching his ears to wake him up. Jay woke up from the sudden pain and opened his eyes. When he found his mother standing beside his bed, he couldn''t help wailing. "Mom! What are you doing? I''m really exhausted, and I need to sleep. Can you let me sleep, please?"

    "You have slept for seven hours, and that is enough. Your dad only sleeps five hours each day."

    Jay sat up in bed with his eyes closed while Mary patted his head. He couldn''t help shouting, "Mom, what are you doing here?"

    "Your sister ising back from Hong Kong. Get up soon to pick her up!"

    Jay was speechless and replied, "She will call me if she needs me to pick her up."

    "You have to bring her back now, I have something to ask her."

    "You can ask me whatever you want to know, I know everything about her." After finishing his words, he buried himself in the quilt again.

    "I want to know something about her rtionship with Joseph."

    "Mom, she has nothing to do with him anymore."

    "But I heard that Joseph is alsoing back from Hong Kong today."

    "How do you know that?"<novelnext></novelnext>

    Mary sat down on the bed but identally sat on Jay''s feet which made him yelp with pain. The painpletely awakened him while Mary just looked at him quietly and said, "I''m worried Joseph was in contact with Irish again, so I called the Runestone Group pretending to be a client, and they told me Joseph is traveling on official business."

    Hearing this, Jay sighed at her and said, "Why don''t you be a detective?"

    "Don''t joke with me. I am serious. You have to go pick up your sister today. What''s more, I have to make some delicious food for her. Oh, go and buy a king crab as well."

    "King crab? Mom, you don''t even cook that for me."

    Mary red at him and said, "She is my niece, and I must treat her well. I would dive into the ocean and catch a shark for her, as long as she would start a new rtionship. You got it?"

    "But why have you never cooked king crab for me whenever Ie back after being away?" Jay shook his head and pouted his lips.

    "You are a man, but your sister is an effeminate woman. And she has suffered more hardships than you, so I have tofort her and persuade her to get married soon. I will hold myself ountable to her dead parents if she lives an unhappy life."

    "Mom, I have to go back to workter, I will call her as soon as she gets off the ne. I will bring her back tonight, okay?

    Mary thought for a few seconds and said, "Okay. I won''t dy your work, but the main thing is that you bring her back tonight.

    "That''s alright."

    Then Mary stood up since she knew her son well, and she knew he wouldn''t go back on his words as long as he promised it to her. But when she stood up, something urred to her, and her eyes suddenly filled with excitement. "Well, you should bring your girlfriend back as well."

    Jay stretched and replied slowly, "Mom, I said I would bring her to meet you next week. Don''t be so hasty."

    "I''m really eager to see her, I want to have a grandchild soon."

    Jay was speechless as Mary continued, "Well, you have to at least let me know how old she is."

    "Twenty-three."

    Mary was so pleased she pped her own thigh and said, "That''s a perfect age for a woman to have a baby!"

    Jay felt so helpless and did not reply.

    "Okay, okay. I will go to buy the king crab now." Mary took her bag and left cheerfully.

    Jay was at a loss and shouted after her, "Mom, do you even know how to cook crab?"

    "That has nothing to do with you." She mmed the door a few secondster.

    Jay fell on the bed again in exasperation.

    ****

    It was at noon when they arrived in New York while the sunlight poured over the airport. Irish strolled in the crowd with her sunsses on while her eyesight was fixed on the man who was ahead of her. He was walking under the golden sunlight, which made her feel like he was just a dream.

    But now, she had to wake up from that dream.

    She brought back many gifts and souvenirs for her family and friends, so she checked her luggage and had to wait for it at the carousel. Joseph only had a small suitcase, so he didn''t check it. He stood five meters away from her but didn''t look at her.

 Chapter 339 339: I Came To Pick You Up

    She felt something in her heart, and she took a deep breath to relieve the pain. After a long time, her baggage showed up on the conveyor belt.

    When she grabbed her suitcase, she found Joseph was ready to go, so she dragged it behind her and slowly moved forward. There were only a few meters between them. When he got on the elevator, they both stopped.

    Though they were a few meters away, he was the only person ahead of her. Other passengers were in a hurry, and only the two of them stood still.

    Irish looked at the man a few meters away from her motionlessly.

    Beside them was a giant floor-to-ceiling window. The sun was dazzling at noon, and he looked tall and straight under the sunlight in a dark gray coat. Irish was trying to block the sunlight with her hands and then remembered she had sunsses. She suddenly felt full of despair, and now shepletely understood his worries.

    It was a more severe pain than breaking up with him since they both loved each other deeply but couldn''t stay together.

    It made her feel depressed that she couldn''t stand with him, looking at him from behind. She didn''t know what would happen in the future. She couldn''t hold his hand or kiss him or see him when she woke up in the morning. The pain became more obvious when she arrived back in New York.

    She saw Daisy was waiting for him far away while two men stood behind her.

    They must have been the directors.

    After getting off the elevator, he stood motionlessly, and Daisy walked quickly toward him. One of the shareholders was walking quicker than Daisy and stepped ahead of her, taking the initiative to reach his hands towards him. Irish was getting closer to them, and she could almost touch him if she reached out.

    When they were in South Africa, she followed him every day and frolicked with him freely, and he would always smile brightly. But now, she couldn''t act that way anymore.

    He was the president of the Runestone Group and could belong to everyone in New York except for her.

    Irish''s high-heeled shoes left the ringing sound on the ground as she got off the esctor, but Joseph didn''t look at her. Daisy just took a quick glimpse at her as calmly as Joseph.

    She raised her sunsses and lowered her head, walking past him as her hair blowing. The scene was like a slow-motion shot from a movie.

    He was shrouded in the sunlight and talked with the two shareholders with a calm and direct countenance while she walked quietly beside him. Her beautiful eyes filled with tears under her sunsses.

    Joseph was getting farther away from her while her footsteps became heavier. When she walked out of the exit, a st of autumn wind swept over her cheeks. She tightened her clothes around her and said in her heart, "I''m back, New York."

    She felt she hadn''t been gone for a long time, but the weather was already getting so cold.

    She looked up to hold back her tears, and she saw golden leaves flying in the air. The weather was much colder than in Hong Kong, and until now, she had never realized the difference in the weather in the fall.

    The fresh, cool air was a vor unique to autumn. Soon she saw Joseph walk out of the exit beside her, apanied by the two shareholders, while Daisy followed behind him. Their car was parked on the roadside, and the driver hastily took his baggage upon seeing them. Irish looked at him in the distance as they got farther away. She knew if she blinked, he would get lost in the crowd, so Irish gazed at him motionlessly.<novelnext></novelnext>

    She stared at him standing under the sunlight and looked at his coat fluttering in the wind.

    She thought he wouldn''t look back, but the moment he got in the car, he looked back quickly, and his gaze fell on her. Perhaps, others would think it was just a casual look, but she knew that when he looked at her, his eyes were full of care and love.

    She smiled. Even though her heart felt bitter, she still showed a smile.

    Perhaps from now on, they would only be able to look at each other from far away, but she was still cheered by his simple look back. She knew that happiness was hard toe by. They could only tell themselves that they were still in the same world, no matter how painful the process was. She knew she had to give him some time.

    She understood.

    Joseph got in the car, and when the door was closed, itpletely blocked him from her sight.

    She stood in the wind as solitary as a tree while her hair waved, looking at his car disappearing from her sight.

    A whistle from a car suddenly drew her back to reality. She looked back and was shocked, she never expected he woulde here to pick her up. She was even more astonished at the car he drove.

    Under the sunshine, Roy had his hands in his pocket and walked toward her with a big smile, and stopped in front of Irish''s astonished face. He then turned back and took a quick glimpse at the car with a smile hanging on his face. "Irish, you are so bad."

    "Why are you here?" Irish took off her sunsses and asked in surprise.

    "I came to pick you up." He replied tantly.

    "What?" She felt that the situation was absurd.

    Roy shrugged his shoulders and then exined, "Joseph asked me to pick you up here since he was worried about you, he called me when he was still in Hong Kong."

    She knew that Joseph had arranged this for her, but she was so confused as to why he asked Roy to pick her up.

    "But I''m the third person to ruin Ruby''s marriage." She said coldly.

    "That''s why I said just now that you are so bad. Or perhaps I should say you are audacious."

    "Did youe here to make snidements about me?"

    "No, that''s none of my business; I just came here because you''re my sister."

 Chapter 340 340: Where Is She?

    Irish looked at him half seriously and half skeptically.

    "Get in the car." He said as he turned back.

    "Why is my car with...you?" She asked without moving.

    He was driving her red jeep, but she remembered that when she left the car at the Runestone Group, it had broken down. After hearing this, Roy stopped and turned around to her, answering with a smile, "I had repaired it for you."

    Irish was still confused.

    "Do you really want me to exin it to you in such a busy ce?" He smiled and waved at her. "Let''s go first. I''m your brother, I''m not going to kidnap you."

    Though she couldn''t figure out his intentions, she knew it was not convenient for him to exin them to her there, so she had to follow him and get in the car.

    At the other end of the road outside the airport, the driver was cruising steadily.

    In the back seat of the car, Joseph leaned against the rear seat while the light from the sunroof fell on his expressionless cheeks. Two of the shareholders were chatting cheerfully while Joseph answered them asionally. Daisy took a cup of freshly ground ck coffee to him and whispered in his ear, "Irish has got in the car." Joseph didn''t reply, but his frown eased a little.

    The red jeep was a little bit small for Roy, and Irish frowned at him from the passenger seat and finally couldn''t help saying, "Let me drive."

    "No, I''m not used to letting a woman drive for me." He declined her firmly.

    Irish didn''t resist since she was still in a bad mood, and she closed her eyes, leaning against the window. She began to recall the times that she spent with Joseph. During the hours on the ne, all she could do was lean in his arms, desperately trying to capture his breath.

    But Roy''s voice sounded beside her, "Why didn''t you ask me to repair this car for you?"

    Irish interrupted him and said impatiently, "You tell me."

    "This car was a gift for your mother from our father, and I know you cherish it very much, so I had to do my best to repair it."

    Irish opened her eyes abruptly and felt annoyed by him, but Roy didn''t look at her, just looking forward with an inattentive smile.

    "You talk a lot," Irish said unpleasantly after a while.

    Royughed after hearing this and said again, "In fact, I knew you''d never let it go, why note back to visit father? He is getting old and is in poor health."

    Irish turned irritably to look outside and then said after a few minutes, "He is your father, but not my father. What''s more, I only keep this car because I want to save money."

    Roy didn''t reply, and it was suddenly quiet in the car.

    They kept silent for a long time, and when Irish calmed down and looked out the window, she found that they were not on the way back to her home, so she snorted and said, "You made a mistake, this isn''t the way back to my home."<novelnext></novelnext>

    "I never said I was going to bring you back home," Roy replied slowly.

    Irish felt so angry and asked in reply, "Then where are you taking me to the Lake family?"

    There was a red light ahead of them, so Roy slowed down and exined, "Don''t be angry. We''re going to Cassie''s house."

    Irish was shocked and squinted. "What do you mean?"

    "I will admit; I came to pick you up for my own selfish motives." He stopped the car and looked at Irish, and then continued, "Cassie is your best friend, right? Could you please help me to persuade her not to be angry with me?"

    After hearing this, she frowned even more tightly and thought hard, trying to figure out what he meant. After a while, she sneered at him and said, "Roy, don''t you know that she''s getting married to Fredrick soon?"

    He knew she had seen through him and felt a little embarrassed, so he cleared his throat and said, "It''s none of my business. If Fredrick could treat her well, then I definitely wouldn''t disturb her, but as far as I know, Cassie is not happy."

    Irish felt weird about this. She also knew that although Roy seemed to be a yboy, he never cared as much about a woman before, and he was not a man who could figure out a woman''s mind. Therefore, after thinking for a second, she took out her phone and got ready to dial Cassie.

    The light turned green ahead of them, but he forgot to drive and stared at her dialing Cassie.

    It was not until the car behind them began to honk then Irish reminded him to drive.

    After calling several times, Irish was still unable to get through. She put down the phone and mumbled, "Where is she? Why didn''t she answer the phone?"

    "She asked for some time off, she must be resting at home. You can call her parents." Roy told her.

    Irish looked at him suspiciously and then said, "How do you know that?" After speaking, she tried to call her parents.

    Cassie''s mother answered the phone, and she was so happy to hear Irish''s voice. Irish chatted with her for a while and asked where Cassie was, and her mother told her that she was at home. Irish said she woulde to visit her soon, which greatly pleased her mom.

    Irish was relieved after the call, she thought Cassie''s phone was powered off, so she put her phone down and said to Roy, "I''m going to drive to meet her myself."

    "You can''t burn a bridge after crossing it." Roy refuted.

    "I''m going to give her some gifts. What about you? ording to what you said just now, I''m sure that she doesn''t want to meet you." Irish perceived something must have happened between Fredrick and Cassie, but she didn''t know how or when Roy got involved in it.

    Roy began to ingratiate her and pleaded, "Irish, my dear sister, please help me."

    "Then you have to tell me the truth. What happened?"

 Chapter 341 341: Cassie Commit Suicide

    Roy was a little bit embarrassed but still said frankly, "To be honest, I''ve fallen in love with Cassie, and I''m sure I can bring her happiness."

    He said in a low but very firm tone, which shocked Irish. Though she had noticed his feelings for Cassie, she still felt surprised when he boldly told her about this. Irish stared at him and found firmness in his glittering eyes.

    After a long time, she said tentatively, "Are you sure you can give her happiness? Do you know what happiness is for a woman? I''ll tell you. A woman wants to be with her beloved man for her whole life. Are you sure you''re her beloved man?"

    "But I''m sure that I am the one who loves her most." Roy frowned and continued, "Irish, I really don''t think her boyfriend loves her."

    Irish was silent while her heart trembled.

    Cassie''s parents were cheerful at Irish''s arrival, especially her mom, who hastily held her hands and led her in. She looked at her carefully for a long while and said with concern, "Look at you. You are getting thinner and thinner, you have to take care of yourself."

    Irish presented her gifts to them and hugged her. In Irish''s heart, they were also part of her family.

    What surprised her was that Cassie''s parents also showed great passion for Roy, which ensured that she must have missed something.

    Roy acted politely in front of them, which was very different from his casual attitude before with her. It gave her goosebumps, so she quickly asked, "Where is Cassie? Why hasn''t she gotten out of bed? Didn''t she know I wasing?"

    Her mom sighed and replied, "She''s taking a shower."

    "Why is she taking a shower in the afternoon?" Irish smiled and walked towards the bathroom, reaching out to knock on the door, "Cassie, I have some gifts for you, including the lipstick you wanted! The color is your favorite, scarlet! You''ll love it!" But Cassie didn''t reply.

    Since she heard no response from Cassie, Irish sighed helplessly to her mom and said, "I have traveled for just a few days, and she doesn''t even want to talk to me."

    "She has been weird these past few days and has turned a deaf ear to everyone. Let''s wait for a few more minutes. She has been taking a shower for more than 20 minutes, I''m sure she''ll be finished soon."

    But Irish was an impetuous person, so she knocked on the door again and said, "Cassie, if you don''t reply to me, I will break in there." But she still received no response.

    Roy, who was sitting on the couch silently, frowned and felt weird, so he stood up abruptly. Perceiving Roy''s serious expression, Irish''s heart trembled violently, and she began to m on the door until Roy stepped forward and kicked the door open without any hesitation.<novelnext></novelnext>

    In the following second, a scream broke the silence in the room.

    Cassie was lying in the bathtub quietly, but her white nightdress was stained with blood, and her face was pale and lifeless.

    Cassie hadmitted suicide by slitting her wrists. She chose to end her life silently in autumn when the leaves all fell from the trees. The light in the emergency room was shining down on the grim scene.

    From the moment when Cassie was brought into the emergency room, Irish had been standing beside the door, with her forehead leaning against the wall, her fists clenched. Behind her was a long corridor. Cassie''s mother was crying desperately in her father''s arms. Irish could see that the old couple was overwhelmed in despair.

    Roy was standing by Irish silently. His tall figure leaned against the wall with an icy countenance, looking at the emergency room light motionlessly. His face was incredibly dark. The moment he saw Cassie lying in the bathtub quietly and covered with blood, he fell into despair.

    He couldn''t remember the chaotic details of the scene at that moment but could recall that when he lifted her from the bathtub, she looked lifeless. He drove like a maniac and ran every red light while the smell of blood spread through the car, his shirt stained with her blood.

    He had never been so panicked. He was afraid he would lose her, and at the same time, he was also irritated since she didn''t cherish her life at all.

    The atmosphere in the corridor was very grim.

    Irish could still smell Cassie''s blood since all of her clothes were stained with it. She leaned against the wall so helplessly, feeling fear, irritation, and some otherplicated emotions. She felt that her whole body was numb, even her clenched fists.

    As Roy drove them to the hospital, Irish had never seen Cassie so quiet and pale. The wounds on her wrists looked like an ugly centipede that drained her blood and crawled into Irish''s heart. She felt that the same knife had stabbed her heart.

    The gift she brought for Cassie was still lying in her pocket. It was a lipstick in scarlet, the same color as blood. She had thought that Cassie needed this lipstick since her lips were always so pale.

    Her eyes were filled with tears while her sharp nails pierced into her palms, but she couldn''t feel the pain at all.

    She couldn''t cry. Irish held back her tears and kept calling in her heart, "Cassie, you''re a coward. I won''t cry for you because you can''t just leave me alone like this. If I cry, then it proves that I have given up. You can''t die; there are still so many people who love you deeply, your parents, and me. But if you give up and leave us alone in this world, I definitely won''t forgive you, and I won''t go to your grave to visit you because I don''t want to be friends with a coward. I will hate you forever if you''ve decided to end our friendship in such an atrocious way."

    She felt like vomiting. The bitter scent of hand sanitizer had diluted the smell of blood in her nasal cavity. Time passed as she heard rapid footsteps in the corridor.

 Chapter 342 342: Listen To Me

    Irish didn''t look up since nothing could attract her attention except for Cassie. She only hoped her best friend would survive.

    The light in the corridor lengthened the man''s slender figure. He was walking so fast that his colleague behind him could hardly keep up. His heart was filled with sorrow when he saw the despair in the room.

    He slowed down his pace because he had never seen Irish look so lonely and desperate. Daisy slowed down behind him and was shocked by the depressing atmosphere. She looked at Joseph subconsciously, who was looking at Irish and sighed with regret.

    As Joseph''s assistant, she knew that he was absent-minded from the moment they drove back to thepany from the airport. She also perceived that when Irish passed him by quietly, he frowned slightly even though he still looked indifferent. At that moment, Daisy realized the only woman in the world who could cause mood swings in him like that was Irish.

    Joseph''s harrowing experience in South Africa also led to a fluctuation in the share prices. The shareholders eagerly urged him back because they wanted him to take action. When the meeting was halfway through, Daisy saw that Joseph''s fingers were unconsciously knocking on the table. Though he was still sitting there, listening to the shareholders'' suggestions, she knew that he was distracted.

    As expected, he finally grabbed his cell phone beside him. Daisy was closest to him, and when she took a look at his phone, she identally saw his message to Irish. "Did you get home?"

    Though the message was only a few words, it contained his care and love for her. But he didn''t get a response for a long time. The shareholders were still chattering while Joseph looked increasingly impatient. He kept staring at his phone and finally got a reply from her. She looked at it with her split vision and saw the bad news, "Cassiemitted suicide. I am in the hospital."

    The next second, Joseph stood up abruptly and left the meeting room without saying anything, and she hastily followed him. It was easy to imagine how astonished those shareholders were.

    But the situation seemed to be beyond her imagination. It was no wonder that Joseph slowed down his pace since she was also shocked by the scene. Irish was standing in front of the emergency room quietly, with her forehead leaning against the door, and she looked as if she was frozen. Daisy had thought she would have rushed into Joseph''s arms in tears.

    Finally, Joseph stepped forward, while Daisy walked quickly to Cassie''s parents, who sat there in tears, and said softly, "This is Mr. Dover, the manager of Cassie''spany."

    Obviously, the old couple didn''t expect that it had reached Cassie''s boss, so they hastily got up. Her mom was speechless out of extreme sadness, but her father took the initiative and said to Joseph, "Mr. Dover, I am so appreciative that you came here in person."

    Joseph shook hands with him and said with feeling, "Don''t say that. Cassie is a member of mypany, I''m so sorry to hear this news."

    After hearing this, her father''s eyes turned red, and he choked, "I am so sorry that I didn''t educate my daughter well enough."

    "Don''t worry. She will be fine." Josephforted him softly and then turned to Daisy, "Her medical expenses will all be reimbursed by thepany."

    "Yes, Mr. Dover."

    After hearing this, her mom cried even more violently and choked with sobs, "Thank you, Mr. Dover. Thank you so much."

    "We have to take responsibility for her." Joseph sighed.

    Afterforting Cassie''s parents, Joseph stepped forward. When he saw Roy staring at the indicator light of the emergency room, he lowered his voice and said, "Trust me, she will be fine."

    Roy replied without even blinking his eyes, "I will pay for all of her medical expenses myself."<novelnext></novelnext>

    "She is a member of the Runestone Group, so we will be responsible for her." Joseph didn''t say anything else to him and walked away after finishing.

    He finally stopped behind Irish, and soon she was shrouded in his shadow. He looked at her sorrowfully and didn''t know how tofort her.

    Irish felt her head buzzing, but she vaguely heard the voices of Joseph and Daisy.

    It was not until Joseph finally stopped behind her that she smelled his familiar woody fragrance.

    After a long while, she heard a sigh over her head, and soon her eyes were full of tears again, so she closed her eyes and said to him feebly, "Joseph, please tell me that she will be fine. Please tell me."

    Joseph wanted so badly to hug her.

    "She will be fine. She can pull through." He put his hands on her shoulders to encourage her.

    His words relieved her, and she felt she was not so afraid anymore.

    "Sit and wait for her." He knew she must have been standing there for a long time, and he felt terrible thinking of it.

    Irish shook her head since she wanted to wait for her at the door of the emergency room.

    "Listen to me." He persuaded her patiently.

    Though she didn''t burst into tears, she said in a crying voice, "Don''t try to persuade me. I want to wait for her here."

    Joseph knew she was stubborn, so he didn''t try to persuade her again. However, he was so worried when he saw the blood on her clothes, which made him feel that she was also wounded, so he turned to Daisy, took out a bank card, and said to her, "Go and buy clothes for Irish and Roy. There is a shopping mall close by."

    Daisy nodded and then left after measuring their sizes with her eyes.

    "Thanks," Roy said in a weak voice while Joseph took a glimpse at him and shook his head helplessly.

    The light in the emergency room stayed on, and the time crawled minute by minute. Every minute was torture for them. They didn''t know how long it had been, maybe an hour or possibly just several minutes. Someone finally arrived, and Cassie''s mother shouted and cried, "Fredrick. What''s wrong with you? What did you do to my daughter?"

    The name "Fredrick" was like a bomb thrown into the quiet room andpletely blew up the situation. Everyone there seemed to find a vent for their sorrow and anger, and their target was Fredrick.

 Chapter 343 343: I Will Stay Here

    Roy turned to look at Fredrick, who had just arrived at the hospital. As he saw Fredrick, his expression turned sharp and annoyed. Irish''s stiff shoulders quivered, which Joseph sensitively noticed. Joseph was very concerned about her.

    Irish stood up slowly and looked directly at Fredrick, ignoring Joseph. Fredrick was still wearing his work clothes. Obviously, he hade directly from the Institute and didn''t change his clothes. He staggered in, followed by Professor Tim. Professor Tim felt embarrassed and helpless when Cassie''s mother ran to Fredrick and questioned him.

    When he saw Irish, he immediately stopped.

    Irish''s eyes were red, and she gritted her teeth. She was the one who called Fredrick on the way to the hospital. Fredrick''s voice sounded weak on the phone, but it was not her focus. She just shouted into the phone," Fredrick! You know what? Cassie tried tomit suicide. What on earth is wrong with you? You''d better get over here as soon as possible and exin!"

    She had never treated Fredrick in this way before. She had never shouted at him. She didn''t know what had happened to them during her vacation, but Cassie''s desperate action proved that it had something to do with him. Like Cassie''s parents said, Fredrick hadn''t been around once during Cassie''s sick leave.

    Joseph also had not expected Irish''s reaction. As he was trying to persuade her, Irish suddenly ran to Fredrick, so he just reached out to try and grab her. As Fredrick saw Irishing towards him, he felt more upset.

    Irish grabbed his cor, and with a quivering but clear voice, she asked, "Fredrick, what happened between you two?"

    Professor Tim was totally at a loss and looked embarrassed behind Fredrick. He thought that Fredrick was going to get married to Cassie. Although he didn''t think that they were perfectly matched, he didn''t object to his decision. However, when Fredrick stopped mentioning the issue of marriage, he realized that they had broken up after asking. Upon hearing this news, he felt both angry and helpless.

    There were many things to deal with in his Institute, so he had asked Fredrick to help him. As they were busy with their work, Fredrick received a call from Irish. Her hysterical shouting shocked Fredrick and made hime directly to the hospital.

    Fredrick avoided Irish''s eyes but still felt her angry gaze like a knife cutting into his face. He didn''t answer Irish''s question but nervously asked, "How is she?"

    "Fredrick. You need to answer my question!" Irish didn''t give him an opportunity to escape.

    Fredrick had no way of avoiding it and had to say, "I...broke up with her."

    They were all shocked, except Professor Tim.

    Irish shouted crazily, "Fredrick, aren''t you two getting married? Why did you break up with her? Don''t you know how much she loves you? You should think about it earnestly. She told me that you bring her so much happiness!" She pulled him to the door of the emergency room and pointed inside, "So this is the way you bring her happiness?"

    "Irish..." Fredrick looked at her. He didn''t know what to say or how to answer her.

    Irish looked at him, gritting her teeth, "Fredrick, if anything happens to Cassie, I will never forgive you! You are so irresponsible! Why did you break up with her?"

    Fredrick had no way of defending himself since he couldn''t tell her the real reason, so he frowned and didn''t answer.

    "You don''t have an answer? Okay. Let me ask you. Who proposed to get married?" Roy asked coldly.

    Fredrick took a deep breath, "It was me."<novelnext></novelnext>

    As soon as he spoke, Roy threw his fist at him. Joseph quickly pulled Irish to his chest as Roy hit Fredrick in the face as hard as he could.

    Fredrick didn''t see iting and fell to the floor.

    Roy grabbed him by the cor and hit him again. Professor Tim walked forward immediately to intervene, but Cassie''s mother blocked him. She shouted, "Aren''t you a professor? You could have stopped this!"

    Cassie''s father quickly stopped them.

    Fredrick was hit again and started fighting with Roy in retaliation. Joseph walked forward several steps and pulled them apart, shouting angrily, "Enough, both of you! Cassie is still in there!"

    Fredrick stepped back and rubbed the blood from the corner of his mouth.

    Roy pushed away Joseph''s arms, still staring at Fredrick with hatred in his eyes. Fredrick looked up at the emergency room light with regret but felt even more upset when he saw Irish''s gaze. He had never seen this expression on her face before, so cold and angry.

    Cassie''s mother rushed toward and drove Fredrick away, "Go away! Cassie doesn''t want to see you again!"

    "We''d better wait to hear about Cassie''s condition quietly" Professor Tim walked forward. The disturbance in the hallway had aroused many people''s attention.

    Cassie''s mother aggressively responded, "Go away! You two are terrible! Fredrick, are you a real man? My daughter has been with you for so many years, and you still broke up with her. What is my daughter worth in your eyes? Cassie will never forgive you!" Cassie''s mother pushed Professor Tim''s hands away and shoved Fredrick with all of her strength.

    Fredrick was annoyed. He had used up all of his energy fighting Roy, and finally, he was pushed into the corner by Cassie''s mother.

    Cassie''s father pulled his wife aside andforted her, "Don''t let him bother you. Cassie will be okay."

    Then he took his wife away.

    Professor Tim came forward and sighed helplessly, "Fredrick. It would be best if you took responsibility for this issue. Cassie is in danger. As a man, you should help her as much as possible!"

    Fredrick looked defeated, closing his eyes tightly and nodding. Then, after a while, he said, "Sorry, Dad, you go back to the Institute. I will stay here."

    Professor Tim loved his son, and he nodded his head, "Okay."

    As Professor Tim left, they were divided into two camps in the corridor.

    One camp surrounded the door of the emergency room, while the other camp, which was only Fredrick, sat in the corner alone. There was a sizable distance between them. They all waited silently while the emergency room light remained on.

 Chapter 344 344: Your Love For Her Isn’t Reasonable

    After half an hour, Jay and Lilith arrived. Jay had prepared to pick Irish up from the airport, but he heard the news about Cassie on the phone. He called Lilith again, and they quickly arrived at the hospital.

    As he saw Irish, he had the idea that she would be in the hospital overnight, so he called his parents and told them that she wouldn''t be home tonight. Mary understood Irish and Cassie''s friendship, so she was also angry at Fredrick''s behavior. She even expressed her intention to kill Fredrick.

    Jay got a headache listening to her and finally persuaded her not to cause any new problems.

    Daisy quickly returned from her assigned task, and she brought two sets of clothes back to the hospital. Joseph persuaded Irish and Roy to change their clothes. When they left, he shot a glimpse at Fredrick and slowly walked to him, stopping in front of him.

    Fredrick was still leaning against the wall motionlessly. His coat was also dirty from his fight with Roy. Joseph looked down at him and said lightly after a while, "It''s because of Irish that you broke up with Cassie." He didn''t pose a question but said it in an affirmative tone.

    Fredrick''s hands quivered, and he stared at Joseph with aplex expression.

    Joseph''s next words became simpler and firm, "Fredrick. I warn you. Do not let Irish know that you like her."

    Fredrick blinked slightly, suddenly sneering, "What makes you entitled to warn me?"

    "Your love for her isn''t reasonable. What''s more, you will make Irish bear a heavy burden if she knows." Joseph put his hands into his pocket and said slowly, "I think you understand this."

    Fredrick kept sneering. "Joseph, don''t you put a heavy burden on her?"

    "My love is more eptable than yours," Joseph said directly, with an aggressive coldness in his eyes. "ording to what I know about Irish, she would rather tolerate some scolding from others than scramble for the same man with her best friend."

    Joseph''s statement made Fredrick quiver slightly. He stared at Joseph but didn''t respond immediately. After a while, he stood up slowly and cleared up his messy white coat, then sneered and said, "Your love is more eptable? I want to ask you how eptable it is. If I''m not fit for her, are you? Do you really know her? I can tell you that no woman who is subjected to these rumors could still be satisfied. Your love for her is not going to bring her happiness, only disaster."

    "If that is a professional suggestion from a psychologist, then I should say thanks." Joseph remained calm, facing this situation. "But if you''re only saying that as a man, then don''t think it''s necessary for me to ept it from a loser."

    Fredrick looked at him angrily, gritting his teeth.

    "We are all adults now, and we all know clearly what we should do and what we shouldn''t. If I were you, I would not have let things go this way."

    "Joseph, it is still a bit early for you to show off in front of me."

    Josephughed, "You''re wrong. I have never shown off anything to others. Dr. Fredrick, it will be impossible for you to still be upright and good in Irish''s eyes after what happened to Cassie today. What I just said is not an order or persuasion, but pointing out your concerns and giving you a conclusion. That''s enough."

    Fredrick silently clenched his fists and stared forward.<novelnext></novelnext>

    ****

    Daisy was very insightful, and the clothes she bought for Roy were very suitable for him. As he returned after changing, he saw the light was still on. He felt even more worried and paced nervously. Joseph walked forward, looking at the time, and then patted his shoulder tofort him.

    Roy was still so anxious. After a while, he spoke in a low voice, "Why does the procedurest so long?"

    "Don''t worry, I''ve just asked York. Cassie has lost too much blood, but there is sufficient blood in the bank. Don''t worry." After talking to Fredrick, Joseph called an expert in the hospital who kept in contact with him. However, Roy was still nervous about it.

    At this time, Daisy came forward and covered the microphone on her phone, saying to Joseph in a low voice, "Mr. Dover. The directors are still waiting at the Group headquarters. In addition, Manager Law from the Development Sector and Director Ward from the nning and Promotion Sector are looking to give reports about mine M100-2 to you..."

    "Wait a moment," Josephmanded without thinking.

    Daisy didn''t know what he was waiting for, but she could not say any more to him, given his attitude. She could only pick up the phone again and say, "Mr. Dover has something to deal with. Yes, he needs some more time."

    She walked a little farther away, and her voice became lower.

    Joseph waited for a while and looked at the time again. He asked Roy, "Why haven''t Irishe out?"

    Roy had no energy to think about his question, so he just shook his head weakly. Joseph immediately walked to the lounge, which was at the end of the corridor.

    The door was closed.

    Joseph walked up to the door, knocking on it.

    There was no sound inside.

    Frowning, he just pushed the door open and walked in. The lounge was notrge, facing southwest, so as he opened the door, he could see a view of thest rays of the setting sun. Beside the window was a small, lonely figure sitting on a bench. Her long ck hair draped down like seaweed. She raised her face slightly, staring at a white orchid tree whose leaves were blowing in the wind. The light outlined her delicate face, illuminating the sadness in her eyes.

    Joseph stopped. Her shadow was elongated by the sunset, showing an inexplicably beautiful portrait of loneliness. From the moment he arrived at the hospital to now, she hadn''t cried, but her eyes were red. He would rather see her crying than see this lonely figure in front of him. He stood at the door for a few minutes, then closed the door, slowly walking forward.

    As he walked towards her, he could feel her sorrow more clearly.

 Chapter 345 345: Cassie Was Saved

    She had changed into the outfit Daisy bought, holding her old clothes in front of her, stained with Cassie''s blood. Joseph looked down at her while she was wholly immersed in the light of the sunset, looking like a helpless bird, so lovely and pretty.

    He sighed deeply.

    Irish was surprised by the sound and slowly turned around. Seeing her biting her lips and with red eyes, Joseph lowered his hand to touch her face, saying softly, "You can cry if you want."

    Irish''s eyes soon filled with tears.

    Joseph ached for her and lifted her up without hesitation, pulling her into his arms. Next, her tears fell down. The nervousness and concern she had been hiding had now turned into a flood of tears.

    She finally burst out crying. She pressed her face in his bosom and embraced him tightly.

    Joseph didn''t say anything but kept one hand caressing her head, providing a silent spiritualfort for her.

    Irish cried sorrowfully as heforted her silently.

    The tears made his shirt wet and made his heart ache. As he saw her, he had an impulse tofort her in his arms. He had a clear idea about the rtionship between her and Cassie. He understood her desperation when she saw Cassie covered in blood as she rushed her to the hospital.

    She was afraid of losing something, just like him.

    Maybe because she had lost so much, she cherished everyone around her more.

    After a while, Irish stopped crying and only sobbed lightly.

    Joseph spoke with a strong and assuring voice, "Cassie will be okay because you are so concerned about her."

    Irish gripped his shirt tightly, whimpering, "But Joseph, I''m so afraid. Cassie has already bled a lot��." And then her tears came out again, "You didn''t see it. The whole bathtub was bloody...she was just limp in my arms as if she were asleep."

    "Everything will be fine." Joseph didn''t know how tofort others very well and hated himself at this moment. He wished he was good at saying sweet words tofort her, but he was mostly silent.

    Irish raised her head and looked at him in tears, "Joseph. Tell me Cassie will be okay, alright?"

    Her helplessness made his heart ache.

    He caressed her forehead and said word by word, "She will be okay."

    Irish was a little moved.

    He lowered his head and kissed her forehead lightly. She then closed her eyes as her tears fell down. His kiss slowly moved down to her eyes, nose, and finally to her red lips.

    She cried even harder.

    Time passed without either of them noticing.

    Suddenly, someone opened the door. Jay''s voice sounded out, "Irish..."

    He stopped mid-sentence as he saw them embracing and kissing each other.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish responded immediately. The next moment, she pushed Joseph away. There were still tears in the corners of her eyes. She looked at the door,pletely at a loss.

    Joseph frowned and felt helpless because of the sudden intrusion.

    As a police officer, Jay returned to his normal facial expression after several seconds of silence. He cleared his throat and said, "Cassie is out of the emergency room now."

    Irish quickly ran out of the lounge. Joseph didn''t follow her at once but stayed there. Jay shot a nce at him. He wanted to say something but stopped himself. After a while, he turned to leave.

    However, as he stepped out, Joseph said to him in a low voice, "Irish was with me in Light Town, South Africa, and Hong Kong."

    Jay stopped suddenly and turned to look at him. He felt surprised and frowned after a while, "Although I don''t know you, I don''t think you are someone who is willing to disclose your privacy to others."

    Joseph looked at him with a cid expression, "I''m not trying to disclose anything to you. Instead, I hope you can protect Irish if it''s necessary. You are very important to her."

    "I think you should give up. It''s impossible for you to be with her. You know that you two will face many difficulties." Jay said directly.

    Joseph smiled lightly and asked, "Jay, do you think emotions are controble?"

    Jay looked at him questioningly.

    "If they were, I don''t think you would be in love with Lilith." He smiled again, but it made Jay feel cold.

    "I will protect her." He stayed silent for two minutes, then turned to leave.

    Joseph smiled lightly.

    The dim light moved to his cheek. His eyes were cold.

    ****

    Cassie was out of danger now. The doctors had saved her. However, her face was still pale. Lying in bed, she was still unconscious. There was gauze on her other hand, which was as white as her skin.

    Irish sat beside the bed, looking at Cassie silently. Cassie''s mother cried with happiness and joy, but Lilith kept silent. Fredrick was standing at the door, and he was exhausted. As he looked at Cassie, he felt full of regret.

    The night was around the corner, but the hospital was brilliantly lit.

    Joseph''s phone rang again and again. Daisy was in a dilemma since she was acting as a mediator. It was toote, so he had to leave the hospital. Before leaving, he ordered Daisy to stay and bring Irish back home. Jay heard about it, and he walked forward and said to Joseph, "I will bring her back."

    Joseph hesitated for a while and turned to look at Irish, who was still beside the bed. He could only see her back, tiny but strong. Although she had cried loudly and helplessly in the lounge, she nodded finally and asked whether Lilith would go.

    Lilith did not want to go, but she had some work to deal with, so she had to ask Joseph to take her with him. As she said that, she shot a nce at Jay, and he gestured to her that he would call herter. She felt a little happier when she saw him.

    Joseph told Cassie''s parents that he had to leave. They felt very grateful for his presence, so they all stood up and extended their thanks to him.

 Chapter 346 346: Have A Good Sleep

    Joseph justforted them with simple words. As he was about to leave, he looked at Irish, and Irish shot a nce at him with her lips closed tightly. Her desperate expression made him ache. Getting out of the hospital, he got in the car and sent a text message to Irish: Have a good sleep.

    Irish soon answered him with an okay.

    The neon lights made the whole of Broadway Street shine brilliantly as many cars drove down the road. The darker the night was, the more lonely people became. Outside the window, the buildings shot backward one after another. Gripping his phone, he leaned against the back seat tiredly and closed his eyes. However, Irish''s expression as he left the hospital and her response over the phone lingered in his mind.

    On this lonely night, he could imagine how lonely she would be without him beside her. Although he was in the car, his mind still stayed in the hospital. If possible, he would rather stay beside her and ease her desperate feelings.

    Lilith sat beside Joseph but was no longer active as usual, immersed in thought. As a result, it was strangely quiet.

    Irish also gripped her phone tightly, looking at Cassie lying in bed. She wanted to cry again. Her best friend was asleep in bed, and her boyfriend had just left. She felt like she was in a deep pond, lonely and terrified.

    Fredrick was a well-known psychologist, and he had business with manyrge public and private hospitals, so the doctor who saved Cassie knew him. Seeing the many rtives and friends in the room, the doctor pulled Fredrick aside and told him it would be inappropriate to have so many people stay there.

    Fredrick understood. He then asked about Cassie. Knowing that she was out of danger, he was finally assured and released. He knocked at the door and entered the room she was sleeping in. Cassie''s mother regarded him as an enemy, so she intended to drive him away again, but Cassie''s father stopped her immediately. Jay mentioned that a quiet environment was better for Cassie''s health.

    Fredrick knew that it would be hard to alleviate their anger no matter what he did, so he didn''t say anything else. He told them the doctor''s suggestion and handed them the room card of the hotel he had booked for Cassie''s parents. He added that the hotel was near the hospital, so it would be convenient for them toe to visit Cassie. However, Cassie''s mother ridiculed him, "We will not ept your offer. You''d better leave quickly."

    Fredrick was so embarrassed.

    At this time, Roy came in. Twenty minutes before, he had called someone, and as he entered, he saw the scene before him. He walked forward with a poker face and lowered his voice to say to Cassie''s parents, "I will stay here with Cassie tonight. You need to have a good rest since you have been stressed about this for the whole day." He also took out a room card and said, "I''ve booked the nearest hotel for you to have a good rest in. I''ll be here. Please be assured."

    Cassie''s parents were hesitant to leave, but Fredrick continued to persuade them, "No matter which room you want, please choose one and have a rest. Cassie doesn''t want to see you tired."

    Although they hated Fredrick, what he said was reasonable. They looked at each other and finally nodded. Having alleviated his concerns, Fredrick tried to hand them his room card. However, Cassie''s mother turned to look at Roy and said in a low voice, "Please take good care of Cassie. Thank you so much."<novelnext></novelnext>

    "My pleasure," Roy said sincerely and gave the room card to Cassie''s mother. Fredrick grasped his fingers tightly and put the room card back in his pocket.

    Roy ignored Fredrick and walked directly over to beside Irish. He patted her shoulder, "Go home and have a rest."

    Irish shook her head lightly like a robot. She could even hear the sound of her neck. She had been staring at Cassie for a long time since she thought that she would wake up any moment. Roy persuaded her and said he would call her as soon as Cassie woke up.

    Irish hesitated for a while, she really wanted to stay with Cassie. Besides, since Fredrick and Roy insisted on staying there, she was afraid that they would have another fight. Jay perceptively realized her concerns, so he walked forward and said lightly, "Please rest assured, they all know that Cassie needs to be in a quiet environment now,"

    Irish bit her lip and looked at Cassie again. "You rushed to the hospital as soon as younded. You must be very tired, so just go and get a good rest." Jay and Roy persuaded her again.

    Fredrick also wanted to persuade her, but he had to be silent in terms of his image now. Irish finally nodded and reconfirmed with Roy, "As soon as she is awake, please call me, no matter howte it is."

    Roy nodded and assured her again.

    As she got out of the hospital, a gust of wind blew, which made Irish feel cold. She tightened her clothes around her and walked quickly, while Jay followed her and asked her lightly, "How about going back to my parent''s house?"

    "No. I want to go back to my house." It was veryte, and she didn''t want to bother her aunt and uncle. Shooting a nce at the parking lot, she sighed, "Just drive your car. I''m so tired."

    Jay hadn''t intended to let her drive, and they got into his car. After they got in, Jay turned on the heat. The warm air made Irish feelfortable. After fastening her seat belt, she called her aunt Mary and let her know that she was okay now. Although Mary was relieved, she could hear Irish''s tiredness in her voice. She asked Irish to have a good rest and promised that she would visit herter.

    After the call, Jay drove away from the hospital.

 Chapter 347 347: Did She Seduce You?

    When the car got to Broadway Street, Irish rolled down the window, and the wind came in rapidly and mixed with the warm air in the car. Jay joked that it was a waste of money while she smiled lightly. She just stared at the neon lights outside the window and said quietly, "I just want to see how cold it is in the fall."

    Labor Day was around the corner, so all the shops they passed by were decorated with festive signs, which made them look especially mboyant. Holidays always made people happy, but why did she feel so

    sad?

    She sighed again, "Why can''t two people just get together and get married? How can one of them leave while the other is so sad?"

    Once upon a time, she had loved Fredrick deeply because of his talent, personality, and love for Cassie. A sessful, handsome, and emotionally intelligent man was always attractive to a woman. In the past, she had seen them hanging out after lunch. She had seen Fredrick looking around all the malls in order to buy the perfect birthday gift for Cassie. She had also witnessed their joy when they met each other abroad.

    So many beautiful memories now turned into bloody ones. Such a perfect couple ended up like this, could she even still believe in love?

    Jay shot a nce at her at a red light and sighed helplessly, "Please close the window, okay? I''m so cold."

    The window closed slowly.

    "You are smart, so you must realize that their case is just one out of a million. You shouldn''t think like this, there''s still a lot of wonderful love in the world." Jay tried his best tofort her. Thinking for a while, he said, "One case can''t prove anything."

    Irish was nestled in the seat and looked out the front and said, "I don''t understand. How could this happen? They were preparing to get married."

    "Forget it." The traffic light turned green, and Jay just rushed toward Madison Avenue. He then added, "I think your own business is the most important."

    Irish frowned.

    Jay didn''t continue, even though he wanted to say something. Seeing his expression, Irish mostly guessed what he wanted to ask, so she just said cidly, "Ask what you want to."

    "What''s the rtionship between you and Joseph?" He asked directly.

    Irish was not nervous or surprised by his sudden question. As he rushed into the lounge and saw her embracing Joseph, she guessed that her cousin would question their rtionship in the same way that he treated his suspects. She guessed correctly, and he asked her directly and sharply.

    "It''s none of your business." She answered lightly.

    He was unhappy to hear it, "He is not suitable for you. Not at all!" Jay slowed down as the cars in front of him did.

    Irish kept silent.

    "He is Ruby''s husband and your brother-inw. Also, he is said to be an actress'' lover. You can''t get close to a man like that. Of course, I''m not qualified to tell you this. I just want to tell you that if my parents knew, they would be mad, especially my mother."

    "How do you know that I''m together with him?" He had just seen them embracing each other, so he might not have guessed about their rtionship, Irish thought.

    Jay was fretful about it, so he just said, "Joseph told me. He said that you were with him in Light Town, South Africa, and Hong Kong."

    Irish was perplexed. She didn''t know why Joseph had said this. Jay was clear about it and rified her doubts, "He wants me to protect you."<novelnext></novelnext>

    Moved by Joseph''s kindness, she didn''t know what to say.

    "Do not be moved so quickly. I''m reminding you here; I can protect your safety, but I can''t promise that there won''t be rumors about you. Ruby will not give up. What''s more, Ruby''s mother is very worried about it, and she can be crazy. All in all, it isn''t good for you to be together."

    Irish was still staring out the front and kept silent.

    "Are you listening?" Jay said a little louder.

    Irish was still cid. After a while, she replied, "The other day, when I called your mom, she told me that you were bringing a girlfriend home."

    Jay was shocked.

    Soon Irish asked him, "So, mister, are you prepared to say anything?"

    The car moved slower and slower as the road conditions were terrible. Jay''s mind moved slower as well.

    Irish knew clearly the meaning of his response, so she shifted in her seat and said lightly. "I don''t want to get involved in your affairs, so you''d better not get involved in mine."

    "It''s different. There is no way ofparing them," After a while, Jay quibbled.

    "They are all part of the Lake family. No way ofparing them? In your mother''s eyes, they are the same," Jay frowned.

    After a few seconds, he said lightly, "I think you''d better focus on Roy. Why did hee to the hospital?"

    Irish was tired, so she just winked, "Now that all of this happened, it doesn''t matter." Roy seemed to be sincerely enamored by Cassie. So what about Cassie? It might be that this love was one-sided and not reciprocal. Cassie had never mentioned Roy in front of her. Thinking of him, she hesitated. She wondered if Fredrick and Cassie broke up because of Roy.

    "Irish." Jay had no energy to think, so he just waved his hands in front of her to draw her attention. When she finally saw him, he said embarrassedly, "I need to take Lilith home to meet my parents."

    "Did you get her pregnant?" She asked directly.

    Jay frowned, "Nonsense."

    "Did she seduce you?" Irish knew how busy he always was with his work, so in her opinion, it would be tough for him to woo someone actively.

    Jay looked at her firmly, and after a while, he said, "No. I expressed my love to her. She is just the type of girl that I like."

    Irish looked at him in surprise. She couldn''t believe it. Finally, after a few minutes, she eximed, "Awesome! I have never seen you pursue a rtionship with someone like this."

    "So Irish, you should help me. I need your support." Jay immediately changed the topic.

 Chapter 348 348: It’s Too Expensive

    The light outside the window sshed into Irish''s eyes. By the light, she also saw Jay''s sincerity. As being her younger brother, she understood him very well. He had been in love before but ended up breaking up for only one reason. It was his work that was the reason why he was reluctant to fall in love again.

    Thinking about it, she asked, "Aren''t you afraid of a breakup again?" Although she showed indifference to Lilith, she still knew that Lilith was a kind-hearted girl whose character was really liked by boys, but she was afraid that for long, Jay''s nature of work would be in the way.

    Jay was silent for a while, then breathed lightly, "I don''t want to miss the happiness, I feel happy with her."

    When Irish looked at him, she wondered when her younger brother had grown up.

    Although he was a majestic policeman, he was still a child in her heart and eyes. Now, the child has be a man. He would have the responsibility to protect his loved ones. So her heart, in this autumn, was tainted with warmth.

    "It''s not impossible for me on your side, but it''s best to be mutually beneficial." She said a faint remark.

    Jay was smart, raising his eyebrows, "You want to pull me into your united front with Joseph?"

    "We are just helping each other." Irish looked at him, "If you''re on our side, I''ll be on your side, too."

    "What''s the difference between this and selling my sister for glory?"

    "No, I''m delighted."

    "Girls are extroverted." Jay nced at her and smiled.

    Irish said in azy way, "Or think of aunt''s temperament. In case no one pulls her, she will take a knife into the Lake''s house, and that can be funny. You have been a police officer, and you haven''t gone to the police station to redeem our mother, but there''s probably always a chance it happens, right?

    "Are you threatening me?"

    "As I just said, mutual benefit." She sped her hands around her arms, "We are all adults. Adults have their own ways of doing things."

    Jay hesitated, "But I really don''t like Joseph. We all could imagine how hard your future will be."

    "No one is qualified to conclude until thest second." Irish said straightforwardly, "Do you agree or not?"

    Jay pursed his lips and made no reply.

    "Well, forget it. You can break up with Lilith directly." Irish showed no mercy.

    Soon Jay surrendered. "Okay, I agree."

    Irish smiled faintly, reaching out her hand. Jay was helpless, pping for the league.<novelnext></novelnext>

    ****

    When Irish got home and closed the door, all the clutter was gone and so quiet that she could hear the clock on the wall beating. She stood in the dark for a long time before changing shoes and entering the living room.

    She did not turn on the light and went straight to the sofa and threw the bag aside, and her whole tired body was knocked down like a deted ball. The moonlight poured in through the white curtain, reflecting the staircases to be bright. In the picture of the wall, she was also covered with a cool white color. She opened her eyes. Through the veil, she saw the moon approaching to be like a round wheel, but it seemed too cold. She had never felt it so strongly.

    She had always been very independent, also keen on independence, like traveling alone, shopping, having meals, and living with no one. But just then, when she got away from the noise in the night and went back to her favorite ce, she suddenly felt lonely. This loneliness crept into her mind with darkness, eroding her heart.

    She even felt at a loss of despair.

    It turned out that staying alone at night was really terrible.

    Thinking back from the Light Town to returning to New York, it seemed that wasn''t long ago, but why had she miraculouslypletely overturned the past habits? Her chest was gloomy but sweet when she remembered Joseph, so she realized that the sweet and bitter feeling wasing from missing someone.

    Yes, she missed him and wanted to see what he was doing now.

    She was used to his temperature, to the warmth of falling asleep on his chest every night, to the smell of him on pillows and his bedding. She was alone that night, and where was him? Where was he going to sleep? His own home? Or the corporate lounge? Was he missing her, too?

    The reason for having a severe headache was theck of sleep. She clearly was tired, yawning, but she still could not sleep because she was alone that night, and Cassie''s resolute behavior added to the injury.

    She decided to get up, taking the remote control to turn on the living room light. Gradually, the room was filled with the warmth of the light. Irish seemed to feel less cold.

    She was ready to turn over in the fridge to see if there was any snack, but the corner of her eyes fell inadvertently on the corner of the wall, and she walked up to the front. It was only when she found out that there was something, which was a slender box in a delicate package. ording to the elegant style of the living room modified by her, if it was not seen carefully, it appeared normal to be noticeable by anybody.

    Irish was so surprised that she didn''t remember having such an unopened item in her house. She didn''t even think about it and quickly broke the seal. The contents were heavy. Fortunately, it was ced upright, or the outer box might have easily been disassembled.

    When the objects were revealed, Irish was stunned and stretched out her hands slowly to pull them apart. Suddenly, it urred to her that it was the viburnum macrocephalum in the Light Town.

    Everything on that day is recalled in her memory like a flood flowing freely.

    "115,000 dors?"

    "Lady, this screen is double-sided embroidery. The silk thread used is among the best in the world. You can''t find the second one with exactly the same embroidery here."

    "It''s too expensive."

    "In these years, there are fewer and fewer people who can embroider. The more beautiful things are, the more handmade they are. This gardenia''s needle and thread were embroidered by myself. It''s not as expensive as it may seem."

 Chapter 349 349: Crazy Clients

    The old man in the picture in her mind smiled. Next to her was Joseph, with the viburnum macrocephalum falling on his shoulder. The beauty of the scene was indelible, just like the gardenia screen at which she nced.

    In front of her, it was the screen which she kept calling out to be expensive but never forgotten. It was in a person''s height, brown background, white silk orchid, under the bright yellow light, as if it was blooming before her. She gently took a breath, which was full of intoxicating fragrance.

    She likes white orchids because she likes the moral behind them: a smile.

    The bottom of the screen was embroidered with a line of words. It should be addedter, and she had not seen the embroidered hall before, which was beautiful and moving; it said: When We met We Were Young, and it was not toote.

    It was the same as "I met you in my most beautiful years," but it was also not as true as this sentence. Irish sat in front of the screen, lifting her hands to touch the embroidered words above. The most beautiful words were iparable regardless of the extravagant designid on the screen.

    Irish''s eyes turned red again, and she was so sure that it was his act, and those words came from his heart. She read his name over and over in her mind, and she never thought that he could be so romantic.

    How did he know she liked the screen so much? And how did it get into this room? She knew nothing but his sentence: it was not toote.

    Her heart tightened, and she missed him badly. She took her cell phone and sent him a message with trembling fingers: Thank you even though I don''t know how you did it.

    She said nothing more but a few words because she believed he understood.

    But after sending it, she regretted, what if he was very busy and did not see that? What if someone else saw it? What if Ruby Lake was beside him? What if�� that message only made her panic, and she also didn''t understand why things had changed abruptly after she had been so close to the man and why after returning to New York, they were unable to stay with each other?

    Thinking of countless possibilities, the mobile phone vibrated, and her fingers were numb. She opened it and took a look, it was his reply, short and precise: As long as you like it.

    Reading that, Irish almost broke into tears quickly. He understood her, so simple four words, but that became the most source of calmness in her heart. She could not help but send emoji of red lips and asked: Still busy?

    A reply was received soon: At the meeting.

    Irish slightly tightened her heart and looked up at the time. It was more than ten o''clock, sote, and he was still at the meeting. Her fingers kept on the keyboard, and she had a lot of words to say to him, but she could not say anything. Knowing that he was in a meeting and telling herself not to disturb him again, but her fingers sent him a sentence so disobediently. Joseph, I miss you.

    She missed him and hid nothing.

    But she got no answer from him.

    She regretted deeply that he was at work and that her behavior was nothing more than a disturbance.

    She was anxious, but her phone finally vibrated. Irish suddenly rushed to open the phone, and her trembling fingers opened the message. There were still simple words that made her in tears, he said, Me too.

    Irish cried, smiled, and looked at the white orchid for a long time, feeling calm and joyful.<novelnext></novelnext>

    New York was inte autumn, the most beautiful season.

    Irish did not know how she fell asleep.

    When she woke up, she looked at the bright sunshine. Although she hadn''t spent autumn in New York for many years, she still remembered the smell of autumn here, which was clearer and moister than in winter. It was much cooler than summer. The leaves were the purest golden yellow, and as she walked along the boulevard in themercial area, the leaves covered the long street, so the autumn sun looked good, and Irish''s mood improved a little.

    At nine o''clock in the morning, she officially returned to the Linkus and canceled her holiday. Professor Tim attended the morning meeting, exined some of the work matters, and weed Irish back to work. Professor Tim still had a band-aid around his neck, somewhat embarrassed when he looked at Irish. Compared to the enthusiasm of other colleagues, ir and Cheska seemed calm but nodded to Irish as a greeting.

    Irish looked indifferent, but her assistant Christy was more indignant. After the meeting, she had been following behind Irish, nagging, "See? They are obviously not weing you, and of course, you came back earlier than they expected. I guess they thought you were going to take a lot of money from their pocket. "

    Irish didn''t reply and took a skincare product from her bag and handed it to Christy, who screamed, "SMPR''s mask is hard to buy here. I hear it''s super useful."

    "So I bought it for you from Hong Kong." Compared to her fuss, Irish was calm.

    Christy pointed to her nose excitedly. "Give it to me?"

    "Do you know why I gave you this mask?"

    "You like me."

    She squinted at her and said, "I don''t give people things easily. You must know my feelings. You have to work overtime to help me, so first, I gave you candy."

    Christy was crazy and kissed her. "I''m willing to do anything for you."

    "First, give me all the customer information Professor Tim shared today." Irish really could not stand Christy''s enthusiasm, and the mask easily persuaded her.

    Christy followed her words.

    Looking that her working rate was ten times faster than usual, Irish couldn''t help but sigh, cosmetics were sometimes more attractive than money.

    As a result, Irish spent the morning wandering her mind.

    She originally thought to be familiar with customer information to drive away the idea of a mess, but unexpectedly, the institute customers who had made the appointments in the entire morning were very "freak."

    The first customer was the owner of a huge retail store business, and he wore sunsses when he entered the door, Irish impolitely asked him to take off the sses. When he began to talk, she had learned that he had foot fetishism and that the secretaries around him were all owners of young and white feet. He said he liked women''s feet better than women''s waists and buttocks.

 Chapter 350 350: You Watched Her All Night?

    The second client was a college student, he said that he was a spirit and could feel the cold and dirty things. Irish could see that he was justcking care, wanting to use some of the difference to get people''s sympathy.

    The third client was a man who kept chattering. When he sat down, he talked endlessly. Irish finally had to interrupt him. He was angry, saying that he was spending money to talk to someone like her to be his garbage can. Irish listened, bing annoyed, directly crossing her legs on the desk and leaning against the chair. The client didn''t care about her behavior and was still talking. Gradually, he began to feel empty.

    The fourth customer, who looked more normal than the first three, was 48 years old but looked like 84. He sent Irish arge bouquet of roses as soon as he came in. Irish felt scared, and an unknown scruple crept into her skin, so she hurriedly asked Christy to take away the flowers.

    "Are you Mr. Kim? What''s your problem?" She patiently asked.

    Mr. Kim smiled with big gold teeth. It could be seen that his teeth had suffered much. Mr. Kim smiled so obscenely that he seized Irish''s hand. Irish looked down, and she felt her eyes were almost blind. Well, the gold watch and the gold ring came together.

    "Dr. Irish, you may not remember me. We''ve met before. I love you so much that I want to pursue you."

    Unable to bear that, Irish got up and went out of the door, leaving Mr. Kim alone in the office, dumbfounded.

    She broke directly into Professor Tim''s office without even knocking on the door. Professor Tim, who was writing his research report, was shocked. Before he could react, she went around his desk, held her hands on the table, and leaned forward. Almost her face sticking together, she gnashed her teeth, "Professor Tim, can you get me some good clients?"

    From Professor Tim''s point of view, there was obvious impatience at the bottom of Irish''s eyes, with two clusters of mes flickering, and it was clear that she was trying to suppress her displeasure, and, ording to her disposition, it was time to m the door for bearing a while. He thought, trying to ease the tension in the air.

    "Dr. Irish, you''re a healer. We''re dealing with strange patients, and good patients would go to the hospital, not the psychological clinic."

    Irish pressed her hand on the table and knocked, "Starting this afternoon, give back those clients who were originally assigned to Cheska and ir. I only ept those who have been booked with me."

    Professor Tim was embarrassed by this remark. "There aren''t enough people��."

    "I said before I came to work that I would not work overtime, and now I have enough to deal with clients every day, from day to night, and don''t let those strange people take up my precious time." Irish stood up straight.

    Professor Tim looked at her with some impatience and understood that it was because the matter yesterday had disturbed her, so he simply let her go. Irish did not say another nonsense word, turning around to leave. Just as she touched the doorknob, Professor Tim hesitated to ask again, "Cassie... How''s she going?"

    Irish''s steps paused for a moment.

    "I think it would be more appropriate for you to ask Fredrick directly about this matter." At the end of the speech, she pulled out the door and left.

    Professor Tim was helpless, shaking his head.<novelnext></novelnext>

    As soon as she went out of Professor Tim''s office, Irish only felt the sunlight out of the window was gleaming. She was wondering when the air quality in New York was getting so good, and Mr. Kim, who was covered in gold, suddenly blocked her way. Sometimes the shiny degree of gold can reallypare with the sun.

    "Doctor Irish, I really like you." Mr. Kim was very persistent and smiled. "I have several entertainmentpanies under my name, private yachts, and several wine farms abroad. As long as you are with me, I will take you around the world right away," he said, "On my private yacht, we can go to sea with the best wine."

    Irish was helpless and replied with short words, "Excuse me, I have seasickness."

    "Then let''s not go on a yacht. I have a private jet." Mr. Kim trotted behind her, "You see how hard it is for you to be here every day. You definitely have a good life with me. Doctor Irish..."

    Without waiting for him to say much, Irish stopped abruptly and smiled at him. She looked up and down, shook her head, and sighed, "Chinese people can make a lot of money beyond others. Such a person could actually achieve wealth, even the whole world."

    Mr. Kim didn''t understand what she meant and was just about to ask, but he heard that her tone returned to a nd tone. "I''ve always hated people who are swaggering through the street. I''m busy since you''re not here for psychotherapy," she brutally blurted out. "Then please don''t waste my reservation in the future."

    She turned around and left.

    Her enchanting figure fell in Mr. Kim''s eyes. With a look of obsession, he said, "Beautiful women are indeed graceful, and their tantrums are so charming."

    ****

    Professor Tim was not so hard on her. In the afternoon, she felt relieved with her clients. After a diagnosis of a delusional client, she received a phone call from the hospital where Cassie was brought. She hastily had given the rest of the work to Christy, she hurried to the hospital.

    Cassie had woken up. It was Roy who called Irish. When she took a taxi all the way to the hospital, she saw Roying out of the hospital as soon as she entered the main lobby. Roy told her that Cassie had woken up an hour ago. Irish was relieved and asked where he was going.

    Roy said he had to go back to the airlinepany for a meeting, gave her the keys, and was waiting for a taxi to his work.

    Irish was sensitive to find him weak, whose eyebrow also revealed his tiredness, thinking that he was heartbroken by the situation, so she asked a tentative question, "You really watched her all night?"

    Roy nodded.

    "And Fredrick? You two?"

 Chapter 351 351: Do You Really Love Her?

    He frowned, apparently disgusted by the name of Fredrick, and said nothing more, and a brief answer followed, "Yes."

    "Then you..."

    "I''ve got something to do. I''ll have to go." He didn''t want to answer too much and interrupted her softly.

    The sun stretched his shadow.

    Somehow, Irish seemed to see the solitude in his heart. When he stepped down the steps, she suddenly asked, "Do you really love her?"

    Roy stopped, turned his head, and said in a slow and heavy tone, "I am in love with her, but I find that love is powerless. She has someone in her heart, and I can''t change it." And then he went away.

    Irish stood in the sun for a long time, Roy''s words were simple but deep, but why did she feel these words were more like to describe her rtionship with Joseph?

    Cassie''s parents had arrived at the hospital early in the morning. When Irish pushed the ward door, she saw that the two old people looked much better than they had been yesterday. When she took a nce, Fredrick was sitting at the bedside and feeding her porridge himself. Her mother was afraid that she would choke and raise the bed. Fredrick quickly wiped her mouth and waited patiently to feed her again.

    Seeing this scene, Irish finally understood why Roy said he was powerless against love.

    They all saw Irish, and Cassie''s mother hastened to call her in. Fredrick''s hand that held the spoon slightly trembled, but he still sent the porridge to Cassie''s lips, not looking back at Irish.

    Cassie shook her head, motioning that she didn''t want to take more. Her eyes fixed on Irish, but Fredrick gently persuaded her to eat a little more.

    "I''d like to talk to Irish alone." She opened her mouth, and her voice was weak.

    Irish slightly pulled the heavy curtain, letting the sunlight sprinkle in more.

    Cassie, who was lying in her bed, had to take a look at her and gently frowned. "You me me, don''t you?"

    "Don''t talk to me. I don''t have such a cowardly friend!"

    Cassie stopped talking and hung her head down.

    After all, she had juste back from death; although Irish was angry, she could not bear to see Cassie''s pale face and weak appearance. She sat down on the chair beside the bed and peeled an apple while saying, "Cassie, next time when you want to die, you must inform me, I''ll help to stab you right straight in your heart."

    "I''m sorry." Cassie''s voice was wrapped with hoarseness, and she raised her face to her, displeased, "I know you''re scared."

    Irish never looked up, nibbling her lip, peeling the apple.

    "Irish." Cassie reached out and pulled her sleeve.

    Irish was forced to look up, and Cassie saw her red eyes, and her eyes shed all at once. "I''m warning you! Don''t you dare to do this again, and I''llpletely treat you as a stranger!"<novelnext></novelnext>

    Cassie held her hand.

    Her cold fingers made Irish no longer say cruel words, and she tightly held her, whose tears kept falling from her eyes, "Why are you so stupid? Is there no solution to your problem? You never knew how terrible it was to watch an almost lifeless friend cutting her wrist and drowning in the bathtub. I almost went crazy!"

    Cassie cried and kept saying sorry. Irish put the apple aside, sat up to her, and wiped her tears with a tissue. "Do you still treat me like a friend? You can confide in me when you are in a bad mood. Why did you hurt yourself?"

    "I''m sorry, Irish, but in fact, actually, I don''t know what I''m doing." Cassie looked at her.

    Irish sighed, reached her hands to embrace Cassie, and thanked God for letting here back. "I heard about you and Fredrick. I know you hate him for doing this, but is it worth it to hurt yourself?"

    Cassie shook her head gently in her arms. "Actually, I don''t hate him at all, but I can''t forget him."

    Irish pulled herself slightly apart, feeling pity for her, "Even so, you shouldn''t do this craziness."

    "No, Irish, believe me, I don''t want to die at all."

    "You mean to say you want to change his mind in this way?" That was the most direct conclusion she could think, astonished, and anger sprang up again.

    However, Cassie still shook her head. "No, actually, I also understand that feelings can''t be forced, but I don''t know what''s going on these days. Sometimes when I look downstairs, I feel that I should feel good about jumping. And yesterday, I really wanted to take a bath, but somehow I felt my wrist tickling, and I had to cut it off with a knife to get rid of itchiness."

    Irish listened to her in amazement and asked, "Did you have these thoughts after the breakup or before?"

    "After the breakup."

    Suddenly there was a rope that severely strangled Irish''s heart while listening to Cassie, and with it, there was also a deep feeling of chagrin and guilt. It was because she had misunderstood Cassie that she did it to win back Fredrick.

    It was only a few seconds before she realized why Cassiemitted suicide: depression caused by lovelorn.

    Depression could be light or heavy, and the light one would be self-pity, thinking everything in pessimism, and the heavy one''s personality split, and would do harmful acts against themselves.

    Irish''s assessment, Cassie''s suicidal behavior was caused by depression, and without timely treatment, in the future, it was easy for Cassie to take advantage of this situation to repeat such a harmful act. Thinking about it, Irish deeply med herself.

    As a good friend of hers and being a psychiatrist, she didn''t know she had suffered a mental illness. Thinking about the time she was abroad and receiving Cassie''s untimely call without noticing her depression made her feel upset.

    She must have been suffering from a low spirit and bad mood for a long time, triggering her tomit suicide. Irish thought silently.

    Noticing Irish''s eyebrows wrinkled tightly, Cassie asked hesitantly, "I... Did I upset you?"

    "Nothing. I just thought you were a silly woman. So many people are concerned about you. How can you forget us?" Irish clenched her hand, pressed her worried emotions down without giving Cassie a hint, and whispered, "If you want to get better soon, I have a lot of fun to share with you. And, well, I identally got a diamond stone, which is very strange. When you leave the hospital, you must look at it as I only believe you can appraise it carefully."

 Chapter 352 352: Can’t You Answer?

    People with depression would have negative self-worth from their psychological activity consciousness. Then they would feel useless, no hope, and long-term depression could also lead to cognitive impairment, such as slow response and slow movement. Thest words of Irish were intended to dispel Cassie''s hesitancy, and she knew that Cassie was proud of her career and said these words deliberately to inspire her self-affirmation.

    Not surprisingly, what she said aroused Cassie''s interest, "Is it a strange stone? Okay, when I get out of the hospital, I''ll appraise it for you."

    "It''s a deal." Irish smiled on the surface, but her heart tightened.

    The whole afternoon, she had to stay with Cassie until the evening and left when Fredrick took Cassie''s parents to rece her. Just getting out of the main lobby, Fredrick had followed her, "Irish."

    Irish stopped, watching him walk toward her, and she showed a cold face. The thing Fredrick was most afraid of was seeing her coldness, embarrassed, he stopped in front of her, "Irish, I have something to tell you."

    "What a coincidence." She hummed, and the atmosphere between them seemed to carry the same coldness. "Even if you don''t approach me, I''ll have to talk to you sooner."

    Fredrick looked a little haggard and nodded, "I''m going to get some clothes for Cassie. Let''s talk as we walk."

    Irish said nothing and turned to walk.

    Fredrick looked at her shadow, feeling anxious and helpless, and he quickly followed her.

    The deadly silence remained while they drove back to Cassie''s home. No one dared to start any conversation. She remained silent until they arrived.

    Entering the bathroom door, Fredrick''s whole body froze after seeing the blood in the bathtub.

    Irish walked indifferently to him and said, "If only that time you could see Cassie lying here, looking lifeless, you may not even want to enter this door." As she rolled up her sleeves to reach for the clog of the bathtub, soon, the scarlet blood swirled away.

    She went to the sink and washed off the blood stain on her arm, and looked in the mirror at Fredrick. Unable to bear her eyes, he walked away and went into the bedroom to pack clothes for Cassie.

    An hourter, the two drove from Cassie''s home to the hospital, which was neither near nor far, but neither of them took the initiative to speak. Until Fredrick parked the car back in the hospital parking area, turned off the engine, and didn''t immediately get off.

    Irish looked at the hospital building before her, and it looked colorful under the neon lights, but she still couldn''t hide its sense of blood.

    She was still looking out the window and finally opened her mouth, "Why do you want to break up with Cassie?"

    Fredrick was silent.

    She turned and stared at him with displeasure. "Can''t you answer? Well, I''ll ask you what you can answer! Fredrick, do you know that Cassie suffered depression because she''s madly in love with you? That''s why she shed her wrists and tried to kill herself!"

    Fredrick was not shocked. He just hung his head, took out a box of cigarettes from the dashboard, and after a while, held one in his mouth, opened the window when he lit it, and the faint smell of tobo spread through the air.

    "I found out about it when Cassie woke up." It took a few minutes before he answered, adding. "That''s why I want to talk to you."

    Irish sneered, "What do you want to talk to me about? Do you feel less guilty? Don''t forget that it was your irresponsible behavior that depressed her for a long time. Have you ever cared about her since you returned home? I just saw her waiting for you again and again! Your breakup was just a fire, which directly triggered her long period of depression, which led to her suicidal thoughts!"<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Irish, I''m a psychiatrist too, and I know that better than you." Fredrick slightly raised his tone.

    Irish stared at him, closing her lips tightly.

    "I know you don''t trust me now, and all I want to tell you is that I will have full responsibility for taking care of her illness until she recovers." Fredrick''s tone returned to the feeble one, but she could hear his determination.

    "No, I''m not as famous as you in this field, but Cassie was my best friend, I''d do everything I could to heal her." Irish refused him immediately.

    "Irish, this is not the time to be impulsive. You and I both know that the degree of extreme depression would cause suicide, which can no longer be ignored. She has to be treated in time."

    "I didn''t say she wouldn''t undergo treatment, but I didn''t want you toe into her life again!"

    "You are more aware of the truth that my influence is better than anyone else. This is the key to unraveling the knot of the patient. This was mentioned on the first day of your psychology study that your mentor taught you." Fredrick''s tone turned serious.

    With cold eyes, Irish naturally understood this truth, staring at him, "Well, I ask you, you n to use what kind of treatment?"

    "You study psychology, and you should know that it is not difficult to treat depression, but it is difficult to prevent a recurrence. Most people with depression have a rpse rate of up to 80%, so I have to treat her depression in addition to cognitive behavioral therapy. There is also a need for medication and physical therapy."

    "What kind of medicine do you want to use?"

    "Fluoxetine, currently the best antidepressant in the country."

    Irish frowned, "This is for the depression at more than the moderate stage."

    "In my opinion, her suicide attempt was already serious."

    "But she has notpletely lost her self-worth!" Irish disagreed with him.

    Fredrick looked at her seriously, "Irish, you are now acting sentimentally."

    Irish did not speak, and her brows were tightened.

    "I know how you feel, and I''m more upset than anyone else, but she''s sick now, so are we going to think professionally to cure her or keep arguing?"

    "If you want to use drugs, don''t let her know. Just change the medicine she takes in the hospital." Irish took a deep breath.

    Fredrick was right. In fact, she rejected the fact that she had been suffering from depression before.

 Chapter 353 353: I Dare Not Follow Your Suggestion

    Fredrick understood her purpose, asking, "You want to keep it from her?"

    "Yes."

    Fredrick raised his hand and rubbed his forehead. "She has the right to know what is wrong with her."

    "Do you want her to ept that she has a mental problem?" Irish asked and her tone bing irritable, "Fredrick, I can listen to you for whatever treatment n, but one thing I absolutely won''t agree with is to tell her the depressing truth. You want to treat her, that''s okay," she said, "but try to cure her without her knowledge, or you can hand her over to me!"

    "Irish, we can hide the drug prescription from her, but what about physiotherapy? I need rTMS treatment for moderate depression, and she''ll find it out. "[Note: rTMS, also known as repetitive transcranial maic stimtion, is apletely new physiotherapy for mild to moderate depression.]

    "I object to her physiotherapy." Irish was arguing again, "I''m not bing sentimental here, I''m just telling you that there are a variety of treatments and that telling the truth to the patient is not necessarily the best way," she said in a colder tone. "I know best about Cassie''s character; she was born very optimistic. With medicine and psychological cooperation, I believe she will be cured if you choose to tell her the truth, which probably adds to her burden. She still needs to socialize. She still needs to go to work. In my opinion, changing her current living environment is the best way of diversion. People''s psychological capacity is very strange, and I think your treatment n is justpulsory."

    "Her, seeing me daily is good for her too." Fredrick blurted out.

    "You talk about things that are good for her, first of all, to make her feel that she is a normal person, you must put courage into letting her live normally. Hearing your opinion, you just take her as a patient!" Irish didn''t hide her frustration, "Fredrick, we have had different opinions on the psychological topic, and we have been arguing many times. I used to obey you before because I know you are an authoritative person in this industry, and I respect you as a mentor. I believe in your strength, but today we are talking about Cassie, my best friend, so I will not give in to the slightest hope that she may be cured with my effort. And that''s my final word, and if you insist on your ability to cure her, then I will give up my argument. Remember, once you fail to cure her, give up your attending doctor''s position!" Then, Irish got out of the car, mming the car door.

    Looking at her determined back, Fredrick knew she was serious. She hastily got into her car, started the engine, and left. Fredrick, angry and impatient, raised his hand and smashed the steering wheel.

    Along the way, Irish did not know how she was driving the car. Her whole being was like a muddle, full of Cassie''s images ofmitting suicide at that time. There was a faint smell of blood on her arms, and the red light caused by the traffic jam formed a string of red lights before her eyes. She had been connected with patients suffering from depression or cured, but when it came to Cassie, she was afraid.

    Her car waspletely stuck in the traffic jam, and Irish was able to lie on the steering wheel for a short rest. Outside the window was a huge building covered with neon lights and a giant screen. This was the most luxurious street in New York. It was normal for street views to be upied by luxury goods. Therefore, the ce was also full of colorful jewelry, clothes, and bags.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Until suddenly she saw the Runestone Group''stest product, her eyes did not shift for a long time, and after a while, behind her raising the sound of a car, she smiled bitterly secretly, knowing that she could not see Joseph.

    When she got home, it was already dark. Irish washed her body quickly, lying in bed and watching her cell phone in stunned silence. It was only one day she did not see Joseph, but her heart was filled with anxiety and bing restless. She wanted him to be around, so she couldin to him, tell him about Cassie''s condition, and tell him how worried and helpless she was.

    Thinking of this, she sighed and shook her head. No, she couldn''t tell him that.

    He was so dominant, what if he would fire Cassie? She thought again.

    Imagining Joseph''s temperament, she was scared even to call his name repeatedly. She took the phone; in fact, she silently prayed for her phone to vibrate, carrying Joseph''s message all day. Even if it were a short message, it would make her happy.

    After a while, she couldn''t help but send a message to him: You said I could call you when I miss you, but I dare not follow your suggestion to hear your voice. I can only tell you how much I miss you in this way.

    The hardest part of love is missing someone, and the sweetest is the same feelings. That''s why missing is a torturous bad thing. It can make you cry and make youugh, make you nervous and make you scared. Irish looked down on those women who had been talking about love all day, but now she seemed to be like that.

    During the day, she could work to dispel her thoughts about him, but at night, when all was quiet, her thoughts were like crazy grass, and for most of the day, she could only look at the grass. She began to hate Joseph, his silent integration into her life, hating him so much for making her conceive this kind of emotion.

    The text message was sent out for a long time without a reply. Finally, an hour had passed, and Irish thought that her mobile phone might automatically have turned off, picked it up, and turned it on. She began to worry about whether the cell phone signal was terrible or something had gone wrong, so she sent a message casually to other friends. Soon she received a reply, she nervously asked a friend to call her, the call connected and she finally knew her phone had no problem.

    asionally missing content, please report errors in time.

 Chapter 354 354: I’ll Break Your Legs

    It seemed that he was too busy to make even a short reply.

    She became more sleepless, rose from her bed, and went downstairs to the living room. She curled up on the sofa like a little animal that no one wanted, gazing at the white orchid screen for a long time, so long that she was almost petrified. Therge room was tranquil. Would it be better if it were smaller? Irish turned on the TV as boredom struck her, and the sound of the television filled the solitude of her heart.

    She aimlessly changed the channel, and finally, on the screen, she saw a familiar face wearing a bright smile. She stopped and stared at it. It seemed like a press conference, and Irish didn''t pay attention to the woman''s face, only noticing the bunch of microphones before her. It was Britney White, and her eyes sparkled like diamonds.

    Irish put the remote control aside and stared at Britney on the TV screen. She couldn''t help sighing that the star was indeed an idol, and her little face could be called perfect, which was beautiful from 360 degrees, no matter what angle people would look at her. Thinking of this, she got up and ran to the mirror to take a closer look at her face, turning both sides carefully to check her facial features. After looking at the mirror for a while, she said to herself, "Hey, you''re also pretty, much prettier than that woman, and your skin is better than hers. No one could guess that you''re already 28. You look as young as a little girl of eighteen."

    Saying that to herself, she felt a lot relieved. She hastily walked to the kitchen and removed a milk bottle from the refrigerator. She returned to the living room, stood in front of the TV, and drank it while watching Britney. A little reporter asked Britney how she kept her figure. Britneyughed and said it might be because of her healthy habits, despite her eating pattern often, she was good at eating. She also added that she didn''t get fat no matter how she ate.

    Hearing that, Irish could not helpughing, "Britney White, you still dare to talk more nonsense? You are good at eating without getting fat, huh!? What a big liar. I am the one who never got fat regardless of consuming huge amounts of food!"

    Recalling how she broke into the box for the sake of Joseph in Light Town, she was not blind. Britney ate a little at that time, and there was almost no oil on her chopsticks. How could she dare to say that she never got fat?

    She was telling a lie!

    Irish opened her mouth, then poured in a belly of milk and pointed to the TV screen. "Silly woman, do you dare to eat dinner like me at night?"

    Britney, on the TV screen, was still talking andughing with the reporter. The more brilliant she looked, the more dazzling she felt. Just as she was about to change the channel, a reporter asked her, Britney, the gossip about your affair with Mr. Dover, general manager of the Runestone, was widespread, and before it had been said that he had been divorced, what was the rtionship between him and you?

    The reporter asked the question boldly and directly.

    Irish stopped, clenched the empty milk box, fixed her eyes on the TV, and waited for her to answer.

    Britney''s smile was still calm. "Well, Mr. Dover and I do know each other. After all, he''s an investor in the movies. It''s normal to meet and talk about the plot."

    Irish frowned.

    "So, Mr. Dover''s marriage has a lot to do with you?" The reporter once again bluntly asked.

    Britney covered her lips with a smile. "I didn''t say that it was your own assumption."<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Then, what do you think of Mr. Dover?"

    Irish gradually tightened her grip on the milk box, and before she noticed, it was already deformed.

    "I think Mr. Dover is a very responsible man. He had a sessful career and wasn''t conceited at all. Besides, he is so handsome that most women, I think, like this type of man." Britney, in front of the media, boasted about Joseph and added, "He''s the type of man I really want to marry."

    "What the hell!" Irish, in front of the TV, waspletely annoyed, pointing to the screen and yelling. "You want to marry him? Is your head hit by the door? Bitch! Son of a bitch! Why are you so cheap? What the hell are you dreaming about?"

    At the end of the whole charade, she turned the TV off and didn''t want to see the face of that lovesick woman!

    Irish sat down on the sofa and put the milk box on the coffee table. She hastily took her phone, crossed her legs, and crutched her belly. She was agitated and quickly pushed her to give Joseph another message.

    If you don''t reply to me, I''ll break your legs! she sent it immediately.

    After sending it, she put the mobile phone on the tabletop. Shey on the sofa with a burning ze in her eyes.

    ****

    The night was calm.

    In the other corner of the city, the streets were still busy, and the neon lights indicate that the bustling morous town is lively.

    ? The light in the Runestone conference room was on from morning to night as Joseph held five consecutive meetings. At this moment, the moonlight lit up the window, and the agenda of the meeting went on.

    After hearing the progress report from Vincent''s mining team, the person responsible gave a detailed report on the diamond quality of the M100-2 mine to Joseph, who remained silent and asionally gave some advice. Most of the time, he didn''t talk much, but when he was talking, it was often to the point, so those who knew him understood that the presentation at the meeting must be concise and clear and that Joseph didn''t like to waste his time.

    He once threw out a sentence: don''t ask me what to do at the table, what I want is just a result.

    "The South African executive position is vacant, and the group''s headquarters means to transfer someone from the New York branch." The voice Director of the personnel department came in. He had also been working in thispany for many years, so his reporting was concise. "Mr. Rvan, the list of candidates has been sent to your email inbox, and my suggestion is Director Law from the Marketing Development Department."

 Chapter 355 355: Give Me The Car Keys

    As Bell had been dismissed, the position of supervisor in South Africa remained vacant.

    "Reasons." Joseph took a look at theputer passed by Daisy, with a detailed list of candidates on it.

    "First, he has been docked in South Africa since he took that position. He knows South Africa very well. Secondly, Director Law is proficient in the fournguages and has more than enough knowledge to go to South Africa to get in touch with personnel. Lastly, as far as I know, Director Law''s wife was transferred to South Africa a month ago."

    The Director of personnel gazed at him,prehensively giving three reasons.

    Joseph looked at Daisy, "This matter needs your evaluation."

    "Noted, sir." Daisy took a look at the Director of personnel, "After the meeting, tell Director Law to send me all his personal records, performance assessment, psychological assessment, and experience report for the past three years," Daisy said.

    "Okay."

    Next, Joseph directly ordered about the South African mine, "Keep the first ss of products in the Runestone, sub-secondary products are sold to domestic secondary and third-line sellers, at the same time increase three points per carat price."

    The reason why the Runestone was called fine stone was that it only made fine and luxury stones, whereas a little defective diamond would not be selected for its brand.

    The head of the marketing department nodded and recorded his order.

    The mobile phone near him suddenly shed, and Joseph was still giving his suggestions. Daisy took a glimpse of his cell phone.

    Then she gently pushed his cell phone to him and motioned him to check it.

    Joseph looked down and saw a message, "You said I could call you when I miss you, but I dare not call you to hear your voice, and I can only show my feelings to you in this way, I''m missing you so much." He paused, and a slight softness floated between his serious lips, and then he put back his phone on the table and continued to discuss things about the reassignment.

    Daisy nced at Joseph and sighed. She realized that she needed to remind him to prepare a private phone. The reason why she answered or looked at Joseph''s cell phone unscrupulously was that she was his assistant, and when the phone rang, she was sure that it was rted to work, and no woman dared to send such a message openly.

    Over her few years working with Joseph, Daisy didn''t expect Irish to be bold enough to disturb his boss. But, even if he wasn''t embarrassed, she felt that it was private. Thinking about it, she quietly sent a notice to the Vertu partner to order a private customized VertuConstelltion phone, which distinguished from the VertuConstelltionQuest business phone Joseph was using. [Note: Vertu is the world''s first luxury mobile phonepany founded by Nokia, designed by Frank Nuovo, the world''s leading mobile designer, and it is a premium private custom-made mobile phone brand.]

    Since Joseph had been its customer for many years, Vertu had a record of his requirements, so it didn''t have to take too long.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Joseph did not know what Daisy had done. He just sat in his chair quietly, listening to the brand promotion department''s overall n for the next six months; although he remained silent, his fingers were knocking on the table rhythmically.

    Daisy could see that he was beginning to be distracted. Unexpectedly, after three minutes as the Director of the brand promotion department''s reporting, who only talked about one-quarter of the promotion n, Joseph opened his mouth, knocking the table strongly, "Finish your report in ten minutes."

    The Director was frightened and nodded, speeding up his speech.

    After the meeting, Joseph returned to his office, and Daisy followed him. She sighed when he picked up his coat. "Mr. Dover, your wife is here. She''s been waiting for you in the dining room upstairs."

    Joseph put his coat on his arm, pausing his steps, lifting his hand to loosen his tie, and frowning. "Why did shee?"

    Daisy looked at him in amazement, "You agreed to let her wait. You nodded before thest meeting."

    Joseph remembered, with his eyebrow tip slightly heavy. "I know, you first go off work."

    ? "Never mind. I can wait for you," Daisy had long been used to it.

    Joseph, however, reached for her and said, "Give me the car keys."

    Daisy froze, he wanted to drive by himself? It was not unusual for them to work overtime. She usually arranged for the driver or herself to drive him home and hesitated to put the keys in his hands.

    Joseph put away the keys, "Go home to have a rest, or you need to take care of your health and not stay upte like to apply a facial mask."

    Daisy stared at Joseph in astonishment because his words really shocked her. Joseph saw her shocked expression, and with a faint smile, he said, "It is just my rational proposal because I almost forgot that you are still a woman, go home."

    As for Daisy, he was quite guilty. He was right. Daisy had been around him for so many years that he had forgotten the fact that she was a woman. Of course, he didn''t know about women and rarely thought that women needed maintenance until after being with Irish, and he found it troublesome to be a woman.

    He often saw Irish smearing strange things on her face. Even once in South Africa, he was working on his study. She entered the study with a big ck face and coffee. The lights were so dim that he could only see a white shadow floating over, and he was startled while Irishughed so quickly, and she said her facial mask was a ck mud mask, whose effect was to tighten skin.

    Though he could not figure out how some mud could make the skin better, he knew from that time that women needed all kinds of care. Of course, he couldn''t understand the jars of Irish until one time she asked him to help her get a bottle of essence water, and after turning it over for a long time, he did not know which one was and simply gave her all the bottles and cans. For this reason, Irish severely reprimanded him and forced him to memorize all her skin care products on the ground that the general manager of the diamond industry could not even distinguish makeup water from essence water. And he needed not to make the same mistake again.

 Chapter 356 356: Does It Hurt?

    He really didn''t understand why diamond makers had to be proficient in skin care, but he wrote it down as she asked so that he wouldn''t take the wrong thing the second time.

    So he felt it necessary to remind Daisy.

    Of course, Daisy did not know that Joseph had "experienced" such a tribtion before he could say the words that moved her. She felt warm in her heart. She felt that God had opened his eyes and finally made her, the devil boss, have mercy on his subordinates. Nodding, she went home.

    ****

    Joseph sat on the opposite side of Ruby without ordering a meal but a cup of ck coffee. The two people sat by the window, and outside the grand screen of the arched window was arge number of neon and numerous cars. The whole Avenue was decorated with a colorful silk ribbon.

    "Who would have thought that the general manager''s wife would have to make an appointment to see her husband." Ruby slowly drank red wine, put down the ss, and whispered. She waited too long that she had her meal, and the waiter took the tes away and sent a te of fruits.

    "Sorry, I''m so busy."

    "Knowing you were busy, I came to ask you in person when you have time toe home." Ruby picked up the delicate silver fork and gently took half a piece of strawberry.

    Joseph gently uttered, "Even if I go back, I think we need to talk about the same thing."

    "What if I disagree?" Ruby frowned lightly.

    Joseph seemed to have expected her to say that, "Then I think we need to make the fake marriage public."

    A very light sentence made Ruby change her face, whose hand holding the fork was still for a while. After seeing Joseph for a long time, she put the fork down and said in a stiff tone. "You can''t do that!"

    "Ruby, I don''t think I can guarantee you too much." Joseph''s voice was serious.

    "But what are you doing? What shall I do?" Ruby felt panicked.

    "That''s why I''m always waiting for your decision." Joseph gently knocked down the table, and his eyes and expression were cool.

    Ruby did not speak and bit hard on her lips.

    "Well, just tell me what you want that can make you agree." He asked bluntly.

    A slight sneer floated on Ruby''s lips, "Joseph, you are always leaving no route of retreat, why are you so stubborn today? Aren''t you afraid I want your shares?"

    Joseph faintly smiled, with long fingers caressing the edge of a good porcin coffee cup. "If you really put forward this condition, I think, I''m not sure, maybe I would really think about it."

    Ruby was surprised and said, "Are you crazy? Do you even think about such an important thing?"

    "To see what''s more important." Joseph downyed.

    "Your family has a part of the Runestone Group," Ruby said in a nutshell.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Joseph kept silent, a few secondster, he said softly, "Even if I do not have shares, I still can make a contribution to the Runestone Group. I have done several basic tasks."

    At the end of the speech, the mobile phone on the table vibrated. He picked it up and saw a short message from Irish. She was furious: If you don''t reply, I''ll break your legs!

    He couldn''t helpughing when he saw thest three words.

    Ruby had never seen himugh so easily. She was stunned. She did not know what caused him tough so much, frowned closely, and said, "Put it bluntly, our marriage is to cooperate with each other. If you want to quit, then I''m not going to embarrass you. Joseph, you know what I want most."

    Joseph held the mobile phone in his hand, ying back and forth between fingers, and then looked up at her, whose lips had converged slightly on his smile, and his light had be calm and insipid, sighed, "Why?"

    "I know you can do it." Ruby''s body moved slightly forward, "I do not know how you''re going to do it, but as long as it was you, Joseph, it is an easy thing to let a persone back."

    Joseph pondered for a moment and asked, "Feelings cannot be forced. He had another woman."

    Hearing that, Ruby suddenly smiled and said with her deste eyes, "You can easily say these words because you have not lost someone, but when you face the same situation, you will definitely forget what you said today."

    He frowned.

    "Don''t deny that I''ve known you for so many years. Your strong character is hidden behind the surface of calmness and peace, and you''re really used to it." Ruby smiled bitterly, "So don''t talk too much about it, especially when ites to love, because love is the only thing that would work out of control."

    He looked at her and said nothing.

    "As long as you can convince her to leave Eric, I will agree to dere divorce." Ruby was very straightforward.

    Joseph pressed his cell phone on the table, squinted slightly, and leaned back in his chair a long timeter, gently saying a word. "Okay."

    ****

    Irish felt only a little itchy on her forehead as if the catkins were caressing her cheeks, and the smell of wood was light and familiar, and then she felt herself very light as if she was floating in the clouds. She hummed and moved her head, being close to a warm chest. There was something that hurt her eyes, and she hummed and wriggled her body.

    She heard someone sighing on the top of her head, a familiar sound. She opened her eyes and faintly saw the familiar face of the man in the dim light, who was frowning and untying. She lost herself and forgot to look away when she saw him.

    A big hand caressed her face and said in a slightly anxious tone, "Open your eyes a little wider. Does it hurt?"

    Didn''t she keep her eyes wide open? She shook her head gently and felt no pain.

    It seemed as if the man was relieved and put all the metal things, such as the tie clips and cuff buttons, down to the head of the bed and lowered his head to kiss her. Seeing that she was sleepy, sitting on the bed, he could not helpughing. "Sleep well."

    Irish fell down on the bed again.

 Chapter 357 357: Was There Another Woman?

    But after just a short moment, she suddenly awoke, looking at the rm clock at the head of the bed. It was almost one o''clock in the morning. She breathed the wood fragrance in the air like a narcissist dog, and her heart fluttered, was it Joseph?

    Where was he?

    Without wood incense, she would have thought she was just dreaming.

    Without saying anything, she got out of bed, heard something in the bathroom vaguely, ran over with bare feet, and pushed open the bathroom door!

    Under the yellow light, the man''s copper-colored body was majestic and strong, with his back facing her in a shower. His broad shoulders, thick back lines, obsessive golden proportions of inverted triangles for women, and strong texture outlined by water drops fell along his long, powerful thighs. He might have heard the movement. He slightly turned his eyes and saw Irish.

    Irish quietly got out of the bathroom, then quietly closed the door, walked back to the bedroom, and sat for a while. Then she got up again, went back to the bathroom calmly, and pushed the door open.

    Joseph had just finished taking a shower. He saw here back and smiled at her after wiping his body. Irish, like sleepwalkers, blinked a few times, then asked foolishly, "Am I dreaming?"

    "No," he was tickled by her.

    "Oh." Irish nodded quietly again, then turned and left.

    Josephughed, secretly counting. And when he counted to five, listening to the happy scream of Irish from the bedroom. In the mirror, at the bottom of his eyes, was helpless and spoiled love. With a towel around his waist, he got out of the bathroom.

    The bedroom was dark, with a groundmp opened. And man''s shadow was drawn long. When Joseph came in, Irishy on her back, and the faint light was like a patient sculptor carefully sketching the silhouette of her body under a thin nket. Her long hair was as thick as silk, gently spread on the pillow, and the afterglow of thentern fell on her side, as bright as the moon.

    His eyes were quietly infected with the darkness of desire, and he stepped forward and gently lifted the nket on the bed.

    Irish''s excitement was not over, and she got into the quilt after screaming because she felt a little humiliated, and her hysterical cry was easy for him to hear. When she heard his footsteps into the bedroom, her heart began to beat irregrly, and his breath got closer and closer, with a faint smell of body soap.

    She felt him approach the bedside and unfold the nket slightly. One side of the bed was sunk a little, and with a slight shake, a broad man''s chest came up, and the next moment a strong arm wrapped her in from behind, slightly tightening. Her back was glued to his warm bosom.

    There was a big tough thing that came close to her, deep into her soft legs. And their sensitive position could easily describe the huge outline of the thing.

    She blushed, deliberately trying to avoid it, but the arms on her waist suddenly tightened, restraining her from moving.

    The man behind her got up slightly, and the smell of the man was almost tied to her increasingly rapid breathing. Joseph''s stubble chin gently rubbed her neck, and her earlobe was blown with a wood air mixed with a masculine smell, and quickly her skin burned in varying depths.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish felt itching and shrunk her neck gently. Still, Joseph''s kiss fell methodically, gently sweeping from her beautiful corbone to her reddish neck as if deliberately arousing her body''s instinctive impulses.

    Because she was close to his chest, Irish could clearly feel his strong heartbeat, as if it was through his chest to her, sharply urging her heart to beat wildly and making her nervous.

    "Still don''t want to open your eyes?" Seeing her eyshes tightly closed, Joseph smiled as he rained tiny kisses on her ear, and in such a quiet room, his voice was so deep that it was as maic as a cello on her far side.

    Irish''s heart kept beating with the rhythm of his voice, her lips closed, and she shook her head.

    "Why?" The man behind her seemed tough at her appearance, and his big hands began to stroll restlessly on her belly, feeling her skin under his hot palm, it felt silky and soft.

    A flurry of unspeakable shivers quickly spread all over her from the tip of his fingers. He was familiar with her body, far beyond her knowledge of herself, and she could feel the hot temperature under the man''s hand, ironing her skin. Her heart began to rise and fall with his movements.

    She opened her mouth lightly, and her voice sounded soft like a cat feeling an enormous trill. "I''m afraid you will disappear if I open my eyes."

    Above her came a string of lowughter, "My silly woman."

    "How could youe in silently?" asked Irish in a soft voice.

    Joseph hastily gently pressed his chin on her hair. "It''s not difficult to have a key." His soft tone came in. She made him feel so sweet right at this moment.

    Suddenly she opened her eyes with her back against him, and she turned her face slowly in the gloom. He instantly looked at her, and he saw two small clusters of light exploding rapidly deep in her pupils, as dazzling as the fireworks in the night sky. Then, the next moment, she fully turned around and hugged him.

    The night was so strange that she began to lose the distinction between dreams and reality.

    "What are you doing here?" She held him for a minute or two before lifting her face from his arms.

    Joseph pulled his arms and put them around her, bowed his head, and teased her, "I''m afraid you''ll break my legs."

    Irish put her hand on his chest with a flushed face and gently pinched it. "Who told you not to reply to my message? Is there another woman who caught your attention?"

 Chapter 358 358: I Was Angry With Britney

    Joseph smiled gently, saying, "So you slept in the living room in anger? And didn''t I warn you not to take out your milk from the refrigerator and drink it immediately?"

    When he came in and changed his shoes, he saw her sleeping on the sofa like a ko, with one slipper on one side and another on the other side. Half a bottle of milk was on the coffee table, and when he reached for it, it was already cold.

    Irish''s face turned gloomy at once. "I was angry at Britney White."

    Joseph was puzzled, so she told him what she had seen on TV. The more she said, the more indignant she was until she concluded that she was a freak.

    Hearing this, Joseph slightly raised his eyebrow, reached for her nose, and pinched it. "How can a dignified woman talk like this?"

    "You were hurt when I called her name?" She stared at him.

    Joseph immediately surrendered, putting his body on hers, "I think I spoiled you so much, honey."

    "You''re changing the topic."

    He pinned her down, and she could feel his excitement.

    "I didn''t." He answered truthfully.

    Irish smiled. "Do you like that type of woman?"

    Joseph looked at her helplessly, "So what I chose you for?"

    She smiled and stopped questioning him.

    Joseph began to be restless again, his fingers slowly moving down her forehead, sliding into a thin nket, getting into her sleeping skirt, gently kneading her soft body, showing a depressive desire, and gently murmuring into her ear, "Are you tired now?"

    The most obvious hint.

    When his long fingers seeded in arousing her body''s natural reaction, she hummed and put her hand over his big hand. "Tired, of course."

    Joseph raised his lips, which were strangely sexy under the dim light. He bent over his head, buried in her chest, and his voice was vaguely hoarse when his kiss fell, "You don''t have to move, just enjoy it."

    She felt her chest hot.

    She immediately stopped his moving head, almost pleading, "Joseph, can we talk for a while?"

    "Talk to a man with a strong desire?" Heughed, but his movements did not stop, freeing his hand around her wrists, and his hot kisses went all the way down.

    Her whole body began to burn, overflowing with heat. She turned aside, avoiding his frontal attack. His lips fell sideways, grasped her chin, and kissed her again into her hips.

    She panicked.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Don''t you miss me?" His lips went down even further.

    She could feel his chest getting hotter and wriggling under him. "Joseph, I really have something to say to you. Would you stop first?"

    Joseph did pause but looked up at her with a look of anger andughter. "Do you want to talk to me about something in bed?"

    "Honey." She took advantage of the opportunity to break free from his hands and slide out of his body like a mermaid, pulling his big hand and acting cute. "It''s really too important for me. Why don''t you listen to it first?"

    Joseph had begun to arouse, how could she say stop, and he did follow her? His long arm stretched out like an eagle that grabbed a chicken and pressed her down, "Let''s finish it first."

    "No." Her blushing and rapid heartbeat were true. He was a wonderful lover in bed, and their rich experience in bed had made her panting, but she still suppressed the beat of her heart and said no to him, for it was so important. "You must listen to me first."

    She was not stupid, and from Joseph''s dark pupil, she could see his repressed fire of desire. If she let him do it, she would have had no energy to think of anything else, so she must have said first her purpose.

    Seeing that she did not want to escape from his desire deliberately, Joseph had to endure a fire burning in his lower abdomen. His strong body leaned toward the bed, and his long arm pulled her into his arms. "Let me guess what happened first."

    She looked up from his arms and stared at his chin. He smiled. "Pregnant?"

    Well...

    Irish was shocked, and when looking at the joy at the bottom of his eyes, she immediately denied it and shook her head. "No, I''m not pregnant."

    Joseph was not annoyed, calmly saying, "Then I really can not think of anything important." That was more important than love, especially at this time when God knew that all he had to do was look at her, and all he had in mind was her panting under him.

    Irish''s eyebrow was serious, lying on his chest, his strong heartbeat hurt her eardrum. "It''s about what you want. And I want to share with you about Cassie''s condition."

    She thought she was definitely not a person who adored her man and wouldn''t forget her friends. But thinking about Joseph''s beauty and superb skills on the bed, she had to limit herself in taking care of her friends.

    The matter about Cassie must be mentioned to him immediately becausest time the incident rted to Bernert, she underestimated Joseph''s fairness and harsh conditions on his subordinates. She seldom met him, and she did not know when she would be able to see him again.

    Couldn''t she talk to him over the phone about this matter?

    Joseph almost even wanted to strangle her after hearing her words. He tilted slightly and said, "First is Britney and then Cassie. Isabel, can we not take other women''s affairs to bed?"

    "Listen to me," She immediately began to smooth him, this time, the best way was to act coquettish.

    Sure enough, Joseph''s mood eased a lot, and after a while, he sighed, "Hasn''t she awakened?"

    "She woke up, but," Irish clung to his arms like a helpless kitten, her fingers gently drawing a ring on his chest muscles, and her expression of pleasing him was obvious. "I just want to help her apply for more holidays."

    "So you''re worried about that. Don''t worry, ourpany has good sick leave benefits. And Cassie is an important employee under the appraising department, so thepany would take special care of her."

 Chapter 359 359: I Can Cure Her

    Irish had expected that he would say so, bit his lips hard, and secretly scolded the man in her heart. Would he have to pay attention to the rules under all circumstances? There was a small fire in her heart, but she put it out by force. She had to bow when she had something to ask him. It should be med that Cassie''s superior was Joseph.

    So she became more affectionate, "No, what I want to tell you is not the case."

    "What?" Joseph''s heart was swinging with her quivering voice, and when her little fingers had touched his skin, he would have tightened his whole body, and he looked careless at what she said and slowly moved her arm down. The slender fingers fully enjoyed the sticity of her skin.

    "I''m not applying to thepany for her vacation. I''m asking you." Irish avoided his fingers and gave him a slight pinch.

    Joseph''s thick eyebrows raised, looking at her.

    "I mean, can you give her a little more leave?" She looked him in the eyes and asked tentatively.

    Joseph gently smiled, indulging, "More than a month of sick leave is not enough?"

    "Not enough." She talked.

    "Why?" He asked.

    Irish hesitated for a moment, thinking about how to conclude her speech. Joseph''s eyes were sharp, which were no less sharp than gamma rays. He squinted slightly and entuated his tone. "What''s the matter with her?"

    "She..." Sooner orter, Irish had to say that because she could keep it from everyone but Joseph, licking her lips and whispering, "I preliminarily suspect that she had depression." As a matter of fact, since Joseph appeared in the hospital, her heart has been hanging in the air all the time. With what happened to Bernert, she was afraid of Cassie being the second Bernert. Although in huge America, she could find a job anywhere. Although she was disgusted at the time that Cassie entered the Runestone Group, she had to admit that in America, Runestone was the bestpany to make appraisers shine, and it had aplete and huge qualification promotion system for appraisers. There were also opportunities that no otherpany could offer for training in foreign schools, which Cassie had always been yearning for.

    After hearing the words, Joseph caught a trace of doubt at the top of his eyebrow, "Preliminarily suspect?"

    Irish heard her heart beating wildly.

    "Tell me the truth." His tone of voice turned soft, but it made Irish more uneasy.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish put her worries aside and directly told him the truth, "Well, she suffers from depression; this is what Fredrick and I conclude. But I was at odds with him on the extent of the illness. I don''t think the situation is so pessimistic. As long as family and friends care more about her, do psychological counseling and treatment on a regr basis, and cooperate with the appropriate drugs, then she will have absolutely no problem."

    Joseph looked at her, thoughtful; after a long time, he smiled, "I remember Cassie must have passed the probation period; if this did not happen, then she should have be a regr worker."

    Irish nodded at him. "I assure you that Cassie is absolutelypetent and that I am a psychotherapist, and I am sure I can cure her."

    "You said so much to let me pass her application?" Joseph sounded straightforward.

    "Yes." She nodded very seriously too.

    Her appearance so teased Joseph that he reached out to put a strand of her hair behind her ear. "Isabel, you need to know that thepany assesses the employees to evaluateprehensively. One of the most important is a psychological evaluation," he said. "ording to the present situation, Cassie was not suitable to stay in the position of the appraiser."

    "Who can guarantee that they have no psychological problems these days? I told you the truth because I don''t want you to misjudge her one day. "Irish had no idea of what he was saying, but she was still trying to persuade him, "Cassie loves this job very much, and she worked hard to get into thepany for a long time. She will feel hard if you don''t give her a chance to be a regr worker."

    "It''s not that I don''t give her a chance, it''s her current state of mind that doesn''t allow the personnel department to decide the next step." Joseph was patient, "You''re right. Now there''s a lot of social pressure. It''s normal for everyone to have a psychological problem, more or less, but entering the Runestone Group, especially in the appraising department, the psychological quality of every employee is very important, which is far more stringent than the requirement for their health. This is why the Runestone Group prefers to spend a lot of money to establish its own psychological consulting office. You have ever stayed in the Runestone, and you know why every employee has to have a psychological evaluation every three months. Those who have direct contact with jewelry, such as Cassie and Bernert, who were doing the work of the highest uracy and no negligence in working on these positions can be permitted."

    "I said I would cure her."

    "Isabel, the position of the group cannot wait." He sighed.

    "Joseph. I know you have your principles, and I shouldn''t break them, but in my opinion, humans are more important than work. As a business leader, I can understand that you want to be fair. You''ve done everything you can to get this done. But could you not withdraw her file? Even if I ask you in personal terms?"

    Joseph looked at her for a long time, and his eyebrow seemed helpless, "Then how long do you want me to wait for? Three months? Half a year? Even longer? Isabel, you have always been rational, and you should understand that human feelings cannot be mixed with work. Besides, Cassie''s present condition is unsuitable for the job, and when she is cured, she can prepare for the qualification exam of entering the Runestone again, too."

    Irish was so angry with him that she saw how hard Cassie had been to pass the test. How easy was it, like what did he say? She knew she was asking too much but was ufortable with the rigor of him on the job without even the slightest kindness.

 Chapter 360 360: I Am Not Your Former Lover

    "Even if I am selfish, as the general manager of the Runestone Group, you have the right to decide on the transfer of all the people in the group. Can''t you break your rule once? I beg you, Joseph. Three months, give Cassie three months?"

    "To be in a jewelry appraisal department, every position is important and needed. The leave she had to take greatly influenced her work, and how important a position can wait for her for three months?" Joseph''s tone of voice was very firm. When he saw her eyebrows anxious, he put his hand around her and kissed her lips. "Isabel, I can promise you anything, and I really want to do anything for you except for work," he said, "no vition of principle."

    Irish closed her lips tightly and stared at him after a while. "What if I were her? Are you going to fire me, too?"

    "Yes." Joseph did not hesitate. "If you were my employee, I would stop your job if your psychological state has been beyond your control."

    "You..."

    "But I''ll take good care of you." He hugged her and lowered his tone. "Every day, I will take care of you, and when you are good, I will apany you to realize your dream."

    "But when I am fine, I lose my job." Irish frowned.

    Joseph reached for her face. "I can''t give you any promise or security on this matter. Every employee can stay at the Runestone ording to their daily efforts. I can''t make other employees resent our rtionship."

    "I know what you''re saying, but the rules are dead, people are alive, maybe my job is different from yours. I just think there''s another solution to everything."

    "That''s true, but in an enterprise, especially in a risingpany, it''s important to follow the rules and discipline, and there will be problems without standard restrictions." Nevertheless, Joseph had always been patient and reasonable with her. "In the matter of Cassie, you have your original intention, and I have my insistence. In fact, you and I have correct ideas and practices, but the different sectors we are engaged in determine that we should abide by different rules," he said. "You''ve always been smart, and I think you know that without my words."

    Irish withdrew from his arms and said unhappily, "You are a businessman, and you look at the problem from the perspective of the interests. You have never thought about trying to rx your so-called adherence and principles, you are a sessful businessman, yes. But at the same time, you are also an unkind leader. Many things in the world are not meant to be what they must be. You may give them a little favor and bring them hope and a life change. You never think about this."<novelnext></novelnext>

    Leaning on the head of the bed, Joseph felt a little impatient after hearing this, but he pressed it down, put his hand around her again, and kissed her cheek to pacify her as much as he could, "Well, let''s stop talking about other people''s affairs. It''s gettingte. It''s time for sleep. "

    While Irish was still angry, she was a clever woman who knew to use a soft policy to appease the man before her. Still, at the same time, she was also a stubborn woman, especially when it came to Cassie, and she knew he was a difficult person to talk about. But she didn''t think it would be so difficult. So he slowly pressed his cheek down, and the anger in her heart was rekindled as he was closed again. She pushed his restless hand away, and the radical mood made her begin to say. "I hate you, a selfish person to touch me! Is that all you want to do when you see me? Joseph, I am not your vent vessel!"

    Joseph''s hand slowly put down, and the original soft lip angle became stiff, along with his eyes, but also slowly infected with displeasure and harsh, "Isabel, what are you talking about?"

    If she had changed to a normal Irish at ordinary times, she would be immediately pitiful and put her arms around him and reach out to smooth the lines between his eyebrows and tell him not to do that, and it would make her scared. Then the displeasure under her eyes would disappear, but at that time, Irish was like being on fire and stubborn. She said, gnawing her teeth, "Am I wrong? My only function to you is to copte with you! But, Joseph, I''m not like your former lover. I''m not for you to make love!"

    Psychologists say the most interesting thing about a man and a woman, from loving each other as youths to apanying each other with their heads white, is not the emotional history of how they feel but rather the mirror effect they form from knowing each other to being in love with each other. Initially, a pair of a strange man walking left and a woman walking right, came together in fate. With time, the two persons would be surprised by the simrities from psychology to action, which is often said to be a couple of faces.

    Irish''s clients also had men and women who had a couple of faces, in her view, it was only the natural impact of the two after a long time together, deserving no big surprise. But then she really realized how rare it was for two people to walk through their lives. This period had to go through a series of tests, from life, society, reality, and so on, only when the edges of the two were ground round to depend on each other.

    And as for this person who can apany you to grind the corners of his body, you should look for him for a long time in the masses of people. So there is no love at first sight. The one who makes you love at first sight is just the one you''ve been looking for.

    Irish''s first step was not very smooth. The contradiction between her and Joseph was inspired by their different personality, different growing environments, and their values. She had never been in a serious rtionship before Joseph, but only once had the man appeared and disappeared quickly. She was a psychologist but didn''t have enough experience dealing with rtionships with men. She had lived alone for a long time and had never been so close to a man. So, in front of Joseph, she only had theoretical standards and rough models. However, once the two really came into contact on principle, her stubbornness of her reced reason and quickly controlled her.

    She had to admit that her words were so hurtful that Joseph''s expression suddenly turned cold, and the seriousness formed between the lines of his brow and the bridge of his nose was deadly cold. He raised her chin with the force of his hand.

    "Take back your words; I will think I haven''t heard them." His pupil was dark and frightening, and his deep voice suppressed distinct anger.

 Chapter 361 361: I’m Just Crazy

    Although Joseph was usually harsh, he never said he had voluntarily lost his temper with her. In most cases, he would let her do whatever she wanted because he was a few years older than her. And he would simply choose to be silent, and she also did not take it seriously, and the matter was over. So that day, Irish ignored Joseph''s warning, though it was the first time he had given her such a serious warning.

    His hand was about to break her chin. She felt a burning pain for a moment, and then she became numb. The boldness of Irish was because of his carelessness about Cassie''s work, and he caused her physical pain. At one time, she became even angrier. When people feel hurt, they will subconsciously resist or even take the initiative to attack. Irish was no exception. She used all her strength to pull his big hand apart, and her sharp fingernails were cut down along his neck. The next words were sharper, "Don''t threaten me! You think you''re a saint and do anything, right? If you were right about everything, your friend Jenny wouldn''t be dead, let alone Leo was like your foe!"

    She had long found the rtionship between Joseph and Leo very strange. They knew each other but fought each other openly and secretly. Especially in Pennsylvania, the unprecedented and perfect cooperation between the two made her wonder. She had been curious about the two of them when she returned from there. But God did her a favor. When she went back to her alma mater to help her tutor clear up the file, she inadvertently saw a copy of the information which had been sent as the case. The name of the case was Jenny, and when she was sent to the mental hospital, she was a good, and a normal person. In the end, she became a psychopath.

    At that time, she only felt that the case was very representative, so she carefully studied, and through the circle of people to look up the privacy files back then, unthinkable to see the name Leo and then to find out the real reason why Leo and Joseph hated each other.

    From a bystander''s point of view, Joseph and Leo were right in their actions, but in different ways of protection, creating an irreparable situation.

    But that day, Irish vowed that she didn''t mean to say that because she had made up her mind, she would never have asked if Joseph hadn''t mentioned Jenny on his own initiative. But the fire was so eager to explode in a destructive way, so she said it in anger.

    As soon as she spoke, she realized what she had said and could never recover her words.

    Then, the temperature around her after saying this words suddenly dropped to the freezing point.

    Then, she saw two bloodlines on Joseph''s neck.

    Joseph waspletely angry, and the heat at the end of the corner of his eyebrow was gone, and his anger went from the dark pupil to the whole body, his face was ck, and his thin lips turned into cold lines. Irish was full of thought: He was angry!

    He lifted the nket out of bed, his big hands holding around her hindbrain, and her cortex could feel the anger that emanated from his whole body. But, of course, he did not harass her, nor did he yell in a loud voice, but gazed at her. His eyes were frigid in the dim light, and he opened his mouth, "You are crazy."

    At the end of the speech, he took his hand off while Irish knocked against the bedside, but he did not look at her and walked out of the bedroom.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Her heart was cold.

    The door of the bedroom was mmed shut, and his force was nearly enough to shake the building down, and more than a minuteter, she reacted, nced at her hands, hurried out of bed, and ran out of the bedroom barefoot.

    Joseph had been downstairs in the living room, whose pants had been dressed, and he was wearing a shirt. The white shirt cor was tainted with little bloodstains that she had scratched. For the wound, he did not pay attention, and the handsome face under the light yellow light was still cold. The anger in her made people stay away. Naturally, she was impatient and angry at his leaving. She went downstairs with her hands tightly clutching the sleeping dress cloth on the side of her legs. She did not want him to leave, but she was angry at the words he had just scolded her. In her impatience, she had to choose a verbal attack again!

    Yearster, Irish would feel a lot about what happened that night. She felt that women, whether they were strong women or a housewife, no matter how highly educated they were or only had a primary school diploma, at the moment when men were angry to leave home, all women had the same psychology, anxious and angry. Being anxious was that women do not want men to leave and end the fight, but what is angry is that men just walk away without even persuading them.

    Most women''s next choices would be surprisingly simr: they would snap at men.

    In fact, not for other reasons, just to attract a man''s attention, just to let him not go.

    Of course, this state of mind is based on the fact that the woman must care about the man.

    It was not clear to Irish at this moment that that day''s scene would be a case in which she studied to meditate on a woman''s psychology. Her anxious state of mind and unyielding attitude made her verbal attack no different from that of other women.

    "I''m just crazy. You regret it now, don''t you? Then go and find someone who is not crazy!"

    Joseph had just finished fastening his shirt button, listened to her hysterical roar, and his eyes were more like the winter frost. He bit his teeth, and his voice was extremely cold, "Okay." He picked up the coat on the sofa and the keys. He went to the door and changed his shoes, and left without turning back.

 Chapter 362 362: She Cried Like A Child

    Anxiety and anger were mixed in her mind and twisted into a rope that rushed into her viscera and mingled with her blood vessels together, forming countless ropes from all sides to tie her to death. It was a kind of breathless suffocation!

    She trembled with anger and shouted at Joseph''s back in a crying voice. "Go! Don''te back!"

    The next second was the loud "bang" of the door.

    She threw all the pillows on the sofa to the door board.

    While Joseph''s footsteps were gradually disappearing.

    Everything was quiet.

    Only the moonlight was still spreading quietly, and the dispute had no effect on the time. The clock on the wall was beating in a box, indicating loneliness and gloom after dawn.

    It was like a hysterical war scene, as if nothing had ever happened, but Irish clearly remembered what had happened. Joseph had actually been here, and she really had a big fight with him, so he went away. And the breath that remained in the air that belonged to him was fading.

    She stood barefoot, letting the cold temperature of the ground sweep her body along the seams of her toes. She wanted to move but couldn''t move. She wanted to ask him not to go, but she couldn''t open her mouth.

    He was gone, and she could not even hear anything outside the door.

    The night was terribly cold.

    Suddenly a burst of grief rose in Irish''s heart, and tears fell down as if she were out of control. She could not suppress her restlessness. In hazy tears, she saw the white orchid screen standing quietly in the corner of the wall. She did not know what she was doing, rushed to the screen and tried her best to drag it to the floor window and open it. She threw down the screen.

    A few secondster came the sound of a broken screen frame. She cried bitterly but still saw the figure of Joseph downstairs. He stood coolly in the moonlight, watching her throw the screen down and watch it fall into pieces on the ground. The whole process was almost silent.

    Irish seemed to see him looking upstairs, and though she could not see his expression, it was clear enough to feel his anger. The moonlight had lengthened his shadow, the distance between her and him, and the night wind was blowing his coat. His tall figure was coldly standing in the wind, still. Irish looked downstairs at the man figure; full in her mind was his sentence: You are crazy!

    She was mad, driven by him.

    She was crazy. Then why had she thrown that expensive thing downstairs? She just wanted to tell him she didn''t want him to leave with the logic and behavior of a madman.

    He walked away without turning his head, so determined that his back was so strange to her.

    She had no choice but to infuriate him again in some ways, even if he rushed upstairs and called her crazy again!

    However, Joseph didn''t stay downstairs for a long time. Finally, after only a few seconds of staring at her, he turned and headed for the parking lot on the ground. He didn''t even step forward to take a look at the broken screen.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Who said that the night color was like ink? This description was absolutely true. Irish''s fingers hurt, her eyes hurt, and every cell in her body mored for pain, for she saw Joseph''s figure gradually swallowed up by night and watched him disappear into the night.

    The night wind blew her long hair through the open window. She smelled the coldness ofte autumn, and her lungs swelled with coldness at every breath. mming the window, she leaned against the wall and sat on the floor.

    She cried like a child.

    She did not know where Joseph could go, perhaps to his own home, perhaps to thepany, or perhaps he was really angry to find another woman. For a moment, she cried even harder, and her heart rose with unspeakable panic because she found that if she did not choose to call him, she did not even know where he could go except the office. It seemed that she and he had only the office and the phone to connect with each other. If one day the phone didn''t work and he was not in the office, where would she find him?

    She had never seen Joseph so angry, as cold as ice, strange. He was not like other men and did not shout at her but used his usual insensitive way to dere his anger and intolerance.

    The way he looked at her was an emotion that made people shiver to their spine.

    He began to hate her.

    Even she hated herself. She forgot, forgot that what she said when she was angry was like a double-edged sword that hurt him and hurt herself. She forgot, especially when a woman was arguing, never turning over the history, but not only did she, and she attacked him with events that had been so serious as to affect their friendship.

    She hated herself!

    Time passed by slowly but never stopped.

    Irish was like a messy doll, leaning against the corner of the wall. She was so cold that she did not see Joseph''s figure. She could not hear the footsteps of the hallway or the opening of the door with the key.

    He said he had the keys to her house, and she wanted to hear it open one time.

    She had never heard of it.

    Not knowing how long after that, when Irish finally stood up against the wall, her legs were numb and impassioned, and after standing there for a while, she pulled her coat out of the room until she regained consciousness.

    After another five or six minutes, she opened the door and went back inside. Her tears were still hanging on her face, holding the screen that she had just thrown down the floor in her arms. The frame of the screen was gone, and she couldn''t pick it up. She picked up the double-sided embroidery, which was covered with the frosting ofte autumn.

    She was really crazy.

    Usually, she didn''t even dare to touch it; something so precious in her heart was treated like that by her own act.

    Nesting on the sofa, ttening the double-sided embroidery. In her tears, the scenes in the Light Town always appeared when he stood with a smile in the dancing of viburnum macrocephalum, whose handsome side face was meticulous in work. Was it not the point that she was so deeply in love with him?

 Chapter 363 363: Was It Too Late For Them?

    Tears fell like broken beads, and she wept worse than she had just been. Looking down at the handwriting above the embroidery, the beautiful words seemed to satirize her. A tear fell and spread gently on the word "Notte."

    Not Late?

    Was it not toote for them?

    ****

    New York''ste autumn was mostly sunny, the sky was very clear, with blue color, so people''s mood was good. But obviously, both Irish and Cassie were not among them.

    Cassie''s injury recovered well, and this is the only ce for Irish to beforted. In the afternoon, she found a spare to the hospital and pushed her into the garden to breathe the fresh air. The ce with the ginkgo tree must be beautiful, so Irish pushed Cassie''s wheelchair to a ce full of ginkgo leaves and looked up at the blue sky not far away.

    She didn''t know what Joseph was doing at this time.

    Two days after theirst argument, she had no formal contact, no meeting or phone call with him. He didn''t call her, and she held her cell phone and didn''t call him either.

    Many years of friends were true. Cassie saw her mind and quietly asked her what had happened. Irish went round to her and sat directly on the thick ginkgo leaf. Seeing that, Cassie hurriedly said, "Get up quickly, how cold is it."

    Irish thought of Joseph''s being shot in South Africa, and when he had woken up, he looked at her bare feet, and his first words were telling her to put on her shoes.

    The eye corner and nasal cavity at the same time were sour. She lowered her callery, then raised her eyes to force down the desire to cry, gently said that the leaves were very thick and that it was okay.

    If Cassie hadn''t seen the sh of light in her eyes, she would have asked. She shook her head gently and, after a long time, raised her head and asked, "What do you think of me?"

    "Well..." Cassie had to think carefully over her head, "You have a strong character, very smart, very loyal to friends. Your bark is a lot worse than a bite��."

    "Are you praising me or demeaning me?" asked Irish seriously.

    Cassie thought about it. "It''s apliment."

    "Well," said Irish, "Tell me about my shorings."

    Cassie looked at her with a smile after hearing the remark. That day Irish was not wearing professional dress. She wore a mboyantttice shirt and a loose cream-colored sweater, and her lower body wore denim jeans, very close to her figure, with a pair of t-soled autumn shoes matching the color of her shirt. Her long hair was put behind the back of her head, which was casually fixed into a bun.

    The sun fell on her, and her skin looked more delicate and smooth, with vast golden leaves behind her, and ginkgo leaves fell from time to time. If Cassie knew how to draw, she was sure to draw the scene in front of her. Irish had always been beautiful, and in Cassie''s eyes, she was not like a girl in her thirties, and her skin was delicate enough to make twenty-year-old girls jealous.

    But the loneliness at the corner of Irish''s eyebrow on that day made her have an unspeakable pity.

    Irish saw her strange smile, so she could not help but raise her eyebrows, asking her why.

    "You are so proud. How can you have the courage to listen to your shorings?"

    "Proud? Me?" Irish frowned, pointing at herself.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "A little bit, but have you ever told me proud people are often lonely because of self-abasement? Irish, are you inferior?"

    After listening to her, Irish was stunned.

    She never felt an inferiorityplex, but after meeting Joseph, she had such a feeling.

    "Can you say anything else? What else?"

    Cassie did not even think and said straightforwardly, "You love money. Money is like your life."

    Irish choked, "Why are you so direct?"

    "Besides, you have too many edges and are not sophisticated enough, but that makes sense. The more talented people are, the more perverse they are." Cassieforted her.

    Irish tried to squeeze out a smile. "I thank you for your high praise."

    "You''re wee. You''ve been my friend for so many years." Cassie made fun of her when she looked good.

    Then Cassie asked her what had happened.

    "Really nothing. I want to know myself." Irish stretched out her legs and gently hammered on her leg. At this moment, she realized that no one could help her on the subject of love. Cassie had fallen in love but had lost love and even had chosen the most extreme way to remember love. She couldn''t learn from her.

    In this way, she was hopeless. She did not have a person who was sessful in love around her. Could she always go to talk to her aunt about love, right?

    Cassie saw her concealment and also did not ask, with effort, she bent over, gently picking up a piece of ginkgo leaf in her hands to y, watching the leaves absentmindedly. After seeing that, Irish''s heart felt a little pain. Through such an experience, Cassie was really thin, and her sharp chin could be a murder weapon. She also thought of Joseph''s cold refusal appearance, and the bottom of his heart was heavier.

    "Cassie." After calling her name softly, she closed her lips and thought of the next words. Cassie looked at her and waited for her to go on.

    After a long time, Irish sighed, and her tone was as rxed as possible, "Have you ever thought about a change of work environment or changing upation?"

    Cassie was puzzled.

    "I mean, you''d better take care of yourself now in an environment that makes you physically and mentally happy. Your job as an appraiser is so tiring that I''ve seen you work overtime a lot in the past."

    Cassie shook her head gently, saying, "In fact, I like the environment inside the Runestone Group, and I also like the work of an appraiser. What can I do if I don''t do it one day?"

    Irish was silent.

    It was good to be able to rekindle Cassie''s enthusiasm for work, which meant her depression was not hopeless yet, but Irish was also deeply worried that she would have psychological problems again when facing a future job change.

 Chapter 364 364: I Don’t Want To Hear It

    The wind was blowing, the leaves were flying all over the sky, and the air was thin and cold.

    Irish got up and was about to push Cassie back to the ward. When the leaves fell, she saw Fredricking not far away. She had to admit though she was angry with him that he looked really charming between the yellow leaves. He wore a light-gray high-necked sweater with charcoal trousers and was like a figure in the picture.

    In the past, before she met Joseph, her heart would beat very fast when she saw Fredricking toward them. But now, she was numb except for his remaining unhappiness, and her heart was no longer beating wildly. In this way, she was able to calmly watch hime along like the man in the picture.

    In her mind, she could not help butment that women were ultimately fickle, and she buried her secret love.

    It was no surprise that Fredrick appeared in the hospital. He had been there for a few days. He hadpletely put down the affairs of his own clinic. Not knowing if it was guilt orpensation, in other words, as long as she came for Cassie, she could still appreciate Fredrick. She knew that he had listened to her and secretly treated Cassie''s depression. Of course, Fredrick was under a lot of pressure, such as Cassie''s silence and her parents'' angry eyes.

    So when Irish saw that Cassie was going to choose silence again, she could not help saying, "Cassie, what are you thinking?"

    If she didn''t want to see Fredrick, then she was ready to take over her.

    Cassie had to quietly look at Fredrick approaching after a long time before sighing, "You told me I have to face him."

    Irish took a deep breath and her trachea was cool.

    Soon Fredrick walked forward, and he did not look at Irish, stopping in front of Cassie and pulling up her thin nket, softly saying, "It''s time to go back."

    Cassie nodded gently.

    Fredrick got up, standing straight, and then looked at Irish, and his tone was very light, "Hand her over to me."

    Irish clenched the armrest of the wheelchair and did not let go of it for a long time. Fredrick reached over, pulled across the wheelchair without a trace, looked at her withplicated eyes, and then left.

    In the autumn wind, the two people''s backs were more and more distant.

    Irish stood there, looking at them, deep in the bottom of her heart, there was an unknown feeling, a bit stuffy and suffocated.

    Gently turning, she inadvertently nced at a distant figure under a ginkgo tree. There stood a man, tall and magnificent. It was Roy, and she didn''t even know when he wasing.

    Perhaps Roy had never noticed that Irish had found him, and his eyes had always fallen far away, staring silently at Cassie''s figure sitting in a wheelchair.

    Irish''s heart was like being bitten by an ant.

    Love was a torment indeed!

    She pitied Roy after seeing his loneliness.

    ****<novelnext></novelnext>

    The Runestone Group meeting was almost continuous, from the future brand adjustment nning to the uing Labor Day promotion. It included the M100-1 continuous mining situation to the M100-2 diamond reserves evaluation standard test report, from the problems encountered on the way, using the investment to propagandize to the subsequent arrival in the BRIGHT shopping mall, Joseph was concerned about all the details. After meeting his clients, he held a meeting and then went to the bank to talk about loans, and then to talk about financing, went personally to the counter, and then to the Vera club.

    After working for more than 40 hours, Daisy told him that he hadn''t slept for two days.

    Outside the window it was night again, and the lights of the conference room were still dazzling, and it was 10:30 pm. This was the fifth meeting after Joseph''s return to thepany this afternoon. The five heads of the brand department reported on their work one by one. From Labor Day to Thanksgiving Day, the arrival of each festival was like a battle for the brand department, and Joseph did not allow them to lose it.

    Joseph, in the position of the president of the conference table, nkly looked at the nning documents handed in by the brand department. Blood streaks appeared in his eyes as he worked overtime. Under the neckline of a gray shirt was a faint scratch. Two thin lines, however, were enough to arouse the ambiguous guess of the public. But of course, his employees did not dare to ask him. Joseph frowned when he turned over the third page, and the head''s voice became smaller, and the tone began to be cautious.

    Sure enough, in the next second, Joseph directly threw out the documents in his hand in front of that person. The rattling of the papers made people uneasy, and the report all of a sudden stopped.

    Joseph leaned forward, his arms folded over the conference table. His hands crossed, his dark eyes showing great dissatisfaction and displeasure with the contorted lines between his eyebrows.

    "That''s what you did after seven days of overtime?" He asked, not in a growling voice, but almost as smooth as water, but strangely cold.

    The person dared not make a sound.

    Daisy raised her eyes and looked at Joseph subconsciously. This look really surprised her. He was seldom so angry. That day he was really furious.

    "I''m sorry, I''ll do it again, I..."

    "You pick up the Thanksgiving project." Joseph ignored the man''s exnation and gave a cold order to another official to rece him.

    The responsible person swallowed his saliva and nodded repeatedly. "You can rest assured that I will do it well."

    "I don''t want to hear it, I just look at the results." Joseph had no mercy. "Remember, don''t waste my time by showing me such junk files!"

    The man nodded.

    The man who presented the report had long been pale.

    Joseph turned his head to Daisy and said, "Inform the personnel department."

    At the end of the speech, he got up and left the conference room.

    Daisy got up too and answered toward his fading back, "All right."

    The whole conference room was in a disquieting silence.

    The more the man thought, the more he felt something was wrong. He looked at Daisy, trembling, "Daisy..."

 Chapter 365 365: You Better Take A Rest

    She looked at him, whose eyes were as quiet as Joseph''s, which did not raise the slightest waves, and quietly told his fate, "Go to the HR Department for termination procedures tomorrow morning."

    The man''s face was deadly gray.

    Others took heavy breaths, held theirptops, and left the meeting room to do their work.

    ****

    As Daisy walked into the CEO''s room with a pile of documents, Joseph was leaning on the sofa and keeping his eyes shut. She knew he couldn''t fall asleep in such a short period of time, and he was still frowning.

    She silently put the papers on the desk, grinding a cup of coffee quietly, and put it on the coffee table, and then she turned around and took a list and whispered, "Mr. Dover, Vertu sent a confirmation letter with your previous customized functional requirements. Would you like to reconfirm and see what needs to be added or changed?"

    He did not open his eyes and opened his mouth. "What functions?"

    "Oh, the other day, I ordered a Vertu phone that can be used as your private phone."

    "What private phone?"

    Daisy replied respectfully. "So I won''t answer the wrong phone call, for example, Dr. Irish''s."

    Joseph suddenly opened his eyes and said with displeasure, "Did I allow you to order any private cell phone?"

    It was close to yelling.

    Daisy did not say anything more but stood quietly. She could see that what Joseph cared about was not a matter of a private phone. He no longer mentioned it. The anger in his eyebrows after criticizing Daisy also seemed to be a little smaller, leaning back on the sofa and restoring his silence.

    After five minutes, Daisy sighed, saying, "You rarely get so angry."

    He was a harsh boss, and all of his employees knew that Joseph was almost serious in his work, but his rigor was reflected in the quality of his work, and he would never get angry directly inside the conference room as he was that day. It might be that the n was really wrong, but such impatience was really rare.

    Daisy followed him for many years, naturally discovering his abnormal mood, which was very strange.

    It originated two days ago.

    On that day, as always, she arrived at thepany very early. Knowing that he had been driving away by himself, she more or less guessed where he would go in the evening. She did not think that he had been in thepany. While she was sorting out his itinerary, she saw his boss'' clothes which he had worn the other day, and the shirt was wrinkled. What had surprised her more was that he had two bloodlines around his neck, and she could guess at first sight that a woman had scratched them.

    Daisy had never seen such a scene with Joseph. She was at a moment''s loss, and she was even more afraid to speak when she saw his appearance. After he had thrown out the key in his hand into the lounge, she took the key to the parking lot. As she tidied up the car, she found that the seat had sunk, and his coaty on the carpet at the driver''s seat.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Daisy clearly could guess.

    From the ruffling of Joseph''s shirt and the reclining of the car seat, it could be inferred that he had been in the car all night. She was confused as to why he stayed in the car for the whole night. She thought again about the scratches on his neck and his gloomy expression. Did they fight?

    In the days that followed, he devoted all his energy to his work and stopped using his car at night. Daisy knew that he had been living in the lounge all the time. He rarely had such a big emotional fluctuation, so Daisy was sure that the two were quarreling.

    Daisy also felt helpless for her boss. Joseph was admired by women, and he had a lot of good women around him. His ability to make money and his appearance were enough to make him more outstanding than most men. He could attract many girls to rush into his arms. But Daisy knew his temperament, he was extremely impatient with women, especially those who showed him kindness. He never pleased any woman, not to mention caring about a woman.

    Just only Irish.

    Daisy watched him grieve, hesitate, change his itinerary, and watch how his emotions changed for Irish. When he gazed at Irish, his eyes showed happiness. He showed unhappiness when Irish was sad too.

    She couldn''t even imagine he would risk his life by blocking the bullet that was aimed at Irish. Such a huge sacrifice of his life is really admirable.

    In fact, at first, she was opposed to his association with Irish because he was married, so Irish was nothing more than a third wheel. No matter what the rtionship between Ruby and him is, it would result in gossip because of his closeness to Irish. But the day she called Irish in the Light Town, and Joseph received the phone call for Irish and pleasantly greeted her, she knew that the man who any woman had never moved had met his true love.

    Since she knew that Joseph was good at nning, love should be unexpected to him, so he either did not ept it or epted it with severe consideration.

    When she knew that Joseph had almost died for Irish, she also knew that the fate of these two would be more challenging in this lifetime.

    In Daisy''s eyes, at this moment, Joseph was like a frustrated child. He would use a calm attitude to face other women, but only before Irish he could not do it, otherwise, how could he so torture himself these two days?

    Joseph, leaning on the sofa, did not say a word. He was really tired. Daisy stood by and looked at him, shaking her head. Such a proud man was tortured like this. It was conceivable how haggard Irish should be.

    "You''d better take a rest in the lounge." She suggested with sincerity.

    Joseph just raised his hand and rubbed his forehead, and his eyes were full of fatigue. He sat up straight, drank a cup of coffee, reached for Daisy, and recovered his in tone. "Bring the file over."

    Daisy had no choice but to bring documents for him.

    He opened it and looked at it page by page.

    But Daisy could not help opening her mouth. "Have you quarreled with Dr. Irish?"

 Chapter 366 366: You’d Better Get Married

    The man''s fingers stopped and quickly returned to normal, silent.

    Daisy understood.

    After a moment of silence, she asked, "Did you spend the whole night downstairs at Doctor Irish?"

    Joseph closed the papers and looked up at Daisy. She was not afraid. Instead, she smiled at him. After a long time, Joseph finally chose topromise. He looked away for the first time in the match with his subordinates. Putting the papers on the table, he sighed, "I think it''s necessary to move you over."

    But Daisy smiled. It was the first time she was so unbridled before him.

    After seeing her appearance, Joseph more or less relieved his mood, slightly raising his eyebrows, "Schadenfreude?"

    "After I had to work with you for over forty hours, was it normal to be a little gloating?" Daisy closed her lips and very cleverly took the document back to her position. She knew that at this time, he could not read the document. Hispromise meant that he acquiesced in her participation.

    Daisy, this is her first time participating in Joseph''s personal affairs.

    Joseph could understand, tiredly nodding.

    "Sometimes her tone was also like yours."

    "She is sharp but delightful, and, to be honest, I like her very much."

    "Her?" Joseph coldly hummed, but when mentioning her, his eyes were softer, "She is a little crazy, a madwoman!"

    Daisy could hear his indulgence andforted him. "So you still worry about the little madwoman, though angry, and you stayed under her house all night."

    Joseph was then again silent.

    He was so angry that night that no woman had ever dared to shout so loudly in front of him and even to mention Jenny. When he returned to the car angrily, he was just about to drive away, only to inadvertently think of Cassie. Although they all said that people gather in groups, he is suddenly afraid, afraid that the crazy woman would be infected by Cassie''s behavior.

    He sat in the car, hesitant for a long time, wanting to go back more and more, but when he turned, he saw Irish put on a slipper with untidy hair over her head and going downstairs.

    His first thought was that she hade to him.

    But in the twinkling of an eye, she was crying and holding double-sided white orchid embroidery and turned back.

    At that moment, he was angry and helpless.

    Back in the car, he prepared to sleep and didn''t want to leave, but he couldn''t sleep. He had never had a problem with a rtionship because he had no time to fall in love, and what he and Irish would encounter in future days made him think all night.

    For two days, Irish never sent him a short message. The phone seemed to break down. Had it not been for other calls, he would have really thought about changing it, and he even turned the mode of vibration into a bell and kept it where he could hear it all the time.

    However, he received nothing from her.

    The anger that had passed on that night reignited, and the thought of the night when she had taken away the double-sided embroidered white orchid gave him another moment of frustration, and he could not even match the double-sided embroidery that seemed too important for her.

    She had not turned back in Light Town, and in South Africa, she had directly carried her luggage and left. He thought these two days, has he really spoiled her? It seemed that she was okay without him.

    Joseph deeply hated this feeling, the feeling of being led by a woman through the nose!

    Even at the meeting, there was a shadow of her, her hysterical roar behind him, and she wept and refused to concede defeat.

    Daisy saw that he was in deep contemtion and did not rush to speak. A long timeter, he opened his mouth but unexpectedly asked, "Have you ever been in love?"<novelnext></novelnext>

    Daisy did not expect him to ask this question. "I have no time."

    Her answer sounded like an obviousint.

    Joseph listened but smiled, pointing to the next chair, "Sit down, there is something you need to do."

    Daisy went to the chair and sat down.

    "I need you to find out about Emery."

    "And then?"

    "Then I will end my marriage with Ruby." He said straightforwardly.

    Daisy was stunned for a moment.

    "I''ve never told you about Ruby and me. She and I need to divorce to dere the end of the marriage, which is good for the Runestone Group and good for her and me," Joseph said in a calm tone.

    Daisy listened to some clues and hesitated. "You mean..."

    "I married her on a fake basis." His words were clear.

    Daisy also thought of this possibility but was still surprised.

    "Daisy, I need you to help me with this, of course, I mean the part that best protects Irish and me." Joseph said, "I don''t want to wait any longer, nor can Irish, I have to be prepared for divorce to protect Irish from any harm."

    Daisy nodded after hearing the words, "You can rest assured, I will not object to anything, I am on your side."

    "Thank you," Joseph said from the bottom of his heart.

    Daisy smiled faintly.

    "You''d better get married when the matter is settled, or I''ll always treat you like a man." He seldom made a joke.

    Daisy resisted her smile, "I try as far as possible."

    "And the private phone." Joseph mused, handing the list on the tea table to Daisy, whispering, "make it ording to these functions, and order another one."

    "Okay." Daisy''s heart was relieved.

    ****

    Mr.Kim was here again.

    But this time, he wore no gold and silver, in a very simple business suit, no gold chain on the neck, no gold watch and gold ring on his hands, so the light around him was not so strong.

    Irish''s arms crossed around her chest, she did not take the big bouquet of roses but looked up and down at him and then asked a very kind question, "Have you been robbed?"

    Without gold ornaments, Mr. Kim was somewhat affectionate, but he was not really good in his clothes. Irish knew that men of his age could hardly match clothes, so she understood. His business dress was made of a good material, which should be expensive, but in his body, it was always stolen and inappropriate, and the important thing was that his color matched. Under his deep beige color business suit, there was a pair of orange sneakers.

    Yes, many fashionable young people wore sneakers and business pants, but at his age...

 Chapter 367 367: It’s Not A Breakup

    Mr. Kim smiled, and such a smile surprised Irish that his golden teeth were all gone. Instead, he had white teeth, which were even neater and white than the leading actor of the Korean TV series. She pointed at his teeth in surprise, "Your....teeth."

    "They are all the best and thinnest strips in the world. Don''t you say you don''t like swagger? What do you think of my image today?"

    Irish chagrined and regretted not having discussed the subject of hypnosis with Cheska upstairs. People around all cast curious eyes. "We are impossible," she said in a low voice, "I just don''t like you, okay?"

    "The feelings can be slowly developed, and for a long time, you will fall in love with me, Dr. Irish. As long as you follow me, I will share half of my shares in the industry. Mine is yours, and you can spend as much as you want."

    Irish had a headache and said directly to him, "Sorry, I can''t promise you. I''m married."

    "Huh? I don''t believe you, you don''t have a ring." Mr. Kim shook his head.

    "Who says I must wear a ring when I get married?" Irish asked. "In a word, you and I have no fate. Don''t waste your time on me." She said this and turned away.

    "Don''t lie to me, I''ve asked. You''re single."

    "Can''t I get a hidden marriage?"

    "Well, who is your husband?"

    Irish frowned.

    "Fail to answer, and you lie to me."

    "He is J..." As soon as she had poured out a word, she stopped, and some words could not be said indiscriminately, for there would be trouble in the future.

    Mr. Kim gazed at her for a long time, saying nothing out, and chuckled, "J..what? Can''t you tell? And you are not lying to me?"

    "It''s me who sticks to her every day." Suddenly a sound rose behind her. Before Irish could respond, the man''s arm stretched out, very powerful, to cling to her shoulder.

    As soon as she turned her head, she looked at Leo''s smiling eyes.

    Jesus, what was he doing here?

    Mr. Kim squinted. "Are you?" He looked familiar to him.

    Leo reached for him, "Mr. Kim, right? It''s a pleasure to meet you. You can call me Leo."

    This guy was quite polite.

    After hearing his name, Mr. Kim was shocked, and he suddenly remembered, "The General manager of the Lily?"

    "Yes."

    "Oh, you are Mr. Shelton." Mr. Kim immediately reached out to shake hands with him.

    Leo originally did not intend to remember anything with him, but, in the car, he saw that Irish could not get rid of the old man who kept bothering her, and he went up to help. Of course, before he helped, he researched the man, by the way. He wanted to see how much fortune he had as he dared to pursue a woman in her twenties without regard to his image.

    His information was really found by him.<novelnext></novelnext>

    There were two or threepanies under his name.

    "Excuse me, would you mind returning me back, Dr. Irish?" Leoughed very kindly.

    Mr. Kim was startled for a moment, hesitating, "You two..."

    "Yes." Leo hugged Irish and waved his hand to Mr. Kim. "Well, goodbye."

    Although not willing, Mr. Kim did not dare to chase forward. Leo owned a big group, and he had no courage to provoke him. And it seemed that he had been prepared toe.

    "Leo, do you think my cell phone is broken down?" On the table, Irish''s hands were with a fork, eyes always staring at the side of the mobile phone in a tone of resentment.

    Leo looked at her, took out his mobile phone, pressed a string of numbers, and soon the phone in front of Irish rang, and Leo''s name flickered on the screen. Irish reached for it and sighed.

    "It turns out that you are living one day like a year." Leo mused, "Just no contact for a few days, too much."

    "Isn''t it a cold war?"

    "It''s not a breakup."

    "What''s the difference between breaking up?" Irish poked the phone two times and directly picked it up, and threw it into the satchel.

    "Here''s a difference." Leo smiled brilliantly. "After breaking up with him, you have a bright future."

    "Go away."

    "I mean, if you two are really broken, I will get you, what are you afraid of?" Leo slowly poured some red wine and said slowly.

    Irish red at him, holding his head in silence.

    Leo, seeing that her mood was really low, was no longer joking. "I don''t like Joseph, but I still have to say a few words fairly," Leo said with seriousness.

    She looked up at himzily.

    "He, how should I talk about him? He''s just a little bit..." Leo tried to find the right words to describe Joseph, "A little too serious. I mean, ah, in work, ah, you, well, actually vited his principles in this matter. I believe you also understand this truth. But. He''s used to being serious. Who do you think he has joked with?"

    Along the way, Irish was unhappy until Leo pulled her into the car, she reacted and asked him how he had arrived. Leo said he just wanted to try his luck to see if he could ask her to have a meal, so she didn''t know what to say. He saw Irish''s unhappiness and asked her what had happened to her. Irish had been suffocating in her heart these days, so she told Leo all the things that had happened the previous few days. After that, Irish became a chatter. First, sheined about Joseph''s unkindness and inhumanity, said how aggrieved she had been, and finally, Leo was also involved because she said that men did not understand women.

    After hearing Leo''s words, Irish closed her lips, ate a beef without taste, and sighed, "He is not serious, he is unkind."

    "By your description, I think he is really angry." Leo said slowly, "Joseph is a man who knows a lot of things better than anyone. If he doesn''t care about you, he doesn''t bother to lose his temper with you."

    "Me too."

    "So why just let it go and just give him a call?" Leo was direct.

    "No." Irish began to be keen on face-saving.

 Chapter 368 368: You Are Really Difficult To Understand

    Leo had a bad smile. "Why don''t you send him a short message and tell him that you are having dinner with me? I can assure you that he will be in front of you in ten minutes. Do you believe me?"

    "Do you like me, Leo?" She suddenly asked, sounding annoyed.

    "Of course." He winked at her.

    "Then why do I think you''re taking me into the pit?" Irish waved her hands with a knife and fork, wanting to turn them into weapons to make him blind, "Why should Ipromise first?"

    Leo immediately raised his hand and surrendered. "You hear me out first."

    Irish red at him.

    "First of all, you must admit that Joseph is busy!"

    She nodded her head.

    "Second, you know he never looks at his Twitter?"

    "What are you trying to say?"

    Leoughed with a bad intention. "You don''t want to call him on your own initiative, and you don''t want to send a text message, so just post our photos. He seems to be on Twitter. Last time I saw you showed him a picture."

    Irish blinked twice.

    "You post a picture of us eating, oh no, you don''t even have to take me in, just two red wine sses, and he''s sure he cane in without a word."

    Irish thought for a long time, then shook her head. "It''s too obvious."

    Leo sighed, "You are really difficult to understand."

    "That''s why Joseph called me crazy." Irish stared at him and slowly said.

    "Can he say that? He seemed to be mad." Leoughed.

    "I am angry, too." Although Irish said this, her heart was in a panic.

    Leo shrugged his shoulders and smiled at her. The night was pleasant, but her little face was horribly pale. It was not true that he didn''t feel pain seeing her in a bad mood, but it was true that she was gaunt for other men.

    "Tell me how you pissed him off?"

    She looked down at the dish, poking her fork several times before lifting her eyes. "I scratched him."

    Leo was startled, "Severe?"

    She shook her head. "I don''t know. I saw blood on his cor."

    "Oh, it''s the neck." He thought it was on the face. "Is that why he''s angry?"

    "No." Irish held the cup, took a deep breath, and looked at Leo. "I said something I shouldn''t have said and mentioned a person I shouldn''t have to."

    Leo sensed the repentance of her eyebrows and felt that the matter might not be so simple. The two people quarreling like that would have a reason. There must have been a fuse.

    Irish clutched her finger and said slowly, "I mentioned Jenny." She knew that once the name came out, Leo would understand everything. She had checked the two of them and knew that the name was taboo for both of them, but the reason she could mention it in front of Leo was that she just didn''t intend to hide it anymore.

    Not surprisingly, Leo also changed his face, and his originally smiling lips became cold.

    "I''m sorry, I know I shouldn''t have mentioned the name in front of both of you," said Irish sincerely. "But I didn''t mean to say it at all. If you don''t mention it on your own initiative, I will not say that. But...it was just that night that I did say something I shouldn''t have said."

    Leo lowered his eyes, and his eyshes covered his expression. A long timeter, he took a light sip of red wine and said, "You and Joseph said what?"

    "I told him not to think that he was doing everything right, that if all were right, Jenny would not die or ruin his friendship with you." Irish sighed heavily.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Leo gently nodded and suddenly said with a bitter smile, "At that time, he did not p you, it is your luck. To attack a man as proud as he is with such words is to hit him to the point. "

    Irish shivered involuntarily.

    "If it were me, I would be angry, too." Leo''s tone was slow but also a little helpless, "So Irish, really not to say again, the name of Jenny for Joseph or me is unspeakable pain."

    "I''m sorry." This sentence, she seemed to say to Leo and also to Joseph.

    Seeing that she was feeling down again, Leo quickly resumed his usual look. He changed the serious and heavy topic. "Now that you think Joseph is so abhorrent, consider me."

    Irish rolled her eyes.

    "Don''t be too quick to say no, either of you doesn''t care about the other, so you can be my girlfriend for a few days." Leo was very "shameless" in putting forward the proposal.

    "Are you getting in while it''s empty?" She remembered Joseph''s warning.

    "I don''t like these words," cried Leo. "How fair and bright I am. Do these words youe up with, or has someone taught you to be bad?"

    Irish heard that he was alluding to Joseph, deliberately pondering, "Actually, your suggestion is not bad, let me think about it."

    "How long?"

    "One year? Two years? Or when I''m in my seventies and eighties." Irish answered very seriously.

    Leo raised his eyebrows. "I''ve got to have a feud with Joseph all my life. He not only robbed me of my diamond but also robbed my woman!"

    "When I belonged to you?"

    "Didn''t I know you before him?"

    Irish reached out and shook. "I had a bed with him first."

    "You hurt me."

    "That''s why he called me crazy." As she spoke, she grieved again.

    As soon as Leo saw her like this, he said, "He''s crazy. Don''t listen to him."

    While Irish was still sad, her eyes were a little red.

    "Don''t be depressed. People have to eat and sleep. Look at yourself now. There''s no flesh on your face." Leo was a bit panicked and hurriedly put all the chopped veal on her te. "Don''t think about anything. I''ll treat you tonight. You can eat whatever you want."

    "Are you serious?" There was a lump in Irish''s voice.

    "Yes, you look at yourself in the mirror, you are thin."

    "No. I mean, you treat me?" She tried to suppress her tears and asked.

    Leo quickly nodded, "Can I lie to you? Don''t worry, I''ll treat you."

    "Then two more kinds of cheese, five foie gras, and Fried bamboo shoots with ck truffle are good, too. One more."

    Leo looked at her in surprise. Wasn''t she sad? How could she eat so much? After a while, he could not help sighing, "I owed Joseph in my previous life, so I spent money to coax women for him in this lifetime."

    "What are you talking about?" She couldn''t hear him clearly.

    "Nothing." Leo hurriedly called the manager.

 Chapter 369 369: Do You Want To Have A Drink?

    The meal didn''t finish until eight o''clock in the evening. Irish ate many goose livers, and Leo apanied her patiently, talking with her while drinking wine.

    The neon was lightened outside the window, and inside the room, quiet music was being yed, which formed a totally different atmosphere from the bustling street that was filled with cars. When Leo was about to remind her not to eat too much, he suddenly saw that a crowd of people was led to the balcony by two waiters and when he saw the man walking in the front, Leo drew back his smile slightly.

    Irish was focusing on her food and didn''t notice the change in his expression. Therefore, when she was just about to finish herst piece of goose liver, she heard Leo mumble, "It seems that we shouldn''t speak ill of him behind."

    Irish was confused by him and then realized Leo had turned serious already. She looked back along at his sight and was shocked, and then she said quietly, "Why did you send a message to him?"

    "I didn''t. I swear." Leo also replied in a low voice.

    Irish didn''t expect that she would meet Joseph here, and there were even several people around him in suits. They must be his customers, and he came here for his business. Though he stood among the crowd, she still saw him at first sight.

    "Has he seen us?" She asked in a weak voice since she turned her back to Leo.

    "Yes."

    Her heart began to beat fast, and her hands even shivered. She missed him so much and waited for his call every day, but now when he showed up in front of her, she was so nervous and didn''t know what to do.

    "Can we leave now?"

    "It''s toote."

    "What?"

    "He is walking towards us." Irish was even more nervous, and aplicated emotion of pleasure, anxiety as well as expectation rose from her heart.

    "Leo, if I take you as an excuse to make him angry, will you be annoyed?"

    "If you tell me earlier, we can practice first since his eyes are so incisive," Leo replied in an extremely low voice.

    Irish swallowed and held the fork tightly. She stopped talking since she could feel he was getting closer with steady footsteps. And at this moment, she even felt he was stepping on her heart which perturbed her.

    The familiar woody fragrance was also getting closer. Leo finally put down the cup in his hands, and he finally stood in front of them.

    Irish didn''t look up, and she could see his leather belt with her split vision, which was her favorite, simple but unique. He stood so close to her, and she could even feel his breath.

    "What a coincidence to meet you here!" Leo said to him first casually.

    Irish suddenly felt an unnamed pressure, and she knew he must stare at her over her head. She was afraid to look up at his cold eyes.

    "I eat with Kevin, the bank president, as well as his colleagues here." His maic voice sounded. Though he was replying to Leo, it also seemed that he was exining to her.

    "Amazing! He is very stubborn, and you can deal with him. It seems that I have to make a great effort to catch up with you." Leo smiled faintly while she heard Joseph sneer suddenly.<novelnext></novelnext>

    She moved her sight slightly while one of his hands was in his pocket, getting very close to her, and she could even feel the warmth of his palm. And it was so close that she could cross his hands easily as long as she reached out. But she couldn''t figure out his mind since he didn''t give her a call for a period and just showed up in front of her. She was afraid of running up against a stone wall and was fearful of his coldness. Just at this moment, though she was familiar with his breath as well as his voice, he just chatted with Leo and ignored her as if she was a stranger. Perhaps, he did not want to forgive her at all.

    And she also couldn''t bear to keep a low profile before the public though her head was lowered at this moment.

    "Do you want to have a drink?" Leo said abruptly, which frightened Irish. He kept silent for a long time and then replied, "I am busy now, and I have to talk about financing with them immediately."

    Irish''s heart trembled, and she wanted to figure out the clues from his words. But she didn''t know if she was self-sentimental since she felt he was trying to tell her he was busy and couldn''t apany her.

    "Fine," Leo replied briefly.

    "The dessert in this restaurant is very famous. Have a try, and I will pay for your meal."

    Joseph said again while Leo snorted and said, "Wow, it seems that I can save money for the meal tonight."

    After hearing this, Joseph didn''t leave immediately and still stood beside her, which made her too nervous about moving.

    Actually, she missed him so much. A few secondster, his voice sounded again, "Go to the Lake family and have lunch with them on Labor Day."

    Leo was silent, while Irish also did not respond.

    Suddenly, he knocked the table impatiently in front of her, which startled her, and then she looked up at him subconsciously.

    At the moment she stared at him, her nose twitched.

    He frowned and looked serious, but she felt he was thinner and his face looked more angr while his eyes were so deep that she could not figure it out.

    "You must arrive at 12 o''clock." He said word by word to her slowly.

    She looked at his eyes, which were as deep as the ocean, and couldn''t move her sight.

    Joseph also stared at her for a while and then walked to Leo, whispering beside him. She found Leo''s face distorted slightly, and then Joseph left immediately.

    When he passed by her, Irish felt she wanted to cry, and her fingers trembled slightly but still did not catch his coat.

    After Joseph entered the balcony, Irish then took over the fork again and bit her lips so hard as to hold back her tears.

    "Was he talking with me just now?" She asked Leo after a moment.

    "He invited you to go to the Lake family for lunch on Labor Day." Leo looked at her and said helplessly, "And you agreed."

 Chapter 370 370: Don’t Be So Anxious

    "I didn''t agree, and I won''t go to the Lake family."

    "But you just epted his invitation, and how can you go back on your words?"

    "But I didn''t even talk with him just now."

    ''Don''t you know that silence always represents agreement?"

    Irish was speechless while Leo continued, "It is rare for him to tell you his schedule." After finishing his word, he took a sip of the wine. But Irish''s thought still stayed a moment ago, and she said slowly after a few minutes, "I want to eat the dessert." Leo smiled and then ordered some desserts for her.

    After finishing that, Irish reached out and was about to take his wine but was soon taken back by Leo. "What are you doing?"

    "I want some wine while eating desserts."

    "But this is mine."

    "Okay. Then please also give me a cup of wine." Irish handed an empty cup, but it was still taken back by Leo.

    "What''s wrong?"

    "I will give you a cup of warm water." Leo smiled at her.

    "Leo, Joseph will pay for this meal. Don''t be so parsimonious." She was confused and frowned at him.

    Leo drank the wine slowly and looked at her, remembering the words that Joseph had whispered to him. He said, "Leo, if she is drunk tonight, then you will be dead. Mark my words!" Thinking of this, Leo snorted.

    ****

    Jay finally agreed to take Lilith back for dinner, and he urged Irish several times that she had to be there in case an emergency happened. Of course, Irish could perceive his seriousness and promised him she would definitely help him.

    Her Uncle Steven was required to help to do some housework on that day while Mary went to the supermarket early in the morning and went back with many delicious foods.

    When Irish entered the house, she could smell food suffused in the room. Uncle Steven was doing some chores in the kitchen with Mary.

    When Mary saw Irish, she hastily got out of the kitchen and began to look at her carefully and then held her tightly, which made Irish couldn''t help coughing.

    "Why did you not take care of yourself? Do you have a cold? Go and get some pectoral syrup immediately." Obviously, Mary misunderstood her cough. And then she said to Steven, "Steven, hurry to get some pectoral syrup for her."

    "No, no, no. I''m fine, and I just choked." Irish exined to her.

    But her Uncle Steven rushed out of the kitchen quickly and asked anxiously, "What''s wrong?"

    "Nothing. I am fine. Don''t worry." Irishforted him.

    "I am so worried about you." After speaking this, Mary''s eyes turned tearful soon.

    Irish was smart and hastily made a promise, "Aunt, I promise you that I won''t go out without notification."<novelnext></novelnext>

    After hearing this, Mary was relieved and then smiled at her. Though Steven wanted to chat with Irish, he still had to finish the chores, so he went back to the kitchen again.

    The doorbell rang at seven o''clock, when Mary had just finished thest dish and heard the movements, she grabbed Irish''s and said anxiously. "They are back."

    Steven smiled helplessly at her anxiety and then reminded her, "Don''t be so anxious. Go get a new pair of slippers for them."

    Then Mary reacted and walked to the door.

    The door opened, and Jay walked in when Mary just got the slippers in hand. She looked at Jay cheerfully and then looked at the girl behind him eagerly. Lilith was standing shyly behind Jay. She dressed up carefully tonight, wearing a very elegant milky white dress, draped in a light coat, with silk stocking, and a pair of heels which made her look very elegant and full of energy.

    She stood with Jay and greeted Steven and Mary politely with a sweet voice.

    When she saw Irish''s sight, she lowered her head embarrassedly.

    Mary felt she looked familiar, but she couldn''t remember where she had seen her before, while Steven also couldn''t remember. Jay then introduced Lilith to them, "This is my girlfriend, Lilith Lake."

    "Lilith Lake?" They didn''t be suspicious about her family name but greeted her cheerfully.

    Irish looked at them calmly and whispered to Jay when they entered, "It''s normal."

    "But I am afraid that they will not be so pleasant if they know her family." Jay thought it was natural that they did not recognize Lilith since his parents did not know much about the younger brother of Irish''s father. Mary showed great passion for Lilith when they were eating together, and Mary reached over with her chopsticks to refill Lilith''s bowl. Though Lilith looked pleasant, she felt there was a time bomb in her heart, so her smile was a little bit unnatural.

    She never expected that Jay would bring her back home to meet his parents, and when he told her the news a few days ago, she was so anxious these days and worried that his parents would be opposed to them. Of course, she did not tell Jay about her worries since she thought he also had the same worry as her. But now that he had decided to take her back, he must have a resolution.

    Therefore, she picked gifts for his parents this noon, and it cost two of her sry. When she handed the gifts to his parents, they smiled brightly and praised her continuously.

    Irish sat beside them and waited to see if changes would ur.

    Steven was very pleasant and couldn''t help drinking a toast with Jay, while Lilith also substituted tea for wine to propose a toast to his parents. Mary took her hands with a smile and began to chat with her, "Lilith, you look so beautiful, and you are really well matched. Hey, Steven, don''t you think Lilith and Irish were a little alike?"

    "It indicates that she has predestination with our family. Jay is Irish''s considered brother, and this shows that they have husband-wife looks." Steven was so happy and joked with them.

    But Lilith took a look at Jay with her worried eyes.

    "Lilith, how long have you been with Jay?" Mary asked.

    She licked her lips and then replied, "Not for a long time."

    Mary puckered her face in a smile and said to her, "You will find that Jay was a good man if you stay longer with him. And I promise he will treat you well in the future."

    After hearing this, she blushed soon.

    "Aunt, have you heard the old saying that every peddler would praise his own needles? You are the peddler now while Jay is the needle." Irish joked with her.

 Chapter 371 371: Let’s Eat

    Mary looked at her with a big smile and said, "When you bring your boyfriend back, I will also praise you."

    Irish smiled and found Jay and Lilith all looking at her, and she suddenly felt a little embarrassed.

    "Lilith, are your parents all right?"

    "Yes, they are fine." She began to worry that Mary would ask her more about her parents, and she took Jay''s hands tightly.

    Jay also clenched her hands and hinted to her not to be so nervous, and then he said to Mary, "Mom, don''t ask her too many questions. She will be nervous."

    "Don''t be nervous since we will be a family sooner orter." Mary still took one of her hands and then continued, "Don''t be anxious. I am a reasonable person, and I will give you support as long as you can live a happy life together."

    Lilith tried her best to show a smile to Mary and extended her appreciation. It was easy to tell that Mary liked Lilith very much andmended her from time to time, which made Lilith feel embarrassed.

    Soon Steven also asked her, "What''s your job?"

    "Uncle, I am a jewelry appraiser." She answered politely.

    "Good job. I hope you can get married soon, and I like it very much." Mary said with a big smile hanging on her face while Jay still stared at her with a smile, but Lilith was even more flustered.

    "Well, then, what do your parents do?" Mary asked again.

    Finally, they asked about the key points. In fact, Lilith could tell them her father was a businessman. At the same time, her mother was a housewife and was interested in some charitable activities., but she was so flurried and didn''t know how to answer the question. At the same time, Jay also stopped his movements and held her hands tightly, turning to his parents with a serious look.

    Irish realized what he would be going to do next, so she also stopped eating and looked at them.

    Lilith got closer to Jay subconsciously as if to seek a sense of security.

    "Dad and mom, I have something to tell you, and perhaps you need mental preparation."

    Steven perceived his seriousness and stared at him quietly while Mary still said with a smile, "Why are you so serious?"

    "Mom, Dad, I really love Lilith," Jay said frankly to them while Lilith was moved by his words so deeply.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Steven and Mary took a glimpse at each other and then said, "We definitely know that. That''s why you bring her back."

    Irish had seen Jay''s grave before, and he waspetent police. Jay was young, but he had realized great achievement in his work after being a foot-riding in the dog trafficking organization out of his graveness. She knew that Jay had a dream from his childhood, and that was to be the police, but she did not know why he was determined to be anti-drug police. She also asked him about this before, but he just answered that there must always be someone to do it.

    Therefore, Irish admired his graveness, and now he told his parents that he loved this girl, Irish then realized he was serious and had fallen in love with her. Though she also hesitated that if it was proper for them to be with each other, now she felt as long as they loved each other, nothing would matter at all.

    Jay clenched her hands, looking at Mary and Steven calmly. "In fact, Lilith is��."

    "Let me tell them." Lilith interrupted him since she thought it was better to tell them personally.

    Jay stopped, looking at her, and finally nodded while Mary and Steven were even more confused by them and waited for her.

    Lilith took a look at Irish while getting encouragement from her eyes.

    "Uncle and aunt, in fact....." She turned to Mary and Steven, who were smiling at her and stopped for a second, and then continued, "In fact, my father is William Lake, and my mother is Kelly Channing." After finishing her words, she held Jay''s hands even more tightly, waiting for theing storm. Jay and Irish were also waiting together with her.

    As expected, the smiles were frozen on their faces after hearing this. Though they were not so familiar with the name Lilith, the names of William and Kelly were carved in their mind, so when they heard the names from Lilith, it was like throwing two huge stones on the calmke.

    The fork in Mary''s hands fell down on the ground suddenly, and when Irish was just about to bow, Lilith had rushed to pick it up already. She scrubbed it carefully and put it back in front of Mary, "Aunt...."

    Mary stared at Lilith silently, and now she knew the reason why Lilith looked like Irish. Steven also turned serious but said nothing while Jay didn''t expect this at all, and he held Lilith''s hands again and then said, "Mom, Dad, I know you mind the fact that she is the daughter of the Lake family, but we really love each other, and I hope you both can understand me. But I will still love her regardless if you both support me or not and because I love her that much, and I don''t mind her family at all."

    Lilith was tearful after hearing this.

    Time passed, but Mary and Steven just kept silent. Jay had told them the truth, and he knew this couldn''t be settled down in such a short time, so he pulled up Lilith and said to his parents, "I bring her back home today to tell you the truth. Dad, Mom, you know me well, and I know you both can''t ept this fact immediately. I''m sorry, I think we need to leave first."

    After finishing this, he was about to leave with Lilith. But Steven hastily stopped them with a depressing voice, "Finish the dinner first since you brought her home and mustered enough courage to tell us the truth. Sit down."

    Jay was slightly shocked but still sat down after taking a nce at Lilith. Mary also reacted though she was not as cheerful as the moment ago, at least she did not get angry. Instead, she said in a low voice, "Let''s eat."

    Jay looked at them hesitantly, but soon he also took up the fork and began to eat.

 Chapter 372 372: Let’s Eat

    But Mary rarely talked during the meal, while Steven just asked about something of Jay''s work and urged them to take care of themselves. After the dinner, Mary told Jay to send Lilith home and said it was not safe for a woman to go back home alone at night.

    Jay nodded, and when he was about to leave, Mary reminded him toe backter. Absolutely, Jay knew what she meant and just said yes briefly.

    Irish also wanted to go home, but Mary insisted that she had to stay here tonight while Irish had no choice but to stay. Jay returned home around nine in the evening.

    Irish was curling up on the couch while May and Steven were sitting there severely. She had realized the severity of this matter since they did not talk with her for a single word during the time when Jay sent Lilith back.

    Obviously, Jay also perceived it upon entering the room. After changing his shoes, Jay walked in and said quietly, "Dad, Mom, what do you want to talk about with me?"

    Mary stood up, looked at him for a second, and pped him harshly. Irish did not expect that and hastily rushed to stop Mary and persuaded her, "Aunt, don''t be angry."

    His right face turned red soon, but he stood there silently without moving as if he had expected it already. In the next second, Mary roared at him, "Do you want to irritate me? Why do you still fall in love with her since you know who she is? Are all women in the world dead?"

    Jay kept silent without arguing with Mary.

    "Jay, I warn you, no, not a warning. I order you to break up with her and stay away from her."

    Hearing this, Jay then replied, "No, Lilith is a good woman, and I won''t break up with her."

    In the next second, Irish hastily held Mary, who was ready to p him again, while Steven said at this time, "You have no choice but to break up with her. You clearly know the old scores between the Lake family and us. We don''t want to have anything to do with them. It is impossible for us to agree with your rtionship unless we are dead."

    "Dad, Mom, I know you have prejudice towards the Lake family, but Lilith didn''t do anything wrong. It''s not her fault."

    "But she is also a member of the Lake family!" Mary roared at him.

    "Mom."

    "Uncle, Aunt, don''t get angry. It''s bad for your health." Irish hastily persuaded them and then continued, "Though Lilith is also a member of the Lake family, she has nothing to do with those things. How can you me her for that? What''s more, Henry is not her father, and you know her parents also haven''t done anything wrong."

    Hearing of this, Mary looked up at Irish and asked, "Do you know their rtionship earlier than us?"

    Irish nodded awkwardly.

    "You, you..." Mary trembled out of range and pointed at Irish, "Do you also want to irritate us? Are you also as bewildered as your brother?"

    "Aunt, I don''t mean that." Absolutely, Irish could understand their grievance, so she held Mary andforted her softly, "I know you treat me so well and have taken care of me for so many years, and I have to appreciate your graciousness and repay your loving-kindness."<novelnext></novelnext>

    "So, is this the way you repay us?"

    "I am just bringing out the facts. You also saw Lilith tonight, and though I also hate the Lake family, I really like that woman since she is very sensible and well-behaved, and she is also hardworking. Think about that, she actually doesn''t have to do that since she is rich, but she is not spoiled and makes money on her own skill. You may not know that she entered the Runestone Group through her effort after passing the examination and became an assistant to other jewelry appraisers. Do you know what this means? This means that everyone canmand her to do all sorts of chores, but she neverins about it but just does her work in a down-to-earth manner. Many young women were materialistic, but she is an artless woman."

    Mary snorted and replied, "It had nothing to do with us whether she is a good woman. In short, Jay has to break up with her."

    "Mom, you have to be reasonable." Jay was helpless.

    "I am rational enough, and if I am not reasonable, I would have driven her away just now."

    "Jay, we are decisive, and we won''t agree with your rtionship. Anyway, your girlfriend can''t be a member of the Lake family." Steven said coldly and then walked into his bedroom.

    Jay was speechless and frowned tightly.

    "Jay, if you continue to be in contact with her, then never contact us forever." After finishing her words, Mary sat on the couch angrily.

    Before Jay replied to her, Irish immediately interrupted him and said, "Don''t be angry, Aunt. Even though they have to break up with each other, you have to give them some time to deal with it."

    "Sister."

    "Be quiet." Irish tipped him the wink.

    "Hearing this, Mary was relieved a little and then said, "Break up with her as soon as possible." And then, she also walked into the bedroom.

    Only Jay and Irish were in the living room soon. Upon Mary''s left, they sat down on the couch and then took a deep breath.

    Jay was also tired and sat down beside her with a sigh, "I definitely won''t break up with her."

    Irish pouted her mouth and said, "No matter how you persuade them today, they will not agree, so try to use some soft tactics. Since they just knew the fact, they must oppose it violently."

    "I can''t wait." Jay looked at her and then continued, "Don''t forget that we are in the same boat now. You have to figure out a solution soon, or you will also risk your own head."

    Hearing this, Irish drew back her eyes. After perceiving this, Jay hastily asked what was wrong with her, but Irish didn''t reply and just shook her head. Sheforted Jay and said that she would try her best to figure out a solution. Though Jay knew that she was preupied with some troubles, he did not ask her anymore because he knew that she needed some space.

 Chapter 373 373: I Am Not Helping Him

    In the assembly hall, quiet music was yed.

    Few clubs will never nt bamboo inside their assembly hall because many of them would be decorated by modern decors splendidly and imposingly, but this was an exception where the breeze was flowing through the automatic filtering system that made the bamboo rustle. What''s more, the tea fragrance here also added a vor of primitive simplicity to this ce.

    But the woman who sat on the bamboo chair was anxious, with her hands clenching, and even the slight noise could make her feel restless. She had short hair and was dressed in a dark gray shirt, a ck coat paired with jeans which made her look so fashionable and beautiful.

    A staff member of the hall showed up at 3 o''clock and led a man walking into the hall. Upon the woman finding the man, she looked more anxious and hastily stood up.

    It was a ce where people could drink tea under the sunlight, so when the man appeared in the hall, he looked well-defined, but the light blurred his face. He was so tall that she could easily see him walk toward her. He was alone with firm eyes and looked very serious.

    The tailored business attire sinctly revealed his identity, and the blue cashmere coat''s hem was just right in the knee position, making his legs slenderer.

    His pace was steady, and he was calm when he found her. He leisurely walked to her, greeted her, and then said, "Hello, Emery."

    She took a quick nce at him and then sat down.

    The tea was soon served, and there was a Tea Specialist who was pouring tea for them. She took a look at the Tea Specialist and felt uneasy. Obviously, the man perceived that and then asked the Tea Specialist to leave first while he took the initiative to hand a cup of tea to her. After finishing this, he said frankly, "Ms. Emery, to be honest, I hope you can take twice as much consideration about your marriage."

    Her finger trembled slightly after hearing this, looking at him with an anxious countenance, "Mr. Dover, I have got married."

    "I know, and I am not going to destroy your marriage, and it is your choice." Joseph said indifferently and took a sip of the tea, adding, "In fact, you are clear about the rtionship with Eric, and I also know it clearly."

    Emery widened her eyes and was shocked by his words.

    "But I don''t know how much he loves you," Joseph said slowly and calmly. "Do you want to know?" He asked again.

    "What do you mean?"

    "Eric was a famous painter a few years ago, but in recent years, he has been overwhelmed in the business world. I can provide him a chance to study abroad, but the premise is that he must be single because it is easier for him to be famous again." Joseph crossed his hands while beside him was the hot tea, and its fragrance faintly suffused in the air.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Emery bit her teeth and asked, "Is it a threat?"

    Josephughed after hearing her words and said, "I still don''t bother to do this kind of thing." But he still sighed and then said sincerely, "It is not a threat, but just rted how important you are in his heart. He can ept this chance, and of course, he has the right to decline it. If he refuses this opportunity, I will also provide him another chance for him to get a decent development in New York, and then you can be with each other naturally."

    Emery looked at him doubtfully and said, "I don''t understand. Why would you like to help him?"

    "I am not helping him, but I am using the fairest and most transparent way to sort out your rtionship." Joseph turned severely and then continued, "I am pleased to see that Jack shall have Jill. And to be honest, I also thought he would choose to stay in New York for you, and at least it will make me believe that your profit-based marriage could alsost forever. However....."

    Joseph stopped, which made Emery shiver, and she looked at him with vignce while an ominous feeling rose from her heart. Joseph didn''t continue his words but took out two documents from his portfolio and handed them in front of her.

    "One is a cooperation contract for staying in domestic development, and the other is the opportunity to be a famous painter abroad. Before I could finish my words, your husband signed thetter without hesitation and told me firmly that he is willing to give up his marriage."

    Emery''s face suddenly turned pale and she hastily took over the contracts, opening but only to find that he didn''t sign in the first contract but his name was in the second paper.

    Joseph looked at her calmly and remembered the excited face he had met in the morning. It was a man who was overwhelmed by his dream, and he was so eager to sign the second contract even without any hesitation. He was so eager that Joseph also couldn''t bear to disappoint him, but he still asked him at the moment when he was signing the contract, "Do you need some time to take consideration?"

    However, he refused directly.

    Joseph smiled bitterly and thought Eric must like to sacrifice everything for his dream.

    Emery burst into tears, and the tears fell off. Joseph did notfort her, and in fact, he didn''t know how to persuade her, just staring at her quietly. After a long while, he handed two of the contracts to her and said softly, "You are his wife, and you have to know this. Well, you can take these contracts back, and I will give you some time to negotiate with him, but if he still insists on his choice, I think you can consider your marriage cautiously and think about whether the man is worth your love."

    Emery took the contracts tightly and shivered. After a moment, she looked up at Joseph and asked, "Why?"

    Of course, Joseph understood what he meant, so he replied frankly, "It is because Ruby and I have to free each other."

 Chapter 374 374: A Way Out For Cassie

    Emery was astonished while Joseph added, "Therefore, I hope there is a man to love her, no matter what kind of man he is and if he cares about her or not. She won''t care about that."

    After hearing this, her breathing became more rapid.

    After exining to her, Joseph took out a business card and handed it to her, saying, "You can tell me your decision at any time." Then he stood up and left.

    Emery stood silently under the sunlight, and she felt the business card on the table was so dazzling.

    ****

    After she was done teaching the college students, Irish had a quick meal and then hurried to the hospital. Cassie had been in a good state these days, but she always kept silent when Fredrick was there. And Irish also asked for her opinion several times and asked if she wanted to see him, while she admitted that she missed him but just didn''t know what to say.

    Irish knew clearly that she couldn''t forget him and couldn''t ept that their love died down in such a short time since she could even sacrifice her life for it. Fredrick was not a heartless man, and he woulde to take care of her every day, and Cassie couldn''t bear to refuse him.

    But Irish didn''t tell her that Roy was also there, just staring at her secretly. However, in fact, Irish was worried on the way to the hospital because she was afraid that she would argue with Fredrick again, and she also felt embarrassed to meet Roy, who often wore a grave face and looked different than ever. He didn''t behave as noisy as before. But when she opened the door of the ward, she heard Cassie''sughter. And when she got in, she was surprised since she had never expected Daisy woulde to visit her best friend.

    Fresh fruits and flowers were put on the table, and Irish knew that it must be Daisy who brought that for Cassie. Fredrick was not in the room while Cassie''s mother was there. She hastily greeted Irish when she saw her, while Irish felt weird, and at the same time, she was worried since she was afraid that Daisy would bring her the bad news. But Cassie was smiling there, so she was confused.

    Daisy turned to her and exined, "I am here to bring some documents. Some identification materials for the uing jewelry of the Runestone Group."

    Irish was still confused and frowned at her.

    Seeing this, Cassie hastily exined to her, "I have passed through the qualifying period, and I still have to pass the examination to be a full member of thepany. Daisy deliberately brings thetest material for me so that I could pass the examination easier."

    Irish was totally shocked.

    ? "Daisy, if I pass the exam, can I be a formal appraiser?" She held Daisy''s hands and asked.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "There is one more step before bing a formal appraiser. You have to study with a professional appraiser for half a year and then pass the assessment. After that, you can be a formal appraiser and could get the opportunity to study abroad." Speaking of this, Daisy looked at Irish and then said, "I hope these materials will help you to be a full member of Runestone Group, and that is what Mr. Dover wants you to achieve."

    ****

    It was a sunny day, and the osmanthus fragrance was suffused in the air. Several patients were taking a walk in the small garden in the hospital while there was also a worker in the distance mowing thewn. The golden leaves were flying in the breeze and finally fell down on the ground, which formed a sharp contrast.

    Irish was walking with Daisy on thewn and finally sat on the bench beside which the osmanthus was nted there so that they could feel the sweet scent in the air. It was her second "close contact" with Daisy. The first time was when she resigned from Runestone Group, Daisy helped her to pack things together, and now it was the second time for her to walk so close to her since she did not expect that she woulde here, and she even didn''t expect that Joseph would give a way out for Cassie.

    Her quarrel with Joseph that night allowed her to see his inhumanity, and she misunderstood that Cassie would lose her job. Irish, even though he was annoyed by her and had been figuring out a solution that wouldn''t stimte Cassie and told her the truth that she may be dismissed. It was hard for her to imagine how disappointed Cassie would be if she knew she had lost her favorite work, and she also couldn''t foresee the future, and that was why she wanted to have a conversation with Fredrick today.

    However, things changed today when Daisy brought the news to her.

    A slight breeze rose, stirring her long hair. She reached out and pinned her hair behind her ears, revealing her earlobes which looked like two pears under the sunlight. Daisy stared at her and sighed with huge admiration in her heart. Perhaps she would also fall in love with her if she was a man.

    Irish had a pale oval face, and she looked even more beautiful under the sunlight, and no matter what kind of hairstyle she had, she looked so fair andely.

    She just draped her hair thick, glossy, and in tip-top condition like the thick seaweed. She had a full and smooth forehead, her eyebrows were lightly dyed, her skin was white while her eyes were deep and profound as the dark night and the light flowing deep in the bottom of her eyes was just like the fireworks in the night sky.

    Her eyshes were long and thick. Daisy was sure that she didn''t apply any mascara. She was facing the light so Daisy could see clearly her sharp nose, which highlighted the three-dimensional outline of her cheek.

    Her lips were the color of the cherry blossoms while she was biting them lightly.

    Staring at her, Daisy couldn''t help thinking what a beautiful woman her mother was. It was no wonder that Joseph, who did not pay much attention to women, would also fall in love with her. It turned out that people in love always cared about each other''s appearance.

 Chapter 375 375: What’s Wrong With Him?

    Of course, it did not mean that they have to be very handsome orely, but it must be a seeminglyfortable appearance that would arouse the desire to get in contact with each other, let alone Irish was such a beauty that would make people unforgetful while shedding a first nce at her. This was the first time Daisy worried about Joseph and Irish''s rtionship and that one day, they might fall apart after several trialse their way. She saw how well-matched this couple was.

    The temperature had gone up, so Irish didn''t wear much, and she was dressed in a cream-colored loose shirt with a small gold button revealing a stylish feel and pale blue trousers, which color was well matched with this season. She wore a pair of high-heeled shoes, and the sun poured on her bare instep, which looked as white as porcin. Daisy could even see the capiry vessel on her instep. However, though she was dressed appropriately, she looked mncholy.

    "Daisy, thanks a lot. I never expected that you woulde." After sitting there for a long while, Irish said softly to her with a faint smile while there was the light flickering in the deep of her eyes.

    Daisy felt if Joseph was there, he might be depressed since her voice sounded so tired. She believed that Joseph would feel sore if he was there. And it was at this moment that Daisy suddenly realized that he was an arrogant man, and he would definitely not admit he had made apromise in their rtionship because he had used to be a stubborn and ruthless man in the business world. Therefore, he decided not to face Irish since he was afraid that he wouldpromise again upon seeing her.

    "I am just passing on a message," Daisy replied briefly since she knew that Irish could understand her.

    Hearing this, Irish lowered her head with her white neck exposed under the sunlight. She felt that the warmth of the noon was spreading from her neck down to her heart and drove the coldness away that had upied a few days ago. In the deep of her heart, there was a seedling growing quickly, which brought her expectation.

    "Is he alright?" She really missed him, especially now.

    "No," Daisy replied directly.

    Irish was shocked by her words and looked up at her, with her hair swiping from her cheeks just as the cold wind was blowing from her heart. "What''s wrong with him?"

    Daisy shook her head helplessly since she knew they both cared for each other, but they were just so stubborn and reluctant to take the initiative to express their emotions frankly.

    "He works so crazily these days, and you also knew that he was a workaholic, and now the situation is getting worse than that since he doesn''t even care about his health."

    It was the first time for Irish to hear Daisyining in front of her since she was so conscientious and tentative about her work. But now she justined about the heavy work before her. Irish realized that perhaps Joseph had pushed them too hard.

    However, she felt sorrowful after hearing this, and she remembered that he looked thinner when she met him in the restaurant a few days ago. Irish frowned slightly, and she suddenly felt as if a knife was being stabbed inside her heart.

    "I have heard about Cassie''s current situation. Irish, can I share my innermost thoughts and feelings about this situation?"

    Irish turned to her and nodded.

    "Though Runestone Group had strict selection criteria, there wasn''t an assessment for the staff to be a full member of thepany. You also knew that passing the probationary period means they should be qualified since they had experienced all kinds of examinations before entering Runestone Group.

    Irish drew back her eyes, and her heart beat so quickly.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "You are also aware of Cassie''s condition since you''re a psychologist, and so does Mr. Dover. ording to thepany''s practice, Cassie is disqualified because of her poor mental state. However, Mr. Dover still decided to give her a chance and is about to give her an assessment to see if she ispetent for this work." Speaking of this, Daisy smiled and then added, "For a boss who just focuses on the result of work, Mr. Dover has broken so many rules."

    Irish''s breath turned rapid, and the unnamed emotion rose from the deep of her heart gradually. She knew that it was unnecessary for Daisy to speak for him since she was also a decisive woman. She licked her lips and then said with feelings, "In fact, it is my fault. I shouldn''t make a requirement for him in ordance with my criteria. I know he is trapped in this dilemma because of my stubborn behavior."

    "But it is not a bad thing. I think Mr. Dover is also doing introspection." Daisy said calmly while Irish was confused about her words.

    Daisy smiled again, saying, "Mr. Dover asked me a question that day."

    "What is the question?"

    "He asked me if he is too serious."

    Irish was surprised.

    "You are also shocked, aren''t you? I am even more astonished like you, after all, he has never asked me such a personal question."

    "I want to know your answer."

    Daisyughed and said, "I said to him that he is so serious, and he asked everyone to be as serious as him."

    Irish didn''t expect that she would say this, and after being surprised for a few seconds, she also smiled.

    Their distance seemed to be getting closer because of this topic, while Irish suddenly realized that she was also a woman who was talented and capable of persuading her boss.

    After a long while, Daisy harked back to the topic and said sincerely, "Irish, in fact, I think Mr. Dover wanted to take a bet on the matter about Cassie."

    Irish looked at her silently and waited for her to continue.

    "He was a rational man, and sometimes he wouldn''t y the card ording to hismon sense, which is understandable since he is the leader of Runestone Group and he has to manage several thousand employees. He has to be responsible to the board of directors, so he couldn''t make a minor mistake which means he shouldn''t act impetuously." Daisy looked at the flying leaves in the air and said slowly, "But I think he wanted to trust you this time, so he decided to give Cassie another chance."

 Chapter 376 376: Do You Have Anything Else To Say?

    Daisy''s words were like the sunshine, which was warm and full of strength that revived her cold heart. Joseph still cares about her, isn''t he? When the question appeared in her mind, she was a little shocked, and she began to realize that she was in fear and agitation.

    And she still remembered the words that she said to Leo. She said firmly that Joseph loved her, and she was so confident about it and steadfast in front of Leo. She even thought that she should move forward when facing love instead of being hesitant, and it was unnecessary to think too much.

    She was so manful once before, but she overestimated herself and also underestimated Joseph. Though she hadn''t been with him for a long time, she loved him so much, and now she could not bear being apart from him anymore.

    "Daisy, do you think I am rebarbative?" Joseph broke his rule for her, and though she was moved by him, she still felt guilty; after all, it was her that made him do that.

    "No. Instead, I think Mr. Dover is too strict."

    "He must think I have bribed you if he hears this." Irish smiled softly, and the light kept flickering in the deep of her eyes.

    Daisy puckered her mouth and replied after a while, "It is good for Cassie to take the assessment, which could push her to be confident again."

    Irish nodded since she thought Cassie had a great passion for her work, and shemitted suicide just because she was muddled at that moment. And she believed Cassie would get better soon.

    Daisy didn''t stay for a long time because she still had a lot of work to do.

    Irish also did not return to the ward immediately but sat on the couch quietly, with her phone in her hand, and recalled the words that Daisy had just told her.

    She missed him so much. She missed his voice, his appearance, as well as the moment when he whispered beside her ears. He would say that she was a witch woman who took his heart away. She even missed his frown.

    She doesn''t know what the cold war meant after their quarrel, and she also does not know if it meant they chose to break up with each other since they did not get in contact for a long time after that incident.

    If her patient asked her these questions, she would definitelyfort them as a bystander and a psychologist. Perhaps she would think that as long as the love still existed inside someone''s heart, why not take the initiative to apologize?

    However, she was not a bystander this time, and she couldn''t persuade herself to take the initiative to admit her fault but just stared at her phone silently. After experiencing all these things, she realized that women were always an expert when facing other people''s love affairs but would turn a lunatic when facing their own emotions.

    Holding her phone tightly, she didn''t want to be a lunatic or an idiot anymore, especially after hearing the words from Daisy.

    She couldn''t help shivering when she dialed the string of numbers, and her heart beat so fast. In fact, these numbers showed up in her mind several thousand times, and Daisy''s words today were thest straw, defeating herst stubbornness.

    Every time she pressed a number, the frequency of her heart beat faster.

    When she was done pressing all the numbers, she felt that her heart rose in her mouth, making her feel suffocated.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Putting the phone into her ears, she waited with her anxious heart. Suddenly, the phone was connected, and her heart was as if stopped beating at this moment.

    When Joseph''s deep voice sounded on the other end, she thought that her mind had gone nk. He said hello and then kept silent.

    Irish also went silent for a few seconds, and when she calmed down and restored her demeanor, she heard that someone was talking. She then realized that he had a meeting which made her feel regretful since she had called him at the wrong time.

    "Well, I didn''t know you were having a meeting..." She finally broke her silence in an extremely low voice.

    "It doesn''t matter. What''s wrong?" His voice sounded firm and calm.

    Irish was eager to tell him that she wanted to reconcile with him and tell him not to be angry with her. What''s more, she was eager to tell him that she was upset these days and missed him so much. However, she bit back the words she would like to imply. "Nothing. I just want to thank you."

    She forced herself to be rational since she knew that he was having a meeting, so it wasn''t a good time to express her thoughts.

    "Hmm." He replied briefly, which gave her an illusion that he was still frowning with cold eyes. His indifferent attitude led her to a loss. She didn''t say anything while he also kept silent. The deadlocksted for nearly one minute, and they could only hear their breath from each other.

    Finally, Joseph started to ask her with an aloof voice, "Do you have anything else to say?"

    Hearing his indifferent voice, she shrank her neck and bit her lips, replying, "N-Nothing."

    He hung up the phone immediately without even saying goodbye. The busy tone sounded immediately, which made her feel wrong.

    Now it seemed that he had no intention to reconcile with her since he treated her coldly a moment ago.

    The phone slipped down from her hands to the ground. She could easily imagine his seriousness when he answered his phone. She lowered her head, staring at her shoes while her nose twitched. When she was about to move her eyes, a pair of leather shoes appeared in her sight. The first thought that urred to her was that it must be Joseph, so she looked up excitedly but found Roy standing right before her.

    He looked at her surprised eyes. Obviously, she looked disappointed, and he then sat beside her silently.

    Irish didn''t dare tofort him since she was also upset. She let out a heavy sigh and told him, "Do you know what you are doing?"

    He still kept silent.

 Chapter 377 377: Fredrick Is Taking Care Of Her

    "Roy, let her go." Irish bent down and picked a leaf, pinching it slightly, and it cracked immediately. "Cassie doesn''t love you. Even if she loves you, your parents won''t ept her. Although you have a decent job as a captain, you are still the eldest son of the Lake family, and your parents may have arranged your marriage already. Your future wife must be the daughter of a wealthy family. But Cassie is just an ordinary woman from amoner. Do you think she could stay beside you?"

    He sat there nkly and answered after a while, "Irish, Ie here to ask for your favor. Hopefully, you consider me as your brother." He looked so sad and exhausted.

    ****

    The scene in Runestone Group was totally different.

    The meetingsted for nearly two hours, and when Joseph dered the meeting was adjourned, everyone sighed with relief, but Joseph suddenly added, "As for the work during Labor Day....." He stopped for a second because when he opened this matter, he found that everyone in the meeting room looked panicked. Staring at them, he continued, "No one is required to work overtime, and we will have three days off, and I hope you can have a good holiday."

    Everyone in the conference room couldn''t help apuding, and someone even shouted excitedly to Joseph, "Mr. Dover, have a good time!"

    They all looked so cheerful.

    When the meeting was over, Daisy happened to return to thepany, and she was so confused when she saw that everyone looked cheerful, so she hastily asked her colleague what had happened, and soon she got the good news from them.

    When she was still in astonishment and wondered why he suddenly bestowed favors to them, someone added, "I don''t know who the angel that gave a call to Mr. Dover that influenced his mood was, and I noticed he was so pleased after the call and he even shortened the meeting time. I think the three days off wouldn''t be granted without that call."

    After hearing this, Daisy then realized what had happened, and she puckered her face with a smile.

    Joseph went back to his office immediately after the meeting. When Daisy got into his office, he was talking to an important client on his phone, and he hung up after a few minutes.

    "Make an announcement that we will have a meeting for senior management staff after the holiday."

    Daisy nodded and hastily kept the record.

    After finishing these words, Joseph went silent, but Daisy couldn''t help asking him after a while, "Is there anything else?"

    Joseph looked up at her doubtfully.

    "How would I arrange your trip for the three days off?"

    "Don''t make any arrangements in these three days." He replied casually, his eyes were busy looking through the papers in his hands. Daisy was shocked by his response since she knew he was always a workaholic man and hadn''t taken any leave.

    "Oh." She was too shocked to utter any words to him.

    Joseph hadn''t noticed her astonishment, nced at her for a while, seemed to think something, yet didn''t express his thought.<novelnext></novelnext>

    His eyes returned to the document again. "You came back from the hospital?"

    Daisy suppressed her smile and said yes since she knew he would ask this question knowingly.

    He halted his movement while Daisy added immediately, "Cassie had lost so much weight these days."

    Joseph did not expect that she would mention this to him, and he raised his eyes at her and frowned, "You should persuade her to eat on time."

    "Fredrick is taking care of her." After hearing this, his eyes turned severe, and he asked, "Fredrick is in the hospital?"

    Daisy smiled and hastily replied, "Fredrick was Cassie''s boyfriend, and he was also a psychologist, so it is natural for them to be together, isn''t it?" After finishing her words, she hid her smile.

    As expected, she noticed Joseph''s frown, and he looked a little embarrassed. She thought for a while and then decided to defuse his embarrassment since he was still her boss. Daisy cleared her throat and said, "But Irish also lost much weight, and it seemed that she had experienced many hardships recently."

    Joseph still kept silent but frowned more tightly. After a long time, he then asked, "Is the phone already shipped?"

    "Yes, it will arrive before our work ends today," Daisy replied briefly since she knew what he was thinking.

    Joseph leaned against his chair and squinted at Daisy, pointing at her, "You''d better get married as soon as possible and get out of here." He knew that she must have seen through his mind.

    "Yes, I will, Mr. Dover." Daisy suppressed a smile; obviously, she was trying to annoy him.

    ****

    On the first day of the holiday, Irish rushed to the hospital because Cassie would leave the hospital in the morning. After asking the attending doctor, they learned Cassie recovered well and nned to leave the hospital before the holiday. Fredrick arrived earlier than Irish, and when she arrived, Fredrick had gone through the relevant procedures while Cassie''s parents were packing things in the ward; when they saw Irish, her mom began toin about Fredrick to her, "It was toote for him to make up with Cassie."

    Hearing this, Cassie''s father frowned and said, "Don''tin anymore and don''t me anyone. It is so lucky that Cassie is fine now."

    Obviously, her mom did not agree with him, so she began to argue with her father. Seeing this situation, Irish suggested taking a walk with Cassie in the small garden of the hospital since she knew that it would take some time to finish the procedures. Cassie epted her advice and then walked out with Irish with a coat draping on her shoulder.

    There were only just a few patients in the garden, so it was quiet. It was a good day while the sky was as blue as the ocean, though the air was a little bit cool.

    They sat down on the bench, and the sun was also hanging over the sky. The sweet scent of the osmanthus was suffused in the air, which was Cassie''s favorite fragrance.

    Irish chatted with Cassie and did a psychological test for her secretly during their conversation and was relieved because she found that she was getting rid of her depression gradually. When it came to her work, she responded actively, so Irish realized that she had recovered well both physically and mentally.

 Chapter 378 378: Are You Cold?

    Irish''s phone rang, and she took out her phone and asked Cassie to wait for her for a moment.

    It was so peaceful in this garden while Cassie was basking in the sun on the bench leisurely. She stared at the osmanthus and then bent down to snap it. She took some osmanthus in her hands and smelt its sweet fragrance when the breeze rose, and her coat slipped down from her shoulders.

    Cassie then felt it was a little cold and was about to pick up her coat from thewn. Unexpectedly, a man picked it up for her and soon draped it on her shoulder before she could bend down. She looked up and found that it was Roy.

    He stood in front of her under the sunshine, which made him look more handsome, and his face was so well-defined that she could not move her sight from him. He was dressed casually in a dark coffee color leather jacket, a blue and white shirt, and coordinated the casual jeans underneath, and a dark green men''s scarf with a casual outer jacket that was pleasant to the eye.

    But his eyes looked distressed when he stared at Cassie.

    Cassie did not expect he woulde here and be shocked slightly, but soon she drew back her eyes silently. Roy stared at her, who was thinner than before, and his heart trembled when she moved her sight. The moment he sat down, he saw clearly that she shivered slightly, so he asked softly while holding her hands, "Are you cold?"

    Cassie just felt warm, and she could feel the man''s fresh breath in the air. Somehow, a sudden panic struck her heart, and she hastily drew back her hands and replied, "No."

    She did not show dislike and indifference to him as usual and didn''t turn to leave, which encouraged Roy. He turned to her and asked with a little bit of a flustered and worried voice, "Why did you take things too hard?"

    Cassie clenched her hands, pinching the osmanthus in her hands without reply.

    Roy sighed slightly and then said, "Cassie, I am sorry. I apologize to you for what I said that night because I was drunk."

    "It doesn''t matter." She knew what he meant. He called her suddenly that night and said, "I will definitely be with you." She was startled by him.

    Roy felt weird about her attitude and couldn''t help asking her, "Why not me me?"

    Cassie looked up while there was faint light flickering in her eyes, and she looked so sober. "Irish has told me that it is you who sent me to hospital, or perhaps I would have lost my life already, so Roy, I have to thank you."

    After hearing this, Roy then understood the reason why she did not repel him. He smiled bitterly and continued, "Cassie, I don''t need your appreciation."

    "But I can only extend my appreciation to you." She said indifferently.

    He frowned and clenched her hands tightly. Though Cassie struggled violently, he still did not loosen his hands which made her very anxious, and said in a low voice, "Let me go. Irish wille back soon."

    "Why don''t you like me?" He ignored her words directly and then held her to face him forcibly.

    The deep of his eyes were filled with depression and anxiety, and somehow she perceived hisplicated emotion at the moment. She widened her eyes as a confused kid, which aroused an unnamed impulsion from his heart. He couldn''t help lowering his head and kissing her lips.

    The man''s breath soon spread in her mouth, and she was too astonished to forget to resist him when his cold lips pressed down. It was not until he began to intertwine her tongue that she then realized and pushed him away with panic, "Roy, don''t act like this."<novelnext></novelnext>

    He held her in case she would run away and looked at her firmly, "Forget him. Be with me."

    Cassie prised his hands and said sincerely after calming down, "Roy, I really have no feeling for you. Though I really appreciate you, it is impossible for us to be with each other."

    "Cassie."

    "Perhaps, love is always torture since the resonance between two lovers is rare. Roy, I am not the one you are looking for, so don''t waste your time, okay?" Cassie refused him directly with a soft but firm tone, "You saved my life, and I am really grateful to you. And if there is anything I can do for you, I will definitely not decline your request, but I can''t deceive my feelings."

    His hands slipped down from her shoulders while his eyes were suffused with a grievance.

    "I am sorry." Cassie bit her lips.

    He leaned forward, crossing his hands, and looked forward. He sighed after a long while and then said, "You don''t have to do anything for me, but I have a request for you."

    Cassie looked at his back and waited for him to continue while he took a deep breath and then turned to her, "I saved your life, so it belongs to me. Without my permission, you have no right to dispose of your life, do you understand?"

    Cassie smiled softly after hearing this but was a little bit bitter, "I don''t think I have the courage to die again since I have suffered a lot this time."

    Roy gazed at her sorrowfully.

    At the entrance of the garden, Irish stood there quietly, looking at those who were sitting on the white bench while the leaves flew in the air. She thought Fredrick and Cassie were well-matched before, but it was more pleasant to see when she was sitting with Roy, which gave her a totally different feeling. They were two different types of men since Fredrick was learned and refined as a man from fairy tales while Roy was stalwart as the hero in the movie.

    She suddenly felt that what Cassie needed was a hero who could protect her.

    But Roy was a romantic hero, which was an undeniable fact. However, this romantic hero was tortured by Cassie these days, so he was submissive to ask for favor though he was arrogant before. He asked for an opportunity to stay alone with Cassie, so she created this opportunity for him today.

    Therefore, she stopped Fredrick, who was about to rush forward to them when he came for them after finishing all the discharge procedures.

    Fredrick looked ghastly and asked Irish unpleasantly, "Why is he there?"

    Irish looked at them in the distance and replied slowly, "You don''t care about her, but it doesn''t mean others also don''t care about her."

    Fredrick was speechless after hearing this.

 Chapter 379 379: Compensate For Me

    In the afternoon, Irish apanied Mary to go shopping in order to celebrate this holiday. Mary was actually a thrifty woman, and that was why Steven would respect her so much, and he would even give all his money to Mary and mind the financial problems of the family. Just as Mary said, men can only own either face or money, but not both.

    What made Irish admire her most was that Mary was tempted to discount and insist on buying things just a day earlier before the holiday. Therefore, she would always lecture them if they bought things in advance because she believed that the price would be lowest just a day before the holiday since the price of the product would be reduced after the holiday.

    Therefore, when she was shopping in the supermarket among the crowds, she then realized perhaps many people had the same opinion as her aunt since it was so crowded there.

    Mary rolled up her sleeves and was ready to go on a shopping spree while talking with Irish, "I am so confused why don''t people go out on a trip, but closely packed together, shopping in the crowd."

    Mary was going to buy an apartment for Irish during this period since the house prices were rising fast, and she wanted to catch the opportunity. However, after searching for some high-quality avability, she found that the price was extremely high, which was beyond her imagination. When she finally decided to buy a good apartment for Irish, the house price began to rise again.

    What made her more uneptable was that when she decided to pay the down payment directly, she was still shut out since those sales staff would receive those customers who were going to pay the full payment.

    Mary had been upset for a few days, and she couldn''t help wondering why there were so many rich people. When she was still seeking the basic living guarantee, those rich people were pursuing value investment. Naturally, Jay didn''t want her mother to be upset, so he was liberal of his money to help her. Finally, Irish got this news and hastily stopped her since she didn''t want to buy a house at present.

    Hearing this, Steven began to worry that Irish would leave them without noticing someday. She immediatelyforted them and promised them that she would buy an apartment as soon as possible and get married to a man who had his own house. However, Steven satirized her and said she was doing the air-for-asset.

    Therefore, when they were shopping in the supermarket and found the rising product price, Mary was a little bit anxious while Irish had tofort her patiently. Mary puckered her mouth but said nothing.

    Soon Irish found that her sleeves had been rolled up already, and it seemed that she was ready to go on a shopping spree. After seeing this, Irish hastily held her arms and persuaded, "Aunt, we can go to another supermarket to buy goods there."

    However, Mary was so stubborn, rubbing her hands and insisted on going shopping in this market, "Irish, trust me. I will win. Wait for me here."

    Absolutely, she would trust her since she was an irondy. She wore a red sweater today, so she was very eye-catching in the crowd. And she felt that it was hard for her to move in the crowd, and she also did not expect that her aunt, Mary, would be so prompt. Before she could react, Mary had rushed back with several bags in her hands, and she didn''t even sweat that shocked Irish.

    For the whole afternoon, Irish was in the shopping mall with Mary, but she stayed for a long time while passing by a cake shop.

    Finally, her small jeep was suffused with the goods they bought in the afternoon. Mary''s red sweater was well matched with her red jeep, but when she got in the car, she felt it was a little bit crowded. However, Mary was in a good mood since she had bought many good products this afternoon. After getting in the car, she said cheerfully, "Let''s go home now!"<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish soon started the car, but unexpectedly when she was just driving out of the parking lot, her car was rear-ended, which shocked Mary as well as Irish violently. "Who is it?" Mary shouted.

    But before she could finish her words, Irish rushed out of the car and found arge luxury car mmed into her small jeep, which irritated Irish. She rushed to the car and knocked on the window, pointing at the driver, "Get out of your car immediately." She yelled.

    Mary also got out of the car and knocked on the window with Irish. After a few seconds, the driver got out helplessly. When he saw Irish, he was surprised and then hastily apologized to her while Irish was silent for a moment. He looked familiar, but she couldn''t remember where she had seen him before. She was slightly relieved by his apology and then said, "You have topensate for it."

    The driver faltered and made an ambiguous statement.

    "Are you dumb?" Mary shouted at him, full of rage.

    "Miss. Lake, I didn''t mean it." Irish was shocked since he called her Miss. Lake.

    When she was in astonishment, a woman''s unpleasant voice sounded from the car. "What''s wrong?"

    Irish was familiar with this voice which made her feel disgusted. She looked inside the car and saw Shirley get out of it. Obviously, she did not expect that it was Irish, so she was stunned for a while and then sneered, "What happened?"

    And soon, another woman got out of the car. It was from Kelly. She stepped forward and took a look at the driver unpleasantly," Why are you so careless?"

    "Yes, why are you so obtrusive? Do you know who she is? We all dare not to offend her. Though it was an old and cheap car, you can''t be so saucy." Shirley said sarcastically while the driver apologized continuously.

    Mary recognized her and turned severe, especially when she looked at Shirley, she was filled with rage. When she was about to walk forward, Irish stopped her with her hands crossed and said coldly to Shirley with her dreamy eyes, "Yes, it is an old and cloddy car because I don''t have a sugar daddy like you. Compensate for me, or I will call the police."

    "Don''t talk too much with them. Call the police now." Mary shouted beside her.

 Chapter 380 380: You Are A Bitch From Hell

    Shirley stared at Irish unpleasantly while Kelly said with a weak voice beside her, "Shirley, you''d better not bring trouble on yourself. Do you forget that Irish wille to eat lunch with us? You have to save face for Henry. Don''t argue with her." If it wasn''t because of the family gathering tomorrow, she would not havee out with Shirley at all.

    Of course, they were members of this shopping mall, so they would only buy some luxuries in the mall, while Mary usually went shopping on the first floor and bought somemodities at par.

    After finishing her words, Kelly stepped forward and said with a faint smile, "It is unnecessary to call the police. I''llpensate for you."

    Mary did not hear the words that Kelly said to Shirley, so she sneered and said, "It is lucky enough that there is still a reasonable person."

    Shirley was going to get mad with her, but soon she changed her mind and smiled after taking a glimpse at Mary, and then she looked at Kelly, "Well, you are family. It is no wonder you will speak in support of her. Sister, you''d better strike up an acquaintance with her, or what if no one will get married to Lilith when she is pregnant?"

    Mary turned severely after hearing this, while Kelly also became ghastly and roared at Shirley, "You are talking bullshit!"

    "It''s definitely not bullshit," Shirley reached out and stared at her nails that had just been finely crafted and added, "I saw a man who sent Lilith back at night, and they looked very intimated in the car. And then I found the man was Jay."

    Speaking of this, she red at Mary and said, "Don''t you know that?"

    Before Mary could respond, Kelly frowned and said, "It is impossible. They have broken up."

    Mary was also annoyed by Kelly''s attitude and snorted, "We dare not have any connections with the Lake family because I am afraid of being punished by God someday, so for the sake of my son''s safety, I will definitely allow him to get married to Lilith."

    Kelly frowned after hearing this, while Shirley did not intend to stop and walked forward, "It''s really nifty. Rule your son. Don''t let him follow her sister''s misdeed."

    "What do you mean he followed her sister? You''d better give me an exnation." Mary said resentfully.

    Shirley turned to Kelly and pretended to be regretful, "Sister, it is not Lilith''s fault since she is too young to distinguish between right and wrong. In my opinion, she must be tempted by Jay. Nowadays the policeman is not reliable. Have you heard the news that there were some policemen who always deceived some young girls'' feelings? We are all unlucky since your daughter is deceived by a man while my daughter''s husband is seduced by Foxtel, and she even went to South Africa to seduce my son-inw. Doesn''t she know that he is her brother-inw? They are really disgusting, and they must covet the treasure of the Lake family."

    Kelly hastily pulled Shirley and tried to stop her while Irish waspletely irritated by her. However, before she could make any response, Mary rushed in front of Shirley, pointing at her, and said angrily. "Repeat that again, I dare you?"<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Of course. Do you want to know the details? Ask your son and your niece. They know what they did. Shameless!" Shirley said loudly while Kelly couldn''t prevent her already.

    Hearing this, Mary did not get angry; instead, she looked calm and asked while staring at her, "You are Shirley, aren''t you?"

    "Yes. I am. Do you just know me today? I remember that you abused me in front of my house several years ago."

    Mary smiled and said, "Of course, I know you are Shirley. But I haven''t seen you for many years and now you are wrinkled. Now that I didn''t make a mistake, then don''t me me for what I will do next."

    After finishing her words and before Shirley could react, Mary suddenly reached out and pped her cheeks violently.

    It happened so fast that Irish, as well as Kelly, didn''t react. When they finally reacted, Mary pped her several times, and Shirley was also shocked since she did not expect that she would do this. It was not until she had a burning pain on her face that she then reacted and began to strike back while screaming.

    However, Mary was an irondy, and she freed one of her hands quickly and pulled her hair while pping her face with another hand.

    Mary shouted while pping her, "Do you know what my t is, and I will tell you now, I specialize inbating mistress. Do you forget that you seduced another woman''s husband a few years ago? God is punishing your daughter since you have done so many misdeeds, and I am afraid your daughter is also a mistress, or why does her husband also abandon her?"

    The ps were mixed with Mary''s shouts as well as Shirley''s screaming, which attracted many bystanders, while some even took out their phones and took pictures and videos. Irish felt that the disaster was imminent and roared at the driver to stop those bystanders shooting video on them and shouted at Kelly, "Don''t stand motionlessly. You''d better take her away."

    Kelly was shocked by the scene since she did not expect Mary was so mighty and manly. Mary was originally an irondy, and she hated Shirley so deeply. Today, she was irritated by Shirley, so it was natural that her rage would break out abruptly.

    Mary was stronger than Shirley, so Shirley was no match for her at all. Kelly widened her eyes, and it was not until Irish shouted at her that she then realized and hastily pulled Shirley while Irish also held Mary tightly, trying to stop her.

    "You are a bitch from hell!" Shirley shouted at Mary while her eyes were red and her hair disheveled. Her bag was trampled on the ground, and her shirt was torn up. What shocked her was her swollen face.

    "You are the bitch, or why did you seduce another''s husband?" Though Mary couldn''t move because Irish held her tightly, she still did not intend to let her go. In the following second, she turned to those bystanders and said loudly, "Look at this woman. She is Mrs. Lake, and she was a mistress who took the initiative seducing another woman''s husband a few years ago and ruined other''s marriage and family."

 Chapter 381 381: Call The Police

    "You, you....."

    "Now you are being punished since your own daughter is abandoned by her husband. Why not teach your daughter how to tempt the man, or your daughter would not suffer the grievance?"

    "Aunt, stop." Irish knew well about Mary, who was shrewish, and no one was qualified to be her opponent. She usually told them the old saying that nice guys finishst, so she would never let off a bitch woman.

    Mary drew a clear demarcation between whom or what to hate or love. She always believed that little help would bring much return, but she would also return blow for blow. Though Irish''s mother had totally different characteristics from Mary''s, they were still as intimate as full sisters. And that was why Mary hated Shirley to the core, and she even wanted to kill her.

    Those bystanders were gesticting and discussing animatedly. Shirley was full of rage, and she shouted at the driver, "Call the police immediately. Find awyer for me, and I am going to sue this bitch!"

    It was a mess, and as a result, two of them were brought to the police station.

    Jay was having a meeting when he received the call, and actually, it was an important meeting since he was convening an elite backbone to deploy the next anti-drug mission. After receiving the call, he had no choice but to go to the police station hastily. Although he was transferred back to the anti-drug group, his colleagues at the police station still knew him because of his capability. One of his colleagues immediately took him to meet Mary as soon as he arrived at the police station.

    Lilith had already arrived after getting the call. Kelly was also brought back to the police station with Shirley, so when Lilith got the call from the police station, she thought something had happened to Kelly. It was not until she arrived here that she knew that it was Mary and Shirley who fought before the public.

    Mary was a little embarrassed when she saw Jay while Irish leaned against the chair. Her head was in a mess, so when she saw Jay, she hastily said to him as if he was a savior, "Let us get out of here as soon as possible."

    Shirley''s swollen face was too horrible to look at, and her hair was disheveled. Though Kelly did not get involved in the fight, her hands still were scratched identally, while Irish was luckily unhurt. But she was also annoyed since it should have been a good holiday for her. Mary''s hair was also a mess, and there were two scratches on her neck.

    Therefore, Shirley was at a disadvantage, and she shouted that she would sue Mary while Mary was also angry and roared at her that she was not afraid of that.

    Kelly was rtively calm and reproached Shirley to stop shouting. After persuading for a long time, they finally left the police station, but before they left, Mary warned Shirley that if she met her the next time, she would beat her more violently.

    Shirley began to cry out and said to those policemen, "Do you hear that? She is threatening me! I am going to sue her for intimidation."

    Lilith was so awkward since Jay was also there. Kelly spent all of her might to get Shirley into the car, and she red at Lilith and said angrily, "Get in the car quickly, and I have something to ask you."

    Lilith took a look at Jay and then got in the car reluctantly, while Jay also drew back his eyes until the car left.

    Steven was so angry when they went back home, and he even poked Mary''s head and said irritably, "Do you still a small kid, and why did you fight with others in public?"<novelnext></novelnext>

    Mary was ill-affected and began to argue with him, and as a result, Steven was so angry that he walked out to his Martial Arts Hall directly.

    After he left, Mary began to scold Jay indignantly, "Why don''t you make a good showing? Do you know others say you are a policeman who deceives the feelings of girls? I have warned you that you''d better stay away from Lilith, or I am not going to recognize you as my son."

    Jay was speechless and hinted at Irish to help him.

    Irish immediately walked forward and persuaded her, "Aunt, it''s none of his business today. Don''t me him...."

    However, before she could finish her words, Mary pointed at Irish and said angrily, "You are unable to fend for yourself. Tell me what Shirley means."

    Irish knew what she wanted to ask, but she just pretended not to know and replied, "I don''t know what she means."

    "Don''t feign ignorance to me." Mary said angrily and continued, "What is your rtionship with Ruby''s husband? Why did she say you went to South Africa? Who are you with during your trip?"

    Irish''s heart trembled, and she sighed, "Don''t trust Shirley. It is all nonsense. I traveled alone." She knew that if she exined her rtionship with Joseph to her Aunt at this moment was like adding fuel to the me.

    "You weren''t with him?" Mary was still suspicious about that.

    Irish shook her head and replied, "I wasn''t with him. And you also know what happened to us. I really traveled alone."

    Mary then was relieved, and then she began to scold Shirley again, "Shirley is a bitch from hell, and I will kill her if I meet her next time." Jay and Irish were so anxious since their united front was ramshackle under Mary''s rage.

    Irish would definitely not go to the Lake family but for Joseph, let alone spend the holiday with them together. She received the call from Henry in the early morning when she was asleep while the phone rang continuously on the bed stand. Irish had a dream in which she was kissing Joseph. However, the phone ring interrupted her sweet dream.

    She reached out but identally fell down to the ground, which made her sober uppletely. She climbed into the bed and then connected the phone. Hearing her voice, Henry seemed to perceive that she was still in the bed, so he smiled softly and urged her several times to arrive earlier while Irish replied impatiently and then hung up. When she finished the phone call, she was awake.

    And actually, she was a little regretful since she agreed to have lunch with the Lake family. When she was pondering, Lilith called her and asked when she would arrive, and she was even more perturbed, so she replied to her that she did not want to go. However, Lilith persuaded her that it was interesting to see Shirley''s swollen face since she knew that Irish hated her very much.

    Hearing this, Irish was also curious about that, so she decided to go and have a look. What''s more, she really missed Joseph, and she was a little excited.

 Chapter 382 382: Are You Threatening Me?

    She got out of bed and opened the window. It was the garden downstairs where the leaves of sycamore all turned golden yellow, which looked like an oil painting. It was a sunny day, and the sunshine left mottled light through the slit of leaves. Some elders were taking a walk in the garden while two of the dogs were ying in the distance. It was pleasant to see this beautiful scene.

    The fresh air soon spread into the room, taking a deep breath of it, Irish felt cheerful. Therefore, she rushed to the washroom and applied a mask, and then she dressed up carefully. She had to put on makeup well so that she could tell Shirley that she had a wonderful life. Of course, the first goal was to present the best of herself in front of Joseph and she did not want to meet him tiredly.

    Of course, she only had light makeup, and soon she became an elegant woman in the mirror. Her perfect skin was put on a blusher which made her look sweet and charming. And she also used brown eyeliner to line her eyes. In this way, her eyes looked deep and fairer. Finally, she chose a light pink lipstick, and it was the punchline to her makeup. After finishing this, she was like a pretty doll.

    Since she had chosen light makeup, she had to pick the clothes in some rtively bright color to cause a visual impact, or she would look pale. She tried almost all of her clothes and finally understood the reason why women always thought they did not have enough clothes. Though she made up in a few minutes, it took her a long time to pick up a suitable dress.

    She was eager to impress Joseph today, so she had to appear in front of him with the best state. Thinking of this, Irish was a little bit nervous as well as anxious. Just as the old saying goes: a girl will doll herself up for him who loves her. After a long time, Irish finalized her dress as well as makeup.

    She wore a Korean-style round-cor shirt, a cashmere light gray skirt, and a pair of silk stockings with a ginger waistband as decoration. Her coat was an emerald cashmere coat that was popr, and she carried a bag of the same color with the belt, which made her look very young and faddish.

    Her long hair wasbed simply, and her beautiful earlobes were without any essories, but she wore a simple ne that asionally glittered and would attract people''s attention.

    Standing in front of the mirror, she looked at herself carefully for a while and then left home.

    During the journey, she called Mary, lying that she was going to meet her friends while Mary did not suspect her at all but just urged her to go back home earlier. It was still early, so Irish drove to the mall where they had just gone shopping yesterday.

    Taking the elevator to the third floor, she came to a cake shop decorated with fantastic decorations, such as a cake house in fairy tales, which was why she had been watching it for a long time yesterday.

    The cake shop was full of sweet butter vor, and the beautiful cakes in the transparent ss cab seemed so attractive. Irish looked around for a long while and finally chose a delicious cake that had a moderate sweetness. When she checked out, she specifically asked the cake shop staff to pack them up nicely.

    It was very lively in the Lake family, and the servants were busy preparing for the family feast, and the house was suffused with a jubnt atmosphere.

    When Irish arrived there, she was a little bit shocked since she thought it was too high-sounding. Lilith was waiting for her at the door and she greeted her cheerfully when she saw Irish in the distance. As soon as Irish walked out of the car, she rushed forward and held her arms, smiling at her, and said pleasantly, "You are finally here. Everyone is here, finally. My Uncle Henry thought you were noting and urged me to call you several times."

    Hearing this, Irish''s heart trembled slightly, and she tried her best to ask her with a calm voice, "Everyone is here?" Lilith nodded.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Are they all Lake families?" In fact, she wanted to ask her if Joseph was there, but she felt embarrassed to ask this question. As expected, Lilith smiled since she thought it was a ridiculous question, so she replied, "Of course. It is a day for a family reunion."

    "Oh." After getting the answer, she could not find any clues in her words, and she began to worry if Joseph would alsoe here today. What if he was dyed by his business and did note here?

    However, Lilith did not perceive herplicated emotion and still acted with great passion. She whispered beside her ears, "Sister, is Jay alright?"

    After hearing this, Irish then realized the real reason why she was so eager for her arrival. Therefore, she squinted at her and asked, "Do you want to get his information from me?"

    "Jay told me that we are on the same boat," Lilith replied frankly.

    Irish was shocked and then asked continuously, "What else has he told you?"

    "He said....." Lilith stopped deliberately while Irish also stared at her quietly.

    Lilith showed a weird smile and puckered her mouth, "Well, you tell me the situation about Jay first, and then I will tell you that."

    "Are you threatening me?"

    "No, it''s a temptation." Lilith giggled.

    Irish crossed her hands and stared at Lilith for a while and then said, "Jay was scolded by his mother, but he did not change his mind, so don''t worry."

    She perceived her sincere care for Jay in her eyes and suddenly realized she was not an ignorant young girl anymore. Lilith was cheerful after hearing this as a blooming flower. However, Irish did not focus on her excited expression and pulled her, "Now it''s your turn to tell me the secret."

 Chapter 383 383: You Are So Beautiful

    Soon Lilith grinned wickedly and got close to Irish slowly, poking at her chest slightly with her slender finger, and then replied, "You have to protect your heart next and prevent it from jumping from your chest.

    "What? Be frank." Irish pushed aside her hands, and then an unnamed emotion rose in her heart while Lilith whispered beside her ear with a soft smile, "My brother-inw has arrived. He is in the living room."

    Irish soon blushed after hearing this, and her heart also beat so fast. She slightly trembled since she had got him on her mind. She pushed away Lilith and still said perversely. "It doesn''t matter to me if he is here or not."

    Lilith followed her hastily and looked at her cheeks, "You blushed."

    "Nonsense."

    "I am serious. Your face went pink already."

    Irish stopped and then asked her while gazing at her, "But he is Ruby''s husband. Don''t you care about that?"

    "Why should I care about that? I love Jay instead of Joseph." Lilith bickered with her and called Joseph''s name deliberately, which startled Irish.

    "You know what that means," Irish added.

    Lilith then replied seriously with a sigh, "I think they will get a divorce sooner orter. On the day I was hijacked at the airport, I felt that my brother-inw looked at you with totally different eyes from Ruby." Hearing this, Irish was perplexed, but she was so stubborn and pretended to be indifferent, "What is the difference?"

    "He kept staring at you." Lilith exined patiently and then added, "When we got into the car after I was rescued, I saw he adjusted the rearview into the right position to see you conveniently."

    Irish''s breath turned rasping.

    As she entered the living room, scenes of bustling activity greeted her, imbued with the sweet scent of osmanthus. Those servants all greeted her politely.

    Joseph was not there while Kelly was arranging the work for the steward. Kelly hastily walked to her and said with a smile, "You are here. Your father has waited for you for a long time." After finishing her words, she immediately asked the steward to tell Henry that Irish had arrived while the man soon rushed upstairs.

    "You can have a rest first and drink a cup of tea." Kelly was graceful and did not feel embarrassed because of the fight yesterday, instead, she showed great passion for Irish.

    Irish drank on the couch and did not focus on Kelly''s enthusiasm but looked around since she did not know where Joseph was.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Someone went downstairs, and it was William. He greeted Irish while she also greeted him calmly.

    After that, she lowered her head and focused on drinking the tea. After several minutes when she had already tasted the aroma of the tea, she suddenly heard a joyful sound that called her name, followed by footsteps descending the stairs.

    Irish looked up and soon turned rigid. His eyes jumped from Henry, falling on Joseph, and she couldn''t move her sight anymore.

    It seems that they had just finished the conversation in the reception room. Joseph went downstairs with Henry. He was dressed in a white shirt, a pink sweater in the middle, a ck tie with sporadic white dots, and a casual ck suit matched with dark gray woolen trousers. In short, the outfit matched up beautifully, making him look more handsome.

    Irish misses him terribly these days, and when she saw him, she was as astonished as she had first met him because he was really a brilliant man. He went down slowly, and when he finally stared at her, she felt her heart would jump out of her throat.

    It was like the shimmering cine frame unfolded slowly. The vast mansion was filled with engaged people except for him, who wasposed and cid. When he went down from upstairs, she felt his every step was like stamping on her heart. She was motionless and also forgot to draw back her eyes, only feeling a warm current flowing deep into her heart that filled up her coldness and loneliness.

    The moment when she saw him, she recognized what the encounter with the numerous living beings was. If she did meet him and brushed past him, perhaps her life would be in and without vitality. Life was a journey without a turning back. Since God arranged her encounter with him, she would not want to lose anymore.

    Now that she had fallen in love with Joseph, she couldn''t imagine how she could get along with other men. The joy and excitement of the reunion mixed with each other so that she could only see him. She wanted to smile at him, but he looked so severe, even without a faint smile. She also wanted to greet him calmly, but she opened her mouth and found that she was unable to phonate.

    Until he went down and his woody fragrance was suffused in the air, she felt that her heart was like a spring with a string that beat faster, and her cheeks twitched. Henry stepped forward, smiling at her while asking her with a remorseful voice, "You''ve lost a lot of weight."

    However, she hoped Joseph could walk forward and say this to her. She also hoped that he would ask her why not to eat on time. She needed his care, but after taking a quick glimpse at her, he sat on the couch directly and said nothing. He took a cup of tea and began to drink slowly.

    He was only three meters away from her, but she felt that thousands of miles separated them.

    Was he still unwilling to care for her? Then why did he ask her toe here today?

    Suddenly, she felt the warmth from her hands and lowered her head, finding that Henry was holding her. Then she reacted and drew back her eyes and looked at Henry. "I am fine." Finally, she drew back her hands and said indifferently.

    Obviously, Henry was very satisfied with her performance since she showed no arrogance and coldness to him and smiled, "I just talked something with your brother-inw in the study room, and we all worried that you won''te." Her heart trembled since she hadn''t heard this word for a long time. If they were not in New York or in the Lake family, she would sit down beside him, curling up in his arms andforting him not to be angry. But she could do nothing here. She chose to be silent, and she could only see his slender finger with her split vision. She still remembered that he fondled her cheeks with his slender fingers and said, "Isabel, you are so beautiful."

 Chapter 384 384: Don’t Make Trouble For Me

    She felt a little sore, and her nose twitched suddenly because of his coldness and indifference. However, she would never know that when she lowered her head, Joseph took a quick look at her, and his eyes were filled with soreness. But Henry did not know what she was thinking, and he was also satisfied since at least she came here today. After thinking for a while, he told her cheerfully that he had asked the chefs to prepare her favorite dishes, and he hired two chefs for her.

    Irish sneered after hearing this. It was just a family lunch, and he made such a big show. Did he want her to be grateful to him? After a few seconds, she snorted and said sarcastically, "It seems that it is good to be rich. Though it was a simple family lunch, you spent so much money to hire several chefs to cook for you."

    Henry was embarrassed when he heard this, but Joseph still sat on the couch and took a sip of the tea while staring at her with a faint smile.

    Her words amused Kelly, and she hastily came to ease the situation, "Isabel, it is a good joke. But your father has really made a lot of preparations for you. The menu has been adjusted several times since he feared you would not like it."

    Irish was annoyed by her words and snorted, "If he really cares for me, he would ask for my opinion first. And I am afraid that there is no dish I like to eat though he has prepared for several days."

    "Isabel....." Henry was about to say but said nothing.

    "Am I wrong? Do you know which is my favorite dish and what I don''t like?"

    "Your favorite dish is goose liver, and your favorite dessert is a chocte cake." Unexpectedly, Joseph suddenly said on the couch in his calm voice. He took a sip of the tea and then put it down. And then he added while leaning forward, "So your father hired a French chef and a pastry chef for you."

    Irish looked at him while he also stared at her silently with his profound eyes, and she was speechless suddenly, though she was still eloquent a few minutes ago.

    Hearing this, Henry hastily nodded and said, "Isabel, I know I''m not an eligible father, and I don''t know you well. I have to thank your brother-inw for reminding me this time."

    Irish was surprised since she could not figure out what he meant, but soon Henry exined to her. "I heard from your brother-inw that you have traveled to South Africa alone. How can you go alone in such a dangerous ce? Fortunately, your brother-inw went to South Africa to do business, and what should you do if some incidents urred to you?"

    Hearing this, Irish soon understood.

    "Yes, if you did not meet your brother-inw, you must ask for help from the embassy." A disgusting voice sounded, and Irish knew it must be Ruby though she did not look up.

    Ruby stepped forward with a smile with apote in hand, but she did not sit beside Irish, instead, she walked to Joseph directly and sat close to him. What''s more, she even held his arms as stuck to him as the Cuscuta Chinensis. She stared at Irish and said, "Thanks to your brother-inw who took care of you for a few days, otherwise, how does father know what is your favorite dish and what you don''t like to eat today? Isabel, you have to thank your brother-inw."<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish red at Joseph while her eyes zed with anger. She was not displeased by his exnation, and she could even understand him. However, why did he permit Ruby to get so close to him and even hold his arms so tightly? Why didn''t he push her away? Thinking of this, she felt her anger almost erupt from her heart. What irritated her most was his expression; it seemed that he was very enjoying it and ignored her feelings directly.

    Didn''t he say he wants a divorce? Didn''t he say that he has no feelings for Ruby? But why did he act like this? Irish thought they looked like an affectionate couple. Joseph showed a faint smile at her and looked at her directly. He could perceive her displeasure in the deep of her eyes as well as her tortuous face.

    It was like a few fireworks blooming in her eyes which enlightened her eyes. But soon, he found that she smiled, and it dispelled the displeasure. She seemed to be as fresh and elegant as the pear blossoms in March. For a time, he indulged in her smile. He hadn''t seen her smile for a long time. But Irish had turned to an indifferent expression, moved her sight to Joseph from Ruby, and then showed a big smile, "Thank you, brother-inw." Therefore, she sessfully saw his smile was frozen on his face.

    But soon, a joyous sound of footsteps sessfully interrupted the deadlock. It was Lilith, and obviously, she was not affected by what happened yesterday since William doted on her very much, so she must avoid the scolding from Kelly. She was so cheerful and sat down beside Irish and held her arms, suddenly startled her, "What are you doing?"

    Kelly, sitting across from them, frowned and said, "Lilith, you are an adult now, and you should be sedated and don''t act insane anymore."

    Lilith was very chuffed and stuck to Irish as a water sloth while staring at Joseph, "My brother-inw, you have to speak for me. Do you think I am insane?"

    Joseph smiled and replied, "You are vivacious."

    "Mom, do you hear that? I am vivacious but not insane." Speaking of this, she turned to Irish and said surprisingly, "Sister, your outfit today is so beautiful. It is unfair since you look even younger than me."

    "Lilith, don''t talk nonsense." Irish didn''t know what she was going to say, so she was a little bit anxious.

    "It is not nonsense. You are a beauty, and you look like a fairy today in this dress." After finishing the words, she turned to Joseph and asked, "Brother-inw, do you think she is beautiful?"

    Irish hastily pinched her hands secretly so as to hint her to stop talking while Lilith bore the pain, blinking at her with her mouth contorting. Irish avoided his eyes, getting close to Lilith, and whispered beside her word by word, "Don''t make trouble for me."

    Lilithughed and replied in a weak voice beside her, "Didn''t you dress up for him today? And don''t you want to know his opinion?" Before she could reply, she heard his deep voice sound, "Yes, very beautiful."

 Chapter 385 385: The Gift Is Expensive

    Irish did not expect that he would say this, so she looked up at him but found he had drawn back his eyes and drank tea slowly. Soon he finished the cup of tea, and Ruby hastily filled it up for him. She lowered her head and then took a deep breath to calm down. Then she heard Ruby say in a soft but jealous voice, "Lilith, when you get so close to Isabel?"

    Before Lilith could reply, Irish answered her immediately, "I have no choice, now that I am in the same front with her and have signed a confidential agreement with her." Finishing her words, she took an apple and bit off arge piece of the apple while Ruby was confused, and Joseph also frowned at her. But Irish didn''t make any response to them, putting her hands on Lilith''s shoulder and asking, "What do you think?"

    "Of course." Lilith was very cooperative and waved at Ruby, "Confidential means that I can''t tell you."

    Henry was very pleasant and sighed with feeling. "Naughty girls."

    But it seemed Joseph had recalled something, and a faint smile showed up on his face.

    Lilith then hugged Irish actively and acted like a spoiled kid, "Dear sister, please tell me where you bought this coat. It is so beautiful, and I also want to buy it." Irish was speechless and then said after a while, "You don''t fit this color."

    "I don''t think so. This color matches my skin, and it is very popr this year. Please tell me." She began to sway her arms.

    "This... this is a gift from others, and it wasn''t bought in New York."

    "Wow, who is so generous to you? I know it must be expensive since the material is high-grade. And it fits you very well. Who gave it to you?" It seemed that Lilith did not intend to give up her question, while Irish looked very embarrassed.

    When Lilith still kept asking her, Joseph put down the teacup and said, "I bought it for her."

    He sessfully solved her doubt while Irish trembled after hearing this. Henry looked at Joseph as if he was pondering, while Ruby showed a cold smile. Kelly was also shocked, staring at them with her erratic eyes. Finally, it was Lilith who broke the deadlock. She frowned at Joseph deliberately and joked. "Brother-inw, you are unfair, and I am also your sister-inw, and why do you give a gift of no sincerity to me?"

    "You mean the diamond bracelet is a gift of no sincerity? It is priced like fifteen cities." Josephughed.

    But Lilith was eloquent and then soon replied, "You are a diamond dealer, so you didn''t spend much time picking the gift for me. It is the same as a butcher presenting the pork to others."

    Joseph just smiled brightly but said nothing while Lilith continued, "But the gift for my sister Irish is totally different from that diamond bracelet since you must have spent much time preparing for this." Lilith said frankly, like a jealous kid, and ignored Rubypletely.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish was about to exin, but she suddenly changed her mind since she wanted to know if he would exin and how he would exin it. Unexpectedly, he answered patiently, "It is because your sister is in South Africa at that time, so it would not cost much time to customize."

    It seemed that he answered very casually, but those people who knew him would get the key point. That was, he also spent time customizing the coat for her, and as for a sessful businessman, it was unnecessary for him to waste even a single second to do that, let alone he said it was customized, which meant he apanied her in person to customize it.

    Irish was so smart that she could understand what he meant, so she turned to Ruby secretly but found she did not get the point at all. Not only that, perhaps other people also did not get the point because they did not show any objections. The coat was indeed a gift from Joseph and was customized in South Africa. She would always remember that day when he finished his work in advance and decided to go shopping with her on that sunny afternoon. She even recalled that someone whispered behind them when they were walking on the street, "Look at the lovers. They are well matched." Irish blushed after hearing that while he also puckered his mouth into a smile.

    When passing by a high-end customization store, he saw the coat from the showcase and insisted that she should have a try since he thought the color fitted her well. And then she epted his suggestion and tried the coat. Finally, Joseph paid for it decisively. When the tailor came to measure the size for her, she asked if he was her boyfriend and praised him as a handsome and patient man with good taste.

    He was very patient because it cost nearly three hours to adjust the style of the coat. He did have good taste, and she suddenly fell in love with that color. But she forgot that he was a diamond businessman, so he must have a high talent for color assortment.

    Lilith puckered her mouth and said, "Can you also customize a coat for me?"

    "Your bracelet is much more valuable than the coat." Joseph tried to avoid replying to her directly.

    "Really? I never expect my gift to be the most valuable."

    Joseph smiled gently and said, "It is because you are well-behaved among my sisters-inw, so I have to give the most valuable gift to you."

    Hearing this, Irish bit her teeth since she knew he was satirizing her. Lilith was more cheerful after hearing this, while Ruby, besides him, suddenly said, "Joseph, you treat your sister-inw better than your wife." Joseph smiled faintly but said nothing.

    Hearing this, Irish sneered and said sarcastically, "Ruby, don''t be jealous; since you are his wife, that means he is yours, and it is much more valuable than the gifts."

    Ruby also replied with a sneer, "Yes, you are right."

    Joseph looked at two of them, who both opened strife and veiled struggle, but he was not worried that Irish woulde to grief since she had the gift of the gab.

 Chapter 386 386: Why Did You Still Not Trust Me?

    As expected, Irish fought back, but he did not expect that she would get him involved in it. Soon she added, "But have to remind you that it is not an easy job to be his wife. Perhaps he is staying with other women every time you miss him." Hearing this, Ruby turned dreary while Joseph felt helpless.

    Henry mmed his cup off the table heavily in order to stop the fight between two of his daughters and said, "Well, it is time to eat."

    Irish stood up first while Lilith soon followed her. Joseph was thest one to stand up, and when other people had all entered the dining hall, he pulled Ruby and whispered beside her, "Don''t challenge my patience."

    Ruby smiled and replied calmly, "Don''t forget that you are also exploiting me."

    Joseph loosened his hands, and it was hard to find the mood swings on his face. "You are not qualified to argue with her."

    "Well, then, it depends on who you would like to help." Speaking of this, Ruby suddenly got closer to him and added, "Anything can happen before the divorce. I don''t want that to happen, and so do you."

    Joseph suddenly smiled, but his eyes were filled with sereneness, "Ruby, are you threatening me?"

    "Of course not. It is just a warning. Though she still looked mild, she replied word by word, "I just learned it from you who would do anything to protect the lover."

    When Irish walked to the dining hall door, she looked back suddenly at the scene identally. Ruby looked so soft while Joseph showed a smile to her. She was upset and then walked into the dining hall directly without looking back anymore. It was a rare reunion for the Lake family. Henry, who was satisfied with the feast; William, who looked cheerful, Kelly, who was elegant as well; and Shirley, who finally showed up with her swollen face, all sat together while Lilith, who was full of energy, and Roy who just kept silent and Ruby who pretended to be gentlewomanly apanied there.

    Shirley was very unpleasant when she saw Irish, and she would greet her before, but now she looked at Irish as if she was her foe, so Irish also ignored her. She was arranged on the left-hand side of Henry, and she could see Shirley''s swollen face and also could see Joseph with her split vision in her seat upon looking up.

    When everyone had taken their seat, Irish''s phone suddenly rang. She took it out and found it was a message from Lilith. Though she didn''t look up at her, it was easy for her to imagine her gloating expression. It was a short message, and she asked Irish if Shirley''s swollen face was like bread.

    Irish had suppressed herughter for a long time, and after seeing her message, she couldn''t hold back anymore and burst outughing, but she soon stopped since others all stared at her. She soon replied to her message: Yes, her face is like an over fermented bread.

    In the following second, she heard Lilith burst out augh while Shirley pointed at her and asked, "Why are youughing? Are youughing at me?"<novelnext></novelnext>

    Lilith hastily shook her head and said, "No, no, no. I just remembered some ridiculous things. "

    "Then you met,ughed at me just now." She then pointed her finger at Irish.

    But obviously, Irish did not intend to disguise herself and replied directly, "Yes, you are right. What''s wrong? But without the driver yesterday, you might look worse today." And then she began to eat first, ignoring others'' astonishment. And soon, she looked at her and continued, "You should thank me because it is me who asked the driver to stop those passengers shooting videos on you, or you would be a cyber celebrity today."

    "You...." Shirley was irritated by her and said resentfully, though her eyes were swollen and hard to open. "You are as unreasonable as your aunt!"

    "Stop!" Henry mmed the table and said severely, "Shirley, it''s humiliation enough. You have caused bem in this family. What are you going to do next? Do you think I don''t know what you''ve done in South Africa? And you even fight with others in public like a shrew. Do you still remember you are the mother of two kids? Why not save face for your children?"

    It seemed that Henry''s rage finally broke out so violently after suppressing it for a long time that everyone was shocked. And his words also attracted everyone''s attention. They all stopped and then turned to Shirley, including Roy, who had kept silent for a long time.

    Everyone was in shock except for Joseph, who took a sip of the wine and then tapped at the ss asionally, who looked very leisurely. Irish sat on the opposite side of him, so he could see that clearly, but she could not figure out what he was pondering. She could only tell from his movement that he did not care about that since he was too calm and without any mood swings.

    Irish was doubtful and wondered if he had told it to Henry or how Henry could know that. But she was confused since Joseph was a secretive man. And even though he got some evidence, he would definitely deal with it personally.

    When she was still pondering, she heard a scream from Shirley, who yelled out, "Henry, I have been your wife for so many years, and I even raised two children with you. Why did you still not trust me? I have exined it to you several times and admit that I asked people to track Irish and Joseph since I am curious about why she would go there. I did it just to protect Ruby''s marriage with Joseph and didn''t do anything else to them."

    "Didn''t do anything else? Then give me an exnation of why someone shot Joseph?" Henry was more irritated and roared at her.

    "I don''t know. I really don''t know that. I also heard it from our shareholders." Shirley tried her best to exin and continued, "I just paid for someone to track them but didn''t hurt them since I knew they didn''t deviate."

    Henry was breathing fast out of rage while Roy, who had kept silent for a long time, finally said, "Mom, why do you do this to them?"

 Chapter 387 387: I Want To Get Some Fresh Air

    "Roy, trust me. I really didn''t mean to hurt them." Shirley was so anxious.

    "Why did you hire people to track them?" Roy took a glimpse at Ruby and found she was also helpless, so he sighed and added, "These are things of our young people. Joseph is Ruby''s husband, and they know how to deal with it. You have to stay out of their business."

    Roy was not an idiot, and he could perceive Joseph''s care for Irish when he called him from South Africa and asked him to pick her up at the airport. He knew that he wouldn''t call him for no reason. And he was also not blind, and when Cassie was sent to the hospital, he could see that the person Joseph really cared about was Irish, though he was so anxious at that time. They were all of his sisters, so he couldn''t be angry with any one of them. If it was not for Irish, he would definitely p Joseph violently.

    Shirley still wanted to argue for herself while Joseph suddenly said at this time, who looked like a spectator that had seen enough of the inferior performance, and he said calmly, "Mr. Lake, I think it is perhaps a misunderstanding. As for me, I was shot....." He stopped for a few seconds, taking a quick nce at Irish while there was a faint light flickering in his eyes as the light from the morning sun, and then continued with a faint smile, "I have been ustomed to it since whenever I went to South Africa, I will risk my life. But it is natural because where there is profit, there is danger."

    "Yes, yes. Henry, do you hear that? Joseph had exined to you, do you believe me now?" Hearing the words from Joseph, Shirley hastily indicates her innocence to Henry as if she had found a savior.

    Before Henry could say something, Joseph said again, "It is a reunion day, and don''t let this trifle affect your mood. Let it go, and now that I don''t care about that, you can be relieved."

    His words finished the farce while others also persuaded Henry not to be angry anymore, while Irish just kept silent. She was an outsider in the Lake family, so it didn''t matter if she would join them. But during this short time, she cleared several things.

    The first thing was that she had misunderstood Joseph, and he did not mention what happened to them in South Africa to Henry at all.

    The second thing was that she thought Henry would show no interest in theirpany''s business since he had resigned from a leading post. However, she forgot that the older man was the wiser. He could still get much information through many channels though she did not know how much news he had got. At least, he had known that they were tracked by others, and he even knew that someone was going to kill them. Then did he know that Joseph was shot because of her? She just made an observation and then got the conclusion that he may not know the truth about why Joseph was shot.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Another reason was Bell. Bell was dismissed because she sent messages secretly to Shirley, but from her reaction of Shirley, it was likely that Bell did not tell her the whole thing but just told her that she was also in South Africa with Joseph. However, Bell did not tell her that she lived with Joseph together because if Shirley got this news, she would not leave the matter at that. In this way, Bell was dismissed because she spoke out of turn.

    Thinking about this, Irish''s heart beat so fast and was a little self-sentimental since she suddenly thought Joseph discharged Bell for her because she was jealous and Joseph cared about her feelings. But soon, Irish stopped her thought since she felt it was impossible because he was a meticulous man and he could make a clear distinction between public and private interests.

    Additionally, things were controlled by Joseph. Obviously, he was trying to cover it up. Though she did not know if Shirley had hired people to kill them, at least Joseph did not hope many people would get involved in it. He had rich experience in South Africa, and he could know clearly who was eager for profit and who wanted to kill him. He was a man who would consolidate at every step, and he had been suspicious about this incident when they were still in South Africa, so how could it be possible that he would cancel once and for all simply? There was only one possibility that he was still investigating this.

    The chefs served many delicious dishes, and they were all very expensive, and she enjoyed a range of food cultures and food colors to enjoy cooking methods. It turned out that Henry didsh out for this meal. The life of rich people was a real luxury.

    Even the household utensils were very fastidious since the color, material and even the shape of the utensils were closely rted to the dishes. Irish sneered in her heart, and she suddenly reminded her mother, who had never enjoyed such treatment when she was still with Henry.

    She felt sorrowful, and the invisible sullenness soon aroused from her heart that made it hard to breathe. Her hand suddenly trembled, and the fork fell down to the ground, causing a harsh sound.

    When she was just about to bend down to pick it up, Henry hastily said, "It doesn''t matter." And then he hastily asked the steward to bring a new set of tableware. Before the steward could rece it for her, she replied indifferently. "There is no need for you to do that. I can get it myself. Excuse me, I want to get some fresh air." Then she left the dining hall, ignoring Henry, who was embarrassed.

    There was an independent room to set the tableware, and there were even some servants who were responsible for the management of tableware. Irish had never seen the luxurious life of the rich since she was still struggling for a residence while the Lake family set a room for tableware. She sneered and touched that tableware gently with her finger. They were high-quality silverware, Austrian luxury crystal tes, and exquisitely sculpted small spoons, and each of them was as ifing from the fairy tale world. And now she felt that she was wrong since she thought she could live a good life as long as she struggled hard, but now it seemed ridiculous, and she realized perhaps she could not catch up with them through her lifelong struggle.

    asionally missing content, please report errors in time.

 Chapter 388 388: He Was Always Eager To See You

    The light of the crystal vessel reflected on her cheeks, and the long eyshes gently slid down to cover the grief in the deep of her eyes. Her mother had never lived such a life during her lifetime. Putting her hands on the shelf, with her head lowered, her eyes closed, she felt as if a knife was being twisted in her heart which was so painful that it was hard for her to breathe.

    There was the sound of footsteps behind her. She opened her eyes slightly and saw a leather shoe with her split vision, which she was familiar with. His shoes were all in the same style but in different colors and materials. Sheughed at him before and said shoes should be in different styles, while he replied to her that as long as he was ustomed to a particr style, he would not change it anymore. Absolutely she was clear what he meant, and actually, it was his attitude to his lover.

    She did not expect that he woulde under the eyes of the Lake family. The woody fragrance from him weakened the luxury here. As he was getting closer to her, the inexplicable emotions, as well as the sorrows, all turned to the huge grief under his woody fragrance.

    The man stopped behind her. Though she did not turn back, she could easily feel his breath behind her. It was the first time she had stayed with him after the quarrel. Taking a deep breath, Irish held back herplicated emotion and said with an extremely different voice, "If you ask me toe here in order to witness Shirley was innocent, then you may be wrong. I hate her, and I wish she would die in front of me right away, and this hatred would vanish."

    The man kept silent for a few seconds, and soon he stepped forward. When he passed by her, she really wanted to hug him. Joseph took a look at her with his profound eyes and took out the fork from her hand, and said, "You are wrong. I don''t want you toe here, especially at this time."

    Irish was shocked and then turned to him.

    In this way, she was so close to him that she could feel his breath and could perceive the sorrow in his eyes, which confused her.

    "Don''t you find that your father is much thinner thanst time when you saw him?" He said in a weak voice which sounded a little ambiguous, but she knew that he just wanted to lower his voice. She kept silent, looking at his eyes, but reminded Henry''s face was pale and tired, just as Joseph said.

    "He is in poor health, and the family doctor has repeatedly suggested that he should be hospitalized for medical treatment, but he refused." He sighed slightly and took a deep breath.

    "He is always eager to see you, and it is just the mostmon wish of an old man who wants to see his children." He continued.

    A trace of sorrow and grief that she had never had risen from her heart. She hated this feeling and held it back forcibly and then snorted, "He has two children already."

    "Isabel." He turned serious and held her face when he saw her distorted face and then added, "He is your father, even if you hate him. He gave your life, and now he is getting old, and there are limited days for him to live and to wait for your forgiveness. You can''t be so mean, or you will regret it someday."<novelnext></novelnext>

    His hand was warm on her face, and his woody fragrance soon spread into her nose. Irish turned her face while his hand slipped down from her cheeks. She then replied indifferently, "The one outside is my father, you are not. And there is no need for you to lecture me. I know who I''m going to be mean to. I don''t need you to tell me what to do."

    After finishing her words, she took out a fork and was about to leave when Joseph stopped her and took another fork to her, whispering, "Take this one. It is more convenient to use."

    Irish took it but said nothing.

    They attracted much attention when they returned to the dining hall together, including some unpleasant eyes, such as Shirley and Ruby, while some of them were helpless, such as Roy. But William and Lilith were curious, while Kelly was indifferent. But Irish didn''t know what Henry thought because she did not pay attention to him.

    Unexpectedly, William said with a faint smile with a weird tone, "Joseph, Irish is not a small kid, and there is no need for you to apany her since she just went to take a set of tableware." Ruby took a quick glimpse at them but finally decided to bite her lips.

    Irish always acted like an urchin when facing the Lake family, so she could not bear anyone to attack her. Since William got her in a dilemma, she definitely would make a counterpunch. But before she could say anything, she heard Joseph reply slowly, "I am not ustomed to using the silver te, so I took another one."

    His words soon turned around the awkward situation, and after he finished his words, he took a glimpse at Irish with his meaningful eyes while Irish soon understood what he was going to tell her. He was warning her not to act carelessly since it was not the best way to solve the problem.

    Kelly also said to William, after keeping silent for a long time, "Don''t talk nonsense."

    "It''s just a joke," William replied with a smile.

    The servant came to fill their sses when Henry said softly to Irish at this time, "Irish, it is my fault. It is a reunion day, and I shouldn''t mention those unhappy things in South Africa."

    Irish suddenly felt sorrowful when she looked at his old face and was a little shocked when she heard this. ording to her character, as usual, she would reply to him that she was not a small kid anymore and didn''t talk with her with such a tone because it was toote since she had grown up. These words lingered in her mind, but she also remembered the words Joseph said to her just now, and when she looked up at Henry, her heart trembled.

 Chapter 389 389: Remembering Old Memories

    She hated this man who betrayed his marriage and abandoned his wife. He hated him, who had let her mother wait for him a lifetime until she died. The grudge had already deceived her, and she forgot that he would also get old someday. It was a sorrowful pain for her, which was inexplicable and bothered her mind. She even began to hate herself. After taking a deep breath, she then replied indifferently, "It doesn''t matter. I am not interested in any topics here."

    She didn''t offend him as usual, which somehow relieved Henry now that he could perceive the change in her attitude. For a long time, he just hoped that she would not avoid him and could take a look at him, never expecting her forgiveness. But now he was so eager for her forgiveness and hoped she would call him daddy. Therefore, he said a lot to her, and in the beginning, he talked with her gingerly, and he was even more cheerful when he found she would reply to him asionally.

    Irish just ate silently, and her mood was getting moreplex since Henry had acted like this.

    "Taste this dish. It is prepared for you specially. I ate this course identally, and I thought you must like it." He still regarded her as a little girl, so when he found that she did not reject him as usual, he was at a loss and didn''t know how to get along with him, so he still treated her in the same way when she was a kid. Irish perceived this, and her nose twitched, so she clenched her fork and tasted the food after a long while. Henry was so pleased and hastily asked her, "What do you think of this? Does it taste good?"

    "Not bad." She replied indifferently.

    "Eat more if you like it." Henry was ecstatic, and his hands trembled violently.

    Looking at him, whose hair had turned white and who was so excited because of her perfunctory reply, she felt sore, so she lowered her head, took a deep breath secretly, and didn''t disappoint him.

    Others were also eating, and it was different from the family feastst time since the topics were much more rxed this time because Henry reminded all of them not to say some harsh remarks and discuss official business, or the one who vited the rule would be evicted out.

    Perhaps it was because of Henry''s order, no one mentioned some unpleasant things while Lilith was the most active one, and everyone was amused by her frequently. Irish also felt better until....

    Ruby was pouring wine for Joseph across her, which made her feel disgusted, while Joseph''s movement punched her heart violently since he epted herisance naturally. She felt her heart pierced by a needle, and the pain soon spread all over her body. In fact, she had to admit that Ruby was more considerate than her. She began to feel the food tasted nd and insipid, and she finally lost her appetite. After seeing this, Henry asked her carefully, "What''s wrong with you? Are you feeling sick?"<novelnext></novelnext>

    She shook her head but stirred the food on her te. Henry smiled and took the initiative to mention her childhood, "You act the same as when you were a small kid." Irish kept silent to his words while Henry began to recall something in her childhood, so he continued, "Isabel, do you still remember a cockhorse? A red and carved one. You liked it very much upon seeing it, but that was not for sale, and you began to cry. Your mother and I didn''t know how to...."

    Hearing this, Irish mmed her fork on the table and interrupted Henry with a bad attitude, "Enough! My mom is dead. This memory is a failed topic for everyone here. Do you think it is pleasant to recall your past memory? Do you know these memories are like poison to me? Every time I recall it, I have to die for once."

    She hated him for so many years, but when she looked at his pale face, she felt sore. She began to irritate him since he made himself so rabid. And she was also angry that he refused to ept treatment in the hospital, and she even hated herself since she regretteding here today. But she still felt sorrowful to this man who she detested. Why? She also wondered why Joseph let her bear all of this alone.

    Henry was at a loss since he saw she was full of rage, and then he realized he had said something wrong, so he hastily apologized, "Isabel, I didn''t mean that."

    "I don''t want to hear these old memories from you." Perceiving his gingerliness, the sorrowfulness finally exploded in her heart. Her nose twitched, and her eyes were tearful. She stood up and took an issue to wipe her mouth carelessly, saying with a different and even trembled voice, "I have something else to do, and I have to go now."

    "Isabel....." Henry''s anxious voice sounded behind. But she forced her to ignore that since she hated herself for being like this, and she hated herself for being tenderhearted.

    When she got out of the Lake family, she drove in the street aimlessly. There was no noisy sound from the Lake families, and the oppressive luxury also vanished. But she was anxious because Henry''s smile and gingerliness filled her mind. She couldn''t remember details about the small cockhorse clearly, but she knew her mom once mentioned it to her. She liked the cockhorse very much and was reluctant to leave, and her mom told her that she loved the vor of it. But Henry asked for the owner for a few days, he still refused his request, so her mom figured out a method and took her to ride on a merry-go-round, and finally, she wasforted. She didn''t like the memory because she thought it was too cruel.

    She stopped at an intersection, and after looking around, she found that she was in the Blue Harbor. She was tired and parked her car and then walked into the harbor, sitting down on a bench near the fountain.

    It was bustling in this ce since people were rxing on this holiday here, including many lovers, and they just kissed in public. A st of wind rose; some leaves fell down to her foot. It was a withered phoenix tree leaf. She picked it and thought flourishing leaves would also finally return to thend as human beings. There were many beautiful young lovers, just as the handsome young man passed by in front of her just now. A beautiful woman took the initiative to strike up a conversation with her while another woman soon rushed up behind and held the man''s arms, walking away cheerfully while the first woman was so embarrassed and stood there motionlessly. It was a normal scene, but it suddenly reminded Irish. She stood up abruptly and realized she may have made a mistake since she had forgotten the purpose of going to the Lake family. She went there to reconcile with him, but she just left without hesitation. Did it mean that she had left a chance for Ruby to get alone with him?"

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 Chapter 390 390: Waiting For Him

    Irish had many female patients who took the principle that it was important for a woman to get married to a good man, which was more significant than doing well herself. But when they finally get married to their Mr. Right, they would be suspicious of their husband as long as some brilliant women got close to their husbands and would get angry. In fact, it could be understood because it was a way to get attention. But the result was always terrible since quarrels could not solve the problems at all. Every time when she met this case, she would tell them that if she still loved her husband and if she also ensured he loved herself, what she had to do was not to cry or have a quarrel but not to give him too many choices, because there were indeed many temptations outside and love woulde in time. What she should have done was to smile softly beside him, holding his arms and making a choice for him.

    Therefore, when Irish was alone in the Blue Harbor, looking at the girl who was not so pretty but still held the man''s arms confidently, taking him away, she suddenly recalled the case she had met before.

    The moment when she got out from the Lake family, she had forgotten that she was a psychologist. Once she helped other women confidently, but now why did she forget to persuade herself? When love deteriorated, she would oppose women to cling obstinately because when facing deteriorated love, self-esteem was the most essential. But when facing the love which is worth waiting for, then why not stand by him and defend your own happiness?

    It was said that when two men woo a woman, the one who did not give many feelings will give up first, and when two women woo a man, the one who loved deeply would renounce first. Irish didn''t want to renounce, and it was not because she did not love him. She just didn''t want to give up since they still did not start their rtionship formally. Though she had topete with Ruby, and she even had topete with a great number of women, she would let it go simply. In fact, Ruby was a pretty girl, and she was also considerate, so men would always be attracted to such a woman. If she just left in this way, it would give a chance for her. Perhaps Joseph would not fall in love with her in a short time, but she was not sure whether it would happen if they got along with each other for a long time.

    The ridiculous woman would always be even afraid of her own shadow though her husband did not jump the rails. And then she would make trouble out of nothing, and as a result, her husband was forced to another woman''s arms out of her frivolous quibbling. Irish did not want to be such a woman; she couldn''t give any chance to Ruby and would not allow Joseph to show anypassion to her.

    Thinking of this, she opened her bag and took out her phone, dialed his number directly, and walked anxiously beside the fountain. However, after trying a few times, she still couldn''t put through, and she could hear the warning tone on the phone: sorry, the subscriber you dialed cannot be connected for the moment, please redialter. Irish hung up the phone and tried again but still failed.

    ? The phone slipped from her ears slowly, and Irish was like a lonely wild goose, shivering in the wind. The bustling atmosphere and cheerful people all had nothing to do with her. She had pondered what she would do if she lost the connection with him and where she could find him. She was so afraid of this feeling that she couldn''t connect with him. She never expected that things would develop into such a situation, and finally, she lost connection with him.<novelnext></novelnext>

    It was her who left first this time, so should she go back to the original ce? He said before that he would wait for her in the same ce, and if he was not there, he told her to stay motionless because he was just on the way to finding her. She knew where the original ce was, and it was in the Lake family, but she didn''t want to go there.

    Then, where could she find him? She can''t just wait here. When she calmed down, she remembered her principles. Irish could not figure out what was wrong with her since she was always impulsive these days. Her rtionship with Joseph developed quickly, and it developed deeply within a few months. She wanted to cherish this valuable feeling, but she also knew that no one was right or wrong in love.

    Didn''t she prepare for it? She had prepared enough to be the one who cherishes their love most. Not far away, the fireworks "bloomed" on the LED screen, attracting many people''s attention, while Irish also turned to it and was absorbed by the advertisement on it. The screen said that life is a ripe old age in conjugal bliss.

    Her face was blurred under the light, and those few words deeply impressed her while she looked even more beautiful. She stepped forward thoughtlessly and got closer to the screen as well as the slogan. Seeing this, a soft smile appeared on her face, intertwined with her deep emotion. And she suddenly clenched her bag since she finally figured out where she could find him. She had to find him because she had a lot of words to tell him, so she had to find him as soon as possible.

    The sunset gradually sank while the darkness finally swallowed thest light from the horizon. Streetmps were lit up, presenting a bustling scene. Irish sat on the ground, leaning on the wall, and hands sped her legs. Through the huge screen, she could see Broadway street, which was filled with a continuous flow of cars. It was noisy outside while it was dead quiet inside that she could hear her breath, forming a sharp contrast. She leaned her head slightly, and the light of the moon shone like a gxy of light, silently flowing between her eyebrows and kissing her cheek.

    It was Labor Day, so no one was working there, and no one woulde here except for her and the security men. Thirty minutes ago, she slipped into this edifice, but she came here not to see the beautiful night scenery, instead, it was the only ce she could find Joseph.

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 Chapter 391 391: Be With You Forever

    At this moment, she sat at the door of Runestone Group, and she could see the huge slogan from the ss insurance door. She had never hated herself like this, who would sit in the Runestone Group alone. But she suddenly felt it was not too bad since she could enjoy the nightscape here without disturbance. The time was as if still, and it was so quiet, and it seemed to be separated from the hustle and bustle. She felt that she had flown away from the earth, staring at what had happened under her foot in the distance. Who said loneliness was cruel? In her opinion, real loneliness was enjoyable because people could listen to their own voices in silence.

    She bore an expectation and was looking forward to the door opening in the next second, and then he would walk in from the door. In this way, she couldn''t figure out how long she had been waiting, and perhaps it was a few hours, and perhaps it was just a few minutes. Anyway, she had lost the sense of time concept, and she felt she was in the vast universe, apanied by stars. Gradually, she was drowsy, so sheid her chin on her knees while her eyes were staring at the ground. At this moment, the elevator at the corner made a slight "click," but Irish did not pay much attention to that slight noise since she had been silent for a long time. Several secondster, a pair of leather shoes appeared in her sight, which was the same as the one she saw in the Lake family. The smooth upper of the shoes were dyed with moonlight, and a faint light dazzled her eyes slightly.

    Irish was astonished for a few seconds, and it took her some time to react. Looking up abruptly, her eyes turned tearful gradually, but a smile hung on her face. He was finally here. Joseph''s face was more clear and handsome under the moonlight. He showed up in front of her abruptly, and though he was so close to her, she forgot to stand up but looked up at him with her tearful eyes quietly.

    Joseph also stood there motionlessly but looked carefully at her. It was not difficult to perceive the astonishment in his eyes as well as dness. He also forgot his next movement and stared at her under the moonlight. After some time, he finally said softly, "You are really here."

    Her heart began to beat fast since he did not ask her "why you are here" but said, "you are really here." She knew what it meant, but she dared not to ponder deeply, and she just felt happy that she had never been since she could look at him quietly for such a long time.

    But soon, he bowed and held her waist, pulling her into his arms. He hugged her tightly with his strong arms, unwilling to loosen.

    She was soon surrounded by his breath as well as his unique, woody fragrance. Her legs were numb, so she could only hold his neck, leaning against his sturdy chest. In the darkness, his eyes were filled with surprise and astonishment while she stared at him, whispering, "I am waiting for you, and I have been waiting for you. You said that you would find me."

    The night was the best time for lovers since they could whisper to each other in the darkness. But they may also part with each other or be immersed in the great joy of reunion. Irish and Joseph belonged to thetter. After experiencing the essential process of quarreling, arguing, cold war as well as missing each other, this tranquil night gave them the best environment for a reunion.

    The moonlight was reflecting on his face while he stared at her emotionlessly. She looked up at him joyfully and excitedly, and her re hit his heart. He frowned slightly, and the surprise in his eyes also vanished. When he said to her again, he refrained his voice which sounded sorely and reproachfully. "Where is your phone?"<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish didn''t know why he frowned, and the rapids in her heart were likeshing at the stone, generating many sprays. She hastily took out her phone from her bag and gave it to him. Joseph took a look and handed it back to her again, saying with a helpless voice, "You can call me on the public telephone."

    She was surprised and then realized that it had powered off, but she hastily exined to him, "I called you, but I can''t put it through. I don''t want to go back to the Lake family, and I don''t know where you live, so I can only wait for you here. The security didn''t allow me to enter this building, so I had to hide, and I couldn''t go downstairs to find a public telephone. I....."

    "So you have been waiting here?" Joseph was a little bit angry but at the same time felt regret.

    Irish nodded, staring at him pitifully.

    She was flurried when she perceived his seriousness, so she took out a small box beside and said while opening it, "Actually, I just want to send you this."

    Joseph did not pay attention to her movement, and he did not care what she wanted to present to him at all. But when she saw her pale face under the moonlight, he was so sorrowful, and his heart was as if tightened by a rope. But she seemed to be more obsessed with the things in her hands and handed to him cheerfully as a kid waiting for apliment.

    He then realized she was holding a small cake in her hands and was shocked while Irish hastily exined, "I know you are still angry, and I heard that sweet food would make people feel better, so I bought this cake. Have a try, and don''t be angry with me."

    Joseph was shocked, staring at her for a while, and then turned to the cake. It had a deliciously creamy vor which soon spread into the air. But what made him warm was the words above it: be with you forever. He looked up at her, who was smiling softly. She was also attracted by the words when she took the first sight of the cake, which was the love she was looking forward to. That was why she was determined to find him when she saw the slogan in the Blue Harbor since she thought it was a hint from God.

    asionally missing content, please report errors in time.

 Chapter 392 392: Does It Taste Good

    "Have a try. It is not so sweet but tastes good." Irish hastily took out the scoop and cut a small piece for him with expectation.

    Joseph looked at her, opening his mouth while the sorrowfulness in his heart had turned to warmness. Irish smiled and asked, "Does it taste good?"

    "Yes." He replied softly.

    She was so cheerful as if she had heard the bestpliment in the world and then said, "You will feel better when you finish it, won''t you? And you will not be angry with me."

    Joseph opened his mouth and took a bite.

    "Joseph, I know I was deliberately provocative. I didn''t mean that. I cried for a long time after you left. I..."

    She was suddenly interrupted by his kiss, and she loosened her hand while the cake soon fell down to the ground. His kiss suddenly came, but she had waited for a long time. She felt his strong arms hold her tightly as if trying to merge with her. His kiss was mighty, as if he was going to release his anxiety, anger, care, and some otherplicated emotion. He unclenched her mouth, his tongue soon slipping in and intertwined with hers. Their breath was intertwined like cirrus.

    She felt sweet in her mouth and was overwhelmed by his woody fragrance. Her eyes were tearful, and soon the tears shed down from her cheeks. And then she felt him turn soft and gentle with his tongue swiping from her lips. And then his kiss fell on her chin, kissing her tears pitifully, which woke up her feelings for him.

    He finally said to her softly, "Why do you act like a simpleton? What if I don''te here tonight?"

    "Then I will be waiting for you until youe here." She sobbed, closing her eyes and enjoying his kiss.

    "Idiot." Joseph could not restrain his worries anymore and embraced her into his strong arms. Her cheeks pressed against his chest so that she could hear his heartbeat, which had the same frequency as her, mming her ears. It was as beautiful as a dream at this moment, but she was so afraid it was just a dream, but she knew it wasn''t since Joseph was in front of her, kissing her and embracing her, just as what happened in Hong Kong.

    After a long time, Joseph loosened his hand and smiled helplessly, "Isabel, I am really curious how you slipped in here since you don''t even have an entrance guard card?"

    The building has always been strictly managed, and there was no other ess to the entrance of the building. But she sessfully got in without the card and waited for him. Hearing this, Irish was embarrassed, and then she replied hesitantly, "I climbed to the second floor while avoiding the cameras."

    Joseph was shocked greatly and stared at her in astonishment.

    "Do you forget that I am good at rock climbing? I climbed Mount Qomngma once." Speaking of this, she was proud while Joseph did not expect she would reply like this, and he even didn''t expect a beautiful woman like her could climb to the second floor and sessfully avoid the cameras, so he couldn''t helpughing.

    Irish looked at him surprisingly and asked him hesitantly, "You areughing. You''re not angry anymore?"<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Who said I am not angry?" He held back his smile and then turned serious.

    She was getting less unbridled after hearing his response, taking a quick nce at him and then looking at the ground, pouting her lips, "The cake had fallen down on the ground."

    She almost amused Joseph, but soon he held back his smile forcibly, taking out a phone from his pocket, putting it in her pocket, and said seriously, "If your phone is powered off again, then I will really get mad with you." He had never tried to talk to her with such an overbearing tone and treated her like a kid. Often, he always lectured her as if she was his daughter. But now, he seemed unreasonable and acted like a spoiled lover.

    Irish stared at him surprisingly for a long time and then took out the phone from her pocket. It was a new one, but it was extremely expensive, and she knew it was a luxury brand. "I have a cell phone."

    "Give it to me." Joseph ordered her, reaching out his hands, and repeated again," Give me your phone."

    "Oh." She took out the old cell phone and handed it quickly.

    Joseph took out the phone card, walked to the window, and threw it out, which stunned Irish, but soon she reacted and rushed to him, but her phone card had already disappeared.

    "You!" She was speechless.

    "Why not wait for me at home? You left without hesitation. Do you forget to take your brain with you?" Joseph interrupted her and put the phone card into the new cell phone, and said angrily, "Thework of this phone is way better than the old one. You must use this one, remember my words."

    Irish was shocked and asked, "What do you mean?"

    "Using this one, I needn''t have to find you everywhere aimlessly like an idiot. And with a strong inte connection, we can often connect without an interruption." He gritted his teeth while exining to her.

    His words moved her, and in fact, she expected that he woulde to find her, but it was so pleasing when he admitted it personally before her. He would also be anxious and worried about her though he was a sober andposed man.

    Irish felt warm while listening to his nagging, but her nose twitched. Taking a deep breath, she leaned in his chest like a clingy cat.

    "You are not an idiot. You are the most considerate and handsome man in the world. Look, you can find me even though I didn''t tell you I am here."

    Joseph looked at the woman who was acting like a spoiled kid, and he felt his heart almost melt. He missed this feeling and enjoyed the warmth she brought as she curled in his arms. However, he was confused about why sheplimented him with great passion. But he had to admit he needed her being like this, and he also needed her to rely on him.

 Chapter 393 393: What A Pity

    Irish could feel that Joseph''s behavior had changed, and his purse lips were released, as well as his clenched chin loosened. The moonlight was cast on his pointed nose, which wasbined with the outline between his eyebrows, showing his charm. As she was nestled in his bosom actively, he also tightened his arms around her waist. Moved by his action, she was more closely attached to him and breathing in his warm breath again. She also missed the sense of security he gave to her.

    Besides, there was a light wine aroma.

    She was confused for a moment. He drank wine at noon, but why was the aroma so strong at night? After careful observation, she could observe that he was sober and not intoxicated at all.

    Her long hair intertwined his strong arm and swept his fingers lightly. Her breath fell on his chest lightly and made him soft. In the dim light, her clear and soft voice was so sweet, unlike the arrogant and sharp one.

    "Joseph, just smile��" She raised her face. Her eyes were shiny like stars with a sense of expectation. She also poked his lips and said, "It is horrible not to see your smiling face."

    Her fragrant fingers waved beside his lips. He stared at her without turning his eyeballs and raised the corner of his lips.

    Irish smiled and held his neck, "You said you were looking for me?"

    "I don''t want to waste my time on you." Joseph''s words were still a little cruel, but his big hand on her wrist wasn''t released. His light-frowned eyebrows disclosed that he was not angry anymore.

    Irish pursed her lips lightly and pulled back her hand. Her fingers moved along his necktie slowly. She pulled the corner of his tie lightly and waved it a little. Her voice also became wagging, "Joseph..."

    "Do not think that your sweet voice will make me happy." Joseph was still strict, seemingly, but there was deep emotion in his eyes.

    "You are always open-minded." Irish was more closely attached to him like an octopus. Her red lips swept his lips lightly, teasing him vigorously. It was already a lure for him, "I have already recognized my mistakes. Could you just forgive me?"

    It made Joseph happy sessfully. He just pinched her nose and showed a faint smile on his face, "Let me forgive you? It''s so hard."

    Irishughed shyly.

    The neon light was brighter outside the window. It was the best time at night.

    Joseph looked at her carefully under the light. As he saw her stepping on the marble floor, he was more serious, "Where are your shoes?"

    Irish lowered her head by following his look, and then she raised her face, saying embarrassedly, "Eh...One fell down as I was climbing, while the other...is there." She pointed at the corner, not afar.

    Joseph took a deep nce at her and couldn''t helpughing. He held her into his bosom again and sighed, "You...."

    She could onlyugh stupidly.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Are you hungry?"

    Irish nodded. Meanwhile, her stomach made a sudden sound. She heard himughing and soon got blushed. Joseph released her and took off his coat. He put it on the floor and ordered her to step on it.

    His action really shocked Irish. She got numb but also felt warm in her deep heart. But soon she ached deeply and looked at the cashmere coat for a long time. She then rose to look at Joseph and picked up the coat immediately into his bosom, "Are you mad? Why did you throw your coat on the floor?"

    Joseph was really helpless. He grabbed the coat immediately and threw it on the floor again. Atst, he held her up directly and made her step on the coat. Seeing her impulsion to struggle and run away, he shouted, "Dare to run away?"

    She dared not to move in a minute and could only step on the thick coat directly. But she felt so sorry for the coat. Oh, dear. There wereyers of bank notes on the floor, and she was just stepping on them.

    "I may destroy your coat!" She thought she needed to remind him.

    "You can buy one for me," Joseph said carelessly. He looked around. Irish was confused about what he was looking for.

    Actually, his response made Irish astonished. She just stared at him and made a harsh voice, "It might be more expensive than my house rent for one year. I need to pay my house rent soon. And I have no money to buy a new one for you. I may be poor by that time."

    "Shut up!" Joseph walked towards the direction of the restroom and threatened her, "Just stay here. Otherwise, buy two for me."

    His menace made Irish shut up sessfully.

    The long corridor recovered its quietness. There was more moonlight cast along with the French sash at the end of the corridor. The full moon was on her head, and she could grasp it easily. However, she had no interest in enjoying the moon but lowered herself to look at the coat under her feet. And then she squatted slowly and picked up the sleeve lightly. She sighed, "What a pity!"

    Her feet felt warm since the texture of the pure cashmere, and soft fabric really made her feel relieved. Atst, she felt pleasant. It made sense that quality depended on cost.

    As she thought about it, she smiled again. All that mncholy and anxiety went away since she felt Joseph''s love.

    As Joseph walked out of the restroom, he just saw the scene. On the corridor filled with moonlight, Irish squatted there quietly and yed with his coat''s sleeve. Her sweet and soft figure was lengthened by the moonlight and became more charming. There was a pleasant smile on her face. She lowered her face along her long hair drooping down. Her beautiful small face was just like a dream for him.

    This scene was happiness for Joseph, unlike the feeling as he went out of the lift just now.

    A moment ago, as he got out of the lift and saw her curled figure at the corner of the wall, his feeling wasplex. Irish was as quiet as a shadow and appeared in front of him silently. He had thought that he could not find her, but just at this time, her figure showed up. He was not only excited and afraid but felt angry as well.

 Chapter 394 394: I Won’t Help You

    He was excited because she was there to wait for him, afraid because he had seen her sad look, and thought that she might be fretful and angry because she had left him again.

    Joseph finally knew what it meant to haveplex feelings. But at this moment, he felt happy.

    Seeing him out, Irish stood up immediately and found out that there was more tissue in his hand. She finally understood his intention. And she just saw him walking towards the cake. Actually, it was a mess. He squatted down and cleaned it up, throwing the dirty tissues into the garbage can.

    He stopped for several seconds and turned to ask her suddenly, "Have you let me eat all the parts having letters?"

    Irish was surprised at her question and then nodded.

    Joseph smiled lightly without saying anything. He walked forward. Irish moved away soon and picked up the coat for him. He didn''t take it over but said directly, "Take it for me."

    She didn''t make a response in time, while Joseph held her up directly and walked to the lift.

    It took some time for a lift to get to the first floor from over the 70th floor. Embraced by Joseph, Irish thought, what if the security saw them? They would be very embarrassed, Irish thought.

    It was so quiet inside the lift, and its metal door reflected Joseph''s face. After a while, he lowered to look at her and smiled lightly. Biting her lips, her head leaned on his chest. As it approached the lower floors, she finally spoke, "Joseph..."

    "Eh?"

    "Eh..." Irish looked at his chin and finally asked, "You give me this new phone?"

    Joseph lowered to look at her again. His facial expression disclosed that he couldn''t believe she could have asked such a stupid question. She soon figured out his meaning and ttered him, "Really? So kind of you! It''s so expensive."

    "Thinking it''s too expensive? Okay. Return it to me."

    "No. I don''t think so." Irish soon changed her attitude, "Now that you have given it to me, you can''t take it back. But be clear that it''s you who gives me. I don''t ask for it from you. Do not regard me as greedy."

    Josephughed, "You are indeed greedy in money."

    Irish was happier. She didn''t care about his description of her, "So... it''s a gift for your girlfriend?

    "You guess."

    "Are you my boyfriend?"

    "You guess."

    "I don''t want to guess, but your confirmation. Joseph, am I your girlfriend?

    "You are more than a girlfriend."

    "What do you mean?"

    "Think about it."

    "No, I can''t understand you."

    "I won''t help you."<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Hey�� Mr. Dover."

    They finally got out of the lift with a smile on their faces.

    Seeing them walking out, the security really got shocked. He was confused about why there were two peopleing out of the lift since he only noticed a man who went upstairs a few minutes ago.

    Joseph didn''t care about his surprised expression but embraced her out of the building and went to the car.

    Irish sat on the copilot seat with her feet stepping on the soft carpet while Joseph walked around to the driver''s seat. As he went on, she pretended to be helpless and let him look at her only shoe.

    Joseph was teased intoughter and touched her head lovingly, "Do not pretend to be helpless. It''s just 7 o''clock, and you have enough time to pick out a pair of shoes."

    "I am not going to buy a new one." Irish said lightly, "I just bought it, and it took me nearly over one thousand dors. It''s a pity for me."

    Joseph was so smart that he grasped her meaning soon, so he immediately said, "Doesn''t matter. I will buy a new one for you. You don''t need to get off." Then he intended to start the engine.

    "Joseph..." Irish was not stupid at all. She figured out his mind and held his arms smilingly, wagering it, "It''s a waste of money. I just climbed from the back of the building, and my shoe must be there. Could you just please pick it up for me? Otherwise, it will arouse others'' doubt when the day falls."

    Joseph realized that it was necessary for him to help her, so he just sighed, "I still couldn''t understand how you got into the building. Even if you can climb up, you can''t easily pass through since the window is closed."

    Irish approached him,ughing strangely, "For us climbers, even an iron wire can be a necessary tool. We will make use of everything we can to achieve our goals."

    "Awesome!" Josephplimented her.

    "So my shoes..." She acted coquettish again.

    Joseph couldn''t resist the lure of this expression. Actually, it was her unique skill. As long as she begged him with this expression, he would finally be lost. So he just found a shlight from the dashboard and got off without hesitation. He was to find the other pair for her.

    Through the window, Irish saw his figure that was farther and farther by holding her legs. She couldn''t helpughing happily.

    ****

    The car went forward along West Broadway Street.

    Joseph drove Irish to Wall Street, a region that amassed many financial regtory agencies and major financial institutions domestically and abroad. In this way, it became a synonym for advanced industries and rich men. Wall Street at night was brilliant and not as boisterous as it was in the day but as mboyant as CBD.

    Joseph took her to the Mark Joseph Steakhouse on Wall Street. She had learned something about this restaurant in the magazine, which was known as one of the most beautiful restaurants in New York, and also ranked in the top of the most expensive restaurants.

    As they entered it, Irish couldn''t help eximing the charm of money. In the pond, there were fish swimming. The modern architecture provided her with a mysterious and luxurious feeling.

    She stepped on the floor, which was made up of semi-transparent ck sses. She was as if in a crystal house, which made her into a dream.

    Joseph was ustomed here, obviously. As he entered it, he walked directly to the box, hanging a chandelier in a "cloud" shape. Irish knew that Frank Gehry designed this chandelier. Actually, there were all eight boxes with this kind of chandelier.

    "You haven''t eaten much in the afternoon, so just help yourself at night." Joseph had already arranged the meal for them, so he just poured the tea first.

 Chapter 395 395: Take More

    Irish was so touched. She had thought that he didn''t care whether she had eaten or not. However, he knew everything about her. Looking around, she found the space was even enough for ten. Afraid of wasting money, she dipped the tea immediately. And then she said, "I originally thought it was my turn to offer a treat to you. But it is too expensive, so it is still your turn."

    Joseph softly smiled, "Do not act in this way. Your sry is enough to pay for it."

    "But you are richer than me. I dare not show off my wealth in front of you." Irish giggled.

    Josephughed more happily, "Lower you to the money?"

    Irish smiled embarrassedly. "I keep lowering all the time."

    Her words were so funny to Joseph. He justughed afterward.

    Soon so many delicate tes of dishes were served on the table. They were all specialties of this restaurant, especially the steak.

    Seeing so many dishes, Irish felt so shocked. She asked, "Is there anybody else who willeter?"

    "Just us two."

    "They will make me fat." Irishined, "The most eptable dietary structure is the inverted-pyramid one. But you invert it again."

    Joseph took up the fork and knife and cut out a steak for her. He smiled, "It doesn''t matter. I will still love you."

    "Are you out of goodwill?" Irish blinked at him but couldn''t help eating happily. She was indeed hungry. As she was in the Lake, she didn''t eat much. Later she didn''t eat much either. Now, these dishes were all her favorite. She should eat a lot.

    Joseph was pleased to see her eating. He was absorbed in adding more to her disregarding himself. He just said lightly, "Take more."

    Irish was like a person who had been hungry for several days. Her behavior was reasonable since she couldn''t eat well and sleep well during the cold war. It was not until she made peace with Joseph that she recovered all her senses. And the first thing sheined about was her stomach.

    It was not until the phone rang that Joseph stopped pouring a ss of drink for her. He got it through. As he was talking on the phone, Irish saw that he had put another phone on the table. She wondered why he had another one and felt it familiar, so she just approached it closer. It turned out that it was the same as the one he gave to her.

    She looked at it out of curiosity and then got closer to him quietly. She touched it with her fingers, and then she directly took it in her hand since Joseph didn''t stop her. The phone was on. She looked through it and found it boosted the same functions as hers. She looked at the address list and found there was only one contact person.

    It was her.

    Her clear name was written, and behind it was her phone number and office number.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish suddenly understood. It was his new private phone, and he also bought a new one for her. They could be a couple''s phone. Thinking of this, she was happier. Putting his phone on the table, she looked at him and found that he also stared at her, smiling. At this moment, she felt his sweetness, so she suddenly lightly kissed his cheek, disregarding his phone conversation.

    Joseph smiled more sweetly and held her into his bosom with one hand. In this way, Irish leaned against his chest. She felt so good and safe as if only the two of them were in the world without disturbance.

    She smelled a light wine aroma and a familiar wooden smell, which mixed with hers. Irish tilted her face and found the source of the wine aroma. It was from his thin sweater and the cor of his shirt. She could even see the stain by the light. She felt immediately strange since the red wine was served at noon, but it was Whiskey here. In addition, Joseph valued his image, and stains were not allowed to appear on his clothes.

    She wanted to touch the stain, but Joseph, who was on the phone, pulled her hand and yed with it. Irish looked up to his sexy Adam''s apple and then his outlined face. She was not interested in the content of the call at all, but she asionally heard the phrase "in hospital."

    She didn''t know how long this call wouldst, so she returned to her original position and continued to enjoy delicious food. Joseph still took a nce at her as he was on the phone. Seeing that she was engaged in the food, he couldn''t help smiling. There was deep love in his expression.

    The conversation didn''tst long. As it ended, he was thinking. Irish sensitively sensed it, so she immediately asked what had happened. He shook his head andforted her. Nothing serious happened. They were still happy while having a meal together. Joseph mentioned the case happened at noon.

    Irish''s smile disappeared gradually. Although she didn''t like to hear this, her attitude was not so bad, and she only lowered her head without many words. Joseph could only sigh helplessly, "You should often go back to see your father."

    Irish bit her fork and didn''t say anything.

    Joseph didn''t force her but took a shrimp to her, "Even those who are sentenced to the death penalty should be given an opportunity to confess. He is your father."

    "I don''t want to mention them, which doesn''t mean that I will forgive them. Although I will forgive them someday, it doesn''t mean that I will approach them." Irish tried to be easy by ying with the shrimp, "Labor Day is a day to celebrate. However, I am still an outsider to them. So they might be happier without me, Joseph."

    Joseph shook his head, "Maybe this Labor Day is the beginning of their misfortune."

    Irish didn''t expect that he would say that, so she was confused at his words. She looked at him and asked after a while, "What do you mean?"

    The beginning of Lake''s misfortune?

    "Shirley was in the hospital." Joseph knocked on the phone, meaning that what he said was the reason behind the call.

    Irish couldn''t help her intention toin, "Is this the beginning of Lake''s misfortune? I think it''s worth celebrating. Shirley has done so many immoral things. I''m still not bothered with the news about her as they have enough money to pay for her hospital bill."

    "She got into the hospital because of food poisoning. And it happened just after you went away. She had eaten a poisonous sd, and as she was sent to the hospital, she was nearly dead. It was not until nearly 5 o''clock in the afternoon that she got saved." Joseph was a little serious.

 Chapter 396 396: I Don’t Want To Hear It

    As Irish heard it, she stopped, totally shocked. She had thought that it was just a little case for Shirley, such as getting a stomach ache. But she had never expected that she would get poisoned. So impossible! She had spent a night in the Lakes. Although she only spent one night, she clearly saw their strict requirements for food. They had such a luxurious life and even arranged an independent room for their tableware. All these proved that they had a high standard for every cooking procedure.

    With so many questions, she had to look up to Joseph and ask sincerely. "Why did it happen?"

    Joseph told her what had happened to her. Irish went away when they started the meal, not for a long time. And Lilith wanted to go too for the excuse of persuading Irish back. However, Kelly stopped her and ordered her to sit down. Lilithined about it, while Kelly forbade her from going out for two days since she thought Lilith was to see Jay. Lilith was so annoyed that she directly returned to her room. Kelly also left because of the embarrassing atmosphere.

    Roy was unhappy all the time, and only Joseph knew the reason. He didn''t eat much and soon went back to his room after Lilith and Kelly. Later he went out with his coat.

    At this time, the chief served the sd on the table. He had prepared one for each, but many left, so there were extra ones. Shirley was fond of it, so she ate all those extra ones. Henry was not in a good mood to continue his meal since Irish went away. More people left, so he got unhappier. He was to leave.

    At this time, something unexpected happened, the bowl suddenly fell down, and Shirley also copsed. Foaming at the mouth, her lips turned purple, and she quivered wholly. People around all got shocked. Joseph called an ambnce immediately and called Roy. However, his phone was left at home, so Joseph couldn''t get in contact with him.

    The ambnce met Joseph''s car on the midway, and soon Shirley was sent to the emergency room. Henry was so angry that he called the police. After their preliminary analysis and judgment, Shirley got poisoned because of the rat poison. As a result, the police began a strict examination of all the employees of the Lakes.

    After proactive measures to save, Shirley recovered her life. Joseph couldn''t go immediately since he had lost contact with Roy. And he made all the arrangements in the hospital and dealt with all the affairs. And that was exactly the reason why he couldn''t follow Irish in time when she left.

    When Shirley was out of danger, and everything went in a good way, Joseph left with the excuse of going to work. So the call he received just now was from Daisy, who arrived at the hospital by Joseph''s order. Joseph told her to notify him as soon as possible in case something unexpected happened.

    Daisy told him that Shirley was totally safe now, but she still had to spend several nights in the hospital as she was still weak.

    Irish still kept silent as she was listening. After Joseph''s words, she was immersed in silence and frowned deeply. Rat poison? There was no rats in the Lake''s, so rat poison was impossible.

    After a while, she asked, "Is the suspect found?"

    Joseph shook his head.

    Irish bit her lips and thought about it for a while, "You think someone did it deliberately? So who''s his target? In my opinion, Shirley was just attacked by mistake."

    "That is also what I worry about most." Joseph was serious at this time, "That person could make it secretly, so he must have been in the Lakes for a long time."

    Irish nodded, "If Shirley was not his target, so who?"

    "At that time, Ruby, me, and William all ate the sd, but we were safe and sound. Only you, Roy, your father, Kelly, and Lilith didn''t eat it." Joseph analyzed, "Shirley likes it, and she has eaten all that left since they were not big ones."<novelnext></novelnext>

    He stopped for a while and didn''t continue.

    Irish soon understood and felt nervous, "Among those who didn''t eat it, he is the best possible. "The "he" she referred to was Henry. Then her voice was cold, "Someone was to kill him but mistakenly caused damage to Shirley."

    Joseph frowned, "Although it was only our analysis, the fact might be that."

    Irish closed her lips tightly and gripped the fork. She was fretful again, just when she was in the Lakes. Joseph observed her change of emotion, so he just pulled her hands and covered them. He said lightly but what he said was to the point, "In my opinion, the Lakes are just seemingly cid. If it were your father who got poisoned today, then it would have brought severe consequences. There will be more risks if the suspect is not found out."

    "The police have been involved already, so we could do nothing." She said it directly.

    "If you don''t care, you will not have suchplex feelings."

    Irish felt nervous, so she put the fork aside and approached him, holding his neck. She said in a pitiful voice. "Now that the situation is better, could we just stop this topic? I don''t want to hear it."

    Joseph embraced her and sighed helplessly.

    ****

    Cassie and her parents also celebrate Labor Day by having dinner together. After dinner, they went back home. Fredrick called her during this time and asked where she was. He meant to celebrate the festival with her. However, Cassie''s mother talked with him with a bad attitude. Cassie sent a short message to Fredrick since she was afraid of damaging the atmosphere. She told him not to call her again because she was to be with her parents.

    Fredrick soon made a response. He reminded her not to forget to take medicines and to have a cup of milk before going to bed. Cassie stared at the phone for a while.

    She didn''t know what to say.

    However, Cassie''s mother began to criticize and scold Fredrick at dinner. Cassie''s father just sighed without words. Atst, Cassie just said lightly, "There is nothing absolutely right or wrong in love. Actually, I am to be med because I did it wrongly.

    Her mother felt so sorry for her.

    As they went back home, it was already eight o''clock at night. As they approached the entrance, there was light and horning not far. She saw it was Roy''s car. Roy cocked his head out of the car and waved his hands to her.

 Chapter 397 397: Are You Sick?

    Cassie just stopped there. She had never expected that Roy would appear. However brilliant the light was, she didn''t approach him. She just stayed motionless. Cassie''s mother felt confused, "Is that Roy?"

    Cassie''s mother didn''t have good eyesight, and the moonlight was dim, so she couldn''t see him clearly. Cassie''s father also squinted and nodded, "It seemed to be Roy."

    "Mom and Dad, you mistook him. Let''s go back." Cassie was nervous, so she just pulled her parents to go straight.

    "Really? I think he is Roy." Cassie''s mother hesitated.

    Actually, Cassie''s mother was fond of Roy because she was touched by Roy''s behavior. That day he just kicked the door and embraced Cassie out of the washroom to the hospital. Cassie''s mother knew that Roy liked her daughter.

    Cassie grasped her mother''s meaning and immediately changed the topic, "It is not him. Nobody wille here since it is Labor Day. He tends to spend it with his family. So just go upstairs."

    However, at this time, Roy called her, "Cassie!"

    Cassie was totally shocked.

    "See. I am right, anyway. He is calling you, so just go." Her mom pushed her and told her, "Let him grab a drink with you."

    "Mom..."

    "Go there quickly. Maybe he has something crucial to say to you. We will go back home first." And then she pulled her husband and left.

    Cassie stood there for a while and then slowly went to the car. She didn''t wear much. A light-yellow dress with a thin white belt made her look better to some extent.

    Roy didn''t get off but still sat on the driver''s seat, patiently waiting for her. As Cassie walked toward him, his eyes appeared to be so emotional, and he seemed to have so many words to say to her. His cheek was especially clear under the silver moonlight, and his face was a little pale. All these made him sexy and intoxicating. Cassie didn''t know the reason for having this kind of feeling.

    Roy pushed the door beside the copilot''s seat directly and ordered her, "Hop on."

    "Just say anything you want directly." Cassie was not touched by him at all and said lightly.

    "Ho on, first," Roy emphasized again. She didn''t move and just looked at him quietly.

    Behind her was the round moon and her eyes were as cold as it.

    "If nothing serious, I will leave now." She didn''t know why she was always nervous in front of him, so she turned to leave.

    However, Roy''s naughty words came, "Believe it or not, if you just go, I willtere to your home."

    Cassie stopped suddenly and turned to look at him,pletely confused.

    "Your parents seemed to like me more." Roy put his arm outside the window idly and stared at her with aplex expression.

    Cassie frowned and controlled her anger, "What do you want to do?"

    "Hop on." He smiled lightly.

    Cassie bit her lips forcefully and took a deep breath to hide her anger. After stopping for half a minute, she finally got in the car unwillingly. But as she closed the door, Roy closed the window immediately. And soon, the space became a closed one, and Cassie smelt the wine aroma.<novelnext></novelnext>

    She felt astonished, "You''re drunk?"

    Roy didn''t pay attention to her words and started the engine suddenly, driving away.

    Cassie was nervous immediately and just stared at Roy''s side face, screaming, "How much did you drink? You shouldn''t drive as you drink alcohol. Stop the car quickly!"

    Roy sped up instead.

    The car ran as quickly as a rocket. Cassie was so regretful that she had believed him. Looking at the buildings backward outside the window, she didn''t know where she was prepared to go. So she began to be afraid and said to him again, "Roy, where are you going?"

    "Spend one night with me, will you?" Roy turned the steering wheel and drove on the road.

    Cassie really felt that he drank too much, so she dared not to annoy an intoxicated man, especially when she was still in his car. It would be more terrible if he got excited and bumped the car somewhere.

    She tried her best to make her voice cid, "Roy, could you just send me back?"

    Roy''s eyes focused on the road, smiling after his words, "I just want to spend the night with you. Isn''t it wonderful?"

    "Are you sick?" Cassie was angry.

    "You force me to be like this. I''ve tried so many times to beg you." Roy gritted his teeth.

    Cassie didn''t know what to say but gripped her fist, "I will just jump from the car if you don''t stop."

    Roy still neglected her threat.

    She took a deep breath and intended to open the door with great risks.

    However, the car stopped suddenly with a strange sound. Her body rushed forward but was protected by Roy in time. Such a surprising action terrified Cassie, so she was so anxious that she rushed to get off. However, the door was locked by Roy.

    Stressful wholly, she looked at Roy subconsciously. Roy lowered down to approach her with a vague smile, and the aroma mixed with his smell came over. Cassie realized that something terrible would happen, so she dared not to annoy him. She could only attach her back to the door and stop his chest from going closer by her two hands.

    "Roy, you are drunk. Do not be this way!"

    "In what way?" Roy''s expression became evil, and his lips approached her cheek. He behaved like a yboy who enjoyed her fragrance now.

    Cassie only sensed that his breath entered her ears, so hot! He got closer and closer, while her hands were so weak to stop his attack, so she could only say, "Release me!"

    Roy held her wrist immediately and leaned his whole body on her. He said beside her ear with intoxication and lure, "Let''s go to my ce. Okay?"

    His words made Cassie terrified. She was not a pure girl anymore, so she could grasp his meaning and the desire hidden in his hot breath. As she thought of this, she just shrank herself, but Roy was getting closer to her.

    "Cassie. Just one night." His eyes became deep.

    Cassie was annoyed and angry, so she tried her best to push him away and p his cheek. She made such great strength that her fingers became numb.

 Chapter 398 398: Do You Hate Me That Much?

    And soon, she saw Roy''s red face and cold eyes like a wolf''s, and Cassie was regretful again because she knew her behavior would arouse scary results. She began to open the door madly, but she just couldn''t make it.

    She felt her wrist tighten. The annoyed man moved toward her like a real wolf, kissing her with great strength. Her body was tightly held, and Roy''s strong chest pressed her. His other hand peeled off the belt on her waist and entered into her dress, climbing up her body.

    Soon his fingertip touched something warm.

    Cassie wanted to scream, but his tongue slipped in as she opened her mouth. The great strength she felt made her frown; however, what most made her embarrassed was Roy''s hand.

    His hand covered her breast without hesitation, and his strong palm didn''t seem to care about her. The kneading by his rough skin was just like a punishment for her.

    Cassie tried her best to struggle, but she couldn''t make it. And as she moved her body, Roy began further intrusion. He cruelly bit her lips, chin, and ears while his hand peeled off her underwear.

    His fingers were a little cold and made Cassie quiver wholly.

    But at the next moment, his fingers touched a warm room.

    Cassie''s body tightened up suddenly. Feeling ached, she frowned deeply.

    He eximed beside her ears, "So warm��."

    His fingers moved anxiously, and his desire seemed stronger like boiling water, which burned Cassie.

    She cried...

    Her tears fell down from her eyes.

    Her tears touched his lips, and he suddenly stopped his attack.

    They were so close to each other in such a private and dark space. They didn''t move anymore, and only her tears fell down madly. After a while, Roy drew his hand back and pinched her chin. He felt sorrowful.

    "Do you hate that much?"

    Cassie didn''t say anything but cried more loudly.

    It was the first time Roy saw her desperate look. Cassie appeared to fight against him in the past, but tonight she was really helpless, making Roy desperate. He stared at her for a while and then back to the driver''s seat, bending on the steering wheel. Then, after a while, he murmured, "Is Fredrick so iparable? What should I do to make you believe that I really love you? I was more than willing to give you everything to make you happy."<novelnext></novelnext>

    He sounded so desperate and lonely. "Why should it be him and not me? Why?"

    However, Cassie just shook her head and wept without any words. In fact, she didn''t know what was wrong with her, either. All herplex feelings were changed into tears as if pouring out all her sorrow for years.

    Roy finally submitted to her and tidied up their clothes after taking a deep breath. And then he started the car to send her back.

    There might be different views under the same moonlight. On the same night, different love stories urred, some with joy and some with sorrow.

    Irish was full after dinner. Although something unpleasant urred, and she had thought about it for some time, her joy was not influenced by the beautiful night scene.

    After dinner, they didn''t get in the car but found a good ce to rest. After an hour, he took her back to the car.

    The moon followed the car all the time and couldn''t get away from it. With the rapid retrogression of the scenery and a long string of neon, the city was under the night where there was always a kind of psychedelic beauty. Irish was closed against the window, slightly raising her face staring at the full moon with a smile.

    The car went all the way.

    Since getting into the car, Joseph had never asked her where she wanted to go but rather seemed purposeful. She just thought the moon was beautiful and the night was dark and thought he was just taking her around, so she didn''t ask. The music inside the car was soft, which was pure piano music, and Irish rested quietly on the seat, her body and mind rxed to enjoy.

    For her, it was nice to have Joseph around.

    With the red light ahead, the car stopped slowly, and the music continued to y like water, and there was an intoxicating stillness. Joseph turned his head and looked at Irish. Although outside the window was dark, and his eyes were as bright as the sun piercing the haze, making his lonely and anxious heart clear and open.

    This woman, who made him angry and felt love, sat in his car beside him tonight. The moonlight tenderly strengthened her beauty, or, in other words, not even the brilliance of the moon was as beautiful as hers. Her beautiful eyes staring at the full moon were like crystal spring water, with clear ck and white color, and the lines of her standard oval face were soft, and her nose was straight. Her tender lips were cherry pink, which was her natural color. He always knew she hated painting on her mouth.

    The delicate and slightly raised chin had an unblemished line. Not too close, Joseph could breathe her fragrance and the clear moonlight on her body like clothes. Her skin was smooth and white like water. Her delicate teeth were against her lips, whose clothes could not cover her graceful and beautiful curves, which aroused people''s imagination.

    And then down came the tight belly and the fine, beautiful curve of the waist. For she was sitting there, and the long legs with stockings exposed more seduction, and then her round knees, and long, even legs. She wore no shoes, and her feet steppedfortably on the carpet. The texture of her tiny feet was as fine as sand. Only seeing with their eyes, he could feel how delicate and smooth her skin would be if he touched her.

    She hung her head down to y with the phone, apparently delighted with the new phone''s functionality, without knowing that her beauty had fallen into the man''s dark, hot eyes.

    As soon as she raised her hand gently, the fragrance naturally emitted from her would give out into Joseph''s nose. He felt that even if he looked at her like that, his lower abdomen would feel the shiver, and a certain part of his body was waking up quietly without control. Desire and me breed in him.

 Chapter 399 399: You’re So Handsome

    Behind, the sound of a car suddenly woke him up, making his eyes back to the changing traffic lights. He started the car, but he sighed in his mind that the woman around him was a totally attractive goblin!

    However, the goblin herself did not know that she had be the goblin in the eyes of others. She enjoyed ying on her mobile phone and couldn''t help taking a picture of the moon and said excitedly to him, "It''s really awesome. With this phone, I can be a professional photographer."

    At the end of the speech, she took a lot of pictures of Joseph''s side of the face. After a while, she said, "Joseph, you''re so handsome."

    "Thank you." He nced at her with a slight curl of his lips.

    "If a man is handsome, he doesn''t need PS." Irish stared at the man in the photo, and her heart was beating quickly. She held up her cell phone to take a few more shots. Joseph took her hand with a smile and said with an indulging voice. "Come on."

    "All right." Irish was seldom so obedient, looking ahead at the road condition, "This time, the road is still so congested. Joseph, let us drive the car to the ce with few people, and let me take a few more night scenes."

    Joseph smiled charmingly. "It''s the next morning when you take the picture and go home."

    Irish sighed in her heart, but she wanted to stay with him a little longer. After thinking about it, she didn''t force him. She had a day off, but he had not. He had something to be done tomorrow.

    Seeing her silence, Joseph asked what was wrong with her. She shook her head gently, looked at the time again, and stretched out, "You are right, today is too happy, so when you said that I feel a little tired, take me home, I want to rest."

    As a matter of fact, Irish really wanted to ask him, Joseph, are you busy tomorrow? Are we gonna go to our home separately tonight? Would you like to go to my house? But it seemed strange to say any of these words as if she had invited him; she had not so many thoughts but simply wanted to stay with him for a little longer, even for a tea chat.

    Although she and Joseph had a rtionship, no one had this rtionship be a nightpanion. In the Light Town and South Africa, they lived together because, at best, they were outside. When they returned to New York, it didn''t mean she was moving in with him. She understood that a man like him needed more room for independence, so she did not want to bring it up, and she could not bring it up.

    Joseph naturally did not know that she had so many confusing ideas in her head and smiled after hearing the words, "Tired?"

    "Mm-hmm." Irish nodded gently, looking outside the window. The car turned to the next corner and headed in the direction of her home.

    "You are tired all day," he said, "It''s time to go home and have a good rest."

    Joseph stopped talking and focused on driving.

    Seeing that he was silent, Irish stopped saying anything, watching the road ahead get closer and closer until Joseph drove past it. Surprised, hurriedly turned to him, "You are driving the wrong way, you should go straight to the auxiliary road."

    "Why go to the auxiliary road?" Joseph asked deliberately.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "That''s the way to Madison Avenue." Irish was confused.

    Heughed and slowed down while the traffic was in front of him, freeing a big hand and pinching her cheek. "Baby, I''m not going to take you to your home."

    In the closed carriage, the man''s deep, maic voice and the nickname "baby" added a lot of ambiguity. Irish listened to it, and she smiled. He had never called her so, and the heart fluttered inexplicably.

    "Well. Let me guess where you want to go." Knowing that she could stay with him a little longer, she was so excited that she came close to him and said, "What good food must be waiting for me to eat?"

    Joseph, holding the steering wheel in one hand and holding her hand in the other, gave her a kiss on her hand. "Not promising."

    His chin tickled Irish''s fingers, and she wanted to withdraw her hand. He clenched her hands and she giggled, "So where are you taking me?"

    "My home." He nced at her with a slight rise on his lips.

    Irish froze, only to react after a while, looking at his side face. She felt that he was not joking. His home?

    Her heart began to pound at the thought of the word. Of course, she would not have foolishly worried that Ruby would be at his house because he had told her earlier that he and Ruby were nothing, and as far as she knew, the home in her mouth should be his own property and not the Lake''s. That was to say, and he lived alone in his home.

    Psychological research found that women like to take men home, while men like to take women to the hotel, which was for entirely the psychology of the male and females were different. Butpared to women, thetter is more analytical. Men need privacy more than women. A home is a ce of absolute privacy instead of taking her to the hotel. Joseph wanted to take her home, which meant he wanted to bepletely open to her and share his privacy with her.

    Turning around and looking at his side face, happiness was quietly in her heart.

    ****

    This was the first time that Irish really felt the gap between the rich and the poor. It was the same courtyard, but the environment was so different. She was brought back to his seaside vi in the golden area of Long Ind, where rich men lived here. He slid his car into the underground garage, and she could not wait to run into the courtyard. Looking at it all around, the scenery exudes luxury.

    Her uncle''s house also had a courtyard, but byparison, it was not difficult to distinguish between themon and the aristocrat. This vi was the most standard andplete architectural culture, with the traditional concept of living and the perfectbination of modern equipment. Irish looked rustic. Everywhere she turned her eyes, she was amazed. It upied arge ce and was very regr. There were two gates between the front yard and the inner courtyard.

    The huge courtyard was nted with roses and daisies. Between the vegetation, there was arge fountain. From the tidy straw, you could see his high standard of living environment.

 Chapter 400 400: Don’t You Like It?

    Soon Irish rushed to the room again and was frightened by the grandeur. The first floor was the living room and dining room, and there was a swimming pool. The second floor was for guests'' bedrooms, and the third floor was for his bedrooms and studies. In the middle of the hall, there was a huge pendant crystalmp, which reflected its luxury.

    What caused Irish to copse most was the fact that such a courtyard had two small elevators, which went directly to the second and third floors from the ground. Needless to say, both were with sophisticated modern facilities.

    She thought that the Lake family was extravagant enough, but his house was even so extravagant!

    So, when he parked his car in the underground garage and hugged her from behind, she grudged her teeth and stared at him, "Joseph, you are a scrupulous businessman. Tell me, do you use my deducted sry to buy these things?"

    Joseph did not answer her, and as soon as her voice went down, he bowed his head and kissed her lips without notice, and his big hands began to slip restlessly on her delicate curves. His enthusiasm startled Irish and feeling almost breathless by his hug and her lips aching, she whispered, "Joseph, you can''t..."

    The next words were stopped by his mouth, whose one hand sping her wrists, the other lifting her skirt and covering her stockings. She felt her legs tickling, and she struggled. She felt that his desire was direct and strong, which made her mind go nk.

    With her light gasps, Joseph''s thin lip slid to her ear, and his breath was hot, "Did you prepare something for me?"

    The breath crept into her neck and tickled her. She withdrew her neck and smiled at him. "That cake, I picked it out."

    "Not enough." He had a hoarse voice, and put her in his arms from behind, with his chin on her cheek, and said, "Isabel, how can a cake satisfy me? I''m still hungry."

    Irish''s face flushed to the root of her ear, and she understood what he meant and could easily feel the change in his body. Joseph''s eyes were as dark, charming as night. He held her to the sofa without waiting for what she said. She fell on it before she could catch her breath.

    The broad sofa was soft like cotton, "devouring" petite Irish. He did not wait for her to get up, Joseph''s body pressed down. His movements were much ruder than ever, and there was a sense ofpulsion in the rtionship between lovers.

    His lips couldn''t wait to fall, and his big hand tore open her shirt. The hot kisses went down with punishment, ming red marks on her neck, vicle, and chest.

    Irish knew he had a desire and didn''t struggle too much. After all, she had sex with him and knew his passion in bed. But when he pressed her under him, even the kisses became too strong to be normal, so she reacted. She always felt that his behavior that day was too unusual, so she rebelled and panted under him. "What''s the matter with you, Joseph? You''re hurting me."

    "Don''t you like it?" Joseph pulled his tie open, and the cor of the man''s shirt loosened, revealing a few strong chest muscles, and the sturdy skin hurt her.

    "I.." Irish looked into his eyes, startled by the darkness of his eyes. He seemed gentle but also angry. Carefully looking at him, she felt a calmness, and it wasn''t easy to understand. She did not know what had happened to him but subconsciously felt that she might not be able to bear the love he brought.<novelnext></novelnext>

    But Joseph suddenly smiled, bent over, and kissed her again, but it was almost a bite. When his big hand went down, he felt that her skirt was so obstructive that he pulled it apart. It was so powerful that she looked into his eyes with astonishment, followed by the sound of a torn stocking in his palm.

    The torn stockings strangled Irish''s legs, and the soft texture now turned into a deadly weapon to hurt her. She felt pain as if a sharp weapon had hurt her.

    Irish did not know what had happened to Joseph. He was never a hasty man, and he did not act as if he was eager to vent to Irish. On the contrary, he seemed to be in control, and it seemed that only in this way could he satisfy his deep desire. With all her strength, she drew her hand and put it against his chest and asked softly, "Don''t do that, Joseph."

    She was not in a hurry to resist, and she didn''t panic because she had always believed Joseph would not hurt her, even though he was a little rude tonight.

    Joseph seized her hand again, pressed his face down, and touched her ears with thin lips, said with a deep, intoxicating voice, "But I want to." The kiss fell on the side of her ear.

    The hot breath burned her, and his lips, with his words, fell on her.

    The next second, she only felt a bit cool under her body, which wasplete without cover.

    She could not move her hands, and he bit her chest.

    Vaguely, she seemed to hear the sound of the trousers being pulled down.

    She was raised before she could react.

    Then the man rushed into her body without warning.

    Joseph''s action was strong and domineering, not giving her any time to prepare, so hard into her body. Irish screamed in the next moment, and although he was gentle as usual, she would find it hard, not to mention the moment when he was almost bossy.

    Like a knife that split her hard, yet she couldn''t smell flesh and blood. She could only see the dark and deep eyes of the man, her whole body was stiff at this moment, and the cells of her whole body were all contracted together. And the innermost part of her body, too, was instinctively repelled by the barbaric invasion of his huge manhood.

    But the man was reallyfortable. Joseph did not move again after he rushed into her body. He felt so clearly that the woman in his arms was shaking, struggling to bear him. Bending down, raising her small face, which her long hair had covered, his eyes went down between her slightly stretched lips. "Remember, baby, that''s what you vent."

 Chapter 401 401: Say I Love You

    Irish finally realized that she would rather offend a grumpy person than a seemingly calm person, for the more they seemed to be calm, the more unkind their hearts would be. Just as though that night Joseph was with a gentle smile, she didn''t expect him to give her a hard p.

    Biting her lips hard, she spoke with tremulous flutter, "Joseph, know I''m wrong, so do you still want to hurt me?" She did not think that she should have said that night, but he had always taken care of her feelings in bed, giving her the greatest joy and happiness. If what he had just acted as he had simply vented and enjoyed without stopping, and he went on, she would almost die.

    "You''ve been disturbing me these days. How can I forgive you so easily?" Joseph''s smile spread to the bottom of his eyes, intertwining with fire, and his words were so hot, "I''m going to have to punish you slowly and let you know what kind of man you can''t offend."

    "Joseph." Her shoulders trembled slightly, and she wondered what he would do next.

    Joseph had always maintained the movement, and his big hand pulled off each other''s clothing one by one.

    Sofas and carpets were cluttered with clothes.

    The interior lights, soft as goose feathers and foggy gloss, hung over the man and woman on the sofa, with faint shadows stretching out and swaying on the walls.

    The light was glowing, the shadows were ck, and the man was strong, and the woman was soft.

    They had a whole night to cuddle, so he was not in a hurry. He liked to see her as a thirsty fish hugging him and strangling him.

    His eyes looked over her with fascination.

    The beautiful light spread over her soft body, and the shuddering Irish under him at this moment was strangely charming. Her white and delicate skin was like jade, bone and meat were symmetrical, without a little extra fat or too skinny, and her curve was beautiful. Round shoulders, smooth arms like lotus roots, and her long neck were more white than snow. Anyone looking at her could not help looking down to smell her incense.

    The closeness of her body made her sweet and charming fragrance get into Joseph''s heart, tititing his masculine heart. Her chest was like two mountain peaks, and her soft t belly and soft, smooth legs between which he could feel her tremor.

    He was attracted, and his chest had a desire to exhale.

    Bowing down and kissing greedily upon her.

    Instead of being rude just now, he was softer, as if deliberately tormenting her will and firmness. In his arms, the woman''s young beautiful body was naturally sexy, making Joseph could not help but carefully, greedily appreciate and y with it.

    Irish began to gasp, and the man''s kiss continued down, melting her a little brutally.

    Her skin began to turn peach-pink and gorgeous, reminding Joseph of Helen, the great beauty who caused the Trojan War, and her charming body was destined to be enjoyed by him.

    Joseph''s lips and hands gave her an extreme tremble, and Irish could not help groaning, shaking her whole body, even more, making her more sensitive somewhere.

    She only felt that the cock buried deep inside her body was even more startlingly hot.

    Irish called his name in a hurry but wondered whether to ask him to stop or to continue. He used torturous speed and strength to exhaust her mind, and she knew he had done it on purpose.

    As he said, he was going to torture her slowly.

    Her toes, too, were shrinking but were tucked into his palm, and his rough thumb rubbed her feet, which made her cry even more.

    Her feet were pure white and beautiful, and the delicate skin on the back of her feet had some grains. White jade-like toes were closely and neatly interdependent, and her fingernails slightly erected. The soft white and pinkish feet were like soft silk, beautiful and shining, making people want to hold them in their hands and kiss them.

    Joseph did, from her graceful curved arch to her glossy ankles, slowly extending to her calves.

    Irish''s backbone stood stiffly, and her body was stretched tight to the extreme.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Her eyes even began to ooze, and her fingers eagerly clutched the man''s strong arm, and in the gloom, his kisses gnawed at her soul like a venomous venom that made her suffer hundreds of times.

    "Joseph." Irish could only cry out his name over and over again, lifting herself up, eager to get hisfort.

    Joseph turned a cruel deaf ear to her, breathing gently and strongly beside her cheeks, "Dare to have a temper?"

    Irish desperately shook her head, whose hair was messy above her chest, and her beauty was suffocating.

    "Say it out." He ordered.

    She hugged him eagerly. The emptiness of her body and the pain of gnawing like a worm made her unable to bear, she said. "I dare not, Joseph. Please give it to me. I feel terrible."

    Joseph looked at her beautiful little face, but in his head, it always echoed the words of Fredrick: Adam was the first man to bring her happiness. He is dead, and you are, at best, a double.

    His chest was on fire, which spread into his eyes and intertwined with the groans of the woman in his arms.

    He ignored Irish''s request to enter but cruelly and slowly withdrew himself.

    At this moment, Irish panting even more fiercely, only feeling that the sword in the deepest part of the body was slowly pulling away, and each inch of concession was so clear. Finally, the full sense of satisfaction disappeared but derived a fatal emptiness and loss.

    "No. Don''t pull out." Almost pleading, she clenched her lips, her body limped down on Joseph''s chest, stretched to the end, and bred a familiar craving.

    Joseph buried his head in her body and finally slid down the most sensitive part of her body.

    Her voice was almost shrill.

    His hands sped around her head.

    At this moment, Irish felt that all the cells in her body were active, unable to breathe shyly, and his skillful movements made her abdomen tighter and tighter with the familiar feeling that she was about to fall off a cliff.

    It was getting closer and closer.

    Joseph seemed to feel the change in her body, straightened it up, and once again entered her without warning.

    This power ran straight through her.

    She was caught off guard and was sent to the top of the cloud.

    "Joseph..." she screamed in delight.

    He leaned over her ear and ordered, "Say I love you." She could not wait to speak and said, I love you, trembling all over her body.

    Without waiting for her to fall from the clouds, Joseph began a great attack, each time overbearing and deep, and the impact was like the waves of the sea easily subjugating her.

    His eyes were full of lust, like hawks staring at her small, affectionate face.

 Chapter 402 402: You’re So Deep

    In fact, Joseph was angry. During the cold war days, his mood had been as if he were riding a roller coaster for a few days. She was a money-grubber who would rather hold a broken screen than take the initiative to hug him! He was waiting for her phone call all the time, even if it only rang for a while or didn''t say anything, but there was no phone call!

    What angered him more was that she ran to eat with Leo.

    God knew that when he had walked into the restaurant, the first thing he had seen was not Leo but her. He had recognized the small, familiar figure. She had been chatting so happily with Leo and even smiled at him! He had to step forward to see if she was excited to see him. As a result, the woman''s reaction was enough to give him the impulse to strangle her.

    Her eyes were not even raised. He said to the air that he hade to the restaurant for work and that he could not spare time to sit down because he was too busy on business. He thought that someone so clever as her should be able to hear the meaning of it. These words were said to her. But in fact, she still ignored him.

    She didn''t say a word to him, from entering the restaurant to turning away!

    That night, Joseph had thought that Irish would make a phone call. All night long, his cell phone was pinched in his hand, and he was about to break it. He had thought clearly that as long as she called, even if she did not say anything, he would look for her. But he had waited all night, the whole night!

    It had been not until the meeting that he received a call from her, and when her name shed on the screen, he had an unutterable thrill. He had forgotten that he was in a meeting, and he should go out of the meeting room to answer the phone. He couldn''t wait to answer it. He had been afraid that the call would be canceled.

    But this damn woman, on the phone, just thanked him? Didn''t she miss him? Not at all?

    It turned out that he was not only important less than that damned screen in her heart, not even Cassie. If he hadn''tpromised on the matter, wouldn''t she have even called?

    There was a moment when Joseph began to hesitate, wondering whether the woman needed him or not. How much weight did he hold in her heart?

    He seldom gave himself a holiday on Labor Day. Although the matter was not clear, he wanted to bring her back to his house to spend the day with her. The day before, he informed them to prepare the food and decorate the house well. He thought she would at least give him a blessing message or something, but the whole day of waiting almost broke him.

    That day, Irish was also so beautiful, but the sorrow in her eyes made his heart ache. He would like to hold her in his arms and gentlyfort her or simply get up and pull her away, but reality did not allow it.

    He is not a boy, some things could not be wanton, otherwise, the heaviest injury would be suffered by Irish.

    Until Irish turned and left again, Joseph even wanted to lose his temper at that moment!

    He thought she hade for him, so she would go with him even if she had to go away.

    At that time, Joseph thought he himself was ridiculous, for so many days, he had thought too much, too much!

    Fredrick''s words stuck in his heart like a needle, although his face was quiet, and although he knew that Fredrick had a suspicion of being gratified by revenge, Irish''s behavior in recent days had really worried him, and he had been thinking about it on the way to find her. Did he always think he was over important in this rtionship?<novelnext></novelnext>

    Love was precious to him. If he had it, he didn''t want to let it go. Would she leave midway here?

    All the information showed that Adam was only missing, and even Irish was not sure whether he was really dead. If he was not dead, and if one day he suddenly appeared in front of Irish, would she put aside this rtionship with him and leave him alone? Into Adam''s arms?

    Because he heard so clearly that she was calling Adam''s name, in his arms, on his bed!

    It was clear that Adam had taken root in her heart, and at least Adam was in her heart.

    He had always been used to control.

    Feelings were the same, but he was afraid of scaring Irish, so he has always been gentle with her, just patiently waiting for her to die, patiently apanying her to die. Everyone had a past. But what he had to admit was that he was really caring about Irish, her everything, and wanted to share all his "first-time" things with her.

    Her first kiss, her first sex, and even her first moment of exuberance and bliss, he wished he had given it to her himself.

    Irish''s name was more abhorrent than Fredrick''s.

    But he could notpete with the dead.

    Irish really was the woman he wanted to love with all his heart.

    From the sofa in the room to the deluxe bed in the bedroom, under the silent moon, in a long time, Joseph brought Irish a love that was as different as ever before. He had never treated her this way. She realized that he could bring her the deadly feeling of ice and fire with the cruelest tenderness.

    Irish''s body was as soft as a cotton ball, every inch of her skin was excited and trembling, the blood in every blood vessel was excited as if it was boiling, and a feeling of lumps upied every cell in her brain, and the intense impact made her ecstatic and ardent. She was like an enchanting mand.

    "Joseph, you''re...so deep." She groaned with tears.

    Deep stimtion pushed her to the top again, to the brink of copse.

    Her whole body trembled, screamed, and let loose the pleasant sensation that she hadn''t before. Her strength was drawn away. Her body flopped on the man''s chest, fluttering like a cloud of feathers.

    "You''re biting too hard, honey."

 Chapter 403 403: Stop Torturing Me

    Joseph smiled and slowed down his pace, rearranging the ups and downs to the softness that, unlike before, he tried not to excite her post-peak sensitivities.

    He lowered his head and kissed her on the lip. He had pushed her sensitive body up into the clouds for the fourth time. She was a delicate, maddening creature for men.

    Joseph deserved to be an old hand in sex. In front of Irish''s still trembling body and perfect curves, other men would only know how to possess it desperately and only want to feel it for a while. But he was so slow to appreciate the taste. For him, this was only the prelude tonight.

    ****

    When Cassie stayed in the bathroom for more than ten minutes, her mother began knocking at the door, and she replied helplessly, "I was still in the shower." Her mother went back to the living room to watch TV after hearing her answer.

    Out of the bathtub, Cassie stood in front of the mirror, looking down at the deep wound on her wrist. During this period of time, Fredrick was good to her, his tenderness, his patience was more than ever he had before. She should be satisfied, but why was her heart feeling emptiness and loneliness?

    As a matter of fact, she understood that Fredrick had done this to her, for he was afraid that she wouldmit suicide again.

    Sighing lightly, she reached out to sweep off the fog on the mirror. The big range of the red on the chest was still obvious, and it was the trace that Roy had left. Her heart leaped inadvertently, and she remembered Roy leaning on the steering wheel and looking depressed. He kept questioning her. What was the point that he could notpare with Fredrick?

    Her scalp also followed with a dash of pain.

    In fact, she could not say where Roy was worse than Fredrick. Whether from the appearance conditions or from the family. Roy would not lose the slightest bit to Fredrick. Perhaps she had seen Roy''s flirting with other women, perhaps she had too much resentment with him, or perhaps because he was a member of the Lake. So many reasons would have caused her never to put him in ce of her, Mr. Right.

    Yes, Roy was not a good lover, he was a prodigal in the love-game world, so how could there be true feelings from him?

    Cassie was uneasy for a moment, and in a hurry, she got out of the bathroom wearing clean pajamas.

    ****

    Love sex had exhausted all the strength of Irish.

    She looked like a doll, finely split into pieces, and her body seemed not to belong to her. The only senses were gasping, and there was sweat between her breaths, their smell of male hormones and hers.

    Joseph was satisfied, not forgetting to appease her and put her in his arms from behind. He knew her tenderness after the event and did not rush away or, like any other man, could not wait to order a cigarette to enjoy it. Instead, he became more infatuated with the helplessness of her love so that he could feel her dependence most directly.

    Irish allowed his strong arms to encircle her, and his slender fingers crawled greedily on her stomach. After this love, her ears were buzzing, and her voice was dumb. She did not know how many times she climbed the clouds in the process, only felt the fatal joy flooding her again and again, and finally, she felt the shock. His strength was as strong as a beast, prompting her to entreat him, not to pull it in.<novelnext></novelnext>

    His scorching heat fell on her stock and, at that moment, almost burned her.

    In the big bed, there was wild chaos.

    She leaned feebly against his chest and felt his strong heartbeat, his fingers moving gently through her hair, so tender and considerate that she was drowsy and her long eyshes unable to bear it. Her mouth opened, but her throat dried up, so she couldn''t speak a word. The man''s muscr arm crossed her, handed her the cup, and smiled, "Drink some water."

    Irish opened her mouthzily and drank a few mouthfuls before she found her voice. It was low, like a frightened bird in pity. "Stop torturing me like that, Joseph, I will die."

    Joseph drank the rest of the ss water, leaning to put an empty cup back on the head of the bed, taking over Irish''s body with a clear and shallow bad smile, "I will see if you will be obedient." The warm fingers went to touch her belly again, pinching her soft skin. "Today''s just a little admonition."

    She no longer had the strength to lift her hand against him but protested softly, "You are so bad."

    Joseph gently smiled, the bottom of his eyes was full of tenderness.

    There was a ring in the air.

    A strange bell.

    Irish listened carefully and said, "Is it your call or mine?"

    "Yours." Joseph kissed her forehead and got out of bed. "How could someone call my cell phone?" At the end of the speech, he went out of the bedroom to get it for her.

    Irish remembered that she was the only one on his cell phone. After a while, Joseph came in with her mobile phone. What Irish saw was a living and strong male body. He came to her without a hush and saw her blushing. Even though she had sex more than once with him, she was still not used to facing his body. This was probably the charm of being extremely handsome, as she thought the man was so handsome that women would feel embarrassed to sleep with him.

    She took the phone and turned it over, not even looking, she directly pulled through, and the man followed to go to bed. The soft mattress was sunken, and then he put her back into her arms. The softback against his strong chest was as safe and secure as a wall.

    However, the voice on the phone in anger made Irish''s hair up. It was her aunt.

    "Don''t you say that you have nothing to do with Joseph? Why is he still looking for you at home?"

 Chapter 404 404: A Blind Date

    Her Aunt Mary''s voice was so loud that she almost deafened her eardrum, and then she felt Joseph''s fingers stagnate on her belly for a moment. Soon, the big, broad hand went up all the way and grabbed a "rabbit" in front of her chest. She almost gasped by the force of his punishment.

    She turned to his face, only to discover that his brow was harsh and dark and that there was a line slightly protruding between his brows. At once, she was embarrassed. One side was her domineering Aunt, and the other side was her unhappy lover. She was caught in a quandary. She could only look at what was before her and smiled at him as a constion. And then she hurriedly devoted herself to the debate with her Aunt.

    The auntie over there chattered, and she was almost overwhelmed with questions.

    "Irish, you can''t lie to me. What are you doing with Joseph? Why can''t your phone keep getting through? And you said you were with a friend for a holiday, which one of your friends? Where do you live? Are you with your friend or him?"

    Irish was thinking of what kind of answer could be used to both dispel her Aunt''s doubts and eliminate the misunderstanding between Joseph. After pondering for a long time, she felt a pain in her brain and didn''t think of a panacea. But her Aunt''s questions also awaited her answer, and then she had to say, "Aunt, how can I lie to you? My cell phone is out of battery. It''s my ssmate abroad, who came to New York alone, and she has no close rtives here. She is introverted, not liking to contact strangers, so Ie to apany her."

    "Really?" Because Irish always had a good faith record, so Mary still believed her words.

    "Really." She took the risk. "Why don''t you talk to her for a second? Let her make fun of me that I''m still under control?"

    On the top of her head, Joseph raised his eyebrows and looked at her with a little surprise. But Irish was very confident. Her face did not flush. She knew her Aunt. Although she was usually swaggering and sometimes stubborn, she was not really willing to give her children trouble, so the more Irish said so, the more it was safe.

    Sure enough, Mary mumbled over there, "You always use this kind of words to prod me, am I not for your own good?"

    "Oh, of course, I know you''re the best aunt." In the face of her loved ones who upied an important psychological position, Irish was always as gentle as a cat, with a smiling face filled with sunlight, and said with a soft voice, different from the sharp tongue that attacked the Lake''s.

    She was in Joseph''s arms, so he could see all the changes in her expression, with a spoiling smile on his lips. This woman, even if she had so many changeable faces, which were only masks to protect herself, and these masks in the eyes of outsiders had be a synonym for "bossy character, strange temper," but he could see that it was her most true appearance, soft hook heart.

    "So what happened to you and Joseph?" Her Aunt did not forget the point.

    Irish tried to avoid the topic, but she did not. Without looking up at the man''s ck eagle-like eyes, she knew that he was staring at her, sharp, as if ready to stab her at any time, only when she said something bad. But her Aunt over there, of course, Irish couldn''t fool her at all. She took a deep breath. "What''s wrong? I told youst time."

    A typical good response.

    While her Aunt was not satisfied, "You promised me you wouldn''t have anything to do with him, but he went here yesterday."<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Well, probably he just wants to persuade me to eat at the Lake." Unable to be ambiguous, Irish had to lie, simplyforting one end and then the other, "You can rest assured, I really did not contact him."

    The man''s big hand suddenly increased his strength on her waist, and the pain was so sharp that she bared her teeth but made a poor plea for mercy at him.

    Her Aunt hesitated for a long time, "Well, if you really cut clean with him, then listen to me. Tomorrow you have to go on a blind date."

    "A blind date?" Irish''s voice was as sharp as if her throat had been squeezed.

    "Are you kidding me, aunt?"

    "Can I make fun of that? You''re 28, and I''m ashamed to go to your mother''s grave if you don''t get married and have a baby." When her Aunt mentioned this topic, she began to chatter. "You said that Leo''s conditions were very good, but you don''t like him, but if you had to have something with Joseph, who was ying with women, it''s fine. I know I can''t force you to receive Leo, but you should know Joseph can''t give you anything either, so you''d better go on a blind date. You can''t live alone all your life!"

    Irish obviously felt Joseph''s body stiffer and stiffer.

    "I��"

    "You don''t have to refuse, it''s a deal. I''ve chosen all the dates for you. Tomorrow you''ll let me see you try it."

    "I don''t want to."

    "You don''t want to? Well, then, you should have a try with Leo. It will take some time to know whether you both are appropriate or not, or you should hurry toe home and not spend any day outside. I''ll tell you how a woman can make herself happy!"

    "Well, I''ll go on a blind date then." Irish feared it most. Once her Aunt had made up her mind, it would be impossible for her to stay here tonight, so she agreed hastily.

    "All right. I''m telling you, the other side is the son of my colleague. He''s two years older than you. He was in good condition with a stable job."

    Her Aunt''s words made Irish harder, and she could clearly feel Joseph''s eyes darkening as he tightened her belly. The more excited her Aunt on the other end, the more her suspicion rose, it made her not want to hang up on the phone. "I saw the photo of the other side. The young man is very handsome. I have also shown your photo to the other side. Just now, he said that he wished to meet you. I think that young man is attracted to you, which is not surprising at all. How beautiful you are. And who believes you are 28, I''m..."

 Chapter 405 405: A Blind Date

    "Aunt." The more Irish listened to it, the more worried she became, and she interrupted her Aunt quickly. "Will you wait till I get back to talk about it?"

    "Okay, anyway, you are careful about this matter. I tell you, this young man is a serious and honest person. I know his n and his background much better than Joseph. Though he had money, his moral character was not good. There are so many women around him, how can such a man be trustworthy to take care of you?"

    "Well, Aunt, I see. I have something to do. Goodbye."

    Just a few minutester, Irish seemed to fight a battle, which made her physically and mentally exhausted. She put the phone aside, not daring to look back at Joseph''s expression, and buried her face in the pillow against him. Her Aunt''s words were full of attacks. And no one would like to listen to them. Depressed, only felt the man behind approach over, and a hot kiss fell on her neck. The strength was not light, and soon her delicate skin left a clear hickey.

    She was panting with pain and was about to turn her head. Joseph extended his hand and flipped over her body directly, and the kiss fell overbearingly, on her vicle, her towering chest, brutally.

    "Joseph." She did not push him away, leaving him unbridled and her slender fingers tucked into his thick hair. She called his name in a tender and low voice, and her heart tinged with bitterness and a little powerlessness. It was like something was going on, and she wanted to stay where she was and be dragged.

    Joseph did not speak, and his face buried deep in the mountains in front of her chest, and rubbed on one of the above, opening her mouth, and finally gnawed at the top end.

    The sourness and shivers of pain in her chest caused her to take a breath, but she gnawed her teeth to bear it silently and put his head closer. She knew what had happened to him but was deeply helpless at the change in his state of mind. She would rather be silent; after she hung up, he lost his temper with her, and his appearance hurt her.

    The only thing she could do was to let him behave, as long as he was in a better mood. The softness of the woman in her arms made Joseph feel pain. When he saw the kiss print on her body that he had been raging, he somehow became anxious. His arm was held beside her face, and the other hand stroked her brow, and the falling kiss was already tender. From her full forehead to her beautiful nose, until red lips, he gently closed her, sucking, carefully treating her like a treasure.

    Irish took the initiative to wrap her arms around his neck, kissing his lips.

    For a long time, Joseph just let go of her, made his thin lips close to her, and said in a low voice, "I''m sorry."

    Her heart was like a budding seedling crushing through the seed shell, giving out a slight crumbling pain, and Irish shook her head gently and hugged him so that his head rested on her chest. His sorry contained a thousand words, what he could say and what he could not say. She knew from the day she had decided to go with him, and she knew that all sorts of things would happen to her along the way. He said he would stand before her, but no matter how strong a man might be, he would be fragile one day, and she would stand up without regrets.

    She had neverined to him and never regretted it, for it was Joseph, and she did not feel bitter at all.

    The clock in the room was beating in a box methodically, and would not stop at all because of people or things in the world, just as at this moment, Irish wanted to keep time, and they needed not to think about how hard the road would be in the future like that. There were many thorns on this road, and she wanted to embrace him until forever quietly.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Time is always cruel with reason, so no one can escape.

    After a long time, Irish sighed heavily, and when she stared into his eyes, she pretended to be rxed. "Rx, my aunt just doesn''t know you, and I will let her ept you."

    Joseph turned over, leaned against the bed, and put his hand in her arms. She leaned down against him and sped her fingers. He lifted her hand, gave her a kiss on the lip, and bowed his head. "I''ll do the job."

    Her hand clung to his corner of the chin, gently smiling, "We can win every battle if we know ourselves and our enemies. You don''t seem to know the enemy, or you won''t be kicked out."

    Her words made Joseph frown slightly.

    "Weren''t you? You went to my Aunt''s house, and you''ve been treated in a very unordinary way?" She didn''t expect him to be so bold and directly go to her door, but when she thought of him, looking around for her, she was touched. Joseph was such a man, forever said less than done. If her Aunt did not mention it, she would never know he had gone to her home and looked for her.

    Joseph opened his mouth, gently bit her fingers, and tickled her. She wanted to pull her hand off, but he clenched it even more tightly. "Your uncle and aunt were not happy, but they didn''t say much."

    "Didn''t do anything too much?" Irish thought of the wine on his clothes and wondered if his uncle had spilled it on him.

    However, Joseph shook his head. "No, they just said you weren''t at home, so I simply said goodbye and left."

    This was not the behavior of her uncle or Aunt, but she thought that they would not be barbarous to that extent, especially her uncle, although extremely dissatisfied with the Lake or Joseph, he still retained a very traditional concept that when they came to his door, they were all his guests. "Even if he was not satisfied with the other side, he would not fight.

    What about the wine stains on him?

    Irish raised her eyes. He did not take the initiative to say that she would not be convenient to ask, afraid of what should not be asked. Joseph looked at her, feeling that she might have something to say. After half a minute or more, with a little strength, he put her in his arms so that sheid on him.

    "Joseph." The pose was so vague that two equally naked bodies under the quilt clung to one another, and the big thing, with some signs of raising his "head," moved between her legs.

 Chapter 406 406: It Won’t Ask It Again

    Joseph raised his hand, gently put her hair behind the ear, rubbing her cheek gently, thinking, "Isabel, how much do you love me?"

    His question made Irish nk.

    Joseph had never asked her with such dignity, as he had never ordered her to say that she loved him in bed. She smiled, and her chin tucked against his chest, his fingers painted his sturdy texture, and answered without hesitation, "Very much."

    She didn''t know how to describe it. He was the first man she wanted to love and spend her whole life with. Even though the road was too hard, she was willing to wait for his love. As long as the result was good, it would be worth the pain.

    There was a light smile floating on Joseph''s lips, slowly rippling into the deep eyes. His eyes became gentle, and his long fingers were between her hair, which wrapped it around. Irish felt veryfortable under his touch andid down on his body more, closing her eyes gently.

    After a long time, his voice fell again from the top of her head, deep and resolute.

    "What about Adam and me?" The voice came out, and he obviously felt the woman stiff, and his heart also fell to the bottom of the valley, and the overflowing happiness at the bottom of his eyes gradually dispersed.

    Irish looked up at him, whose eyes were dim and dark, like being shrouded in a dark fog.

    "Who do you love more," he asked, looking at her eyes more clearly.

    He knew there were questions he didn''t need to ask, and at first, as a man, he didn''t think it was necessary to ask about them, but the more he became obsessed with her, the more he would find that he cared. Damn it, and he could not allow his woman to have a trace of other men in her heart, absolutely not.

    Irish blinked and smiled. "Joseph, Adam has been missing." She felt it necessary to remind him that the question was ridiculous.

    "If one day he stands in front of you, would you stay with me or go with him?"

    Joseph was almost stubborn.

    She was even more amused. "Does this hypothetical question make any sense?"

    "You also said he was missing." Joseph was serious.

    The corner of Irish''s lips became stiff and quickly raised her body, and her beautiful face leaned toward him, "I like him," she whispered, "but I love you."

    Joseph frowned.

    Seeing him misunderstand, Irish hastened to exin, "Like and love are different. Adam is the sunshine in my life. I have amon hobby with him, he is more like a man who walks along the same road, and you are the man I love deeply. It''s not like, and it''s true love, you know?"

    Joseph looked at her eagerness, and his heart which had fallen to the bottom of the valley, began to float slowly again. Seeing that he did not speak, Irish thought that he did not understand her exnation and made an example, "Well, it''s not that I''m going to go through the history. I''m just making an analogy. Although it''s a little inappropriate, I can only think of this metaphor."

    She licked her lips and took a deep breath. "You used to be a lover."

    Joseph''s expression was suddenly embarrassed, "Isabel."

    "I''m absolutely not angry. It''s just a metaphor to repeat it." Irish immediately said, "Those who can be your lover must be very beautiful or very sexy, in short, there must be one thing you like to maintain a long-term rtionship with, am I right?"<novelnext></novelnext>

    Joseph was awkward.

    Irish also expected that he would not respond, so she went on, "So the question you just asked me is like I''m asking you now, do you love your lover or do you love me?"

    "You, of course." Joseph did not hesitate,

    "How can I love her?"

    "So, you just like your lover to a certain extent. It means a lot, basically, it means you don''t hate her." Irish was bent on exnation and ignored Joseph''s just firm expression of love, with her fingers on his thin lips. "Of course, Adam is different from your lover, but the truth is the same. Joseph, you are the first man who truly loved me. I love you so much, and I mean it."

    Joseph was delighted by her being "the first man to love her truly," a gratification greater than any achievement in his career.

    "I see." He hugged her tightly, lowering his head to peck her lips, and said, "Sorry, I won''t ask that again."

    Joseph really felt that he was a bit disturbing and also ridiculous that he had been self-sustaining, but he was led by the nose to go by Fredrick at that time. What he didn''t tell Irish was that he went to her uncle''s house and saw Fredrick. This man, who had been fighting with him from the very beginning, when he just knew Irish, had on the phone shown off. It had been still during his meeting with Irish to talk about her joining the Runestone Group. The tone of Fredrick was full of possessiveness, and Joseph was also a man who naturally could hear it out. But he never put Fredrick in his eyes. First of all, he would never let Irish know Fredrick''s thoughts. Second, Irish would definitely not ept a good friend''s boyfriend, so even though he had met Fredrick that day, he did not feel anything.

    Fredrick also passed by her uncle''s house and sent two bottles of wine. Joseph also left without finding out the whereabouts of Irish, and Fredrick saw him following.

    The two of them did not have anynguage to intersect until he opened the car door, Fredrick threw over the sentence, "Adam is the first man to bring her happiness, he died, and you are at best his double."

    At that time, he did not think of anything except feeling funny.

    But Fredrick added such a sentence, "Adam''s position in Irish''s heart is what you can never rece. Because he died and disappeared, he will always live in Irish''s heart. You are such a macho man, will you allow it?"

    After saying this, Fredrick drove away with a sneer.

    He stood in the wind for a long time.

    So he was really angry when he couldn''t reach her over and over again, couldn''t find her at her ce, and asked almost all the people who knew her, yet he couldn''t find her.

    But at that time, Irish was so quietly in his arms that he realized what he had done.

    Irish did not know what he was thinking or what he had gone through but felt that what he had said filled her with happiness. She opened her red lips and bit his thin lips gently. "Then I''ll add thest word," she said.

    "What?" Joseph made his passiveness the initiative and said in vagueness.

    She turned her head slightly away from his attack, and her beautiful eyes were full of earnestness, "Even if Adam really stands in front of me, I will not leave you."

    Joseph smiled softly, took the initiative to attack her, bit her neck as if threatening but spoiling, "If you dare to leave me, try it, I''ll make you live worse than death."

    Irish smiled and went straight into his arms like a ko bear. "A fool just wants to leave you. You have so much money, and I love it so much. It''s called a match. I''ll stick to you even as a lover."

 Chapter 407 407: I’ll Give You A Break

    Irish made his mood improve, and Joseph''s lips corner slightly up. There was a subtle light flow between lips and teeth, which made him sexy. His broad palms pped her hips, making Irish cry like a kitty. He chuckled and teased. "Why do I think money is more attractive than me in your eyes?"

    Irish''s chin rested back on his chest and moved as he breathed, and the air of elegance clung to his. "Yes, money is much more attractive than you." Her finger gently drew a ring on his chest, smiling, "So, do you know what you can do to stand firm?"

    Her fingers tickled Joseph''s heart, and he was pleased to see her sticking like a slug to himself. To him, she was so petite that she was now more like a baby, too small to let him rub her into his body. His long fingers twisted a strand of hair, slightly raising eyebrows, waiting for her to continue.

    The breath was filled with fresh wood fragrance on his fingers, intoxicating and steady, smiling at the bottom of his eyes as bright as thenterns, and her red lips close to his, "You buy me whatever you want. You have to buy me everything that tastes good and is fun so I can love you even more."

    Joseph nodded with understanding, "So I have to be sure I''m a man of money at all times."

    "Of course. You have to remember I love you, but I love your money more."

    "I see." Joseph nodded seriously.

    She closed her lips and was about tough when she saw him.

    "What if one day I''m poor?" He smiled at her.

    Irish pretended to think very seriously, "Then I''ll find a man with money and let him keep me, and I''ll keep you."

    This answer was really beyond Joseph''s expectations. He was first stunned, then could not help butugh out, and his big hand pulled over her face, "What? You keep me?"

    "Only if I find someone with the money to keep me I can support you." She emphasized.

    "I thought you''d just drop me."

    "How?" Irish stretched out her hand and pinched his face. "You are so handsome that even if you are poor, you are pleasing to the eye, and your skill in bed is so good that it makes women in paradise," she said. "How can I leave you alone, even if now it''s hard to find a man like you with money?"

    Joseph raised his brows because never a woman dared to regard him like that. At the next second, he deliberately changed his face, "I think I am spoiling you, you even dare to say that to me?"

    "It was you who asked me the truth." Irish''s voice was long, and her fingers gently twitched the graceful arc of his lips and chin.

    Joseph seemed to smile, "Then we do the first rehearsal?"

    "Hmm?" Irish looked at him doubtfully.<novelnext></novelnext>

    But the smile on his lips expanded, and he rolled over and pressed her directly under his body. His big hands were skillfully heading down, making Irish gasp, gently touching his pressed chest. "Joseph, don''t..."

    "Don''t what? Let''s start with some of the rehearsal on the bed." Joseph wanted to y, and he bent his head. His handsome face was buried deep in her neck and stretched down the corbone.

    A big thing was standing high between his legs, and he held it up against her.

    He had lifted her legs up, and his big hands had put them round on his waist so that she could feel his long thing''s hot temperature more clearly, and the length of the big thing was so clearly depicted in the most sensitive part of her body that it was sorge that would make women scream and shudder.

    Irish was extremely afraid of Joseph''s enthusiasm, almost begging and being coquettish, "Joseph, I''m so tired." Joseph''s kiss climbed up her cheek again, whispering with a bad smile, "Where?"

    She flushed, hammered him, and said, "It''s really too big. I am tired every time."

    Then the red glow on his face went to the root of his ear.

    "Then I make it softer?" Joseph only felt that his heart was soaked in tender honey, shivering and that a small opening in the bottom of his heart had spawned an infinite pity and love for the woman in his arms. His voice beside her ears became gentle, soft, and indulged.

    Irish put her hand around his neck and began to act coquettish. "Give me a break, Joseph." She was infatuated with the experience of the affair he gave and was deeply afraid of his enthusiasm, and the extreme joy would have made her tired and frightened afterward. It was like taking drugs, and the more infatuated she was, the more frightened she was.

    Joseph could see that she was really tired, pressed down the newly lit fire, gave her more time to rest, and ordered with a low smile, "Give me a kiss, and I''ll give you a break."

    She kissed him obediently.

    The dizzy light was like a golden yarn shrouded in the woman''s delicate cheeks. Her eyes blurred beautifully, and her eyes light rippled with beauty. Joseph did not turn away, but in his affectionate gaze, his fingers gently touched her eyebrow and long eyshes and were attached to the softness of her face, like caressing the fine porcin treasure.

    She was burned by his eyes for a moment but did not turn her eyes and looked at him deeply, breathing shortly, and her heart beating quickly. Every time she looked at him, she felt that she loved him more.

    But at this time, Joseph''s eyes quietly changed, gradually bing dim. She could clearly see the change at the bottom of his eyes. As soon as she was shocked, she saw him bow his head, and his cheeks were hidden in her hair. His words seemed tomand and entreat. "Isabel, don''t go on a blind date."

    Irish was startled.

    "Don''t go on a blind date, give me a little more time, I beg you," Joseph said with painful love beside her ears. Irish''s heart was as painful as being attacked by a rock, and the next moment she sped his arms and nodded forcefully. Proud as he, if not thest resort, he would not ask his own woman this way, and he was a man used to controlling, so it made Irish''s heart feel more pain.

    Joseph kissed her deeply.

 Chapter 408 408: I Have To Go Home

    Outside the window, it was a clear moon, quietly watching all indoors.

    After a long time, the two separated, but also they were like thirsty fish hugging together. Irish''s eyes at a time took a nce at the time, deliberately called, and Joseph looked down at her.

    She pointed to the time, "It''s sote."

    "Well."

    She turned her eyes and yed with his fingers. "Are you going to send me home?"

    Joseph lifted her chin. "You have to stay with me tonight and tomorrow night. Don''t go home."

    "That''s no good. I didn''t bring anything."

    "I have everything here." He said.

    Irish closed her lips, "Where are the changing clothes? Pajamas and clothes are worn the next day."

    "At home, you don''t need to wear clothes at night or during the day," Joseph said with a bad smile.

    "Boring." She read his meaning and said with a flushed face.

    Heughed louder.

    Irish decided to y a trick on him. "I have to go home. I can''t just be with you for two days.

    "I do not allow it."

    Irish held his face high. "If you want me to be willing, you have to answer me a question."

    "Say it."

    "I just remembered what you said, you said you loved me more than your lover, right?" sheughed.

    "Of course." Joseph admitted in confidence that he felt inappropriate and added, "I stress, I don''t love her."

    Irish hugged him, her face almost sticking to his, "And do you love me?"

    Joseph thought she had asked a ridiculous question, "What do you think?"

    "I want you to say." Irish''s heart was hit, and she said boldly, "Joseph, you never told me."

    She knew that not all men liked to talk about their love, especially men such as Joseph, who did not like to give away their feelings. These words of love might make him feel embarrassed or numb. He would rather do ten things than express his love.

    Love, in his eyes, was not needed to say, but to do down-to-earth.

    What worried her was not that he did not love her but how much he loved her, and the longer she spent with him, the more she wanted to upy the first ce in his heart, which was a woman''smon mise. She admitted that love often made people lose their minds when it came. Its impulse made people do something, but when reason came back, it meant that love had be stable or had turned into love.

    Joseph directly cuddled her in her arms, staring at her, and deliberately said, "Say what?"

    "You know what I''m asking." She lifted her chin.

    He smiled deeply.

    "I''ll ask you, and you''ll answer."

    "Okay,"<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish looked at him affectionately, "Joseph, do you love me?"

    "Do I still need proof of my love for you?"

    "I just need your answer." She clung to his face, "Do you love me? Love me?"

    Joseph nodded, "Mm-hmm."

    "Well, what is it? Do you hate me?" She went mad and bit him down his chin. "How can I know if you don''t tell me?"

    Then hepletely suppressed her affectionately and said in a low voice, "You have to worry about the expression of love on the mouth every day, and if the vow is not implemented, it would be cheating. I just want you to know that swearing, although it is not my strong point, I will live up to every word because you are my most precious thing."

    Irish stared at him, whose eyes were warm, and she kissed him with her red lips voluntarily.

    ****

    The night was long and boundless.

    ? Irish seemed to be riding a roller coaster. Cassie brought a shock, and Lilith was in pain and happy. Aftering out of the hospital, Lilith said he had a stomachache and let his parents go first.

    William Lake didn''t hesitate, but Kelly insisted on waiting for her to go home together after she went to the bathroom. Lilith had no choice but to run into the bathroom frequently. Finally, Kelly lost her patience and went home with William.

    As soon as her parents drove away, Lilith rushed out of the bathroom, pulled her hat to his head, and left the hospital quickly.

    When she got out of the hospital gate, a car came to a stop. She got into the car without saying anything. Then she pulled her hat off and breathed heavily. "I''m exhausted."

    ****

    The moon was round, but not all people could be reunited.

    The car quickly left the hospital and finally parked on an auxiliary road with a few people. The driver was relieved, turning off the engine, and the next moment he held Lilith in his arms.

    Lilith greedily breathed his breath, murmuring, "Jay, I miss you."

    Jay hugged her closer.

    After a long time, the two separated, Jay took out a delicate gift box to her, and Lilith''s eyes were as bright stars, curiously asked, "It''s mine?"

    Jay nodded with a smile.

    She took over, it was with an excellent velvet box, and she gently opened it. It was a delicate leaf-shaped ne with no exaggerated gemstones and no glittering designs, but it had extremely fine and unique workmanship.

    "Do you like it?" This ne was in the magazine that he had identally seen at his colleague''s desk when he was at the police station. He thought it was beautiful, especially in the shape of leaves, and he wanted to buy it for Lilith.

    Lilith nodded repeatedly. She really liked this ne more than every diamond ne. Jay took it out and put it on her. Lilith thought that she had not prepared any gift for Jay, and she was a little guilty, so she hugged him tightly.

    Jay''s heart was filled, and he murmured beside her ear, "When do you take me to see your parents?"

    Hearing those words, Lilith stiffened a bit. Jay was sensitive to detect, slightly pulling her apart, "What?"

    Lilith lowered her head a long time after she made a light sigh, "Not yet." Looking up at Jay, she quickly added a sentence after seeing his dark eyes. "Auntie and my mother were very unhappy these days. Now my mother looks at me as if she were looking at the patient. I always have to find a way to convince her."

    "Let me talk," Jay whispered.

 Chapter 409 409: Are You Proposing?

    Lilith''s head shook. "My mother is usually quiet. In fact, she is very obstinate. Even if you tell her, it may not be effective. I''ll start with my father first. He loves me the most, and he will speak for me anyway."

    Jay looked at her and sighed a long timeter.

    "Come on." Lilith once again hugged him, "Your parents also disagree with our rtionship. You still have to persuade them."

    "It''s easy to persuade them, and when what''s done is done, they can''t help but admit it." Jay lowered his voice.

    These words actually frightened Lilith, raising her eyes to stare at him, her cheeks actually flushed, "What nonsense are you talking about?"

    Jay was stupefied at first and then understood,ughing with teasing, "I said we first get the marriage certificate, what do you think?"

    "Huh?" Lilith was really shocked, blinking to see Jay. Then, a long timeter, she reacted with embarrassment, putting her hand to cover her face, "I did not think much."

    Jay smiled.

    "Hey, are you proposing? I didn''t say I''d marry you." Lilith blushed.

    Jay always smiled and did not answer, just reaching to put her into his arms again, tightly embracing.

    ****

    It was a fine day the next day. When Irish woke up from the dream, she smelled the sweet faint wood fragrance.

    She had a beautiful dream in which she and Joseph were always in the same ce. There was not so much confusion and intrigue between them. They seemed to have gone to a very quiet and white ce between heaven and earth, and theke, like a mirror, formed a crystal ne that reflected their shadows.

    The ce in the dream was as beautiful as heaven, as quiet as the ends of the earth. Joseph took her by the hand with a smile. The wind blew gently over the crystalke, and he looked at her and gave a kiss on her forehead.

    Therefore, when Irish opened her eyes, she still wore a happy smile.

    The gauze mantle obstructed the sunshine, which made the room warm. Irish sat up from the bed, looking at the sunlight out of the window. At one time, unexpectedly, she could not distinguish between reality and the dream. Pulling the nket to cover her naked body, she got out of bed in pain. She drew back the veil slightly to open a corner. The beautiful morning outside the house came into her eyes.

    She knew that she was awake and everything was real.<novelnext></novelnext>

    When Irish looked out the window in the early morning in New York, she could not help but think of the white ce of the dream. It was Uyuni, the ce where she had once thought of traveling hand in hand with Joseph, who had booked her a trip here, but what she insisted on was that the trip to the holy paradise only when two people go together could be called aplete journey.

    Over the years, the dreams that haunted Irish had made it hard to believe in their healing power, but now she was beginning to believe that dreams were good times that really made people feel good all day long.

    The other side of the bed was empty. The man she had been talking love beside her earsst night had disappeared, but Irish had never been so safe. Maybe it was because he was at home that she didn''t worry if he was missing.

    Walking around, she had to find a dress to get out of the bedroom.

    The morning in this house was awesome.

    There were birds twittering on the tree. The air was clear, and there was no sound of cars in the ear. Standing in the courtyard, she seemed to hear the sound of the sun shining in the pool. Looking down at the past, it was the sound of a bird walking. Irish picked up a few foods to feed, and the bird ran forward to eat, whose posture was like a noble child to maintain the most beautiful eating posture and speed.

    Irish looked amazed, not recognizing what kind of pet he was keeping, but this bird also learned the calmness of Joseph.

    There was a slight sounding from the other room, and she got up and walked downstairs. It was an independent restaurant and kitchen.

    She crept in, smelling the food at the first step, and her stomach began to rumble. As she entered the dining room, the door behind her closed automatically, and the gentle wind blew over her cheek. She knew it was an indoor automatic airflow system that ran through the whole house. With this system, you could feel the purest breath and air of nature.

    Incongruous with modern indoor equipment was the antiquated style of luxury, and the design of the intrusive restaurant had a royal sense of court. The purple carpetplimented the whole brown and yellow tone of the whole restaurant. Irish lowered her head and looked at her feet. She was heartbroken because she had tainted such a beautiful thing.

    Such arge carpet was just not decorative, but it could be stepped. Although Irish did not know much, she realized it was all human-made. The flowers on the carpet were vivid and living, and she wanted to take them home.

    On top of the carpet was the royal court table chair made of precious sandalwood, perfectly harmonious. Because his uncle had always been interested in ancient Chinese culture and architecture, she had learned something. The ornaments made of red sandalwood were slightly fragrant, purple and ck, and deep and elegant, especially the carved armrests on the rosewood chair. When a faint light fell in, careful observation of the holes was glittering like Venus, and the lines were like ribbon.

    Irish was stunned. Was it what uncle had mentioned? The Venus Rosewood? It was said to be the most valuable variety of red sandalwood.

    She swallowed her saliva, and if she sold all the rosewood furniture in the room, she would make arge profit, not to mention the antique furnishings, giant calligraphy, and paintings on the wall.

    Was Joseph stealing the national treasure, right?

    Through the dining room, the inside was the kitchen.

 Chapter 410 410: You’ll Love My Sandwich

    There was bright sunshine, so Irish stopped her footsteps, quietly looking at the warm and clear picture, which she could not bear to break. The light was like from heaven and reminded her of the picture in the dream. Joseph was so real in front of her, his back to her as she was making breakfast. His strong and generous back, as if standing in heaven and earth, brought her infinite safety.

    Early in the morning, Joseph was less strict and meticulous on his weekdays, which was due to his dress, which he used to wear very seriously. But this morning, his upper body wore a half-sleeved round cor beige casual shirt, and his lower body wore light gray trousers. His hair was reflected to be glossing dark in the sun, and the slight nting of his face was in the light. He seemed to boil something, and the heated gas around him made him look like he was from paradise.

    Joseph, more casual, less calm, and harsh, who also made women attracted to him. She looked at him by the door and felt sorry that such a man had been dealing with stones all the time. He should be an actor, and he could easily steal many women''s hearts.

    But then she thought he should not, and dealing with the stone was good. He could make her nervous and uneasy, when he became a star, would she be crowded out by other women to stand aside?

    When she was thinking, Joseph just turned around to see her, with a smile, sexy, "Hungry? Breakfast is almost ready." But his eyes could not be removed from her.

    Because she had no clothes to change, Irish found his white shirt somewhere. To be exact, she only wore his white shirt, and her height was only on his shoulder, so the shirt looked very wide and loose on her. One of the buttons of the shirt was open, revealing her delicate vicle, and the lower hem covered her hips but made her long legs more slender.

    "Naughty woman." Joseph smiled because breakfast was not ready, he had to turn his eyes away and keep busy.

    Irish stepped forward and hugged him from behind, glued to him like a clingy child, her face against his back, her hair hanging behind, which was all shrouded in the sun, like a good satin.

    "What breakfast are you preparing?" She felt that this man was a fairy; both his seriousness and gentleness made people''s heartbeat quick, and she was touched by his morning cooking. This kind of home life was what she yearned for.

    Joseph answered, "Sandwich."

    "Sandwich?" Irish screamed, seeing it, frowned, "I hate it."

    Joseph turned around and pinched her nose. "You have to eat though you hate it," he said. "Sometimes you''re too picky. It''s a bad habit."

    "But I haven''t liked sandwiches for 28 years," Irish emphasized her words.

    "It''s been more than 28 years in the rest of my life, and I can fix your problem slowly." Joseph made a casual remark.

    On hearing this, her heart leaped up again, and her face flushed. "I don''t eat unptable food."

    "Don''t worry, you''ll love my sandwich." Joseph bowed his head and kissed her on the cheek, then turned to be busy cooking.

    She closed her lips and hung him again. "That''s very nice of you."

    Early in the morning, the woman''s body rubbed against his back, and his heart was uneasy. Heughed and said, "If you think I''m good, sit at the table and wait. Don''t disturb me."

    "I''m not disturbing you." She protested.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Joseph cast a nce at her, raising his lips, "Early in the morning, you dress like this in front of me, so do you want me to eat you first before making my stomach full?"

    Irish then understood what was the meaning of "disturbing", released her hand, and lightly patted his shoulder, "pervert!"

    She almost forgot that he always had a strong desire for early mornings.

    "Who asked you not to let me go home to get my clothes?" Though she protested, she was far away from him.

    Now she was afraid to be unscrupulous as she was before. The reason why she had been bold before was that they had not happened, but now, like a wolf who had tasted fresh meat, Joseph would not have any scruples if he had broken the taboo when he had tasted the sweetness. If he would like to, he would bring her down at any time and anywhere.

    Joseph saw her retreat, smiling, and thought that the little girl was smart. "Wait for me, and it will be alright in 5 minutes." He turned his head gently.

    Irish obediently went to the restaurant and waited, but when she walked out of the kitchen, she turned to look at him, and the man who was shrouded in the sun was tall and strong. That leisurely figure and his just that "wait for me" somehow made her inadvertently think of a picture.

    There was a picture in her mind, too, of a man standing in the warm sun preparing a beautiful breakfast in a quiet and peaceful environment.

    It was Adam!

    She knew so clearly that the man in her mind was Adam.

    But...

    Irish stared at Joseph''s back again, puzzled for a moment, and it seemed to ovep with Adam''s figure. She began to wonder whether it was Joseph or Adam or whether it was a reality or a dream.

    Shaking her head forcefully, she wanted to disperse the ovepping front picture, and Joseph asked in a tone of concern, "What''s wrong?"

    "Nothing." Irish immediately raised a smile and turned out of the kitchen.

    Sitting at the table for a moment, she was in an inexplicable panic. She always felt she had forgotten something, something that had happened between her and Adam. It was like a picture that had just happened to her mind. It had never appeared before. It made her feel that nothing had happened. But just then, she began to remember that Adam had indeed made her breakfast, too.

    Irish fell into deep worry and fear.

    If this scene really happened to her, then was her rtionship with Adam really that simple? Or, in fact, they had been very close, but she had forgotten.

    For so long, she had never thought of Adam, who had suddenly entered her life and disappearedpletely. If it were a sad interlude, she would not think of it. But why, after encountering Joseph, Adam frequently came to her mind?

 Chapter 411 411: Fill Me Up First

    Even now, even if she wanted to break her head, she could not figure out what Adam really looked like. When she thought of Adam, she only felt that he gave her the same feeling as Joseph. When he mentioned Adamst night, she wanted to tell him that sometimes lying in his arms was like lying in Adam''s arms.

    But a fool would say that.

    She could not say it to him, that Joseph, I don''t know why but sometimes I mistake you for Adam.

    In this case, there was no doubt that she sought death.

    It was a terrible thing to forget the way one looked. What was even more terrible was that she always had the illusion that Joseph was Adam, as if the two were gradually ovepping together, so that Irish realized the seriousness of the situation.

    Perhaps only Fredrick was the only one who helped her because he knew her situation the most. He had always yed the role of her, but because of Cassie, she did not want to see Fredrick. As soon as she saw him, she did not want to see him. She could think of the suicide in the bathtub.

    Maybe she could muster the courage to talk to him if the matter between him and Cassie was over.

    When Joseph served breakfast to the table, he saw Irish crouching her legs in a rosewood chair, staring at himself in dismay.

    He pulled up a chair and sat down beside her, and reached for her to rub her head. "What are you thinking?"

    Then Irish reacted and saw that he was looking at her with concern, and immediately smiled, "Nothing, I was wondering if you are a thief?"

    Joseph did not expect that she would say so, for a time, he did not understand, raising his eyebrows, "Uh-huh?"

    Irish pointed to his furniture, "Just like a restaurant, it is like the Imperial Pce. Joseph, you tell me the truth, diamond your second business, ah?"

    Joseph then understood what she meant butughed, "It seems that I have no such hobby. Many things in this house are old things. Some of them were collected by my father when he was alive, and some of them were auctioned off by me when I was on a business trip abroad. As you know from history, many good things have flowed there before from abroad."

    Irish stared at the rosewood table, reaching for it. "It''s a ruin here for breakfast."

    Joseph did not like to hear this, picking up his eyebrow, "Little woman, don''t live so realistically." He said, putting a piece of the sandwich before her. "Try it first."

    Irish was suspicious and saw that she had to move her fork.

    It was delicious.

    Her eyes were as bright as fireworks, and she ate a few more mouthfuls, thumbed up at him, swallowed, and said, "Really delicious."

    "Good." He smiled and poured her a cup of coffee.

    Irish was buried in the delicious food.<novelnext></novelnext>

    She had a good breakfast.

    This was the first time Irish was stuffed at breakfast. Joseph exined that he learned this while studying and working abroad,bining the essence so the meat was slippery, and it went through eight working procedures. Irish really did not think that it had a humble face, but it could be so delicious.

    After breakfast, Irish volunteered to wash the dishes. Joseph smiled, and the job was for a nanny. Knowing that he had given the nanny vacation these two days, Irish rolled up her sleeves and went into the kitchen, saying that work should be fair.

    Joseph also went into the kitchen and was rejected by Irish when he was ready to help. Instead of going out, he learned from Irish this morning and hugged her from behind, but he was a big man. Irish was so embraced by him that the whole body was included in his bosom.

    "I don''t think you''d be afraid to go bankrupt that day." She opened the cupboard dishwasher and put the dishes in one by one. "You don''t do anything but open the house to the outside world, and you can feed yourself every day with a ticket fee."

    Joseph really admired her imagination. After washing the dishes, his big hand reached out when she turned on the faucet. Under the water, he took her hand, thoughtfully washed her finger, and whispered in her ear, "You are so obsessed with money."

    The man''s breath fell on her neck, itching, breathing with his smell of wood and fresh shaving water, so warm and happy. She giggled away from him. "I''m talking about rationalized suggestions."

    "Well, I''ll think about it." Originally, the morning''s erotic pictures caused his visual stimtion. Joseph hugged her like that, and his body naturally had a familiar reaction.

    In the meantime, he freed a big hand and slowly fell down her bare thigh on her waist. His hand, which was already stained with water, touched her skin, which chilled her. She smiled and rebelled, but he pulled over her face. His cheek pressed down and kissed her lips, and his big hand was more uneasy and went into the shirt.

    When his fingers touched the naked body in his shirt, his eyes grew brighter, and he said in a low voice beside her ears, "Not even wearing the underpants."

    Irish took his wrist andughed, "Your shirt is big anyway."

    "Take the shirt off, too." He seduced her.

    "No." She pushed him away a little, sping his wrists with both hands. "Joseph, I haven''t seen your house yet."

    "What''s the rush?" Joseph simply pressed her on the washbasin, and his big hands did not rush to break free. Instead, his thin lips moved slowly down her hair, and her breath burned. "Fill me up first."

    Irish could feel the excitement between his legs, so she simply hugged him and said, "Let me have a look."

    "And then?" Joseph did not force her either; the whole day was enough for him to enjoy her sweetness.

    Irish pushed him away a little, and her fingers hooked on his chest. "You can eat whatever you want."

    As soon as she spoke, Joseph picked her up and said, "Show you right away."

 Chapter 412 412: I’m Lonely

    The facts proved that Irish had the urge to kill herself after a thorough visit to the house. At this moment, she finally understood her aunt''s feelings. Why did they have the same two nostrils and one mouth, and the gap between people was so great? The houses in four directions, east, west, north, and south, all have upstairs and downstairs, plus the first and second underground floors of each location. Thebined area of the houses made her dizzy, but the third floor of the ground floor had nothing to look at. It was a private garage.

    When she visited the indoor swimming pool, she could not move anything, sitting in afortable chair and gazing at the beautiful scenery. The pool was cleverly designed to look like a separate room from the inside and an integral part of the room from the outside. Full of six meters tall toughened ss was vertical and downward, which was used mainly arc cutting, fully in line with the physiological arrangements of the eye arc, so that people could fully appreciate the beautiful scenery outside the windows.

    Here over the sparkling water, it was good to enjoy the scenery of the four seasons. Across the huge long window, there were golden leaves swept, but also bright sunshine poured, looking up, there was also transparent ss, and you could see the sky and the cloud, as clean as being rinsed.

    Irish got up and went to the window. She looked through the window for a long time. Joseph poured out two sses of red wine, one of which was ced on the long table, and the whole man leanedzily against the swimming chair and gently shook the ss, which rendered his eyes. In the warm sun, it was shining like diamonds.

    His eyes always fell on Irish in front of the window, with long ck hair, clean white shirts, and gently leaning against the curved ss, so she looked more petite as if she had been devoured by heaven and earth. The long bare legs in the air were dazzling because the swimming room was warm. She was even barefoot.

    Joseph took a sip of red wine, and his eyes fell slowly along her waist. Her beautiful legs looked as if the mermaid had faded the new part of her tail in the light and water, white porcin lubricated, and then the lower legs, beautifully shaped as lotus roots. The tiny ankles radiated like pearls of luster. The red wine, as if rapidly fermenting in his throat, it burned along the throat to the viscera. Joseph slightly squinted, staring at the back of Irish, drinking again, only to feel drier than just now.

    Somehow he felt that such a woman was more suitable for keeping at home, and he should not have asked her to appear in public. Not knowing whether it was because of the two mouthfuls of wine or because the "scenery" in front of him was so beautiful, Joseph did not find the thought just passed was absurd or selfish. On the contrary, when the thought came to his mind, he felt inexplicable excitement.

    If leaving this beautiful woman here...

    If expressing more embarrassingly, keeping her here...

    He was unable to do so.

    His chest seemed to be full of horses, agitating every cell of him, swallowing the rest of the wine from his ss, and his eyes locked her tightly like a ck falcon. Such an idea would make him wonder how warm it would be if he could see her every day when he came home from work.

    He never thought that one day he would be tied up by a woman because he never dared to expect it, and he would be greedy once he got her. He admitted that he was increasingly discontented, that he wanted more, more warmth, and more happiness.

    Standing by the window looking at the scenery, Irish had no idea at all that in just a few minutes, Joseph''s mind was insanely activated. When she finished seeing the scene, she turned and walked in the direction of Joseph, sighing, "Aren''t you afraid to live alone in such a big house?"

    "I''m lonely," Joseph said frankly and handed her a ss of red wine. "That''s why I''d rather live in the lounge."<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Well." Irish nodded clearly but did not receive the red wine slowly.

    "I can now think of Cassie''s suicide when I see something red, especially red wine, like blood," She exined.

    "Oveing psychological barriers is your primary job as a counsellor. If you can''t ovee them, how can you get rid of them for others?" Joseph always raised his cup, persuading her with a smile.

    Irish sighed and reached for the ss. It was the truth, but when she looked at the red wine in the ss, she felt waves of dizziness. She lifted it to the tip of her nose, it still smelled like blood. A long timeter, she looked up at him and gave up. "I don''t think it''s good to drink in the morning."

    "Is it not good, or are you afraid?" Joseph gently smiled.

    After taking a deep breath and looking at the wine, Irish finally surrendered. "To tell the truth, I still can''t get out of Cassie''s shadow. Instead of blood, I was actually afraid of losing loved ones." She deserved to be a psychotherapist, at least she knew what she was really afraid of.

    Joseph kept silent for a while, then stood in front of her, reaching out to pull her into his arms, gently touching her chin. "Leo is afraid of heights. I think you can see that."

    Irish nodded, not understanding why he mentioned him. He went on, "What would you do if hees to you for medical treatment?"

    "The most direct way is to face it if he has the ability to control himself. It is what the psychiatrist will advocate, which is the most effective and concise way to treat it." Irish could not helpughing here. "In fact, I knew it the first time we met, and the result was that he was kicked off the cliff by me."

    Joseph looked at her in dismay.

    "Oh, to exin, it was bungee jumping."

    She added at once.

 Chapter 413 413: I Would Like To Help You

    Joseph only then understood.

    "The purpose of your mention of this is..."

    "As you have said, some situations are better if dealing with them directly, and I would like to help you." Joseph pointed to the ss. "Try to have a drink, and maybe you will be better."

    Irish stared at the ss for a long time.

    Seeing the situation, Joseph took the ss again and handed it over to her. She reached for the ss''s feet. The magnificent red wine shed before her eyes like floating light, and she closed her eyes tightly, then opened them, shaking her head, "If you want to help, then you''ll cost."

    Joseph did not understand.

    She went to the wine counter and picked up two bottles of wine and waved and picked up two bottles of wine and waved at him, "If they were all priceless."

    Joseph was so clever that he soon realized what she was going to do. He went up and opened both bottles of wine in her hands without saying anything. He opened more than a dozen bottles, looked at her, and said. "Enough."

    Irish bit his teeth, holding red wine but hesitated again, "I think that''s expensive."

    Joseph chuckled, carrying four bottles of wine to the pool, closing the water, and pouring the whole bottle of wine into the pool. Red wine and pool water merged together, like a beautiful thing wandering in the water, quickly diluted by the pool and disappearing. Immediately Joseph poured the second bottle, the third bottle...

    Later, Irish also joined in.

    When all the water in the pool was red, Irish seemed to be able to hear the creaking sound of her teeth. She held Joseph''s arm and stared at the huge pool, all red with red wine, and she swallowed saliva. "It''s popr to have a red wine bath these days, but I haven''t heard of any red wine swimming pool. How much does it cost?"

    Joseph stood behind her, his hands on her waist,ughing, "Silly woman, money is no longer important if you can solve problems with money."

    "I''m afraid you''re wasting your money, but my problem hasn''t been solved." She stood by the pool and looked down at the red water. It was more spectacr than the day Cassie tried to slit her wrists and kill herself.

    The smell of wine and the air flowing around her formed a strange feeling, but it became a ce of fear in her eyes, turning around and holding Joseph closely, though she was a psychological consultant. But who prescribed a psychological counsellor''s psychology to have no problem at all? Who prescribed the psychological construction of counselors so strongly? If this was the case, then the counsellor didn''t need a mentor.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "You can''t solve it, or do you run away from it?" Joseph asked in her ear.

    Irish just shook her head gently. "Then, as you just said, face it directly." Joseph pulled her apart gently, loosening her hand, slowly said the words, and pushed her with his big hand. The next second, the body of Irish, like a butterfly with broken wings, screamed and fell into the pool.

    When she came into contact with the water, she was surprised to see thousands of flickers, and arge amount of red water sshing, stained with Joseph''s casual shirt, but he stood by the pool, quietly watching the moment when Irish fell into the water.

    The voice of Irish''s cry almost overturned the whole swimming pool because suddenly, she was pushed down by Joseph without much time to think about it. Physiologically, she had already rescued herself. She drank a few big mouthfuls of something that was wine or water. Choking to cough, she finally subconsciously plopped to the pool and tightly pulled the armrest to react, facing Joseph, who was still standing next to the pool, roaring. "Are you crazy? You will kill me!"

    But Joseph smiled. "My brother learned to swim when he was three years old. Do you know how he learned it?".

    Irish gazed at him with her lips closed, looking at hiscency and self-confidence, eager to bite his throat. Joseph also knew that her mind was not there. Her eyes were filled with anger, as beautiful as red wine in the pool. The smile on his lips expanded, rippling into the depths of his eyes, but he gave her a cruel and rational answer. "I taught him some swimming skills and then threw him into the deepke, and he knew it."

    The whole body of Irish was in the pool, her shirt had been soaked, and her whole body was red with blood, and the red wine in the pool had made her skin more delicate and attractive, but after hearing Joseph''s words, her hair even stood up, and she stared at him unimaginably. This is the second time he has mentioned his brother on his own initiative. She didn''t expect him to be so cruel to his brother!

    To face it directly proved to be the most effective way for psychologists to deal with some symptoms.

    But Irish paid all her attention to Joseph''s remarks about his initiative to mention his younger brother. Then, half-soaked in the so-called wine pool, staring at Joseph with astonishment as he walked around the pool towards her, her eyes looked at him for a moment.

    "The most direct way is for adults, your brother is only three years old. Are you too cruel and harsh? From a psychological point of view, he will develop a water-weary mood and adverse psychology."

    "As a matter of fact, when I was three years old, I didn''t enjoy hisfortable living." Joseph sat down and looked down at Irish in the pool. She was a bathing beauty like a flower, dazzling his eyes.

    "Sure enough, everyone in this society is ill, more or less abnormal. Even in the upper ss, Mr. Dover has psychological problems."

    Irish was still a little angry about his sudden push, so her words were slightly attacking, and the biased target was Joseph''s brother. "I think you are jealous. Your brother was three years old. At that time, you weren''t too old," she said, "From the child psychology point of view, most children will subconsciously resist their brother or sister. Some children in the dream even implicitly kill their brother or sister, and you? The famous Mr. Dover was the most direct extrovert. I don''t think you want to teach him to swim, and you want to drown him because you hate him."

 Chapter 414 414: You Have To Thank Me

    Outside the window, the sun slowly shifted southward. Joseph''s cheeks were half bright and half dark. His eyes were still silent and were still staring at Irish, and her bold and slightly provocative words did not make him unhappy. Seeing him silent, Irish was even more curious, hesitating to ask, "Don''t you hate your brother?"

    Joseph smiled and shook his head. "No, he''s my only brother. How can I hate him?"

    "You never mention your brother, so I thought you hated him."

    "Not to mention it is not I hate it, but I''m not used to talking about myself." Joseph sincerely said.

    Irish believed him. There are many people in the world who like to share and are willing to share. They will exchange their own affairs for trust and proximity, and some people will do their own thing and will not deliberately force others to get close. They don''t trade their personal affairs or experiences with others from time to time.

    Joseph was definitely thetter, if he was asked, he would answer, but if they were not, he would never mention it.

    "What is your brother''s character? May he be that under your high-handed policy is as boring as you are?" This time Irish asked.

    Joseph shook his head. "He''s the opposite of me."

    Irish was stunned.

    "What he likes ispletely different from mine." Joseph looked at Irish with a faint smile, "I do think you two should be able to y together, he likes the pursuit of excitement, and you are allpetitive."

    "Wait." Irish sounded so ufortable, "I like to pursue excitement, but how can I bepetitive?"

    "People who like to pursue excitement have the potential to bepetitive." Joseph put his hand on her face and pinched her face. "Just as you are now, you are arguing with me."

    Irish gave him a hard look.

    "Now you have to thank me." Joseph''s smile deepened, "At least I help you to face the red wine."

    Back to the theme, Irish realized that her body was still immersed in red wine. She looked up at his smiling eyes and said, "I think you still have the potential to be a psychologist."

    "Honey, I don''t have so much time for sympathy. Other people''s minds are used. You''re not like them." In other words, he only cared about the people he wanted to care about. It was none of his business to the lives of other people.

    Irish lightly closed her lips, "The nature of the rich and ungrateful has been exposed again."

    Joseph was not angry but smiled, "How do you like it now? Are you still afraid?"

    "All right," Irish answered truthfully, raising her hand and rubbing her forehead.

    "Just a little dizzy, after all, I was in the alcohol."

    People''s psychology was like this. Fear was only the shadow of the past and the nkness of the unknown, the real face of the moment was also fear, but once facing, when we crossed the barrier, it was nothing.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Now, looking at the glowing redness of her eyes, she breathed so clearly as the alcohol went into her nose that she gradually became less afraid of the smell of blood.

    It was just weird that the huge pool was with all red wine, not to mention being in it. Women originally have some resistance to red liquid, different from men, and men will only feel excited about red liquid, as in Joseph''s eyes at this moment.

    Though his eyes looked calm and quiet, it was not difficult to look into the depths of his eyes to find some emotions, such as the simmering undercurrent under the calm sea, which would trigger a tsunami until a certain amount of savings had been umted.

    And now, Joseph, no need to hide anything. She clearly knew it.

    So, not surprisingly, Joseph stared at her and meaningfully said, "You are so beautiful to make men excited."

    The wine sparkled, and the sunlight cast in, forming a dazzling light, and the vast space seemed to be shrouded in ayer of water mist, gently shrouded over Irish.

    Her shirt was soaked in red wine, which made her look more detailed, and the blood-like color spread over her body, and the white, jade-like surface of her skin had a faint blush, above which was also dotted with a few crystal beads of water, which made her charming.

    Wet clothes made her sexy, drawing a hazy attractive painting that beauty was just out of the bath.

    Man''s bold eyes made Irish confused, or it might be the reason for the red wine, in short, her face suddenly became fiercely red, and her heart began to elerate.

    Joseph''s obsession and hidden lust in his eyes were silent praise for her. She knew what he wanted and that her look was awkward, but in his eyes, it became a kind of seduction.

    His eyes and words were a sign of his impatience, and somehow, the thought that he might make love here, her instinctive shame and uncontroble excitement aroused her.

    She didn''t want to look at his eyes, but she felt his gaze so clearly that the man''s eyes could kill people, and even if he didn''t do anything, his hot eyes alone gave her an instinctive reaction. As the heart quivered and her body moved subconsciously, the feeling pervaded her whole body.

    She seemed to hear her flustered heart and breath in the quiet swimming room, and her skin flushed with shyness and excitement.

    "Pull me up." Irish could hardly hear her own voice.

    Joseph held her hand but was dragged by her. Instead, heughed, "It''s good."

    She shrank in surprise and tried to swim in another direction, but her dizziness grew worse, and her body became more sensitive. She turned her head away from Joseph but could still perceive his staring eyes.

    The shirt on her body already almost became transparent, which was closer and tight instead, and the exquisite back curve waspletely stretched out. The long legs, and very cute buttocks, were under the man''s eyes, exuding sexiness.

    She felt the water gently caressing her skin as if Joseph''s warm hands rubbed her body. The calm water stirred upyers of water waves but rippled Irish''s heart.

    Behind her was the slight sound of him entering through the water, and before turning back, a strong and hot body had been clung to her, holding her small, soft body in her arms from behind. The familiar big man was firmly attached to her tailbone, and she ached.

 Chapter 415 415: Lustful Man

    When her back hit the sturdy, ming chest of strong muscles, she panted, stimting a wonderful, violent reaction, like a sharp flow of light traversed her, and she shivered.

    "Lustful man, you..."

    Not waiting to speak, her words became a groan. Joseph did not reply, his hands around her slender waist tightly locked her in his arms, bowed down, and kissed her lips.

    Irish leaned in his arms, and the mellow fragrance of the wine around her drilled into her breath so that she was intoxicated from the chaos of her heartbeat. Her back clung to his strong chest, and she clearly felt the strong and powerful heartbeat. It seemed to strike her heart at once, beating her heart in disarray.

    The side of the neck was suddenly gently rubbed by Joseph''s stubble chin, and the masculinity of a man, mixed with rough skin tactile, came to her from her neck to the top of her heart.

    Before the itching subsided, a gentle kiss descended upon the beautiful vicle and the reddened neck, waking little by little the most instinctive impulse of her body.

    "Don''t do it here, Joseph." Overhead was the sky, and out of the window were nice views, although knowing it was in his house, she always felt timid in daylight. She knew his enthusiasm but never thought of making love in the wine pool.

    Joseph patiently teased her about her body''s sensitivities. His thin lips slid upward along her red neck, but as he approached the delicate earlobes, it became a passionate lusting, murmuring, "Why not here? I want to do it here."

    Like a soft feather incessantly stimting her sensibility, destroying the reason that she always wanted to erect, but the desire in the bottom of her heart grew more and more in his burning arms. She could not help groaning.

    Gently calling his name, the words were soft.

    Irish wanted to push his hot chest behind her, but she was obsessed and fell into it. Breathing was mixed with his good smell and light red wine fragrance. The sun was shining on the water, and the light red shadows were floating. Her cheeks and the bottom of her eyes were covered with red.

    Joseph lowered his head and sucked at the alluring natural fragrance on her neck, leaning his hand from behind and unbuttoning her shirt to reveal her smooth and delicate shoulders.

    His thin lips fell, and the breath warmed her. "Isabel, you are so beautiful."

    The man whispered in her ears was obviously thick, and his praise was too obvious a desire. Irish''s heart was stirred up and down by his breath, and a little protest finally came out of her throat, "Joseph, I''m not used to this ce."

    "Is it not good to try something?" The hot breath was between her sensitive ears and her neck, and therge hands around her waist were bing more restless.

    Her shirt was half off, and she was shy. Joseph had taken his clothes off, and his big hand fell on her t belly and moved up. Like fire across the breast, the slender fingers gently stroked her neck.

    Before Irish could struggle, the wet kisses with the sound of heavy breathing spread from behind her ear to her neck, and the sensitive ce behind the ear was exploited by him, and all false resistance wobbled and copsed in pleasure.

    "No, this is crazy." Irish''s eyes were half-closed, her cheeks were red, her voice quivering.

    "How can you know if you like it or not if we don''t try it?" Joseph''s low-maic persuasion was like wine in the pool, bewitching, and his tough fingers pierced her waterfall hair along her neck, caressing her face and turning it to himself.

    Irish''s clear eyes had be moist and confused, and her body became dry and hot by his touch.

    Turning back to the man''s deep dark pupil, every cell in her body seemed to be melted by his hot eyes, her face and heart as if burning with fire.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Without waiting for her to answer, Joseph''s pupil shrank, unable to control kissing her lips.

    The woman''s lips were soft and heart-wagging, but Joseph tasted them softly and greedily.

    Discontented, he opened her lips and teeth and searched deep between them.

    Irish''s female reserve before the man''s power shut down and could only let him drive straight in wantonly in every corner of her.

    The man''s male-smelling and overflowing lustre, apanied by hot kisses, pressed her out of breath and made her groan.

    Irish indulged in the love of men and women, kissing deeply and actively responding to him. She showed her body and heart''s desire in front of the man, encouraging him to invade further.

    Feeling her care, Joseph was full of enthusiasm.

    The big hand began to attack her sensitivities and softness without restraint, sometimes hastily, sometimes slowly, sometimes gently, sometimes irritatingly, and Irish could not help but raise her head, gasping for breath and murmuring silently by his skills.

    Joseph grabbed her drooping hand, straightened her back, and pulled her weak hand to his thing.

    She felt the palm burning.

    She leaned back in Joseph''s strong arms, leaving the man''s hands unbridled on her naked body.

    Tilting her head up so that happiness ran through every cell of her body, and then groans flew out of her throat.

    Her hand touched his big fellow as if in magic, she could not let go, enjoying the excitement of the burning temperature in her hand.

    The surrounding water seemed to be warming up. The wine circled the intertwined bodies.

    The woman in the man''s strong chest was almost petite, and she, as melted sugar, could no longer leave the man''s arms.

    As soon as the locked lustful switch was turned on, the strong desire that had not beenpletely obtained immediately rushed to upy the whole body, just as Joseph was at this moment.

    When Irish was lost, Joseph stopped, and happiness suddenly stopped, and the feeling of emptiness prevailed, and she could not help humming discontentedly.

    The feeling of emptiness did notst. Joseph pulled her body over, and the perfect body appeared in front of him.

    Joseph''s gaze made Irish shy to look at him, but she had no time to react, and her body was forced into the warm embrace again.

    He held her face-to-face with his hands over her legs.

 Chapter 416 416: Baby I’ll Give You The Best

    The sudden suspension of the body made Irish surprised, her hands unconsciously tightly around Joseph''s neck so that she was close to his abdomen and her delicate chest close to his broad chest.

    "Joseph." Her toes trembled as she whispered his name.

    Joseph embraced her in a light red pool of water, his eyes stained by alcohol, with a deep, sexy bad smile. The sparkling water shone on his brawny chest and back, and he bowed his head and began to touch her restlessly as he said.

    "Baby, I''ll give you the best." The water in the pool heated up instantly.

    The water waves agitated, and the woman''s groans were long and soft.

    ****

    After the weekend, the office workers were busy again, and New York''s streets were clogged. Time has not stopped at its own pace; after a short adjustment, people were beginning to look forward to the uing holidays in endless busyness and pressure.

    But each day was a long ordeal before reaching the rest of the shore, with asional gossip to kill the boredom.

    In the gossip news, the Lake was connected naturally, among which was the most boiling topic of Britney. This was naturally raised by the entertainment circle. Britney became the hottest topic of the year because of the two films that two rival jewelrypanies sponsored. With the increase in activities at the end of the year, as well as the box-office sess of both films, the attention of the people gathered on her.

    The topic was fired over and over again, and she often replied vaguely to reporters'' questions about Joseph, and the reporter could not get any response from her, so it became the gossip.

    And another gossip was also about the Lake, about Shirley had been poisoned and went to the hospital. The news was not reported in the regr newspapers or the television media. However, some tabloids and gossip websites had reported, but only a few people knew that, and because of theck of information, many people just considered it as news that nothing had happened. After all, the name Shirley did not attract the attention of many people.

    Only Irish knew clearly that the police had filed an investigation into her poisoning of her. These days, the police always enter and leave the Lake, and Shirley had been living in a hospital. Every mouthful of food was carefully checked, fearing that she would be poisoned again by ident.

    It was not that she was so keen on Lake''s affairs but rather that Lilith would always use the opportunity of asking about Jay to talk to her. Lilith said that this time Shirley was not lightly frightened. Now she was so paranoid every day that she even dared not return, saying that evils were haunting her for a moment. Shirley said that someone was trying to kill her. Originally Henry was still nning to apany her to the hospital, but she cried for days. Whoever went to visit her, she would cry, howling how unfortunate she was, how unlucky she was, and atst, Henry was tired of hearing it and was so angry that he didn''t even go to the hospital.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Roy took leave for a while to take care of her with Ruby in turn and carried the Lake''s old housekeeper to the ward. When Irish knew about this, her first reaction was a sneer. Mrs. Lake, who lived at the hospital, had not forgotten to call the housekeeper to serve at her bedside.

    The case was difficult to investigate because everyone was very busy on that day, many confessions were wrong, and it was even more impossible to get a fingerprint test. The Lake family had always had many rules, and servants, especially those in the kitchen, had to wear dust-proof gloves. Irish felt that it was God''s punishment.

    Of course, she was not in the mood to take care of the Lake family''s affairs, nor did she bother to do so. After the day, she began to have more work in the Linkus and university courses. She was so busy every day. Because she didn''t have the habit of working overtime, her assistant Christy arranged a short interval between her clients, and basically, one walked after another, and even the children who their parents carried at the age of seven or eight were worried by her. Children in her generation didn''t have so many problems.

    And these days, her aunt also kept on nagging about her hasty blind date. Irish has dyed it three times in a row. The first excuse was that she needed to work overtime, the second excuse was that she was on a business trip, and the third excuse was that she was suffering from e on her face after puberty. After the e was cured, she could see people; otherwise, the effect would be lessened. Her aunt did not believe it and went to the door to have a look. Irish simply took two photos and PS e and then sent it to her aunt, so she also really believed her.

    Busy to the weekend, Irish was not able to sleep enough, but not waiting for her to wake up naturally, the ringtone woke her up.

    The moment she opened her eyes, when she saw that the rm clock at the head of the bed pointed at only 08:30 AM, she had a mind of a murderer. Very reluctantly taking the phone, she said a rude hello, and then a high voice came to her.

    "Oh, did I wake you up?"

    Irish firstly was stunned and then sat up from the bed immediately, and her whole body alerted like a hedgehog. She smiled, "Jasmine."

    "Still asleep? I forgot that you young people love to sleepte on the weekend."

    "No, I''m already awake." She jumped out of bed while answering the phone and began to look at the calendar. That day was the day to pay the rent.

    "Irish, you won''t go out for a moment? I''ll go to you."

    "Oh, no,e on." Irish was weak. At the end of the call, Irish waspletely unable to sleep and fell into the quilt and grabbed the pillow, thinking that tens of thousands of dors were about to fly away from her eyes and that her heart hurt more than being pierced by a knife.

 Chapter 417 417: You Can Stay Here

    Jasmine rang the doorbell at nine o''clock, making Irish think she was walking around under her stairs when she first had spoken on the phone.

    She looked very happy that day. After entering the door, she sat on the sofa in the living room and began to look around. Her mouth always clicked. "It''s still you young people who are bold. It has only been a few days, well, and the decoration style has changed. What style is that? Magic?"

    Irish was in pain when she heard herment, she rushed forward to block Jasmine from looking around, smiling, "What would you like to drink? Or eat some fruits?"

    Growing up in New York as a child, she watched how her neighbors were picky among tenants. Now she had almost made a big change to the decoration of the entire room, although she had already said that to Jasmine. But she was still worried that she would suddenly change her mind and ask for the money.

    Jasmine didn''t know what she was thinking about and waved her hand, "No, I just came up to tell you about the house and left. My husband was still waiting for me to go home to make lunch."

    "The house." On hearing this, Irish''s heart was uneasy, sitting along the edge of the sofa, alerting herself, "What''s the problem?" She always felt that her money was going to fly away.

    Jasmine saw her nervousness and hurriedly said, "Irish, don''t get me wrong, I''m not here to find you trouble." After stopping and looking at her, "The thing is, I have a son abroad all the time. Now that my husband and I are old, and my son is worried about our health, he has been urging us to go abroad. To tell you the truth, neither of us likes to go. But our son''s words are also true, our old legs and feet are not flexible, if something happens, it is really not convenient for children to take care of us, and our son does not want us to go to the nursing home, so we think about it and decide to go abroad."

    Irish listened to Jasmine''s every word with difficulty, and her heart began to thump with turbulence, like on a roller coaster ride, but she could not calm down for a long time. After Jasmine had said everything, she murmured, "What do you mean? Are you going to sell the house and let me move out?"

    It was not difficult to find a house this month, but the problem was that it was too hasty. Just like looking for a man, it was hard to find the right one at first sight, and it was even more difficult to find it in a short period of time. She couldn''t just find something to make it do before she could find the right one. How could she have so much time and energy to follow the agency to look at the house one by one?

    It was a great fortune to have found this apartment at the beginning. She had not been officially employed at that time. She could live in Cassie''s house. She could eat the delicacies in her uncle''s house. She still remembers that time, she spent a lot of time and energy finding an apartment. But suddenly, the intermediary informed her that there was an apartment in New York time square that suited her standard. ording to the intermediary, the apartment had never been rented before. It was always empty. It was not until thendlord finally nodded to let her rent it that she grabbed it immediately. At that time, the agent described too much and told Irish excitedly that it was because of her high demand for the quality of the house that he quickly held it. Otherwise, it would have been rented out early.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish followed the intermediary to see the apartment, and somehow, when the intermediary opened the door of the room, her heart suddenly felt at ease. At first nce at the suite, she hastily entered the living room and was amazed by what she witnessed and told the intermediary that she wanted it.

    The intermediary was stunned at that time and asked her if she would like to go up to the second floor to see it, and then she could fix it. She shook her head and said she wanted the apartment. At that time, she did not know how she was so sure. The two houses she had seen before were actually good, and the houses that could be rented for tens of thousands of rent would not be too bad, but she just felt that she was dissatisfied with what she saw, as if missing something.

    After looking at the house, she realized what was missing in the two houses, and it was a solid sense of security. The overall decorating style of the apartment was calm, and she could guess it was the ce where the man had lived, but she did not care. She loved the safety when she entered the door as if the house was her home.

    But now, thendlord''s words left her at a loss.

    Thendlord denied her spection,ughing, "New York''s prices nowadays continue rising and never went back to the lowest amount, why do I want to sell this?"

    Irish did not understand.

    "My house is in a good location, the quality of the house is good, the area isrge, and is one of the most upscale residential areas in New York, the equipment around is good, no matter what I will not sell this one." Jasmine''s attitude was very firm, "besides, this house is for my son, if one day he wants to return home to develop this one and make it a ce to stay, it would be good."

    "Auntie, what do you mean?" She really did not understand thendlord''s intention. She came to tell her that she would go abroad with her husband and said she would not sell the house, so what did she want?

    She took her hand and said sincerely, "Little girl, well, I like you very much, so I can assure you that I can rent the house to you longer. I will definitely not sell this house, so you can stay here."

    asionally missing content, please report errors in time.

 Chapter 418 418: The Flowers Is For You

    She took out a bank card from her bag and handed it to her. Irish was more surprised.

    "The purpose of mying to you today is to tell you that you can pay rent to this card in the future. I will leave it with you because I can''t use it for myself or my husband in foreign countries."

    "Huh?" Irish red in dismay with wide eyes.

    "Just deposit your monthly rent on this card, and my husband and I are not able to collect your rent from abroad," Jasmine exined.

    Irish was confused, and it took her a long time to react, "Then. How do I finally give you this card?"

    "Well, we will stay in another country for a while, and if it is not suitable for us, we''ll return, then you can give me the card, but if we stay abroad well, and you don''t want to pay the rent through that card, just remit the money to me via wire transfer. The contact address is indicated at the back of that card."

    Irish was really shocked by this news, "Jasmine, you are not afraid of me running away?"

    "For one thing, I think you''re a good kid. Second, you left your information and ID number in the agency. Where can you run?" She smiled.

    Irish felt relieved.

    "So I can rent this apartment for a long time?"

    "Thendlord has the same reason for finding a tenant as you do for a house. It is not easy to find a nice tenant. I am old and don''t want to rent the house to one another. If you don''t want to move, you can always live here, and I''m at ease with that and feelfortable."

    Irish''s head was smashing like cookies, and she asked again, "Then rent increases?"

    It could be seen that Jasmine was really looking for someone to see the house. It was a lucky thing to be able to reach a long-term lease, but it should have a preliminary condition that all the possibilities could be negotiated. If it increased a lot, she would instead move out.

    However, Jasmine assured her, "I''m not living with rent. You can rest assured that the rent will be delivered ording to what we agreed to, and it won''t change at all."

    Irish wanted to hug and kiss her.

    ****

    Joseph had a luxurious house and lived afortable life while Irish had only this apartment; however, she was so happy as Jasmine let her stay here as much as she wanted.<novelnext></novelnext>

    When Jasmine left, she first called Joseph and shared the good news. When he heard about it, he was also very happy, telling her to look at the house for thendlord and not to change the decorations. She understood what Joseph meant, grumbling that he didn''t know art and that she liked to change the pattern of the room so that it wouldn''t be boring.

    These days she and Joseph hardly met each other, but every day they always made time to talk on the phone, when he was not busy or with no one else there, he would do a video chat with her. The two days hastened their love. His phone calls and her thoughts of him grew more.

    Some outsiders began to spread rumors that Henry had ns to retirepletely, and some professionals began to analyze that Joseph was probably the person to rece him. However, some people denied that Henry would not give his shares to Joseph. His son would likely be back in town, even if only in thepany with a title.

    Irish ignored the rumors, but it was also evident that Joseph was increasingly busy. When she called Daisy many times in the evening, she told her that Joseph was in a meeting.

    She knew that Joseph couldn''t make a mistake in that position, especially in a time of rumors. She recalled when she was in such a small psychological institution, and she saw infighting every day, not to mention a group as big as the Runestone Group.

    It was just that her yearning for him was stronger than the other day. Every night when she got home, she would stand at the window for a long time, staring downstairs to see if she could suddenly see his car drive into the neighborhood.

    Oh, no, his car was too obvious. Then he could change into an unremarkable car and show up in front of my house, couldn''t he? She thought.

    Joseph did not appear in the night but suddenly appeared on a sunny afternoon in the Linkus, shocking Irish.

    But what shocked her was that Mr. Kim was chasing after her again. When he appeared in front of her with arge bouquet of roses, Joseph and Professor Tim happened to pass behind, who were talking, followed by Daisy. In this way, he saw the scene where Mr.Kim was carrying flowers, smiling, and courting her.

    ****

    It was sunny in the afternoon, and the sky was as blue as the slopingke when the sun was shining. The leaves turned golden, but they were not as dazzling as the gold bracelet on Mr. Kim''s wrist, and he had restored to his previous dresses, but it was lucky that he had abandoned the gold teeth in his mouth.

    When he rushed into Irish''s office with a bunch of flowers, she had just finished the treatment of a patient. Christy was shocked by the scene when she walked in with a coffee, and soon she rushed in front of Mr. Kim since she had to perform the duties of being an assistant.

    "Do you have an appointment, Mr. Kim? If you have not made an appointment, you must return until you make one." Everyone in the institute knew him out of his boldness and perseverance.

    Mr. Kim was modest andughed, but the expression on his face was exaggerated. "I have a few words for Ms. Irish, and then I will leave soon."

    Now that he hade in, Irish had no other choice but to let him in. But she was confused about why he could get in so easily. It was not until she saw Cheska, who was smirking beside the door, that she then realized the truth.

    "Ms. Irish, the flower is for you." Mr. Kim raised a bunch of red roses to her that reminded her of the blood on Cassie''s wrist.

 Chapter 419 419: I’ll Keep Kneeling Here

    She swallowed saliva but did not ept it and said indifferently, "I am sorry. I can''t ept it." After finishing her words, she heard the noise outside the door. In the following second, Joseph appeared in her eyes. He was negotiating something with Professor Tim, but Daisy, who was alwaysposed, was also shocked when she saw what happened in Irish''s office.

    Irish saw clearly the change in Daisy''s expression, and she soon turned to Joseph. However, he also stopped, looking at her, and had seen Mr. Kim''s courtship clearly. But it was not just Joseph, Professor Tim was also stunned by the scene.

    Irish really wanted to throw him out of her office immediately and quickly hide since she was so embarrassed now that so many people had seen this.

    Mr. Kim also perceived the movement outside, and he was even more enthusiastic. What was even more surprising was that he actually plopped his knees and raised the flowers over his head. "Ms. Irish, you have to ept the flowers, or I''ll keep kneeling here."

    This bunch of flowers was too big for his height, but he still toiled up the flowers there.

    "Mr. Kim, please get out of my office." Irish tried to calm down and said patiently. But she took a quick glimpse at Joseph, who put his hands in his pocket, standing there motionlessly. And he looked as calm as usual while his tall figure blocked the sunshine from the window.

    Professor Tim nced at Mr. Kim, then turned to Irish, "What happened?" Though he was not old-maidish and though he also permitted his employees to fall in love freely, it was not appropriate, causing adverse effects in the working ce.

    Before Irish could reply, Mr. Kim hastily answered excitedly as if Tim was his savior, "Are you the boss of Ms. Irish? I am d that you came here in time. Would you like to be my witness?" Tim was shocked, while Irish was also startled by his words. However, Mr. Kim seemed to have made a firm decision and stood up abruptly when he saw there were several people outside. But Irish was startled in the next second as if she was struck by lightning. Unexpectedly, he stepped forward and pulled Joseph with a big smile, and said, "Are you the colleague of Ms. Irish? Pleasee in. I invite you to be my witness." And then he pushed Daisy and Joseph into her office.

    Irish felt her heart was about to jump out, and she stared at Joseph, who still looked indifferently while his eyes were so profound that she couldn''t figure out what he was thinking.

    "Ms. Irish, please ept my courtship. I can swear before your boss and colleagues I will love you forever. It doesn''t matter if you don''t like flowers, and I have another gift for you." He put aside the bunch of red roses, hastily taking an exquisite box from his portfolio and opening it in public. At the moment he opened it, Christy even made a sharp gasp of surprise.

    Irish felt dazzled, so she covered her eyes subconsciously and wondered what kind of gift Kim wanted to give her. A few secondster, she took a closer look but was shocked since there was a ne lying in the box. It was adorned with brilliant jewels and pearls, with beads of diamond in the middle. The chain was made of pure gold carvings likerge peony flowers.

    "I know you like diamond nes since you always were one, so I picked up a good diamond ne for you." Mr. Kim kneeled again while his small eyes were sparkling like diamonds.

    Irish touched her ne subconsciously and then looked at Joseph and found he was also staring at her with his mouth puckering slightly. She drew back her eyes and felt flurried.<novelnext></novelnext>

    The ne on her neck was the one they made in South Africa together, and that was the reason why she liked it very much. It was not because of how expensive it was but because of the valuable memories in South Africa.

    "Ms. Irish''s neck is thin, and this ne seems unfit for her." Unexpectedly, Daisy said suddenly.

    Irish took a glimpse at her and smiled faintly.

    "I am wholehearted. Suppose she doesn''t like it. I can change another one for her until she is satisfied." Kim exined.

    However, Irish was out of patience and said, "Mr. Kim, I won''t ept your flowers and gifts. I have told you many times that I don''t like you."

    "But I love you so much." Mr. Kim ignored her words and said sincerely, "I know the man who I metst time is not your boyfriend at all. You don''t have a boyfriend, so please don''t lie to me."

    Irish was speechless while Joseph frowned at him severely.

    "I can vow before them that as long as you agree to be with me, I will give everything I have to you, and you have a decisive say in everything. Okay?"

    Hearing this, Irish turned to Joseph, who had never given her a promise like this." Then Daisy walked forward and looked carefully at the ne in Mr. Kim''s hand, saying, "It must cost you a lot of money. The good, as well as the diamond, are valuable, while the diamond is even much more expensive. It seems that he is sincere." She turned to Joseph while saying these words.

    "Yes. Yes. I like to research some valuable items. But this ne is still not enough for me to show my love to Ms. Irish. And I can give her all of my valuable jewelry as long as she is with me." Mr. Kim did not perceive Daisy''s expression and said excitedly. Irish was at a loss, and she looked at Professor Tim but found he was also helpless.

    Unexpectedly, Joseph, who had kept silent for a long time, suddenly said to Daisy but not to Mr. Kim, "Don''t teach fish how to swim before Mr. Kim. Let''s go."

    After finishing his words, he walked away first, and Daisy took a look at Irish and then left with him. When the door closed gradually, she was a little disappointed. How could he leave directly like this? She felt stuffy.

 Chapter 420 420: Who Are You?

    Tim was also about to leave with Joseph since he felt embarrassed and wanted to exin it to him on the pher. But before he left, he whispered beside her ears and said, "Handle it as soon as possible."

    Irish also wanted to get him out of here as soon as possible, but he stayed here and refused to leave.

    In the elevator, the metal door reflected Joseph''s serious face, and when the elevator reached the six floors, he called Daisy while Daisy walked forward. He whispered beside her though he still looked calmly without mood swings while Daisy was slightly shocked. After he finished his words, Daisy nodded slightly and said, "I get it."

    "Hurry up." The elevator door slowly opened while Joseph walked out and looked profoundly from behind.

    Mr. Kim was still in Irish''s office and refused to leave, while Christy was so anxious that she even wanted to call the police. Time passed by. Irish looked at the clock on the wall helplessly while Mr. Kim had been still talking to her inside her office for more than forty minutes.

    She felt she couldn''t bear it anymore and roared at him, "If you still refuse to leave, I will call the police immediately."

    "But I did not vite thew, so they can''t help you." He behaved unreasonably with a smile.

    Irish also knew it was no use to call the police since he had just disturbed her work and did not vite thew. Even if she called the police, what they could do was persuade him to leave, but she was assured that he would alsoe the next day.

    When she was at a loss about what to do, the door was suddenly opened by two strong men and startled Irish. Two of them were nearly two meters high, with tattoos all over their bodies, and there was even a chopper hanging on their waist.

    One of the men was carrying a thick bag, and there was even something moving inside the bag.

    Christy was so frightened to speak while Mr. Kim soon rushed in front of Irish, pointing at them, and asked, "Who are you?"

    "It''s none of your business." The man carrying the bag reached out and pushed him, and soon Mr. Kim fell down to the ground. "Ouch!" He screamed.

    When Irish was about to rush forward since she saw the men were so felonious, the man suddenly mmed the bag on the ground and said to Irish expressionlessly, "Ms. Irish, the object of study you sentst time is still disqualified. My boss asked me to tell you that it is best to start from the normal person''s brain to facilitate research, but the man you sentst week is insane."

    Irish was shocked by his words, and then she saw clearly there was a man in the bag, and obviously, his mouth was blocked, and he was struggling. She was confused and did not know what had happened.

    "Ms. Irish, our boss suggested that you change to another man as the object of study. He does not care about money as long as the research can keep going." The man said again.

    Mr. Kim, who had fallen on the ground, then realized what was in the bag and was startled, staring at Irish in panic while Christy also looked at them fearfully. After a few seconds, she tried her best to calm down and took out her phone secretly and wanted to call the police.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Christy." Irish came back to her senses and prevented Christy while her mind immediately began to run at high speed.

    On the one hand, she didn''t know these men, and on the other hand, she had never sent the so-called object of study to them. Of course, she had heard before that some psychology counseling institutes would cooperate with the madhouse as well as some research institutes. And some people with incurable diseases and without families would be sent as an object of study for profit. But it was impossible to happen in America, so she was innocent.

    However, Irish was clear-eyed, and she felt weird since they called her Miss Irish, which indicated that they came here for her, but the man in the bag....

    A bold assumption came to her mind suddenly. She cleared her throat and looked at the men, asking tentatively, "How could it be possible? He was clear-minded when I sent him there."

    The man smiled and replied, "Anyway, I have sent him back to you. You can have a look if you don''t trust me." After finishing the words, he opened the bag in which the man was almost insane.

    Mr. Kim waspletely startled, staring at the man in the bag while the man suddenly rushed to him while Mr. Kim couldn''t help screaming and pointed at Irish and stuttered. "You, you...."

    "Wow, he does not have a mental health condition." The man stared at Mr. Kim with his meaningful eyes, and after a while, he said, "I think he is suitable. Is he your patient, Ms. Irish? Why not give him to us to do the research now that he has eavesdropped on our secret."

    Mr. Kim was shivering after hearing that. Irish realized what had happened and sneered at Mr. Kim.

    He was trembling out of fear, leaning against the wall and waving at her, "I...I warn you, don''t hurt me, and I am a man of great influence in this area. If you hurt me, you will regret what you do."

    "Well..." Irish showed a big smile, staring at him, who was drenched in sweat, and then continued, "Let him go. He is not suitable for research."

    The men nodded and turned to Mr. Kim, "Hurry up and get out of here because I am afraid that will change my mind." Hearing this, Mr. Kim rushed out of the room, but one of the men suddenly shouted behind, "Wait!"

    But Mr. Kim was so frightened that he did not look back.

    "Don''t call the police. Trust me, and I can find you at any time. Do you know Antonio? Don''t offend him, or you will be dead soon."

    Mr. Kim looked back while shivering and replied stutteringly, "Antonio?" Of course, he knew him, who was extremely cruel and merciless. He was the boss of a gang, but in recent years, he began to get involved in the business. Perhaps he did business for moneyundering.

 Chapter 421 421: An Unbeatable Rival

    He definitely would not dare to offend Antonio since he knew that they could do anything to him.

    "Well, do you need our boss to warn you in person?" The man roared at him since Mr. Kim was shocked and did not reply.

    "No, no, no, no, no. I don''t mean that." Mr. Kim was so frightened.

    "Take your things and get out of here." Mr. Kim hastily took the flowers and ne and then rushed out of the office.

    After he left, Irish sighed with relief and turned to the two men, "You..."

    "I am sorry. Are you frightened by us? Wee here to protect you from infesting in ordance with Mr. Antonio." When he saw Irish stare at the man in the bag, he hastily exined to her, "Don''t misunderstand. He is also a man of ours."

    Irish frowned and said, "But I don''t know who Mr. Antonio is."

    The man did not reply to her but immediately pulled up the man in the bag. Upon standing up, he then replied, "We are not clear about that. I am sorry that we have to go now." Then they left her office quickly.

    After they left, Christy then calmed down and asked, "Doctor Irish, who are they?"

    Irish walked out of the office, but soon she saw a figure at the corner of the corridor. She then went back to her office and took something into her pocket, and said to Christy, "Don''t worry. I have to go out now, but I wille back soon."

    It was very quiet in the coffee house since there were just a few people here at this time. The fragrance of coffee was suffused in the air, which made people feelfortable. Behind Irish was arge floor-to-ceiling window, followed by a branch of rustling gold leaves, serving as a foil of the street, and the sky was so bright that it looked more like a painting.

    "Are you frightened?" Daisy asked while taking a sip of the coffee.

    Irish stirred her coffee leisurely and replied, "If I didn''t see you, I would think that there was another wooer who came from a gang. Obviously, he is a big shot since Mr. Kim is also feared."

    "Isn''t it good? At least Mr. Kim will not disturb you anymore." Irish nodded, and she was still worried, "Will he call the police?"

    "He won''t. He is a businessman, and he will stand aloof from things of no personal interest. If he dares to call the police, he will have endless troubles."

    "How can Joseph know these people?" She was antipathy. But Daisy smiled after hearing her question, "He has to get in contact with different kinds of people since he is a businessman."

    "But it seems that he is very familiar with Antonio."

    After thinking for a while, Daisy patted her hands and said, "Don''t worry. He just cares about you. Though Mr. Kim is not a real big shot, he is still a big boss, so we have to find some people to frighten him."

    Of course, Irish could understand, but she just felt that she did not know Joseph at all. Perhaps, Daisy was right that he had to risk his life in business for great profit. So it was natural for him to know some people from the Mafia.

    "Mr. Dover can''t handle this for you in person at this crucial time, and he hopes you can understand him."

    Irish nodded.

    "But..."<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish perceived Daisy''s hesitation, so she put down her scoop and waited for her to continue.

    "Runestone Group is a bigpany, and sometimes one hair pull and the whole body will be affected, so he couldn''t act recklessly since he has to take care of the overall situation. Runestone Group does not only belong to the Lake family, and it also includes the stock right of Joseph''s family, so he has to be careful because even a minor mistake could bring huge damage to both families."

    Irish was shocked since she never knew this before. Though she did not take the initiative to ask him, he also didn''t mention it to her. And for a long time, she thought that Runestone Group developed rapidly because of Joseph, but she never expected that it also included the stock rights of Joseph''s family.

    "Mr. Dover always does things with full assurance of sess, but you are "an unbeatable rival" to him, and he would often make some mistakes for you."

    Irish was confused by her words and frowned.

    "Do you still remember the family feast on Labor day when Shirley was sent to the hospital because of food poisoning?"

    She nodded and replied, "Of course."

    "Ruby was irritated by Joseph on that day, and I also didn''t expect that Mr. Dover would do that."

    "What happened on that day?"

    Joseph also told her the situation briefly, but he just told her that after sending Shirley to the hospital, he left since he knew she was not in big trouble. "Did anything else happen during that period?"

    Then Daisy described the situation to her indifferently.

    In fact, Shirley was in bad condition after food poisoning, and she would be dead if she had been sent to the hospitalter. But finally, she had been downgraded from critical to serious, and during this period, Joseph had called Daisy to take care of everything.

    After ensuring she was out of danger, Joseph asked Daisy to stay in the hospital while he was about to leave. Ruby hastily tried to stop him since she saw he was going to leave, while Joseph exined to her that he still had much work to do. Ruby was unpleasant, so she forced him to answer what kind of work he had to do.

    Joseph did not exin too much to her and pushed her aside slightly while Ruby was aze, pulling him and saying that his mother-inw was in bad condition, so he couldn''t just leave like that. Daisy happened to see that, and she could see clearly the impatience in his eyes.

    "Irish, he asked me not to arrange any work for him in those three days, and I know he wanted to find you," Daisy said with a helpless smile.

    Irish felt that her heart beat so fast since she didn''t know this at all.

    "What was going on?" She couldn''t help asking.

    "When I was about to help him out of the predicament, a nurse passed them with a cart while Ruby hastily took a bottle of ethyl alcohol to Joseph and said he could leave unless he finished the bottle of ethyl alcohol."

    Irish widened her eyes out of surprise after hearing this, "He...." She hesitated and waited for Daisy to continue.

    "Mr. Dover took it over and drank it without hesitation."

 Chapter 422 422: Don’t You Think I’m His Mistress?

    Daisy said in a weak voice, but Irish had perceived her slight mood swings as well as the change of her expression that looked so helpless. But Irish was moved by her words, and she almost stood up because she was so stunned and then ranted, "Is he crazy?"

    ording to Joseph''s characteristic, if someone forced him to do that, he would not refuse. A scene gradually appeared in her mind that Ruby said to him with a low but irritated voice while Joseph tried his best to tolerate, so he took over the bottle of ethyl alcohol without hesitation.

    She felt that her heart was broken and pierced by arrows, and soon a sense of irritation soon rose from her heart that overwhelmed her reasonable mind. She clenched her hands and was eager to p Ruby as possible. Joseph belonged to her, so Ruby was disqualified from doing this to him, and why did she always make trouble for him?

    Perceiving her irritation, Daisy hastily tried tofort her and said softly, "In my opinion, Ruby just wanted to stop him from leaving, and she certainly didn''t expect that he would take it seriously."

    "How much did he drink?" Irish felt sore since she knew that he had stomach problems, and how could he drink medical ethyl alcohol?

    "He had a few sips, and Ruby soon took it back. She may also think he was crazy."

    If Ruby was standing in front of her at present, she would p her face violently, and now she was so eager to drive to the Lake family and scold her.

    "Irish, I know what you are worried about." Daisy had incisive eyes and could easily perceive her anger as well as regret. "Don''t worry. He threw up soon and had drunk a lot of water immediately, so he is fine."

    Of course, she knew that he was fine because she did not find anything wrong that night, especially the smell of alcohol on his shirt. Now it turned out the alcohol had spilled out when Ruby took it back from his hand.

    She originally wondered where he drank but never expected such an incident would ur to him. Taking a deep breath, she felt the sorrowfulness still lingering in her heart. After a long time, her hands loosened slightly, she looked at Daisy and said sincerely, "Please don''t let him hurt himself no matter what happens." She was in more pain than him after getting such news.

    Daisy took a look at her for a moment and then sighed, "I am afraid that he won''t listen to anyone as long as it is rted to you. He is a stubborn and arrogant man, and you are the only person who could change his decision."

    Hearing this, Irish sighed slightly, and she was at a loss whether to be happy or worried.

    "I have another thing to remind you." Daisy suddenly turned serious while Irish looked at her and waited.

    "Though you are reluctant, you have to understand that Mr. Dover is still the son-inw of the Lake family in other people''s eyes, and it has nothing to do with his rtionship with Ruby. Some rtionships can''t be disbanded so easily. And sometimes, a minor thing may cause fatal troubles. You must know the domino effect. And for Mr. Dover, what could really threaten him is the effect but not Ruby. What he is doing now is trying to minimize the possibility of idents."

    Daisy said seriously, and Irish also treated it gravely since she could understand what she meant and could perceive Daisy''s worries. Irish then stirred the coffee as if she was thinking of something. "But you have said something wrong just now. I have never been reluctant when I decide to be with him, even if he made the worst decision in the end."<novelnext></novelnext>

    "The worst decision? What do you mean?" Daisy smiled.

    Irish drew back her eyes while the coffee had cooled down already, and the coldness of the cup had grabbed consciousness of her fingertips. "For example, he couldn''t get rid of his identity as Ruby''s husband for his whole lifetime."

    Daisy was shocked by her words, and then she stared at Irish and asked with astonishment, "You still love him even if he couldn''t get rid of that identity?"

    "As long as he still loves me." When Irish looked up, there was light flickering in her eyes as the meteor slipped into the deep of her eyes.

    Daisy didn''t expect that she would reply like this and didn''t know she had prepared to face the worst situation, so she shook her head and said, "I really admire you, and if I were you, I....." She hesitated while Irish waited for her to continue.

    Daisy smiled and then shook her head again and continued, "If I were you, I would also wait for him no matter how long it would be since he is so brilliant."

    "It seems that we are the same."

    The atmosphere bes a little bit rxed, and in the end, Daisy says again, "In fact, the worst situation that I could think of is that he will leave here with you and give up everything he has. You will note back to the Lake family again while he withdraws from the jewelry industry. Your rtionship will transition naturally. After all, no one would focus on this news forever."

    "If it will be like this, then I am more willing to stand behind him for the whole lifetime." Irish shook her head slightly and then continued, "He has devoted himself to Runestone Group, and even I don''t make a choice between his career and love, let alone him. I don''t want him to be trapped in such a dilemma."

    "It is just an assumption." Daisy sighed and then said, "I have been ustomed to making analysis the best and worst result when facing a problem."

    Irish could understand her and knew it was her professional habit.

    A st of wind rose outside the window while the leaves were flying in the wind, falling down on her face. The mottled light reflected on Irish''s face, which made her eyes look so profound.

    "But I am still confused about one thing. Don''t you think I am his mistress? After all, Ruby is his wife in other people''s eyes." Irish looked at her and asked frankly.

 Chapter 423 423: It Is A Gift For Him

    "It is simple, and I am just loyal to Mr. Dover." Daisy replied directly and then exined, "I am an assistant of him, but not the assistant of Runestone Group. My job is to take care of everything for him and to do some work he is notfortable doing. In other words, if he loved another woman someday, I would say the same words to her."

    Irish was shocked and thenughed since she thought only Daisy could act like this while ignoring the distractions, so she didn''t talk too much about this to her but took out a CD and handed it to Daisy. She just took it out of her office, but Daisy was confused while Irish smiled and exined, "Please give it to him. It is a gift for him."

    The daytime was getting shorter in autumn, so when she finished her work and walked out of the building, it was getting dark, and the streetmps were lit. The Vi had begun to be renovated across the street. At the intersection of Madison Avenue and the street of Midtown Manhattan, the new projects were under construction and were fenced up. It was said that the Swire real estate agency had teamed up with Morgan Stanley Real Estate Fund to invest 4.8 billion dors in acquiring the equity of the New Midtown Manhattan project. But Irish did not care about that at all since it did not have any effect on her. The new shops emerged in an endless stream, and the goods were still expensive. But she didn''t want to go shopping, so she walked home quickly. She bought two bags of instant noodles in the convenience store downstairs. She stopped when she passed the pharmacy, and after hesitating for a while, she walked in and bought a bottle of ethyl alcohol.

    When she returned home, the air was a little bit cool since it had dropped in temperature, so she turned on the air conditioner, stood up, and was about to boil the instant noodles until the room was warm. When she turned the bag, her finger touched the alcohol bottle, then she took it out, opened it, and soon the room was suffused with the smell of alcohol, reminding her of Daisy''s words this afternoon. She said Ruby forced him to drink it, and he had a few drinks in front of her. She couldn''t figure out how much he drank; perhaps Daisy was also unclear about that.

    Taking a deep breath, she took a sip of it with her eyes closed, and in the next second, she immediately threw the bottle of ethyl alcohol and rushed to the washroom. She felt that she was burnt by the fire and was stuffy.

    She brushed her teeth, rushed back to the washroom, and began drinking as much water as possible. But she felt her throat was burning, and her stomach was in severe pain as if they were protesting her reckless behavior.

    She did not know how much water she had drunk and curled up on the couch while tears were streaming down her cheeks. It was as if it turned out that people would cry easily if they drank a lot of water.

    However, his behavior made her heart more painful than her stomach. After trying it in person, she now could have the same feeling with him, but Joseph still didn''t frown even if he felt pain. It was the first time Irish cried out of happiness, and she thought people would always smile if they felt happy, but now her happiness made her cry out. The tears kept falling down, burning her skin as if the alcohol was vtilizing from her body. She called his name in her heart and "med" for his reckless behavior. He was the most "stupid" man in the world. She hated him for being like this, and she would not be so sorrowful even if he exined it to her that night because some words once spoke out from others; it was impossible for her to bear the severe pain.

    She cried for a long time, and it was not until she felt the water in her body evaporate that she stopped crying. Her eyes were red, and then she walked to the kitchen where the ethyl alcohol was spilled on the floor while the instant noodles were lying quietly on the counter, making her lose her appetite.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Her stomach was still burning, and she had a headache, so she took a quick shower and then went to bed with her phone in her hands, but she didn''t dial him.

    She was clear about their rtionship when they returned to New York, and she had no choice but to be passive because their rtionship couldn''t be exposed to the public. And once she acted actively, both of them would have to face endless troubles.

    Suddenly she heard the doorbell ring, and in a daze, she opened her eyes abruptly to look at the clock on the wall. It was ten o''clock at night, but the doorbell was still ringing. She couldn''t help wondering who woulde here at this time. Therefore, she went downstairs and opened the door, but soon she was shocked when she saw the man standing outside the door. It was Joseph who leaned against the door leisurely while his tall figure blocked the light in the corridor. He smiled softly at her while his eyes were warm.

    What surprised Irish was that he even held a bunch of flowers. It was a water lily that usually bloomed this season, but the flowers were in the rare deep purple of which the buds were getting ready to burst and looked so beautiful under the light. Irish was so surprised that it took her a long time to react and stared at him motionlessly since she never expected that he woulde sote.

    "It is for you." Joseph handed it to her at first while Irish blinked and took it soon, his woody fragrance spread over, and she was moved and felt warm.

    "Are you here to send me the flowers? Are you leaving soon?" She held it tightly and asked.

    "Do you want me to leave now?" Joseph was amused by her and smiled gently. Then Irish reacted and replied while pulling him in, "Of course not."

    asionally missing content, please report errors in time.

 Chapter 424 424: Don’t You Feel Hungry?

    The door was closed gradually, and Joseph reached out and held her into his arms while Irish also freed one of her hands and hugged him, enjoying his breath. It was so quiet at night, and they didn''t talk to each other but hugged together. In this way, the night was warmed up by them.

    Irish leaned on his chest and felt like it was a dream since he just showed up before her when she missed him so much.

    He held her tightly, and she looked up at his eyes which were profound.

    "Why are you here?" She asked slowly because Daisy said he was swamped during this period and thought she couldn''t see him for a long time.

    Joseph held her and replied with a smile, "Can''t Ie here?"

    "Of course, you can." When his breath fell on her cheeks, it reminded her that it was not a dream. Therefore, her body was saturated with the warm current and happiness while her eyes looked so cheerful. "It''s just that you appear in the middle of the night and even hold a bunch of flowers. This is a bit different from your style."

    "Do you like it?" He asked softly.

    "Yes, it is lovely." Indeed, she liked it very much since the scent was sweet and the color was so beautiful that it cheered up her upset mood. She kissed him cheerfully and then turned to arrange the flowers in a vase. She found a transparent and widemouthed vase and put a big bunch of flowers in it.

    Joseph reached out his arms behind her and held her tightly with his chin rubbing her cheeks while his breath intertwined with hers. He asked her softly, "Is it more beautiful than the flowers which Mr. Kim sent you?"

    After hearing this, she understood why he sent her flowers, and she couldn''t helpughing and then faced him, holding his neck, and asked, "Are you jealous?"

    "Do you think I should be jealous since a man woos you in front of me?" Joseph held her waist with his arms and frowned slightly while saying this to her, but she still perceived the seriousness and unhappiness in his eyes."

    "But I don''t love him at all." She giggled.

    "It is still very disgusting since he badgers with you." He gravely said while she looked at him with a smile and said, "Have you made his background clear?"

    Joseph raised his hands and caressed her eyebrows with a faint smile, "I have to know him well since he dares to woo my girlfriend.

    "Well, you have frightened him severely." But, when recalling the flurried expression of Mr. Kim, Irish felt a little regrettable after all, and he did nothing wrong except that he insisted on wooing her.

    Joseph kissed her hair and said softly, "I have to lecture him, or he would never know that he should stay away from my girlfriend." Though he said gently, Irish felt a bit weird when hearing his answer. She looked up at him, but he looked the same as usual, so she thought she must have had an illusion just now.

    "He won''te for me anymore." Irish pulled him to the couch, leaned on his chest, and then reached out to smooth his frown, making her feel uneasy.<novelnext></novelnext>

    He took her hands, kissed them gently, and asked, "Who has pretended to be your boyfriend?"

    "Ah?" Irish did not react to what he meant. Though he asked gently, it sounded like he was refraining from his anger. He didn''t repeat his question but stared at her, and after a few seconds, she finally understood and replied with a smile, "It''s Leo who got me out of a dilemma."

    "And that''s why I saw you both eating together in the restaurant?"

    "Don''t be angry. I didn''t give him a chance." Recalling that encounter at the restaurant, Irish couldn''t helpughing and raised her hands again, trying to smooth his frown, and then she mumbled, "Don''t frown anymore. I have often told you that you looked so serious when frowning." Joseph took her wrist and embraced her into his arms, biting her earlobe as if he was trying to punish her, "Isabel, you are mine."

    She looked up at him while he held her even more tightly. She knew she belonged to him and felt so happy to be with him. Joseph began to kiss her neck and tickled her. Irish felt itching, and her body kept shrinking backward. He pressed forward and finally pressed her down on the couch. His hand slipped into her clothes skillfully and then unbuttoned her nightgown. His hands covered her plump breasts while his breath turned fast. Finally, he buried his face into her crummy bosom and left a love bite on it.

    "Joseph....." She held his head and called his name while Joseph looked up at her.

    She stared into his eyes and asked, "Will you stay here tonight?"

    His smile turned soft, and he fondled her forehead with his slender finger while a faint light flickered in his eyes, "Yes. I will stay here tonight."

    She felt so good after hearing this and held him tightly.

    "I am going to take your nightgown for you." She said while slipping under his body like a fish and then rushed to the bedroom with a smile. She had prepared the nightgown for him, and she liked it because it made her feel that he would return anytime. Joseph also followed her to the bedroom, leaning against the wall and staring at her. He was also overwhelmed by happiness. It was like the most ordinary family life, and he returned after a day''s work while she ran the bath water for him. But it was the life he wanted, simple and rare happiness.

    "Have you had dinner?" She took out the nightgown he worest time and then turned back but found him standing at the door, so she asked casually.

    He would always forget to have a meal if he was busy with his work, even if Daisy would remind him to eat, he still ignored that.

    As expected, he replied, "No."

    Irish walked to him and asked, "Are you an iron man? Don''t you feel hungry?"

    "So I came here to find food." Joseph pulled her leisurely and added with an evil smile, "I want to "eat" you as well as the meal."

 Chapter 425 425: The Key To My House

    Her face blushed after hearing this, and she handed the nightgown to him, "Go, run the bath water, and I will cook something for you."

    "Are you serious?"

    "Yes." Irish red at him and rushed out of the room while Joseph stared at her back and smiled softly.

    It turned out that even a chef couldn''t cook without ingredients for food, let alone that Irish wasn''t good at cooking.

    Therefore, when Joseph went out of the bathroom and walked to the kitchen, staring at her, who looked at the two bags of instant noodles motionlessly there, he couldn''t help walking toward her and then asking while frowning, "You eat this for dinner?"

    "No, I didn''t eat." She blinked her eyes.

    Joseph looked more amiable when he changed into home clothes. His hair was wet but looked sexier and more charming, but he frowned again.

    "Have you not eaten instant noodles, nor did you have dinner?" While Irish licked her lips, Joseph asked to ensure and replied, "I didn''t eat dinner."

    Joseph stared at her helplessly, threw the instant noodles aside, walked to the refrigerator, and sighed, "I''ll take you out for dinner."

    However, Irish was unwilling to waste the chance to get along with him, so she stepped forward and said while shaking her head, "It''s toote to eat outside, and I think it is good to eat instant noodles asionally. I am good at cooking it."

    Joseph perceived her thought and then smiled helplessly, "Okay. We''ll eat instant noodles." He rolled up his sleeves, saying, "Take out the vegetables from the refrigerator."

    "Let me cook for you." Irish hastily replied.

    "You can be my assistant." Joseph declined her request.

    Irish puckered her mouth and opened the refrigerator, turning to him, "Do you need all the vegetables?"

    "Yes, take out all of them, please, and I will cook the most delicious food for you.

    Irish followed his words while Joseph reached out and said, "Give me eggs, please." Irish acted as an assiduous assistant beside him, and soon the kitchen was steaming, blurring the night outside.

    Gradually, the delicious smell of food was imbued in the room. Though there was just some simple food material, Joseph still made a feast for her. But when he was cooking, his eyes inadvertently looked at the trash can, and then he stopped. An empty bottle of ethyl alcohol was lying in the trash can quietly. Irish found that he suddenly stood there motionlessly, and when she realized what he was looking at, she felt a little embarrassed and cleared her throat, "It must taste good."

    "Yes." He replied briefly and then asked calmly, "What did you do with the ethyl alcohol?"

    Staring at his back, Irish replied with a single word in a weak voice, "Drink."

    He turned to her and looked at her surprisingly," What?"

    "I drank some before you came here," Irish repeated.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Are you insane?" Joseph frowned tightly while his voice sounded a little angry, "Don''t you know the ethyl alcohol could not be drunk? Did you drink water? Go and drink as much as possible."

    Irish stood there motionlessly, staring at him quietly.

    A few secondster, Joseph suddenly realized, and his worries turned to sorrowfulness. Finally, he bit his lips and said after a long while, "You are crazy."

    Irish couldn''t help rushing into his arms and said softly, "I learned it from you."

    "Idiot. I had no choice then, but you are running wild." He couldn''t bear to me her and said softly.

    Irish held him tightly and said, "I just want to know how painful you were at that moment."

    Joseph held her face, staring at her with his eyes filled with fondness, "Stupid woman." After the words, he kissed her while the tears came out soon in her eyes, and this time she was still crying out happiness.

    After their passionate moment, Irish leaned on his chest softly while the thin nket covered their naked bodies. His legs were exposed in the air, intertwining with her smooth legs. The room was suffused with the smell of his hormones as well as the sweet scent of her.

    Her body was so soft, her cheeks pressed on his chest, wet with sweat. Her hair was also wet from the sweat, and she heard his steady heartbeat, enjoying this peaceful moment with him.

    "Let''s take a shower." Joseph whispered to her, but Irish held him even more tightly and acted like a spoiled kid, "Let me lean on your chest for a while." Hearing this, Joseph followed her words.

    After a while, he handed something into her hands that was small. She spread her hands and found two electronic keys lying in her palm, so she was confused and stared at him.

    Joseph held her and said with his maic voice, "It is the key to my house, and you get one of that."

    "What do you mean?" After hearing this, her heartbeat went so fast, and she drew back her eyes. Of course, she understood what he meant, and it conveyed she could go to his house as she liked. It felt that they finally became one, and hepletely removed the obstacle between them.

    Joseph smiled at her and said, "You know what I meant."

    "No, I don''t." She yed with the key in her hands and said deliberately.

    He reached out and crossed her hands, "I have to hand it to you sooner orter. But I think it is better to give it to you earlier, and if you leave with anger next time, I will know where I can find you."

    Irish''s heartbeat even more quickly, and she blushed soon, handing the keys into her hands and saying, "I don''t know what you mean."

    He couldn''t helpughing and held her waist, preventing her from moving, and then said softly, "You know what I am talking about, and you also know what I mean." He handed the keys into her hands again and added, "Trust me that I want to give you more."

    Irish was staring at him and felt her heart was filled with happiness. She buried her face into his arms and then mumbled, "I don''t care about anything as long as I can be with you."

 Chapter 426 426: A Good Name

    After a while, he said softly over her head, "I will go on a business trip tomorrow, and you have to take care of yourself."

    "When will youe back?" She asked reluctantly.

    "Maybe I wille back on Veterans Day."

    Hearing this, Irish was a little upset and said, "It is really a long trip."

    "Keep the keys and give one of them to my younger brother." He urged her softly.

    After hearing this, Irish sat up abruptly and blinked her eyes, "Has your brother alreadye back from abroad?"

    "He will alsoe back on Veterans Day." Compared with her excitement, Joseph seemed to be sober.

    Irish was interested; after all, it was his whole brother, and she was so curious about him. "But when he returns, you are still on your business trip. I think it is not good."

    Joseph was confused by her words.

    "It is a rare reunion for you, and you shouldn''t only focus on your work."

    "He is an adult, and I don''t have to take care of him." Joseph then realized what she meant and continued, "I gave him your phone number, and when hees back, you just need to hand one of the keys to him."

    "Should I take care of him?"

    "How do you want to take care of him?" Joseph was curious about her words.

    "I have to pick him up at the airport."

    Joseph was speechless and then exined, "He is not a kid."

    "But he has lived abroad for so many years. Now that many changes have urred in New York, he couldn''t find the way back home."

    Joseph thought for a while and then pulled her hands and said, "Well, then I have to thank you for all the trouble you have to take. And Daisy is not in New York, or I could ask her for help."

    "Don''t worry, I will take good care of your brother." Irish curled in his arms and smiled sweetly.

    He kissed her forehead slightly and replied with a smile, "Yes, don''t worry at all."

    Hearing this, Irish showed a big smile and asked, "Are you happy now that your brother wille back soon?"

    He went silent and didn''t reply to her, while she also didn''t force him to answer; instead, she asked again, "How long will he stay? Or he won''t leave again once hees back?"

    "He told me he will return, but I haven''t asked him for the details yet. But if he wants to stay here, I hope he can join the Runestone Group."

    "You hope? Or you force him?" Irish tried to figure out what he was thinking.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Are you so curious about him?" Joseph intended to avoid this topic, so he pressed her under his body and kissed her. "You should focus on me. I have a long business trip this time, and will you miss me?"

    Irish smiled, avoided his kiss, and then asked, "Well, will you miss me then?"

    "I miss you every day." He was deeply affectionate and then said, "The music is good, and I can listen to it when I miss you."

    When Daisy handed the CD to him, he smiled for a long while because her handwriting was on the CD saying: I miss you.

    Irish stared at him cheerfully and then uttered, "Of course, I chose it for you a long time ago."

    "It is also because I paid you a lot of money." He joked with her while Irish boldly ranted, "Yes, you are right. Money gives me the motivation to collect some good music for you."

    She asked him to pay her because she was a money grubber, but now she really wanted to collect all the good music for him so that he could listen to the music she presented to him quietly when he was tired.

    He held her tightly and then kissed her lips gently. He missed her so much even though he didn''t leave yet and even though she was still in front of him. The moonlight turned soft just as his eyes.

    After a long while, he said with a sigh, "My brother is arrogant and rebellious, and please don''t take it seriously if he irritates you."

    "Why did you describe him like this?" Irish smiled sweetly and then added, "Don''t forget that I''m a psychologist, and I''m good atmunicating with all kinds of people. Mr. Dover, you must pay me a great amount of money if I can correct his bad temper."

    Joseph smiled wildly after hearing her words while his hand began to slip from her waist down to her sensitive part, which was still moist. "We are families, so I don''t have to pay you."

    "Who told you we are families?" Irish pretended to argue with him, but she couldn''t help groaning because of his slender finger''s rapid movement, and then she said softly, "Do you know even reckoning makes long friends?"

    "Well, I will give you all the money I have." After finishing his words, Joseph kissed her again.

    "Wait! I still didn''t know the name of your brother."

    "Jordan."

    "Jordan. A good name." She smiled.

    Joseph raised his eyebrows, put his thighs on her hips, and rubbed them as if he were trying to punish her.

    "But I prefer your name." She took the initiative to kiss him with great passion.

    She once again ignited the man''s urge, and he turned enthusiastically wild. His head gradually moved down, raining tiny kisses on her soft skin, making her groan again and again.

    ****

    The weather was getting cold, but fortunately, it was still sunny, and the sunshine was pouring down, and it looked peaceful. When Cassie came to Irish, she had a lecture about "The phenomenon of ''retreat'' in the dream of hysteria." The ss was full of students, and there were even some students from other school departments. Of course, most of them were male students, but since the students knew that Irish was good at Kung Fu, they admired her and quietly stared at her.

    She told the students that memories had great power and taught them about the rtionship between dreams and memories in one''s childhood, being submerged or left in the subconscious.

 Chapter 427 427: Have You Moved Forward?

    When she saw the word memory, she suddenly forgot the next thought she perceived and just stared at it quietly. It was not until a student called her; that she realized and continued the lecture. At this moment, she saw Cassie, who walked in from the back door and sat on the chair in thest row, waving at her with a smile.

    Thewn turned yellow while the leaves on the roadside trees all fell. Some students stepped on the withered leaves, leaving a faint but creak sound.

    The sunshine dispelled the coldness of autumn. Irish bought two cups of hot milky tea and handed one of them to Cassie, sat down beside her, and took a sip of the milky tea. She stretched herself, leaning forward, and sighed with feeling, "It feels great under the warm sunshine."

    It was also the alma mater of her and Cassie, and they always took a sunbath here.

    Many years passed, and they all stepped into society from school. But it was not until she went back to school that she realized what attracted her most was still the freedom and fearlessness at school.

    "It hasn''t changed at all here. Only when I look at those young students passing by will I feel we are getting old." Cassie held the milky tea, squinting, and said leisurely.

    Irish reached out and hugged her with a smile, "It is not your style of being so sentimental, Cassie. Are youing here to witness my ss today?"

    "You think too much." Cassie gently pushed her aside and said, "I am here to tell you that I can work back to Runestone Group."

    Irish widened her eyes, looking at her surprisingly.

    "Yes. I have passed the examination and got a high score." Cassie chirped.

    "You are so great, honey!" Irish was so excited and held her face, kissing her suddenly, which attracted many students'' attention. But Cassie did not care about that at all, allowing Irish to hold her and look vibrant, but soon she was a little worried, and Irish also perceived that. "What''s wrong?"

    "Irish, be frank with me. Am I okay?" After a while, Cassie asked her with a sigh.

    Irish''s hands trembled slightly, but soon she replied calmly, "Are there any problems since you have passed the examination?"

    "I think Fredrick is a little weird."

    "Ah?"

    Cassie stared at her and replied directly, "Sometimes, I think he regards me as a patient and insists that I should take some medicines. Do you know what kind of medicine he gives me?"

    Absolutely, Irish knew that she was taking some anti-depressant medicine. Still, she was getting better during this period, and she was so focused on her work, so she suggested Fredrick reduce the dose, and if it was necessary, he could use some drugs that treat some mild depression until she could fully recover. Fredrick epted her suggestion and did his best to take care of Cassie.

    "You lost a lot of blood at that time, so you must take some medicines to enrich the blood, which is good for your health. Don''t worry about it" Irish couldn''t tell her the truth. Cassie nodded as if she was pondering.

    "You and Fredrick..." Irish said hesitantly.

    The light in Cassie''s eyes was as if it had been sucked away, and her eyes turned dim.<novelnext></novelnext>

    She put aside the milky tea, curled her legs,id her chin on the knees, and then replied, "I still love him. Do you think I am good for nothing?" She made a self-mockery.

    Irish sighed slightly, sitting opposite her with her leg curling up, and said softly, "Cassie, it is the feelingsmon to all ordinary people. It''s not your fault."

    "After experiencing this, I think it is impossible for us to be with each other." Cassie''s voice contains sadness.

    "Do you think you will be happy with a man who took the initiative to break up with you?" Irish asked in reply.

    Hearing this, Cassie looked up at her and was about to speak but said nothing.

    "Do you consider being with Roy?" Irish suddenly asked while Cassie was shocked by her question.

    "You have to move forward and let it go. Since youmitted suicide for Fredrick, you must pay attention to the person who really cares about you." Irish said with a weak voice and added, "Yes, he is a dandy, but I can assure you that he really cared about you when you were in the hospital. A man who took care of a woman means he was a true lover."

    "The one you can''t be with is always the best." Cassie snorted slightly.

    Irish shook her head after thinking for a while, "I don''t think so."

    "Do you still remember the day when your Uncle Steven punished you?" Cassie looked at her with clear eyes and then continued, "I was thinking at that time that I can''t have any connections with the Lake family for your good. Roy is one of them."

    Irish was shocked by her words and hastily said, "Cassie..."

    "Don''t be worried, and I don''t wish you to carry a sense of guilt. There is another more important reason." Cassie interrupted her and exined, "I have seen that he badgered with another woman before. Do you think I will love such a man?"

    "But what if he really loves you?" Irish disagreed with her and continued, "Cassie, I want you to be happy, and I don''t want you to ignore the most real feelings because of me or for whatever reason. Yes, his life was a little bit messy before, but I think you are a different woman to him. I am a psychologist and could see through his mind clearly."

    Cassie lowered her head silently.

    "Perhaps you can give him a chance." Irish did not intend to help Roy, but she thought he treated Cassie sincerely and cared about her very much.

    Cassie kept silent, so Irish touched her slightly and said again, "You are not going to get married to him immediately. Try to know him first before you shove him out of your life."

    A few leaves fell gently between them, and Cassie took it up and then spread her hand. A st of wind rose, and the leaves were blown away while her eyes stared at the direction where the leaves vanished. And she replied after a long while, "Well, what about you? Have you moved forward?"

    Irish was shocked and couldn''t figure out what she meant.

    "How could I let it go so easily since I love him so deeply? You persuaded me with the same words that I said to you before. When I came from the death line, I then realized that you can''t force me to forget something, so I understand why you refuse to fall in love with others." Cassie held her legs, seriously uttering her words while staring at Alia, and she added, "But now you told me that I should move forward, so does it mean you have forgotten Adam?"

 Chapter 428 428: I Don’t Want To Hear Your Promise

    Irish did not expect that Cassie would say that, and her smile was frozen slightly, and she replied after a few seconds, "Cassie, it''s different."

    "I know I shouldn''t mention it to you, and I also hope you can let it go in these years. But now that you have experienced the same pain as me, you should have known that I can''t just forget Fredrick so easily."

    "Cassie, you misunderstand me. What was different between the two situations was his death but not the love Adam and I have had." Irish exined softly, adding, "I am just guilty, and I feel that he died because of me."

    "Are you guilty?" Cassie blinked her eyes and then said, "But how can you let it go since you love him so much? Is there any guilt left in you?"

    "What are you talking about?" Irish smiled and continued, "Yes, I liked him so much, but it is not love."

    Cassie stared at her as if she was a stranger and then shook her head after a long while, "But you didn''t say this to me before."

    "Have I told you the things about Adam?" Irish was confused.

    "Are you okay?" Cassie stared at her with weird eyes and then exined, "You told me on the phone, and you said that you love him very much while he also loves you. You are happy to be with him."

    Irish was shocked.

    "What''s more..." Cassie halted her words hesitantly when she saw her weird expression.

    "What?" Irish hastily asked and waited for her to continue

    "What''s more, you said to me personally that you would get married to him if that ident hadn''t urred."

    Irish waspletely shocked, and how could it be possible for her to tell Cassie about it? She knew Adam for a short period of time, so they couldn''t develop such deep affection.

    "Honey, do you forget the words you said to me?" Cassie asked her cautiously. Though she had never met Adam before, Irish often mentioned him, so she knew they loved each other deeply. But after that ident, she never took the initiative to mention Adam anymore.

    It made Irish keep silent this time, and Cassie''s words sent shivers down her spine. Why couldn''t she remember she had said these words before?

    "What else have I told you before about Adam?" She asked again after a long time.

    Cassie shook her head and replied, "Nothing. You just mentioned to me on the phone that he liked climbing, and you both have the same interest, so you love him very much."

    Irish was in a mess and felt the light in front of her gradually vanish. She can''t remember the words she said before. And the coldness in her back began to spread all over her body.<novelnext></novelnext>

    ****

    When Kelly came to Jay, he was busy interrogating a group of drug dealers who had just been arrested and brought to the police station.

    She had been to the police station before, but it was her first time entering this anti-drug center. As soon as she got in, she was frightened by the people squatting beside the corridor. They all leaned against the wall, and the pants fell off their legs while a basin was ced under their buttocks. And there was a policeman who looked so serious and kept watching them.

    Suddenly, a person who screamed bitterly and whose mouth was stained with blood rushed to Kelly. She immediately screamed out of fear, and seconds before the man was going to hit her, he suddenly fell to the ground and rolled over.

    The policeman hastily rushed forward and said to the walkie-talkie, "Cap, the drugs in the drug dealers are broken!"

    Hearing this, Kelly realized they were all drug dealers, and she understood what they were doing. She had read a report before and knew that some drug traffickers had adopted a subtler way of hiding drugs and transporting drugs to escape the police in recent years. Some male drug traffickers would swallow the packaged drugs into their stomachs or put them into tanks, while some female drug dealers would even hide the drug in their private parts.

    These drugs could be maintained in their bodies for nearly four days, and they couldn''t eat during this period because gastrointestinal motility would promote damage to the outer packaging. Once damaged, the courier would die at any time, just like the person in front of her.

    When Jay rushed to the corridor together with the emergency personnel, the man who fell in front of Kelly was already dead. Her shoes were stained by blood, and Jay was even shocked by the scene. Finally, he calmed down and asked, "How much volume of drugs does he hide in his body?"

    "More than 1,500 grams. His stomach and anorectal are affected by the narcotic drugs."

    Jay hastily asked them to handle this case and then urged them to take those drugs away.

    When everything subsided, he stepped forward and said with embarrassment, "You shouldn''te here, Aunt Kelly."

    "Your phone can''t get through, so I muste here in person." Kelly''s face was pale, but she tried to calm down and waved her hand at him.

    Hearing this, Jay hastily apologized to her since he couldn''t bring his phone when carrying a task. After thinking for a while, he said, "Let''s talk in my office."

    "There is no need to do that." Kelly declined him directly and looked around, but soon she frowned even more tightly, "I think if Lilith sees what happens today, she may lose her courage to be with you."

    Jay also understood that she came here to talk about Lilith, so he said in a low voice, "I promise I will treat her well in the future."

    "I don''t want to hear your promise." Kelly said indifferently and added, "I came here just to tell you that if you want to be with Lilith, then you have to give up your present work." Jay was shocked while Kelly soon continued, "It is because I don''t want my daughter to maintain a chaste widowhood. What''s more, you get in contact with those drug traffickers every day, and I am afraid that they will take revenge on you and hurt my daughter someday." It seemed that Kelly hated this ce very much, and she covered her nose and said again, "Jay, I''m much more tolerant nowpared with the first time. Lilith could continuously y the tricks of apastia with me because she loves you so much, so I can ept you, but I have taken consideration for my daughter''s future life. You either choose to give up Lilith or your present work." After finishing her words, she left without looking back. Jay was shocked and stood there nkly for a long time.

 Chapter 429 429: How Could It Be Possible?

    Veterans Day finally came. It was a national holiday, so it was natural that the traffic was congested, especially on the street around Midtown Manhattan, because people all got out celebrating this holiday.

    Looking at the dense crowd, she worried that her car would be squeezed out of the street. Many people were going out to visit the monument of veterans. Sometimes Irish would think that if all the people were grateful to those veterans who sacrificed their lives. Irish refused her Uncle Steven''s invitation to go out with them and stay in the crowded New York to wee Joseph''s brother.

    This morning, she finally came home from the crowded street, and then she simply cleaned up, looking at the time. Jordan would arrive at 2:00 pm, so she still had

    enough time to the airport.

    Turning on the TV, she made a simple meal, and gossip news was reported on the TV when she was about to finish eating. It said that the famous movie star Britney White would leave her original brokerage firm and sign a contract with anotherpany. As for a reason, she just mentioned that it was because of the economic problems of the original firm, but she did not reply about other details. However, some insiders revealed that she signed on a high price with the new brokerage firm. This news immediately made Irish lose her appetite, especially when she saw Britney''s face on TV. Irish puckered her mouth and then snorted at the TV, "It turns out that when the river rises, the boat floats high, but you have to take care of yourself, avoiding being drowned in the river. I don''t want to haggle over with you."

    When she arrived at the International Airport Terminal 3, it was 1:40 pm. She came twenty minutes earlier, so she went to the coffee house and waited for him while drinking coffee. She made a special te for Jordan since she didn''t have his photo. It read Jordan wee home. People were passing to and fro in the airport while she was drinking leisurely like an unupied person who was killing time.

    When Irish was still wondering how she should greet Jordan, someone patted her shoulder behind, which led to a violent cough since she happened to take a sip of coffee. Before she could clearly see who was there, a man had sat down beside her and reached his arms, naturally embracing her into his arms. She turned to him while coughing but found Leo''s smiling face, "Are you going to murder me?"

    "You are too weak." Leo patted her back for a few seconds and asked, "Do you feel better now?"

    "Please stay away from me if you want to do some good deeds."

    "Don''t be so cruel to me. I miss you so much, although you may not miss me." He said slowly, taking the coffee in her hand and drinking it directly.

    When Irish reacted to what he was doing, he had already finished the cup of coffee. She was so helpless and said, "Leo, don''t you know I have drunk this coffee? What''s more, are you so poor and can''t afford a cup of coffee?"

    "First, your boyfriend grabbed my diamond mine in South Africa; secondly, I like to eat your saliva," Leo replied immediately.

    "You are so disgusting." She got goosebumps after hearing that.

    Leo stood up, threw the empty cup into the trash can, and held her shoulder intimately when sitting back, "Don''t say that to me. I will be sad."

    Irish was ustomed to his behavior, so she did not argue with him.

    "It seems you are not in New York during this period."

    Leo smiled at her and replied, "Wow, it turns out you still care about me. It seems that I am not self-sentimental."

    "Well, you are right. I miss you every day." Irish rolled her eyes at him.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Now that you miss me so much, then why not let me kiss you?" He got closer to her while talking.

    However, Irish did not avoid but squinted at him, and at the moment before he kissed her cheeks, she suddenly said, "If you kiss me now, I will bring you to y the Roller Coaster immediately."

    Leo paused beside her ears and said after a few seconds, "Irish, you are a psychologist, so you must know that the proportion of men with acrophobia isrger than that of women."

    Irish puckered her mouth and then replied, "Yes, so you have to ept treatment, or I am afraid that you will be fearful when going downstairs. But I am bewildered why you are not afraid to take an airne."

    Leo straightened his body but did not reply to her.

    "So you are curable." Irish kept joking and patting his shoulder while Leo red at her.

    "Okay, let''s return to our topic. Why are you here?"

    "I just got off the ne, and by the way, I came here to pick up someone," Leo said leisurely.

    "Oh," Irish replied briefly while Leo happened to take the te next to her and snorted twice. "Fortunately, he could read his name, or you will definitely brush against him."

    His words revealed too much information, and Irish immediately perceived the key point of his words. She knocked at Jordan''s name on the te and asked tentatively, "Are you here to pick him up?"

    Leo nodded casually while Irish was in great astonishment.

    Leo always treated Joseph as his foe, but why would he kindly treat Joseph''s brother? But soon, she realized they were in a bizarre rtionship, so there was no fuss that Leo would be intimate with Joseph''s brother. Thinking of this, Irish joked with Leo, "Are you going to kidnap Jordan so that you can threaten Joseph?"

    It was a joke, but Leo took it seriously and snorted, "Do you think he cares about his brother? He even will not frown if others really kidnap Jordan."

    Irish was shocked by his words, "How could it be possible?"

    "It is the first time for Jordan to repatriate. Can you imagine the feeling that a child grew up abroad without a family member?" His voice suddenly turned severe, which surprised Irish since she never expected that it was the first time for Jordan to return to America.

    Leo put aside the te and stared at Irish seriously, "I have to repeat the words I told you before. Joseph is not a person as simple as you think."

    "I never expected that he would be such a simple man." She replied since she thought she needed to exin.

 Chapter 430 430: You Can’t Say That To Him

    Leo shook his head and continued, "I mean, you would never know how cruel he will be to achieve his goal. I admit that I also used contemptible and selfish means for my business. But no one is cruel-hearted than him."

    Irish disagreed with him, so she argued, "Leo, you can''t, you can''t judge a person with the standard in the business world." Even if she didn''t know Joseph well, she knew he was a man she could entrust her life to. Perhaps he was cruel-hearted, but business was apetitive activity that was very fierce and unforgiving, so he couldn''t take it as an excuse to make a personal argument.

    "Well, let me change the way I exin it to you. Joseph would only focus on his work and sacrifice everything for his sess and profit. All he does is for his own benefit."

    Irish frowned and was a little bit impatient.

    "Have you heard about the economic crisis of Blizzard Entertainment?" Leo suddenly mentioned this, which sounded familiar to her. Still, she couldn''t remember where she had heard it before, so she stared at Leo questioningly. At the same time, Leo sat cross-legged, leaning on the chair leisurely, saying, "Blizzard Entertainment Firm, Rainbow Entertainment Firm, and Glory Entertainment Firm are three entertainment brokeragepanies. Blizzard Entertainment Firm is thepany with thergest scale which signed many well-known stars, including Britney White."

    She then realized that she just saw the news on TV this morning, but why did he suddenly mention it to her, and was it meaningful? As far as concerned, there were countless culturalpanies and some film or brokerage firms closing down in New York while the newly establishedpanies were springing up like bamboo shoots, which was a natural scene for her.

    It seemed that Leo had perceived her thoughts, shaking his head, and continued, "But these threepanies belong to one person you also know."

    Irish was a little shocked by his words, and after a while, she asked tentatively, "Are you sure you know the boss of these threepanies?" But then, she remembered that none of her friends were engaged in this industry.

    Leo took her hands, yed with her slender fingers, and then said thoughtfully, "The boss is Mr. Kim."

    "Mr. Kim?" Irish blinked her eyes and was surprised, but soon she realized that she had heard from him that he owned several entertainmentpanies.

    "Blizzard Entertainment Company developed fast these years, so Mr. Kim began expanding his investment. However, hispany inflicted heavy losses these days. The stars in hispany all broke their contract while their promotion activities also encountered difficulties. The original investment projects also dashed into pieces, and some of the shareholders even withdrew their investment which made thepany be trapped in an economic crisis it ever had before." Leo said indifferently.

    Leo''s words sent chills to her back, and she knew that Leo would not mention Mr. Kim for some reason because he would never say these meaningless things to her, so she squinted slightly and asked cautiously, "What do you mean?"<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Joseph suddenly intends to be engaged in the culture industry next year, and he even canceled the jewelry appreciation fair that was going to cooperate with a fashion magazine. He has a good rtionship with the staff in the bank. And what is more interesting is that a simple change of his idea will affect manypanies'' operation, including Mr. Kim''s Blizzard Entertainment Firm." He stared at her with a faint smile and then asked, "Irish, what do you think of these coincidences?"

    Of course, it was not a coincidence. Irish guessed it more urately than anyone else, so when Leo finished his words, she recalled what Joseph said to her the night before he went on a business trip and said that someone had to get some punishment.

    What was his countenance when he said that? She tried her best to recall it, and she remembered that he was as calm as usual and wore a smile when he said that to her, but she still felt upset after hearing that. But she didn''t try to figure out the real meaning of his words since she thought the so-called punishment was to frighten Mr. Kim.

    All the noises in the airport vanished, and all she could hear was Joseph''s voice, and found Leo''s faint smile. The sunlight poured in from the window, falling into Leo''s eyes which were as profound and severe as Joseph''s, but she could see through his inner world.

    Seeing that she kept silent for a long time, Leo drew back his eyes, took a glimpse at the flight information on the LED, and said meaningfully, "I know his goal for doing that, but it is too selfish."

    "You can''t say that to him." Irish frowned even more tightly and argued for Joseph, though her words were even hard to convince herself. "He is trying to protect me."

    However, Leo disagreed with her, and instead, he looked at her as if he was pondering, "In fact, you know what I am going to remind you, right? So you are muddled now, aren''t you?" Irish stared at him, and her heart trembled. Leo leaned closer to her and uttered word by word, "If you choose to be with him, he will treat others mercilessly, but if you leave him someday, he will be cruel to you. In other words, if he stops loving you someday while you still love him, you will suffer from severe pain, but if you stop loving him while he still loves you, your pain will be more severe."

    Hearing that, Irish couldn''t help shivering slightly.

    Leo straightened his body as soon as he finished his words, staring at her pale face with aplicated expression. Irish clenched her hands and felt her fingers were a little bit cold, and she found nowhere to warm them up. After a long while, her lips twitched slightly, and she said, "I won''t leave him, and he will always love me."

    "I hope so." Leo smiled faintly and then added, "But who can ensure there will be no incidents between you since you still have so many years to live?"

 Chapter 431 431: Is He Handsome?

    "Leo, enough." Irish suddenly raised her voice but was totally at a loss and muddleheaded. Leo shrugged his shoulders, taking the te beside her, and said, "You can regard it as nonsense words. Jordan should arrive soon." After finishing his words, he stood up while holding her shoulder. Irish didn''t resist because she felt her legs numbed, perhaps because she sat for a long time. She believed that it must be the reason.

    The gate was filled with people while Irish and Leo thrust their way through the dense crowd. Jordan was in the first-ss cabin, so he woulde out soon. Leo smiled helplessly when he saw that she was lifting the te arduously. "You don''t have to lift this te since I am here."

    She then realized there was no need to lift the te since Leo must know him, so she began to ask him some questions about Jordan since he hadn''te out yet. "Is he handsome?"

    "Yes," Leo replied without hesitation.

    "Really?" Her eyes were flickering.

    Leo stared at her and added, "He is Joseph''s brother, so he looks like Joseph very much."

    "Well, so you admit that Joseph is more handsome than you?" She asked while showing her smile.

    Leo snorted, saying, "But I have a better personality than him. Your feelings for him just blind you." As a man, he had to admit that Joseph was more handsome than him, but he would never admit that as his foe. Irishughed after hearing that. However, they waited for nearly forty minutes, but Jordan still didn''te out. Irish was anxious and asked, "What''s wrong with him? He should havee out long ago since he was in the first-ss cabin."

    "Do you think you are waiting for Joseph? Jordan just graduated from school, and he doesn''t have enough money to take the first-ss cabin." Leo replied patiently while Irish was shocked by his words. And just at this time, Leo suddenly said with a rxed tone, "He ising out." After finishing his words, he waved his arms while Irish also looked in the direction he pointed. But at the next second, she really wanted to call Joseph and ask him why he didn''t tell her he had such a young brother since she thought Jordan was at a simr age to Joseph. But what surprised her was that the man who was walking towards them was so young and actually he was still like a young boy, but not a man.

    But just as Leo said, he looked like Joseph very much, and he was also 1.8 meters tall. He was dressed in a casual blue shirt, with a brown coat and pale faded jeans, and wore a pair of motorcycle boots, a cap, and a pair of sunsses that covered his eyes. But his sharp nose and thin lips made it easy to tell that he looked like Joseph very much. But, of course, he was in a totally different style from Joseph because she could tell he was unruly and treacherous in how he dressed.

    But she had to admit that he was so attractive as if he was the illuminant that attracted people''s attention and made people stick their eyes on him. When he saw Leo, he then smiled and looked cool, waving at him while Irish found that many girls'' attention was all focused on him.

    "Leo, can you tell me how old he is?" Irish finally asked while Leo stared at her in surprise and said, "Why didn''t you find that information earlier?"

    She sighed while Leo''s eyes turned gloomy, "He is twenty, and he has just graduated with a master''s degree."

    Irish held her forehead and was shocked. Jesus, he was twenty years old! Did she have to take care of a boy who was 15 years younger than Joseph?<novelnext></novelnext>

    When she was pondering, Jordan was getting closer to them, but he didn''te out from the exit; instead, he took a shortcut, leaping directly from the fence with his sweep gracefully and pulling out his suitcase. It wasn''t difficult to guess that he has a massive exercise routine daily.

    "Hey, Leo, I haven''t seen you for a long time. How are you?" He stepped forward and hugged Leo while he smiled even brighter. But he didn''t speak English but fluently spoke French.

    Leo hugged him back and gave a high five with him. "Of course, I''m doing well." While saying this, Leo stared at him carefully and said, "Good boy! You look taller and stronger."

    Jordan took off his sunsses, hanging them in his pocket. In this way, Irish clearly saw his face. His eyes were so beautiful, especially when he smiled. However, though he looked very handsome and looked like Joseph, his eyes gave her a totally different feeling from Joseph''s.

    Joseph was calm and sober after their several encounters, so when he stared at her quietly and silently, she could easily perceive his seriousness and graveness.

    But Jordan was different from him because he was young and he was vigorous. He looked so cool when he didn''t smile, but he was amiable and approachable when he smiled, and with that, he wouldn''t cause psychological pressure on others.

    The only thing that would make a woman stressed was that he was really handsome, as if he seemed to have been carefully crafted to attract many young girls'' attention.

    "Jordan, let me introduce you." Leo took Irish''s hands cheerfully and was about to introduce her to him. However, before he could continue, Jordan suddenly interrupted Leo and said, "I got some information about you, Irish." He just took a quick nce at her while saying that.

    But Irish clearly saw his smile vanish soon, and his eyes were cold when he stared at her. Her eyes were incisive, so she could easily feel his hostility.

    Hostility?

    But it was the first time they had met, so Irish had to ignore her thoughts.

    "Hello, nice to meet you." Irish finally took the initiative to greet him. However, Jordan did not reach out his hand but stared at her for a while and turned his eyes to Leo with a faint smile, saying, "Leo, where did my brother find her? She is so short that I can hardly see her."

 Chapter 432 432: She Is Too Arrogant

    Irish did not expect that he would be so impolite and felt embarrassed. She was petite since he was 1.8 meters, but she had been at ease with that since she had always been with Joseph. And when she stood shoulder to shoulder with Joseph, her height was just over his shoulder, but Jordan was simr to Joseph''s height, so it was not fair tough at her height like this.

    Hearing his words, Leo hastily tried to ease the tension and said, "Don''t say like that. Irish deliberately came to pick you up."

    Jordan shrugged his shoulders while staring at Irish directly, making her ufortable. Then, after a long while, he suddenly said, "A 28-year-old psychologist. But you look young and beautiful."

    He said in a voice dripping with sarcasm and then put his hand on Leo''s shoulder again with a smile. "To visit the dead first or to eat first?" He asked Leo while Irish was shocked by his impolite words.

    Leo smiled and replied, "It depends on you."

    "Let''s go." After finishing his words, he dragged his suitcase.

    "Let me do this for you." Irish tried to help him though she couldn''t figure out why he was showing indifference to her. However, she thought she needed to understand him and hastilyforted herself as he might not be ustomed to talking to a total stranger.

    Unexpectedly, as his finger touched his suitcase, Jordan frowned immediately and looked annoyed, "Remove your hands away." His voice was cold.

    "Jordan." Leo stepped forward and pulled him while his eyes were on Irish, who looked unpleasant.

    Irish couldn''t hold her anger anymore, but before she could say some words, Jordan''s voice interrupted her, "You have finished your task now, and you can tell my brother I''m fine. And now, please stay away from me."

    He had been speaking French since they met, and it sounded cruel.

    If he were not Joseph''s brother, Irish would leave soon without hesitation, and perhaps she would give him a lecture before leaving as a punishment for his impoliteness to a woman. But he was Joseph''s only brother, and she had promised Joseph that she would take good care of Jordan, so she couldn''t retreat back for the sake of her face, or Joseph would think she went back on her words.

    Leo was helpless about this, so he meddled between them and talked to Jordan with a low voice, "It is not polite to talk like this."

    Jordan''s mouth twitched while his eyes looked unpleasantly, but Irish didn''t mind it anymore. He expressed his emotions very clearly and strongly, unlike Joseph or Leo, who were sophisticated since they had experienced many hardships. But Jordan belonged to the group of people who could easily be attacked from a psychological perspective, but it was a time-consuming process.

    So before he could talk again, Irish answered indifferently but firmly, "I have promised your brother that I will take care of you, so I have to send you back to his house." She spoke English with him word by word, and she believed that he could understand her because Leo had spoken English to him.

    What''s more, she found that Jordan behaved like French, except for his appearance. It was simr to the situation when she just went back to America. It was really hard for her to adapt to another kind of lifestyle since she had been living abroad for so many years.

    Jordan suddenlyughed as if he heard a funny joke while his facial expressions were exaggerated. He spread his hands, turning to Leo, "Leo, is there a problem with my hearing? Have you heard what she said just now? Is she going to take care of me? Is she joking?"

    However, Irish pushed Leo gently and stood before Jordan, looking up at him, and said, "Yes, I mean, I have to take care of you. If you think you''re having a hearing problem, then it doesn''t matter, and I will take you to the hospital now."<novelnext></novelnext>

    She said so calmly that his inimical mentality was getting worse. He nced at her and then turned to Leo, but finally, he looked at her again. Leo was eager to ease the deadly tension, so he stepped forward and tried to mediate this dilemma, "Do you want to take your suitcase to your brother''s house?"

    Jordan didn''t reply, and his lips pressed into a thin line. His cold face was simr to Joseph''s. However, Joseph looked so gravely while Jordan was stubborn and cute.

    Finally, Irish drew a conclusion that no funny or angry expression could disguise his handsome look. She didn''t draw back her eyes; instead, she also stared at him quietly.

    A minuteter, he suddenly turned to be rxed and said unexpectedly, "Well, we''ll go back first, but I am thirsty now, and I need a cup of coffee."

    "I will buy it for you." Leo replied and was about to leave while Jordan stopped him and turned to Irish, winking to her, "The one who decides to take care of me has to buy the coffee for me." And then he added, "Is there any problem?"

    "No problem. Latte or Cappinos? And it is impossible to drink Blue Mountain Coffee here." Irish said indifferently.

    "Whatever."

    Irish then walked away.

    When she left, Leo shook his head helplessly, turning to Jordan. "Why do you like to cause trouble for others? Irish is a kind woman, and you shouldn''t be so impolite to her."

    "Do you like her?" Jordan asked, staring at him.

    "Yes," Leo replied frankly.

    Jordan didn''t expect that he would admit to him so bluntly, and he frowned, "Well, does she have a foot in two camps now?"

    "I wooed her before, but she declined me." Leo stared at him with a smile.

    "She is too arrogant. Or perhaps you are useless to her." He said harshly while Leo was speechless by his words.

    When Irish returned with the coffee, Jordan was sitting in his suitcase, with his legs on the ground leisurely. He was chatting with Leo cheerfully, and the light fell on his hair which was as thick and glossy as Joseph''s, but it was longer than his brother''s. His fringe hung from his forehead and covered his eyes slightly, and he even tied up his hair in the back of his head with a pink hair band. Perhaps he asked it from a girl in the airport.

    "Here you are." Irish handed the coffee to him. His hairstyle was young and cool, but perhaps Joseph wouldn''t like it.

 Chapter 433 433: She’s My Brother’s Mistress

    Jordan stood up slowly, reaching out to take the coffee while Irish loosened her hands. But he pretended not to hold it and threw all the coffee on her shirt, which startled Irish. Leo hastily stepped forward and pulled Jordan, frowning, "What are you doing?"

    Coffee soon wet her shirt, and she looked so uncollected. However, Jordan whistled to her and showed an evil smile," You looked so sexy."

    Looking down, Irish found that the soaked shirt wet her skin, and even the color of her bra could be seen clearly. Leo took off his coat and draped it on her, roaring at Jordan in a low voice, "Enough!"

    They attracted passerby''s attention, and some were even specting.

    Jordan shrugged his shoulders and said, "It''s just a joke." After finishing his words, he bent down to pick up the coffee and walked to the trash can."

    Leo tightened the clothes for Irish and then asked softly, "Are you okay? Let me send you back to change your clothes."

    "I''m fine. You stay here to apany him. I will drive back by myself." Irish tried to calm down and took out a key, "Please hand it to Jordan."

    Leo took it and asked her again to ensure she was fine since he saw that she didn''t even have mood swings, "Are you really okay?"

    "Yes, I''m good. Don''t worry." Irish could understand his worry, so she exined, "He is much easier to cope with than my insane patients."

    Jordan happened to hear her words when he walked back. He raised his eyebrows, but before he could respond, Irish had turned back to leave.

    "Did she say that I am insane?" He asked Leo while thetter sighed and replied, "I think you are even worse than a sicko."

    Jordan smiled after hearing this, and then he shouted to Irish, "Hey, Irish, are you going to take care of me? Take care, my ass! Geez! I even hate to hear those words."

    Irish did not respond to him, and Leo hung his arms to Jordan''s shoulder and said, "Enough. Why not act like a gentleman?"

    Jordan smiled and also did the same, saying, "I can''t understand why you like the mistress of my brother."

    "Jordan, Irish is not a mistress of your brother." Leo corrected him.

    Jordan raised his hands, pretending to surrender, "Well, stop talking about her. Let''s visit Jenny''s grave."

    "Let''s go."

    As soon as she returned home, Irish took off her shirt and threw it in the washing machine, and then she called the staff in the dry cleaner to dry clean Leo''s coat. After that, she curled on the couch since she was so irritated. She can''t alter her furious emotion. How dare Jordan pour coffee on her? No one has done that to her ever since.

    She felt defeated. She med Joseph for all of the misunderstandings between her and his brother. Joseph hadn''t mentioned Jordan''s age to her. She thought that Joseph''s brother was a sober andposed young man.

    Earlier, she thought that he was a man simr to her age, so she made many minor ns to cope with him. However, unexpectedly, all of her ns werepletely abandoned.

    She felt so sad after their short encounter.<novelnext></novelnext>

    She had to adjust her n immediately.

    Her phone rang abruptly when she pondered how to cope with Jordan. She took it over and found it was Joseph. When Irish saw his name on the screen, she suddenly felt aggrieved, and the feeling soon spread to her body. She hastily put it through and said like a spoiled kid, "Joseph..."

    His maic and soft voice sounded, "Does anyone upset you?"

    As soon as she heard Joseph''s voice, she then realized that she missed him so much. Compared to Jordan''s harsh words earlier, she realized that Joseph was considerate and gentle.

    At this moment, she really wanted to tell him all of her grievances andined to him about why he didn''t tell her all the crucial information rted to his brother and didn''t even warn her how mean his brother was.

    But she bit back the words she would like to tell him.

    Joseph was strict with his brother, and she was afraid he would call to scold Jordan when he heard herin. She needed to be conscious because she knew Jordan was discontented with Joseph''s treatment.

    Irish thought that this was Jordan''s first time returning home, and his brother did note to pick him up, so why he acted like this today was understandable. And she didn''t hope to ignite an argument between them.

    After thinking for a few seconds, she changed her tone and smiled softly. "What kind of grievances are you talking about? I miss you so much, Joseph."

    "Isabel, I know Jordan''s attitude very well. Did he make trouble for you?" Jordan was always patient with him.

    "No, we get along well." Irish lied to him but silently prayed, "I wish it wille true in the future."

    Hearing her answer, Joseph was still suspicious, "Really?"

    "Yes, I''m serious." Irishy on the couch directly and continued, "Your brother looks like you, and he is so handsome."

    Joseph smiled and replied, "He is my only brother, so it is natural that he looks like me."

    "Humph, what a proud man," Irish smiled and added, "Well, let me ask you. Couldn''t your brother speak native English? I think it''s a problem that he needs to ovee since he grew up in another country."

    Joseph was silent for a while and replied, "He can understand English, but he can''t speak it well. I have hired six English teachers for him, but he barely learned a few English words."

    Irish hesitated for a moment and then realized perhaps it was because of his rebellious mentality. After thinking for a while, she suddenly saw a slight glimpse of light unfolding in her mind. A pleasant smile showed at the corner of her tiny mouth, brightly glowing like a blooming flower.

    Luckily, Joseph couldn''t see her crafty expression.

    She changed her voice deliberately and said in a sweet voice, "Honey, how much will you pay for me if I can teach him to learn English?"

 Chapter 434 434: I Really Envy You

    She amused Joseph, and though he couldn''t see her expression at this moment, he could imagine that she was acting like a spoiled small girl, so he replied cheerfully, "You can name your price."

    Irish was so pleased to hear this. The charm of money soon eliminated her grievance as well as her anger.

    "Well, would you mind if I am strict with your brother?" She had to warm him first. After all, he was his only brother, and she had to be cautious.

    "Treat him as your own brother," Joseph replied softly and allowed her.

    Irish was relieved by his words, "When will youe back?"

    "I wille back as soon as possible. I also missed you so much." He gently said.

    Irish blushed soon after hearing his flirting.

    They chatted for a while, but soon Daisy''s voice sounded behind the phone as if she reminded him it was time for the meeting. Irish was reluctant to hang up since Joseph told her with a soft and considerate voice and promised her he would return soon. Irish also knew he was busy, so she urged him to take care of him and not worry about his brother. Perhaps Joseph was moved by her, and his voice sounded softer.

    When she was about to hang up the phone, she suddenly recalled the thing about Mr. Kim, so she said to him, "Joseph, I heard the news about Blizzard Entertainment Company."

    "Oh, what''s wrong?" He said indifferently.

    "Does it have something to do with you?" Irish asked hesitantly while recalling Leo''s words.

    She thought Joseph would be silent, or he would deny. Unexpectedly, he replied to her directly without any hesitation with a cheerful voice, "Do you know a stumble could prevent a fall? It''s just a small punishment."

    "Joseph, be lenient wherever it is possible." She finally interceded for Mr. Kim.

    Joseph smiled softly and then said, "Don''t worry. I am not going too far." After finishing his words, he also urged her to take care of herself and hung up the phone.

    Irishy on the couch, fiddling with her phone as if she was pondering. She could only try her best to persuade Joseph to stop making trouble for Mr. Kim, and her essential task now is to figure out how to cope with Jordan, and she certainly would subdue him.

    ****

    Green-Wood Cemetery.<novelnext></novelnext>

    It was a little bleak when they arrived at the cemetery in the afternoon since it was fall. There were few yellowish leaves, and many evergreen trees were nted here, but they were also dreary in this bleak and chilly season like the ck rock tombs that would always lie silent.

    Jenny''s tomb was in a quiet ce where trees surrounded the tomb. In the host season, the sunlight will prate through the trees, leaving the mottled light on the ground, while in the winter, the snow will only fall on the trees. Therefore, her grave won''t be disturbed no matter what season. It was easy to tell the good intentions of the people who chose this graveyard for her.

    Jordan put a big bunch of white mum on her tomb, staring at her photo motionlessly in which she was smiling brightly. She looked radiant and vivacious in the photo. He didn''t get along with her for a long time. He was still a child at that time, and he remembered that she was intimate with his brother and Leo, but she also treated him well and called him frequently. Moreover, she even often mailed some toys and books to him, so he thought she was his closest sister when he was a kid.

    When the ident urred to Jenny, Jordan was still a small kid while Leo lied to him that Jenny had traveled to a far ce since Leo was afraid that he would be hurt. It was not until he couldn''t get Jenny''s call again and couldn''t see her that he then understood the real meaning of death.

    Jordan remembered clearly that he lost some of the most important people in his life that year: his parents and Jenny. He stayed in the house for nearly two months, cried all day long, and refused to go to school or meet his friends. And he just wanted toe back to America and meet his brother, Joseph. Then, finally, his brother came to him, but he justmanded him to stay abroad and tell him to hold back his tears, and to be independent since he was a man.

    Many years passed by, and he finally learned how to be independent, but he had already forgotten family bonds.

    He was suddenly enlightened that all of his family''s love and happiness were brought away by Jenny when he came here today. The happiness of him, of Leo and his brother Joseph.

    "If you didn''t lie here, I think we can travel out together. I remember that once, I was traveling in a small town in northern Europe where the girls were passionate, just like the tropical fruits. Although there were still many handsome men, though they were not as handsome as me, I think you will still like them; at least they were much better than the damn coach who could only y golf and think with his lower body." Jordanughed slovenly while there was thick sorrowfulness in the deep of his eyes. He reached out to wipe the dust on the photo and continued, "But you are still so young. I really envy you."

    Leo was speechless since Jordan chatted without stopping with Jenny in front of her tomb. He even began to recall his childhood memories with her. Finally, after a long while, Jordan sighed heavily and asked, "Leo, has my brother been here?"

    Leo bent down to pick up the leaves while shaking his head slightly, "Perhaps he has been here. But I am not sure, because we won''te here together.

    "Or perhaps he hasn''t been here for once." Jordan stood up, putting his hands into his pockets, and snorted.

    "Don''t say this. Joseph chose this graveyard for Jenny personally." Leo said quietly.

    Jordanughed after hearing this and reached out to touch the tombstone," Hey, Jenny, have you got peace in this expensive graveyard?"

    Absolutely, Leo knew that he was satirizing, but he was also helpless. After keeping silent for a while, he asked, "How long will you stay in New York?"

    Jordan shrugged his shoulders and said he hadn''t made a n yet, while Leo felt weird about this. However, it seemed that he didn''t intend to give him an explicit answer, so Leo didn''t continue to ask him again.

 Chapter 435 435: I’m Sorry I Can’t Promise You

    It was always said that one who survived a great disaster was destined to be fortunate forever after. Cassie was the one who was favored by God. Many shopping mallsunched many activities and tried their best to stimte consumption. After shopping, Cassie participated in the lottery draw and won the star prize in the raffle, a holiday for lovers in Thand, Singapore, and Mysia.

    It may be a surprise for others, but indeed she was stimted when she knew that it was for lovers. Therefore, she had to persuade her parents to travel out while her parents worried about her. Cassie promised them thousands of times and told them the prize would be invalid after the specified day, but they finally agreed.

    Cassie stayed home during the veteran day since people all went out, and it must have been crowded outside. What''s more, she still had many work papers to read about thetest productunch on Runestone Group, and Irish also rmended many movies for her and asked her to give her impressions after watching them. She was interested in these inspirational movies, so she didn''t feel empty at all.

    On the day when the sun just went down, Cassie happened to finish an article after watching a movie. The doorbell rang when she was thinking about what to eat for dinner. She thought it must be Fredrick who sent medicines for her, but when she opened the door, she was surprised to see Roy standing at the door.

    He was not in as good a fettle as before, while his chin was covered with a newly-grown beard, making him look dispirited. There were a few gift boxes in his hand. Cassie also heard that his mother was in the hospital because of food poisoning, so the first thought that appeared in her mind was that he must just return from the hospital.

    But why did hee here?

    She was still in a trance when she heard him ask, "Won''t you invite me in?"

    Cassie stared at him while looking at her with his hands on the door.

    "Get in." After a long while, Cassie finally said to him.

    He handed the gift boxes to her, and it was an expensive tonic that shocked Cassie.

    "This is for your parents."

    Cassie was embarrassed and told him that her parents were on vacation, and then put the gift boxes beside him and ordered him to take them back. But Roy insisted that it was a gift for her parents, and Cassie had no choice but to ept it in the end.

    Though Cassie was surprised about his sudden visit, he was a guest, and she then served him tea and fruits. Roy sat on the couch, looked at her, and said, "I was going to invite you for dinner."

    "It is unnecessary. I am trying to lose weight these days." Cassie declined his invitation. Though she really appreciated that he saved her life, it was embarrassing to stay with him alone.

    Roy didn''t intend to force her; after keeping silent for a while, he suddenly said, "Be with me."

    Cassie was shocked since she never expected that he would be so adamant.

    He stared at her, and his eyes looked so firmly.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Roy, let''s be friends." She replied sincerely. She had told him many times about the reason, and she hated him very much before, but after all, it was him who saved her life, and he was not a bad guy, so she was determined to be friends with him.

    Roy shook his head and said, "But I don''t want you to be my friend, and I just hope you can be my girlfriend." He was so stubborn and was even a little brutal.

    However, Cassie quickly refused him directly, "I am sorry. I can''t promise you because I don''t love you. How can I be your girlfriend since I don''t love you?"

    "It doesn''t matter because I love you." He still kept staring at her.

    Cassie was speechless after hearing this and sighed, "Roy, I know why you are so adamant; it is because a woman has never refused you, so it might be hard for you to ept it. But, in fact, you don''t love me at all, and you enjoy the process of winning me."

    Cassie exined reasonably with a mild and calm attitude; while her tone was not sharp-tongued as before, instead, it was sincere and pertinent. Roy was speechless after hearing this, and the words he would tell her somehow disappeared from his mind. He also didn''t know how to exin his feelings to her, so he finally replied with words that were not persuasive, "Perhaps you are right, but why not try to be with me?"

    Cassie waspletely shocked by his words, and she stared at him for a long while and then replied, "Try to be with you? What do you think about love?"

    Roy looked up at her with meaningful and profound eyes, "You said that you don''t love me, so you don''t have to pay out your love while being with me. So you won''t lose anything."

    "Are you crazy?" She was stunned. In her opinion, the premise for two to be with each other was mutual love, so he was certainly talking nonsense.

    Roy stood up, walked to her, and said, "Perhaps in your eyes, I''m a crazy madman. I know what I am talking about. Cassie, I only want to be with you. I wille again tomorrow if you don''t promise me until you agree to be with me."

    His long figure made her feel stressed, and she was startled by his words, so Cassie stepped back like a scared bird while Roy stepped toward her.

    She retreated while he approached. Then, she stepped back while he stepped even closer to her.

    It was not until she found she had nowhere to retreat and her back was against the wall she saw that he had blocked her way out. Cassie was a little flurried and said stutteringly. "W- Why d-do you force me like this? Do you think it is meaningful to be with me since I don''t love you at all?"

    "I am not forcing you, Cassie." Roy smiled bitterly.

    "Yes, you are." She widened her eyes.

    "Okay, whatever." Cassie looked adorable though she was flurried and stubborn, which made him tenderhearted. He then said softly. "At least, you have to give me a chance to realize one day that I have to give up. Let me be with you until I let you go when I know there''s no room for me in your heart."

 Chapter 436 436: You Are Talking Nonsense

    She was confused by his words.

    Roy stared at her and exined, "You said that I just enjoy the process of conquering you, so why not let me conquer you without obstruction? Perhaps I will grow tired someday. But if you keep declining me, I will think you are ying the game of cat and mouse with me, and I will be more eager to conquer your heart than ever."

    Cassie opened her mouth out of shock and blinked her eyes since she thought he was unreasonable.

    "I have been stubborn since my childhood, and I will try my best to get anything that I want. So if you don''t promise to be my girlfriend, I will badger you every day until you get married." Roy puckered his mouth into a smile and continued, "But, in fact, you won''t get married soon. And even if you are willing to marry a man you don''t love, I think it is better for you to try to be with me for a period. What do you think?"

    "You...you are talking nonsense."

    "I am sure your parents will arrange a blind date for you soon." Roy was persistent, and his brain also ran fast. "You are Irish''s best friend, so you must know how painful it is to be forced to ept the blind date."

    This reminded Cassie that Irish did tell her about it. Irish was perturbed and asked for her advice, while at the same time, she was also worried about Irish since she perceived her best friend was in a bad mood because of the arranged blind date.

    There was a light flickering in Roy''s eyes since he saw that Cassie had been silent for a long time, and he seemed to see the hope of victory, so he continued to persuade her. "But if you choose to be with me, your parents won''t force you to do that. And I don''t mind you taking me as an excuse."

    "No." Cassie still felt it was weird and then shook her head, "I don''t love you, and it is unfair to you. What''s more, I don''t want to consider my marriage."

    "I just hope you can give me a chance to date you. And it doesn''t matter, even if you don''t acknowledge that I am your boyfriend. Can you promise me this way?" He uttered sincerely.

    Cassie stared at his eyes, which were full of passion, and she felt her heart was hit by something. Her mouth was slightly open, but she didn''t know what to say.

    "Be with me, please." He asked again.

    Cassie was hesitant, licking her lips after a moment, and then said, "Well, but you can''t interrupt my private affairs." She didn''t hope he would badger her anymore, and just as he said, if he wanted to enjoy the process of conquering her, then she could satisfy his request. Perhaps he would get tired soon and then disappear from her life.

    Hearing this, Roy felt that there was a ray of light in front of him, and his eyes were filled with joy. He tightened his hands, holding her shoulders," Cassie, did you promise me just now?"

    "You...you have to promise me first that you wouldn''t interfere with my private affairs, and then I will promise you." She endured the pain from her shoulders and replied.

    Roy hastily loosened his hand when he saw Cassie frowning and realized he held her too hard. But he was eager to touch her, so he cuddled her gently and tried to repress his great joy, making his promise immediately. "Don''t worry. I won''t do anything you don''t like."

    Cassie looked at him and still felt weird.<novelnext></novelnext>

    She had only been in contact with Fredrick for so many years, and all the logic and habits of love were in line with Fredrick''s character. But now, she had to face another man who she didn''t love, but he endowed her with the right to life which made her feel strange. But she couldn''t figure out the weird emotions, which made her even more confused.

    Roy was totally different from Fredrick, especially in character, and Fredrick wouldn''t say this to her.

    After thinking for a while, Cassie hastily exined, "No, no, no. You don''t have to change anything for me, and I also won''t interfere with your life. Do you understand me?"

    Roy was so pleased, and he ignored her wordspletely, so he just nodded and replied directly. "Yes."

    "Really? Isn''t it difficult to understand?" Cassie was unsure if he understood her because she also didn''t know what she was talking about.

    Roy was grinning from ear to ear, staring at her, and said softly, "Now, you are my girlfriend."

    She thought for a while and nodded silently.

    And at this moment, she finally understood why she would feel weird because it was like a bargain in the supermarket. But, to be honest, his way of courtshippletely subverted her opinion toward love. She thought love should be natural, like a running river, instead of setting the tune with one beat of the gong.

    Roy showed a big smile and then held her into his arms excitedly; that shocked her since she didn''t expect he would act like this. "Roy, I can''t breathe."

    "I''m sorry. I''m sorry. I am just too pleased." He hastily loosened his hands while Cassie tried her best to manage a weak smile at him because she was still not ustomed to the sudden changes of having a boyfriend from Fredrick to Roy.

    "Well, what about I invite you for dinner?" Roy asked cautiously because he was afraid that he would scare her.

    She hesitated for a while and then nodded, saying, "Okay. But let me invite you to dinner instead; after all, you saved my life, and I have to thank you."

    Roy held her shoulders again and said softly, "Cassie, don''t say like this. You are my girlfriend, so I must take care of you. What''s more, how can I let a woman pay for the meal?"

    Hearing this, Cassie was about to speak but bit back her words.

    "If you really want to extend appreciation to me, then try your best to be ustomed to being with me, okay?" He sincerely told her.

    Cassie''s heart seemed to be tightened while hearing him say that. It seemed that there was no room for negotiation. She clenched her hands and suddenly recalled Irish''s words about Roy. She has no choice but to agree.

 Chapter 437 437: Did You Eat Breakfast?

    Irish drove to Joseph''s house early in the morning, and as soon as she entered the house, she saw Jordan sitting on the floor leisurely, leaning on the couch, and engrossed in ying games.

    It seemed that he had just got up since his hair was disheveled, his upper body was naked, and he was only wearing trousers. The sunlight poured from the window, falling on him.

    It seemed that he had the same habit as Joseph, and it was easy to tell from his strong shoulders and texture lines that he often went to the fitness center. He had an alluring figure and a strong aura which was inurate with his age.

    Irish hesitated for a few seconds and then stepped forward, asking, when passing by him, "Did you eat breakfast?"

    She took a look at the big screen while asking. It seemed he carried the recreational machines with him at any time, but Joseph didn''t like ying games. But she had to admit that it was heart-stirring to see the game scene from the big screen.

    Jordan nced at Irish since he was enjoying the game and his hands moved so fast. Then, he sneered and snorted, "I thought you wouldn''te again.

    He thought that any woman who had been humiliated by him wouldn''te to him again, but it seemed she was unusual.

    "Why wouldn''t Ie?" Irish ignored his cynicism, stepping forward to him, and her figure somehow blocked his sight, but he just nced at her, turned her head slightly, and continued ying the game.

    Irish swayed her bags and asked, "What do you want to eat?" But Jordan didn''t reply to her andpletely ignored her presence.

    "Well, then, I will make a simple meal for you. But I have to tell you first. Simple meal means instant noodles."

    Jordan still kept silent.

    When she was about to go to the kitchen and cook for him, he suddenly said very impolitely, "Leo told me that you are not my brother''s mistress? Well, then, who are you? Are you a woman only for my brother''s physiological needs?"

    He said very unkindly with a harsh and impolite tone, like a myriad of needles pricking into Irish''s heart. She stopped while her shoulders were a little bit frozen and then she looked back at Jordan who showed a faint smile and was still focused on his game. He didn''t take her seriously at all.

    "What''s wrong? Do you think only a legal wife is worthy of your brother? I think Ruby doesn''t have so much time." She replied indifferently. She was angry when she heard his words, but she knew he intended to annoy her. Moreover, he was still an innocent boy, so she didn''t want to argue with him.

    Joseph should be responsible for Jordan''s rebellious character. She had seen many rebellious young adolescents before, and some were even more excessive than Jordan, but most of them were influenced by their family environment. They acted in this way because they hoped to get attention from their family members.

    Following Joseph''s parenting style, most of the grown-up children would develop towards two extremes, either introverted or rebellious and wildly arrogant, while Jordan belonged to thetter.

    Hearing the indifferent reply from Irish, he suddenly stopped the game, turned to her with disdainful eyes, and snorted, "I have never seen such a shameless woman before."<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Shameless? Do you mean that I destroyed your brother''s marriage?"

    "What do you think?" Jordan sneered at her.

    "Then can I say that you care about your brother very much?" Irish asked in reply.

    Perhaps, Jordan didn''t expect that she would hit him back calmly, and he turned speechless suddenly. His mouth was open slightly while his face went pink, which looked even more handsome from a distance. Irish was not anxious but waited for his answer patiently.

    After a while, he raised his voice and replied, "A shameless woman like you can put your foot in another''s marriage. His voice sounded anxious, and it seemed that he could hardly retain hisposure.

    "Anyone can''t put a foot into a couple''s marriage if they love each other, but couples without love will be separated finally."

    Jordan pursed his lips into a thin line and said harshly after a minute, "bitch!" After finishing his words, he continued ying his game, pressing the game button to make a loud noise to release his anger.

    However, Irish still replied to him calmly, "What a regret that you have to be taken care of by a bitch." Then she walked to the kitchen.

    She came here today, not because she was diligent. In fact, she didn''t have toe to care for him today since he was already twenty years old and could manage his life. But she had a dreamst night in which she was still a small girl and squatted in a dark corner, crying and overwhelmed by desperation. She cried for a long time, and finally, a boy came to her, chatting with her and holding her hands. His hands warmed her heart gradually.

    He told her not to be afraid and said he would take care of her. To her surprise, after hearing this, her fear had disappeared.

    When she was about to see what the little boy looked like, the magpies outside the window woke her up. The crows and magpies were all flying in the sky in this season, and she couldn''t figure out whether it was an ill omen or a blessing.

    She was confused in bed for a long time, and she began to ponder the meaning of her dream when she was washing her face. And finally, she figured out why she wasn''t scared in her dream, because the little boy was Joseph.

    She thought it was a must because she missed him so much.

    Therefore, Irish hastily rushed here after dressing up because she thought Joseph had apanied her in her dream, so she had to help him take care of his younger brother.

    When passing through the living room, she was shocked since she saw a few tes with some odds and leftover meals lying on the table.

    Irish stepped closer and looked at it, finding the forks were dispersed on the table. She stared at the mess for a while, then put her bag on the table and turned to the kitchen.

 Chapter 438 438: Are You Insane?

    Jordan was still absorbed in his game and didn''t pay attention to her. Irish stepped to him, standing beside him, saying, "Have you cooked a meal for yourself?" He didn''t respond.

    "You are awesome. But what did you cook?" She asked again.

    Jordan stared at the screen and ignored Irish purposely.

    "Well, then, tell me what you want to eat for breakfast." She was patient and continued, "Do you want to eat steak or pizza?" But he still kept silent, so Irish walked in front of him immediately and added, "Or you want to eat a French meal?"

    Jordan waspletely irritated by her, and he turned off the game abruptly, ring at her, "Do you know you are so boresome?"

    "I know, I can tell from your attitude."

    Jordan gnashed his teeth angrily and said, "I know what you are thinking. You did all this to please my brother. You are really a vicious and stupid woman. I don''t need your care, and you canin to my brother as you want."

    Irish stared at him, "Jordan....."

    "Stop!" He interrupted her immediately and continued, "Please don''t tell me you are a psychologist while I am just an innocent young boy because I can also regard you as a clown while I am an onlooker. "

    Hearing this, Irish was at a loss whether to cry orugh.

    Now that you covet my brother''s fortune, then why not tell him directly? Why are you still pretending to take care of me?" Jordan maintained a stream of invective and resentment against her. "You may get more if you choose to be frank with him. I know what you want from him: the car, house, and luxurious life. Oh, I remember that my brother has another house. Has he given that to you? If he still doesn''t give it to you, then why not ask him for that immediately?"

    Irish had never known that Jordan would be so different from Joseph''smunication performance. Joseph always kept silent while Jordan had the gift of the gab.

    However, as a psychologist, she would not shrink back at all. After finishing his words, she snapped back indifferently, "Or perhaps you don''t want to eat at all. Are you going to lose weight? I think the refrigerator is empty now."

    Jordan was astonished when he heard that, and soon he became angry from embarrassment.

    Irish smiled at him and was about to sit beside him and converse with him. Unexpectedly, as soon as she turned her back, he stretched out one of his legs and tripped her. She fell to the floor quickly and soon felt severe pain in her elbow, knees, and hipbone.

    Jordan burst outughing over her head while Irishy on her stomach, staring at him. She waspletely annoyed by him. He poured the coffee to her for no reason when they met earlier, and now he even tripped her, causing severe pain to her. It seemed that she had looked down on his hostility toward her.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Therefore, she stood up in his ridicule, took a deep breath, and raised her voice, "Now I know what you want." After finishing her words, she staggered out of the room.

    Jordan smiled since he finally kicked her out, which made him nervous and annoyed. He hastily took back the tele controller, turned on the recreational machine again, and continued to y games.

    He yed for a long time, and when he was enjoying himself, he seemed to see a figure, but he was so absorbed in his game that he didn''t pay much attention to it. Therefore, when a basin of cold water mixed with ice spilled from his head, he trembled violently and then screamed, jumping from the floor abruptly.

    He was like a drowned rat, the water dripping down from his hair while the floor was also wet, and the ice was scattered all over the floor. The next second, Jordan finally reacted and shouted at the initiator of the evil scheme, "Bitch! Are you insane?"

    Irish put aside the basin and smiled, with her hands crossing, "I think it is better to get along with you in such a way. Do you hear people always deal with somebody how they deal with them? What is your opinion about it? Oh, by the way, are you sober now?"

    Jordan stood there rigidly and wore a gloomy face. His casual pants were also attached to his body, so Irish could see clearly the contours of his crotch, which was as big as Joseph''s. It turned out the brothers looked the same in this aspect.

    A few secondster, Irish suddenly realized she was staring in the wrong direction, so she hastily drew back her eyes. Jordan was so irritated and didn''t pay attention to where she was looking. Instead, he roared at her and rushed to her like a strong young wolf, reaching out his paws.

    "I am going to strangle you."

    He was rapidly speeding, and before Irish could react, his hands were already wrapping on her neck. It seemed that he was extremely indignant. Irish was stuffy, and her face turned red immediately out of suffocation while she also began to resist subconsciously. And soon she reached out her hands, catching his arms tightly, putting her strength on it, soon she heard Jordan beginning to scream again.

    In the next second, Irish pulled his shoulders and made a suplex while Jordan was thrown to the ground like a sash-soaked sack.

    "Hey, you still gain an extra advantage since I only paid you back a suplex." She looked down at Jordan, who was still lying on the floor, and showed a weird smile while her crafty eyes flickered.

    Jordan seemed to have such a great fall that he couldn''t stand up for a while. Actually, Irish used up all her strength since Jordan was such a tall guy. Her arm ached heavily. But she would never show her weakness to him, so she just acted to be a victor.

    She was afraid thatter she would be weaker, so she said to herself that she needed to exercise more to keep fit. However, she was not to be med since the people around her were all gentle, such as Cassie and Christy. And as for those who were stronger than her, such as Joseph and Leo, she could not battle with them. As a result, she was not as strong as before.

    But she could still win over Jordan.

 Chapter 439 439: Just Do What You Want

    Jordan climbed up finally. His handsome face got distorted. He stared at Irish and said cruelly, "Do not force me to hit you."

    "First, you need to approach me." Irishughed at him and moved her wrists, "You know what, when I was your age, I was very strong while you were still a baby."

    It annoyed Jordanpletely. He roared and rushed to her.

    His speed was really fast because of his figure. Generally speaking, it was no problem for him to have a fight with others. However, Irish was professional, so he could not win.

    When he rushed at her, Irish avoided him easily. Jordan failed. Sheughed loudly while he was more annoyed and turned to her again. She avoided it again, and he failed again.

    Irishughed more loudly.

    Jordan was nearly crazy.

    At the next moment, he changed his strategy. He rushed in the opposite direction and finally buckled her shoulders with his hands. Soon he was given an overarm throw by Irish, and this time his stomachnded on. His shoulders ached sharply. Having no time to make a response, his back was resisted by Irish''s legs, and his arms were twisted forcefully by her hands.

    Soon Jordan''s loud screaming came out.

    "Release me! My arms are broken!" He shouted with his chin pushed on the ground. Irish wasn''t kind to him but made greater strength, and this time Jordan shouted louder. If someone had gone by, he might have thought that there was a murder case.

    "Dare to be impolite to me?" She released one hand and patted the back of his head.

    Jordan didn''t answer but struggled with great strength suddenly.

    However, he was pressed to the ground again. Irish pressed his head directly and made half of his face attached to the floor. He screamed with teeth grinning. He answered quickly, "No, no, no. I dare not."

    "Now that you have witnessed my strength, you must know that I am good at Kung Fu." Irish praised herself silently.

    It was impossible for Jordan to have detailed knowledge about her. Even if he knew that she knew something about Kung Fu, it was still hard for him to imagine Irish was so strong. In his opinion, girls tended to be weak, and even their voices were gentle.

    Noticing his silence, Irish angled his arm cruelly again, and he shouted, "I didn''t anticipate your strength..."

    "As it is put in this way, don''t argue with me again. Good boy, don''t be impolite to me, otherwise, you may suffer a lot. Got it?"

    Jordan was so angry that his eyes were nearly squeezed out.

    "Got it?" She wrestled his ear directly.

    "Yes!" His tears nearly came out.

    "What''s more, please speak standard English. Okay?" Irish proposed her request directly.

    Jordan was anxious, "I can''t speak that."

    "Can''t or dare not?" Sheughed at him.

    "My English is poor! There are so many vowels, verbs, subjects, objects, and phrases!

    "You have learned a lot, actually. I think you just dare not use them." Irish smiled and pulled his ears.

    "Who dares not to speak native English?"

    "You!"<novelnext></novelnext>

    Jordan stared at her angrily. Being at this angle, he barely saw her face towering over him.

    His arms ached heavily, so he was so angry that he scolded, "Shit!"

    "Wow! It seems that your voice sounds good in English, though your pronunciation is not excellent." Irish thought Joseph and Jordan all had a good and maic voice. If someday Jordan could speak English as standard and fluently as Joseph, he might be more attractive.

    Jordan gritted his teeth.

    "I tend to be fair to everything, and I always do things ording to a set of principles and standards. I will let you know my reason or my power. It''s obvious that you like thetter more." Irish pressed him andughed again. She hastily shouted, "You are an American, and you''re now in America. So please learn to speak native English, okay?"

    He closed his lips tightly.

    "Say it!" She scolded him.

    "Release me! Your grip is painful!" He struggled for a long time, but he still didn''t get himself out of Irish''s hand sessfully. "Say it in aplete sentence. Then I will release you." Irish said that idly.

    Jordan took a sharp breath and hardly said, "Please release me! My brachial ache."

    Irishughed out and released him since he learned much from it. She stood up and returned to the couch idly, looking at him by crossing her legs.

    "Brachial is too formal. Actually, you can just use ''arms'' instead."

    Jordan stared at her angrily. If one''s expression could be used as a tool to kill someone, then Irish must have been killed by him many times. He stood up and waved his arms excessively. It seemed that he dared not to vent his anger.

    "Now, let me ask you. What do you want to have for breakfast?" She lengthened her voice.

    Jordan bit his lips tightly and had the impulsion to speak in poor English. As he spoke the words, Irish raised her eyebrows. So he stopped immediately.

    Irish smiled with a sense of threat, "Do you want to be hit again?"

    "I eat steak!" He gripped his fists and answered with poor English.

    Irish couldn''t help butugh.

    "No problem! Just do what you want."

    ****

    When Jaypleted his tasks and returned to the narcotics squad, one colleague sent a small white flower to him. He asked what happened. The fellow told him that another colleague had a fight with a drug dealer during the drug raid and lost his life unluckily. A bullet went through his forehead.

    The narcotics squad prepared a funeral for this colleague and notified everyone. Jay also came that time.

    The dead''s rtives cried sadly at the funeral, especially his wife. Her eyes were even swollen. In her bosom, there was a child who looked like she was only 5 or 6 years old.

    During these years, Jay didn''t know how many funerals he had gone to. He had seen many bodies of his colleagues who died from fighting against drug dealers. Gradually his deep hatred to dig dealers transformed into helpless feelings. But today, when he saw the wife crying so loudly and sadly, he felt so sorry.

    Standing beside him was the captain of the second team. He just sent the flower to the dead. After a while, he sighed helplessly, "We do this job, which decides that we''d better not get married. If we want to be married, we must give it up."

    Jay turned to look at him.

 Chapter 440 440: Such A Fantastic Scene

    "Jay. What I have said is true. You can check the narcotics squad. You will find that those men who are in the frontline are single or get divorced, while the women are all single."

    Jay had to admit that it was true. Even Jim, who was now talking to him, was said to get divorced the other day. It was said that his wife couldn''t stand the marriage since she could only see him several times one year, so she left him with children.

    Looking at the dead photo and those crying rtives, Jay was more fretful��

    ****

    The rumor about the Lake''s finally disappeared.

    Nobody mentioned Shirley''s case again. Just during such a short time, old news was disced by new ones, let alone those rumors without true clues.

    But Shirley wasn''t willing to go home but insisted on staying at the hospital.

    At the very beginning, Henry persuaded her. However,ter he was also annoyed, so he just let her go.

    In this way, Ruby and Roy were busy looking after her. Sometimes Lilith also visited her and called Irish. She told Irish that Shirley now was very careful about everything, and the police seemed to have given up inquiring.

    Irish thought it impossible to find out the criminal because all the clues were destroyed by the Lake''s themselves. They caused the consequence to some extent.

    Irish didn''t mention Jordan to Lilith. She had her own thoughts. Actually, she didn''t want Jordan to have contact with them and build a good rtionship with them, especially with Ruby.

    She didn''t want Jordan to oppose her and help Ruby someday. Then Joseph would be in a dilemma, not her.

    In the following days, Irish got along well with Jordan. Of course, it was only Irish''s thoughts. Although Jordan didn''t sneer at her as before, he was still indifferent towards her and didn''t talk to her often. But when Irish asked him something, he would answer her immediately.

    His attitude was already good,pared with that before.

    One fine morning, Irish prepared to go on an outing. As she went downstairs, she heard someone knocking at the door. She walked to the hallway and opened the door. Three policemen stood in front of her. She was totally confused.

    The leader showed his police card to her and said firmly, "Are you, Irish? We suspect that you have something to do with Shirley''s case. Please go to the police station with us to have an investigation."

    ****

    At dusk, there was only a ray of light red in the sky, and the darkness would swallow everything. The light disappeared gradually and slowly. Some dim light was cast on theke. There was no wind now, so there were no shimmering waves on theke.

    Some would like this moment because they could reunite with their family when the light disappears. But Cassie didn''t like it. The dusk was too beautiful, which meant endless darkness woulde after the brilliant light. The color of the sky at this moment would make one oppressed, especially in this season; she would think of some sad memories.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Having watched the information about thepany, Cassie had a video call with her parents for over ten minutes. Her parents are in Thand now. They seemed to have a good time there. But when Cassie''s mother mentioned that they saw somedyboys on the way to Pattaya, she appeared to be a little stunned. She couldn''t understand why their parents would approve of them doing this. Then Cassie exined with a smile that women tended to earn more in Thand, but her mother still couldn''t understand it. Her mother was also unsatisfied with the tour route and thought the show was uneptable.

    Cassie also thought it embarrassing for her parents to watch this kind of show.

    After the video call, she looked out of the window. The light in the sky disappeared gradually. She felt so terrible. And at this moment, the phone rang. She walked beside the sofa and took it up. She then sat back on the sofa. It was from Roy. He said that he was at the foot of the apartment and asked her to go down.

    Cassie was confused. She didn''t know what he was doing, while Roy kept mysterious and insisted on telling her after she went down. Cassie had to follow his words.

    It was windy outside and a little cold since it was nearly evening. Cassie saw Roy''s car nearby. Yellow leaves fell down and swept over the open window. Roy sat in the car, and his face lit up by the light.

    Seeing her down, he also went off and took out the coat on the seat for the co-pilot. He walked forward quickly and put the coat on Cassie''s shoulder. He then held her shoulder and walked to the car.

    Cassie''s cold shoulders got warm, and her heart too. She couldn''t help asking, "Where are we going?"

    "You will know it," Roy answered smilingly.

    Feeling strange, Cassie still went on.

    The car ran towards the Manhattan District. And when they arrived there, Cassie found they were in Central Park now.

    There were not many tourists at this moment. Onlyyers of trees'' shadows were shaking under the dim light. Roy held Cassie''s hands to walk into the forests gradually. Finally, they stopped at a location. Roy pointed at the sun that would set soon and said, "Look!"

    She raised her head and looked in the direction he pointed.

    It was a really grand sunset.

    At this moment, thest ray of sunshine met with the darkness, and a unique red color appeared in the sky. The surrounding clouds were dyed with it,yers of which were just like mes, showing the most brilliant light and unleashing the beauty at life''s end.

    The light kept in harmony with the trees and buildings of Central Park. Such a fantastic scene!

    Cassie''s eyes were dyed with brightness. She watched it for a long time. And then she felt confused, "So, you bring me to see the sunset?"

    "Actually, I want to say that you will see different views when you are in a different mood. Like the sunset, the happiness you feel is also different when you watch it at different ces." Roy embraced her lightly from behind and watched the sunset, "For human beings, we need to expect good luck, and finally, good luck wille."

 Chapter 441 441: Who Can Prove You Are Innocent?

    Cassie was shocked. Maybe it was by Roy''s words or by Roy''s embrace.

    He turned Cassie''s body lightly and lowered himself to look at her. The mes in the sky made his hair red, while deep into his eyes was the color of sunshine and his shadow.

    "I want to see more beautiful views with you and also want to look after you. That''s all." Roy was gentle now, and his nce was the same.

    Cassie had a strange feeling suddenly.

    He lowered his head. His lips approached hers slowly.

    The night wind swept over, and man''s breath entered her nose. Cassie was rigid totally and just saw his lips closer and closer. She felt very stressed. And just when their lips were attached, she turned her head around. The stress twined her heart tightly as a rope and made her ache.

    She couldn''t...

    She still couldn''t ept that a man would be so close to her, while this man was not Fredrick.

    Roy felt upset and looked at her.

    She gripped her fingers tightly and said after a while, "Sorry. I..."

    The woman''s helplessness converted into strength, making his expression soft. He didn''t force her but pulled her into his bosom, sighing and saying, "It doesn''t matter."

    They two embraced each other. The night finally came and swallowed their shadows��

    ****

    Out of the police station, the day turned to night.

    Of course, this room had no window, only a door, and a control wall. She sat on the chair idly and stared at the half mirror across her. She knew that behind the mirror, there must have been someone staring at her. So she appeared to be easy.

    Shirley finally cooperated with the police and began to "think." She disclosed Irish.

    During the investigation, Shirley mentioned that only Irish left the dining hall before the sd was served at the table and she sincerely expressed that there was a great possibility for Irish to kill her.

    Then the police conducted a series of investigations. A servant called Joie indeed saw Irish entering the kitchen ind, and she stayed there for several minutes. But it was not clear whether she put down the poison or not. ording to his confession, Irish didn''t get along well with the Lake''s and didn''t show politeness to Shirley out of hatred.

    As a result, she was taken to the interrogation room, and bail was not allowed.

    However, Irish was so stubborn that she only said, "I don''t know," and "I didn''t do it."

    The police were so angry.

    She thought she could notify Jay, but then she realized that Jay had been in the narcotics squad, which was not in his control now. And hising would not prove her innocence. In addition, if Jay hade there, then her aunt and uncle would know where she had gone on Labor Day. It must have been tough for her to gain their tolerance.

    Irish didn''t want to have more problems.

    Actually, it was good for her to stay here. Although the coffee was not good, it was better than water.

    She looked at the time. It was already evening.<novelnext></novelnext>

    As she thought of who would save her, the door was pushed, and two policemen came in. In the front was Han, who took her to the police station, and behind him was a policewoman to record their conversations.

    "Doctor Irish, have you memorized the details of your crime?" Han sat down across from her and tended to be serious.

    His call also changed after watching the personal information on Irish.

    "Sorry. Sir. The time is too short for me to make up aplete story outline." Irish raised her lips, seeming to smile or not.

    Han recognized her sneer. He was unhappy now, "Do not make a tease. Tell me what you know now."

    "Tell what?"

    "On the lunch on Labor Day celebration, have you ever gone to the kitchen?"

    "Yes,"

    "What did you do?"

    "Change my tableware."

    "The Lake has so many servants who can serve for you, but you changed it by yourself?"

    This question seemed to be a joke for Irish, so she met with Han''s questioning look. "Why? Is it illegal for me to change my tableware?"

    "What''s your aim?"

    "Nothing. I just like to change the tableware by myself." Irish made a response, but it was done in her own way.

    Han leaned his back behind and knocked at the table, "Doctor Irish. I hope you will cooperate with us. Otherwise, what you waste is only your time."

    ? "Make cooperation? Should I admit that I did it and get punished?" Irishughed, "Is that so? If I say that, you can feel relieved that you finally found the criminal?"

    Han frowned.

    "What a pity! I didn''t do that, so do not waste time on me. You can just make use of the time to find the real criminal."

    Han stared at her, "Who can prove you are innocent?"

    Irish asked by sneering, "Who saw that I really poisoned her?"

    Her glib tongue made Han squint lightly, so he changed his strategy, "You hate the Lake''s because of your mother, especially Shirley. But for Shirley, your parents would not have departed, and your mother would not have died. So you hate the Lake''s, especially Shirley, for years and n to retaliate, right?"

    Irish didn''t answer and still looked at him coldly.

    "ording to Shirley, you have had so many quarrels with her since you returned. You even lure Shirley''s son-inw, who is your brother-inw. You aim to destroy their marriage to appease your anger. Shirley has run to your office room to quarrel with you, and many staff in the Runestone Group have witnessed it. And since then, you have given up your position. Actually, it is just too baffling, and you n to seek more suitable opportunities to retaliate."

    Han''s voice became louder and more threatening. Irish was ustomed to this kind of inference since her cousin- Jay often treated her in this way. And actually, she knew how to deal with it. So she just sighed helplessly, "Sir. It is a pity for you not to write a novel. Actually, now detective novels are popr, and you can have a try. It must satisfy your imagination."

 Chapter 442 442: I Just Can’t Do That

    The policewoman who was making a record couldn''t helpughing out loud. Han nced at her angrily, and she immediately stopped and turned to be serious again. Irish closed her lips lightly and leaned behind, appearing to be easy.

    "You have said that you would rather Shirley died earlier in front of many, which proves that you hate her so much. You are the most suspicious one to poison her."

    "Sir. I still want to say as long as there is evidence showing that I poisoned her, and then I have nothing to defend for myself." Irish crossed her legs and shook her tiptoe after her long speech to Han. In the end, she ridiculed, "Or actually torturing one into confessing is popr now?"

    Suddenly Han patted on the table harshly and cruelly, roaring to her, "Irish. As a police rtive, why do you think it this way?"

    It obviously showed that Han had already known everything about her.

    "Sorry. I have said what I should. If Sir thinks it eptable for me to admit the crime, I can''t just do that." Sheughed happily.

    Han was so angry that he stood up suddenly and stared at her coldly, "Okay. Stay here to think about it carefully!" Then he turned to leave.

    "Article 65 of the Criminal Procedure Law of the United States stiptes that public security organizations should interrogate detainees within 24 hours after detention. If it is found that it should not be detained, it must be released immediately, and a certificate of release should be issued. If there is insufficient evidence to be arrested, it can be released on bail or monitored. Article 69 of the Criminal Procedure Law of the United States stiptes that if the public security organization considers that the detainee needs to be arrested, it shall submit it to the local court for examination and approval within three days after the detention. In exceptional circumstances, the time for review and approval may be extended from one day to four days." Irish looked at Han''s back coldly and said it word by word.

    Seeing him turning around and staring at her confusedly, she added, "Sir. As you have said, I am a policeman''s rtive, so I must have some knowledge of thew. Firstly, you have no authentic evidence to prove that I poisoned her. Secondly, there is no approval for arrest from the local court. How could you take me to the police station? And why did the detentionst so long? ording to the standards of penalw, I am, at most, a suspect. And when you fail to ask for useful information, you should release me immediately!"

    Actually, her memorization of American penalw was contributed by Jay. Once, she had a meal with Jay. At that time, she just came back from abroad and nned to treat her uncle and aunt. However, Jay interrogated the criminal, and it was already ten p.m. In the end, they all waited for him and were very hungry. Irish had the impulse to hit him harshly when he came back.

    Atst, it ended with Jay''s shouting.

    And the reason why Irish memorized it so profoundly was that she wanted to use it to refute Jay in case one day he would use the excuse of interrogating criminals again.

    But Irish never thought that these two articles could be used today on this asion. So it was always good to learn more. Maybe sometimes it had its function.

    Han, standing in front of her, had never expected that she would know so much about articles ofw. The corner of his mouth twitched, and after a while, he said coldly, "So your detention willst 24 hours!"

    The door was sharply closed again, showing he was furious.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irishughed. And it was not until when the footsteps disappeared that she stood up slowly. She stretched herself idly and stood towards the half mirror, knocking at it lightly, "Hey! I''m hungry. Since you have no evidence to prove I''m the criminal, I can charge you because you abused me."

    And after a while, a hamburger was served to her immediately.

    Irish, who was eating happily, never expected that Jordan would sit there just in the next room. He was also taken to the police station.

    Jordan was also unlucky today. Firstly he drove without a license. Moreover, he attacked the police and hampered public order and enforcement.

    Actually, he was innocent to some extent. Aftering back to America, Irish apanied him all the time. Although her cooking skill was not good, it was better for him to be faced with the kitchen. However, she didn''te today when it was already noon.

    He hated Irish because she was a typical woman loving fame and money.

    If it were not because Leo was also busy, Jordan would not care whether Irish came or not. Finally, he couldn''t stand being hungry, so he wanted to eat something at the nearest restaurant. He suddenly observed the car on the second floor of the underground parking, which drew all his attention.

    Jordan had been fond of cars since he was little, especially those cars with excellent performance. All these cars were his brother''s, and among them, there was his favorite sports car. So he went to where Irish said the keys were put and quickly found the key. Then he drove the sports car happily.

    However, he didn''t know that driving a car in New York was not so easy.

    Jordan was unruly, so he drove the car the way he liked. While driving on the road at a fast speed, he was soon stopped by the traffic police and requested to show his driver''s license. However, he was notified that it was invalid.

    He couldn''t understand why his driver''s license would be invalid.

    The traffic police exined that in America, if one holds a foreign driver''s license, he must regain it through examinations. And only the American driver''s license was valid in America.

    Jordan still couldn''t understand. He already had a driver''s license. Why did he still need to regain it? In France, Americans with American driver''s licenses could drive the car without obstruction.

    So Jordan, who was not patient at all, quarreled with the traffic police. His English was not good at all, so he couldn''t express the meaning clearly. However, the traffic police also didn''t know anything about French. They couldn''t understand each other, and they fought atst.

 Chapter 443 443: Someone Bailed You

    Jordan was the first one to attack, and his reason was that the traffic police scolded him at first.

    And the consequence was that he was taken to the police station. Even on the way, he tried to beat and kick the police.

    In the next room, his expression was more indifferent than Irish''s. He put his feet directly onto the table, which looked like a ruffian. And when the police interrogating him and his assistant came in and saw the scene, she frowned and shouted, "Put your feet down."

    This police officer was a woman, about 26 or 27 years old. As she frowned, she was so serious. Jordan immediately put his feet down and put his palm on his chest, saying deliberately, "Scary!"

    "Can you speak English?" The policewoman was not so patient.

    Jordan shrugged, "Sorry. I can only understand it."

    The policewoman took a nce at him and said directly, "Understand? You overrated yourself."

    Jordan raised his eyebrows, feeling confused.

    "If you understood it, the hit would not have urred."

    "The police scolded me," Jordan emphasized.

    The policewoman said slowly, "What?"

    "He scolded me ''fuck''!"

    The policewoman knocked at the table and hummed, "All the bystanders can prove that he didn''t scold you. He said, ''You need to hand in your driver''s license and regain it. You mistook ''hand in'' for ''fuck'', which waspletely different."

    Jordan got shocked and winked after a while, "Hand in?"

    The policewoman repeated it again in English, and soon Jordan blushed. The situation was in chaos at that time, and he only heard a simr pronunciation, so he misunderstood him totally.

    "So, do you know that your driver''s license is invalid?" The policewoman said it softly since she found out the reason why he hit others.

    Jordan raised his eyebrow and said, "I see."

    "ording to Article 16 of the Measures for the Administration of Motor Vehicle Driver''s Licenses in America, American citizens who hold a foreign driver''s license or international driver''s license and who have stayed abroad for more than six months may apply for a driver''s license. Your nationality is the United States, so you can apply. And your foreign driver''s license has been held for over 3 three years, which conforms to Article 17 that you can waive the examination when you apply for an American driver''s license or temporary driver''s license."

    "Okay," He was tamed now.

    This response made the policewoman touched since the man sitting across from him was a young and handsome boy. She felt sorry for him and just sighed, "You not only vited the Road Traffic Act but also hit the policeman. Do you know that is to hamper enforcement?"

    "I see."

    "In ordance with the provisions of America''s criminalw, in cases of violence and other means of obstructing the execution of duties in ordance with thew, imprisonment, criminal detention, control, or fines of up to three years will be practiced. If it causes the other party to be disabled or have a serious injury, the penalty will be aggravated. And the maximum penalty for negligent death is seven years in prison."

    "So kind of you." Jordan was upset now, and he pulled the policewoman''s hands, saying in poor English, "Just one fist. He is not injured. I didn''t have strength."

    The policewoman might not have expected that he would do this. Her face blushed, and she pulled her hand back, frowned, "Be formal."

    "Okay." Jordan jerked his head.

    "It''s lucky that the policeman didn''t get severely injured. I just remind you to be careful." The policeman was still kind.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "So..."

    "Notify your rtive, pay a fine, and then you can go." She advised him.

    Jordan was more upset. Someone knocked at the door. He came in and said, "Jordan''s rtive came."

    ****

    Irish waspletely full. She had never expected that she could eat such a delicious hamburger at the police station. Actually, the hamburgers in some professional restaurants were not as delicious as that. And when Han came in again, she was putting the bacon into her mouth. She looked up to him and praised him, "If there is a delicious meal every day, I will just stay here no matter how long itsts."

    Han might not have seen such a suspect as her, who was not anxious at all and expressed it in such a way. He sat down unhappily and reminded her by knocking at the table, "You want to stay here? It''s okay. I will just apany you."

    "Thank you." Irish smiled.

    Her response made Han angrier, and his eyes were red.

    "Where did you buy the rat poison?"

    Irish was not silly at all. She answered smilingly, "Sir, maybe you should ask me whether I poison her or not firstly,"

    "You..."

    "I didn''t poison her at all. So where''s the rat poison?" She realized that Han wanted to set a trap for her. She was a psychologist, and she had been a negotiator. Actually, not everyone can be a negotiator.

    Han was calm, surprisingly, and hummed after staring at her, "No wonder you are a psychologist."

    "Thank you." Her smile was really annoying.

    Han wanted to say more, but his assistant came in and whispered to him at this time. At first, he was a little confused, and then he was surprised. Atst, as he looked at Irish, he turned to be helpless.

    After the assistant left, Han stood up slowly and said reluctantly, "Okay. You can go after signing your name."

    Irish was shocked. She vented "Ah" after a while. Han got mad because of her? She thought.

    "Someone bailed you. And he proved that you were only in the room for a while that day." Han said it cidly.

    "Bailed her?"

    Irish was totally shocked. Actually, she didn''t call anybody.

    Walking out of the interrogation room, it waspletely dark. The haze covered the starlight, and only dim moonlight was cast on the window edge.

    It was already seven o''clock, and the whole police station was quiet now. Only asional calls would destroy the quietness of the ce.

    Irish saw Jordan first, who was signing his name. As she was perplexed about why he was also in the police station, a tall figure walked beside him and grabbed the pen in his hand. He helped Roy with the signature.

    She stopped suddenly. There was great joy in her heart, so obvious.

    It was Joseph! Wasn''t he on the business trip? Did hee back so quickly? She thought.

 Chapter 444 444: Send Dr. Irish Home First

    Joseph was not far, looked like he had just returned from a business trip, but his charm couldn''t be hidden. As he stood beside Jordan, he seemed to be more dignified. He wore a light blue T-shirt with a navy blue business suit, and his tie was also the same color pattern. The pants were a cream-colored business, and the light tan cashmere coat reached to his knees. His leather shoes and briefcase were all ck, and even the ck belt was shown a little.

    She knew that he liked the brand Stefano Ri in terms of the belt, and it came from Florence. This brand was famous for its excellent quality. Joseph was dedicated to being perfect both in work and life. He was very particr about watches and belts. For example, the belt he wore now was made from a whole piece of crocodile skin in the far Mississippi. The workers chose the perfect parts and cut them into aplete long strip. And then they varnished it many times. The lining of the belt was calf leather from the French mountains, whose existence added a soft texture to the belt. Actually, there was never a trace of leather stitching in Stefano Ri.

    She had thought that was why he was rigid even in his belt, but now as she saw Joseph, all his actions showed the luxurious temperament. He himself even looked authoritative.

    As he finished it, he also saw Irish.

    When their eyes met, Irish felt extremely sorrowful. But without the surrounding people, Jordan and Daisy, she would have already rushed into his bosom and even cried out. She must have asked him, "Why are you back now?"

    His appearance was just like a dream. She just stopped there because she was afraid that what she saw was only her hallucination.

    However, Joseph walked toward her with an unhappy look. He looked so obviously unhappy, which could be demonstrated by his forehead wrinkles between his eyebrows. And even Irish, who was in a daze, could feel that he was angry now.

    And when she recovered herself, Joseph was already in front of her. He stopped and took a serious nce at her. Then he looked somewhere else and reached his hand to her behind, "Thank you, Wills."

    Irish turned around, surprisingly. When did he appear? She thought.

    Wills, who Joseph called, was over 50. He was very heavy. And when he smiled, his eyes would nearly be unseen. But his action was so light that Irish didn''t hear the sound of his footsteps.

    Wills walked forward and shook hands with Joseph, smiling. "We won''t treat the innocent unjustly." And then he looked at Han and asked, "Have you found anything suspicious during the interrogation?"

    Han shook his head.

    "Doctor Irish, We are so sorry, but we hope you can understand that it''s our duty." Wills apologized to Irish.

    "Okay. Thanks. See youter." Joseph raised his lips. He seemed to smile or just express politeness.

    Han answered, "Okay."

    And then Joseph looked at Irish again and said lightly, "Sign your name and go quickly."

    She signed her name and walked out of the police station with Joseph.

    Out of it, Joseph walked quickly in front. The moonlight brightened his back, which was tall but cold. He seemed to be a shadow she could not grasp or like a stranger. Somehow Irish felt sad.

    However, Jordan bumped against her without warning. And then she looked back to Jordan beside her, frowning. Jordan seemed to joke to her, "You are really troublesome."

    He said it in French again and changed to speaking English after seeing Irish''s fists, "I mean, we are all troublesome."<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish didn''t respond.

    She was also angry because Joseph was so cold to her. She was not the one who made problems. What''s more, she didn''t call him. If Jay hadn''t left the police station, Joseph would have had no opportunity to show off his good rtionship with the police. She thought. As she nned to take a taxi to go home, Joseph yelled in a low voice," Hop in!"

    She stopped and raised her eyes to look at Joseph nearby.

    He stood beside the car and looked there. But his yell was for Jordan. At this time, the driver had started the car, so Jordan got on very reluctantly. Then Daisy also went on. Irish thought that she had thought too much, so she just tried her best to leave. But as she was to do so, Joseph said again, "Hop in."

    This request was much softer than that before.

    She felt great joy again and went on quietly.

    The atmosphere inside was frightening because, most of the time, Joseph kept scolding Jordan. Actually, it was the first time Joseph reproached someone. Of course, Joseph had reproached her before, but not so heavily. Jordan also refuted him, and as a result, Joseph became more impatient and more serious.

    They kept talking in French and didn''t use any dirty words, but Irish was still terrified and sighed silently that their rtionship had gotten so terrible now.

    Finally, Jordan shouted, "None of your business!"

    She saw Joseph''s obvious anger in his eyebrows and his gripped fingers. His lips were closed tightly, and his chin got tightened. This facial expression was so scary. Thinking of whether he would p Jordan, she just heard him say, "Send him back to my house first."

    The driver drove in the direction of his house.

    After sending Jordan back home, the stressful atmosphere got released. Irish dared not to take a breath by sitting beside Joseph. She was afraid that he would vent his anger from Jordan to her, so she just kept silent.

    "Send Doctor Irish back home," Joseph ordered again and leaned against the seat. He looked wholly cold.

    Irish shook her head immediately, "No, thanks. I can do it."

    Joseph took a nce at her and didn''t say anything.

    Daisy turned around to look at Joseph and said lightly, "Mr. Dover. The dinner has already begun. And just now Richard has called you and said he has arrived at the hotel. So..."

    "Send Doctor Irish back home first," Joseph emphasized again, pulling Irish''s hands to y with them.

    Daisy saw this scene obviously and nodded, "I see." And then, she guided the driver in the right direction.

    In the dim space, Irish only felt warmth on her palm. His palm was wide and strong. All her sadness and pain disappeared with his action. Since the driver was there, she dared not to lean on him but grip his fingers silently. She lowered her voice, "You can just do what you will do. I can take care of myself."

 Chapter 445 445: Did He Drink?

    Joseph turned to look at her. The neon light made his eyes deep and bright, just like water. She was attracted to it. His eyes became soft gradually, not as serious as when he was at the police station.

    The car made a sudden side turn, so his body leaned against her and whispered, "I''m worried about you."

    Her heart beat quickly.

    The car went straight again, and Joseph sat straight too. He leaned against the seat and didn''t look at her while he gripped her fingers tightly.

    Irish heard the sound of his heartbeat. Her ears also became hot from his breath.

    And when Irish went back home, it was already 8:30. It was the peak time at night. Actually, she also felt hungry.

    It was all because Joseph had returned, and she thought the night in New York was so beautiful. He continued his business after sending her back home.

    She took an oil bath, cleaned herself, then wrapped herself with a bath towel and watched TV on the sofa. She couldn''t get calm, so she took out her mobile phone. As she took it out, she found it was out of power, so she immediately approached the charger and plugged it in. She found that there were several missed calls, and they were all from Joseph''s private mobile phone when she opened her phone.

    Having been in a doze for a while, she figured out something.

    After one or two minutes, she called Daisy. And as she got it through, a man wasughing, talking, and cheering on the phone. She must have been beside Joseph. And then, all these noises disappeared. Daisy was out of the box.

    Daisy felt strange about Irish''s call.

    Irish asked directly, "Did I destroy his n?"

    Daisy was silent for a while, and Irish soon added, "He told me that he woulde back after Veteran''s Day."

    "Mr. Dover knew the police took you, so he decided to return earlier. And actually, the dinner tonight was not nned in New York." Daisy told her everything since Irish didn''t hide anything.

    So her guess turned out to be true.

    Irish felt anxious and ached for him, "How did he know that?"

    "Mr. Dover called you many times, but he couldn''t contact you. He was so worried about you." Daisy said lightly, "I don''t know how he knew that. But I heard Mr. Dover''s wife''s sound, and she said Mrs. Lake had mentioned you. So maybe he knew your whereabouts through his wife."

    Irish hated to hear "Mr. Dover''s wife." Actually, addressing "Ruby" was better.

    "Do not be so regretful. Actually, Mr. Dover''s brother was taken to the police station too. He had toe back earlier." Daisyforted her sympathetically.

    Irish knew that it would be easy to n something, but not when you actually conducted it.

    She sighed lightly, "I see. Did he drink?"

    "Yes. The customers are important tonight." Daisy said it helplessly.

    She was saddened by it and bit her lips, "So.... please prepare some alcohol chaser for him."

    "I will."<novelnext></novelnext>

    She hung up the phone and gripped it tightly. She vowed that she would never let it drain.

    ****

    It was until 11:00 PM that dinner finished.

    Joseph drank a lot of wine, got into the car, and leaned against the seat. He closed his eyes, slightly pale.

    Daisy was thest to get in the car, worried, "Mr. Dover, I''d better buy you some hot water, you''d better wake up before you go home."

    Joseph kept his eyes closed and said a minute or twoter. His voice sounded heavy, and his drunkenness was already evident.

    Daisy saw the situation and had to follow him and told the driver not to drive.

    Moonlight poured through the rear window, and Joseph''s face was so clear that each line of his face was bright and profound. He sat there,zy, sexy, and his cashmere coat was on the side of the seat, and his suit button was opened.

    After a long time, he opened his eyes and nced out of the window.

    "Why not drive?" He pulled his tie and his eyebrow brimmed with drunkenness.

    Daisy turned around and asked softly, "Would you like to return to your home or the resting room in your office?"

    Joseph was silent.

    In the gloom, his eyes twinkled and darkened, like a lighthouse of fog under the mist over the sea, almost impossible to figure out, and after a long time, he looked up at his wrist and thought.

    Daisy was always patient and waited for his decision.

    "Daisy." Joseph opened his mouth, sounding maic on a deep night. "It''s toote, you go home directly."

    "Then you��" The boss was drunk, as his assistant, how could she leave to rx?

    Joseph closed his eyes again but hesitated a little. A few secondster, he decided, "Go back to Midtown Manhattan."

    On hearing that, Daisy was surprised, looking at Joseph, whose heart was like waves. She understood that Joseph was thinking of Irish that night. Irish lived there, and Joseph had slept there, but either he drove by himself, or she sent him there. When he returned to New York, he and Irish were no longer able to stay together as they had been in South Africa to avoid unnecessary rumors.

    But that night, Joseph was drunk and openly decided to go to Irish''s house, and he even asked the driver to send him over, which really made Daisy feel uneasy. The driver was employed by thepany, and did Joseph want to go public, or was he just doing it because he was drunk?

    She could not fathom what Joseph was thinking. Perhaps, for him, the sneaky life was too tiring. So she told the driver to go to Irish''s house around 05:00 AM to pick up Joseph before she left.

    She knew that every time he went to Irish and left early the next day. He didn''t want her neighbors to point the finger at her.

    When Irish was nesting in bed, reading, the doorbell downstairs rang.

    Wearing pajamas down the stairs, a look at the door mirror made her really surprised, and she hurriedly opened the door. Joseph was standing outside. With one hand on the door frame to support his drunken body, the coat on the other arm, and the tie loosely around his neck, he smiled at her when he saw her open the door, then staggered into the room.

 Chapter 446 446: Let Me See You

    Irish hurriedly stepped forward to help him lift his foot to close the door.

    "Why did you drink so much?" Her heart ached, and she helped him down on the sofa.

    "It''s all right." He leaned against the sofa and sank into it all.

    Irish took his coat,id it aside, and saw that he was pale and worried. She untied his tie and said softly, "You sit here."

    Joseph was obedient and nodded.

    After a while, Irish brought the hot water with a towel in her hand. Joseph closed his eyes on the sofa, eyebrow still slightly frowning, and looked rather ufortable.

    Sitting next to him, she could smell the rich smell of wine and tobo that had reced his original woody scent, and at such ate night, the drunken man who had suddenly visited was somewhat dangerous and unkind.

    She was so upset and angry that she couldn''t say anything more. She wiped his face and hands with a towel, then took the water and whispered softly, "Drink some water?"

    Joseph opened his eyeszily, said thank you, and then drank it. After drinking, she took it over, sighed, and was ready to get up to give him some more water, and he reached for her.

    "Let me see you." Heughed drunkenly.

    Her fingers and his gently sped, she turned, slightly helpless, "Your stomach is not good, and you''ve drank so much."

    Heughed, and it spread into his eyes.

    Such Joseph had an indescribable charm,zy, sexy, gentle, affectionate, and was like a dangerous lion.

    "You know what? I''m worried about you," she said sincerely.

    He raised his hand, his long fingers through her hair, and covered her cheek, rubbing it gently. Irish saw his condition, unwilling to add more reproaches, and her tone turned upset, "I help you to go back to the room. You''d better take a rest."

    As soon as she was about to move, he used more strength and pulled her over.

    "Joseph, you''re drunk. Take a good rest."

    Irish struggled to get up.

    The next moment, Joseph took her into his arms and pressed her beneath with his towering body. She was pressed onto the sofa.

    The weight of the man was all over her, and the drunken man was particrly heavy, and he was no exception. His drunken smell sprayed down, mixed with a man''s hot, heavy breath, falling on her cheek and ironing her eyes.

    Followed by the man''s big hand. He began slipping restlessly on her body, pulling her pajamas away and got into it nimbly.

    Irish''s heart beat quickly against her chest, and it hurt.

    Gently lifting his face away, she stared at his drunk eyes, "Come on, can''t you go to sleep?"

    Joseph, however, pressed her two wrists over her head, lowering his face and burying his face in her neck deeply. He said. "Honey, I miss you so much, every second of every day."<novelnext></novelnext>

    He nibbled at her neck, his voice vague and sexy, and her whole body seemed to be lit quickly, not knowing whether it was because of his actions or because of his words.

    "I miss you too." Irish could not help but say in ecstasy.

    Joseph''s kiss crawled around her cheeks, lips, ears, fervent, and his shirt was wide open. His strong muscles seemed to be tainted with an alcohol smell and exuded male power.

    With drunkenness, his big hands seemed to lose their control, rubbing his perfect body against Irish. And beneath the sofa were the clothes he ripped off, and the woman under him was almost naked.

    She was a little nervous, and his hands hurt her. He was so rude, as if he was about to swallow her alive.

    But suddenly, he caught her face, and his high nose came close to her, and his deep eyes were full of desire and affection, whose big hand began to touch her brows gently, and the thick deltoid of his arm clearly showed the arc under the thin material of the shirt. It was a powerful force.

    "Isabel..." He, however, whispered her name softly and affectionately.

    She looked up at him, at his drunken eyes.

    "I''ve had enough." He sighed.

    Irish froze and did not expect him to say so.

    "So, I want you badly." Joseph loosened her wrists, holding her face with his big hands like a treasure, his thin lips falling on her eyelids from her forehead, and then staring at her for a moment. His eyes in the gloom seemed to wake up, "I want you to be my wife."

    Irish suddenly widened her eyes as if there were tens of thousands of fireworks blossoming around her. She must be drunk, yes, she was drunk by the alcoholic smell of the man''s body, otherwise, how could she hear such a clearmitment? Staring at him unbelievably, she wanted to ask him if it was true. She''d like to ask him if he was drunk and talking nonsense.

    But the words stuck in her throat. The excitement of the eyes spread all over the body, even fingers nervously excitedly trembled.

    He had never said such words to her.

    He had never said he wanted to marry her.

    Only in normal times would he say some ambiguous words, but many of the meanings were guessed by herself. She did not dare to read his mind, only afraid that some beautiful ambiguity could not afford to ponder.

    But that night, he said it inly. He wanted her to be his wife.

    Be his wife!

    She could not sleep, excited enough to think that.

    But too excited, Irish would only look at the man before her. All the joy and cheer were in her inner world.

    Her small face reflected to be blurred by the light, and in Joseph''s eyes, the woman was extremely intoxicated and charming, so he could not wait to seal her little mouth. The desire that was carried by the alcohol became more arrogant, and his kiss became wilder.

    She heard the sound of his belt untied and the sound of him pulling down the chain of his trousers, but her soft body could not move, and she had to say that Joseph''s words seemed to strike home. It was not until the proud man conflicted with her that she was sober.

 Chapter 447 447: Enjoying The Pleasure

    Looking up again at Joseph, his face was already overflowing with desire.

    She whispered his name, hoping he would slow down a bit.

    But Irish''s appearance at this moment was undoubtedly urging man''s desire to conquer, especially the drunken man, and his eyes almost med, the body was also boiling hot.

    The broad palm of his hand lifted her buttock easily, and his palm burned up, stimting her cool skin.

    Joseph gasped for breath and pounded at her.

    As soon as he entered her body, Irish''s body twitched and wrapped around him as if afraid to rx, afraid to fall into the abyss.

    Joseph sighed contentedly in her body, enjoying the pleasure of the woman holding him tight.

    She gasped and struggled to amodate his bulge.

    Somewhere in her body seemed to puff a zing me every time the man''s fierce movement inside her ignited burning fireworks.

    Joseph''s breath burned her.

    His big hands were like pliers, and her chest was swollen and almost exploded by his kneading.

    Sweat soaked their hair and bodies, giving off mixed hormonal smells.

    The body of Irish was like a sluice gate discharging flood, waters of her body rushed out.

    Every collision of the man is like a boa constrictor burrowing into her body, devouring her soft body, her soul. Theyy on the sofa, and the love sound echoed across the room.

    With her hands shivering and sping Joseph''s strong back, her sharp nails nearly dug into his muscles. The man in front of her made her gasp for breath at the height of his desire, with his most exuberant secretion of hormones in drunkenness.

    She did understand that he had had enough.

    Even she was waiting for hope in despair again and again, not to mention a man so ustomed to control? His wildness also intertwined with theplexity in his heart.

    Joseph was deep in her, like a wild horse, sometimes sticking in, drawing round, poking, and rubbing. The woman''s groans and the man''s low roar intertwined into a beautiful sound.

    He showed no signs of ckening. Irish''s delicate body was like a rabbit to be ughtered, manipted by a male animal riding on her, upied by him in various postures, and trampled wildly by a ck horse, like and waiting to be reimed.

    The joy extended every pore of Joseph''s body. Hearing the woman under him scream because of his movements, his handsome face had an indescribable look of happiness, which gave him unprecedented satisfaction in his original desire to conquer.

    Irish''s hands sped against his back, and the heat and feel of the man''s strong muscles gave her a sense of safety in the tide of the pleasant sensation.

    The muscles on Joseph''s back were stiff and hard, with sweats on them, and on the back, as broad as the gate of the city, was a woman''s tender hands, scratching unconsciously, caressing helplessly. This really highlighted what men and women were.

    When outside the window was still dim, Irish was awakened by the sound of pattering. She opened her eyes in confusion.

    In the dark light, Joseph wrapped only a bath towel around his waist. He should have taken a shower because his hair was still wet, and before, his forehead was short, falling hair. Some of the drops were still glued to his sturdy texture, and his strong chest glowed with copper-colored water.

    Seeing her eyes half open and half closed in bed, he smiled, holding his arms beside the bed, leaned down, and kissed her cheek, gently saying, "It''s still early. Sleep a little longer."<novelnext></novelnext>

    The man''s kiss was clear and gentle so that Irish awoke. She looked at him in amazement and looked at the time again. It was just five o''clock in the morning. She sat up, frowned, and screamed the next second.

    Her body ached like being crushed by a car, andst night''s drunken desire came wilder than ever, and every time he all reached the depths of her body, she trembled in pleasure. She got up and felt a sharp pain in her lower abdomen.

    He raised his lips on purpose and asked what had happened to her.

    "You know it." Irish stared at him and moved slightly. When her toes touched the ground, a warm current slowly flowed out of her body, emitting a familiar smell of a man.

    She looked down, and the thick and muddy between her legs made her face suddenly red to the root of her ears. Josephughed more and more, reaching over the tissue.

    "No. I''ll do it myself." Irish felt embarrassed.

    Joseph, however, took away her hand and did it himself.

    When the soft tissue gently wiped her soft position, she was even more ashamed to look at him. His wiping was gentle, as careful as treating a treasure, and his eyes ached at the obvious redness and swelling on her body.

    "Does it hurt?" His thumb stroked the soft petals.

    Her body constricted with his movements. "It''s all your fault," Irish said softly, avoiding his hand.

    "I''m sorry." Joseph bowed his head and kissed her hair.

    She raised her head up and held his neck, blushing. "I me that..."

    "What?" He frowned.

    Irish''s face was redder, and she said, "Who let you in directly?"

    "I want it." Joseph smiled and stared at her.

    She pouted, "You promised."

    He showed a smile and ambiguously asked, "Wasst night in the dangerous period?"

    "Fortunately, it is in a safe period." She faced his bad smile.

    Joseph''s eyes tightened a little, a little disappointed, making a well sound.

    She put on her clothes and hugged him a little bit tighter. "Will you leave so early this morning after being so drunkst night? Would you like to take more rest?"

    "The driver was waiting downstairs." Joseph was reluctant to leave. He hugged her and took on his shirt, and pulled off his towel, putting the underpants on in front of her with the slightest carelessness.

    The dangerous thing which had been torturing her for a long time looked aroused a little.

    Irish sighed and leaned forward to tie his shirt button without saying anything.

    "Don''t be so stubborn anymore. If the police ask you anything, you''ll answer the fact, or you''ll be the only one who suffers."

 Chapter 448 448: Don’t You Want To Check The Truth

    Joseph raised his hand over her long hair as if telling a child.

    Irish gave a gentle sound, "Okay."

    "And go back to work at the Runestone." He suddenly made the request.

    The finger buttoning stopped, and she looked at him in amazement.

    "For one thing, I want you to help me find out who poisoned her, and your identity as a psychotherapist is good, and secondly��.," he said. Joseph continued to fasten his buttons, but his eyes did not leave her for a moment. "At least I can see you every day."

    Complex emotions filled with Irish. She wanted to see Joseph every day, but she needed to check the matter about the Lake family.

    "Do you believe the Lake is haunted?"

    Joseph saw her mood change and asked softly.

    Irish didn''t even think about it, shaking her head.

    "Your father said he saw your mother. Don''t you want to check the truth?"

    Irish hesitated.

    "Listen, go to the Runestone Group, at least the police don''t dare to question you very often in my ce." It was the most direct way he could consider to protect her.

    She looked at him.

    When he buckled his belt, she nodded atst.

    This time it was not for revenge but for him.

    Seeing her say yes, Joseph was relieved. After hanging his tie around his neck, he pressed down his handsome face and kissed her red lip. "You can sleep longer after I''m gone, you were tiredst night."

    She nodded and raised her hand to tie it for him.

    When Joseph put on his shoes in the gateway, Irish opened her mouth gently behind his back, "Joseph."

    He stopped and looked at her with a smile. Irish wanted to speak but said nothing.

    She shook her head slightly after a long time and said, "Nothing."

    "I''ll call you, and don''t let your phone run out of battery."

    She nodded guiltily.

    "And," Joseph seemed to think of something and came up to her again, telling her, "Don''t go on a blind date, at any rate, hear me?"

    "I see." She elongated her voice.

    He smiled, patted her on the head, and turned around.<novelnext></novelnext>

    At the next moment, Irish hugged him from behind and asked, "Joseph, do you remember what you saidst night?"

    From waking up to now, she was thinking over and over what he had saidst night. In fact, what she was afraid of was that he had forgotten what he had said. After all, he was drunk, but she was expecting something subconsciously, expecting everything had beening from his heart. Didn''t they all say that people tell the truth after drinking?

    The back of her hand was gently covered with his big hand, her face against his back, and the beating of a heartbeat was heard.

    Soon, Joseph turned around, staring at her, whose eyes were soft and warm. "I''m always wondering how God sent you such a troublesome girl in my life, especially yesterday, when I pulled you out of the police station, I know clearly that I have to worry about you all my life."

    Irish''s eyes faintly fluctuated, gradually, and her nose was a little sour.

    "I''m going to spend my whole life dealing with you, so do you think what I saidst night is true?" He raised his lips and smiled.

    Her eyes flushed too.

    Joseph''s voice was softer, raising his hand to touch her brow. "I assure you,st night, I knew exactly what I had done to you, what I said, and I''ll never forget that. Understand?"

    "Joseph..." Irish could no longer suppress her moved feeling, tightly embracing him.

    Happiness was promoted at this moment.

    ****

    Another beautiful day, but when the wind swept her face, it was a lot cooler. It was the season of frost dew when the morning light did not touch the earth, between the breath was also dew sweet.

    In the cafe, this time, there were a few people.

    The melodious violin rted the elegant sentiment, and the tea fragrance diluted the coldness outside the window.

    Ruby added some ck tea to Emery, sitting opposite, moving softly as if afraid she could break the silence in front of her. After pouring the tea, she nced carefully at her. "Have a cup of tea, and this is your favorite."

    Emery stared at the cup of tea, the tea tip rolling, stretching, and like a falling life making a final sound, and what into the breath was itsst fragrance.

    Lightly sipping a cup of tea and putting down the cup, Ruby hurriedly asked, "How is your life going on? Is it the same as before?"

    Emery did not answer, just coldly staring at her face.

    After a long time, said coolly, "Why? Ruby, do you have to push me to a dead end?"

    Hearing that, the cup in Ruby''s hand was not firmly held and fell on the table, but she did not have the time to pay attention to her abnormal movements. She looked at Emery and shook her head desperately. "I didn''t push you to the end of the road," she said. "I just let you see Eric clearly. Let you know that men are not trustworthy, you also see, he leaves you eventually for his career, right?"

    Emery''s fingers stiffened a bit.

    Ruby slowly reached out, finally grabbed her hand, and her fingers gently wrapped, whose eyes were red, choking. "We have been together for so many years, you do know that I love you. Those days we used to be together were not very happy. You and I don''t need men to be happy."

    It was a period of good times and a quiet and carefree time that Ruby longed for a long time. She thought that no one would disturb them and that they seemed like a pair of little mice in winter that were close to each other and could dodge scrutiny. But she never thought that the first person to quit was Emery.

    When she quit, Ruby felt that she lived in purgatory every day. She paid silent attention to Emery, and she could not be close; this pain could be more painful than being killed.

 Chapter 449 449: Will You Leave Me Again?

    Emery did not take back her hand, not knowing it was because of the recent mental exhaustion or sympathy for Ruby''s words, lowering her eyes, and then her voice was lighter when she opened her mouth, "This feeling, you and I can not bear, right?"

    Ruby''s eyes grew red. "I''ve never felt hard, Emery. You should know why I married Joseph. I just wanted to make it easier for us to stay together. We are fake, but you? You really married Eric, and you really want to stay with him to be his woman, you can''t do that."

    "So you seduced him into bed?" Emery raised eyes, suddenly cold.

    "You betrayed me first. I just want to let you know that no man is reliable! He can be in your bed today and tomorrow in my bed!"

    Emery clenched her teeth.

    "You don''t even know how good Eric is at acting. That''s right. He felt guilty the first time he cheated, but then?" Ruby looked at her painfully, "He took the initiative toe to me for the second and third times. He told me that I was better than you and that he felt better in my bed than yours. He was so good. He put all the me on me. But it doesn''t matter. It''s just because he''s such a man that I decided to retake you. You know, every time I sleep with him, I feel sick and wish I could kill him with a knife."

    "Stop it." Emery retracted her hands and held her fingers.

    Ruby pressed her lips tightly and obediently stopped speaking.

    After a long time, Emery sighed, "In fact, I just want to be an ordinary person. I am tired of sneaking around about your rtionship with me, so I am thinking that as long as I marry a man, I should return to normal life, and I really want to find the feeling of being a woman. I can''t afford to be found out and to expose my abnormal sexual orientation in public."

    Ruby gathered her eyes.

    "The result��" Emery raised her eyes and smiled bitterly, "As you said, every time he touched me, I felt as if I was eating a fly, but I still reluctantly pandered to him. Every time it was like a torment, and I can only feel the love when I close my eyes and imagine when I put you under me."

    Tears fell down Ruby''s cheeks pitifully.

    "Then you...will leave me again?"

    Emery''s eyes were also red, "Have you ever thought, if one day our rtionship is exposed and how to do it? You are Ruby Lake, and how will the outsiders think of you?"

    "I don''t care." Ruby shook her head. "I just want to be with you, that''s it."<novelnext></novelnext>

    Emery did not speak for a long time.

    ****

    After Veterans Day, Irish''s schedule was full again, as the previous schedule, with Mondays in University, Tuesdays, Wednesdays in the Linkus, and Thursdays in Runestone Group.

    This time, the news of her return to the Runestone Group hadn''t been concealed from her uncle and aunt. After all, the fire could not be wrapped in paper. It was better to tell them in person than they find it themselves. Of course, Mary was very unhappy and had just begun to oppose it strongly. Later, when Irish mentioned the haunted story of the Lake, Mary hesitated a little, and his uncle was silent for a long time before he said a word, "You too are old enough. You can make up your mind about your own affairs. There is only one condition, no more harm to yourself."

    Irish swore she would be good to her uncle and aunt all her life. She was so unfortunate that her mother had left her and her father had be someone else''s father, but she was too lucky that her uncle and aunt treated her as their daughter.

    Jay somehow guessed the real reason for her return to the Runestone Group, saying neither objection nor consent but looking at her in a strange way, giving her a look of "We are simr in the world."

    Joseph had already told Henry about her return to the Runestone. He was naturally happier to hear that, but Shirley was angry. After she returned from the hospital, she felt that everything was not going well. First, Ruby moved out of the house and went out to live alone, and then she heard Irish was back to work in the Runestone Group. For a time, sheined, saying that Irish was cursed, whose return to the Runestone made the Lake restless.

    However, she also knew that her opposition was not valid. Henry nodded, and she could not help but wait for the police to close the case. It was sooner orter that Irish returned to her house. She always suspected that the poison was made by Irish and felt that her promise was nothing more than guilt.

    William and Kelly did not express any opinion on Irish''s return to the Runestone and remained free to live their lives.

    Irish''s back to work no doubt became thepany''s top news, and everyone still remembered that Shirley made a scene in the Runestone, and after that, Irish resigned. So many eyes began to stare at the distance between Joseph and her.

    Of course, gossip was inevitable. Some said that at that time, there might have been a misunderstanding. Some said that Joseph was just ying around and would not take her seriously. Some said that Joseph was frankly trying to be against the identity of the son-inw of the Lake. In short, it was like a stone, making a thousand waves, stimting all kinds of spection.

    But the ideal thing was, because Irish did appeal to everyone in the past, and many of her colleagues were friends with her, she returned to work without any worry. These rumors were nothing more than affairs in casual talk, and everyone was still close to her.

    In addition to his business trip, Joseph would go to her at night, especially on Friday, he would try not to arrange for Friday night so that he could go home with her. Of course, they wouldn''t show up together. She would leave thepany first, buy some food at the supermarket and almost wait until he got out of the basement, and then he would pick her up at the supermarket door.

 Chapter 450 450: Trying On A Wedding Dress

    Irish often invited Jordan to her house, hoping the three of them could spend the weekend, but he refused to do so and said in a strange voice that he would like to apany his girlfriend or hang out with his buddies.

    Irish was very happy at the beginning, feeling that it was a good thing for him to have a girlfriend. However, when she told Joseph, he wasn''t surprised at all or even had a trace of joy at the top of his eyebrow. He was still calm and told her that Jordan changed girlfriends more often than changing clothes.

    Later Irish learned that Jordan did not want to see Joseph, and Joseph also had frequent squabbles with him because of forcing Jordan toe to work at the Runestone. These two men were stubborn, and neither of them would give in.

    "Well, what exactly was the reason for Jordan''s return to America this time? Won''t he just hang out and see friends and girlfriends every day?" Finally, one day Irish could not help asking Joseph.

    Joseph''s answer was simple. "Whatever his purpose, he would have to go back to work with me now that he had graduated."

    Suchpulsive and domineering answers made Irish worry about Jordan''s future.

    In the blink of an eye, it was Friday again, which was the happiest time for office workers.

    The training ss was arranged in the morning. After lunch, Irish was basically free throughout the afternoon. She would look through the staff information in her office and do a psychological evaluation report for each issue. The most important thing was that she had taken all the information about Lake''s staff and outside ones and checked it over and over, hoping to see the clues.

    Working in the Runestone Group was not boring, even very busy. Sometimes she could see Joseph pass by, like the moon among stars, but that day she didn''t see him all day.

    Cassie became a regr staff member of the Runestone Group. As an assistant to an appraiser, she was very dedicated every day. She seldom had free time, and mostly Irish could not help but go to her, but actually, she observed her psychological condition. Irish thought very simply that Joseph risked so much to keep Cassie in thepany, so she had to guarantee that she would not fail his good intentions if Cassie werepetent. Thinking about this, Irish always felt a little embarrassed. She hadn''t thanked Joseph.

    As she was looking through the file, a girl in the administrative department ran over and hesitated to ask her for a favor. Irish had always been well with the administrative department because she always stepped on the exact time to get into thepany. Joseph, during the day, contrary to his evening enthusiasm, was as strict and ruthless as ever and even more strict with her than before. To prevent her sry from being deducted by him again, Irish gave a lot of benefits to the Ministry of Administration. Most staff in the administrative departments were young girls in their early twenties, and some little favors, like the perfume samples she bought in foreign countries, thetest makeup test stuff would buy them out. So though she could be several minuteste, only by a phone call, the administrative department would stealthily check the card for her, and as long as she did not run into Joseph.

    Therefore, she must help the administrative department.

    The only thing she didn''t think of was the little girl asking her to try her wedding dress!

    Seeing her embarrassment, the little girl exined that this was the wedding dress she had bought for her best friend, but it seemed too long, and the height of the dress was about the same as that of her best friend, so she asked her to try it out. If it were not appropriate, she would change it again. Irish did not understand why that woman''s husband did not send the wedding dress, and the little girl told her that this was the agreement between her and her best friend, who married first, and the other one would send the wedding dress.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish smiled and could not help but think of Cassie. This was a good idea. She didn''t know who, she or Cassie, was the first to set foot on the red carpet then. She nodded and agreed. The little girl was so happy that she put the wrapped wedding dress into her arms and hastened to change.

    A woman only wears a wedding dress once in her life.

    If she hadn''t promised to help the little girl, Irish would not help test the wedding dress, and she finally found the appropriate venting object, Joseph.

    She would never have bothered to help someone try on a wedding dress if he hadn''t been so infrequent to frighten her to deduct her sry.

    The dressing room door was slightly opened, and she poked out her head. She was really startled by a group of girls standing at the door, all of whom were from the administrative department, and when they heard that Irish had tried on the wedding dress, they had alle to the changing room.

    When she was dressed, the girls all ran in, and the moment they pushed the door, there was a lot of praise.

    "Oh, my God, Irish, you''re beautiful."

    It was a fishtail wedding dress, and the cut was very simple, which showed that her waist was very slender, such as the dreamy mermaid princess in the fairy tale. A fishtail wedding dress is the most stringent body requirement for the bride, both for the waist and the height of the buttocks, especially the legs, which were never allowed to wear this dress if the line of the legs was not graceful.

    But Irish figure was disyed beautifully in this wedding dress.

    She had a slender waist and a sexy hip, and the stitches under it perfectly highlighted the arc of her long legs, and the delicate corbone and chest of her upper body were attractive enough.

    The little girl who paid for the wedding dress could not help but exim, "Dr. Irish, your chest was so perfect, the line was so deep."

    Irish raised her hand to cover her chest, a little embarrassed to say, "Don''t you think the chest in this wedding dress was overexposed? Will your friend like it?"

    "I don''t think her boobs are as big as yours, so she may be unable to get such an effect. However, it looks like a fix is needed." The little girl answered truthfully.

 Chapter 451 451: You Are Good

    Some people came up and joked, "Irish''s body is so good. It''s really good to be your boyfriend."

    "You don''t have a boyfriend yet, do you? Why don''t we introduce our friends to you?" Because everybody was familiar with her, there was no limitation in speaking naturally. A girl closed and reached for her arm, Irish, and then reached out to touch her cleavage, said with a bad smile, "Do not waste your body."

    "You are so frank." Irish smiled and patted the girl''s hand off.

    Another girl came up, deliberately reached her arm to Irish, and wrapped her arm around her waist. "Honey, if I were to pursue you, my dear, I would never be tired of you every night. Look at this small waist, your hips, especially such a deep line in your boobs," she said, "How many men must be drunk in you."

    "Well, I''ll stop looking for a boyfriend and follow you." Irish was also ying a joke.

    When the voice spoke out, there was another joking voice. "If you don''t find a boyfriend, what shall I do?"

    All of them stoppedughing, and one after another, looked back, and so did Irish. At the door, Leo was unexpectedly standing, holding arge bouquet of flowers. When his eyes leaped over the girls andnded on Irish, he could not help but feel surprised and then whistled.

    "You are so beautiful." He could not help admiring her.

    Irish blinked, wondering, and then said, "How do youe here?"

    Someone recognized Leo, whispering for a moment, the little girls in the administrative department looked at him with admiration in their eyes.

    "As soon as I got home, I heard that you had returned to work at the Runestone Group, and I came to congratte you," Leo said hello to the girls one by one, went straight to Irish, and handed her the flowers. "This bunch of flowers is right for you."

    Irish hastened to exin, "I''m trying for someone else."

    "The owner of that dress should not see you, or she wouldn''t have dared to wear it." Leo smiled and handed the flowers into her arms.

    "Don''t talk nonsense." She was afraid the little girl in the administrative department would be unhappy.

    "Am I lying? Let''s see how you are beautiful." Leo was quite good at activating the atmosphere.

    Everyoneughed and responded, and at the same time, everyone looking at them felt ambiguous, then someone asked boldly, "Doctor Irish, are you a couple?"

    When Irish wanted to exin, Leo started, "Irish was not so easy to chase, I have been chasing her for a long time."

    Irish was speechless.

    The other little girls looked envious.

    "Doctor Irish, why not agree?"

    Irish could not interrupt them and it was no avail to exin. Leo, smiling at her yfully, said, "Look, everyone is so warm, be with me."

    Those words made the little girls cry again and again.

    Irish, confused, was about to warn Leo not to talk nonsense, and she heard another man''s voice rising outside the door, which was strict.

    "You don''t have to work?"

    A cool voice, as pale as water, made everyone feel chills.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Everyone stopped talking andughing, surprised after seeing the tall shadow at the door, "Mr. Dover."

    His tall figure almost filled the door, which made people even more nervous.

    Irish did not expect to meet Joseph under such circumstances. Her heart was happy for a moment. But when a pair of his dark and obscure eyes were on her, the heart could not help shivering and subconsciously covered her chest with flowers in her hand.

    The wedding dress really caused trouble. Joseph should have just returned from the outside, even if far away, Irish could feel his coldness.

    Following him was Daisy. Seeing this scene, her mind turned sharply. For the first time, she took the initiative to break the cold atmosphere set by Joseph. She smiled softly. "Doctor Irish, you look beautiful in the wedding dress."

    Irish looked up and wanted to stare at Daisy''s eyes, but she could not alter her as she caught a nce of Joseph''s increasingly gloomy ck eyes, like a haze fiercely looking at her.

    "I''m sorry, I am just helping someone. Now I''m going to change." She knew she was wrong, and Daisy gave her a good time to escape, and she had to go away at once.

    Just about to turn around, Leo suddenly caught her waist,ughing, "Why so urgent? Beautiful things are to be shared with others."

    "Leo," Irish called his name in a low voice, hating him for continuing to mess up.

    "You look beautiful in the wedding dress. Am I wrong?" Leoughed.

    "Stop." Irish was sensitive to the fact that Joseph''s face was getting heavier and gloomier.

    Not surprisingly, he spoke with a cool voice. "Leo, this is not the Runestone Group nor your ce. You have to consider the asion if you want to chase a woman."

    As soon as Irish heard Joseph''s words, her hair seemed to stand up. She knew that he hadpletely misunderstood her and said, "As I said, I tried this wedding dress for others."

    He should not think that Leo had bought her a wedding dress.

    Leo, however, quickly answered, holding her waist, "I reallye here to witness her beauty. Joseph, let her go an hour ahead of time, is it okay? I''d like to have a meal with Dr. Irish."

    Irish looked at Leo with astonishment, and he looked into her eyes.

    The two people appearing intimate made Joseph look even colder, and people saw that shuddered.

    "Sorry, our entire staff work on time, and ourpany rules do not allow them to leave early."

    "Don''t be so boring, you, as a boss, should be reasonable," Leo saidzily. "Besides, your employees often work overtime, and it''s reasonable to leave early."

    But Joseph smiled faintly, but that smile was not heartful, he said, "It''s a pity that Dr. Irish has never had the habit of working overtime, so she is not qualified to leave early."

    Irish wanted to die at this moment. Leo was surprised after hearing the words, turned to her, and she nodded sheepishly. Finally, Leo slowly sighed, "You are good."

    "So, so." She said in a low voice. "Then I''ll wait for you to get off work." Leo didn''t give up.

    Before Irish refused, she listened to Joseph''s voice. "Dr. Irish, send me the nearly two months'' staff psychological assessment report early tomorrow morning."

    "What?" She was shocked and stared at him.

 Chapter 452 452: There Is No Exception

    Daisy, beside him, was also shocked.

    "How is that possible? I''ve only been sorting it out for a month..."

    "So you''ll have to work overtime tonight, and you''ll have to finish it through the night." Joseph interrupted her bluntly and added, "Otherwise, you won''t get a bonus at the end of the year."

    Irish gnawed her lips with anger.

    "And you..." Joseph looked around a circle of his staff.

    Such a nce did not matter. The girls in the administrative department trembled for fear that punishment would destroy their future. Who in thepany did not know that Joseph was harsh and merciless?

    Irish saw the situation urgently, before Joseph finished, she asked for mercy, "This matter is all my fault, it has nothing to do with them."

    Joseph pulled back his eyes, fell on her body, which was still cool, and Irish''s heart was shivering.

    After more than a minute, the room was in fatal suffocation.

    Joseph said slowly, whose voice was cool, "There''s no exception next time." At the end of the speech, he turned and left.

    All the girls in the administrative department were stunned, and their legs were soft when they reacted. Finally, after appeasing the girls one by one, Irish pulled Leo aside and sighed, "You''d better go back and wait until another day."

    "Why do I feel that I caused you to work overtime?"

    "Oh, no. That''s how Joseph worked."

    "No time for a meal?"

    "Another day, and I''m going to my uncle''s home tonight." She said with an excuse.

    Finally, she sent Leo away, she then changed the wedding dress back to her office attire and looked at a table full of files.

    ? Joseph would not really be so cruel? She couldn''t help sighing.

    The time passed, and until she got off work, her huge workload was not reduced. After thinking, she directly called Daisy, who quickly answered.

    "It''s not true, is it? Does he really need a two-month psychological evaluation report?" She really didn''t want to work all night.

    Daisy also had difficulty exining, "I am afraid so, Mr. Dover will never joke about work."

    Irish hung up the phone in dismay, feeling that all the crows were flying overhead and that she had a sad feeling of not seeing the sun. It was her weekend.

    The phone on the table rang again and answered. It was Daisy''s voice, and Irish asked eagerly. "Has he changed his mind?"

    Daisy was silent for a moment, whispering, "It''s Mr. Dover''s order to let youe to his office."

    The golden Friday, which she had been looking forward to, of course, she did not want to work and spend it lonely, so Daisy''s phone call let her see hope.

    Perhaps she could go to Joseph''s office to y tricks to give her a few days off?

    For five minutes, it was time for work, and it was not office time. It was a private act for her to flirt with him.

    But if he asked her to go to the office to scold her for what she did today, it wasn''t favorable at all.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish stared at theputer screen, and her brain was storming, thinking about the possibility of Joseph''s calling her to the office, each of which could not be separated from his cold, serious face. Thinking of that, she chilled all over.

    So, no matter what the purpose was, she had to wait five minutes.

    As long as it was time for work, he would scold her again.

    Irish made up her mind, and Joseph was forced toe up with such a bad method.

    Minutes were hard to get.

    Irish never knew that five minutes would be so hard.

    She looked away at the time on the wall, hoping it would pass quickly.

    But soon, the telephone on the desk rang again, piercing the silence of the room. Irish was frightened by this sudden ring, she immediately grabbed the phone, just "Hello," and then she heard a man''s voice, "Why still in your room? Come to my office."

    "Okay." Irish trembled to put down the phone, but her heart was in a burst of wailing. Seeing this asion, he was likely to embarrass her.

    She was not afraid of his anger but of his taking back her sry out of his displeasure.

    Joseph would not be soft on her because of their rtionship, just like when the finance department settled her sry after she had resigned before. She calcted, the damn man really deducted her money.

    Irish nced at the time again, two minutes to six.

    Then...

    She could get up slowly and walk slowly in the direction of his office.

    Two minutes, very soon.

    She made up her mind and did the same. Like a tortoise, everything slowed down.

    Outside the office, unthinkably, she saw Daisy, who was preparing to leave work, and with horror, then Irish came forward and grabbed her. "Are you going to get off work?"

    Daisy nced at the office, pulled Irish aside, and lowered her voice, "It''s rare for him to let me go early today."

    Irish''s hair had all stood up as soon as she heard this. Joseph was kind to Daisy and would not be pleasant to her. He sent away his close man. Probably he wanted to teach her a good lesson. If she had already known, she would not have helped try the wedding dress, in fact, she also did not me Joseph because it was not good to do that during working hours.

    Daisy did not know what she was thinking, reached out and patted her on the shoulder, pouting her mouth, "Go in."

    Irish stared desperately at the back of Daisy until she got into the elevator. After wandering around the office for a long time, she finally plucked up the courage to knock on the door. Then a man''s voice came out, "Come in."

    After taking a deep breath, Irish pushed the door in.

    There was arge view outside the windows, and the neon enlivened the night.

    Outside the giant curtain of tempered ss were the blocked Broadway Street and numerous car shadows, but inside, quiet breathing could be heard.

    Joseph was working on the documents. That day, he was wearing a ck shirt, his tie was meticulous, and his neckline and cuffs were buttoned tightly. He was serious enough to wear a ck shirt. The coat hung on a side hanger and was smoky gray.

 Chapter 453 453: Take Off Your Clothes

    Looking at this color, the mood of Irish was not beautiful.

    When he saw hering in, he looked up at her casually, but it made Irish feel ominous.

    Joseph looked back at the document, and when seeing thest page, he signed his name on it.

    When Irish saw the situation, her alertness was raised. She thought he was going to speak, but he picked up another document, opened it, and looked it up.

    She was bewildered.

    Should she sit down or not?

    She looked at the time, 06:05 PM, which passed the time of work.

    The huge stone in her heart fell to the ground.

    Irish gently breathed, sitting on the sofa nearby, but noting to wait for two seconds, she listened to the man''s dignified words, "I let you sit?"

    She looked up at him.

    He kept reading the papers, not looking up at her.

    Unable to understand whether he was calm or angry, Irish got up and went to his desk. "So, what do you want me to do?"

    Joseph did not attend to her, and two documents were processed in the twinkling of an eye.

    Irish was bored and looked around.

    "Is my office so far away?" Joseph coldly said.

    "Well." Irish reacted, her eyes rolling, and smiled, "I have to finish my work in my hand."

    Joseph stared at her, his dark eyes darting in a glimmer of light.

    She smiled and carefully touched the chair opposite him. "Can I sit?"

    He disagreed, but he didn''t object.

    Irish then sat down in the chair.

    After looking thoughtfully at her, Joseph went on with his meticulous handling of the documents. She tried to poke out her head to take a look. It was full of dense numbers and probably involved the problem of the chain of funds.

    Joseph nced at her.

    She hastened to take back her eyes. Then, after a long time, Irish said boringly, "It''s time to get off work, you can no longer scold me, you can not deduct my money. Off work means you are not my boss now."

    She kept talking for fear that her money would fly.

    Joseph also allowed her to nag. And what he said was probably based on her eagerness to get rid of the charges and to keep her own purse. Atst, she added, "Most importantly, I am really willing to help others. You didn''t see the little girl in the administration department crying. I couldn''t help trying on the dress. Marriage is a big matter in life. How important the wedding dress is!"

    Joseph, who handled the documents, not knowing whether he was listening or not, did not raise his head.

    "You have to pay more attention to your employees, don''t just put on a poker face and look at them. Your staff in the administrative department was scared to their wits by you."

    Joseph stopped his pen and handed her the ss on the table calmly.

    "Thank you." Irish had dried her mouth and gulped down his ss.

    When she put down the cup, Joseph had just finished processing the documents and closed the folder. He slightly raised his lips and said, "Your exnation is done?"<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish blinked and nodded.

    Joseph got up, picking up the cup to fetch water. She didn''t know what he was thinking, and she didn''t dare to move. She sat in her seat and waited for him toe back.

    He took a ss of water and locked the door quietly as he passed the door. The sound of the lock was so faint that Irish, in her chair, did not hear it.

    Returning to his seat, Joseph put the cup back into ce.

    "Is the evaluation finished?" He stretched out his hand and loosened his tie.

    On hearing this, Irish''s face was overshadowed, bitten hard, and then pitifully said, "With all the reports, I wouldn''t be able to finish workingte tonight."

    Joseph heard the words, looking helpless and shaking his head, "There is no way, so you can only ept the deduction on your sry."

    "Joseph." With a whine, she came around to him, swinging with one of his arms, "Give me a few more days, it''s not an urgent job, and you know I never work overtime."

    Joseph closed his lips.

    "Are you angry? I have exined to you that I had no idea that Leo woulde."

    "It''s no use being coquettish. We''re in the office now." Joseph seemed to smile.

    Irish directly sat on his thighs and put her hands around his neck. "It''s time for off-work, so you have to suppress me with your boss''s voice? That is okay, then can I seduce you and send my red lip to please you?"

    At the end of the speech, she gave him a "kiss" on his cheek.

    "That''s it?" Joseph slightly raised his eyebrows.

    On hearing that, Irish stared at him.

    "Joseph, I have appeased you, do not go too far."

    "Then go back to your work," Joseph said, pushing her away.

    "Don''t." As soon as she heard it, she took back the attitude she had just shown and put her hand around his neck even tighter. "I thought I had a little grievance."

    This man, if she directly hit him, atst, she was the one who suffered.

    There was no problem of principle, and there was nothing to show weakness to him.

    Joseph had no intention of letting her go. Just now, he was just scaring her. His stout arms put on her waist and stared at her, and the picture that she was wearing a wedding dress ran past in his mind inadvertently. There seemed to be warm blood in her chest. Such a wonderful image of her fully satisfied the nature of a man.

    But he thought of Leo. Damn it. It seemed that he had this kind of idea about Irish then!

    His eyes became dark suddenly, and hostility quietly spread.

    Irish did not know that he had so many changes in his thoughts in such a short period of time and sensed that he had taken the initiative to hug her waist. She decided to make further efforts. "Today is the weekend, and you really want me to work overtime?"

    "Of course not." Joseph breathed her hair smell and lowered his tone, his deep voice was with unbridled lust, and his thin lips clinging to her cheek, ordering. "Take off."

    Irish was startled, slightly pushing away from him, unimaginably gazing at him.

    "If you don''t want to work overtime and withhold money, take off your clothes." Joseph smiled slightly but was full of deterrence, and he slowly added two words, "Right now."

    Irish reacted and got up quickly, "You are kidding. This is the office. How can I have a pervert boss like you? Not everyone worked overtime tonight. Those people in the marketing department were still there. When she went out, she still saw the director of the marketing department nning the assignment. What if he pushed in again to report on his work?

    "As you said, it''s off work." Joseph''s big hands were covered on her legs.

 Chapter 454 454: Lay On The Table

    That day, she was dressed skillfully and beautifully in hervender waistcoat, the beige knee-length skirt, and the fleshy silk stockings under the skirt, which felt soft and smooth, and a little cool. It was the temperature of her skin which made him adore her; gradually, he moved up, "As a boss, I can''t be lustful, but as a man, why can''t I?"

    Irish was taut and grabbed his big hand. "Don''t."

    "Or do you only like to show it to Leo?" At the thought of how she looked in front of Leo in a wedding dress this afternoon, his chest was suffocated.

    He had to admit how beautiful the scene was.

    Wearing a wedding dress, she was elegant. The fishtail pendulum showed her perfect figure. She was smiling, standing there, still holding a bouquet of flowers, but the man standing beside her was Leo.

    At that moment, he did not know why and a wave of inexplicable panic swept through his body.

    She looked like she was going to a wedding.

    The bride was her, but the groom was another man!

    God knew he wanted to go forward and pull her to his side, and he wanted to hold her in his arms and admire her beauty. But he couldn''t do anything. He could only stand in peace, be quiet, and watch Leo''s jokes and admiration for her.

    Irish did not expect that he would say that and then saw him frown. She came forward and reached out to smooth his brow. "Come on, you know I love you."

    "Prove it to me, then." Joseph''s coolness was driven away, slightly raising a smile.

    "You can''t report personal feuds," murmured Irish, closing her lips.

    "It depends on whether you can make me happy." His big hand went brazenly into her skirt.

    "Gently." Irish''s voice was soft without a trace of strength.

    But it was enough to enthrall Joseph, which made his blood boil, and the soft tone was like the sound of nature. He could not resist moving forward.

    "Take it off,e on." Joseph clearly ordered, his big hand moved along the soft curve, across the thin silk stockings, and rubbed her hips vigorously. He discovered the beauty of the silk stockings of the upper texture and felt her body soft, smooth, and delicate.

    Irish guessed his confusion, saw his eyes burning, and finally realized his real purpose of calling her to the office. She bit her lips--such a bad man.

    Gently lifting her hand, the shirt buttons were loosened by her fingertips one by one, which first revealed delicate vicles, then the full white tender breast. The deep cleavage darkened the eyes of the man staring at her eyes darkened.

    She could see a marked change in Joseph''s eyes.

    Her breath was short.

    As the shirt moved to the ground, the airflow in the central air conditioning stimted her skin. There was a lot of neon light out of the window, reflecting her eyebrows, like the stars caressing her, her long hair dripping down like a waterfall, her cheeks a little red, like the beautiful fainted sunset.

    Joseph just stared at her like a hungry lion.

    But his eyes, full of need, possessive desire, unconcealed, bold, and direct.

    His eyes burned Irish, and her heart beat faster. She had never had such an experience of love when she was burned by his eyes and her heart beat faster. He sat there firmly, and she looked at him and undressed, in his ce, in his office.

    Her finger trembled slightly, unlocking the skirt.

    The skirt, like thest petal to protect the heart of the flower, fell on the carpet.

    At this time, Ran finally had an action.

    He got up, and his tall figure covered her.<novelnext></novelnext>

    His slender finger slid into Irish''s deep cleavage. She panted, but he pressed his head down, and his lips were rubbing in her ears. "You shouldn''t be so beautiful. I''ve been thinking about you all afternoon, and Daisy can see that I''m out of my mind."

    Her little body leaned against him weakly, and she did not know what to say.

    Joseph''s fingers crawled around her back, and he skillfully unbuttoned her bra. The lights had been dimmed, and the hills in front of her chest were like being shrouded in haze. He was in love with it.

    She leaned against him and could easily feel the change in his body against him.

    Joseph smiled and grabbed her with one hand, pulling her down.

    In her palm was his long arousing thing.

    "Joseph." The danger of someoneing in at any time tormented her all the time.

    Joseph, however, ordered in her ear, "Lay on the table."

    Frightened, she shook her head desperately, but he pulled her to the table and pressed her down.

    Her chest was firmly on the table, and his papers were lying neatly.

    He hugged her from behind and covered her breast with his big hand.

    Then, her back felt a soft, wet touch.

    It was his lips, moving gently and greedily down her back neck.

    Irish only felt that her whole spine was numb and had no strength anymore.

    At the back of her body, there was something hard against her, and it hurt.

    But her sensitive body that he had aroused reacted quickly.

    His tight, plump red lip blocked her faint groans, but they floated out of the tiny nostrils, provoking the burning air between them and finally drifting straight into Joseph''s ears.

    Joseph had always known that Irish''s body was susceptible, which was also an important reason for him to indulge in it. Sensitive women are men''s gifts, and beautiful and sensitive women are special things they are infatuated with.

    He gripped the soft woman in his arms, his lips burning.

    From the gentleness at the beginning to strong domineering control.

    Hearing the shredding of her stockings by his big hand, Irish screamed and let Joseph take her shoes off, and her legs were exposed to the air.

    She could not see Joseph''s expression but could imagine the glow on his face from his burning lips.

    Joseph was like ying with a piece of art, ying with her ankles and moving his lips down.

    Her forehead was covered with thin beads of sweat, her cheeks rosy, and her head disorderly, and she tried to stop him, but the body was out of her mind, and a hot undercurrent kept rolling through her.

    She heard the rustling sound of taking off clothes, the man behind her took off his shirt, and then the belt unfastened.

    And she waspletely lying on the spacious and slightly fragrant table. The desk office supplies were neatly arranged, and one could see his meticulousness in work, which was contrary to the rampant greedy man behind her.

 Chapter 455 455: Naughty Woman

    Between the bodies was the boiling temperature.

    She could feel the man''s burning chest, and he could feel her sweet breath.

    Joseph''s kiss was down, and Irish''s head was aside, whose eyes were half-open. Her beautiful little face bloomed with red flowers in the dim lights, which made people pity her.

    The man''s big hands were more restless, the smoothness he felt had made him emotional, and the woman''s soft body made him more restless.

    A wet thing moistened Joseph''s fingers. With a bad smile, he said in her ears, "Naughty woman."

    The hot breath swept her cheeks, and the man''s drilling fingers made her body taut. The temperature of the tough, slender fingers stimted her softest position, and he kept drilling into her heart.

    At this moment, her body was like a fire.

    The man''s heavy breath became more intense and mingled with her rapid breathing.

    He pulled over her face and stared obsessively at her reddish little face, her fingers enjoying her tension and warmth.

    She felt like a was pulling at her, making her body shrink faster and faster, her lips shaking, and she whispered Joseph''s name, but only touching his strong arm, and the texture was clear.

    The telephone on the desk suddenly rang, near her ear, which startled Irish. She was about to get up, but she was pressed again by his big hand.

    "Joseph." Irish uneasily wiggled her body, her voice was delicate and pitiful.

    Joseph suppressed his emotion, in her ear gently "hushed," and a big hand stretched, and even actually pressed the hands-free button.

    She was astonished but unable to speak and could only give him a look that not to do that, but Joseph stared at her with more malice, and his long fingers buried deep in her body remained unmoved.

    The voice of the Director of Marketing was on the phone, which meant he woulde to the office to submit the marketing data file.

    Irish felt nervous, and her whole body was tighter.

    She shook her head desperately at Joseph.

    Joseph, however, lowered his face and kissed her lips, nibbling on her lips. Irish felt suffocated. Only a few centimeters away was the phone, the moment she panted, it could be heard.

    But the man''s fingers still brutally tormented her, and he kissed her lips deeply. For a moment, her whole chest was as if it had been squeezed, and her ears were full of heart-throbbing sounds. Her eardrums were tingling with pain.

    Under such multiple stimuli, Irish felt only tauter under such multiple stimuli, and the familiar feeling became more intense.

    She began to ponder.

    Trying to get this feeling of intoxication and death.

    "Mr. Dover?" Over the phone was the voice of the marketing director.

    Joseph said calmly, "Send me five minutester."

    His fingers clearly felt the changes in her body and knew she was about to reach the climax.

    ? The moment the call ended, he quickened his action.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Immediately followed by the soft voice of Irish, sweat sticky to her long hair, and her face was like a spring flower.

    Joseph felt his fingers as if they were strapped, loosened, and then tightened.

    Stopping for a while, then slowly withdrawing, his palm had been wet and praised in her ears, "Little woman, you are so sexy."

    Irish stretched out on the table like a mass of cotton, with her feet hanging feebly, leaving only the strength of rapid breathing.

    Her eyes were closed, and her heart thumped with joy.

    Joseph had put on his shirt, his long finger pushing her hair aside, revealing her face, and said in a low voice, "Go to the lounge and wait for me."

    Then she opened her eyes and saw his face with overflowing desire in a trance. Yes, he would not let her go.

    About to get up, her feet were soft, and her whole body fell on the messy clothes. She was about to stoop to pick them up, but she heard a knock at the door. She was shocked and somehow got under Joseph''s broad desk the next second.

    Joseph did not expect her to be so frightened that heughed and motioned her into the lounge.

    She shook her head desperately and felt much safer under the table.

    Someone was waiting outside the door, and she refused to give in. Joseph had to bend over to pick up her clothes and hand them to her. After pressing the remote control button, the office door opened with a thump.

    Irish shrank under the table nervously.

    Joseph also feared that she would be found out. He returned to his swivel chair and moved forward so that people standing outside his desk could not find anything unusual under the desk.

    The director of the marketing department came in but felt strange, and he could not express what was strange.

    He just felt the fragrance of a woman floating in the air.

    Also, Joseph''s hair looked a little messy, his tie was thrown on the table as well, and his shirt button, the two in front of his chest, was untied, if someone looked closely, it was not difficult to see a little bit red trace on the corbone, as if having been rubbed.

    It was not his observation that he was careful but that everyone at thepany knew that he would never dress so casually. But he also did not think much, handed in the document, and began to report to Joseph rted work.

    Irish under the table looked like a cat, inconvenient to dress for fear of causing any other noise. The office was quiet, and only the sound of the marketing director reporting the work floated.

    She did not dare to make a sound, only hoping she would not be found out. Then, thinking that Joseph would not let her expose, she felt a little safer. And she was so selfish to think that the director reported the work quickly so that she did not have to sneak around.

    But she didn''t want him to finish it so quickly. She knew that she would be thrown into the resting room next to them if he had finished.

    Shrinking beneath therge desk, she had discovered Joseph''s desire.

    Though he had fastened his belt, she could still see a distinct protruding outline under his suit pants.

    Irish felt funny but daring not tough out loud and could only desperately cover her mouth.

    Time passed by.

 Chapter 456 456: Let’s Get Off Work

    This was a long working report because the marketing director was a very serious person, and each item was very detailed. Irish was almost asleep under the table. She didn''t know how much time would be wasted when it came to working. She quietly took her clothes and spread them on the carpet. She simply sat on them, soothing the pain in her legs.

    In front of her were two long legs of him and his leather shoes.

    Staring at it, Irish became yful, stretching out a finger into his trousers, scratching his leg, and the next moment she felt his thighs taut.

    That was fun.

    Irish discovered the new world with bright eyes.

    Her brows could show her bad intention. More boldly, she thought, and with a bad finger, she pressed the protuberance in his suit and thrust it at the huge outline.

    So she seeded in hearing Joseph''s breath.

    She almostughed out loud.

    Vaguely there was the voice of the director''s concern, "Mr. Dover, any problem?"

    "Nothing." Joseph''s voice changed slightly, he cleared his throat and handed the ss to the director. "Bring me a ss of ice water."

    The director took the ss for the ice water.

    Hiding under the table, Irish tilted her head and looked at Joseph. He reached out and pinched her small face with a great warning. Soon, the director poured a ss of water and returned. Joseph sat uprightly.

    The two men were beginning to talk about the marketing strategy again.

    And Irish, having tasted the sweet, how could she be easy to stop? Biting her lips and resisting herugh, thinking of how to tease him again, her eyes fell unwittingly under his belt, and a bold thought ascended to her head.

    She hesitated for a moment.

    But soon, the idea was rectified. Who had let him just tease her so?

    The next moment, Irish reached out and put her finger on his belt.

    Joseph, who was listening to the report, suddenly felt a soft little hand groping between his hips, and then the chain of his trousers was gently pulled open, followed by a feeling of tension being released.

    The bold woman took out his thing under the table.

    Beneath the table, Irish stared at his big thing, then stretched out her hand and wrung it. Joseph''s lower belly shrank, and she almostughed.

    "Mr.Joseph, are you having a stomachache?" Of course, the director could not see what had happened, only to see Joseph''s face a little distorted with one handid down, thinking he was covering his stomach.

    "Nothing." Joseph''s aim was to stop the little thing under the table.

    Unexpectedly, she grabbed his finger and opened her mouth, and sucked it. His fingers felt the softness of her mouth.

    The naughty goblin tortured him!

    Joseph''s eyes were so deep when the director pointed out one of the documents to him. In order to prevent him froming forward, he had to draw back to take over the document.

    In this way, it was easier for Irish to do.

    Her hand covered his big thing, and she breathed on top of it softly.

    Joseph only felt that a hot current swept his whole body, and his lower abdomen was more aroused and bulging.

    As the director spoke, he looked down slightly from the corner of his eyes. Beneath the table was a scene that made his veins blossom. Irish sat on her clothes, naked, her cheeks flushed, her dimples were cute, and her sexy red lips opened slightly towards him.

    Gosh, this little woman is seducing him!

    Then he felt himself in a soft space, warm and moist.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Aware of what she was doing, Joseph looked down; it looked as if she were greedily eating ice cream.

    Joseph did not expect her to be so bold!

    But what followed was inexplicable excitement.

    The thrill of a love affair!

    In front of him was the reporting staff; beneath the table was his charming woman, and the danger of being peeped at, at any time made Joseph''s heart stir up to the highest point.

    If possible, he really wanted to pull the woman out of the table, crushing her to the table, telling everyone that this sexy woman was his, Joseph''s.

    Irish was working harder but finding her mouth more and more difficult to amodate him.

    But Joseph was fluttering. The warm, slippery little mouth was inexplicably pleasurable as if it wanted to suck out the essence of his body.

    Joseph closed his eyes and pretended to think. A big hand took the opportunity to knead it on her chest, and the soft touch made him unforgettable.

    Beneath the table, the mouth of Irish put forth her strength to protest.

    "Go on." Joseph opened his eyes, his left knuckles regrly clicked on the table, and his right hand kneaded her hills into various shapes in a man''s most instinctive way.

    To make it more convenient, he moved his chair and moved a bit deeper into the table.

    His ear seemed to hear her gasping voice, of course, the voice of his fantasy.

    In front of the eyes, only the marketing director meticulously reported the work.

    Joseph''s heart was already floating in the clouds, and her red lips, like the gate of heaven, moved him in and out between heaven and the world, and the difference between them made heaven more perfect.

    At this moment, he finally understood what is called "Hero dies for women" because every minute, he wanted to send the marketing director out and let him close the door for him.

    Her tongue was yful and seducing him.

    As if to empty him.

    Joseph could not help reaching for her head and helping her to stimte himself better.

    It was not that no women were seducing him in the office. On the contrary, some of the former secretaries took off their clothes in front of his face, only to be swept out of the office by him, and only Irish was so bold as to make his blood rush.

    It was an unprecedented thrill.

    His hand''s strength grew stronger, too.

    Her scalp ached with pain.

    Also, in order to retaliate, her mouth was more strenuous. She had seduced him like that, but it was the first time on such an asion. Not knowing how long it was, Irish felt that her mouth was numb.

    Finally, she heard Joseph say calmly, "Okay, that''s right, put the document down, let''s get off work."

    Her little shoulder trembled.

    Soon, the marketing director left.

    But Joseph''s big hand sping her did not rx, and the strength was getting bigger and bigger.

    She hummed and protested with her nose, only feeling her throat getting hotter and hotter.

 Chapter 457 457: I Have To Teach You A Lesson

    The tremendous stimtion made Joseph could no longer help but feel the scalp burst open suddenly, and two big hands were more vigorously grasping her back brain, which buried him deep in her mouth.

    Irish only felt his tight legs and listened to his suppressed low growl.

    Everything was still.

    She heard the eardrums thumping, and the breath was full of man''s smell.

    When Joseph finally let go, her face was red.

    The milky liquid escaped from her lips and teeth. Her cleavage, her corbone, her cheeks, and even her hair were wet.

    He gave her a lot.

    After a long time, Joseph pulled her out of the table, held her directly in his arms, and kissed her wet forehead. She smiled at him and pointed her fingers at his chest. "Can you let me go now?"

    "Where do you want to go?" he asked, with a deep voice and a slight breathing disorder, sexy.

    Irish was not afraid now, putting her arm around his neck, "Go home."

    "Did I let you go back?"

    Irishzily said and winked at him, "You can''t turn back on your words. Have you just been served ufortably? Are you willing to make me work overtime?"

    As soon as she mentioned it, Joseph''s eyes were deep again, and he was excited to think of the scene.

    "You were so naughty just now." He bowed his head and kissed her on the shoulder with his thin lips.

    Irish was a little emboldened and grinned and let him kiss her deeper.

    "You''re happy. And do you care about the form?"

    "It''s good to be happy, but the time for the first meal is too short." Joseph hooked his lips, a bitzy and evil.

    Irish was stunned.

    Without waiting for her to react, she was pressed against the window by Joseph. She was so shocked that she reached out to draw the curtains.

    But her wrist was pinned down by Joseph.

    Heid his strong chest against her, and his thin lips fell. "Honey, do you think I''m seven or eighty-year-old?"

    This little girl dared to have no fear in front of him? Was she looking down on his ability?

    Irish only felt his body hot, and after a few minutes, his thing woke up again. A shiver filled her heart with a bad foreboding.

    He had released her once, if again, it would extend time, and she would be tortured to death.

    "Joseph. The book says it''s not good for men to be indulgent." She was wrong and should have been dressed right away or not so yful, "Besides, the meal just now is not short." It was not easy to let him out because her mouth got numb.

    But Joseph smiled, raising her waist, his lips in her ear, "Goblins, you are too naughty, I have to teach you a lesson."

    Irish shook her head desperately.<novelnext></novelnext>

    He gave her no respite, kissed her lips, and pressed her back.

    There was a terrible noise in her nose, and her brow frowned with strain.

    ****

    Night spread throughout the whole city.

    Cassie''s mother made a big table of dishes, and Cassie helped her. Roy arrived early at Cassie''s house. When they were cooking, he and Cassie''s father, Lin, yed chess.

    The scene seemed beautiful.

    In the living room was Cassie''s father''s heartyughing voice, probably, he had won chess again. Her mother looked over the kitchen and smiled. "See, Roy is good at pleasing your father," she said as she stared at Cassie.

    Cassie kept her head low and rinsed the dishes.

    "Much better than that, Fredrick. When did you see him y chess with your father?" Her mother murmured.

    Cassie did know what her mother was thinking. Her parents would have liked Roy all the time. After hearing that she had been with Roy, they would have been extremely happy. Of course, it wasn''t she who said that, it was Roy who couldn''t wait to tell her parents.

    This weekend, he came to visit her as a boyfriend, and her mother was happy to go to the supermarket to buy food and cook at home, saying that they should gather together and eat at home.

    With a sigh, she said, "Mom, Fredrick is busy?"

    "Busy? Who''s not busy these days? It depends on whether he is sincere or not." Her mother cooked the dish and turned on the faucet, "He is a good expert, so he had no time? Then Roy is a captain, busier than him."

    Cassie didn''t want to discuss this topic, so she sent the dish to her mother.

    "Has he proposed to you?" Her mother suddenly asked.

    "Huh?" She was startled.

    "What?" Her mother raised her hand and patted her head. She lowered her voice, pouting, "Roy hasn''t proposed to you yet?"

    "Mom." She was speechless.

    "I think it will be sooner orter." Her mother was joyful. "When you were in the hospital, I saw that he was nice to you. Listen to Mom''s words. You will surely be happy with him, better than Fredrick. I know better than you, and I have walked more bridges than you have. I would be relieved if you could marry him."

    Cassie was confused, "We''ve just been together. It''s not clear how far we can go."

    "You have the same personality as Irish." Her mother was irritated.

    "Mom, why do you mention Irish?" Her mother rubbed her hands with her apron, put the dishes on the board, picked up the knife, and chopped the vegetables. "Joseph and Roy are all good men. Look at the two of you, you don''t know how to treasure them."

    Cassie stared at her mother before she made a sound, "Mom. How do you know?"

    "Joseph, isn''t he?" she was not a confused person, "He is your boss, I know, I have sharp eyes. He came as your leader that day, but I could see he was looking for Irish. You were in aa, and Irish was dumbfounded. The way your boss looked at her clearly changed."

    "But he''s married." Cassie made a tentative remark.

    Her mother stopped cutting vegetables and shook her head helplessly for a long time. "You would pretend that you don''t say it, and I would forget that, but that''s it. Remember, a good man has been robbed by other women, so Cassie, you can''t wait for Roy to get married, and you just know what you want."

 Chapter 458 458: Are You Staying With Me Tonight?

    Cassie sighed as the topic circled around her again.

    Roy came in and asked with a smile what he could do.

    Her mother would forever make a chance for them to be together alone. She hurriedly put the dishes in front of Cassie. She smiled and said to Roy, "You''re just here, and I''ve got thest dish left. You can help Cassie to do it." She washed her hands and walked out of the kitchen.

    Cassie had no choice but to shake her head.

    Roy came forward, and from behind, he gently encircled her, with chin against her head, "You teach me, I''ll do it."

    "No, you are a great young master, and you aren''t familiar with this." Then, she inadvertently remembered Fredrick, who was good at this dish. Although, while abroad, he had often cooked for her, she learned it also because of Fredrick. Hastened to drive away the image in her brain, she chuckled and pushed Roy away.

    Roy touched his nose. He really couldn''t cook. They had an exceptional cook at home, and he had a dining hall at the airport. So he needed not to cook. A little awkward, he was close to her, "Then I''ll watch you how you cook.

    "You can go out because the smell is strong."

    Roy refused.

    Cassie had to let him stay.

    "Well. You can pass me the dressing."

    Roy nodded.

    The small kitchen was more crowded with Roy''s tall stature, but he was quite active, and there were many seasonings he did not know, even salt and vor could not be separated clearly. He could only taste them first and then hand them to Cassie.

    Cassie could not help butugh, "You are really a great young master."

    A young master who grew up with a golden spoon.

    Roy''s face turned red, and he smiled sheepishly.

    After they had finished thest dish, Roy took the initiative to put it on the table. Cassie followed him. As soon as she stepped out of the kitchen, she saw Roy stop his steps, his spine slightly stiff.

    She was puzzled and froze at sight, poking out her head.

    At the door stood Fredrick, not knowing when he came. In short, her parents also looked embarrassed.

    And Fredrick also froze after seeing Roy.

    ****

    It was nearly ten o''clock in the evening when the gasp in the lounge stopped.

    Irish was sticky to the bed like a dead fish, and the sheets were messy, which marked their love trace. Under the bed, the tissue was scattered all over the floor.

    The sound of the bathroom stopped abruptly.

    After a while, Joseph came out with a bath towel around his waist, drops of water on his sturdy chest, his short hair before his forehead, and his spirit was high in contentment.

    Into the bedroom, seeing that she was also gently lying on the bed, sexy lips slightly raised, he stepped forward and sat down at the bedside.

    The indoor light yellow light spread on her back, carefully reflecting her fine bone line. Like being shrouded in aver of gauze, with thin sweats shining in the light, he looked at her slender waist and raised buttocks. And long, smooth legs, her shell-like toes slightly curled up.

    Joseph eximed that she was a work of God.

    He couldn''t help but reach out and gently pull her seaweed hair to one side, exposing her fine white back neck. Her small face was on the ck sheet, and it seemed to be more and more pale and pitiful. ck eyebrows gently stretched, and she closed her eyes, whose thick curled eyshes cast shadows on both sides of the nostrils.

    He stretched out his hand and gently stroked her back. It was white, as smooth as jade, which made him adore, and she hummed softly, protesting lowly from her tiny red lips.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Joseph gently smiled and bent over. His lips fell on her back neck.

    The man''s breath made her feel itchy. She shrunk her neck, opened her eyes, the good-looking brow gently frowning, she slightly showed the coquettish, "I am tired, it''s all your fault."

    He chuckled.

    "Still going to your uncle''s home?" The big hand was put around her chest, ying with the red plum on the mountain blooming in his wide, warm palm.

    Irish let his restless hands do, having no strength to push him back, and had to hum, "What if I go or not?"

    Joseph directlyid down next to her, turned sideways, raised his head with one hand, and gently kneaded her hips with the other hand. "If you go, I''ll take you there, and you''ll go downstairs in about ten minutes; if you don''t," he said. "Let''s just eat something and go straight home."

    There was a trace of confusion in Irish''s eyes.

    Go home?

    He should be talking about her home, but when did he be so natural?

    "Are you staying with me tonight?" Wouldn''t he go home to see Jordan?

    Joseph stared at her, "Not allowed?"

    She chuckled and lifted her hand to touch his throat. "I''m afraid you''ll turn yourself in as the host."

    "This is a good idea." Joseph seemed to be thinking.

    Irish giggled, "I will go to my uncle''s house the day after tomorrow. I was tired today."

    "Well, go home." Joseph smiled and kissed her on the cheek, and got up.

    She stared at his back as he was taking his clean shirt.

    "I don''t want to eat anymore." She elongated her voice.

    "Eat something." Joseph returned to the bed and whispered, rubbing her long hair with a big hand. "I''ll book a restaurant."

    Irish thought, it was sote then to eat something casually, what was the need to book a restaurant?

    Joseph put on his shirt and went out, then pushed the door in again, her cell phone ringing incessantly.

    After handing it to her, he went out again.

    It''s her aunt.

    Irish looked at the time, feeling bad. It was sote, and aunt also called, that must not be a good thing.

    Not surprisingly, her aunt immediately asked, "Tomorrow is the weekend. Do you have time?"

    Irish felt something was rising in her chest, but she pressed it down and sighed. "Don''t push me all the time, aunt. You push me so that I don''t even dare to see you."

    "It''s not that I''m pushing you tomit a crime," she said. "If you get married to a good person, your aunt''s heart will be relieved. I will be able to see Rachel without any guilt until the day I close my eyes. Do you know?"

    "Well, aunt, don''t talk like that," Irish remembered Joseph''s warning, and she was afraid to go.

    Her aunt was upset over there. "You don''t go, though. Should I say it a thousand times?"

    "Well, no."

 Chapter 459 459: What’s Going On?

    Then she began to wail. "Rachel,e and take a look at your precious daughter, and she waits to be an old single woman. She doesn''t listen to me."

    Joseph just pushed the door in, seeing Irish''s whole face wrinkle like a walnut-like, strange,ing forward to listen to. And perhaps really hurt by her aunt''s loud voice, he hurriedly got up and rubbed his ears. Laughing, Irish rose, pushed him out, and closed the door again.

    When her aunt wailed, she whispered, "Aunt, I really don''t want to fall in love now."

    "Did I force you to fall in love? I ask you to see him first, even if you don''t like him, you can go there and take a look. But you don''t even follow me, what is the matter? The other party is a good boy, he called many times, and you can meet him."

    "Aunt."

    "I''ve seen the young man, and he''s energetic." Her aunt didn''t give her a chance to talk, "Adam said, he liked you when he saw your photo. He wanted to see you."

    "Oh, aunt, I, wait a minute." Irish originally wanted to persuade her, but her mind suddenly thought about the name her aunt had just mentioned, shivering in her heart, "You just said, what is the man''s name?"

    "Adam." Mary repeated and chattered, "Irish, I tell you, Adam is really a polite child. Two days ago he came home to see your uncle with gifts and me. I like him, and I do not believe you will not like him. His age is simr to yours, speaking decently."

    Then what Mary said was not heard by Irish. The palm holding her mobile phone was numb, and her brain was a mess. The scene in front of her was as if it had happened before or as if it had not happened. They all appeared before her eyes.

    She seemed to see Adam''s back in the sun, the back with his luggage before the mountain ident, smiling at her from afar. She could not see his face but knew so clearly that he was smiling at her.

    So safe, so free.

    "Irish? Are you listening to me?"

    Excited, she found that she had been startled for a long time, with her mouth open. She finally made out a little voice, dry and horse-like metal across sandpaper.

    "His name is Adam?" That''s all she could ask.

    "Why, you know him?" Maryughed, "wouldn''t it be better if you knew him? It''s called fate."

    Irish was in a daze.

    "That''s the deal. Tomorrow morning, at ten o''clock. Oh, just the coffee house around the Museum. This time I have clearly informed you. I''ll call Adam right away." Mary once waited in the coffee shop for Irish and decided it was the best ce for a couple to date.

    When Irish reacted, Mary has hung up the phone, only the name left in her ears.

    The phone slid from her fingertips. Irish felt cold and tightened up and curled up on the head of the bed.

    Adam.

    How could it be Adam?

    Was he not dead?

    In her mind came the picture of rock climbing that day. The tall figure fell like a meteor in the valley before her eyes, gradually bing a ck spot, and finally disappeared.

    The temperature at the fingertips was cold, cold to the bone.

    At that time, the door was pushed open by Joseph, he was dressed neatly, and when he saw her sitting at the head of the bed, he could not help bute forward, raising her startled face and saying, "What''s the matter?"<novelnext></novelnext>

    Man''s fingers were stained with wood fragrance, familiar taste but stimting Irish. She liked waking up from a dream with a sudden tremble, the next second raising her eyes in horror at the man who suddenly appeared in front of her. When seeing clearly it was Joseph, The shock in the eyes gradually left.

    Seeing this, Joseph was even more uneasy. He sat down and pulled her into his bosom with a low tone of voice. "What''s going on?"

    Irish looked up from his arms, her red lips moving, and for a moment, she wanted to tell him that her aunt had arranged a blind date with Adam. However, she did not know whether this Adam was the one she knew who had fallen from the mountain.

    He would be angry, however, if she said so.

    After a long time, Irish gradually lowered her eyshes and gently said, "Nothing."

    Joseph reached for her chin and ordered her to look at him.

    "Nothing?" he stared at her, his eyes like gamma rays.

    Irish nodded forcefully. "My aunt forced me to go on a blind date again. I refused, and my aunt was furious." She had to lie because she would never mention the name of Adam before him.

    Joseph''s eyes softened, and his arms stretched out to put her in his bosom with a low sigh.

    ****

    After dinner, when Roy was about to leave, her mother urged Cassie to send him downstairs. She could not refuse it, so she followed Roy all the way to the parking lot.

    The moon was so bright that her face was a little white.

    "Shall we go for a ride?" Roy took her hand and offered in a low voice.

    Cassie looked like a sleepwalker. Finally, she reacted after a long time and shook her head. "I''m not going."

    Roy did not force her and said, "Then, apany me, and we''ll talk for a while in the car."

    This time, Cassie did not refuse.

    Roy turned, pulled her hand into the car, and sighed. "Cassie, what on earth are you thinking?" It was superfluous to ask; he knew what she was thinking.

    She was thinking about Fredrick! Fredrick''s unexpected visit before dinnerpletely broke the atmosphere of harmony, at least, the smile on her face was gone.

    Fredrick didn''t stay long. He came to deliver the medicine. After handing it to her, he simply asked about her health recently and then left.

    Roy was so clear to see her eyes had always followed Fredrick, never shifted.

    He was gone, but her heart was also lost.

    During the whole dinner, she was silent. He also felt lost and sad. He was feeling pain in his heart.

    Cassie heard his asking suddenly, a little flustered, but soon returned to calm, gently shook her head, trying to wear a smile, "I''m not thinking of anything."

 Chapter 460 460: Who Made You Greedy Last Night?

    Roy stared at her. The pain under his eyes gradually spread.

    Reaching out, he pulled over her face, but trying to lift his lips to smile, "Cassie, I am your boyfriend, if you are not happy, you can tell me, you know?"

    Cassie stared at his eyes and nodded gently after a while.

    She was so sorry that he was drunk.

    He couldn''t help but lower his head and keep his lips close to her.

    The tension swept her, her hands clenched, and she turned away when his lips were nearing her.

    Roy did not lift his face, always holding his original posture. His eyes were flickering, and Cassie closed her lips, facing to the other side, gasping, but he turned her face again, this time, like a spring shower, kisses fell, catching her off guard.

    "Roy." She was about to shout his name when his tongue came in.

    For a moment, interwoven with his tongue, she seemed nailed to the seat of the car, motionless, with her eyes closed and her eyshes trembling.

    Roy, aware of the tightness of her whole body and holding her little hand, softened his strength, kissed, and changed from force to softness.

    Cassie breathed quickly, her hands subconsciously against his unceasing chest.

    He was intoxicated on her lips and whispered, "Try to feel me once, will you?"

    His words hit her heart like a rock.

    Her arms were loosening gradually. The clenched fingers were also loosened.

    Opening her eyes gently, there was some wetness in her eyes.

    Roy looked at her painfully, lowered his head, his lips fell on her eyebrow, then gently moved down, and finally recovered her lips, gently and shallowly tied to her lips. She did not resist.

    The softness of the woman in his bosom pleased Roy, his love for her was more profound, and the kiss became eager to explore, rushing into her mouth, almost devouring her.

    Cassie felt his breath getting heavier and murky.

    Soon arge hand moved up along her waist, skillfully, slowly, but with great firmness, unlocking a button on her chest, and when she was stiff, she felt the man''s finger on her waist.

    "No..." she pushed him away, clutching at her cluttered clothes and turning to open the door.

    Roy from behind hugged her, with chagrin on his face, "I''m sorry."

    "I��I want to go home." Cassie wanted to cry and choked.

    How would Roy let her go at this time? He did not want to see the feelings he had just built up would have been ruined, and he constantly coaxed her behind her ears and apologized so that Cassie calmed down a bit.

    "I didn''t mean to hurt you, Cassie. I��I just want you to feel how much I love you." He was sincere.

    Cassie leaned against the door and shook her head. "It''s my fault." She swore that she had tried to cooperate but could not adapt to other men touching her.

    Her heart tries to forget Fredrick every day, but her body still remembers Fredrick''s temperature.

    "No, I''m in such a hurry. I promised you earlier to give you time to get used to it." Roy hugged her with a weak voice, but there was deep pain in his eyes. He suppressed his own pain and tried his best to be a better person before her eyes.

    ****<novelnext></novelnext>

    Saturday, the sun was not very bright, hiding in the haze and if not to see the clock from the sky, someone could not estimate the time.

    When Joseph got up, she had a little consciousness.

    By the time he returned to his bedroom after the shower, Irish had fully woken up.

    She moved her tired body and looked at him with her big eyes.

    Joseph went to the bedside with one hand on the edge of the bed and the other on the quilt with slender fingers enjoying the softness and fragrance of the woman''s skin in the morning.

    She gave a groan, took his big hand, and let him no longer wantonly touch. Turning her head to his eyes, bleary-eyed, she asked, "Today, you don''t rest?"

    Joseph sat back in bed with hiszy morning look, her fingers sped, and his deep voice reflected the maicziness he had just got up. "You cane with me to thepany."

    Irish wrinkled her nose. "I''m not working overtime."

    "I want to see your report today," Joseph said with a teasing remark.

    Her face was twisted into a walnut, and she stared at him.

    Joseph lifted his eyebrow.

    "Who made you greedyst night? I spend all my time with you. How can I have time to finish the report? So you deserved the consequence." Irish smiled, and her whole body stuck to him like a ko.

    He also smiled, took her slender waist, with his handsome face buried her hair, whispering. "Only you dare to bargain with me like this."

    The breath of the man tickled her, and she smiled.

    "You can stay with me at thepany. It shouldn''t be too long." Joseph proposed.

    Irish put her arms around his neck and thought, "What''s the advantage of working overtime with you at thepany?"

    "What do you want?"

    "Well," she thought for a long time. At the bottom of her eyes, a bad intention leaped over her face, and she smiled, "Doubling my overtime pay."

    "Why double it?" As soon as Joseph guessed, she wouldn''t make any good offer.

    Irish smiled more obsequiously. "Apanying you to work is slower than I do when I work alone. Psychological suffering is double. Do you think I deserve a little more overtime work?"

    Joseph pretended to be pondering, "You''re right, too."

    "That''s the deal. The money for overtime work will be settled that day. I''ll take a shower right away." Irish, thinking of the money, became cheerful, kissed him on the cheek, and ran to the bathroom.

    Joseph was helpless.

    Ten minutester, Joseph was dressed neatly and sat on the sofa in the cloakroom, reading magazines and waiting for Irish.

    Because he often came to spend the night here these days, he also prepared some of his daily necessities and clothes in the cloakroom. For this reason, Irish severely used him of his aggressive behavior in space. In private, she put a lot of pink doll pendants on his clothes, at first nce, it was really creepy pink.

    Soon Irish entered the cloakroom, his long hair still wet, scattering on her shoulders in her white robe. Seeing that he sat on the sofa, she was hesitating.

 Chapter 461 461: Don’t Hurry

    Joseph didn''t notice the abnormal sign between her eyebrows and whispered, "Dry your hair first. Don''t hurry."

    She felt more guilty when she heard the words.

    Seeing her standing still, Joseph was puzzled, "What''s wrong?"

    Irish closed her lips, lowering hershes slightly down, thoughtful.

    Joseph came up to her, reached for her, pinched her chin, andughed. "What''s going on?"

    "I..." She faltered.

    He raised his eyebrows and was curious.

    Irish bit her lips and said, "I can''t go to work with you. I just remembered I made an appointment with Cassie today when I took a shower. I should go shopping with her."

    "Just remember?" Joseph was skeptical.

    Seeing that, Irish hastened to add, "Oh, we had decided, I forgot, I''m sorry."

    Joseph stared at her, and a dark and unknown light leaped before his eyes, fleeting, imperceptible.

    Soon, the gentle smile rose to the corner of his mouth, reached for her head, and seemed indulgent, "Silly woman, why apologize for that? It''s normal for you to have your circle of friends."

    "I''m sorry." Irish still felt extremely sorry, "I let you wait for me so long."

    "I have time." Joseph smiled and kissed her on her forehead. "Don''t go out with your hair wet. You will get a cold."

    "Okay," Her heart hurt a little.

    "All day long?" He asked again.

    "No, no." Irish immediately shook her head and put her arm around his neck. "I was just buying a dress with her. I''ll go to you when she''s done."

    Joseph looked at the small figure in his arms, his eyes were dark, caressing her back, and he pulled her slightly away, taking out a tinum card from it and handing it to her.

    "Go shopping, and it''s not easy to rest and have fun."

    How would she receive his card?

    She shook her hand, "I have money. I don''t need your card."

    Joseph pulled her, putting the card into her hand, and gave a low order, "Take it."

    "I really..."

    "Fine." His attitude was forced.

    She had to receive it.

    "Buy and eat if you want to. Don''t just take a bite for the sake of shopping." He whispered his advice.

    "I see." Irish nodded.

    After he left, her whole body fell feebly on the sofa, staring at the tinum card for a long time.

    It was long before she became conscious, put it aside, her legs curled up, her arms sped, her pointed chin against her knees.

    She couldn''t even forgive herself.

    She cheated on Joseph, and her heart was very sad.

    There was no so-called shopping, and there was no agreement with Cassie.

    In fact, Irish really wanted to apany him to thepany. He was lonely, so he was afraid of loneliness after they were together. She liked to look at Joseph in work, in meditation, in frowning, in making decisions, in speaking, in every gesture he made, she liked, even if she had just sat quietly and had watched him deal with the papers with contentment and happiness.

    But she went into the bathroom, and when the heat was thick, her heart began to hesitate.

    Escape could not solve the problem.

    Even if she followed him to thepany, her aunt''s phone call would stille.

    More importantly, the other side was Adam.<novelnext></novelnext>

    The name, which had disappeared for many years and reappeared, had unexpectedly be her blind date man, and that alone tormented her.

    It was not that she was attached to the old days, nor how much she missed him, but that many doubts hung in her mind like a fog for so long that no matter how she tried to forget, it did not help.

    When the sprinkler wet her hair, and the water rushed through her skin, the body''s senses shouted desperately to her to take a look.

    To see if that man was Adam.

    She swore that she just wanted to see, solve her doubts, not think of a blind date or recall the past.

    But after Joseph left, she was powerless.

    Be powerless by such deceit.

    Be powerless for the person to be met.

    The reason was very simple now, and she did not remember his concrete appearance.

    Only feelings, very strong feelings. She didn''t know why she looked like this.

    ****

    Ten o''clock in the morning, at the Cafe around the museum.

    The leisurely decoration style was most suitable for such a weekend. No matter what the weather outside the window, order a cup of coffee, lying on the broad wood table to let the divergent thinking free, which was also a pleasure.

    Irish often came here because it was close to home. Sometimes she invited Cassie toe here for coffee or lunch. She liked the environment and the taste of coffee, sweet and strong, like being in a small town.

    But that day, Irish had been standing at the door for a long time, her feet as if pegged to the ground, and did not move.

    She hesitated as far as the coffee shop door.

    Go in, or not.

    There was no doubt that the man on the blind date was inside, and her aunt said that he had never beente. As long as she opened the door, she could see Adam, and all the mysteries could be solved.

    But she always felt a little sorry for Joseph.

    He told her not to go on a blind date, and the man was Adam, once he knew about it....

    The phone was always in her pocket, tightly clutched by her.

    The corners of the chrome hurt her palm.

    Irish was about to take out her cell phone and tell her aunt that she had no time to go on the blind date.

    As she was preparing to do so, the coffee shop door was pushed open the next second, it was the waiter of the shop, enthusiastically calling her in. The waiters were all familiar with her because she often came.

    What shoulde was always toe. Irish clenched her fingers, took a deep breath, then loosened her fingers on the phone and went into the room.

    As usual, the vor of the coffee was good.

    Like silk haunting the huge space, upstairs was the smoking section, and downstairs was the non-smoking area.

    Aunt said the man didn''t smoke, so she focused on the first floor.

    Asking a waiter if Mr. Adam was here, the waiter smiled and nodded, saying that the gentleman had alreadye and that he was the one with the purple bear on the table, sitting by the window.

    Irish looked, the table was not served, so there were not many things. However, she sporadically saw colorful little bears near the window position, near her position was the green bear, the middle red, the innermost purple.

    A man was sitting there, reading newspapers or magazines, sitting with his back to her.

    From a distance, one could only see his back in a id shirt and his broad shoulders.

    Irish''s heart suddenly tightened, and her heart was raised to the throat for a moment!

    The steps were a little fluttering.

    Toes were numb, and that feeling arose to the scalp, but her heart was increasingly restless, thumping.

 Chapter 462 462: Just Call Me Adam

    The closer she got, the clearer the man''s back was.

    In the pale purple, white id shirt, mingled with the slightly shifted sunlight out of the window, he looked so refreshing that on such a leisurely weekend, the man did not seem to be dating but rather came here alone for coffee.

    He was flipping through the magazine, his fingers on the table were a little pale and clean, and his nails were round, which reminded her of Joseph''s hands, which were as clean and slender as they were but sharper than the men surrounding him.

    His hair was cut short, and he looked very energetic from his back.

    Irish stood behind him for a while, frowning, and she was afraid to judge whether the man was Adam. The people at the next table had looked at her and seemed to wonder what she was doing.

    The man seemed to notice something, stopping, and turning back.

    When looking at Irish, there was a sh of light in his eyes, "Doctor Irish?"

    It was a young, vigorous face with a fine brow and features that, though not handsome, when heughed, it made people feel like a spring breeze. He got up and made a "sit down" gesture at once.

    His height was middle, unlike Joseph, putting pressure on her for his height.

    Irish''s heart finally, in the man''s turn for a moment, fell to the ground like a boulder!

    She was quite sure that the man in front of her was not Adam.

    No, he was Adam, but he was not the Adam she knew.

    Although she could not remember Adam''s appearance, at least she remembered the feeling of being with Adam, which was so subtle. At least the man in front of her did not give her that feeling.

    She nodded and sat down opposite him.

    If he were not Adam, there would be no old talk, and the meeting would be a blind date. Irish had never dated blindly. The first time she returned to America, she went on a blind date with Leo. Because she had prepared for it, she kicked him down the valley after meeting him.

    She was not even ready to see the man before her, and on her way to see him, she wondered whether he was him or not. She never thought about what to do next.

    So, when she was seated, she didn''t know what to say.

    Instead, the man on the other side was generous and took the initiative. "Hello, Dr. Irish. I''m Adam. Nice to meet you."

    His voice was very kind, and his smile was like sunshine, but it made her shiver. Suddenly looking up at him, there seemed to be a group of pictures in mind, a picture of a man in front of her, facing the sun, smiling at her. He said, Irish, Hello, I am Adam, very happy to meet you.

    "Adam��" Subconsciously, the name came out.

    Adam smiled slightly, looking at the woman opposite, eyes were dazzling.

    Irish was wearing a ginger shirt with a smoky grey skirt at the bottom and a light-colored windbreaker coat. The windbreaker was put aside gently. The ginger blouse made her cheeks more white. She wore no makeup. Unlike other people, her long hair was draped over her shoulders and was shrouded in a satin luster.

    She was a beautiful woman, but she was more like a child.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Soon the waiter served a fruit sd, a cup of coffee, and a cup of hot tea. Adam took the initiative, pushed the hot tea in front of her, and smiled, "Because I don''t know what you like to drink, I might as well order a cup of ck tea first," he said. "It''s cold, a girl can have some ck tea. If you don''t like it, you can order something else, but I can''t be wrong about the fruit sd."

    Adam''s voice was so light that she could see nothing of a pretentious parliamentary member working in the office.

    Irish dryly said, "Thank you," holding the ck tea in her palm, warm and flowing. She didn''t know how to turn him down. She thought about it and looked up at him. "Mr. Adam."

    "Just call me Adam."

    Irish opened her mouth, and for a long time, she called the name, "Adam, I think we can just show up and then do our own things separately."

    Adam smiled and took a sip of coffee, "I understand you, but I don''t want to go on a blind date either, but my family is pushing too hard."

    "Then we," She wanted to depart like this. When she got out of the door, she would hitchhike directly to Joseph.

    Adam was patient and waited for her to finish.

    Irish took a deep breath. "In fact, I''ve fallen in love with a man, and I think we don''t need to see each other after today."

    "I know you love him." Adam suddenly said slightly.

    Irish was stunned.

    Did he know about her and Joseph?

    He couldn''t.

    Adam put down his coffee cup and looked at her. "But when he fell from such a high mountain, he could not be alive."

    The back head of Irish seemed to have been patted hard. Suddenly she rose up and lost her voice. "You..."

    All the guests looked at Irish in amazement.

    But she hadpletely ignored it, just staring at the opposite man as if staring at a monster. After a long time, she hoarsely asked, "Who are you?"

    Adam motioned to her not to be nervous, and when he saw all the people around him cast their eyes, he got up, went round to her, pressed her down, and he returned to his position.

    "When the family showed me your picture, I recognized you, Irish, as the climbing captain." His voice was slow. "I oversaw the local report in Colombia. There were pictures of you in the newspaper, so I was so impressed that your boyfriend fell off the mountain."

    Irish felt that her brain was a mess. Then, lifting her hands and pressed them on the temple and watched him alertly. "How did you see the local report?"

    "Because I was there, too." Adam''s attitude was very sincere. "What are you doing there? Travel?"

 Chapter 463 463: I Know Very Well That I Like You

    Adamughed, "I like rock climbing as much as you do. I''ve basically conquered the mountains in Nepal. Except for the Rocky Mountains, the one you were climbing. Originally I went to Columbia to climb it. As soon as I arrived at Columbia, I saw a report about you. The local people told me that there was something wrong. The police blocked the mountain and banned the climbers there for a long time. I had no choice but to return."

    Irish listened so tightly that she stared at him and muttered, "You''re talking about you," she murmured for a long time. "like rock climbing? Have you ever been to Columbia?"

    "Yes." Adamughed. "When I saw the picture of you, I thought fate was wonderful. When I saw your picture in the newspaper, I wondered what kind of girl could climb such a high mountain so boldly. After checking some of your information, I know you are a very excellent senior rock-climbing enthusiast. So I have to see you today."

    "That''s impossible. You are so fond of rock climbing. Why haven''t I seen you before?" This circle was very narrow, who had climbed which mountain, when to climb, and climbed how long if asking, she would know.

    Adam sighed, looking helpless, "I am an only child, my parents strongly oppose me from doing rock climbing, and they even arrange the job. My time was free when I was at school, but I stealthily went climbing too. I was always alone. Until now, my parents didn''t know I had conquered the mountains in Nepal. I would never have a blind date if it weren''t for you."

    The man in front of her was strikingly simr to Adam, who she knew, though she did not feel the same, but...

    She began to panic, and her temples were tingling with pain.

    How could things in the world be so coincidental? He liked to go alone, too.

    "We...Have we seen it before?" Then, atst, she asked.

    Adam was sure to shake his head. "No, what''s the matter?"

    Irish''s breathing was a little short, but she kept breathing deeply to ease her nervousness and opened her mouth, "My boyfriend''s name is Adam, too."

    She said that not for suspecting that the man opposite him had lost his memory. She was sure he was not Adam, but why was his experience so simr to Adam''s?

    After hearing this, Adam took a long time to say, "Is there really such a coincidence in this world?"

    "He also likes to be alone, so he is not familiar with the people in the circle." She referred to the past.

    Adam''s mouth became an "O" a long timeter, and he pointed to his nose, "How do I feel like you are talking about me?" Even Irish began to be confused.

    "Maybe," Adam said after a while, looking at her with eyes burning. "It is fate."

    What?

    Irish did not understand his words. He smiled softly. "I once read a report that there were two people born on the same day of the same year, with the same name and same interests, and they met in an ident one day, and they became close friends. I think God wants you to be in my life for a reason. God wants me to take care of you for that, Adam. He has given me so much inmon with Adam because you will be more receptive to me when I return to you."

    Irish looked at him, startled. She believed in fate but not in his mouth.

    Hesitantly, Adam raised his hand, and long fingers covered hers, whispering, "I felt pity when I saw your picture in Columbia. Now that I see you again, I know very well that I like you."

    His hands were a little cold, especially at the tips of her fingers, and when they covered the back of her hand, the coldness crept onto her. She wondered whether it was a coincidence or a y, but she was a little confused.

    Outside the window, behind the tree shadow, Joseph stood quietly.

    He was not far from her and looked silently at her through the window.

    In the autumn wind, Joseph''s tall, standing figure was more straight, vaguely exposing a heavy pressure.

    His face was still perfectly angled, his thin lips taut as a thread, his dark eyes as still as dead water, faint, and creepy quiet.<novelnext></novelnext>

    The wind was cool, and so was the heart. In the window, the woman''s side face was soft and graceful.

    Outside the window, the man''s face fell into arge ray of light, and the side face was dark.

    Joseph saw the man lightly cover Irish''s hand, his eyes soft and obsessive. As a man, Joseph understood the meaning of that look.

    But Irish did not shake off his hand.

    Joseph''s eyes were increasingly cold; after a while, he took out the phone and pressed.

    In the room, her confused head was saved by a sudden ring, and when she realized that Adam was still holding his hand, she hurriedly got rid of his touch by answering the phone.

    Floated immediately was Joseph''s voice. As always calm, but also slightly cool.

    "Are you still shopping?"

    Upon hearing his voice, Irish''s heart panicked and thumped, feeling stealing and being caught, licking her lip. She took a deep breath to calm her restless breath.

    "Yes."

    After a few seconds of silence on the cell phone, he asked, "Only you and Cassie?"

    Irish was in a trance for a little while and smiled, "Yes, I told you when I went out this morning."

    "Okay."

    "Well?"

    "What have you bought?" The man''s voice passed through the waves, deep and calm as theke.

    Irish closed her lips, her heart a little ufortable by the absurd excuse and the despicable act of lying, but she fought back, cleared her throat, and tried to make her voice sound as easy as she could.

    "I''m just hanging around, but I haven''t got a choice yet."

    There was no talking again.

    Irish bit her lip and asked, "Have you done?"

    "Still busy, I''ll hang up."

    The call was quickly cut off over there.

    Irish only felt that the lie was too hard to tell.

    Facing Adam''s eyes with concern, "What''s wrong?"

 Chapter 464 464: You Have To Be Careful

    Silently, after a long time, she drank the ck tea, which slightly eased the feelings of guilt and uneasiness. Finally, she gently shook her head.

    "The one just called is��."

    "My boyfriend." Irish directly informed him.

    Adam was surprised and asked after a long time, "He..."

    "It''s my new boyfriend. I love him very much." Irish felt it necessary to make her words clear. Although she had just met this Adam, for some things, she was still a little confused, but one thing was certain she could not ept him.

    Adam opened his mouth and sipped his coffee. "I thought you hadn''t forgotten him."

    Irish knew who he meant and smiled softly, "We must always look forward."

    "If you really forget, having no regrets in your heart, why don''t you dare to climb the mountain recently?" Adam insisted.

    Irish''s hand holding the cup froze, and his words put pressure on her.

    "I..." She hesitated.

    Adam looked her in the eye and summed up a sentence, "So, you never forget him."

    Outside the window, Joseph''s tall figure had disappeared. He returned to the car.

    Alone.

    Holding the steering wheel tightly, his eyes were colder than they had just been, his face was gloomy, and his brow was knitted with anger.

    His mind was full of scenes on the call.

    Her voice was so sweet, and her look was so natural.

    She was so heartless that she lied to him easily!

    Joseph''s mind was a mess, and he thought she had given her heart to him, but he couldn''t get a sincere word from her.

    His broad shoulders tightened, making his whole spine cold and stiff. It was a long time before he pulled out his phone again and dialed a string of numbers.

    The other party soon got through, sternly he uttered. "Daisy, check a man for me, now!" His voice was almost cold and angry.

    At noon, Irish arrived at the Runestone Group.

    Joseph''s mobile phone could not get through, and she could onlye to thepany to find him.

    On the weekend, the Runestone Group was much quieter than usual, most departments all rested, and only scattered employees were working overtime, who were strangely confused after seeing Irish.

    Irish had to exin to them that she also came to work overtime that day.

    These employees also heard that Irish had been caught on the spot trying on a wedding dressst Friday, and Mr. Dover ordered her to work overtime to handle the psychological evaluation report, so they did not doubt her, but one of the employees pulled her aside, nervous, "You have to pay attention today. No mistake could be made."<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish was puzzled.

    The other employees all carefully exined to her. "Mr. Dover''s face was very gloomy. He has criticized several responsible men."

    Irish froze. Though Joseph often wore a serious face inside thepany, it was rare for Joseph lost his temper. She thought about going to the general manager''s office. Unexpectedly, as she passed the conference room, she saw Daisy standing at the door, neither in nor out, and looking a little embarrassed. Surprised, Irish came forward and saw Daisy looking inside through the ss door of the conference room. She looked there too.

    It really startled her.

    Joseph sat in the conference room, and on both sides were the department directors. It was assumed that the contents of the document did not meet his requirements. He suddenly dumped the document on the table, and the document hit one of the managers'' face. At the same time, simrly, Joseph''s voice was almost growling.

    The whole meeting room was almost shaken.

    All the upper levels dared not make a sound, especially a manager who had been smashed on the face by the file, and even Irish standing outside the door, clearly saw the cold sweat falling from the manager''s forehead.

    At first, Daisy had not seen Irish, only to notice her when she poked her head too. She was shocked. After seeing her, she patted her chest lightly. "Doctor Irish," she said. "You scare me to death."

    Originally Daisy also was timid.

    Irish looked strangely at her. "Why are you standing here?"

    Daisy sighed, "I am hesitating to go in, you also see the situation inside, I am terrified to be scolded."

    It was the first time Irish had ever heard Daisy speak in such a tone and manner. She followed Joseph''s orders every day. She was not afraid of anything. That day, such a woman like her was scared.

    However, it was natural. Seeing Joseph, who was angry, Irish dared not go in to provoke him too.

    "What happened to him?"

    Daisy shook her head. "Mr. Dover is notoriously calm at work. Today, I don''t know what they''vemitted; a few managers in the office get scolded. This is already the fifth one."

    She shrank her head and waved her gift bag in front of Daisy''s face. "I bought something for him, but it doesn''t seem like it is enough to dispel his anger."

    "Mr. Dover''s brother was scolded too, Dr. Irish. You have to be careful." Daisy had no choice but to sigh, "Today, I don''t know the reason behind his temper."

    Irish was shocked, how could it be implicated with Jordan?

    Suddenly, Daisy took her hand and dragged her aside, lowering her voice. "One hour ago, his brother came to thepany. I do not know what he had said to him. Mr. Dover was angry earlier, so he was scolded too inside the office. When I went in, I happened to see Jordan rushing out. Now, I''m still worried about that kid, Dr. Irish, you''ve been in contact with Jordan. Can you find him and calm his mood?"

    "Didn''t hee home?"

    Daisy shook his head. "I called there, he wasn''t on Long Ind." Then, after a pause, she said, "In fact, Mr. Dover is always very concerned about his brother, perhaps he doesn''t know how to express it, so there are always many contradictions. The boy ran away without a word, but I knew Mr. Dover was apprehensive about him. You are the only one who can help him."

    After thinking about it, Irish looked at the conference room again. Inside, Joseph was still criticizing his men painfully. His firm side face was as harsh and cold as if it had been coated with ayer of green wax.

    She shrank her head and nodded at Daisy. "Okay," she said, "I''ll go find Jordan, and you give this to Joseph for me." She handed the gift bag to Daisy.

 Chapter 465 465: She Was Here?

    Out of the Runestone Group, Irish was at a loss. Even Daisy did not know where Jordan went, how could she find him?

    She looked up at the sky.

    It suddenly looked grey.

    The autumn wind was a little strong, and it blew into her clothes, cool.

    She tightened her clothes, and she thought the weather this weekend was like Joseph''s temper.

    Irish suddenly remembered Leo, who had always been kind to Jordan. Maybe he might know where the boy went.

    She called Leo at once.

    Only then did she know that he was busy too and he was in a meeting. She even heard him say something to another person." Be over."

    Leo first appeased Irish''s tension and told her he would call Jordan. Then, he called Irish again to inform her, "His mobile phone can''t be gotten through."

    "He didn''t answer your call?" Irish sighed heavily.

    Leo''s voice seemed helpless, "Losing his temper again, I guess."

    "Can''t you even know where he can go?"

    "He is old enough that nothing will happen to him."

    "But he is not familiar with this ce. He speaks English badly, and he doesn''t have much money with him. I''m afraid something will happen."

    Leo was silent for a moment. "Well, then, I''ll give you two addresses. You go and find it out. He is probably in one of them."

    "Okay." Irish hastily pulled out the paper to write the address.

    At 01:30 in the afternoon, the taxi stopped at the gate of Green-Wood Cemetery.

    Irish gave the money and got out of the taxi.

    Another person got in the car, and as she left, the car turned around with fallen leaves on the bottom of her feet. After seeing arge white chrysanthemum, Irish also felt a chill.

    She never imagined that Leo''s first address should be here.

    Cemetery.

    If Jordan came here, who was heing to see? Were they his parents?

    Irish dared not waste time thinking, finding Jordan ording to the tombstone number given by Leo along the way.

    The sun in the afternoon was a little warmer.

    While checking each tombstone and finding him, sweat came out, and her forehead was wet.

    Irish did not expect Jenny to be buried here.

    The photo on the tombstone looked fresh and sweet, and her smile was like a blossom. It was a pity that she had been engraved on a cold stone tablet andid there forever. Irish looked at the photo, sighing deeply. It''s a pity that she was too young to pass away. She thought.

    Although they did not know each other while they were alive, she unexpectedly found her tombstone because she was looking for Jordan.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Arge bunch of white chrysanthemums was ced on the tombstone top.

    She bent over and looked carefully. The petals of the white chrysanthemum were still fresh and moist. When the autumn wind blew, a few wisps of fragrance came out, so she could guess that the fresh white chrysanthemums had been just put here.

    ording to Daisy, it should not be Joseph, who had arrived at thepany earlier and was having a meeting immediately. Besides, if he wanted toe here, there was no need to keep it from her. It was even more impossible that the person who visited here was Leo because she knew he was busy and out of the country at this moment. Well, the only possibility was Jordan. Jenny had fewer rtives, and only a handful of people could visit her tomb.

    Irish looked around. She didn''t see Jordan''s figure. She could only guess that Jordan might be here earlier and then left immediately.

    With a heavy sigh, she nned to check at the second address given by Leo. Before leaving, she said to Jenny''s gravestone, "Jenny, although people die as their purpose in this world has ended, I still hope your spirit was in paradise. Bless Joseph and me to live a happy life, as well as Leo, Jordan, and everyone will be happy too."

    The wind messed up her hair and blurred her eyes.

    ****

    When Joseph finished the meeting, it was three o''clock in the afternoon. He returned to his office and sat wearily in a wide chair. After Daisy came in, he did not react. Instead, his head leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes, but his brow frowned tightly.

    Giving people a sense of eerie.

    Daisy was very rare to see him like that, not knowing what to say for a moment, she put the thing that Irish had passed her gently on the table. When she was about to turn

    around to get him a cup of coffee, she heard him open his mouth, "What is it?"

    The voice was a little dull,zy and powerless.

    Daisy turned around and saw that although he had loosened his brow, the lines were still deep.

    She mustered enough courage and said, "That''s what Dr. Irish gives you."

    "She was here?" Joseph heard the word "Doctor Irish" and subconsciously frowned with a slightly unhappy tone.

    "Yes, she went to look for your brother," Daisy reported truthfully.

    Joseph''s frowning brows slightly loosened, but his face was calm and frightening. He reached out and stopped slightly as his long fingers touched the bag thoughtfully and then stopped.

    "Look for my brother?"

    Daisy quickly handed in a piece of information carefully.

    "His name is Adam. He is thirty years old and unmarried. He is currently working in the branch of the Bureau of Land Management." Because of the short time, she only checked the man''s primary information.

    Joseph received the data, his fingers could not help shaking, and the file fell on the desk, startling Daisy, looking at him in surprise.

    "Get out." After a long time, Joseph vaguely said his words.

    Daisy dared not ask why and gently nodded and went out of his office.

    In the room, only the sound of hour-hand ticking could be heard, it seemed like a vivid sound creeping against his heart, piercing painfully.

    After two or three minutes, Joseph slowly opened the folder, which was a thin information introduction. There were two photos on it. And one was the one he had passed to Daisy this morning, and the other was an identification photo. The man was clean, the corner of his eyes slightly smiling.

    He stared at the picture for a long time, and his eyes grew shady.

    Adam?

 Chapter 466 466: I Hope You Can Come With Me

    Joseph picked up a photo, whose big hand suddenly closed, and the photo in his palm was kneaded into a ball.

    Lips slightly raising, coldness burst from the bottom of his eyes, spreading all over his body.

    He did not believe that ghosts and gods existed or that he could still survive when he fell off such a high mountain peak!

    Picking up the file, he walked to the shredder, pressed the switch, and the thin paper was swallowed up by the machine.

    The smile on the identification photo was also destroyed.

    I will look up all your information if you dare to be Adam! He red at the destroyed information.

    The phone on the table rang.

    Joseph put thest piece of paper into the shredder and went to the table to connect the phone, where the woman''s voice was gentle and sincere.

    "Are you free, Joseph? I want to talk to you."

    ****

    Cassie slept until she woke up naturally at noon.

    Lazy, she went into the kitchen looking for food, and her mother behind her back began nagging, saying that she was too old and only knew to sleep, on such a good day, she should go out for a date.

    Cassie took a look at the sky through the ss in the kitchen. What good day was it? It was all hazy.

    "Did my father go to y chess again?" She shuffled a slipper to open the fridge and slouched, "You can also go out and do something. The neighborhood came to call you several times, and you refused. You don''t go out to hang out with the old neighbors, so you kept staring at me all the time."

    "I''m your mother. I don''t stare at you. So who''s staring at you? Roy wants to stare at you, but you don''t let him."

    "Mom, I''m going to eat. Listening to your nagging at lunch can affect my health." She muttered.

    Seeing the situation, her mother reached out her hand, patted her head, and returned to the living room.

    Then Cassie could eat peacefully. But before she was full, she saw her mothering in, happy, "Go get the phone, it''s Roy."

    Cassie was amazed at her mother''s excitement. How afraid was her mother that her daughter wouldn''t get married? Lazily getting up, she was pushed out of the kitchen the next moment.

    Under her mother''s supervision, she had to answer the phone quickly as she sat down on the sofa. First, there was Roy''s sexy voice.

    Cassie answered the usual questions he asked about her. Suddenly she asked about his mother. He told her that Shirley had gone home after she was cleared of poisoning.

    When Cassie thought he was calling to make greetings, Roy cut her words.

    "There will be two weeks off in the Christmas holiday, and at that time, I happen to get scheduled to fly to Rome,e with me, will you?"

    Cassie''s head went nk shortly, thinking about it, "Rome..."

    "Yes, the air there is refreshing. We''ll have fun for two weeks." Roy was a little excited.

    Inadvertently, Cassie recalled thest time they had met abroad, somehow a little bit conflicted, closing her lips, "It''s a long vacation time, I...can''t decide it now."

    "Cassie." Roy was sincere, "I hope you cane with me. Please?"

    Cassie chose to be silent.

    She knew what it meant to go to Rome with him.

    After a long time, she sighed, "Can you let me think about it?"

    "Okay." Roy was reasonable enough to give her enough time.

    Hanging up the phone, Cassie sank into the sofa and meditated. Her mother felt strange, still holding a cleaning cloth in her hand, and went up to her and asked, "Ending the phone call so soon?"

    She looked up at her mother, blinked, and nodded.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "How can you be in a rtionship like that?" Her mother muttered discontentedly and bent over to wipe the tea table.

    Cassie hugged a pillow and looked helplessly at her mother. "Mom, how many times have I told you? There are hourly workersing in every week, so don''t do that."

    "Save that money in case you can''t get married!" Her mother red at her.

    Cassie was more innocent.

    The phone rang again, and her mother was surprised. "It must still be Roy."

    Cassie thought it was him too. She picked up the phone and opened his mouth without waiting for the voice. "Roy, you''ve given me too little time to think about it."

    There was silence at the other end.

    "Hello?" Cassie felt strange.

    There was a sigh. "Cassie, Fredrick here."

    Cassie froze abruptly.

    "Are you free tomorrow night? Would you like to have dinner together?"

    She was silent.

    "Cassie, I have something to tell you." Fredrick''s voice was very light.

    Cassie''s breath was slightly pressing a long time before she answered, "Okay."

    ****

    Tea shop near the Manhattan Mall.

    Very few people came here for tea at this time, let alone on weekends.

    There were only three people in the huge teahouse besides the staff.

    There were elegant rednterns representing the traditional Chinese culture, as well as an antique carving cage, screen, and yarnmp, and the calm and quiet Chinese zither sound made the ce wonderful.

    Emery sat awkwardly opposite Joseph, and after the staff had served the tea set, Joseph handed her one of the china cups. She received it, her fingers shaking obviously.

    Soon another hand reached over and gently held her trembling finger.

    It was Ruby beside her.

    Ruby faced Joseph calmly. Seeing Emery so nervous, she then softly said, "No problem, Joseph knew our rtionship earlier." She added, "He was the only one who knows. Don''t worry."

    Emery raised her eyes with a timid look at Joseph.

    Joseph''s face was indifferent, and he said lightly, "If not for this, our arranged marriage earlier, I dare not ept it." He agreed to a fake marriage because Ruby was the perfect fit to block unnecessary gossip, and she could use him to hide her homosexual identity.

    However, this seemingly mutually arranged rtionship became an obstacle after meeting Irish.

    Emery looked at him for a long time before nodding.

    "Joseph, I agree to announce our divorce, but you must protect my rtionship with Emery from being exposed." Ruby was meticulous.

    "I can arrange for you to settle abroad." Joseph was also straightforward.

    Emery and Ruby looked at each other.

    "You don''t have a real job in the Lake, but you have a share. Thepany''s annual dividend can ensure you a good life. After our divorce agreement is settled, I''ll find a way to help you get a foreign green card, and you must do it first." Joseph looked at Emery calmly again. "As for you, you can wait until everything is settled, and I''ll rearrange a job for you. If you are living abroad, you can also have an independent source of ie."

 Chapter 467 467: Why Do You Know I’m Here?

    Joseph''s words pleased Emery. "Really?" She asked.

    "There is no reason for me to lie to you," Joseph replied calmly, taking a sip of his tea.

    "That''s wonderful." Emery looked at Ruby cheerfully.

    Though Ruby was also grateful for his decision, she was still worried about this arrangement, so she said anxiously, "But I am afraid outsiders would question our shares, especially those shareholders, and they would focus on our joint property."

    "I will only take the property that belongs to my family because if I break the marriage with you, I can''t take anything belonging to the Lake family anymore."

    "I am sorry." Somehow, Ruby felt guilty.

    Joseph didn''t respond and didn''t focus on her expression, and just kept silent.

    After a long while, he said indifferently. "Runestone Group belongs to our two families. I understand the reason why your father wants me to get married to you. You and Roy are not interested in the business, so if I have a baby with you, then he will be the inheritor in the future. In this case, he will not be worried about the future of Runestone Group. However, there are always many fortuitous events. Unfortunately, life can''t stand too many challenges."

    "None of us expects we will develop into such a situation." Ruby looked at Joseph gracefully, "Anyway, Joseph, I have to thank you. You help me to keep this secret though you have known it. I misunderstood you before." She thought that he would tell Irish about this matter.

    Joseph shook his head, putting down the cup, and said, "I just hope everything will turn to peace from now on." Hearing that, Emery was worried again, touching Ruby slightly, and then asked, "How can we tell this to your mother?"

    Ruby was also worried about this because she knew well about Shirley, and she wasn''t a simple woman, so she turned to Joseph and asked, "What should I do? I am afraid that she will make trouble for us."

    This was what Joseph worried about, and when he was about to reply to her, Ruby''s phone rang, which was extremely harsh in such a quiet environment. Ruby took a look at her phone and said in a weak voice," It''s my mom."

    Joseph hinted at her to answer the phone, and Ruby nodded, putting through the phone.

    Shirley seemed to be in a hurry on the other end as if something had happened, and Ruby couldn''t interpose. But soon, she widened her eyes and suddenly turned pale.

    At this moment, too, Irish was busy looking for Jordan, following the address given by Le. She found that it was an abandoned site. It contained a lot of car parts and broken car shells. After careful inspection, she found that most were racing cars and roadsters.

    A wind rose abruptly, and the dust on the ground was floating in the air, so she hastily covered her mouth and her eyes, but she felt that all the breath going into her lungs was a residual smell of gasoline, which was extremely pungent.

    The wind stopped, and when she put down her hands, she asionally saw a figure sitting down on thedder nearby.

    It was Jordan.

    She was finally relieved when she saw him there, but soon she was confused as to why he woulde to such a deste ce.

    Apanied by her doubts, she stepped forward to him.

    The haze covered up the sunlight, so the shadow of the haze fell on him. It seemed he was sitting in the fog, staring forward, and she couldn''t figure out what he was looking for.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Somehow, looking at his back, she felt that he was lonely.

    The sound of her steps on the sandstone rmed him. He turned back, looking directly at her eyes, and he was a little astonished and hesitant, but soon he restored his calmness and snorted, "My brother asked you toe?"

    Irish stopped beside him. Though he said unkindly, at least she avoided the embarrassment of making opening remarks. He turned back again after finishing his words while she sat beside him directly, "It seems that you still want to get your brother''s attention."

    Her words soon annoyed him, and he shouted at her immediately, "Bullshit!"

    "If you could speak this word in English, perhaps you would be relieved."

    Jordan''s face turned red out of irritation, and after a long while, he asked, "Why do you know I am here?"

    "It seems that your brother also knows that you are here." Unfortunately, she didn''t reply directly.

    The expectation in his eyes soon vanished, and he snorted again and said harshly, "It turns out that Leo told you about this ce. I thought the psychologist was omnipotent before."

    "Don''t look down upon a psychologist. At least, I know that you are expecting that it is your brother who told me your whereabouts."

    Instead of being irritated, Irish stretched herself leisurely and said slowly.

    Jordan widened his eyes at her and looked extremely unkind.

    But she ignored his expression directly because she knew he was embarrassed and annoyed since she had revealed the truth.

    As expected, Jordan became irritated in the following seconds, "Do you think you are qualified to lecture me as my sister-inw? Don''t forget that you are just a mistress of my brother, and he doesn''t fall in love with you at all."

    Irish smiled at him and stood akimbo, "Jordan, your English is very fluent now. Do you forget the feeling of being defeated by me?"

    Hearing that, Jordan puckered his lips into a thin line, staring against her coldly with his sharp eyes. Looking carefully, she found that he looked very much like Joseph when he kept silent.

    After a long while, he then replied to her with his monstrous English. "I read from the book that we should respect women instead of opposing women."

    Hearing his words, Irish thought for a while, and then she figured out what he meant. He intended to express that he was not afraid of her because people shouldn''t treat women harshly but take care of them. She happened to read those words in a book before.

    Irish puckered her face into a smile and said, "Though you didn''t trante urately. I am grateful that you are a man worthy of being taught."

    "What?" Jordan was confused.

 Chapter 468 468: She Is A Jinx

    Irish couldn''t helpughing when she saw him frown out of confusion.

    Afterughing shortly, she then exined, "I mean, you are smart."

    Jordan red at her and spoke in English, "What a strange woman!" After finishing his words, he was about to leave.

    "Hey!" Irish stopped him while Jordan turned back at her and frowned.

    She reached out to him, and he then stepped to her hesitantly, holding her hands reluctantly, "You are really an eventful woman." He said while pulling her up.

    Irish wore a pair of high-heeled shoes, and Jordan pulled her at full tilt, so she staggered while standing up. Seeing this, Jordan hastily held her while she identally fell into his arms with a scream.

    He was as tall as Joseph, so at the moment when she fell into his arms, her nose hit his strong chest directly, which caused severe pain for her, and soon her eyes were full of tears. Jordan didn''t expect that he would hurt her because he just intended to prevent her from falling to the ground. He was at a loss about what to do but still held her waist while touching her nose with his other hands, "I am sorry. I am really sorry."

    His breath soon spread into her nose since they were at a close distance, while at the same time, her fragrance, as well as her plump body, made him blush soon.

    His arms were so strong, and his chest was sturdy, which made Irish realize that he was not a child anymore and that he was a twenty-year-old man with the bones of a mature man.

    She hastily pushed him away gently since she saw his face turn red. Then, covering her nose, she frowned and pretended to me him, "You did it on purpose. Even if you hate me, you don''t have to retaliate against me this way."

    Jordan was guilty and hastily waved his hands to Irish, "No, I didn''t mean that. If I take revenge...not on you." He said stutteringly.

    "You mean you don''t intend to retaliate against me, right?" She rolled her eyes at him about his poor English. Jordan nodded continuously.

    "But you hurt me just now." Irish pretended to be angry and pointed at her red nose, "My nose is in severe pain now." Hearing that, Jordan was even more anxious.

    Seeing his expression, Irish held back herughter, saying, "I can''t forgive you unless you tell me why you came here."

    Jordan changed his countenance after hearing that and asked anxiously, "Why asked me the reason? I ..."

    "It is because you hurt me just now."

    But he still pursed his lips into a line and kept silent.

    "You like cars very much, so you drove your brother''s car that day, but unfortunately, you were caught by the police.

    Jordan stared at her unpleasantly. Irish shrugged her shoulders since he kept silent and said, "Well, now that you don''t want to answer this question, I have another question for you."

    Jordan looked at her watchfully while Irish suddenly got close to him with her hands folded around her bosom. "Why did youe back to New York?"<novelnext></novelnext>

    Jordan looked even more restless.

    "Though you return, you refused to work in Runestone Group, so it has nothing to do with your job. Can you tell me the real reason?" She repeated her question.

    Jordan repressed his lips tightly and said harshly after a long while, "I don''t have to be responsible for your nose. Your nose is fake." After this, he turned to leave without looking back.

    Seeing that, naughty thoughts ran through her head. Irish shouted behind him, "Why do you know my nose is not real? I can tell you that I have tidied up my appearance at a high cost to tempt your brother." She said this deliberately.

    "Madwoman! Shameless!" He shouted at her from a distance.

    Irish found that he spoke English fluently when retaliating against her. When she was about to continue to joke with him, her phone rang suddenly. She took it out and found it was Joseph.

    She put it through, and when she was going to tell him that she had found Jordan cheerfully, he immediately spoke in his profound voice, "Come to the Lake family now. Your Uncle William was sent to the hospital because of food poisoning."

    ****

    The Lake family was in a mess, and everyone was in a panic.

    Irish forcibly took Jordan back to Joseph''s house, then rushed to the Lake family. When she arrived there, she found that police were already there who were interrogating people.

    Kelly, Lilith, Henry, and Roy were not there since they had been to the hospital, but Shirley was yelling in the living room, "What happened to our family? We can''t live here anymore. This house now seems like a haunted one."

    Irish heard that when she walked into the room, and she also saw Joseph, who put his hands into his pocket while answering the phone. He frowned and was running his sharp eyes over the servants who were epting the interrogation of the police. Ruby was sitting down beside Shirley, and she wasforting her.

    Ruby saw Irish first, and obviously, she was a little surprised when she saw her, but she said nothing. But soon Shirley also found her, and she stood up abruptly from the couch, pointing at Irish, and roared, "It must be her! She is a Foxtel! Please take her away! She is really a jinx."

    Irish was eager to p her and then turned away.

    Shirley''s yell soon attracted the police''s attention and Joseph''s. He turned back and frowned at Irish, who was still standing at the door, hanging up soon. Finally, he stepped forward but said to Shirley unexpectedly, "She happens toe here to prove her innocence."

    "She is a jinx! Even if it is not her who poisoned the food, it must be her who conjured up the ghost in this house."

    Irish didn''t want toe here at all, and if it weren''t for Joseph, she definitely wouldn''t have set foot here since she knew Shirley was a troublesome woman. But now that Shirley ndered her without any evidence, she didn''t want to leave without clearing her name.

    "Yes, I have conjured up the ghost to cope with you, old witch!" She sat down at the other end of the couch and replied slowly.

    Shirley''s face turned pale out of rage, while Ruby nced at Irish unpleasantly but said nothing after peeking at Joseph. Finally, the policeman who was responsible for this case walked toward her, and Irish smiled at him since she saw that he was the policeman who had interrogated her thest time. "Cap, do you need to bring me back to the police station for questioning if I conjured up the ghost inside this house?"

 Chapter 469 469: Someone Who Poisoned William

    The policeman was slightly shocked by her words and soon looked embarrassed while Joseph stepped in front of Irish, then asked the police calmly. "How''s it going?"

    The policeman lowered his voice and replied, "Let''s talk elsewhere."

    Then they walked towards the window, but Irish couldn''t hear clearly what they were talking about, so she had no choice but to look around.

    The servants were standing in two rows, of which the servants were employed by the Lake family, while another row of the servants were five people who were temporarily hired for help. They looked calmly while other servants in another row all appeared anxious.

    Upon checking their background these days secretly, Irish could recognize every servant in this house. She also knew about their basic information, including their age, length of service in the Lake family, family backgrounds, characteristics, and style of working.

    When Joseph was chatting with the police, she suddenly stood up and then walked to those servants. After seeing that, Ruby roared at her in a weak voice, "What are you going to do?"

    "I am going to conjure up the ghost to cope with your mom, the old witch! The next one shall be you!" Irish replied to her slowly.

    "You...you are..." Shirley was so irritated and would abuse her, but she had to stop since the policemen were near them. Ruby was also angry, and her face turned pale.

    Joseph also heard her words, so he turned back, took a look at her, and showed a faint smile.

    Those servants all greeted her politely, but she paced silently in front of them while staring at them.

    Finally, she stopped in front of the steward.

    "Miss." He called her politely. But Irish ignored him directly. Then, after pondering for a while, she asked, "Who is the first to see the ghost?"

    She called Joseph on her way to the Lake family and asked the basic information about this issue. William passed out when he was drinking tea this afternoon. It was fortunate that someone discovered and then called an ambnce immediately. The initial finding was he was being poisoned, which was exactly the same thing that happened to Shirley, who was hospitalized not long ago. But the servants all said that incidents urred to the Lake family continuously because the female ghost came to take revenge on them because they had done many wrongdoings before.

    In fact, the rumors had been spurred after Shirley was sent to the hospital, but William was also poisoned today, so they were all frightened. Moreover, several Lake family members dered that they had seen the ghost, especially Shirley.

    However, Irish didn''t believe in supernatural beings at all, and she also understood the reason why Joseph asked her toe here today. On the one hand, she could prove her innocence since she was nderedst time, and on the other hand, he may hope to find some clues about this.

    In fact, she didn''t want to poke her nose into this issue, and she thought it had nothing to do with whatever happened to the Lake family. And she even hoped there was a ghost to take revenge on them so as to release her hatred. But she was shocked by Henry''s words. He said that he had seen her mother, which aroused her interest, and she wanted to figure out the truth.

    After hearing her question, the steward hesitated and replied after a long while, "It is Ms. Shirley who said she saw the ghost in the garden."

    "You misunderstood me. I mean, who is the first to see a ghost among those servants?" Irish exined patiently, staring at his face motionlessly, and then added, "I know the servants also spread the words of ghosts animatedly. Are they echoing the views of others?"

    "In fact, they are parroting."

    "Ms. Irish, you''d better not get involved in it. This house turned haunted." A man standing beside the steward suddenly said to her mystically. "You see, Mrs. Shirley is poisoned first, and then Mr. William is also poisoned today, so Ms. Irish, you''d better not offend the ghost."<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish turned to him and tried to remember the information inside her mind.

    His name was Joie, and he was 26 years old and had only finished high school and remained unmarried. Two years ago, he nned to resign from his work here, but finally, he gave up this idea and kept working here. They all said he was diligent and easygoing though he was timid.

    Irish remembered that it was he who told the police during the interrogation that he saw her entering the kitchen that day but she didn''t have too much of an impression on him, so she spent two days trying to find out his information.

    Staring at the man before her, who was tall and thin and even looked overcautious and scared, Irish thought he was not an evil guy, so he asked him softly," Why are you sure that there is a ghost in this house?"

    Before he could reply to her, the steward said, "It is he who saw the ghost, and that''s why these servants spread the rumor about it."

    Irish was curious and then looked at him, "Are you sure you have seen it?"

    Joie nodded.

    Irish was confused, so she kept asking him about the details, and then Joie began to exin to her while trembling. It turned out that one night when he was on the night shift, he had to go to the yard to check whether the lights were on and when he was passing through the garden, he suddenly saw a faint red figure. He rubbed his eyes and ensured he didn''t make a mistake. The red figure floated to the house and finally attached to the window upstairs.

    Joie saw clearly that the window where the ghost was attached was William''s room. He was so frightened and rushed away soon but tumbled.

    Telling the event, Joie rolled up his sleeves, pointed at the wound on his arm, and said, "Look, my arm was scratched at that time."

    Irish nced at him, and when she swiped at his fingers asionally, she was slightly shocked.

    "There is no supernatural spirit in this world. Don''t spread the rumor anymore." She cleared her throat and said indifferently.

    "Ms. Irish....." Joie put on a long face.

    "You must be mistaken since it was dark at night. And there must be someone else who had poisoned him, but not a ghost."

    The policemen left at around half past five.

    Henry was still in the hospital, so there was only one man in the Lake family, and it was Joseph. He arranged everything in the house and ordered the steward to prepare dinner.

    When they were about to eat, Joseph then said, "Uncle William has been out of danger, but he was still in aa. In order to avoid causing disturbance to the public, the police decided not to block the entire house, except for the site where Uncle William was poisoned. I have ordered the servants not to go to Uncle William''s room, and you shouldn''t go there too. The police had set a cordon there."

    Irish sat across from Joseph and felt upset since she saw he was busy managing the affairs of the Lake family, especially when she saw Ruby acting like a lenient woman beside him. She was even more depressed. It gave her the feeling that she was indeed Joseph''s mistress, watching her beloved man manage affairs for his wife''s family.

    She looked like an outsider again.

 Chapter 470 470: You Scared Me

    It was natural that Irish would be upset because Joseph didn''t even look at her straight. William was poisoned, but he stayed with Ruby as her husband andforted Shirley as her son-inw. But he talked with her indifferently on the phone.

    Furious, she decided to release her anger on the food. She forked a piece of meat at full tilt, causing a harsh sound when the fork touched the te. Shirley was so annoyed and shouted, "What are you doing? Don''t you know about table manners?"

    Irish mmed the fork on the table and offended her, "Well, do you want to teach me table manners now?"

    "You are a jinx. It is you who bring misfortune to the Lake family."

    "If I were a jinx, you would have died ten years ago as you stole another woman''s husband!" Irish was also irritated by her arrogance and argued harshly.

    "Enough." A calm but deep voice sounded. It was Joseph.

    Everyone shut up immediately, and the steward took another fork to Irish, taking back the one she used just now silently.

    "Isabel, stay here tonight," Joseph said again. Though he said indifferently with neither too loud nor a weak voice, it was irresistible.

    Irish was shocked. Not only her, Shirley, and Ruby were all shocked by his words. "Let''s eat now." He said indifferently again.

    Irish was taken to the room by the steward where she stayedst time.

    The fresh smell of lemon was suffused in the room, which relieved her, and the steward asked the servants to change another set of bedding for her. But in Irish''s opinion, there was no difference whether to change or not because all of the sheets and quilt cover were white, which reached the standard of a five-star hotel.

    Therefore, it couldn''t give her a feeling of being home.

    When everything was done, and the steward was about to leave, Irish called and stopped him suddenly.

    "Ms. Irish, what else can I do for you?"

    Irish licked her lips and asked hesitantly, "Which room does Joseph live in tonight?"

    Obviously, the steward didn''t expect that she would ask like this, so he was shocked slightly and then hastily replied, "He lives in the same room with Ms. Ruby." He replied while looking at her as if she had asked a ridiculous question.

    When the door was finally closed, she fell onto the bed and felt that there was a knife stabbing her heart. It felt painful and suffocating.

    She couldn''t figure out how he would get along with Ruby and when she thought he had to stay in the same room with another woman, she felt tortured by this thought.

    It was different fromst time, and she didn''t feel upset at all since she only wanted to y a trick with him and she thought he was Ruby''s husband, so it was natural for them to live together and even make love with each other. But it was different now since she thought that Joseph was her man, so how could she bear him to live in the same room with another woman?

    Taking over the phone, she sent a message to him. "Joseph, what are you doing?"

    Irish had no choice, but she could only contact him through this way instead of knocking on the door of his room directly. She didn''t get his response immediately, so she felt distracted and got out of bed, pacing back and forth in the room.

    Several minutester, her phone vibrated.<novelnext></novelnext>

    She hastily took a look at it. It was a message from Joseph which read, "I am busy." He just replied with three simple words to her without any emotion.

    Irish stared at the message for a long while and felt disappointed. He was aloof with her.

    She couldn''t let off steam through the message, so sheforted herself that perhaps he was busy with his work and probably dealing with some important matter for the Lake family, so she did not reply to his message and went out of the room. She was about to idle in the garden since the so-called ghost appeared there.

    It was extremely quiet in the garden, and it was also deserted during the day because it was not the blooming season.

    However, Irish heard a slight sound inside, so she stepped softly, walking in. The moonlight was very bright, and the ground was covered with ayer of silver-white light.

    She saw a man''s tall figure under the moonlight and a woman''s petite figure, holding his arms anxiously.

    Irish stopped abruptly.

    However, she incidentally stepped at the withered leaves and made a slight sound that rmed two of them not far away. The man turned back, staring at Irish''s eyes which looked a little depressed, while the woman also looked back.

    She patted her chest and took a deep breath, "It''s you. You scared me!"

    Irish pursed her lips into a thin line, and she was eager to respond, "Yes, it''s me. I am sorry that I disturbed you." But she held back the words and just stared at the man under the moonlight, looking at his calmness. It turned out that he was busy apanying Ruby here.

    Joseph stepped forward, and his tall figure almost covered her, "Do you think something will happen tonight?"

    He didn''t deliberately exin to her but told her the reason why he was there while maintaining hisposure.

    Irish also knew that he was not taking a walk here with Ruby, and perhaps he had the same idea as her and came here to check if there was any abnormality. But why was Ruby also there and even held his arms?

    It was really annoying!

    "I don''t know." She replied with a distant voice.

    "What if there is a ghost?" Ruby also stepped forward, standing beside Joseph, and asked anxiously.

    Irish took an unpleasant look at her and said, "If there is a ghost, it indicates that your families have done many wrongdoings."

    "Watch your words." Ruby was also unpleasant.

    "Do I need to say apliment to you?" Irish said sarcastically.

    "Don''t argue here." Joseph frowned. Ruby red at Irish while Irish snorted and was about to leave.

    "Where are you going?" Joseph''s voice sounded behind.

 Chapter 471 471: Don’t Stay With Her

    Irish didn''t look back but replied indifferently, "I am going to check out inside the garden."

    "I have checked it already," Joseph said again.

    Irish stopped, turned back at him, and replied, "But I still want to recheck it." Then, after finishing her words, she stopped there motionlessly.

    She hoped he would step toward her in the next second and said softly that he would go with her.

    But Joseph just stood there calmly, and she couldn''t feel any of his consideration.

    Irish kept yelling in her heart, "Joseph,e with me. Don''t stay with her."

    They were so close to each other that she could see his expression clearly and perceive that he did not intend to go with her.

    But Ruby suddenly said at this time, "You''d better check out at day since it is full of dew inside the garden."

    Irish didn''t reply but stared at Joseph.

    The moonlight fell on his face, and he looked more well-defined. There was the light flickering in his eyes, but it soon vanished. Then, after a few minutes, he said indifferently. "Take care of yourself."

    Irish felt that her heart was sour after hearing that.

    What''s wrong with him?

    Joseph turned to leave after finishing his words, but soon his voice sounded again. "Let''s go."

    It was for Ruby.

    Ruby took a look at Irish, reached out her arms, and walked away with him while Joseph didn''t push her away.

    They looked like lovers in the distance. Irish stood there motionlessly and clenched her hands.

    Her heart was aching.

    As soon as they returned to the room, Joseph found the first aid kit, handed it to Ruby, and asked, "What''s wrong with your leg?"

    Ruby took off her shoes and found that her ankle was scratched, so she held Joseph all the way into the garden.

    She took a look at it and sighed slightly.

    "It is bleeding. No wonder it hurts."

    Joseph took out the hydrogen peroxide and asked, "Do you need my favor?"

    "No, I can do it myself." Ruby took the gauze and the hydrogen peroxide and began cleaning up the wound while chatting with him, "Joseph, why didn''t I meet you first? If I met you earlier than Emery, perhaps I would fall in love with you."

    Joseph felt agitated that shepared him with a woman, so he replied helplessly, "But Emery is a woman in my eyes."

    Hearing of that, Ruby red at him. He said nothing but sat beside her and looked at her cleaning her wounds. He looked distracted.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "What happened to you?" Ruby asked suddenly.

    Hearing that, Joseph was vignt.

    But Ruby smiled and put a big band-aid on her ankle. "Don''t worry, I don''t mean anything now that you have arranged a retreat route for Emery and me. But it seems that something happened to you."

    Joseph looked a little restless.

    "You must love her so much, right?" Ruby asked again since she rarely saw him would have mood swings, but he frowned several times for Irish.

    Joseph stood up and avoided her question, "You should have a good rest." He said calmly.

    "Where are you going?"

    "I am going to the study room," Joseph replied and walked to the door.

    "But Irish is in the garden now." Ruby held her legs and said leisurely.

    Joseph''s hands stopped for a second, but soon he opened the door and walked out without looking back.

    ****

    The house of Lake''s family was built in a quiet ce, so it was noiseless at night. It was different from the house in the bustling city, which was full of noise even in the middle of the night.

    Irish checked roughly in the garden and then returned back since it was full of dew at night, just as Ruby said, and her shoes were wet. A man came into her face when she walked along the long corridor and was about to return to the room. It was Joie who told her the details about the ghost, and he lowered his head with a shlight in his hand. He was startled when he saw Irish and was surprised when he knew she had juste back from the garden. Joie hastily persuaded her not to go there since the female ghost was so scary.

    Irish didn''t reply as if she was in thought, and when Joie was about to leave, she called him and said, "Which window is the female ghost attached to?"

    Joie turned on his shlight and pointed at one of the windows. Unfortunately, the light of the shlight was eclipsed by the headlights in front of the old house, but the light of the room where he pointed was not lit, so the shlight did work.

    Irish looked up along the light and found that the window was in the dark, which looked like the eyes of monsters lurking in the deathly stillness and reflected the cold light.

    "Unless I see the ghost with my own eyes, or it must be a man who is ying a prank with us." She said word by word and gnashed her teeth.

    Joie''s face turned pale out of fear, and she told her not to say that.

    Irish went back to her room and only turned on the night light. The crystal reflected the soft light. She felt a little cold since she just came back from outside, so she raised the temperature of the heater. After curling up on the couch, she soon felt warm.

    Irish nced at the shoes and found that the shoes were dry, and only the mottled water stains fell on the upper.

    But she still couldn''t figure out what was wrong with Joseph.

    He scolded the senior leaders in thepany first and then argued with Jordan, and now he even treated her with an aloof attitude. Irish was confused, and she didn''t know if she had made a mistake, but finally, she came to a conclusion that he must be afraid that the Lake family would be suspicious of their rtionship now that he didn''t file a divorce with Ruby now, so he couldn''t be intimate with her.

    Thinking of that, Irish was relieved somehow and was not angry with him.

    Irish was always good at simplifying things, so whatever she met, she would adjust her bad mood and focus on one thing.

 Chapter 472 472: You Said You Love Me

    She took over a bolster and checked the personal information, which was the introduction of the servants in the Lake family. She read again and again and felt something weird.

    An hour passed, and she began to feel sleepy. She nced at the time and found it was already midnight. It seemed that nothing would happen tonight.

    Irish was a little disappointed, putting down the papers in her hand, and couldn''t help wondering if Joseph had slept.

    The warm air from the heater swiped from her cheeks and felt snug. She took the remote control again, and when she was about to turn down the temperature, she suddenly stopped.

    Her mind seemed to have been knocked open for a moment, a little light shifting in, and her mind, which was in a mess, was suddenly enlightened.

    There were many people in the Lake family of various ages, including old and young, so the central heater was not installed in the house to satisfy the needs for different temperatures.

    Unlike the cool autumn, as usual, it was a warm autumn this year, and there was enough sunlight pouring into the room, so it would not be so cold at night.

    It reminded her that after dinner, she heard the steward scold a servant because he entered William''s room while the servants felt wronged and exined that he had just sent back the remote control to Mr. William''s room. He was afraid William would be angry if he couldn''t find the remote control when he came back because he was not used to the cold temperature.

    Irish looked up at the heater in her room, where there was a fixed heater hole. The warm air was discharged from it. She got close to it and realized why there was a smell of lemon.

    William was the one who was most afraid of the cold temperature, which meant he was the first to turn on the heater.

    Thinking of that, the train of thought suddenly parted, and she couldn''t link all the clues together. Irish frowned but still felt something weird, so she mmed the papers on the tea table and decided that she had to make another specific interrogation tomorrow.

    Irish got no clues that night and was tired, so she walked to the washroom while yawning.

    She took a shower, put on a disposable nightgown in the bathroom, and walked out. She then extinguished the lights in the living room and pushed the door into the bedroom.

    But when she stepped onto her bed, she felt an unusual airflow from the heater. She was a little nervous and turned vignt.

    When she was about to rush to turn on the light beside the bed, she saw a figure walking toward her under the faint moonlight in the room. Soon the unusual airflow formed a rapid air collision and flocked to her.

    When she was going to scream, her mouth was covered by a big hand.

    She opened her mouth and intended to bite the hand subconsciously, but soon she was mmed down to the bed. Therefore, she reached out her hands and was going to fight back, but soon her wrists were also held tightly, and a low voice sounded beside her ears, "Don''t be afraid. It''s me."

    It was a voice she was familiar with and missed every day.

    Irish soon was like a deted ball, and her tension vanished immediately. When the man''s hands moved away, she softly fell on the bed, pinching his arms, and said, "Why did you scare me here?"

    He also had taken a shower but with a new bath foam which covered his woody fragrance that she was familiar with. That was why she couldn''t recognize him immediately.<novelnext></novelnext>

    But Joseph still pressed her without moving, embracing her slender waist with his arms, and smiled in the darkness.

    There was only faint moonlight in the room. Irish turned back and stared at his cheeks, which looked more handsome under the light.

    She felt wronged, so she supported her upper body andined in a low voice, "Haven''t you gone back with Ruby? I thought you would stay in her room tonight."

    "Are you jealous?" Joseph showed a faint smile, and his eyes looked like the ocean at night, deep and siren.

    Irish felt a little weird to see him from his perspective. Though he was smiling, it was shadowy. She bit her lips and replied, "I am not jealous at all."

    In fact, she was a little angry, but he had exined it to her in the garden. What''s more, she couldn''t prevent him if he intended to covet another woman, let alone that there must be many young girls who wanted to be with him, so if she didn''t trust him, she would be exhausted.

    But he still loved her, or he wouldn''te to her tonight.

    When she was about to turn over and hold him, acting like a spoiled kid in front of him, he drew back his arms and pressed on her back with his face buried in her long hair. Then, he whispered beside her, "You are not jealous? Are you serious?"

    "Yes, why do I have to be jealous?" Irish was cheerful and joked with him deliberately. Unfortunately, his breath also ticked her neck, so she shrunk and turned to the other side.

    Unexpectedly, Joseph held her face, his lips lowering, and whispered ambiguously, "You said you love me."

    "Don''t frolic here." Irish smiled softly, avoiding his lips, and felt relieved since he finally came to her and she had something to ask him about William''s poisoning.

    Joseph tightened his hands and pressed her body, kissing her earlobe gently, which gave her a violent shudder. And then his voice sounded again, "Then who are you jealous of?"

    Irish was confused about his stubbornness. Though she wanted to turn over, she couldn''t move at all, so she had to admit, "Well, I was jealous just now. Joseph, I can''t breathe."

    "It sounds perfunctory," Joseph said while his hands moved to her abdomen, pulling down the cross straps of her nightgown, and his hands slipped into it.

    His hands were slightly cold, which gave her goosebumps, "I am cold."

    "You will be warmed up soon." Joseph pushed aside her nightgown, and her slender legs were immediately exposed to the cool air that looked white and tender as jade.

    Irish didn''t expect that he would do this and was startled by him, reaching her hands and holding his wrist while shaking her head violently, "Are you crazy? We are in the Lake family now; what if they will find us doing something."

    "Are you afraid?" Joseph smiled and whispered beside her ears, "Or you don''t love me?"

    "Joseph..."

 Chapter 473 473: Honey, Let Me Attend To You, Okay?

    Joseph''s finger caressed her body and then slipped to her plump breast, rubbing while Irish couldn''t help groaning. His lips moved along her ears to her sexy lips and said, "Isn''t it more exciting in a sneaky way? I thought you would like it."

    Irish trembled and then shook her head.

    "Do you want to feel more excited?" His fingers slipped from her abdomen to her legs, showing a faint smile, "We can also make love on the balcony."

    Irish panted and groaned. Perhaps she was stimted by his words or because of his fingers that entered her most sensitive part suddenly, but Joseph lowered his head and kissed her, blocking her voice to avoid the words he was eager to hear or was afraid to hear.

    His kiss was so mighty and overbearing, which led to pain in her lips. He bit her lips which hurt her, but she could only snort to resist him. His newly-grown beard on his chin pricked her cheeks, leaving the burning pain to her, and her tears almost shed down.

    As the time spent with Joseph grew longer, Irish found that the more she resisted, the more she would be hurt. He was like a male lion in the jungle, and he could treat you gently, but he could also bite your throat. If you chose to run away, it would stimte him to the utmost extent, and you would die even worse.

    He did treat her like this before, and as a result, she was tortured only with the strength of gasping. Therefore, when his kiss turned mighty and overbearing, Irish gave up resisting and tried her best to cater to him. Though she still felt pain, it was much better, and at least he would not be irritated.

    As expected, her soft tongue and her obedient attitude led him to be more considerate. His kiss turned damp and hot, and after intertwining with her tongue for a while, he began to kiss her delicate chin.

    Her cheek was pressing on the soft bed, and when he kissed her, she called his name and said softly, "I love you."

    Hearing that, he suddenly stopped, and Irish could easily feel his slightly rigid body.

    At the following second, her body was turned over by his hands. She looked up and could see his indeterminate expression under the moonlight while he also stared at her with his deep and soft eyes.

    Though Irish was afraid of him like this, he was her beloved man. Therefore, she reached out and embraced his neck, biting her lips, "I know you are in a bad mood today. I have seen that you scolded many senior leaders of yourpany. Were you very stressed when we came back to New York? There are so many things you have to deal with, your business, the affairs of the Lake family, your private affairs, and the problem between us."

    She tightened her arms, reached out, poked her fingers into his hair, and said softly, "I don''t know what to do to cheer you up and make you rxed, but if you like to relieve yourself in this way, then...." She stopped for a second and then continued with a feeble voice, "Can you be gentle? It really hurts me."

    Joseph was a man with strong lust, with great passion. Irish had already known this when she made love with him for the first time. His skillful love skills drove her crazy.

    She enjoyed his passion because he would lead her to the madness step by step, and he explored all of her enthusiasm and carted him to the delirious sexual experience.

    But at the same time, she was also afraid of his passion since he could please her in bed, and naturally, he could make her suffer, especially when he was angry. When he entered her body crassly, she would feel severe pain while her body would reject his big maleness, but it would excite him to the utmost extent.<novelnext></novelnext>

    So Irish was afraid he would treat her like that tonight.

    Joseph stared at her in the darkness while his eyes were too profound to figure out what he was thinking. Finally, she looked up quietly but found he was still staring at her, so she mumbled, "Joseph."

    The man over her body frowned slightly and then moved away from her unexpectedly, lying down on the edge of the bed. His sturdy chest heaved and kept silent, which made her flustered.

    Irish took the initiative to lean on him, her headid on his strong arm, and then looked up at him, fondling his well-defined chin, and whispered softly, "Honey, let me attend to you, okay?" She thought he had misunderstood what she was reluctant to do. Joseph turned to her but said nothing, just ring at her quietly.

    Irish smiled softly, leaning forward and kissing him, licking his lips gently, and then mumbled, "I will love you no matter how you treat me."

    She said sincerely, and she knew that it was her predestined fate to love him, and she had never expected she would meet a man like him who made her experience the great joy of love, though she had to face some hardships at the beginning. However, she had never lost her confidence in being with him.

    Her lips moved along his chin and fell on Adam''s apple.

    However, in the following second, she was pulled up by Joseph, and then she heard him sigh heavily, embracing her into his arms and stopping her next movement.

    Irish leaned on him quietly, hearing his steady heartbeat, looking at his chin and fondling his newly-grow beard while Joseph took the chance to hold her finger, kissing gently.

    It seemed that he had calmed down, and then Irish asked tentatively, "Are you annoyed by the disagreeableness in the Lake family?"

    Joseph stared at her, his eyes shadowed by ayer of haze, and lowered his head, kissing her head as if absorbed in thought, "No, it''s the matter of my work that made me very upset."

    He lied to her.

    Irish blinked her eyes and asked with a sweet voice, "Can I turn on the light?"

    Joseph raised his eyes, reaching out, and then turned on the nightmp.

    The light soon dispelled the cold moonlight, which was soft and not dazzling. Irish pressed over him, ncing at him, and said with feeling, "I miss you so much."

 Chapter 474 474: I Miss You Everyday

    Hearing that, his tight eyebrows soothed slightly, smiling softly and pushing aside her hair, saying meaningfully, "I thought you would not miss me."

    "Nonsense, I miss you every day." Irish was relieved a little since he finally talked with her and then continued, "I bought a gift for you. Have you opened it?"

    Joseph then recalled the gift Daisy handed him, which was still on his desk. He thought for a while and asked, "What''s it?"

    Irish was shocked slightly since he was abnormal. He would be pleased if she presented a gift to him, but now he even didn''t open it. Though confused, she smiled faintly and said mystically, "You have to check it out in person."

    He didn''t make a detailed inquiry but asked suddenly, "Did you do anything wrong?"

    Irish was astonished, and her heart trembled slightly, "What?" The first thought that came to her was that he had known her secret, but soon she thought it was impossible. How could he know she went for a blind date today? Thinking of this, she tried to see through his mind but found his eyes were so profound and she couldn''t figure out what he was thinking, so she was unsure if it was just a joke with her.

    But Joseph then said slowly with a faint smile, but his eyes looked a little gloomy, "You usually want to move the mall home after shopping. But you just bought a gift for me today. It is not your style."

    Though his chest was suffused with anger, he...

    He had to trust her because she said she loved him very much. Though it was undeniable that she went on a blind date with another man named Adam, though she lied to him, he still persuaded himself to trust her.

    His hand on his side was also clenched. He had never been a worthless wretch.

    He even thought he would turn into a wimp if he saw Irish having sex with another man someday. Then he got the answer: though she had betrayed him, he was still reluctant to let her go.

    Irish was soon relieved by his words and puckered her face into a smile, getting close to his face and joking with him, "Gifts make your power weak. I dare not spend your money casually, so I have to please you with the gift first since you are my money tree, so that I will have endless money in the future."

    Joseph smiled faintly, but he was so depressed that Irish lied to him naturally, keeping a straight face. He felt that his heart was broken and was bleeding. He could even feel the smell of his blood.

    Perhaps she had forgotten that he knew her so well, and she would be obedient when she did something wrong. The gist was the best evidence.

    "Take the card, and you can buy anything you want. There is no need to save money for me." Joseph whispered to her, pushing aside her hair.

    He was never afraid of her spending his money, but he was afraid that she would let him down.

    Irish shook her head and said, "No. I have money."<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Keep the card." Joseph frowned and was a little impatient.

    He would rather she spent his money to kill time but was reluctant she would stay with another man.

    Irish was perturbed since she perceived his unpleasant voice. She still couldn''t figure out why he had violent mood swings today, so she nodded and then held him tightly, "Okay, I will take it." Staring at him, she tried to find out the reason for his mood swings, and then she continued to joke with him to ease the fluky atmosphere," Don''t take me as Grande, and I will spend all of your money."

    Joseph stared at her and smiled, "Okay." Then he reached out and hugged her. He deceived himself and could ignore the unpleasant things as long as she would be with him and told him she loved him.

    After a long while, Irish sighed slightly in his arms and said, "Joseph, I have something to discuss with you."

    He looked at her and waited.

    "I want to stay here tomorrow night." She said as if she was pondering while Joseph was puzzled.

    "I never believe in supernatural spirits, and it must be fictitious. If the murderer is still in the Lake family, he will definitely uproot the person investigating this matter. Perhaps the murderer is also focusing on my movement. Now that nothing happened tonight, I am afraid that he will take some action tomorrow."

    Joseph also hoped to find out the truth as soon as possible, so he hesitated for a while and replied, "Well, I will adjust my trip tomorrow and try my best toe here tomorrow night."

    "No, you misunderstood me." Irish looked up at him with her firm eyes and exined, "I mean, I want to stay here myself. You can''t be here. I am afraid the murderer won''t show up if there is a man in this house."

    Joseph absolutely would not agree with her because he worried about her. What''s more, if the murderer really hid in the Lake family, she would be the target too.

    But Irish promised him she would take care of herself since she was light-fingered. No matter how she persuaded Joseph, he didn''t allow her to risk her life. Finally, after a long while, Irish said to him, "You told me that you felt weird about the poisoning this time, and so did I. And I felt it was strange when I came here."

    "What do you think is strange?"

    Irish then began to put her ideas into shape. When it came to William being poisoned, she would recall that it also urred to Shirley thest time. She thought before that it was just an ident for Shirley because even if Shirley died out of food poisoning, no one would benefit from it, which meant that actually there was no unambiguous beneficial owner. And there was no need for Henry to kill his wife, even though he may have realized she was a vicious woman. He would definitely not adopt this extreme way.

    Irish also analyzed if it was out of a conflict of interest and if the culprit did this for the sake of the shares in Shirley''s hand. It didn''t make sense since the shares would not be handed to an outsider. What''s more, she only owned a few shares.

    But it was also impossible if the culprit intended to vent his anger. Who would be so stupid to risk his own life to kill her if there was no deep-seated hatred?

 Chapter 475 475: A Smell Of Lemon

    Through all these points, she thought it must be an ident and that the real person the murderer intended to kill was not Shirley.

    She also wondered if the target person was Henry, then why William was poisoned too.

    "I am sure that the target person is William from the beginning," Irish added to the main point.

    "Shirley was poisoned because she ate the dessert that did not belong to her after the meal. And it is definitely an ident for the murderer since he couldn''t expect who would not eat the dessert.

    But it wasplicated for William''s case.

    ording to the steward, the Lake families were used to drinking afternoon tea around half past three. William had been ustomed to the habit for so many years, let alone the hot tea would make him feel warm since he was afraid of cold days.

    Everyone was at home today except for Roy, Ruby, and Kelly, who went out to buy tea. And the servants would not serve the tea mistakenly since all of them were in their own rooms, so the murderer''s goal was obvious.

    Joseph nodded since he also agreed with Irish''s analysis. The policemen had made a specific inquiry to those servants and decided that those five temporarily hired people didn''t get the chance to get close to their bedroom since they were hired to do some outdoor work. Kelly was also taken to the police station when she went back, but Joseph didn''t think she was the murderer since she had no motive to do that.

    Therefore, perhaps the murderer would be among those servants.

    "I think the murderer didn''t put the poison in the tea. It was used to cover up the story." Irish made an assumption and then added, "But you have to help me to analyze since I always feel there is something I can''t figure out."

    Joseph also mentioned some suspicious points to her on the phone. Though she had some ideas, she couldn''t find evidence to support her idea.

    The poisoned process for Shirley and William was the same, but they had different symptoms after being poisoned. At least Shirley hadn''t been in aa for so long. What''s more, it could tell that William just took a small sip of the tea to find out the temperature of the tea based on the amount of the tea left over.

    "William would be used to drinking the tea with proper temperature, so he would try it first, and he would not drink if it were cold or hot." Joseph squinted and added, "But the size of the cup, the number of snacks, and the water level of the tea in the cup are all of the same standards, so he did not drink the tea at all. Even if he was poisoned by the tea left over in his lips, it was unreasonable that he would have been in aa for such a long time."

    It was the detail he found this afternoon, but he was confused if the tea did not poison William, then what would it be?

    However, Irish was enlightened by his words, and she stood up abruptly, grabbed Joseph''s arm, and asked, "The heater."

    It was what she couldn''t see through because she didn''t know that William didn''t drink too much tea but only knew he was in aa. In this way, her assumption was right, and the murderer had envenomed elsewhere, and the tea was just a camouge.

    But Joseph was confused by her words.

    Irish reached out and fanned before him, "What do you smell?"<novelnext></novelnext>

    Joseph frowned and said, "A smell of lemon." He had smelt this upon entering the house, but he could hardly smell it as time passed by.

    Irish nodded and stared at him while her eyes were flickering.

    Joseph was smart and soon got the key point, "Someone added the air-purifying items to the heater, so there is the smell of lemon." He thought the servant sprayed the air fresheners into the room.

    But it was not fresh news since many hotels would add some air purifiers into the air conditioners and heaters to purify the air.

    He didn''t notice it because he hardly came here and he also didn''t feel cold, so he didn''t turn on the heater. And in the killing freeze days, the geothermal system would start over, so there was no need to use the heater.

    "Are you suspecting that someone tried to kill William through the airflow from the heater?" Now that the aroma of lemon can be added to the heater, it also can release the poison gas.

    Moreover, William was the only one who used the heater these days and was alone in the room.

    Irish took a deep breath and nodded again, "Perhaps we will find out the clues if we go to check the heater now."

    But Joseph shook his head and said, "But the heater broke down just thirty minutes after William was sent to hospital, so it was moved away. We can''t find out the evidence from that now."

    "What a coincidence!" Irish was more assured, and it was no wonder a servant would send back the remote control to William''s room at dinner time. It must have been left in the living room when the heater was moved away and was searched by the police.

    "ording to our analysis, the murderer is very familiar with the electrical circuit, so he knew when to put the poison at a proper time. Therefore, even if someone intends to investigate itter, it is impossible to find out any evidence anymore." Joseph said while thinking.

    "There are five people responsible for the circuit maintenance in the Lake family. Do you think the murderer will be one of them?"

    Joseph thought for a while and replied, "A culprit acts like a cop? I don''t think he would be so audacious."

    Irishy down again and bit her lips tightly.

    Joseph moved slightly and leaned on the bed, reaching out to caress her hair and suggested, "You can try to analyze the mentality of the murderer, and perhaps you could find out the clues soon."

    After a while, Irish stared at the ceiling and said slowly, "I am afraid he is in a dangerous mental state."

    Joseph held her and frowned, "Why do you say this?"

 Chapter 476 476: A Kind Of Method

    She nced at his eyes, and it also seemed that she was looking elsewhere and looking worried. "If the murderer is just a servant, then it indicated that he must bear a deep grudge against William for many years. As far as I am concerned, the Lake family barely hires new people. Those servants have been working here for more than three years. But the murderer decided to take action now, which means that he has lived in hatred for a long time and must keep finding the chance to kill William. People would have different logical thinking when they tried tomit a crime. From the incident of William, I can tell that the murderer is hot-headed now since he poisoned two people twice in such a short time, though he had borne the grudge for many years. He is eager to achieve his goal and wants to take revenge as soon as possible. He is usually sober, but his psychological thinking is fragile and radical."

    Talking about that, she stared at Joseph''s eyes and continued, "But you reminded me just now. I have a method to find out the murderer. Even though I can''t find out who he is immediately, I think I can get some clues from that."

    "What kind of method?" Joseph asked.

    "I will use a simple method to find out some people who are suspicious." Irish blinked while saying.

    "Tell me the details." Joseph was interested in it.

    "When I had my criminal psychology courses before, the professor told us that we can find out the criminal through his behaviors, eyes and even his logical thinking because his psychology must be different from the ordinary people." Irish stared at him and exined, "When we are faced with a case of mental illness, we will adopt the method of testing, using some simple questions to measure the mental state of the patient and then analyze the answer to get a conclusion. We will use different questions when facing various symptoms. So don''t look down upon this test because a man with mental problems will definitely answer differently from ordinary people."

    Joseph nced at her and waited for her to continue.

    "Well, I will give you two popr questions now." Irish sat up and tightened her nightgown. "These two questions are about criminal psychology and criminal BT psychology. I used them for case analysis when I was in school, but now they have be jokes amongizens."

    "Okay." Joseph nodded, and he was willing to ept the test.

    "You are sleepless one night, enjoying the beautiful scenery on the balcony, but you happened to witness a murder. When you are about to call the police, the murderer suddenly discovers you and looks at you directly. But soon you find that he points in the direction where you are, then please tell me why." Irish asked him the first question.

    "He is trying to tell me that he has remembered me," Joseph replied after thinking for a while.

    Irish smiled after hearing his answer.

    "Is that the right answer?" He was curious.

    "It is an answer of ordinary logical thinking. But don''t forget that it is actually a test for the consciousness of the criminals." Irish looked at him and then said, "The correct answer is that he is counting the floors you are standing on."

    "Well, herees the second question." Irish cleared her throat and continued, "Let''s assume that you are a thief and you sneak into a rich man''s house to steal, but you are discovered by the owner who goes to the toilet at midnight, and he runs to a cupboard without a lock. You have a knife in your hand, and what will you do next?"<novelnext></novelnext>

    Joseph kept silent for nearly a minute and then answered, "I will wait for him to go out and kill him with the knife."

    It was a chilling answer while Joseph was speechless.

    Irish was startled by his answer, looking at him like a stranger.

    Seeing that, Joseph smiled and said, "I am afraid it is close to the correct answer, right?"

    Irish nodded.

    "Well, what kind of conclusion you have drawn through the answer." Joseph smiled and added, "After getting the logic from the first question, it is easier for me to answer the second question.

    "The questions seem with the same logic, but I can infer your mental state from your answer based on the two identity assumptions on you." Irish smiled, and it looked reluctant.

    Joseph also perceived her vignce from her eyes and said helplessly, "You are too sensitive. You can''t judge people''s mental state in this way."

    ''You are wrong. In fact, the questions don''t matter at all, and there is no standard answer for this kind of question. We focus on the respondent''s logical direction to answer the question. Yes, we can''t decide the mental statepletely through the questions, but we can have an overall understanding of the psychology of the respondent."

    Joseph thought for a while and replied with a smile, "Well, then you can analyze my psychology through these two questions."

    Irish took a deep breath and pulled his hands, crossing with his slender fingers, "You are the passive part in the first question, and through your answer, I can tell that you will be vignt if you are passive. But in the second question, you are the attacker, and I learned that you are good at scheming, and you are sober but cruel."

    "Huh?" He raised his eyebrows slightly.

    "It could also be used to analyze yourmercial means." Irish stared at his fingers and said quietly, "You are a man who is good at plundering. You are ferocious when attacking others or piging the profit from others. You are intolerable to others'' betrayal or unreasonableness. Once defended by others, you will beposed outwardly, but in fact, you will torture the person who offended you in a calm and patient way. And if you suffer a setback, you won''t trust anyone as a hedgehog and wait for an opportunity to kill the other. You always advance gradually and entrench yourself at every step. Your opponents who don''t know you well will have a bad result in the end, just like the trip to South Africa. I take it as a bloodless killing business trip."

 Chapter 477 477: Are You Afraid Of Me?

    After hearing this, Joseph smiled over her head, "Isabel, you are too exaggerated."

    Irish then looked up at his eyes and replied briefly, "Perhaps I am."

    "Anyway, you can''t stay here alone." Obviously, he didn''t want to continue this topic.

    "You have to trust me." Irish clenched his hands and said seriously.

    "I am afraid you will be hurt."

    "The test is just a camouge, and I just want to know if the murderer will give himself away." Irish insisted and then licked her lips and continued, "What''s more, you have let me get involved in this matter, so there is no way for me to retreat. My instinct tells me that the same person directs the ghost events as well as the poisoning affair. And it is not an ident since too many incidents are inevitable."

    But Joseph still shook his head.

    "Well, we can keep in contact tomorrow, and if I find something wrong, I will call you immediately." Irish tried to persuade him.

    Joseph had no choice but agreed with her since he knew she was a stubborn woman, but then he added, "I will stay near Lake''s family after work tomorrow, and in this way, I can arrive here in time as soon as you are trapped in danger. Remember, don''t allow anyone to leave the Lake family tomorrow, and I have urged the steward."

    But Irish was confused by his words.

    "It''s easy. If the murderer intends to kill William, then he will do something desperate, then I can find him out." Joseph exined to her.

    Irish was enlightened by his words, "Well, good idea. I will tell all of them William has already awakened."

    Joseph reached and patted her head while Irish leaned on him again.

    "Are you afraid of me?" Joseph looked down at her and asked.

    "Yes." Irish replied bluntly, pulling his arms and staring at his eyes, and added, "But I don''t think you will hurt me."

    He smiled faintly after hearing her response.

    "I like your smile. I will solve the problem with you soon, and can''t it make you happy?" She reached out, poking his mouth.

    Joseph pulled her hands, biting her suddenly, which stunned Irish.

    "Ouch!" Irish cried out in pain and red at him.

    Joseph puckered his lips, pulled her into his arms, and sighed heavily.

    "Don''t be so serious. Do you know I am scared by your graveness?" Irish said while wrapping her arms around his neck.

    "Really?" He didn''t say what he wanted to say.

    "Yes." Irish took his hands to her chest deliberately and said, "Feel it. My heart is beating so fast."<novelnext></novelnext>

    She could feel his warmth through the nightgown, and then Irish kissed his lips slightly.

    Joseph smiled gently while his hands began to move, slipping into her nightgown. Irish groaned, her cheeks pressed on his chest tightly.

    His broad hands were covered in her bosoms, almost melting her, and her breathing turned fast, and she said, "Joseph, it is not appropriate for you to stay here tonight."

    Upon finishing her words, he pressed over her body and whispered, "Don''t worry."

    His lips fell on her sexy red lips, making her groan. Irish turned soft under his fondling, like a dolce rabbit.

    Though William''s case didn''t rm the media''s attention, it aroused much discussion among the hospital''s idlers. Perhaps people would think it was an ident for Shirley''s poisoning, but it seemedplicated that William, the second person in charge in the Lake family, was also poisoned.

    Henry asked a few personal bodyguards to the hospital, guarding outside the ward 24 hours a day, not allowing random people to enter or leave casually.

    Kelly''s eyes were filled with tears while Roy and Henry all stayed in the hospital. Lilith apanied Kelly andforted her. William was lying in bed quietly, and though he was out of danger now, he didn''t awake yet.

    When Jay arrived at the hospital, he was blocked by the bodyguards outside the door, who stopped him from paying a visit to William, so he had no choice but to call Lilith.

    Obviously, Kelly did not expect that Jay woulde, so when Lilith led him in, she was slightly shocked, but she didn''t show any unpleasant emotions.

    It was a big ward, a top suit among the high-ss wards in the hospital. So when Jay came in with fruits and tonics, Henry and Roy were having a rest in the living room, and Kelly apanied them alone.

    Jay stepped forward and greeted Kelly. Though Kelly didn''t like Jay, she also nodded to him politely. However, she refused his gifts but finally epted them since Lilith persuaded her.

    The atmosphere was a little embarrassing because Kelly was not a talkative person. She just answered Jay''s question briefly, but when Jay asked which detachment was in charge of this case, Kelly suddenly sighed and replied, "Jay, you are an anti-drug police, so you don''t have to worry about these things."

    Hearing that, Jay opened his mouth slightly but finally choked back his words.

    "Mom, he just cares about father." Lilith touched Kelly''s arms andforted her.

    "Yes, I know. But it is a deniable fact. He is transferred to another post and bes anti-drug police, so it is not his duty to take charge in this kind of case." Kelly replied indifferently and then turned to Jay, "Did I say anything wrong?"

    "Yes, you are right. I am sorry to disturb you today. You can call me anytime if it is necessary, and I have to go now since I still have a job to do." Jay stood up and said politely, then turned to leave.

    "Jay." Lilith was so anxious and rushed out.

    Kelly nced at her but only sighed helplessly.

    Outside the ward, Lilith stopped Jay and walked to him quickly, asking tentatively, "Are you angry?"

    Jay felt guilty when he saw her panting heavily, so he smiled softly at her and exined, "No, I am not angry. You have to go back now in case your father wakes up at any time he could see you."

    Lilith shook her head slightly and was not worried since her mom was in the ward; instead, she was worried about Jay, who had lost much weight these days. He went to perform tasks some time ago, and she remained in a state of apprehension during those days, and she was relieved when she saw him today.

 Chapter 478 478: Do You Feel Pain For Your Mom?

    Lilith took his hands gently but found a band-aid on his finger, so she asked anxiously, "What''s wrong with your finger?"

    "Nothing. I just scratched it identally."

    But her eyes soon turned tearful, and she said, "Don''t lie to me. Did you scratch it when you performed the task? Does it hurt?"

    Hearing her words, Jay''s heart trembled violently and he clenched her hands abruptly, saying softly, "Honey, don''t worry, I am fine."

    Lilith couldn''t help leaning on him, "You have to take care of yourself. My father is still in aa, and I can''t live without you."

    Jay was shocked by her words and then recalled the words that Kelly said to him before. He felt so sorrowful and held Lilith tightly while his nose twitched.

    ****

    It was a sunny day. The golden ginkgo leaves outside the window were shining, swaying in the tree as the wind rose.

    Irish didn''t know when Joseph left. Perhaps he left when the dawn hadn''t broken yet, but when she got up, it was dazzling outside. She took a quick shower with her sore body. When she walked out of the room, it was already nine o''clock.

    The steward saw her first, and he greeted her immediately, leading her to the dining room for breakfast, and told her Ruby and Shirley were there.

    She was about to decline him but then thought she had to take things as they came, so she nodded.

    Irish stopped the steward who was going to do his work and asked for the details of the blockade of the Lake family today. The steward replied in a low voice, "Ms. Irish, don''t worry. Mr. Dover has told me what to do in the early morning, and I won''t hire casual workers today."

    Upon entering the dining hall, she saw Ruby and Shirley sitting there, eating cheerfully. Irish stopped and suddenly felt sore. It reminded her that she also ate breakfast cheerfully with her mother before. Though they didn''t live an affluent life, she still felt happy because her mom always apanied her.

    But now, she had forgotten the feeling of eating breakfast with families, and she also forgot that breakfast time was actually a cheerful moment.

    Thinking of this, the hatred for the Lake family soon rose in her mind.

    She clenched her hands and tried her best to calm down and remind herself of the goal she hade here.

    She took a deep breath and then walked in, sitting opposite Ruby and Shirley.

    A few servants in the dining room were busy with their work. Some were preparing the tableware, while others were preparing the food.

    Irish sneered and thought what a luxurious life they lived.

    Soon someone came and handed her the menu for breakfast. She ordered an omelet sandwich, condensed milk, and German sausage, sitting leisurely and waiting for food.

    Ruby didn''t have mood swings, while Shirley looked unpleasant, frowning, and said, "Don''t think that I don''t know your goal foring here."<novelnext></novelnext>

    But Irish ignored her nastyment.

    "Do you think you can find the clues? Are you a detective? Do you really care about the Lake family? I know you do all this for the sake of the stock of the Runestone Group. Yes, your father did leave the shares for you, but I won''t allow your shares to exceed Ruby and Roy''s. ording to thew, your shares will always be the least." Shirley stopped eating and said harshly to her.

    Soon the servant served breakfast for Irish, and she took it, ignoring Shirley, and began to eat.

    Ruby touched Shirley''s arm and said in a low voice, "Mom, stop. Let''s eat."

    "You are really an innocent girl. Why not stand by me? Do you want this Foxtel to tempt your husband? She is vicious. She not only seduced your husband but also coveted the property of our family. Ruby, you have to keep a cool head."

    Ruby was embarrassed and didn''t know whether she should continue to persuade her mom or not.

    Irish took a sip of milk, eating slowly, and said, "Ruby, you have to listen to your mother; after all, she is experienced. Her excellent way of grabbing someone''s husband is admirable. But, remember, I am also focusing on Joseph and your family''s property. And Joseph treats me well during this period."

    "You should call him brother-inw! You can''t call his name directly." Before Ruby could say, Shirley shouted at her angrily.

    Hearing her, Irish then turned to Shirley and showed a sweet smile at her, "I am sorry. If I call him brother-inw, he will be angry with me. He asks me to call his name, and it sounds intimate, doesn''t it?"

    "You.....you are a Foxtel."

    "Don''t say that; after all, you are more experienced than me. And I am still wet behind my ears." Irish replied calmly while eating, "You are really malicious since you managed to get pregnant during that time, and you are much shrewder than me, so I still have to learn from you."

    Shirley''s face turned pale out of rage while Ruby red at her and said, "Irish, enough!"

    "Well, do you feel pain for your mom? I had the same feeling as you at that time when I learned my father wouldn''t return to us. You enjoy all the luxury life has to offer while my mom and I suffer."

    Ruby was speechless after hearing this. "Ruby, eat quickly. Let''s go shoppingter," Shirley said. It cost her a long time to calm down.

    When Shirley was about to leave, Irish ate her sandwich. Then, she said slowly when they almost walked out of the dining room, "Stop. You can''t go out today."

    Shirley stopped after hearing this, looking back at her as if she had heard a funny joke, "What?"

    "Mrs. Shirley Lake, are you deaf?" Irish wiped her fingers with a smile and said, "Well, I will repeat it one more time. You can''t go out today, even to the garden. You can only stay inside."

    "Irish, do you know what you are talking about?" Ruby said unpleasantly.

    "It seems the steward hasn''t told you, or he thought you are not the murderers." Irish said leisurely and then continued, "The gate of the Lake family has been locked this morning. No one could go out today. Well, you can go out unless you can give me the evidence that you have nothing to do with this case."

 Chapter 479 479: Do You Hear Me?

    "Why do you take us as the murderers? I even think you are the real murderer!" Ruby roared with a cold voice.

    "I am sorry to tell you that the police have ruled out my suspicion yesterday." Irish smiled softly and added, "But you have to ept my investigation along with the servants in your family. Before I find out the murderer, there is suspicion in any of you."

    "You..."

    "You must be joking! How can we be murderers? Who are you? Do you think you are qualified to lecture us? You can''t stop me if I want to go out!" Shirley snarled.

    "You''re Henry''s wife. Are you sure you want to challenge the rule? Your husband also agrees with this decision. You''d better call him, asking for suggestions before going out." Irish turned gravely.

    Hearing this, Shirley was astonished while Ruby looked awkward and then said hesitantly, "Even if we don''t go out today, we don''t have to ept the investigation with the servants."

    "Wow, do you think you have a noble identity different from those servants?"

    "Irish, you are going too far!"

    "I just told the truth." Irish also finished her breakfast, took the towel to wipe her hands, and added, "What''s more, William has awakened and will cooperate with the police to investigate this case. And I will look into the case here."

    "Uncle William had awakened?"

    "Yes, it seems that God has blessed your family." Irish stood up, and when she passed by them, she smiled and said, "Don''t worry. The test is very simple, and I won''t force you to cut your arms to prove your innocence."

    Shirley stared at her and shivered because of irritation.

    It was sunny and warm in the afternoon.

    The yard of the Lake family was full of people who had been working here for years, lining up neatly while Ruby and Shirley stood in the top row. Shirley and Ruby looked reluctant, but they had no choice because as soon as they showed disagreement, Irish would ask them to call Henry.

    Irish stood before them like amander, zipping back and forth.

    The steward gave a paper to all of them. Then, a st of wind rose and caused a ttering sound of papers.

    "The paper in your hands, specifically the tests for the psychological thinking of the criminals. Don''t look down upon these questions. I can find out the murderer from your answers." Irish deliberately exaggerated her words, "I am a psychologist, and I can see through even minor mood swings of you, so I can figure out what you are thinking from your answers."

    Hearing this, the servants all discussed animatedly.

    "I ask you to gather in this yard because you have to give me the answer immediately. Remember not to discuss with others or look at others'' answers," Irish said severely and then continued, "Everyone has to ept this test, and the one who refuses to cooperate with me will be sent to the police station."

    Hearing this, the people standing there began to write their answers hastily.

    "Ruby!" Irish shouted suddenly.

    She looked unpleasantly at Irish since she was looking through the questions.

    "You have to collect the papers when they finish the test." Irish smiled under the sunlight and looked at them indignantly.

    Ruby was shocked by her words, while Shirley was annoyed and asked, "Why did you ask my daughter to do this for you?"

    "Or do you want to do it for her?" Irish asked in reply harshly.

    "You are....." Shirley suddenly stopped since everyone here was looking at her, so she held back the word "Foxtel" forcibly. And then she turned to the steward and said, "Collect the paperster."<novelnext></novelnext>

    The steward had no choice but nodded.

    Irish stood there and sneered, "All of you have to listen to me. I asked Ruby to collect the papers, and she has to do itter, or Shirley, you can help her to do that."

    "Irish, are you making trouble for me?" Shirley roared angrily.

    "Obviously, I am."

    Shirley widened her eyes and red at "Well, I will do it." Ruby didn''t want Shirley to argue with her before so many people, so she had to agree with her though she was annoyed.

    Irish puckered her mouth into a smile and then said, "Good girl."

    The steward also kept silent after seeing that.

    "You have to finish the questions within five minutes. After finishing the question, you must stay here and wait for Ms. Ruby to collect the papers. Do you understand?"

    Irish said gravely.

    "Yes." They replied hastily.

    It was quiet in the yard since they all started to write the answer on the paper. Five minutes passed soon, and Ruby began to collect the papers reluctantly, but Irish soon shouted behind her, "Ms. Ruby, please send the papers to the study room and put them neatly in the drawer. I will check the papers when I finish my work."

    Ruby red at her when hearing Irish''s words.

    "Do you hear me?" Irish asked again.

    "Okay" Ruby replied irritably.

    Irish smiled and turned to the steward while he stepped to her immediately.

    "Suspend the cleaning of the study room today, and ask them to do it tomorrow."

    "Yes."

    ****

    Fredrick drove the car to pick up Cassie when it was getting dark. The appointment time for dinner was at 7:00 pm, and it was still early, so they went to a coffee house first.

    Cassie ordered a cup of coffee originally, but Fredrick reced it with juice. Cassie said nothing but drank it slowly.

    "Do you feel better?" Fredrick finally broke the silence and asked softly. He ordered a cup of coffee and the smell of juice intertwined with coffee which smelt harmonically.

    Cassie nodded and replied briefly, "I''m fine." Her heart was still beating so fast when she talked with him, but she tried to calm down. However, she still didn''t dare to look into his eyes directly.

    Even if she had been dead for once, it was hard to forget his breath; after all, she had loved him for many years.

    "Why are you thinner? Do you eat on time every day?" The woman in front of him looked pale and had lost a lot of weight these days.

 Chapter 480 480: I Am Your Boyfriend

    He felt sorrowful but, at the same time, felt guilty.

    Cassie finally looked up and took a quick nce at him, smiled bitterly, and said, "I am losing weight."

    "You are beautiful enough, so don''t lose weight anymore."

    Hearing this, Cassie was slightly shocked.

    "I just want to know if you feel better. You know I can''t step into your home, so I can onlye to you in this way." He observed carefully and found she was in a rtively good state, so he was relieved a little.

    "I''m fine. Thank you."

    His heart trembled slightly because of her indifferent attitude, so he sighed and said, "Cassie, I''m sorry."

    She began breathing fast and then shook slightly, "We''re done. I never me you."

    "Then why do you treat me so indifferently?"

    She looked up at him, trying to absorb his words.

    "You are aloof to me. Is it because of Roy?" Fredrick asked softly.

    Cassie opened her mouth slightly but shook her head after for a moment, "No."

    She looked like a lost child eager to express herself but chose to be silent.

    Fredrick felt sore and reached out, pulling her hands gently, "Cassie, I''d rather you kill me."

    Cassie trembled as if there was an electric current flowing from it. She was about to draw back her hands subconsciously, but he tightened his hands. Her heart turned soft, and an unnamed emotion appeared in her mind. It reminded her of the moment when they had just started their rtionship, and he also took her hands like this and said to her that he wouldn''t let her go for his whole life.

    But he finally went back on his word. She felt the severe pain in her heart again..

    "Cassie, in fact ..."

    "What are you doing? Let her go." When Fredrick was about to talk to her, an angry voice sounded, and then a tall figure rushed to them, pulling Fredrick''s cor and pping him violently.

    Fredrick fell down immediately, and the table and the chair slipped down while coffee and juice also spilled over the ground.

    Some customers were frightened by them and hastily left.

    Cassie stood up abruptly out of astonishment and then found it was Roy.

    Why is he here?

    Roy looked like an irritated beast and then continued to step toward Fredrick, grabbing his cor and pping him again, shouting at him at the same time, "Why do you harass her?"

    The manager of the coffee house was so anxious that those waiters were all shocked by the scene.

    Cassie rushed forward without hesitation, holding Roy''s arms, and said anxiously, "Roy, stop! What are you doing? Let him go!"

    "Move aside." Roy was even more irritated after Cassie meddled and violently drew back his arms from Cassie.

    Cassie didn''t stand firm and fell down immediately.

    Seeing this, Fredrick hastily pushed Roy, rushing forward to hold Cassie, and then roared at Roy, "Are you insane?"

    Roy stood there motionlessly and felt guilty.

    Roy clenched his hands, stepping forward, pushing away Fredrick, and holding Cassie. "I''m sorry. I didn''t mean it. I ��. I��. I just....." He said stutteringly and admitted he was crazy out of rage.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Cassie stared at Roy and then looked at the table and chairs which were lying on the ground and shook slightly, "Roy, why do you act so recklessly? You are an adult."

    Roy calmed down and then said, "Cassie, why do you still meet with him?"

    Cassie bit her lips after hearing his question. She didn''t want to meet him, but she was driven by her heart to grant his request today.

    Seeing her reaction, Roy frowned more tightly.

    "Cassie, are you okay?" Fredrick was worried about her.

    Roy roared at him abruptly when she was about to shake her head. "Get out of here. She is my girlfriend now. You don''t have to worry about her."

    "Roy, you can''t be so unreasonable!" Fredrick stepped forward, ring at him.

    Roy was so indignant, and he didn''t sleep wellst night, which made him even more anxious, so after hearing his words, he clenched his fist again.

    "Roy! Enough!" Cassie blocked between them and roared at him, "Have you lost your mind?"

    Roy stared at her, astonished, pointing at Fredrick, and asked, "Are you speaking for him?"

    "I just don''t hope you won''t be disgraced here." Cassie was muddled and continued, "You are not a kid, and don''t you think you act like a spoiled kid today?"

    Roy''s face was dark with rage and turned more serious since Cassie spoke for Fredrick, so he walked to her, grabbing her arms, "Let''s go."

    He overexerted and caused pain for Cassie. "You hurt me!"

    Seeing this, Fredrick hastily walked forward and pushed him away, roaring. "Even if she is your girlfriend, you can''t treat her like this."

    "It''s none of your business." Roy resisted Fredrick but still held Cassie tightly.

    He had bruised her arms, and the cold sweat hade out.

    Fredrick was about to push him, but Roy clenched his hands into a fist and pped him again suddenly while Fredrick was also irritated by him and began to fight back.

    "Please stop fighting, or I will call the police!" The manager looked at the broken tableware, feeling desperate, and couldn''t help shouting at them.

    However, they just ignored his words and fought violently.

    Finally, Cassie had no other ideas but yelled at them, "Stop, or I will go out and crash the car!"

    Hearing this, they stopped fighting immediately.

    Her words gave Roy a shudder, and then he turned to Cassie, "Well, I am sorry, Cassie. I will listen to you. Cassie...."

    Fredrick also straightened his back, wiped the blood at the corner of his mouth, and stared at her vigntly.

    After a long while, Cassie said in a weak voice, "Roy, please leave here."

    Roy trembled after hearing her words, "Cassie, what are you talking about?"

    Cassie took a deep breath, staring at him, "Go. Go away."

    "I am your boyfriend!"

    "We don''t fit." Cassie clenched her hands with her lips trembling, "I am sorry. I have tried to persuade myself to ept you and ept this fact, but I am really sorry because I can''t deceive my heart. I tried, so I don''t think we fit each other."

 Chapter 481 481: I Don’t Deserve Your Love

    Roy gnashed his teeth, his eyes filled with anger, and replied, "You mean you still love him?" He said while pointing at Fredrick.

    "I am sorry." She didn''t reply to him directly.

    "Cassie!" Roy called her and said irritably, "Even the good horse does not keep resuming things given up, so how can you degrade yourself?"

    Cassie looked up at him with astonishment since it was hard to imagine Roy would say that to her.

    Listening to that, Fredrick frowned and said, "Roy, watch your mouth!"

    "Does it has anything to do with you?" Roy was eager to p him down.

    "Yes, I am degrading myself." Cassie replied while clenching her hands, "Go. I don''t deserve your love. You can find a good woman since you have a noble status."

    Roy stared at her andughed after a long while, "Okay, okay." His eyes looked dreary. "Cassie, I must have been blind to love you. I wish you could have a harmonious union with himsting forever."

    After that, he took out his wallet and pulled all the bills inside, mming them on the ground topensate for the damage, and then left in anger.

    Cassie stumbled slightly since the pain from her ankle made her a little unstable, but soon Fredrick held her waist and said softly, "I will take you to the hospital."

    "No. I just sprained slightly, and I will be fine soon." She said while staring at Fredrick, feeling sorrowful for him since there was a bruise at the corner of his mouth.

    "I am sorry."

    Fredrick stared at her while an unnamed emotion rose from his heart, "It''s my fault." He said in a low voice.

    ****

    At the house of the Lake family. Irish opened the door after Ruby knocked for more than twenty minutes. She yawned and asked while stretching herself, "What''s wrong? Are you rushing for a reincarnation?"

    After saying this, she was going to return to sleep.

    But Ruby held her arms and spluttered, "Irish, you said you came here to find out the clues, but why do you go back to your words?"

    Irish did not resist her, rubbing her eyes and saying, "What are you doing? Why did you say I went back on my words?"

    Ruby loosened her arms and stretched her wrist to her silently.

    "Madwoman." Irish pushed her arm, returned to her bedroom, and fell on the bed again.

    Ruby stepped forward and pulled her up, knocking her watch on her wrist, "How can you have your afternoon nap now? Do you know what time it is? It''s dark at night!"

    "Ah?" Irish then looked at her watch, screaming in the next second, "It''ste."

    Ruby sneered and red at her.

    "The papers." Irish soon reacted and rushed out of the room while Ruby also followed her to the study room.

    The drawer in which the papers were in it was closed.

    Irish stepped forward slowly, followed by Ruby.<novelnext></novelnext>

    When she got close to it, she didn''t open it; instead, she looked around and then took out a small piece of white paper, pasting the drawer handle first, which puzzled Ruby, "What are you doing?"

    "You won''t understand even if I exin to you because you are not at the same level as my IQ."

    "Irish, why are you so harsh?"

    Irish stood, got close to her, and smiled, "Yes, I will always treat you harshly."

    "You..."

    "Open the drawer and take out the papers for me." Irish interrupted her words and ordered.

    "Are you instructing me?"

    "I have instructed you for once, so don''t mind the second time." Irishughed.

    "You are a jerk!"

    "Thanks for yourpliment." Irish did not get angry but reached out her hands to Ruby, "Give me the papers."

    Ruby red at her, walking forward and opening the drawer. As soon as she took the papers, something amazing happened. A blue light shed in front of them, and soon the papers in Ruby''s hands were burning immediately, which startled Ruby. She screamed and then loosened her hands while the papers soon dropped to the floor.

    Irish was also shocked, but she soon reacted and rushed forward to extinguish the fire. However, the burning speed was breakneck, and when the fire was finally extinguished, only one-third of the papers were left, meaning the answers were destroyed.

    Ruby was in great shock, standing motionlessly there, and still didn''t react.

    But Irish responded immediately and pointed at her, "You are in trouble. You destroy the papers."

    Ruby nced at the waste papers on the ground and then stared at Irish while her face turned pale out of fear, "No, it''s not me." She hastily exined while shaking her head. But as soon as she finished her words, she then reacted and continued, "It''s none of my business. It''s your fault. Why do you sleep so long? You said that you would handle these papers after finishing your work. The papers wouldn''t be burnt if you didn''t sleep longer."

    "Ruby, don''t cast aspersions at me. Obviously, it is your fault since you don''t take care of the papers." Irish med her.

    Ruby was so indignant and asked, "When did you ask me to take care of these papers?"

    "Do I need to urge you to do that? Don''t you know how important those papers are? Do you know why I asked you to collect the answer instead of others? I trust you, so I asked you to do that. But why don''t you think hard about it?" Irish replied to her incessantly.

    Their quarrel rmed many people, including Shirley. She screamed upon entering the room and asked anxiously, "Where are the papers? Where are they?"

    Irish red at her and replied, "The papers have turned to ashes, thanks to your daughter."

    "Irish, don''t make an unfounded attack on me. It has nothing to do with me." Ruby hastily cleared for herself and red at Irish, "You also see that it was self-ignition. How can I make it happen since I have no magic?"

    Irish didn''t reply to her, squatting down to check the left papers, picking up some ashes, and looking at them carefully.

    "It must be the ghost." A low voice sounded among the onlookers.

    "Nonsense." The steward roared.

    "I am not talking nonsense. It must be the ghost, or how could it happen?"

 Chapter 482 482: I Apologize To You Sincerely

    Irish looked up and found Joie was trembling there, staring at the ashes, his face pale and his hands rubbed anxiously.

    She stood up, frowning, and snorted, "If it is a ghost, then why note out now?" The people in the room all trembled at her words, looking at each other and then looking around anxiously.

    Shirley was frightened, licking her lips, and said, "Iri.....Irish, perhaps it is the ghost." She was the first to see it personally and couldn''t figure out why the papers would burn suddenly for no reason.

    Therefore, she believed that it was the ghost that came for revenge.

    Ruby was frightened by her mom''s words, and her face also turned pale.

    Irish pressed her lips into a line tightly squinting, "Unless I see the ghost personally, or I believe it must be a man, and I will definitely find out the murderer."

    After finishing her words, she walked out.

    The danger deterred everyone in the room.

    At the end of the corridor, Irish made a call secretly, and after putting it through, she said in a low voice, "I will find out the truth tonight."

    ****

    It was getting dark, and the city was lightened by neon amps again. The endless car streams never stopped flowing while the nightlife just started.

    Fredrick took Cassie to his house and immediately took out the first aid kit. Squatting down, he was about to apply ointment for her, but Cassie hastily stopped him.

    However, Fredrick insisted on doing that for her. Cassie had no choice but to look at him, who helped her remove her shoes gently and apply the ointment.

    "It may hurt, but I will be gentle." Fredrick rubbed her ankle and uttered gently.

    After a while, when he was done, Cassie then took the initiative to deal with the wound on his face. During the process, Fredrick stared at her motionlessly while Cassie drew back her eyes after noticing his reaction and then put aside the hydrogen peroxide.

    Fredrick suddenly took her hands gently while Cassie trembled slightly.

    "I am sorry, Cassie." He mumbled.

    She drew back her hands and shook her head slightly.

    "I apologize to you sincerely. In fact, I have some important words to tell you."

    Fredrick''s words seem so warm. She looked up at him and waited.

    Fredrick took her hands again and asked softly, "Can you give me a chance?" Hearing this, Cassie widened her eyes out of surprise.

    "I know I am not qualified to ask you in this way. But Cassie, I am wrong. I thought I didn''t love you and would be free if I broke up with you, but I can''t..." Fredrick looked depressed and then continued, "When youmitted suicide and were sent to the hospital, I felt my heart was broken, and I am also in pain. I feel sorrowful when I see that you are not as happy as before. I can''t forget the days we spent together. Cassie, please give me a chance to be with you. Please trust me."

    Cassie breathed fast and then shook her head after a long while, "No, you just want topensate for me. I told you I''m fine."

    "No." Fredrick replied firmly, "I am ustomed to you apanying me and always think you won''t leave me, so I act recklessly and care for nobody. But I am in pain these days. Cassie, I am also desperate when I know you are not happy. I am worried about your health and everything about you."

    Cassie trembled while listening to him.

    "Don''t you love me? I believe you still love me." His eyes were tearful while her lips trembled and looked rattled.

    "That''s why Ie to you today." Fredrick said while taking out a small but delicate box from his pocket, opening it slowly and then going down on one knee, "Cassie, marry me."<novelnext></novelnext>

    Cassie opened her mouth and then covered it immediately out of astonishment.

    It was a diamond ring in the box, dazzling her eyes.

    He raised the box, looking at her sincerely, "I can''t live without you. Cassie, marry me."

    Her eyes filled with tears soon, and after a long while, she then said hesitantly, ".....Fredrick...why?" She was afraid that he did this out of guilt.

    Fredrick took her hands and kissed them gently, "I thought I didn''t love you. But I found that I was wrong. I realized that I love you deeply, especially when I see you being with Roy, I then realize that I have made a mistake."

    The tears finally shed down from her cheeks.

    "Promise me, okay? This ring should have been yours for a long time." Fredrick held her hands and said, "We can get married soon and never part with each other."

    Cassie burst into tears, and herst line of defense copsed. She nodded because she couldn''t resist when facing her beloved man.

    Fredrick stood up excitedly, embraced her tightly, and put the ring on her ring finger slowly.

    She pressed herself against his chest and felt her soul finallye back, which had been lost for many days.

    Fredrick lowered his head, kissed her tears away, and said softly, "Everything about our wedding is up to you, and I will support you."

    Cassie smiled through tears.

    "Look at you. You smile while tears are still on our cheeks." Fredrick took over the tissue and wiped her tears gently.

    His eyes turned soft, and he couldn''t help kissing her while Cassie soon cried again.

    He was so gentle, holding her cheeks while his tongue intertwined with hers, and she also responded eagerly. The long-lost gentleness made her unable to control her tears, but he just kissed them away and then moved to her chin.

    She sobbed and asked, "Fredrick, are you really not leaving me again?"

    "Yes, I promise you." He stared into her eyes and said firmly.

    Cassie smiled again and felt so happy.

    When his kiss fell on her again, she closed her eyes.

    The man''s kiss turned hot, and his hands began to move on her body, unbuttoning her clothes skillfully.

    Under the soft light, her shoulders were exposed to the air, and then her clothes fell to the ground. In the following second, Fredrick pressed his body on her.

    "Cassie....." Fredrick called her softly while she held his neck, staring at his handsome face affectionately. Their breath intertwined with each other. His eyes were full of lust, and he kissed her again, holding her waist adroitly, and then entered her body.

    Cassie couldn''t help groaning with his movement, which was mixed with his low sighs from his deep throat out of great joy.

    She held him tightly because of the log-lost pleasure, and Fredrick''s waist began to move rhythmically.

    The room was filled with the man''s wheeze and the woman''s groaning.

 Chapter 483 483: A Sudden Attack

    It was at night.

    Lake''s family also turned tranquil after a day''s mor.

    The clock''s pointer on the wall was turning on such a quiet night, making people jittery.

    Irish leaned on the bed and then nced at the clock. It was almost midnight.

    She drew back her eyes and began to read books again, but she couldn''t focus on the book.

    She was waiting patiently, waiting for the "ghost."

    Several minutes passed, and Irish put down the book and dimmed the light in the room. But when she was about toy down, a slight noise sounded, and themp wobbled but did not be extinct.

    Irish turned vignt and got off the bed, sneaking out of the room.

    The room was on the second floor, and she could see the dark living room on the first floor from the handrail.

    All of the servants went to sleep. In fact, she required them to have rest earlier today since she wanted to meet the so-called female ghost tonight.

    The house was in deathly stillness and perhaps she was the only one, who didn''t sleep yet, or perhaps Ruby and Shirley also didn''t sleep out of fear, but it had nothing to do with her.

    She moved slowly and stepped on the stairs barefoot, causing slight noise. The woody furniture was high quality, including the floor, which was why it would make a creaking sound when stepping on it.

    Irish stood in the darkness, trying to adjust her eyes to the darkness.

    Themps in the living room had been cked out, so this house''s weird atmosphere was suffused.

    The moon outside the window also turned dim, as if severalyers of thick gauze shrouded it. Nevertheless, she could see her lengthened shadow on the ground under the faint light.

    She walked down step by step and felt a little cold on both feet.

    But upon entering the first floor, the creaking sound disappeared immediately and the house was overwhelmed into the darkness and peace.

    She was relieved for a little while, walking into the kitchen and taking a cup of water. The sound of the water was particrly harsh on this silent night.

    Suddenly a st of wind rose while her blood froze for a second. Her hands clenched, and she then looked back abruptly, but nothing was behind her.

    When she turned back again, she found that the window in the kitchen had opened a small slit and the wind came in from that.

    She put down the water and felt dizzy slightly. Then, taking a deep breath, she walked out of the kitchen.

    When she returned to the second floor, she felt the cold air surrounding her.

    She reached out and was about to open the door of her bedroom, but it opened on its own, causing slight noise.

    Irish stopped abruptly, clearly remembering that she had closed the door when she left the room.

    The chill spread from her back, and her every pore was desperately open all over her body as if trying to distinguish the unknown danger inside the room.

    For a moment, Irish was scared and even wanted to go back to the living room and call Joseph for help.

    But soon, she held back this idea and was determined that even if there was a ghost, she had to find it out.

    Taking a deep breath again, she walked into the room. However, it was dark in the room, but she remembered that she didn''t turn off themps when she left.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Reaching out, she touched the switch on the wall, pressing it, but the light was not on.

    Her head was buzzing, but soon two ideas rose in her mind.

    First, there was another person in this room.

    Second, someone must have pulled the switch in this room.

    Irish clenched her hands, gnashed her teeth, and then knocked on the door.

    She hastily looked around through the dim moonlight but found no abnormality in the living room. Then something must be in her bedroom.

    She strolled, step by step, to the bedroom of which the door was also utched.

    She opened it and walked in but found a mist in front of her eyes. She rubbed and then relieved her eyes.

    It was tranquil in the room, and Irish looked around vigntly but found nothing.

    She felt her head was dizzy and then sat down on the bed, trying to concentrate her attention.

    In the next second, there was a creaking sound under the carpet, and then she felt that her ankles were entangled with something since she felt cold.

    Her heart bore so fast that she stood up abruptly, kicking violently. It vanished soon.

    She fell on the bed again, grabbing the sheet tightly, and then through the dim moonlight, she saw something crawling under the bed, slowly and little by little.

    It was a red figure dressed in a long skirt with long sleeves and then stood up slowly.

    Seeing this, Irish almost bit her tongue.

    Its hair was very long, hanging to the ground.

    The temperature in the room seemed to condense all at once. Irish could only widen her eyes and feel that her throat was pinched, and she couldn''t make any sound.

    The red figure began to move under her gaze, turning back to Irish little by little.

    Irish could hear the sound, she swallowed out of fear, but when the red figurepletely faced her, she felt that her heart was going to jump out of her chest because she could only see the long hair, which meant the hair was all over its back and front, exactly the same as Shirley once described.

    Seeing this, Irish could not only hear the sound of her swallowing but also hear her bones creaking.

    The figure in front of her turned blurry, and she was trapped in the deathly stillness.

    She saw that it was getting closer to her, step by step. But it seemed that it was not walking; instead, it was more like floating, and Irish could even feel its coldness.

    The "ghost" reached out its arm, which was dreadfully pale, and its fingers looked like dry branches. The red snails looked like they had been stained with blood. Then, when it rushed to catch her, she saw the face under the long hair.

    There was even an eyeball hung outside.

    Irish didn''t escape in time, and the dry fingers soon grasped her neck while simultaneously making a horrible scream, releasing obvious resentment.

    Self-defense is people''s instinct in a dangerous situation.

    Irish''s neck was pinched tightly, and it was hard to breathe, so she reached out and then grabbed the inner part of the ghost''s arm. But soon she was shocked and then reacted, kicking its chest with her leg.

 Chapter 484 484: You Are Safe

    It grunted while the hands also loosened a little.

    Irish took the chance and attacked again, holding its head and punching its head.

    It screamed again and pushed her away.

    "Who are you?" Irish roared. When she saw it first, she thought that it was really a ghost until it pinched her throat and she grabbed the inner part of its arm, she felt warmth although its finger was bitterly cold. But it meant that it was human instead of a real ghost.

    The "ghost" found that things were beyond control and was going to escape, while Irish rushed and followed behind.

    He desperately opened the door but found Irish locked it, so he took the fruit knife from the table and rushed over to her. Irish screamed but soon jumped aside but identally hit the windowsill, leading to severe pain for her.

    The man failed to get her and then came forward again to attack her.

    Footsteps sounded outside the door, and then some people began to m the door.

    But Irish couldn''t rush to open the door but had to circle around with him. However, she felt severely dizzy, and then she couldn''t avoid the knife timely and saw a cold light shing in front of her eyes. She raised her hands to block it, and soon a smell of blood permeated her nose.

    Someone finally opened the door at this crucial moment, and her familiar voice sounded, "Isabel."

    The man with a knife in hand hesitated and then found things were in a bad way and then jumped out of the window.

    Irish was shocked and then followed him to jump out without hesitation.

    "Isabel," Joseph shouted, and he was almost driven crazy by her behavior. They were on the second floor, and it was a height that could cause a fracture.

    The man fell heavily but struggled to climb up and limped forward. Irish was afraid that he would escape, so she also jumped from the second floor immediately. Therefore, when Joseph rushed to the window, Irish jumped down before he could catch her.

    Seeing this, Joseph took off his coat and then jumped out in front of a group of people, leading to frantic screaming.

    After she jumped down, her handsnded first, a skill she learned in rock climbing through years of practice, and she knew she couldn''t let her knees touch down. Moreover, there was a ginkgo tree before the window, which served as a buffer because, during the process of falling down, her feet stretched out to the ginkgo trunk to slow down her speed, and then she clung to the trunk with her leg. She then jumped down with her handsnded, preventing her body from harm.

    But when Joseph jumped down, he hung his coat on the branches of the tree so that he was buffed, and then he leaped down.

    Therefore, when Irish was about to chase the man, Joseph had jumped down already, rushing the "ghost" before Irish stood up.

    Henry''s loud voice sounded on the second floor, "Go downstairs to catch him."

    Irish stood up slowly but felt exhausted and kneeled on the ground with her wrist bleeding. The wound was deep, but she couldn''t feel pain at that moment.

    A group of people soon went out, and then she heard Henry''s voice faintly. He pulled her up, clenching her arms, and soon she heard that he shouted, "Call our family doctor. Hurry up! My daughter is wounded. Hurry!"

    Hearing that, her nose twitched immediately.

    "Isabel, are you okay? It''s dad''s fault. I shouldn''t let you get involved in it." He was frightened by her bleeding wrist, and he said with a tremulous voice.

    Irish felt dizzy, as if her legs were filled with lead.<novelnext></novelnext>

    But soon, a screaming nearby sounded that startled her. She mumbled while shivering, "Joseph...Joseph."

    The first thought in her mind was that something had happened to him, so she pushed Henry away and struggled to move forward. She staggered while Henry hastily followed her. Ruby and other servants also ran to them.

    When Irish finally ran to a lighted ce, she then saw clearly that it was the "ghost" who was screaming and was pressed down on the ground by Joseph.

    Seeing that, the servant all rushed to help Joseph while Joseph finally found that she was in a bad situation and hastily held her before she passed out.

    Irish leaned on him exhaustedly, looking up at him, cracking a small smile, and said with a weak voice, "You are safe. I am so worried about you."

    "Isabel." Joseph pulled off his tie, wrapping her wounds, and his handsome face distorted that looked so anxious.

    Irish exerted herself to swivel, and when the light was on, she heard everyone cry out in rm, "Oh, my god! It''s Joie."

    "Beat him hard!" Joseph roared.

    All the people were stunned by Joseph, but they did not dare to disobey Joseph and began kicking.

    "Don''t....." Irish couldn''t hear what Joseph talked to her but saw his forbidding sereneness faintly on his face. She tried her best to mumble, "Don''t hurt him."

    She gradually felt pain while consciousnesspsed her.

    She didn''t know how long she had slept but felt terribly tired, as if she had crossed the mountains for a long time.

    She saw many people when she was in aa as well as the stone-paved small town, the whitenterns swaying in the wind.

    There was a small kid who took her hands and kept running, and then she tumbled while the people chasing after them behind rushed to them soon.

    The small boy bolstered up, but his arm was stabbed, and the blood was flowing. She cried out of fear while he shouted at her, "Go! Hurry up!"

    It soon transferred into another scene where there was a snow-capped peak, and she was in the middle of the mountain, smiling at the figure not far away from her, but the rope was broken in the following second.

    However, she didn''t feel aggrieved and even felt she was wrapped in warmth. She opened her eyes in the dream and found she was leaning on a sturdy chest, but she couldn''t see his face. However, she felt secure and giggled while asking, "Adam, will you love me forever?"

    "Then will you love me forever?" The man asked her.

    "Yes, as long as you love me forever, I will always be with you,"

    Somehow, she felt a little sorrowful after hearing this.

    The mist in front of her was aggravated, and she seemed to see another face. It was Joseph who looked anxious and called her softly, and then Leo showed up in front of her. "Wake up." He said to her, but when she struggled to open her eyes, Jordan showed up and asked her slovenly, "Hey, are you dead?" He asked while pushing her with his hand suddenly.

    Irish screamed, opening her eyes abruptly. It was sunny outside the window while a featurely face was pressing her. She widened her eyes, screaming in the following second.

    Jordan, who sat beside the bed hastily covered his ears, and leaped away, roared at her, "What the hell is wrong with you? You didn''t even yell when you saw a ghost, but why are you frightened by men?"

 Chapter 485 485: What’s The Hell With You

    Two minutes before she was awakened, Jordan, who sat beside the bed, looked at Irish''s closed eyes curiously and then asked, after staring for a long time, "I heard that when people have a dream in sleep, the eyeball will turn. Is it real?"

    After he finished his words, a man stepped forward, stared at her for a few seconds, and then concluded, "Perhaps it is true."

    "Well, then, she is having a dream now. Do you know what she is dreaming about?" Jordan was even more curious.

    Joseph drew back his attention from his deep meditation, ncing at Leo, who didn''t intend to answer the question, and soon Joseph turned to Jordan, frowned, and said severely, "Stay away from her. She needs to breathe fresh air."

    Jordan looked at Joseph unpleasantly and replied, "I didn''t block her nose."

    "Don''t talk nonsense." Joseph turned gravely.

    But Jordan''s eyes were filled with stubbornness while Leo even took pleasure in his displeasure, blinking at him and saying, "Jordan, you have misunderstood your brother. You should focus on his first sentence."

    "Leo, are you so bored?" Joseph turned to him this time and asked while Leo smiled leisurely and replied, "Yes, I''m idle because you robbed my business."

    Hearing that, Joseph also gave tit for tat rarely, "Don''tin about it often since you are not as experienced as me. Don''t you feel ashamed?"

    Leo puckered his mouth and then replied, "I admit I am not as cruel as you."

    "You are wrong. We are in a simr position." Hearing Joseph''s remark Leo red at him.

    Jordan was still studying Irish''s burning eyes when they were still arguing, and his face got so close to her. When he stared at her with great interest, Irish suddenly opened her eyes.

    Jordan didn''t react immediately but still stared at her eyes while Irish shrieked as if she saw a ghost.

    In the next second, Jordan winced from the bed, covering his ear, and thundered, "What''s the hell with you? You didn''t even yell when you saw a ghost, but now are you frightened by a human?"

    Joseph and Leo stopped their quarrel immediately and looked at Irish. Irish looked around in the bed nkly.

    It was all white in the room, and even the window curtains were white. Jordan''s sound was so real, but at the same time, it sounded simr to the voice in her dream.

    She was muddled and couldn''t tell between dream and reality.

    The sunshine prated through the ss window, and she could see some dust floating in the air under the sunlight. She got up slowly, lowered her head, and found she was dressed in hospital pajamas.

    Soon she heard the steps and a deep voiceing, "Do you want to frighten her?" It sounded so familiar, like in her dream.

    Irish looked up but was held into strong arms in the following second. The man''s chest was strong and wide, while his voice was deep and calm. It even sounded like august, "Call the doctor." It was not an order.

    "Why ask me to call the doctor?"<novelnext></novelnext>

    Another voice replied stubbornly.

    "Call the doctor now." The man who held her repeated again without raising his voice, but it sounded irresistible.

    "I don''t want to argue with you." Soon she heard a man walk out of the room with an unpleasant voice.

    Irish felt a severe headache, leaning on his chest but couldn''t look up at him since she was exhausted. But soon, a soft voice sounded beside her ear, different from the severe voice just now, "Isabel, how do you feel now?"

    It was Joseph''s voice that also gave her a sense of security in her dream.

    She opened her mouth slightly but felt her throat was dry, and she couldn''t talk.

    And soon, she heard someone deride her, "Irish, you are awesome! It seems that I just met you on the first day. How dare you jump out from the second floor barefoot?"

    She turned slowly to the man who was standing beside the window and was overwhelmed by the sunlight. She couldn''t see his face clearly but could feel that he was smiling.

    She then looked at the man who was embracing her. There was a slight pleasure in his well-defined face, drawing a sharpparison with his anxiety in the darkness.

    She had never expected these two men to stay in a room without hatred peacefully.

    Was it also a dream? Irish was muddled since the dream was so real while the reality looked deceptive. She suddenly couldn''t tell whether it was a dream or reality.

    But the arms holding her were strong, while his breath was familiar to her, drawing her back to reality. But she was still afraid that she was still trapped in her dream, and when she opened her eyes, all of them would disappear. She was afraid that when she was awakened, she would find that Joseph had never appeared in her life.

    "The doctorse, and let them check for you first." Joseph''s soft voice sounded over her head.

    She nodded subconsciously, and then steps sounded while she could only see the white gowns swaying in front of her eyes.

    When the cold instruments touched her skin, it gave her a shudder. Irish shook her head and then realized it was not a dream. She was in the hospital now while Joseph and Leo stood by the bed. Their tall figures were so attractive.

    Irish smiled carelessly, and she felt surprised that she smiled at such a time. But, in fact, what she wanted to express was simple.

    How miserable would her life be if Joseph and Leo had never shown up in her life? Yet, she was so grateful to God for letting her meet with them, no matter what unhappiness happened before, she still believed that they were the best gifts God presented to her.

    A big hand covered her forehead, and she was familiar with the warmth. "Silly woman, how can youugh like that when you are covered in bruises?" Joseph said affectionately, but Irish was still giggling.

    Leo sat down beside her, frowning at her, taking a glimpse at Joseph, and then asked the doctor in a puzzle, "Has she be a blockhead?"

    "Leo, you are a fool," Irish replied though she said it with a weak voice and even sounded hoarse. Finally, her consciousness came back.

 Chapter 486 486: Will You Still Love Me

    Leo was relieved by her words since she still knew how to offend him.

    Joseph nced at Leo unpleasantly and ignored his words, "Is anything wrong with her?" He asked the doctors.

    "No, she is fine now. However, watch out for the wound on her wrist. Don''t let it touch with water; remember to apply the ointment timely." The doctor smiled and then added, "The strong deg she inhaled earlier was harmful to her health, but fortunately, she didn''t inhale too much, and it just led to illusion and slightly damaged her respiratory system.

    If she absorbed an enormous amount, she might lose her life."

    "Damage to the respiratory system?"

    "Don''t worry. Since she didn''t absorb much of the drug, she may have difficulty breathing for a short time, but she will be fine soon after taking some medicines."

    Hearing that, Joseph was then relieved.

    After the doctors went out, Joseph gently held her, guided her to lean on the bed, and asked her if she was sick and if she wanted to eat. Irish nced at her wrapped wrist and then licked her dry lips, replying, "I don''t want to have an injection."

    Leo was amused by her words andughed beside her.

    "You have to," Joseph said firmly. Irish nced at him and then turned to Leo, asking with her husky voice, "How will you answer me the question if you are my boyfriend?"

    Leoughed and leaned to her, "Wow, a good question. I like this question."

    Joseph looked at him in disdain, eyebrows frowning, "You are really shameless."

    Leo ignored him, smiled brightly at Irish, and then replied, "If you are my girlfriend, I will persuade you to have the injection patiently."

    After hearing that, Irish rolled her eyes at him and said, "You are in a simr position."

    Leo was speechless to her words, while Joseph looked helpless.

    But soon Leo stood up, clearing his throat with his eyes flickering, and patted her head, "Well, you''d better have the injection, and I still have a job to do, so I have to go now. "After finishing his words, he left the ward immediately.

    "Hey, you..." Before Irish could utter her words, Leo had closed the door.

    She rolled her eyes while Joseph pinched her nose abruptly. "Ouch!" She cried out.

    "You even want to change your boyfriend to avoid the injection! Isabel, you are really naughty sometimes."

    She freed one of her hands and frowned while replying, "I don''t have to ept the injection now that I''m getting better. Don''t you know that the human body has self-healing capability? The injection will kill the probiotics in my body."

    But Joseph ignored her chatter, standing to take a cup of water for her and then sat again beside her. He tried to remain calm, "It seems that there is no problem with your throat. Drink water and have a rest, my superwoman."

    His words reminded Irish of a lot of things. She didn''t drink the water but grabbed his arms tightly and asked, "Have you been injured?" Then, she remembered that he also jumped from the second floor too.

    Ignoring her, Joseph ordered her to drink water first and then told her that he was fine. He heaved a deep sigh afterward, "Do you really think you have nine lives? How can you jump from such a height barefoot?"<novelnext></novelnext>

    "It''s just a small case. I climbed a mountain for several years, and I often find a suitable foothold whenever I jump from an elevation or climb up higher. It has been one of my instincts. Rock-climbers will use anything they could take advantage of, even if it is just a minor object, to ensure their safety."

    Joseph motioned to her to look at her feet.

    Irish took a nce at it. She felt the sole of her feet was itchy. It must have been treated with medicine since she felt a tingling sensation. Inferred from the binding, she had been out of danger.

    Joseph sighed deeply and pulled her wrist, saying nothing.

    Irish figured out his regret.

    "The doctor said that I smelt some smoke that made me dizzy. The suspect was so strong that I didn''t escape from his attack." Irish recalled what happened once and felt astonished, "The smoke must have entered in with the wind. And I had thought that it was in the water."

    Joseph gripped her fingers and said, "I am so careless. I shouldn''t have agreed on your n."

    "Getting things clear is the key. Actually, I am not ming you." She gripped his fingers with greater strength. Luckily it didn''t ache greatly.

    Figuring out that she was drowning in her pain, Joseph frowned and said, "If he had moved a little, your tesuji must have gotten injured."

    "What if my tesuji had gotten injured? Will you still love me ?"

    "Do not say that. It''s impossible."

    "Is it impossible to get my hand injured, or will you not love me anymore?" She asked with her hand leaning forward to him.

    Joseph really admired her optimism and talkative personality. Finally, he smiled lightly and answered her clearly, "Your hand will not get injured, and I will not abandon you."

    "So that''s all. No matter what happens, you will still love me. I don''t need to worry about anything."

    "You were born with eloquence," Joseph said helplessly.

    When she jumped from the second floor, he was so frightened. At that moment, he only felt that he could not breathe. Anger, anxiety, and fear poured onto him. But he was so anxious when she ran to him with wagging steps and her wrist bleeding.

    He really wanted to scold her harshly as she was awake.

    Such a woman who made him so worried.

    But until now, she still behaved not to be regretful. She didn''t think that she had made a mistake. And he couldn''t scold her, either. Instead, he only wanted to embrace her.

    Irish knew that he was worried about her, so she just leaned against his bosom and sighed lightly. She wanted to say something to express her gratitude, but finally, she asked the question she cared most about. "What about Joie?"

    "He has shut away, but he wasn''t willing to say anything."

 Chapter 487 487: His Answer Is Strange

    Irish seemed to think of something, "I still couldn''t understand why those papers burned themselves without any reason."

    "It was due to a solution of polyether and methyl diisocyanate." Joseph told her, "Later, I saw theburent in the study room, and there was a special solution on the papers. And it contained some elements with a characteristic of spontaneousbustion, such as polyether and methyl diisocyanate."

    Actually, when Irish was in senior high school, she hated chemistry and physics the most. She felt more confused when Joseph said it. She knew his expertise in science, and it was just a little case for him.

    However, she couldn''t understand it.

    "Put it simply, and it is just one of the raw materials of stics." Joseph figured out her doubt and tried his best to express it clearly, "When the other party specialized in these self-igniting solutions, the amount of the polymerization inhibitor was deliberately added. As a result, some raw materials could be self-polymerized to radiate heat, spontaneousbustion, etc. But, of course, many added conditions are needed for spontaneousbustion, and the environment in the study room at that time was the most suitable."

    After a great while, Irish opened her mouth with astonishment and said, "I had looked through some information about Joie and learned that his father worked in the stic factory when he was still alive. No wonder he has an idea about these things." Actually, Joie was not highly educated, and this was the reason that could exin it reasonably.

    So when Ruby sent these papers into the study room, Irish used this period of time to look through the information about the suspect again and asked some questions to the steward. Of course, these questions were not only targeted at Joie alone. And as Joseph ordered the steward to ban the entry of iing and outgoing from the Lakes the next day, he also adopted some measures on the air conditioning. He and Irish all thought that the suspect would take advantage of any opportunity because he couldn''t go out and had to kill those who would threaten his security.

    Irish nned to test the suspect by asking questions, which was why Irish handed that questionnaire to them. She only wanted to put pressure on the suspect since she thought he would target those paperster on.

    So how could he approach those papers during such a short period of time?

    That required Irish''s n that stop her from checking these test papers, and the suspect would reuse his method again. However, he didn''t know that Joseph had blocked the air vents. And the reason why Irish''s room was so warm was not because of the heater, but a small sr energy collector.

    So Irish didn''t fall asleep, and actually, she used the time to find more clues.

    And the reason for which she told a lie was to let the suspect have more time to destroy the evidence.

    As a matter of fact, those test papers were useless, and the only value was to lead the suspect to destroy them by himself. They were only tools, not the key to luring the suspect out. The trap they set at the very beginning was the key.

    And in the trap, the most qualified supporting roles were Ruby and Shirley. Looking at them earlier, Irish realized they were still willing to eliminate the culprit. She indeed made use of their mentality, but she had never expected that they would cooperate with her perfectly.

    Ruby and Shirley were all born with dignity, and they hated to be controlled by Irish.

    When Irish announced that they two couldn''t go out that morning, they felt so annoyed. And when Irish ordered Ruby to collect those test papers in front of so many servants, Ruby must have felt unsatisfied so that she couldn''t have kept these test papers appropriately. She must have thrown them into the drawer casually and didn''t lock them.

    Irish felt grateful that Ruby did it that way; otherwise, the y wouldn''t have finished if the test papers had been kept well.

    The test papers burned themselves. Some disclosed that it was because of the ghosts and monsters. What''s more, Shirley added some spections, so the atmosphere became more mysterious. Actually, Irish stated it deliberately, and she expressed clearly that she would only believe that ghost existed if she saw the real ghost appearing in the Lake''s house.

    The papers were kept in the study room, and Joie targeted them to destroy the evidence.

    During this leisure time, Irish called Joseph and told him everything was fine.<novelnext></novelnext>

    But Joseph didn''t think Irish would lock the door disregarding the danger, and drove Joie to jump from the window. Actually, she had nned to lure Joie into the room and then catch him.

    "You suspected Joie from the beginning? Why?" Joseph asked.

    Irish thought about it for a while, "I figured out some abnormal actions and couldn''t exin it until now. I can only guess that his mentality is strange."

    Joseph was confused.

    "Actually, I picked out Joie''s test paper. Although the test paper is only a tool, its question is rted to mentality actually. And found out that Joie''s answer is so strange. I can''t understand why he answered in that way."

    There was only one question on the test paper that stated this: You were in your dream, and there were many flowers beside you. When you woke up, a beautiful woman was kissing you with a flower in her hand. You stood up and killed her. Why?

    "This question is so strange." Joseph thought about it for a while and couldn''t make any answer too.

    "His answer is strange."

    "What?"

    Irish recalled Joie''s answer. Stating, "Because she killed me, I want to change her into a flower."

    Joseph was startled, "His answer?"

    Irish was also deep into thinking. What did Joie want to express? She thought.

    And when they were just thinking about that weird answer, Joseph''s phone rang. He got it through, and then he frowned when he heard something. His voice became a little cold, "I wille immediately."

    Their conversation ended, and Irish asked him what had happened.

    He picked up his coat, "Something happened to Joie."

    "I want to go with you." Irish lifted the quilt immediately.

    Joseph pressed the quilt and was ready to walk to the door, "No." His eyebrows frowned.

    Irish covered his wrinkled forehead and kissed him, "I''m really okay. In addition, I have an advantage over others in dealing with suspects with abnormal mentality."

 Chapter 488 488: It’s Betrayal For Him

    The kiss really had a magic effect. Joseph himself had to admit that he couldn''t get himself out of her softness, and he couldn''t even refuse her directly.

    Joie was shut in the confinement ward, and after screaming out, he fainted. And when he finally woke up, he didn''t give an answer no matter how the police asked but was just immersed in his own world.

    And then everyone saw such a scene.

    Through the window of the confinement ward, Joie, in a red dress, sat beside the bed and made gestures in the air.

    His facial expression was very strange, as if he was dull and losing his sanity.

    His fingers were posed into orchid ones, and every action showed strangeness.

    The police all felt strange, which was why they called Joseph.

    Joseph also couldn''t understand his behavior.

    However, Irish stood in front of the window and watched it carefully without any words. After a great while, she suddenly said, "He is drawing an eyebrow."

    It stunned Joseph and the police. They looked at Joie again. It seemed that he did it in this way. He was drawing the eyebrow in the air just like a girl did in front of a mirror.

    "Why?"

    Irish frowned and said, "Maybe I have looked down upon his mentality."

    And just at this moment, Joie stood up with a sweet smile on his face. He swung his long sleeves and sang something like a vivid, beautiful song. His sound and actions were so like a woman''s. However, the long hair was fake and thrown to the other side by him. A man with an oversized red dress and pale face was dancing in the room. Such a scene was so scary.

    Irish felt more and more terrified.

    Joie''s sound was shrill and slow, just like a Chinese drama actor acting a female role in an opera. It looked scary during the day, let alone at night.

    Irish once asked the steward why Joie resigned two years ago. ording to the steward, Joie prepared to get married and nned to find something else to do. However, he went back to the Lakester, and it was said that his girlfriend had left him. Atst, he didn''t get married.

    Thinking of that, Irish asked the police, "Did he call the police two years ago?"

    "That''s right. He called the police and said his girlfriend was lost two years ago. We found it after catching him through aprehensive survey this time." The police added, "But it was just the next day that he told the police that he had found his girlfriend and that his girlfriend left him with another man."<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Maybe his girlfriend wasn''t lost." Irish thought of a scary prediction. She stared at Joie, who kept singing, worried.

    Actually, his words hid something. The scary prediction was that his girlfriend had already been dead at that time.

    Seeing that the police officer was staring at her motionlessly, she added, "I suggest you take an investigation on his house. I mean not his dormitory in the Lakes, but the house he rented with his girlfriend outside."

    "Doctor Irish, you mean something?"

    "If not inferred wrongly, Joie''s dress is his girlfriend''s. His girlfriend''s leaving was a great hit on him, so he began to imitate his girlfriend''s appearance and hobby." She thought about the steward''s words to her, saying that Joie''s friend loved Chinese drama, and sometimes she even dressed herself as a performer and sang songs.

    Irish had dealt with such an individual case in which one of the couples was dead, while the other''s mentality got distorted due to deep missing. For example, he would collect what his lover loved, keep his lover''s objects, and even imitate his lover''s appearance and sound. Lastly, the other party would y two roles in his life and still believe that his lover was still alive. In conclusion, he lived in his memory and didn''t get himself out of the past.

    It is evident that Joie''s state of mind was abnormal to a great degree.

    During the day, he was weak and timid, and at night he turned out to be his girlfriend, who loved performing in Chinese dramas.

    Irish guessed that at the beginning, Joie wasn''t intended to scare someone but dressed like his girlfriend to honor her. Then, however, Shirley saw him.

    But one point still needed to be confirmed.

    His girlfriend died two years ago. In other words, it had been a long time for him to maintain this state. But why the Lake family didn''t find it earlier? More importantly, why does Joie still stay at the Lakes? Her thoughts ran wildly.

    When Irish was embraced by Joseph into the car again, she couldn''t figure out the answer to her doubt, so she mentioned it to Joseph and asked for his help too.

    Joseph didn''t start the car immediately but thought for a while. Finally, he uttered his guess boldly. "You suspect that his girlfriend has died and his state of mind got abnormal because of deep sorrow. ording to our inference, Joie''s target was William. So William must be involved in his girlfriend''s death? And there were two possible reasons for him to appear in the Lake''s with his girlfriend''s look. One was that he nned to take revenge on William, and the second was that he only missed his girlfriend." This analysis sounded reasonable.

    However, Irish still felt strange.

    Thinking of it for a while, she shook her head, "The answer on the test paper disclosed something demonstrating his abnormal mentality. The precondition of the question is the dream, with many meaningful symbols. The woman represents love, while fresh flowers represent the most intimate person or woman. Joie''s answer to the question is, ''Because she killed me, I want to change her into a flower. He didn''t answer it casually. If the flowers surrounding him referred to his girlfriend, and then he subconsciously thought that his girlfriend killed him first, and then he changed his fate by portraying him as his girlfriend''s��"

    She stopped here and felt confused. She cleared her thinking, "Of course, Joie is alive, and his girlfriend didn''t kill him. All these are just his subconscious feelings. So what does it mean by expressing killing?"

    She frowned and couldn''t understand his assumption. Finally, the man beside her slowly said, "The answer is betrayal."

 Chapter 489 489: Maybe There Is Another Interference

    Irish was suddenly sober and turned to look at Joseph. He frowned a little and stared forward. His outline and calm side face seemed attractive against the light. "The betrayal from his fiance�� is a great suffering for a man nearly getting married as if it were like he was being killed."

    She opened her mouth, and her eyes were brightly staring at him. "That''s right! Why didn''t I think of this? In this way, the answer is obtained."

    The hidden meaning of Joie''s answer was that his girlfriend betrayed him, and his happiness was grabbed away. So he regarded all his happiness as his girlfriend.

    Thetter part of his answer was a little confusing but could imply his mentality. He gave up his future happiness and was immersed in the past. He changed himself into like his girlfriend, which was just the representation of a dream in reality.

    "So, just as he put it, his girlfriend left with another man?" They discuss again the answer Joie gave to the police and the steward''s words which disagreed with the inference that his girlfriend had died.

    But Joseph thought something deeper, so he turned to look at her with a serious look, "Maybe there is another inference."

    Seeing he was so serious, Irish became stressed.

    "Joie suffered betrayal from his fiance��, so he killed her. As time went by, his mentality changed a lot. He buried her but forgot the fact that he had killed her. He called the police but only to close the case with the excuse that his fiance�� left with others. And he himself changed his appearance into his fiance�� gradually."

    Joseph''s inference was more logical but made Irish frightened. She nodded slowly. Somehow she thought that Joseph''s guess was closer to the fact...

    The truth would show up immediately.

    And finally, the police found out the truth.

    With Irish''s suggestions, several policemen arrived at Joie''s rented house. ording to his neighbor, Joie had been out for a long time. After inquiry, his neighbors gave some information to them that Joie had rented that house for four years. In thest two years, a girl was with him, but she left himter on.

    At this time, some neighborsined to the police and stated that Joie always made loud noises by breaking something. However, when the real estate manager warned him, he behaved in a good manner, and thus the neighbors couldn''tin again.

    When asked whether Joie had any abnormal behavior two years ago, one neighbor couldn''t think of anything since it had been a long time. However, his wife thought of something. She told the police that one night two years ago, she heard one shouting from a woman, and then there was no other noise after that.

    The police hesitated and asked whether she had such a good memory of it. The old woman told the police embarrassedly. As she was old, she had bad digestion, so her children suggested that she shouldn''t eat something at midnight. However, she was so hungry that day, so she went to the kitchen to eat something.

    And as she took out a can, she heard a woman''s shouting suddenly, and then the can fell down on her toes because she quivered. As a result, she was sent to the hospital. Afraid her children would know that she ate something at night, she didn''t tell anyone about it.

    The police searched Joie''s housepletely.

    When the police cracked the wall in the kitchen, they finally understood his behavior. Actually, there was a small space within the wall in which there were tables and chairs. There were two dishes, tes, and forks on the table. The meal in the dishes and tes was moldy, and some rats passed by.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Most shockingly, there was a body on the chair. Actually, a body was an exaggerated expression. It was bones. Judging by its sitting position and the ropes falling down beside the bones of the hand, the woman was bundled on the chair when she was still alive. Suddenly a knife fell down, and as the police picked it up, the blood on it got dry.

    The decedent was Marie, who was the same age as Joie. Four years ago, she was a sales clerk in a mall and fell in love with Joie. Originally, she was an average girl who longed for a peaceful life with Joie. She loved to watch Chinese operas, which was rare among girls.

    Joie loved Marie so much that he would apany Marie to watch Chinese operas as long as he had time. They were going to be married. However, something terrible happened.

    Irish felt so shocked when she took the information the police sent to her. There were two photos. One was that of Marie, and the other was the white bones dug out from the back of the concrete wall.

    The forensics also issued proof of the deceased and proved that Marie was killed by Joie two years ago.

    She took a nce at it and then passed the information to Joseph. After a while, she sighed, "Do you think William will admit it?" It was true that Joie was the killer, but he targeted William. So William must have had something to do with the case.

    "This was properly investigated, and even your father knew it. It will be difficult for him not to admit his involvement." Joseph put away the information and pulled her into his bosom lightly.

    Just as the police found Marie''s body, Joseph and Irish also received a call from Henry and were notified to go to the Lake''s. This time, Irish promised without hesitation because she had a prediction that the truth would finallye, clearing her name.

    ****

    It wasmon for a man to seek sexuality.

    William gave his excuse.

    But he forgot that it was also dangerous to do it.

    Marie''s body made William attached, so he just enjoyed this moment regardless of anything.

    When William stopped, he was so embarrassed and regretful.

    His affair made his wife sad, and his daughter startled and shocked.

    He would rather he could return to the past. He would rather not see Marie because now his wife and his daughter''s nce made him so desperate.

    "I vow that I just got lost at that time." William still defended himself and tried to protect his image in his wife and daughter''s minds. He put his fingers into his hair and said, with a down mood, "I didn''t like her at all. It was only because of madness."

 Chapter 490 490: Continue Your Confession

    Henry gripped his fingers tightly and said coldly, "Continue your confession!"

    William quivered, and then he continued.

    Just as he mentioned now, he had no feelings for Marie. He didn''t love her. What caught his interest the most was her body. That body was just like cotton for him, so warm andfortable.

    After having sex with her, Williamy beside her and touched her body. Her skin was like silk, which Kelly couldn''tpare at all.

    Maybe the medicine lost its effectiveness. Marie, who was unconscious, often made sensual sounds beside him.

    This sound was just like an aphrodisiac for him, and William began to make mistakes several times.

    He found that as he was with a young girl, he also felt young. The sexuality became easy for him, so he upied her again, and that time itsted longer.

    Marie woke up halfway and found a man on her body. She began to scream out and struggle. William didn''t let her go but kept going. He got more excited as she struggled. This experience was definitely different from the first time.

    When Marie was in aa, she was totally in his control. But when she woke up, she was livelier, and she stimted his desire. So he just gripped her wrist and finished it with her shouting and crying.

    When it was over, William gave Marie a check and said to her that she could choose to call the police or buy something she wanted.

    Marie kept crying and scolding him. At that moment, William thought she would call the police, so he increased the amount on the check and said everything would be OKAY as long as she didn''t call the police.

    Marie was just a salesperson, and her boyfriend was not rich. She herself was not born rich, so she just turned dull since she had not seen a huge amount of money before.

    When she reached her hand to take the check, William showed a satisfied smile. He knew that that woman would not do something unbeneficial to him.

    After that, William was satisfied, felt young again, and felt he was more energetic. The intimate encounter with Marie recharged him, and he felt pleasure and surprise about all these changes. This feeling was totally different.

    One monthter, he apanied Kelly to go shopping. When they passed by a brand store, he saw Marie by ident. She wore the uniform, smiling charmingly.

    Kelly was an avid user of that brand, so she walked in and began to look for the new designs. William also went in. Marie was totally shocked to see him, but she soon recovered and came forward to assist them.

    Kelly hadn''t seen Marie before, so she didn''t pay attention to her. She began to try on the clothes one by one while William sat on the sofa, waiting for her patiently. However, he couldn''t help taking a nce at Marie. His look moved along the two legs bundled by the skirt, and her naked body beneath the clothes lingered on his mind.

    Marie dared not look at William but followed Kelly to take the clothes she liked.

    William figured out Marie''s envious look on those clothes, and with just a short guess, he had an idea.

    When Kelly entered the fitting room, William pulled Marie to one side and lowered his voice, asking her to apany him for one night. Marie disagreed at first, but William motioned her to look at those beautiful clothes in the store. Then, he asked her whether she wanted to wear expensive clothes and luxurious jewelry.

    Marie nced at him, the hesitation was evident, yet her mind was on those expensive clothes.

    William knew that she had given in, so he wrote down his number, handed it to her, and asked her to wait for him at 8 p.m. the next night at the club.

    Marie took the paper in hesitation.<novelnext></novelnext>

    And she really came to the club the following night.

    Marie felt sorry for Joie when she was lying on the bed where she had sex with William. But as William put a check on her crest, her regret was gone immediately.

    William couldn''t wait to have sex with her. He knew something about Marie, who worked in high-ss shopping ces and witnessed the rich''s luxurious life would probably grab his offer. Actually, it was difficult for her just to stay poor forever.

    And that time, William enjoyed himself. At first, Marie refused him sometimes, butter she cooperated with him. Although William was not young anymore, he could make Marie enjoy their illicit affair more than Joie.

    Joie was young but often ended up giving a boring sex experience to Marie, but William was different. Although he was already in middle age, he was still fit. In addition, he was more experienced than Joie. More importantly, he could reach somewhere Joie could not as hecked money.

    Marie had only had a few sexes with Joie before, so William''s strong sexual drive was out of her imagination. Although William was much stronger than Joie, she was addicted to William''s bed appetite after they had sex that night. William often filled her sexual needs.

    After that night, they seemed attached to each other.

    William also thinks it is a pity for Marie to be with Joie, so he gives another amount of money to her. Marie was smart. She knew why he gave her so much money, but she still asked him.

    William told her that it was a monthly reward for her.

    And thus, their rtionship was confirmed.

    From that day on, as long as William had the desire for sex, he would call Marie. Of course, Marie was also pleased to receive his call. And as long as there was a call, she would dress beautifully going to the club and wear her sexy underwear to wait for him.

    While at this time, Joie proposed to her and looked forward to their future. However, Marie didn''t pay attention to that.

    Gradually Joie found something strange. He found her cosmetics, branded bags, and luxurious clothes everywhere. When he confronted her, she exined that she had another part-time job.

    She also made various excuses for her absence at night. Sometimes she said one of her friends got sick, and sometimes she said she would meet her friends at a KTV bar.

    In the beginning, Joie believed her. Butter, he found a half-box of used condoms, and he began to ask her what she had done behind his back.

    Marie had had enough of Joie, so she just told Joie that she had a new boyfriend and intended to break up with him.

    However, Joie resigned to prepare for their marriage. He scolded her out of great anger and left.

    Marie thought their rtionship would be over easily, so she happily called William and told him. William wasn''t happy with her news.

    Actually, he had only wanted her body and didn''t care about anything else at all.

    Without Joie as the obstacle, Marie often visited the club and was more attached to William. Sometimes when William went back home, she still called him, and their secret affair was nearly disclosed.

    Time flies and the most delicious food would not be very appetizing anymore.

    William began to lose his interest in Marie. Her body and style could not arouse his interest anymore, so he hardly called her. He barely even thought about her for a month.

 Chapter 491 491: William Was Regretful

    Marie was unwilling to ept the truth, but she hadn''t lost her temper. She could feel his coldness, so she just thought of an idea.

    One day William received a call from her. On the phone, she sounded pitiful while crying. She said that her feet got injured and she couldn''t move. She asked him toe into her house.

    Generally, a man would choose a hotel and would not run to a woman''s house to be with her. It was the same case with William. He didn''t care about her but finally agreed to her request as she sounded pitiful that time.

    When he arrived at her house, Marie told him it was her birthday. She wore a red dress to wee him, beneath it, she was naked. That night she was so attractive and performed a Chinese opera for him.

    Seeing her doing such a wonderful performance grabbed William''s interest again. From his perspective, Marie, at that moment, was really like a professional opera performer who was there just to make him happy.

    He hastily pressed his body on her and tore off her dress.

    After having sex, Marie sprawled on his body and asked when he would get divorced.

    It frightened William. He had intended to tease her, and he never thought of marrying her.

    Seeing his facial expression, Marie also threatened him directly that if he didn''t get a divorce, she would send their sound recording to the media and disclose it, making him lose good fame.

    William really got annoyed because no woman had ever threatened him. He threw a check with arge amount of money to her and warned her that she''d better take the money away and finish their rtionship.

    Marie had to take the check and see him leaving.

    The next day, William felt bad. He began to be regretful that he didn''t threaten Marie to hand in the sound recording. What if she really had it?

    Afraid of it, he immediately called Marie. However, it didn''t get through.

    Until that afternoon, the call didn''t get through. So he went to the mall, and after inquiring, he knew that she didn''te to work. He again ran to her house, but there was no response.

    He was worried about it for two days, and during this period, there was no news about Marie.

    Later, William saw Joie again because he had gone back to work. However, he was listless. William asked something about him and let him do a good job. Then he asked some private topics about whether he got married.

    At this time, Joie cried and quivered.

    William was shocked, and he heard that Marie was lost.

    The first thought William had in his mind was that Marie had gone away with the check. But then he noticed that Marie hadn''t withdrawn money at all.

    He heard that Joie called the police, informing them Marie was gone and the case was closed. It was said that he got Marie''s whereabouts and knew she had left with another man.

    William felt strange, but he didn''t ask further questions. He would rather believe that Marie was with another man and she really left. All his anxiety only rted to whether Marie had the sound recording or not. As long as she didn''t bother him, she could do whatever she wanted.

    "Later, Kelly said that she had seen a ghost with a red dress and heard her singing songs. I have heard those lyrics, and that was just the one Marie had sung that night." William frowned, "Kelly tends to be reasonable. However, even she said that she had seen a ghost, and then I knew that Marie must have been dead and avenged me."

    After finishing his confession, he gripped his fingers, looking at Kelly, "Sorry, Kelly. I know that you won''t forgive me. I��"<novelnext></novelnext>

    Kelly stood there motionlessly with a pale face. Then, after a while, she walked and left.

    "Kelly��" William was so regretful.

    Lilith bit her lips tightly and followed Kelly.

    Looking at his daughter''s back, William''s eyes got red.

    "It seemed that Joie saw everything you did on Marie''s birthday. As you described, Marie must have had a sound recording. But the police didn''t find this, so Joie probably had taken it away. And then he knew who kept a dirty rtionship with Marie." Irish gave her analysis calmly. She didn''t care about William''s regret or pay attention to Kelly''s feelings now. She seemed to be indifferent at this time.

    William didn''t think of this, so he was startled.

    "When did you meet the ghost?" Irish looked at Shirley and asked it lightly.

    Shirley was not satisfied with her attitude, but she couldn''t show much hatred since Henry was present. She thought of it for a while and then answered, "It might be the 12th."

    Irish looked at William, "Any relevance?"

    William''s face turned pale. After a while, he answered with fear, "That was just Marie''s birthday."

    "What a pity!" Shirley eximed. Irish nced at Joseph, and he had an idea about it.

    Actually, their guess was still kind. If Joie really witnessed Marie''s affair that day and heard the sound recording, he must have kidnapped Marie after William left. One year was enough for Joie to twist his mentality. Every day he had to be faced with his enemy, and the thought of retaliation urred to him. Finally, he started his n on Marie''s birthday two yearster.

    Henry was furious to hear all of this. Finally, he calmed himself down and asked Irish, "How about Joie?"

    "It''s terrible. He acts in two roles in his daily life. In the day, he is himself, but at night he acts to be Marie. Actually, this is not a unique case, but it''s more terrible." Irish answered it from a professional psychologist''s point of view, "What''s more, Joie suffers from Othello syndrome."

    "What?" Shirley asked out of curiosity.

    Irish looked at her helplessly, "Put it simply, he suffers from a syndrome of envy and suspicion. Generally speaking, one has a normal and pathological envy mentality, while thetter is within the range of mental illness. You must know Othello if you really know something about Shakespeare''s works."

    Shirley looked at her unhappily.

    "This condition is psychologically called ''pathological sputum syndrome'', a psychiatric syndrome characterized by suspicion of spouse''s infidelity and jealousy. Marie''s infidelity made Joie nearly mad. He has already suspected Marie''s loyalty, but he dares not express it clearly since he is weak in nature. Later, Marie confessed it to him, and then his leaving was not because of his open mind but to search for evidence. And he even followed William to Marie''s house and kidnapped Marie." Irish sighed deeply and changed her posture to mitigate the pain in her wrist.

    Shirley was scared to hear that.

    "All in all, it is your entire mistake. You lured a good girl with money and made a couple separate. If you had not lured her with wealth, Marie might have been still simple and kind. She dared not to spend so much money all her life. However, the great amount of money made her feel good, and her greedy nature was shownpletely." Irish ridiculed William.

    William gritted his teeth tightly and began to refute, "She would still have been greedy even if it''s not me!"

    "Such an idiot!" Henry couldn''t stand his anger. He really had the impulse to p him, so he just pointed at him with quivering fingers, "Are you justifying your mistake? You really make us ashamed!"

 Chapter 492 492: Added Two Percent Share

    There were so many reasons that resulted in this tragedy, but they were mostly linked with the word "greed." Joie was a figure of pathos, and he was innocent. However, the cause of his tragedy was William Lake because of his greed, and he was doomed that day.

    But at the same time, Joie also caused his own tragedy too. He was so paranoid that he got to where he was. There were many such people in the world, too idealized, but forgot that peoplee to this world for spiritual practice, and the reality is not sweet. It would stab them like a knife and then sprinkle salt on the wound if necessary. They were in pain, crying, struggling, fighting against that, which is alright, but how to face reality rationally is the root of spiritual practice.

    Because it is a practice, they should always believe that what God has given them is never an insurmountable obstacle. The reason why they cannot pass through such tragedies is that their practice is not enough, and they give up and surrender.

    Irish never wanted to suspect Joie because she had read his information. His parents died early, and he lived in this world very lonely, but it was her who had seen the clue. She saw him show the wound on his arm and his nails, apparently washed with by the cleaner because there was uncleaned red nail polish under his nail.

    She hesitated at that time, and even if Joie yed as a woman, he would not be suspected by others. But she didn''t make such a decision to disclose her clue immediately, hoping her judgment would be wrong.

    When the matter ended, Irish did not intend to stay in the Lake''s mansion. As for what Henry Lake would do with William, it had nothing to do with her. On the contrary, she looked at Joseph without a trace, intending to hasten him to leave.

    While Joseph remained silent like a statue and pressed himself a little bit when he collided with her eyes, motioning her to be calm.

    She didn''t know what Joseph was waiting for, but she had to hitch his ride home.

    And Henry looked really angry this time, and after scolding William, he took a breath, asking coldly, "Are you wrong?"

    William trembled, saying that he was.

    "You have never been burdened with any pressure since you were a child. You are a shareholder of the Lake, but you have not fulfilled any of the shareholders'' obligations. It is because I have indulged you too much that you have been allowed to make such an unscrupulous mistake." Henry''s tone was even colder, "From now on, as Chairman of the Runestone Group, I announce that you will be deprived of your 2 percent share of the Runestone as a minor punishment."

    William was startled, saying. "Henry."

    "Don''t force me to withdraw all your shares!" Henry yelled and could not bear his anger.

    William Lake shut up suddenly.

    "All present here are members of the Lake family, and you all have shares in our business, which could bear witness to my decision." Henry said, looking at Joseph, "Joseph, the decision takes effect from this moment. This time thanks to Isabel, otherwise the family would not be so peaceful, so I decided to transfer the 2% shares to her, and you will announce this decision at the shareholders'' meeting early tomorrow morning.

    "Okay." Joseph was not surprised, not knowing whether this incident was in his expectations or not. In short, he did not even move his eyebrows.

    But Shirley was startled, "What? Give her a 2% share? You are too unfair!"<novelnext></novelnext>

    Henry had changed his will to add a property to Irish, and at that time, he increased her shares so that Irish was one with the most shares among several children, how could she have much more?

    Henry was displeased, yelling at Shirley, "If not for Irish, you may still be scared and stay in the hospital!"

    Shirley dared not retort, but it could be seen she was resentful.

    "Roy, you are the eldest son. What do you think?" Henry looked at his silent son.

    Roy was always immersed in his own world, and he was not interested in their family''s affairs, and he did not want to get any shares from the Lake''s. He pinched the cigarette butt in the ashtray and said, "I have no problem with your decision, dad."

    "Silly son, you..."

    "How about William?" Henry interrupted Shirley and sank into his voice.

    William raised his head. "I have no opinion about the shares and your daughter, Isabel. As long as they are not in the hands of outsiders, I have no objection. Henry, you are right. Thanks to Isabel, this time, otherwise we do not know what kind of trouble would happen. The shares are supposed to belong to her."

    "Joseph, how about you?"

    Joseph answered with a faint smile, "That''s okay."

    "Okay, inform thewyer tomorrow morning." Henry made up his mind. At this time, Irish slowly said, with a cool tone, "I don''t care about it."

    It made Henry''s face twitch, looking at Irish, he was at a loss. Irish put the cup on the table, "The reason I came to your house was that you mistakenly thought you saw my mother, and that''s why I went to check it out. Now the truth is clear, that is to say, if I had known that the reason was that, I absolutely would not interfere in this matter, so I do not want your family''s things. You can give to whoever you like, and I do not want to have anything to do with the Lake family."

    This was her true thinking, and it was because of Joseph''s remark that she began to look into it. Now she thought it was Henry''s thought of her mother that day, and he mistakenly thought he had seen her mother.

    "Isabel, you are my daughter. How can we have no rtionship?" Henry felt guilty about Irish, and he couldn''t get angry with her, no matter how hurtful her words were.

    "That''s my decision. You want to give it to me, but I don''t want it." Irish did not want to spend more time biting her teeth and getting up, looking at Joseph, "Can you send me home?"

    Apparently, she was defiant, especially when she saw Shirley nearly bite her.

 Chapter 493 493: A Fake Marriage Between Joseph And Ruby

    Henry wanted to say something but could not say it. He could never find a better way to get along with Irish. When he saw her leaving, he was anxious.

    Joseph took a calm nce at the situation and looked at her with slight helplessness. So he stood up and walked to her, pressing her down on the sofa, and said in her ear, "Wait."

    Irish raised her head in a puzzle. Wait? What was he waiting for?

    Ruby saw that and received a hint from Joseph, licking her lips and saying, "You don''t have to hurry to leave. I think you should be very interested in the next thing."

    Irish frowned but saw Joseph nod to her and sit down.

    She didn''t think she was interested in Lake''s affairs, but since Joseph had said so, she could sit for a few more minutes.

    This time, Joseph sat in the seat Lilith originally upied next to Irish, it made Irish''s heart much calmer.

    Holding a cup, Ruby took a deep breath and looked at everyone, "In fact, I have something to announce today. To be exact, I should have something to say with Joseph."

    Henry looked to Ruby and doubtfully stared at Joseph, vaguely able to guess the situation.

    Shirley looked nervously at Ruby.

    Roy still hung his headzily and made no sound.

    "As it will be announced tomorrow morning, I will exin it to you now." Ruby looked at Joseph and continued, "Joseph and I are going to divorce."

    As soon as her voice fell, Shirley was head howling like a goose waiting to be ughtered. "Ruby, you can''t do that. You are taken advantage of by the coquette, you..."

    "In fact, Joseph and I were not married at first!" Ruby gnawed her teeth and unfolded the truth about their marriage.

    "What?" This time, Henry''s astonishing voice came in.

    Shirley stopped abruptly and looked at Henry.

    Roy, who had been lowering his head, froze, and looked up at Ruby and Joseph. The speechless person was Irish.

    All along, she had not dared to ask for Joseph when he got divorced, and there were many times she also hated the fact that she was like a kept woman, depressed.

    Now she understood everything. He was single, he was clearly her man. So why had he been Ruby''s husband earlier?

    She also knew how difficult Joseph had been in this pseudo-marital rtionship and how he was thinking about it. Still, she knew very well that Ruby, who had talked about her embarrassment, would not easily divorce so quickly.

    Irish had never hoped for more, even though she had nned to be a kept lover of Joseph all her life, even if she could no longer be fair and upright, she would be willing to do so because the other party was Joseph, so it was worth her doing that.

    But that day, Ruby not only came up with a divorce announcement but also told the truth about their pseudo-marriage. Was the suning out from the west?<novelnext></novelnext>

    She was subconsciously looking at Joseph, whose side face had no expression, so she could not guess his thoughts.

    And when Ruby finished, she looked at Joseph, but she thought utterly different from Irish. She did not want to see through Joseph''s mind, and her memory was fixed on a certain day at a particr hour.

    She should not forget that afternoon, the sun shining horribly, and Joseph was even cold fearfully.

    He made only one request to her to publicly exin their false marriage.

    She couldn''t say it at that time, for she feared that once they were said to be married falsely, the outside world would specte and once the real reason for her fake marriage was exposed, what would happen? She has to keep onest road all the time.

    But Joseph changed his original intention and said to her, "Ruby, I don''t want to put pressure on you with the future of Emery. You can decide how you do."

    At that moment, she was staring at Joseph like seeing a stranger. He was so indifferent, but the words were threatening. She knew it. Emery would be in trouble if she didn''t agree with his request.

    Ruby did not understand why Joseph did so heartlessly.

    Until Joseph patiently exined to her, "Friendship and rights are different. Before I can guarantee your wife''s future, I must protect my lover''s carefreeness."

    So Ruby understood that Joseph did everything, just wanting to let Irish be in a better position and be weed by the public.

    She wasn''t upset because she had no leverage to threaten Joseph. Instead, her and Emery''s future was held in the hands of this man.

    She finally realized that Joseph was always a businessman. What a businessman cared about most was his interests. He did not keep secrets for her without pay, nor did he mercifully arrange the future for her and Emery. He was silent for so long. Finally, after waiting so long, he was just looking for the best opportunity to hold all the chips in his hands and then gave her a path that she could not walk, but she could only choose, and she had to go on it as he asked.

    Ruby did not me Joseph because it was a false marriage of interest at the very beginning. Joseph was worth being made a friend, but she had enough courage and ability to change his heart. Finally, she admitted that his cleverness had defeated her.

    She tried to bargain with him, but he smiled so lightly and did not say a word.

    She knew that if he went on, he might not have the patience to make her a good offer.

    As a result, Ruby changed her mind that night and spoke publicly about the fake marriage ording to Joseph''s intention. The only thing she could beg for was that Joseph would keep her secret affair with Emery.

    After all, Henry was the first person who had undergone the storm. His brow looked like two tight towers, and he questioned, "Your marriage is fake? The wedding was held. Howe you said it was a fake marriage?"

    "The wedding was just a formality, and we were both not registered for marriage." Ruby sighed heavily.

    Henry didn''t believe this, turning his head and looking at Joseph.

    Joseph nodded slightly, agreeing with what Ruby had said.

    Henry was startled entirely, and after a long time, he suddenly lost his temper, "Nonsense!" His big hand pounded that desk, and the water in the coffee cup all sshed out. "Why?"

 Chapter 494 494: You Shut Up

    Ruby was speechless. She never thought of answering such a question with any answer.

    Joseph spoke softly, "I could only say that at that time, Ruby and I were the most suitable, but not necessarily the most in love. Ruby did not love me, and I respected her. This was not the basis of a long marriage."

    Joseph''s words were a good answer; although his description of their rtionship was harsh, it left Ruby a good chance to take the initiative.

    Ruby also understood what Joseph meant. Then she looked at Henry and went on, "Dad, you and my mother are staring at me all day long, urging me to go on blind dates every day with the sons of the owners of your cooperatingpanies. There are only a few of them in the same age group who also have a good rtionship with the Lake''s. Can you allow me to marry an ordinary office worker? Joseph is the most suitable candidate. First, he has a share of the Runestone Group, and second, he has a steady manner and is not exaggerating like any other man. That''s why I chose him. I married him and did not lose my freedom."

    Henry was furious after hearing these words. His eyes were angry, and he looked at Joseph again, "She''s making a fuss, and you, too? Joseph, you always have good manners. How could you do such a ridiculous thing?"

    "Just get what we need." Joseph was not shocked by Henry''s anger, calmly answering, "The Lake is kind to me. I cooperated with Ruby in this case, which can also be regarded as returned kindness. But some things happened involuntarily, so it''s better to have our own freedom now."

    The word kindness made Henry unable to say a word.

    In hisst sentence, Joseph said something meaningful. Wise people could hear the hidden meaning of it. The so-called involuntarily was only because of Irish''s untimely appearance in his life. The previous scandal between Joseph and Britney White had convinced the Lake members for a long time. But people with bright eyes could see that what Joseph did all the time was work. If he really has something to do with Britney, why is no message followed up? Instead, Britney only yed herself, and Joseph''s attitude of not responding made people suspicious, and the Lake members thought there was someone who he was deliberately protecting.

    Henry knew that there would be such a day sooner orter, so when Ruby filed for divorce, he was not surprised because he had already inferred by the previous attitude of Joseph. Both were his daughters. How did he choose whom to support this time? What never urred to him was that Ruby and Joseph were married in a fake way.

    But Shirley refused, like a crazy woman, pointing at Joseph.

    "You call it payback? Is that what you''re doing? When no other woman ising your way, you take advantage of our daughter, now, there is a woman around you, and in the blink of an eye, you change your mind? You can bring it up if you want to ask for a divorce. What fake marriage are you talking about?"<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Mom, I brought up the fake marriage to him." Ruby hurriedly opened her mouth to protect Joseph and reached this decision.

    "Silly daughter, you have been traded, you do not know? Why do you have to speak for him? Now that he has a woman, he can''t wait to dump you. Are you still foolishly believing him?" Shirley was outraged, without thinking about what she said, "Did he threaten you? Or did he encourage you to say that? If you have a pseudo-marriage with him and then decide to get divorced, is it not him who gains in the end? What can you get?"

    "You shut up!" Henry roared angrily and pointed upstairs, "Go upstairs, don''t make a fool of yourself in front of your children!"

    "Our daughter hase to such a loss. What am I ashamed of?" Shirley was hysterical, rolling her eyes, "Joseph, please exin clearly, how you bully my daughter. Did you set up a sham marriage with her? You say it is a fake marriage, and it is the truth? Many people were on the wedding day, and now you''re retreating? All the good things in the world fall on you, right? What do you think of my daughter? What''s the purpose of the wedding ceremony at that time if you''re both not legally married? Not married, but are both of you sleeping in a room? You took advantage of my daughter, and now you want to walk away, and what have you said? Returning kindness? Without the Lake family, can you have your career today? You are now in the Runestone Group, taking charge of it as general manager and bing a sessful businessman; therefore, you are bewitched by a woman and dump the wife immediately. Who are you, by the way? How dare you dump my daughter this way?"

    Shirley''s words poked the heart of a man. Her mood was understandable, but she was too aggressive, bitter, and pungent. As Irish listened to her, her heart wrung and was in pain, and she wanted to argue with Shirley. But at this time, if she were to be aggressive, Joseph would be in a real dilemma. She forcefully restrained herself, letting Shirley say everything she wanted.

    Ruby''s confession was of no use this time. She wanted to exin herself. Unfortunately, she couldn''t convince her family this time that they were in a fake marriage.

    Henry was already upset and felt a headache from Shirley''s words. In just one night, two major events shocked them all. He could not bear any more pressure, so he yelled at the housekeeper angrily and asked the housekeeper to take Shirley back to her room.

    But she never went back, beginning to cry, and Roy could not help but persuade her.

    Kelly and Lilith returned early to their room and also heard themotion downstairs. When they went downstairs, they learned that Ruby and Joseph had a sham marriage. Kelly was also shocked. Lilith blinked and looked at Joseph with respect. She let go of her father''s affairs and sat by Irish''s side, listening for fear of missing every detail.

    asionally missing content, please report errors in time.

 Chapter 495 495: Did You Arrive?

    Shirley began to scold Joseph for his ingratitude, seeing that there were more people, but she was still a little reasonable. When she scolded Irish, she only insinuated something, not directly using her. First, she dared not act too presumptuous before Henry. Second, she had no definite evidence. Lastly, she did not see anything, so she did not rant too much against her.

    Henry was angry, but Joseph prevented Henry from forcibly pulling Shirley back to her room, leaving her to be hysterically abusive. When she finally stopped for a while, he said quietly, "Now, can I say something?"

    Irish remained silent and looked at Joseph, who did not know what he could do to solve the mess. In short, she was already exhausted. It was hard to imagine that he could wait for her to finish scolding him. However, it could be seen that he was confident enough.

    To be able to calm down in chaos is a man''s most valuable quality. His voice soothed Irish''s impatience. She believed he could handle that.

    Shirley stared at him angrily.

    Joseph took out his cell phone, dialed a number, and then put it through and asked, "Did you arrive?"

    The next second he hung up, raising his eyes, and ordered the housekeeper, "Open the door."

    The housekeeper froze for a while and hurried to open the door.

    The living room door opened, and a woman stood at the door.

    After waiting for the woman to walk in, Irish looked at her, frozen. Why was it, Daisy?

    The Lake family also did not expect Daisy toe, surprised.

    Daisy was very calm, and her expression was the same as Joseph''s. Going forward, she slightly bowed to be polite, "Mr. Henry Lake," and then she put the folder on the tea table in her hand.

    "This is proof of the false marriage between Mr. Dover and Miss Lake. The marriage certificate at the wedding was false. Here are the certificates of being unmarried and the proof of thewyer present at that time. And all these certifications could prove that the marriage is fake. You will understand if you take a look at them."

    Collecting and sorting these identification materials took a little time but wasted energy because thewyer had settled abroad. Daisy was not easy to contact him. Joseph told all these things to her, and she didn''t understand why until she got the proof.

    Having gotten along with Joseph for so many years, she knew that he was a considerate person. When he told her to bring information to the Lake''s today, Daisy knew he would exin his rtionship with Ruby clearly.

    The data was not thick in the ck folder. Overhead the hangingmp takes out a faint light on the ck folder, shaking out coldness.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Henry took the document in half doubt, opened it, looked at it one by one, and gradually his face turned dark. After reading thest page, he threw the document on the coffee table, and his fingers trembled with anger, "You, you two are just messing!"

    "I''m sorry, President." Joseph took the lead in apologizing with a light tone.

    "Do you still think of me?" Henry gnashed his teeth, "Joseph, Ruby is a woman who has not gone through any big waves, and shees up with this absurd idea. Are you the same as her? How can you follow her and do such a ridiculous thing? I see, you grow up, your wings are thick, and you don''t have to go through my permission, right? I''m not dead yet!"

    Joseph did not exin much, in addition to a calm apology, he didn''t say a word.

    Roy, who was next to him, took a look at the materials, and when Henry sat angrily on the sofa, he opened his mouth and said, "It''s always better not to get married than to divorce. Dad, Joseph has made it very clear, don''t embarrass him. He is also doing this for the Lake''s."

    "I know what you''re thinking." Henry looked at Joseph, his eyes were painful and gaunt, "but you can say directly to me, why take marriage as a joke? You have done your best for the Runestone Group for all these years, and I have seen it in my eyes. In my heart, you are no different from my son. I provide for you to go to school and cultivate you and what I want is not your return. I sincerely want us to be a family. But, you know, I''m not going to force you to do things you don''t like."

    Since his childhood, Henry had been thinking highly of Joseph. He was also bent on marrying his daughter to him. First, he knew his history; on the other hand, he always understood that keeping Joseph was better than having an enemy. That is why he had always retained his shares and some shareholders on Joseph''s side in the Runestone Group, making Joseph feel that the Runestone Group was his root and that he couldn''t leave even if he wanted to leave.

    Therefore, when Ruby told him one day that she and Joseph were in love with each other and nned to get married, he was the happiest one. This was the portrayal of his thoughts, but he was also worried about it while he was happy. He felt their marriage was sudden because Joseph had never mentioned it and had not revealed it even once.

    Until now, Henry did understand that this was a drama that the two had agreed to y, deceiving everyone.

    At this time, Joseph finally got up and bowed slightly toward Henry. "I''m sorry. President, the information is clear; this is Ruby''s final decision. After all, I can''t keep this rtionship with her forever."

    Ruby also hastened to get up, "Dad, Mom, I''m sorry, this matter started from me, you do not need to me Joseph. It really has nothing to do with him."

    "You''re selfless and stupid." Shirley, angry and sore, went forward and poked Ruby on the head. "You don''t know why he is so happy to get rid of your rtionship? It is you, silly girl, who suffers from this matter."

    "Mom."

    "You have been taken advantage of, and see that if this woman hadn''t intervened, you two would have a baby, and you would have lost everything if you were going to let the position slip away!" Shirley stamped his feet with anger.

 Chapter 496 496: Listen To Me

    "That''s enough!" Henry was angry and yelled. "Shirley, if you dare say a word more, pack up your things and leave my house!"

    Shirley stopped, but her eyes red at Joseph.

    "What else do you want to say, Joseph?" Henry''s eyes nced at Irish and finally fell back to Joseph.

    Irish''s heart could not help tightening.

    Joseph slightly pondered, then quietly said, "Thank you for years of cultivation."

    Somehow, a little bit of hope in Irish''s heart was extinguished, and soon she responded. What was she expecting? She should not have expected anything until the matter subsided.

    Henry looked at Joseph''s eyes with a trace ofplexity, but things had been like that, so he could not say anything. He leaned on the sofa with tiredness on his face. After a long time, he sighed heavily.

    Seeing the situation, Shirley could not help but open her mouth. The next second, Henry reprimands, "It''s really a fake marriage, don''t make a fuss!"

    Shirley clenched her fist, and her lips trembled with anger.

    It was midnight when they left the Lake''s house. The sky seemed to be ckened with ink, and a thick haze covered the stars. The light was invisible, only moonlight trying to tear open the wisps of haze and sprinkle the cold light on the earth.

    Inside the car, it was also infected with haze.

    It was too quiet.

    Joseph drove in silence, holding the steering wheel in one hand and her hand in the other. Looking ahead, a streetlight retreated at full speed, and the light sshed on his side face.

    Irish did not speak, for she did not know what he was thinking.

    After he had exined the matter between him and Ruby, he picked her up and walked out of the house before everyone. When she passed Shirley, she clearly heard her low curse, bitch!

    At that time, she was so angry that she almost scolded her, but when she received the warning from Joseph''s eyes, Irish put up with it.

    After getting into the car, he thoughtfully helped her dress her shoes, silently fastened her seat belt, then drove away.

    For Irish, her ears were quiet, but she didn''t expect the car to be so silent.

    Joseph looked like he was thinking, and it seemed that he thought nothing. She took a nce at his eyes, looking ahead at his pointy nose and closed lips quietly.

    But why did she still feel his mind heavy?

    Was it not a happy thing to disown the rtionship with Ruby?

    Just as she was thinking about whether to open her mouth to break the deadlock, Joseph finally opened his mouth, his voice still sounding charming like the night out of the window, "These two days you are not allowed to go to work and take care of injuries at home."

    "I''m fine." She couldn''t stay at home every day.

    The steering wheel in Joseph''s hand turned gently, and the car got on the auxiliary road.

    "Listen to me." He said.

    Irish turned her head and looked at his side face, licking her lips, "Can youe back from work early to apany me?" Her deliberate mention of "early" and e back" was nothing more than a test of his mind.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Joseph closed his lips and gave her no definite answer.

    She kept looking at him.

    The car stopped in an area with few people.

    Joseph stalled the car and looked at her.

    On a hazy night, Irish''s cheeks were shrouded in light, more ambiguous and tender, and her fine white skin was as white as sand, and her eyes clear and clever.

    Joseph lifted his hand and touched her hair with his big hand.

    On his long fingers was familiar wooden incense, drilled with her hair smell into her breathing. When the man''s finger covered her red lip, Joseph opened his mouth and said a word gently, "Yes."

    Irish smiled gently, took his hand, sped his fingers, and then asked, "Are you unhappy?"

    Joseph looked at her, eyes became soft, "No, I am very happy."

    The next second, the tall body pressed over, Joseph kissed her lips, then his big hand also climbed up her back head with force.

    His kiss was sudden and passionate. She had only to enjoy it. When she reacted, she gently responded. A whisper came out of her nose, which made Joseph''s kiss wilder and almost crushed her lips and teeth.

    "Joseph." She felt the pain and vaguely called his name.

    Joseph''s lips continued down to her lower lip, her chin, her neck, her corbone, and finally, her breast.

    The next second she only felt a pain in her chest and said, "Hurt."

    Joseph then let go of her nipple. She bowed her head and saw that he had left a mark on it.

    Lightly covering Joseph''s face, Irish murmured softly, "But I can''t see that you are very happy. Why?"

    Joseph looked at her; after a while, his thin lips slightly raised, saying, "Silly girl, you think too much."

    Seeing himugh, Irish felt much better in her heart and set her eyes on him. "Then we can be together in a fair and bright way, right?"

    Joseph approached her, his nose close to her, and said a word, "Yes."

    The great happiness and joy she had been suppressing were like fireworks in her heart. Irish suddenly hugged Joseph''s neck tightly. At this moment, she could not describe her mood, as if her long-term expectations had finally be real. She was so excited that she did not know what to do.

    Although Joseph had always been unmarried, and although she also knew that, she had not made their rtionship public. Irish always felt that Joseph belonged to someone else.

    But suddenly, this time, she felt good, she could embrace him openly and call him by his name. She could hold hands with him under the sun, call him unscrupulously and ask him what time to go home. Or when something in the house broke down, she could also call him, like other women to their boyfriends, and say to Joseph, honey, something was broken in our house, you had to fix it when you came back from work.

    She looked forward to such a life.

    Looking forward to this kind of Joseph, who only belonged to her.

 Chapter 497 497: It’s All Under Control

    The next day, the Runestone Group exposed a big piece of news about the General Manager of the Group. The story was that Lake''s son-inw originally married Lake''s daughter in a fake way. The reason why it was called "expos��" was that the news had been first released by a business weekly, allegedly revealed by people familiar with the matter.

    This was originally gossip that was not linked to financial and business information. It should not have been spread so quickly, but what happened was that human nature was so greedy that gossip had a certain immeasurable effect on people at any level. It was just the nature of gossip. One could imagine that the influence of the gossip revealed in Business Weekly was no longer enough to describe the word "entertainment."

    Not surprisingly, major web portals on the Inte began to forward in just one hour. The number of clicks on rted posts was surprisingly high. The photos in the news were not very clear. They only took the faces of Joseph and Ruby. In the middle was a gossip lightning line, representing the rtionship between the two broke.

    It might not be enough to trigger so much criticism and writing if it was just divorce news. However, the public disclosure of the fake marriage between Joseph and Ruby aroused more people''s curiosity about the life of a rich family. Even many people who didn''t pay attention to the Runestone Group and didn''t know about diamondpanies started searching on the Inte. Some of the video sites were funny enough to match the hype and push a TV series of fights in rich families to the front page.

    When the scandal spread to a certain extent and time, people naturally hoped that the party concerned would reply. But towards noon, Joseph first responded to the news and gave a reply. He admitted that the news was true. He and Ruby dissolved the false marriage, and Ruby responded after Joseph, whose reply was the same as his.

    When asked by the media why the two had a fake marriage and why they dissolved their rtionship, Ruby answered with ambiguity, saying that a fake marriage rtionship could withstand many unnecessary troubles, but this kind of rtionship could notst for a lifetime. So they broke the rtionship at the right time.

    Neither of them gave too many replies to the media, nor did they turn a blind eye to the uproar on the Inte. Their answers were just right, and more replies would make people suspicious. But if they did not answer, they would also make people suspicious. This kind of response at least told them the truth: the marriage between the two was false, and from that day on, the two no longer had any rtionship. For a reason the parties did not say, and others'' guesses were just for entertainment.

    Joseph was sitting in the general manager''s office when the news was getting hot. The new site of the New York Times behind him stood like Iron Man in the world, and then down was a street with cars flowing. Such urban scenery rendered a high dignity.

    His eyes always looked at the clown bear on his desk. A clown bear in jeans was about 6 centimeters tall, furry, with bright eyes, a big mouth, and a big nose. In short, it was a very unique bear doll.

    This was the gift that Irish gave him that day. When he opened it, he wondered whether it was a shirt, tie, or something.

    He couldn''t expect to take out the ugly thing. It was strange. He couldn''t understand why Irish gave him such a thing as a girl to y with. Later he found a clue. As soon as he touched this thing, it began tough and rolled over. And suchughing would make him smile.

    Was she dissatisfied with his unusual smile?

    At this time, Daisy knocked on the door and came in. Seeing Joseph staring at the bear, she was not surprised. She stepped forward to report. "Ruby Lake has already expressed her attitude to the media.

    The light shrouded the man leaning against the back of the chair, with no facial expression on his face, slightly nodding, and he said coldly, "Keep looking at the public opinion. Don''t go too far."

    "Rest assured, it''s all under control." The so-called "insider" was nothing more than a self-directed and self-acting drama.

    Joseph nodded, and he always rested assured about Daisy.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Mr. Dover, the President, was on his way to thepany. In today''s board of directors meeting, he will personally preside over the meeting." Daisy looked worried.

    Since the marriage of Joseph and Ruby, Henry had not apparently handed over the first ce, but in fact, he had given thepany full authority to Joseph to take charge of it. There had been a lot of spection in private that this position was left to Joseph to sit on. They also thought that Henry would hand over the position when he got his grandchild.

    But that day, Henry Lake changed his normal state and went to thepany. It seemed that the situation had changed.

    Joseph faintly smiled, "He is the President, personally presiding over the meeting is no surprise."

    "Yes." Daisy could not read Joseph''s mind and did not deliberately guess, handing the documents to him.

    Joseph took it and opened it up.

    "This is the invitation to present the Lendit Forum in San Francisco, and the responsible man of that forum also called to express his invitation, and he''s waiting for your reply," Daisy said.

    Joseph did not look at the document and put it down, "I will think about it."

    "Okay."

    When Daisy was about to leave, Joseph stopped her.

    She came back at his disposal.

    "Bowen today will arrive at Terminal 3 at two o''clock in the afternoon. You pick him up." He and Bowen had been busy since thest time they left Pennsylvania. He received a call from him. It seemed that his decision toe to New York was also a sudden one.

    Daisy was slightly stunned, Bowen?

    "Daisy?" He was surprised to see her.

    Daisy reacted, whose face was slightly unnatural, "Mr. Dover, can you arrange for other people to pick him up? I can''t leave this afternoon."

 Chapter 498 498: Your Brother Loves Keeping Me

    It is the first time Daisy has refused his arrangement all these years. It made Joseph feel even more ufortable. His eyes fell on her face with a stern look. "Otherwise, you would attend the board meeting for me, and I would pick him up myself?"

    Daisy was shocked, detecting Joseph''s unhappy tone, and hurriedly said, "I''m sorry, I''m going to pick him up this afternoon."

    Joseph''s face was only slightly relieved.

    When Daisy left his office, Joseph sighed and touched the clown bear on the desk, so the little bear began to roll madly,ughing so badly.

    He could not help but tickle his thin lips.

    ****

    When the Runestone Group was in a mess, Irish was quite good.

    Because of injuries on her hands and feet, Joseph specially hired a nanny to take care of her. Mia was in her early twenties but had three years of experience as a domestic nanny. She had to drop out of school to work in NY for her father''s sake, who was in a hospital bed. The little girl was diligent, shy, and obedient, unlike other nannies fond ofining.

    Joseph agreed to hire a young nanny so Irish would not be lonely, after all, they were the same age, and they could chat, which was better than hiring an aunt.

    When Mia returned from buying fresh vegetables and fruits from the supermarket, Irish sat on the floor reading a book.

    She wore a suit of white linen, her hair was put behind her head, and her in cheeks slightly lowered. Her long hair dropped down. Out of the window was the sun shining and the autumn leaves falling in the light wind, the light sshing down on her, making her wrists turn pages clear and white.

    This scene was as beautiful as a picture.

    Even Mia could not help saying, "Dr. Irish, you are so beautiful." There was no wonder why she had such a handsome and considerate boyfriend.

    Mia has no clue about the economy. Of course, she didn''t know Joseph''s identity.

    She only knew that the hostess of the employer''s family was a psychiatrist very young. When she came here the first day, she met the male host, who left a deep impression on her.

    It was the first time she had seen such a good man in New York for so long. The man was tall and handsome, his manner was calm, and his voice was pleasant to hear. Although he spoke very little, he was mostly silent and serious, but Mia could see that the host loved to hear the hostess and that his eyes were always following her. When the hostessughed happily, he would follow and lightly smile, attractive, with the mature man''s unique charm.

    Mia knew that the two of them must have a good rtionship, especially when they were together, they were wonderful to look at, and she felt that looking at them was like appreciating a picture of beauty and fantasy.

    When Irish saw that she had brought back the big bags, she closed the book and had to help her. Mia quickly put down the bag, ran to her, and helped her. She shook her head, "Before Mr. Dover left, he told me to look at you and not let you move around. You''d better sit down."

    She was speechless. She was not so delicate.

    "The midday recipes have been sent by fax, and Mr. Dover orders that Doctor Irish, you must be hungry. I''ll go to the kitchen right away,"

    "I''m tired of eating nutritious meals." Irish sighed helplessly.

    "Are you tired of having a gentleman like Mr. Dover? He''s so concerned about you." Mia said with admiration.

    Irish smiled softly.

    In fact, she never told Joseph that when she was climbing, she often suffered far more injuries than she was. Fortunately, she did not have a scar; otherwise, he must be scared.<novelnext></novelnext>

    But then the doorbell rang, and Irish pulled Mia. "I''ll open the door, and I can take the opportunity to exercise, you can cook."

    Mia had to follow her.

    She jumped to the gateway, freeing the unhurt hand to open the door. Unthinkably, it was Jordan.

    Leaning against the door, chewing gum in his mouth, he was very casual in his clothes. He wore old jeans with a half-long green coat with a hat, hung a light scarf at will on his shoulders, and when she opened the door, he swaggered in and looked around. Whistling, he said in a wildly exaggerated tone, "Good, my brother is willing to spend a lot of money to keep you as a bird."

    He was not polite since he got in. However, that was Jordan''s typical tone; if he were polite to her, Irish would feel very strange.

    Closing the door and limping into the living room, she said, "What? Do you envy and hate me? Your brother loves keeping me, what''s wrong?"

    Jordan didn''t expect her to say that. He nced coldly at her and sat on the sofa, humming, "Bitch."

    "Do you think I can''t beat you now?" Irish sat down along the side of the sofa and saidzily.

    Jordan''s teeth squeaked, and his lips closed.

    "Is the suning out from the west? I didn''t know you liked visiting?" Irish sneered.

    Joseph did not understand, frowning, with a confused face.

    Seeing that, Irish changed her question, "How do you find my house?"

    "Your house?"

    Irish thought, "Are you asking if this is my house?"

    "No." Jordan sneered and said in his poor English, "You, as my brother''s mistress, how can you pay for the house?"

    Irish understood what he meant, rolling her eyes, and did not bother to exin to him that it was the house she had rented and said, "Yes, I spent your brother''s money."

    "I despise you." Jordan rolled his eyes and added a word, "really."

    "Thank you." Irish was motionless and calm, then immediately called to the kitchen, "Mia!"

    Mia quickly walked out, seeing a big man sitting on the sofa. She was startled for a moment. Irish told her to prepare some fruits and cakes for the guest, Mia nodded, turning around, but Jordan stopped her.

    "I want a cup of coffee." Immediately he made a request, "without sugar."

    Mia''s face became red, gently nodded.

    "Thank you, youngdy," Jordan said. Mia looked at him, and her face turned red. Not to me her red face and fast heartbeat, Jordan''s handsome face was enough to make little girls ted at her age.

    "Do you care about my injuries, and youe to my house?" Irish said to the point.

 Chapter 499 499: Where Is He?

    Jordan hummed, got up, and took out a potion bottle from his trousers pocket, throwing it on the coffee table. "Leo bought it for you and asked me to send it to you."

    "Where is he?" Then Irish knew the reason why Jordan could find this ce.

    "On a business trip."

    Irish nodded and found it was a bottle of imported potion for wound treatment, which sold well worldwide. "I''ll call him and thank him. Besides, what else is in your pocket?" She nted her eyes to the other side of his pocket.

    It was bulging inside.

    Jordan lowered his head along with her eyes, her face slightly embarrassed, and stretched out her hand against the protruding position. Irish did not know why he was suddenly embarrassed, seeing his red face, and she was shocked. God, it could not be his.

    But it didn''t look like it. He grew so quickly, did he?

    Jordan did not know what she was thinking. He took out the contents of his trousers pocket for a long time and saw that she was relieved. It turned out that she had just made a mistake. He had something in it. When he threw things on the coffee table, she saw it clearly. It was also a bottle of medicine.

    Taking it in hand and thinking about it, Irish suddenly understood the reason for his blushing face. She closed his lips and smiled, "This is what you bought for me?"

    Jordan was uneasy, "I don''t want you to die so fast."

    "Oh." Irish smiled, and the potion was thrown in her hand twice. "Thank you, I will live forever."

    Jordan red at her.

    A long timeter, he suddenly said, "Don''t be happy too early, my brother won''t marry you, though he was divorced and had a fake marriage."

    The meaning of his words should be ''don''t be too happy,'' although my brother is in a fake marriage, he won''t marry you.

    Irish understood him and somehow had a slight pain in her heart. She knew he liked to irritate her, but she had to say that it made her ufortable.

    At this time, Mia also brought drinks and fruits into the living room. Hearing Jordan''s words, although it was not quiteplete, she understood his meaning clearly. When Mia put the coffee on the coffee table, she looked at Irish in dismay, and her eyes were filled with disbelief.

    Irish naturally understood Mia''s eyes. On the first day she came to her house, Mia looked at her with a worshiped eye, and she would have never imagined that Dr. Irish, in her mind, was originally a third party to others and that gentle male master turned out to be a man with a family.

    "We have a guest at home today. Prepare an extra dish." She could not exin anything to her. She sighed andmanded.

    Mia looked at Irish with aplicated look and nodded, entering the kitchen.

    "I don''t want to eat at your house."

    Irish drank juice, put it down, and lightly said, "Jordan, you should not think I don''t know what you want to do back home."

    Jordan, who was shaking his toes, stopped moving, and his eyes were full of vignce.

    "You like racing cars, don''t you? It is said that form racing is about to begin at the beginning of next year." Irish raised her lips.

    Jordan''s eyes infiltrated coolness.

    "You want to join?" Irish smiled, looking into his eyes.

    Jordan''s expression gradually darkened, and after a long time, he suddenly rose, "It''s none of your business!" At the end of the speech, he left angrily.

    The sound of closing the door nearly knocked down the whole building.

    Irish did not stop him from leaving but smiled, and it was easy to see from his reaction that she had guessed it rightly.<novelnext></novelnext>

    ****

    Daisy stood at the door of the arrival hall of Terminal 3, watching the arrival message of flights that kept rolling. For a moment, she hoped the ne would be dyed or something unexpected would happen, so it returned.

    However, Bowen''s flight arrived at New York International Airport on time.

    She took a deep breath, and when someone came out of the gate, she raised her sign.

    As a matter of fact, whether or not to lift the sign was the same. She still would see him.

    Thoughts gradually dispersed and gathered for the first time to see Bowen.

    It was a year ago.

    She apanied Joseph to attend a jewelry fair abroad. At that time, it was also scheduled for Bowen to talk about energy cooperation projects. He was a typical Russian man, bold and fond of drinking. He never got drunk. As a result, Joseph drank too slowly. Bowen was real, drinking the whole cup all the time, and finally, he was totally drunk.

    At that time, Joseph also drank wine and could not drive, so Daisy had to drive for him.

    Bowen and Joseph''s size was big and strong, and Daisy was so tired to drag him back to the hotel. He was Joseph''s friend, and Daisy could not help asking him if he had a headache and pain, whether he needed a wine solution or something like that.

    But he looked at her and smiled, "I need special service, Daisy, can you?"

    She understood him, stupefied for a long time, and she was scared away the next second.

    From that day on, she was nervous when she heard Bowen''s name. As for Joseph''s trip to Pennsylvania that year, she also tried to avoid him and waited until the jewelry exhibition.

    She couldn''t hide away that day.

    Daisy sighed, about to raise her eyes, andughter raised at the top of her head, "Daisy, am I not so hard to recognize?"

    The familiar voice really startled Daisy, and she unconsciously raised her head. It happened to collide with Bowen''s smiling eyes. Her heart thumped, and her mind suddenly thought about what had happened at the hotelst year and swallowed the saliva down. She could not say a word because of nervousness.

    "What''s the matter? Don''t you know me?" Bowen drew close to her.

    Daisy took a step back from fear.

    It really amused Bowen and made brightughter.

    Daisy looked around at the people, and for a time, she felt embarrassed. Putting down the sign, she said softly, "Mr. Bowen, Mr. Dover has a meeting, so I will send you to the hotel."

    "Okay." Bowen smiled.

    Daisy tried to squeeze out a professional smile, "The car is parked at the eighth exit."

    Bowen followed her. After a while, he suddenly asked, "Where are the flowers?"

    Daisy froze.

    "No flowers? You are so mean." Bowen clicked his tongue twice.

    Daisy was shocked, winking, and then said, "I''m sorry, it is my negligence."

 Chapter 500 500: It’s For You

    Bowen looked at her and raised his lips, "Don''t put all your mistakes on yourself. It''s your boss''s negligence."

    "No, it''s me."

    "Daisy," Bowen interrupted her and stared at her. "You are prettier than thest time I saw you."

    Daisy''s legs were soft, almost rolling down from the esctor, and her eyes looking to Bowen were full of vignce. Bowen did not go on saying anything after he had said this but smiled softly.

    She began to be nervous again.

    When driving all the way downtown, Bowen basically asked, and then Daisy answered, and she would never say a word more. Bowen suddenly stopped the car when they were in the city through a flower shop.

    Daisy did not understand but still ordered the driver to stop the car.

    Bowen opened the door, got out of the car, and rushed into the flower shop.

    When Daisy waited impatiently, Bowen came out, holding arge bundle of white ca lilies in his arms. The bouquet was very beautiful and elegant, and not knowing if it was the staff in the flower shop or the hostess who went out to see him off in person with a keen face.

    Bowen''s height and appearance were very tall and handsome, with long hands and long legs, strong bones, obvious facial features, and strong contours of cheeks manly affixed with thebel of a sessful businessman. However, his presence was strong enough, and it was normal to attract the attention of the opposite sex.

    Daisy opened the door actively, and Bowen took the coldness inte autumn into the car and then gave the bouquet to Daisy.

    She was surprised. "Mr. Bowen?"

    "It''s for you." Bowen looked at her and smiled.

    "No, I can''t receive that." What was it to give it to her?

    Bowen insisted on giving it to her and approached her slightly, saying, "I apologize for my rudeness that night."

    Daisy''s eyes were wide, and she thought he hadn''t remembered at all.

    ****

    When night came, everything was lost in silence. All the good and bad things were little by little stopped with the sunset and rest. Time also seemed to be covered with a thick lid, reducing the noise of the day and impetuousness, so it became slow, with no hurry, no impatience.

    So Irish felt that the time of night was so slow that every minute was like dragging a tail and moving forward with heavy steps.

    After Mia left, she would nest on the sofa in the living room. The programs on TV changed one by one, but her thoughts remained at a certain point, not moving like getting rusty.

    She was looking forward to a new start. Despite the day''s gossip, Irish would like to feel a new chapter in life. She waited quietly for Joseph, hoping he woulde tonight and get along with him, who was truly single.

    Instead of calling him, she waited patiently for him to return to the house. It was not difficult to imagine how tired he had been all day, and though she hadn''t been to thepany, she could imagine the whispering in thepany.

    But the time was as slow as a tortoise, starting at 8 pm, the channel had been changed several times. The picture in front of Irish had been so fixed in the past three hours that she went to sleep until her mind was in endless darkness.

    Not knowing when, she just felt a big hand gently covering her forehead, warm, and the breathing was the good smell of wood fragrance.

    Her eyelids moved, but Irish did not want to open her eyes, and her cherry-red lips slightly provoked the arc of happiness.<novelnext></novelnext>

    The big hand gently put aside her hair on her cheeks, and her face rubbed against the man''s palm. Lowughter fell in her ear. Close to her was the man''s familiar smell, wrapping her tightly, warm.

    "Go back to bed." His voice was pleasant, and his falling breath tickled her earlobe.

    Irish shrank her neck but still closed her eyes and shook her head gently. "I want you to hug me for a while."

    The manid down as she wished, freeing his arms to pull her into his arms.

    She opened her eyes and looked at his tie.

    His face rose slowly, and he stared down so that the tip of their nostrils were so close that he could see through her expectations in her eyes, and she could see her reflection through his pupil.

    He still went back, no matter what time.

    Irish watched him, saying nothing, but smiled foolishly.

    Joseph saw her smile but also could not help but raise the corner of his lips, and his other big hand climbed up her face. His tone was quietly spoiling, "What are youughing at?"

    "I''mughing at your gossip today." Irish approached him, pressed her red lips to his, and bit him mischievously.

    From now on, he was hers, no longer involved with other women, and no longer being said to be the husband of other women. She could hold him openly or ask him to hold her and, as of now, kiss him as she wanted and bite him as she wanted to.

    It was something she had been waiting for too long.

    Her heart was never so easy and released.

    Joseph let her act, and when she loosened her lips, his lower lip was left a shallow mark.

    "Is this a dark psychological answer?" He made fun of her on purpose.

    Irish then crept into his bosom, pulling his tie andughing, "I''m just a dark mind. Don''t you like it?"

    "I like it." Joseph put his arms around her and dropped a kiss on her head.

    It was nice to hold her like that, especially that night when he felt satisfied, as if he had never been there before, thinking that Joseph could not helpughing.

    Irish looked up from his arms and saw his brow stretching out. She could not help asking, "What are youughing at?"

    "I��" Joseph smiles, "am also a dark mind."

    "I can see that." Sheughed heavily.

    Joseph smiled and pinched her face.

    Irish felt that he was in a good mood that day. Compared withst night, he had a lot of smiles tonight. She guessed that Joseph might have been thinking about the situation the next day. Looking at him like that, she could imagine everything was under his control.

 Chapter 501 501: Your Request If Rejected

    The two no longer spoke but embraced each other quietly.

    This feeling was better than a thousand words.

    Joseph''s bosom was strong and generous; as long as she nestled in it, she felt happiness; Irish, again and again, wanted to seize happiness and finally found, in fact, it was happy to be hugged by him.

    A long timeter, Joseph''s low voice broke down, and he sighed softly. "Move to Long Ind and live with me."

    Irish smiled at him and said, "What? I can''t hold you in this duplex?"

    Joseph closed his lips and used his long finger to flick her forehead. "You know what I mean."

    "Cohabitation, can''t I know what you think?" Irish said boldly, putting her arms around his neck and shaking her head at him, "I''m noting."

    "Why?"

    Irish''s eyes showed a shimmering light, and they were so bright that they were lovely. "I don''t want to be a bird in your captivity so soon," she said.

    Joseph slightly picked his brows and said, "This is not the matter, sooner orter?"

    "No way. I''m a modern woman, and I''m asking for a room of freedom," she said, unsure if it was his promise or not, pulling his tie with force.

    Joseph disagreed, "Women can''t be given too much freedom."

    "That''s a man." Irish retorted and pinched his face, "Especially a man with your such handsome appearance."

    "Then you won''t look closely at me?"

    Irish''s face was proud, "Do I need to look at it? You''vee to my house almost every night."

    "A sharp tongue." He smiled and said, "Really, don''t move in there?"

    Irish shook her head.

    Joseph did not force her and patted her on the head without saying anything more.

    "Will things get harder and harder?" In fact, Irish would also worry about the persistence of rumors.

    "No." Joseph bowed his head and kissed her. "Don''t worry, just stay by my side."

    Irish nodded and stared at his face. She really wanted to kiss him all the time. But she didn''t feel bothered when she remembered what Jordan had said today. Joseph was a man with a sense of responsibility. As he said, how to continue this rtionship, just follow his pace.

    Thinking about Jordan, she told Joseph about his visit that day and asked, "Does your brother like racing cars?"

    Joseph''s originally extended brows gradually became serious, and he nodded.

    "Have you already known the purpose of his return?" She asked again.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Joseph sighed heavily, "80% is for the F1petition season."

    Irish was astonished, and it seemed that she really guessed rightly. She checked the abandoned yard he had been in, and it was the equivalent of a racing car cemetery where a lot of car destruction was mounted in that ce. She wondered why Jordan went there alone, and she could onlye up with an answer.

    "Isn''t he a great racer?" In the twinkling of an eye, she became excited again.

    "Excellent."

    Irish brightened her eyes, "So handsome."

    Joseph looked at her strangely, got up a long timeter, and suddenly picked her up in silence.

    "Why?"

    "You have a broken wrist, so I''ll bathe you." He shunned the subject of continuing to talk about Jordan.

    Irish reached out and pointed at him. "Then you are not allowed to spoon with me."

    Joseph lowered his head to bite her finger, frightening her to a cry, and he smiled, "Your request is rejected."

    "You are a pervert."

    ****

    The story of Lake''s fake marriage became old news. Of course, the quickest way to get rid of gossip was to have new gossip.

    The reason why the false marriage became old news also was for this.

    It was reported that the structure of Lake''s shares had changed and that Henry''s return to the board of directors had also caused various opinions, but there was also a consensus view. For example, Joseph was cut off from power by Henry, even though the position of general manager had not been shaken, while he was no longer taking charge of the grouppletely. After all, Henry came back to the Runestone Group, and Joseph should obey his arrangements on all the decisions.

    Others said Joseph''s fake marriage had ruined his future. Henry''s return to the Runestone Group meant he reconsidered his choice for the spot, and Joseph was no longer the only one.

    And the shocking news that followed was that Henry made his younger brother transfer 2% of his shares to Irish, a psychological consultant of the Runestone Group, so the map of the Lake''s rtionshipwork structure was soon exposed. The identity of Irish was also found out.

    Many media began to calcte the value of Irish, for a moment, surprised to say that the shares in the hands of the second youngdy could directly catch up with Joseph, and the business sector also spected Henry intended to give the Runestone Group to the hand of the second Miss Lake who suddenly emerged?

    It was Henry who took the initiative to clear up the rumors. He admitted that Irish was his daughter and admitted that it was all his early mistakes. He was sorry to Irish''s mother. In this way, the media would not dare to scribble on Irish being an illegitimate child.

    At the time of the rumor, no one knew that a woman, Emery, had been quietly sent abroad by Joseph. At this time, Ruby was quieter than anyone.

    In addition to Irish, she was calmer. Her injuries were almost cured, so firstly, she returned to college teaching and went to the institution to get the case. It was not until the weekend, so she had not been to the Runestone.

    It was not that she did not see the relevant reports, nor did she not know that her identity had been exposed. There were journalists in the Linkus psychological institutions, even on the campus of the university she teaches. Irish did not dodge. Though the reporters surrounded her, she was prepared for the war, wearing calmness; of course, she would not satisfy the curiosity of the reporters and had no answer except a "noment."

    These days the phone kept ringing, and her uncle and aunt were worried and even resentful over her rtionship with the Lake family. Finally, Irish patiently advised them to face this matter as soon as it came.

 Chapter 502 502: Can’t You See That

    The share price of the Runestone also went up and down with rumors, like the floating ship between the waves. Still, soon the new Christmas styleunched by the Runestone Group in conjunction with the internationally renowned magazine tform was really shining. Every new product was a masterpiece from South Africa''s new mines. The group''s professional Public Rtionship and Publicity Department had given each new item a new, expensive, elegant identity, which would be unveiled for the first time at its Vera Club and then promoted on the market.

    For a time, the Runestone became a pleasant search term.

    But at the same time, Leo was not willing tog behind but also began to grab a ce in the Christmas market, using the film release schedule to do a lot of publicity, and Britney White took the initiative to appear in Leo''s high-end jewelry club Lily, and she also had a broader exposure. Leo also appeared in front of the media, signed a well-known jewelry exhibition with the international exhibition, and won a seat. His exhibiting works was the Blossom sessfully bid in Pennsylvania at that time. This dramatic change made people in the circle interested because everyone still remembered the scene when Leo sessfully bid for the Blossom at that time, and he gave it to Irish.

    Now that the identity of Irish had been revealed, insiders wondered whether Leo would go on to stage y the drama of offering jewelry to the beauty.

    Of course, spection was only spection.

    In fact, people still had to work, and so-called gossip was just a topic of conversation after dinner.

    When Cassie was about to knock on her office door, the first thought in her mind was that she hade to inquire about Joseph''s fake marriage. In fact, the first sentence after Cassie sat on the sofa was really, "you knew Joseph had a fake marriage before, didn''t you?"

    She happened to be in time to catch up with Irish''sst case, and there was no appointment for the rest of the day. It was more than two o''clock in the afternoon when people were drowsy, and Linkus was silent. There were no footsteps in the corridor.

    At this time, the staff was resting or looking at the case data, toozy to move.

    It was sunny outside, so Irish got up and opened a crack in the office door, letting the sunshine in the room collide with the breeze drilling in the corridor, alleviating the tiredness in the afternoon.

    "Your question is full of affirmations." She poured each other a cup of coffee and handed one to Cassie.

    Cassie took it and saw the remaining slight scars on her wrist, "Because I know you''re not a woman without a moral sense. How can you keep flirting with him if you''re not so sure?"

    "Well, am I going to drink for a confidant in life?" Irish held up the coffee cup and gently touched her with a smile.

    Cassie got used to her hippie look, rolling her eyes, "Does it still hurt?"

    Irish shook her wrist. "It''s already cured."

    Her wrist was white in the sun. "You should have the delicate and fragile body and flesh as Miss Lake. But you have a fate of hard work. Now you are being pulled into a honeypot. What are you doing in a hurry? If I were you, I would have cured my injuries first." Cassie said this as if being envious of Irish, but she was more concerned about her.

    It was onlyter that she heard about what had happened to Irish at Lake''s house, knowing that when she jumped from the second floor, Cassie''s heart was about to fly out soon, so Cassie always scolded her while she was recovering.

    In Cassie''s heart, Irish was always Irish, irrelevant to the identity of a daughter of the rich and how many shares of the Runestone she had.

    "Since when have you be so nagging? You said I was a hard worker, and that''s all I''ve done in my life. I''m Cindere, even in the big house. Don''t worry, I''ve been good for a long time."

    Cassie rested assured. After a sip of coffee, she asked softly, "Cindere is going to meet a prince to get married. When are you going to get married, Miss Cindere?"

    Hearing the sound of the silver spoon touching the cup, Cassie raised her eyes and looked at her.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "I haven''t thought that far yet." Irish returned to her usual smile, put down the metal spoon in her hand, and said carelessly.

    "No, or dare not?" Cassie asked casually, "or maybe you can''t forget Adam?"

    "The man I love is Joseph," Irish answered with great certainty.

    "Then you..."

    "Well, are you here to add trouble or bless me?" Irish interrupted her.

    Cassie stopped asking questions seeing her avoidance, and sighed. Looking at her, who was thoughtful, Irish asked her softly what had happened to her. She should have thought that perhaps Cassie went to the Linkus for something else.

    Cassie took out an invitation from the satchel for a long time and handed it to Irish. "I came here today to send you this."

    Bomb!

    Irish hastily took over and hesitated to ask, "Who''s wedding?"

    Cassie kept quiet.

    After she looked at Cassie, she opened the invitation card. When the name of the groom and bride fell into her eyes, Irish was shocked. First, she looked at the names on the invitation card in amazement. Then, for a long time, she reacted and eximed, "You and Fredrick are going to get married?"

    Cassie nodded.

    The next sentenceing out of Irish''s mouth was, "Are you crazy?"

    Cassie looked at Irish, silent, "I want to marry Fredrick. How crazy?"

    "Let''s not talk about Fredrick, but Roy." Irish was blown up by this bomb for a while, and it was a great blessing for her friend to get married, but she was not happy at all.

    Hearing the name, Cassie''s face was slightly unnatural, and she said, "Mention him for what?"

    "Roy is going crazy for chasing you. Can''t you see that? I''m an outsider, and I know!" Irish''s tone was anxious.

    Cassie took a heavy sigh, closed her lips, and after a long time, she said, "Actually, I tried to date him for a few days, Irish. I really tried to ept another man, really."

    What?

 Chapter 503 503: I Want To Trust Him Once More

    Irish froze, she never knew that Roy and Cassie had been together.

    "But why you��"

    "It''s not that Roy is bad. Hees from a rich family, and he has a praiseworthy career. These are the great advantages that he can quickly attract women. He and I are like people from two worlds. He is excellent but also romantic. I''m not that sure about having a man like him. He won''t feel lonely because he''s going to have more good women around him."

    "Are you not confident?" She could understand that, and sometimes she thought so about Joseph.

    "Not confident, but it''s true." Cassie looked at her with a sincere look, "More importantly, I''ve never forgotten Fredrick. That''s the key. I love him very much. My heart is always in pain. Irish, I really want to marry him."

    Irish stared at her in disbelief. "A man who even killed you by making you sh your wrists. Do you still believe he can bring you happiness?"

    Cassie bit her lips, and her eyesight trembled.

    "Cassie." Irish felt weak for a moment and held her breath in her chest for a long time. She reached for Cassie''s hand and sped her fingers as hard as she could, feeling the coldness of each other.

    "Even if it''s not Roy, and even if you don''t love Roy, it doesn''t matter. There''s not just Fredrick in the world. Even other men are better off than him, right?"

    Cassie gently raised her eyes, and Irish''s eyes trembled because she saw Cassie''s eyes red.

    "Irish, I really want to trust him once more."

    Irish did not know what to say and gradually loosened her hand. Although she did not approve of her friend''s behavior, she had no right to interfere with her decision. So she had to take a heavy sigh and keep silent.

    On a quiet afternoon, neither of the two women in the conversation heard the hallway footsteps. The man''s pace was steady. He hesitated as he passed Irish''s office and was about to leave soon.

    But then, through the door, Cassie''s sentence floated into the man''s ears.

    "Suicide is my own behavior, and I have never resented anyone, including Fredrick. So, Irish, Fredrick is not so bad, isn''t he? Otherwise, you couldn''t have had a crush on him."

    Fredrick, who was outside the door, stopped abruptly and stood there in shock.

    And in the office, Irish also looked at Cassie in amazement. Her words were light, but they blew up her emotions like a bomb.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Cassie, what are you talking about? How can I have a crush on him?" She could not admit it to death.

    Cassie faintly smiled, "I did not me you. Women''s sixth sense is very strong, plus my understanding of you, I know, in fact, you have always liked Fredrick."

    "Listen to me first." Cassie took her by the hand, bowed her head, smiled, and her tone became serious. "I can see that your eyes have been following him. Maybe you don''t believe it. I really gave up for a while. You are my best friend, and I don''t want you to lose your happiness because of me."

    Irish''s heart began to panic. She never knew that her emotions would leak so much, nor did she know that Cassie had been looking at it all the time. She had inadvertently remembered the worry of Cassie when Fredrick had just returned back. In front of her, she said frankly that she was worried that Fredrick did not like her. Irish had only at that time realized that Cassie had always hesitated about her love. Cassie knew that she had been secretly in love with Fredrick but was afraid that Fredrick was in love with her.

    "But then you''ve been allowing Fredrick and me to be alone. I''m greedy and selfish. I want to have him. I want to have love. But at that time, I was also very tormented; whenever Fredrick and I were together, I would think you were sad and crying in any corner." Cassie choked, "Irish, you just need to tell me; you can say, Cassie, I fell in love with Fredrick. Then I''ll leave him. You''re my best friend. I can''t lose you."

    There are always many choices in the world, some are unswerving, and some are hesitant. Irish, who had always looked free and easy in the eyes of people outside, dared to love and hate, dared to do, with a fierce and passionate personality, stick to and abstinent, but also sometimes hesitant.

    So, talking about her secret love for Fredrick, her attitude is uncertain. At that time, she could notpletely put aside her secret love for Fredrick, nor could she turn a blind eye to the love and kindness between them. She was afraid to lose this precious friendship with Cassie and could not give up Fredrick''s charm.

    It was only then that Irish finally admitted that Cassie was better off than her hesitance on the love path.

    Cassie was a woman as simple as she could be, and what she wanted was very simple, a job she loved and happiness as in as water. So she did not hesitate to enter the Runestone Group, even from the beginning, as an assistant, and she did not hesitate to choose Fredrick, even if her heart would have a heavy burden.

    It was an indisputable fact that she loved Fredrick, so for so many years, she has been guarding Fredrick, regardless of whether she was in different ces or not or whether Fredrick neglected her in busy times. She always stuck to this feeling with a smile. Because this was her choice, no matter how bitter it was, she would not regret it, even if, with all the bruises, she still wanted to give him a chance.

    This obdurate single choice was from Cassie''s personality and what made Irish love and dislike.

    At that time, Irish did not want her to choose Fredrick, but that was the love she insisted on, so Irish did not want to talk about the past. But she faced it with sincerity and candor so that Irish could no longer deceive her.

    Moreover, she felt it necessary to exin the matter to her.

    In their ears was the sound of clockwise bouncing, with a heartbeat, heavy and slow.

    "Cassie, believe me, I never meant to hurt you." Irish sped her hand. It was a secret she would keep forever if possible, but now, if not clear, she was afraid that was the greatest harm to her.

 Chapter 504 504: I Will Be Happy, I Promise You

    Cassie looked at her, her eyes soft.

    "I admit that I was secretly in love with Fredrick." Irish took a deep breath and confessed to her.

    Cassie''s eyes were calm, and there was no obvious fluctuation in her mood. It seemed that she had just told the truth and had long felt that Irish liked Fredrick.

    Irish was a little disconcerted. She thought she was a psychotherapist who could read others'' minds. She thought she could cover everything up with no care or smile. It turned out that every woman had a sixth sense of feeling like a detective.

    "When I was at my lowest, it was Fredrick who had been there tofort me. He was my academic and career mentor and my spiritual mentor. I really depended on him for a while." Irish''s voice was light, fearing that the tone of her words would affect Cassie''s mood.

    Cassie nodded her head gently. She understood the depression in Irish''s mouth. It should have been the time when Adam was in trouble. At that time, she could not help. Irish was far from abroad; even if she had the heart tofort, she was powerless.

    "But believe me, I sincerely hope you and Fredrick can be together." Immediately Irish added, with a sincere look, "I didn''t think about having him or trying to destroy the feelings of both of you, at that time, I just wanted to look at him from afar and thought he would be happy and be with his beloved woman."

    Cassie''s eyesight vibrated slightly.

    "So I buried my feelings because in my heart, the mentor is always the mentor, and I dare not and never thought of getting along with him as a lover one day. He was like a distant mountain, standing there forever to make me look and think. And I will never touch him." The coffee in front of her was a little cool, and Irish sipped into her throat, and somehow she rxed.

    "Until I met Joseph."

    Her eyes were imperceptible with smiles, like the shimmering spring water.

    "I knew there was a man in the world who would touch all my emotions and make me so desperate toe near him, to touch him, to know him." Her cheeks flushed slightly, and she looked real when she asked Cassie, "Do you believe that when I first met him, I felt strange and familiar? I knew him first, but I always felt like I had known him for a long time."

    Cassie looked at her and couldn''t help smiling with her.

    And Irish''s face was red, and the tip of her eyebrow was full of soft feelings. "I tried to leave him alone, but I didn''t know if it was a kind of fate," she said. "When I met him again in the Light Town, I felt I could not escape. He told me he wanted me to be with him, and I knew what he meant. I was so irresistible, and I just fell in and couldn''t extricate myself. Until now, I love him a lot more every time I see him, you know, I can''t leave him."

    "I understand." Cassie did see her love for Joseph in her eyes. It was an inherent look of a woman in love, shy and warm, expecting and timid, and in the same mood, she had when she fell in love with Fredrick.

    Irish looked at her, "So you have to believe me. To Fredrick, now I really..."

    "I believe you." Cassie did not wait for her to finish, nodding hard, "Irish, I once said to you, I believe you at any time."

    Irish smiled, but her eyes turned red again.

    "What? It''s not like I''m an exhortation teacher to question you?" Cassie''s eyes were red, too, hurriedly looking up andughing, finally dispelling the wetness in her eyes.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Seeing her so, Irish could not helpughing again.

    The atmosphere between the two had changed because Cassie believed that Irish had really given up on Fredrick. Although she did not know what the future of Irish and Joseph would be, Irish was happy at that time.

    Cassie told Irish again that she and Fredrick would register their wedding certificate on New Year''s Day, and the wedding would be held one month after registration. Irish also asked about Cassie''s parents. Cassie''s smile was a little embarrassed, shaking her head gently and saying, "Until now, they still can''t ept Fredrick."

    This was normal, and it was absolutely uneptable to the other parents.

    "Cassie, you tell me you will be happy." She had been hurt by love once, if she were Cassie, she was afraid she would not have the courage to bet again.

    Cassie understood her mind, whose chin against Irish''s shoulder, nodded heavily, "I will be happy, I promise you."

    Irish took a deep breath and then pressed down the bitterness of her heart.

    The bright sun dragged long shadows across the smooth floor and spread through the door.

    Then, outside, there was a shadow.

    It was Fredrick.

    His tall body leaned against the wall, his brow frowned, his lips clenched, and the inexplicable silence and grief were in the bottom of his eyes.

    ****

    The following day, thete autumn fog enveloped the whole city, obscured the bright sunshine, and covered the azure blue sky.

    In the morning, when Irish was about to take a break after treating a hypothetical client, her assistant Christy knocked on the door and told her that Dr. Fredrick wasing and wanted to see her.

    She had heard that during this period of time, Fredrick would assist Professor Tim inpleting experimental psychological research. It was also the same project that Joseph had originally invested in, and what exactly was going to be done with the project and what was of great significance to Irish was not important, and she was not interested in understanding it.

    She had been thinking of calling Fredrick because he had suddenly decided to marry Cassie. Irish was afraid that he would hurt her again. So she nodded after listening to Christy''s remarks.

    A momentter, Fredrick entered, still dressed in a white coat, as she had seen him for the first time. His white coat seemed cleaner than anyone''s, and he was unusually fresh and handsome.

    Irish admitted that Fredrick still had the absolute power to kill women, but she was not included.

 Chapter 505 505: Why Didn’t You Answer?

    Since he tried to hurt Cassie to kill herself, Irish never saw him again. Although she couldn''t let go of it, she would not be indignant. After all, he had asked Cassie for a marriage.

    "Do you have something to ask me?" They were all smart, so Fredrick did not beat the bush, sitting in the chair opposite her, said straightforwardly.

    As soon as she heard his voice, she realized that he knew that she had received the invitation and did not hide her doubts. She looked at him and said, "What are you going to do?"

    Fredrick''s eyes on her were very calm, from his eyes, it could be seen the peace of mind, he replied, "Of course, I want to marry her. What else can I do?"

    "But you once broke up with her." Irish squinted slightly, and the words were to the point, "The psychological and emotional distinction between a man and a woman is a lesson you stand on the stage to exin."

    "What do you want to say?" His tone remained calm.

    "A man doesn''t break up for no reason. It must be considered once he breaks up." Irish frowned. "Especially you, Doctor Fredrick, you should be more sensitive to your psychological situation than anyone else. Don''t tell me you just said it casually when you broke up."

    "I thought I couldn''t go on, and it was normal to break up." Fredrick got up, took the cup for each other, fetched two cups of warm water, and then sat down, his eyebrow stained with a smile. He pushed one of them to her, "People have to lose before they understand what they want. This is what I have taught you."

    "Do you know what you want?" Irish was not polite.

    Fredrick thoughtfully drank water andter said a light answer, "Yes."

    Irish took the cup aside and stared at him as if she were judging a criminal. Yes, Fredrick was now a criminal in her eyes. If he didn''t provoke Cassie from now on, that was good. But now she wants to marry Cassie. He chose to marry after learning that his former lover had shed her wrists, so all she could think of was one reason.

    "You feel guilty about Cassie, so you choose to marry her!"

    Fredrick stopped to drink water and looked up at her. Irish thought that his nce contained too much content and seemed so empty that she could not understand what he was thinking.

    He leaned back on his chair and whispered, "It''s not what you think."

    Very light.

    Irish hesitated for a moment. She began to doubt her judgment. Perhaps things were not asplicated as she thought. After a moment of silence, gently turning the cup in her hand, thinking, and looking at him again, her eyes were clear, "Well, I''ll ask you onest question."

    Fredrick was ready to listen.

    "Do you still love Cassie?" Cassie loved Fredrick and wanted to marry him, but Irish was a bystander, so she had witnessed Cassie soaking in the blood water, which she had never forgotten. So he must convince her, and she must confirm Fredrick''s mind.

    Fredrick, ying with the cup in his hand, kept his eyes on her face for a long time.

    "Why didn''t you answer? Do you still love Cassie?" Irish''s eyes suddenly became solemn, and her fingers subconsciously clenched.

    Fredrick withdrew his eyes from her face and smiled slightly when he lowered his eyes. He looked up at her again and whispered, "Yes."<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish was surprised.

    "I''m still in love with Cassie." He repeated his sentence lightly.

    Irish wanted to find a hint of emotional information from his eyes, either lying or hiding, but what she saw was a very calm sense of truth.

    Was she supposed to believe him to be true?

    Fredrick said the words and then kept silent, looking at Irish''s eyes as light as the stars above the clouds, but his heart was stirring with great sorrow. Was he supposed to sighed that God loves teasing people? Or to ept the predestined excuses?

    The woman in his heart was only destined to be looked at from afar, could not be near, could not be approached.

    For some people, perhaps, it was good just to meet.

    As for that sentence that he could never say of love, could only, this life deeply be buried in the heart.

    ****

    In the twinkling of an eye, it was another Thursday, and the most anticipated day in the past was now the most feared one. It would be a great practice to turn a blind eye to the gossip scandal, but being in it, it was only deceiving yourself and others if saying that she didn''t care at all. The indifference was only the surface.

    The arrival of cold air caused that day''s dry cold temperature. The wind wasrge, and putting on a thickened cashmere coat, Irish was still cold when getting into the car and could not help but shiver.

    Driving the car all the way towards Manhattan, on the streets on both sides were the rustling trees.

    Rejoice made people see everything beautiful, andints made eyes full of resentment and darkness, so thetter sentence was a true portrayal of Irish''s mood.

    At nine o''clock in the morning, she arrived at the Runestone Group, and the woman in charge of attendance at the front desk was ten thousand times more enthusiastic than usual when she saw hering.

    Irish secretly sighed at the woman at the front desk slightly, and she nodded her head. She was like that, and it could be imagined like other departments.

    Not surprisingly, on the way to the office, none of the staff nodded or greeted her, saying that, "Dr. Irish," which was sweeter. They were more ttering or insincere than the receptionist''s excessive enthusiasm.

    After she passed, the corners of her eyes could glimpse many whispering shadows.

    For a few seconds, Irish had a strong idea running through her mind. She broke into Joseph''s office and went to him, and said, "I''m done. You quit me."

    From beginning to end, she was just a victim. What did she have to do with the changing circumstances of thepany''s shareholders? Growing up, she didn''t think of herself as a person of the Lake. Now, even if Henry imposed a stake on her, she had at most one more title, and more importantly, she never intended to ept it.

 Chapter 506 506: Don’t Waste Your Time

    Pushing the door into the office and throwing the satchel onto the sofa, her first thing was to grab the phone on the desk to call the general manager''s office directly.

    The phone rang twice, then was transferred to the Secretariat.

    The secretary told her that Joseph had note, so Irish was unhappy. He left early in the morning, originally not going to thepany. Asking the secretary where he was going, the secretary replied that it seemed that municipal leaders woulde to visit thepany in the morning and that he would be with them.

    The impulse had passed, and Irish hung up the phone after saying a few words to the secretary. In this way, another series of psychological assessments were made to the staff, and around 10:30 AM, the administration called her out.

    The girl in the administration office saw Irish with an ambiguous face protruding toward the outside corridor. Irish was surprised, and along with the girl''s smiling eyes, she went all the way out of thepany.

    Then, she saw a man holding arge bouquet of flowers in the corridor.

    At the end of the corridor was an arched window, and the outside wind blew away the haze, cold as it was but with unusually bright sunshine, which, by the way, fell on the man''s shoulder, making his shadow long.

    Perhaps he heard the sound of high-heeled shoes touching the ground, he turned around, and when looking at the eyes of Irish, his clean white teeth in the sun reflected the shell-like light.

    When she saw him, she stopped suddenly, and her thought was broken for a moment.

    It was Adam.

    She didn''t expect him to find her in thepany.

    Adam walked forward with a bouquet in his arms, smiling brightly.

    After standing in front of her, he handed the flowers to her. "Do you have time at noon? Have lunch together."

    They were dazzling red roses, and she could not count them, but her eyes looked at them as though she had fallen into a river of blood. It could be seen that every rose had been carefully chosen by him and was in the right ce. The petals were tender, and the thorns on the branches had been cut off, leaving only mottled scars.

    Irish thought of blood again, and her scalp tightened. She thought this sickness had gone.

    Adam saw her stupidly look into her eyes, and smiled, slightly feeling sorry, "Am I scaring you?"

    His voice turned so soft that he might be really afraid of scaring her.

    Only then did Irish react, the corner of her eyebrow pushed out a trace of a smile seeing him always holding the flower. She was also embarrassed, so she had no choice but to take over, no longer lowering her eyes to look at the big piece of bright redness.

    "Excuse me, I should have asked you in advance what flowers you like." Adam thought she didn''t like it and said at once.

    Irish gently shook her head, "In fact, you don''t have to waste the money."

    "I just want to ask you out for lunch." Adam was very patient.

    Irish''s brain turned at full speed, and the second after he offered the invitation, she said, "I''ve already asked someone out today. I''m sorry."

    "We can have dinner." Adam persevered.

    Irish''s head shook like a rattle. "I''m sorry, I still have an appointment."<novelnext></novelnext>

    "It doesn''t matter. Can we have another day, or do you have time this weekend? We can go out."

    "Adam, I made it very clear thest time I went on a blind date, and I was forced by my aunt. I have a boyfriend. We are impossible."

    Adam smiled softly. "We haven''t married yet, and people always have the right to pursue happiness. Besides, if your aunt really agrees with your choice now, how can she force you to go on a blind date?"

    Irish was startled for a moment, opening her mouth, not knowing what to say.

    When she met himst time, she rified her intention and exined to him that she had a boyfriend. Adam did not say much at that time, and they had no connection during this period. She thought that the matter was settled. Who would have expected him toe again and use her aunt to force her?

    "You misunderstand. My aunt doesn''t know about my affair yet. I''ll exin it to herter." After a long time, Irish said such a sentence. What she thought was to send him away quickly. This was in thepany, when turning around, it was an elevator, which made people reverie.

    Adam felt slightly helpless, "You really don''t give me a chance?"

    "I''m sorry, but don''t waste your time."

    Irish thought he was not a troublemaker and that he was naturally polite.

    Adam sighed and nodded. "I see."

    Irish once again apologized to him and handed him the flowers into his arms.

    Adam smiled and pushed them to her. "What''s the reason for bringing back the things you sent out? Take them down. If you really don''t like it, take the petals and soak them in water. I heard that it''s good for women."

    His words amused Irish, but he was quite amused.

    When Adam prepared to leave, the elevator door opened on this floor, and a group of people came out.

    Irish did not look up, and Adam walked into the elevator and said to her, "See you."

    She responded politely, with her lips raised, and as she turned around, only to see Joseph among the crowd.

    He stood not far away. His tall figure showed indifference. Arge expanse of light had obscured him, and Joseph looked so remarkable that she could not remove her eyes.

    Through the shallow air, he looked at her, whose eyes were as calm as the sea, in wide and boundless silence.

    The people standing behind Joseph looked so familiar that Irish stared at them and remembered that they were often exposed on television. They were municipal leaders to direct their work.

    Somehow her heart shuddered because of Joseph''s eyes and because the leaders caught the scene.

    In the workce, its influence was not good. What''s more, Joseph was still paying much attention to the influence. Thest time she only encouraged employees to decorate their desks to be lively, he deducted her sry. The others suffered, too, and Irish was still afraid of it. This time she was doomed.

    Moreover, she still vaguely thought Adam had appeared with a big bouquet of flowers at the wrong time.

    Joseph''s eyes did not stay on her for too long, then quietly ordered her toe forward. Irish did not know what he was going to do, so she had toe forward and, standing firm, only listened to Joseph''s introduction to the municipal leaders, "This is Irish Lake, a psychological consultant of the Runestone Group, the second daughter of Henry Lake. Her psychology thesis has gained a lot of international acim, and she is an expert in the field of psychology."

 Chapter 507 507: Eat At Once

    Irish was surprised to hear Joseph introduce her in such a high manner, though he was right; there was always a good description. However, these words were from Joseph''s mouth, which was different, so her heart was full of happiness.

    One leader looked at Irish and nodded with a smile. "The youngdy has a bright future."

    "This is the secretary of the mayor, Mr. Michael Baker." Joseph introduced to Irish.

    Irish hurriedly reached out, "Hello, Mr. Baker, I often see you on TV."

    Mr. Baker reached for her hand and smiled. "Mr. Lake has such good fortune."

    Irish squeezed out a smile. She was fierce herself. It had nothing to do with the Lake family.

    The shoring of being the daughter of the Lake''s finally came to light.

    Irish always liked to be busy and cheerful. She was easy to get along with. She came to work two days a week. At noon, she went to the restaurant with arge group of colleagues to have augh and talk.

    But that day, it was noon, and no colleague knocked at the door, and they did not call her.

    When she went to the staff restaurant alone, she found that those colleagues who were usually close to her were already there. They sat together and filled the table as usual, except for her.

    Irish came forward to say hello to them, and they looked up and greeted her hastily, with a marked change of attitude, in trepidation and restraint.

    Irish then understood, and after the simple greeting, she took the te to walk away alone.

    She understood that being at the top of the mountain, she was lonely.

    To her indignation, it was not where she climbed, but it was imposed upon her, and she thought that life could be as usual, only to find that everything was different.

    The bad mood could only be alleviated by food.

    Irish took a lot, and the tes were full.

    But as soon as she was leaning on her side, the cutlery fell to the ground, and she had to pick it up by hand. But since her wrist was not fully recovered, the te began to tremble in her hand, and she was too anxious, so she nned to put the te aside first. At this time, a pair of smooth business shoes stepped into her eyes.

    It was a man''s big hand that helped her pick up the cutlery.

    She was astonished to see that it was Joseph.

    Why was he here? Weren''t municipal leaders were here? Didn''t he need to make a social meeting?

    When a series of question marks sprang up in her mind, Joseph quietly reced her with new cutlery, reached for the te in her hand, and asked lightly, "Where do you sit?"

    Irish nced at him and pointed to a location, only to see the huge restaurant, almost all the staff''s eyes were on this way.

    "I''ll take it myself," she added awkwardly.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Joseph ignored the eyes around him, turned, and went straight to the spot she had just pointed at, and Irish closed her mouth, obediently following him with her head down, trying not to look at theplicated rounds.

    After she sat down, Joseph put the te in front of her and asked in a low voice, "What would you like to drink?"

    Irish thought, "Coffee."

    Joseph turned to take it.

    Taking advantage of the opportunity, Irish raised her eyes all around, and she had chosen a very unremarkable position, but the eyes were still everywhere, and she looked up, and they turned again, pretending to talk andugh.

    After a while, Joseph came back with an extra te and put a ss of juice in front of her. He sat down face to face.

    Irish looked at the juice before him and protested in a low voice, "I want. coffee."

    "Juice is nutritious." Joseph picked up the tableware, and the tone was strong.

    Irish saw his pale face and didn''t struggle, and looked at him sitting across the table to eat, could not help but say, "Why are you eating here?"

    Joseph looked at her and made no reply.

    Seeing that his mood was not high, she no longer asked more. In her heart, she said, did he see Adam and misunderstand? Or feel like he lost his face before municipal leaders? It might be both.

    The two ate in silence, and neither could speak anymore.

    Joseph always had a quiet meal, so the atmosphere was even more depressing. Usually, when the two were in the restaurant, Irish mostly talked, and he listened and asionally expressed his personal opinion. But even so, his face was pleasant. Sometimes heughed, which was not like that day, his face was calm and frightening.

    In public, Irish could not say some private words but also chose to remain silent.

    But her eyes could not help looking into his te, a few pieces of fried foie gras, from the appearance, it was crispy outside and tender inside, which made people dribble saliva. She could not help swallowing her saliva. She found no foie gras when she was picking dishes. It was not the right time.

    Inadvertently she remembered the day when she first came to the Runestone Group. It was the same situation when she ate her lunch, and Joseph was also sitting opposite her. And there were two foie gras on his te, making her envious.

    At that time, all the beautiful things were ambiguous, and at that time, Joseph was not like this, with an unhappy face.

    Just thinking, she saw Joseph cut all his foie gras and put it on her te. Irish looked down, and he used his knife and fork to cut the foie gras, which was easy for her to eat with one hand.

    This move really caused a lot of turmoil, and various eyes kept looking at this side, naturally, they all watched Joseph''s behavior. They had no idea that the rtionship between the two people was so close that they could use a set of tableware.

    Irish was aware of his movement. Joseph looked so calm and elegant that she should learn to be calm. Yet, the feeling in her heart was sweet and happy. For example, the first time, he peeled shrimp for her in front of his staff, and this time he naturally served her with his knife and fork, which was different from the cover-up between the two before. Was it publicity behavior?

    "What are you thinking? Eat at once." Joseph made a low order as if scolding a child who did not eat.

    Irish red at him. "You''ve always had a lot of worries."

 Chapter 508 508: Who Is He?

    Joseph nced at her, and she hurried to eat foie gras.

    But the foie gras was so slippery that it fell on the table and stained her cuff. She frowned, but the next second, Joseph took the napkin and naturally took her hand and cleaned her cuff.

    Irish''s face became red, wanting to pull her hand back, but she listened to hismand, "Don''t move."

    She stopped and let people cast their eyes around her.

    His palm was warm, his fingertips a little cool. Irish quietly looked at him. He lowered his eyes and quietly wiped oil stains, whose slightly low cheek lines were hard and clear, and his thin lips slightly closed, although serious but impressive.

    The oil stains left only shallow prints.

    He just let go of her hand.

    Her wrist left the temperature of his fingers.

    "Attend the meeting at two o''clock in the afternoon." Joseph did not eat much, and the te had been empty.

    Irish was using a fork to eat roasted pineapple, when listening to him, she was startled, blinking. "You want me to participate?"

    Joseph gave her a "sure" look.

    Irish shook her head, "I still have..."

    "You must attend." He interrupted her in a low but strong tone.

    Irish choked.

    Joseph, however, got up and left with an empty te.

    ****

    The meeting in the afternoon was boring, though itsted only fifteen minutes, it was no less than fifteen hours for Irish. Finally, at 2:00 in the afternoon, Joseph brought her to the meeting when she was most in a trance.

    It was not Joseph who presided over the meeting.

    Henry Lake looked much thinner than the previous two days at the President''s seat. His cheeks were sunken, and he had many more gray hairs. Irish did not listen to what he had said but felt that his state of mind was not as great as before.

    Looking away from him, she deliberately ignored her heart''s strange but restless feelings.

    Was his haggardness just for Ruby? The son-inw was lost, and people talked about the pearl of his eye with relish. When did their family, the Lake''s, be so exaggerated in front of the media?

    Top executives attended the meeting, each sharing the most important part of the operation, and Irish was more of an idle person. It was a meeting she could not talk about at all, and it was not involved in her scope of business at thepany.

    But Henry spoke directly to her, with a typical father''s tone, "Irish, how is the wound recovery? If you don''t feel well, go home and rest. Don''t hold on."<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish was not difficult to feel the eyes from all directions with deep connotations. She did not look at Henry''s eyes, lightly answering. "I''m fine." She also nced in Joseph''s direction.

    He sat beside Henry, staring at theputer screen without moving, apparently lost in thought. Irish was wondering what he was thinking.

    Henry was reassured and asked about her work.

    She answered one by one.

    Compared with Henry''s obvious family voice, Irish was more businesslike.

    The meetingsted nearly two hours. Henry finally exined a few words to the rest of the work to Joseph. After Henry Lake left the conference room, Joseph did not return to the President position and briefly exined the next work arrangements in his position, especially the introduction of new products to the market and the cooperation requirements of various departments.

    Irish looked at Joseph, who was sitting on the left side of the main seat and could not help thinking of media spection. She was also worried for a moment. She did not know whether Joseph''s power had really been set aside. Otherwise, how could Henry personally preside over the meeting?

    The empty chairman''s position was silent and vacant, and Irish''s heart panicked.

    Joseph never said much when he was at the meeting and just shared a few tasks with the respective department. He then dered the meeting over after a brief and clear exnation. The senior officials went out one after another.

    When Irish got up, he only listened to Joseph''s lightmand. "Irish,e here."

    The act of calling names made all eyes ambiguous.

    Irish was startled, the next second, she wanted to wail. Did she make a mistake?

    Soon, only she and Joseph were in the meeting room, not knowing who had shut the door for them in a considerate manner. The thick conference room door isted all the outside sound, and the huge space instantaneously was quiet.

    Joseph remained in his seat, the lines between the eyebrow and the nose were hidden, and his seriousness was not visible. He yed with the signature pen in his hand, his eyes fell on her, and his voice was warm and gentle, "Come here."

    Irish tried hard to judge his appearance, trying to get some hints from his calm, cool tone and eyes or to read out his emotional changes at the moment, but when she approached him, she still couldn''t get the message out of his serene brows.

    Joseph put down the pen in his hand, and the chair turned gently. He turned toward her, and then he reached for her, and then his broad palm moved slowly up along her leg, finally holding her hand, ying carefully. He raised his eyes, looking at her.

    "Who is he?" His voice was like a calmke, and no ripples could be heard.

    Irish was not shocked. When she met Adam, she was caught by Joseph. She thought about finding a chance to exin to him. Of course, she also desperately hoped that he would not ask about this matter and turned a blind eye to that morning encounter. But it looked like she lied to herself. It was normal for him to question or even inquire about that man to her.

    She wanted to exin it to him at lunch, but he never mentioned it, and she didn''t know how to say that. Besides, the restaurant was a public ce, and so many eyes were fixed on them. Obviously, it was not a ce to talk about that topic.

    "He..." She hesitated a little. The exnation was certainly needed, but how to exin was the key.

    At this moment, she finally understood what it meant to "use a hundred lies to make a lie." She could not say that he was Adam. This name was very taboo for Joseph. Once he was said to be Adam, well, Joseph would know thatst time she went behind his back on a blind date. If it was just another man, Joseph would be okay, but if she told Joseph the truth, she should ensure that Joseph won''t be angry. But that man named Adam, no matter what she exined, he wouldn''t listen to her.

 Chapter 509 509: Don’t You Love Me?

    Moreover, he would see it as a betrayal, a betrayal of her promise not to go on a blind date.

    Her brain was running fast, licking her lips, smiling at him sweetly. "He is a client of mine and came to thank me."

    "Really?" Joseph gently smiled. The corners of the eyebrow between the eyes seemed to disappear, sping her fingers, he sighed, "Your customer is very persistent, he was chasing you even inside thepany."

    Like a knife into his heart, the sharp de cut his whole heart into pieces. The pain from thest time spread quickly, mixed with this pain, and wrung the wound''s position. He smiled softly, and the corners of his lips were soft. Staring at the quiet smile that appeared on Irish''s face and seeing her lying to him again naturally, he wanted to pinch her by the neck several times, and he wanted to ask her, Irish, how can you cheat me again and again? Why do you hurt me again and again?

    She quickly analyzed his words, and he did not look angry, but she always felt something was wrong. He tightened his fingers slightly and pointed his smiling ck eyes into her eyes.

    "Joseph, in fact, actually, he''s chasing me." She confessed slightly.

    Joseph looked at her with a silent smile.

    "As you can see, he sent me a bouquet of flowers." Irish clenched his hand and swallowed the saliva nervously. "But please, believe me, I really didn''t agree. I told him I had a boyfriend, and I had already thrown away the flowers. If you don''t believe me, you can go to my office to check if I did what I told you."

    ? Joseph always listened patiently to her without saying a word.

    Irish''s heart began to beat quickly.

    After a long time, he got up. His tall body almost covered her. She looked up and into his deep ck eyes.

    Joseph''s lip angle was always slightly raising, lifting his slender fingers and gently caressing her eyebrows, and then his tone more gentle and gentle, "Is he really just your client?"

    Irish opened her lips slightly, and for a moment, she wanted to say to him, "No, he is Adam, and don''t get me wrong. He''s not the Adam I know."

    But the words from the bottom of her heart swung back and forth in her throat, and she couldn''t speak them out loud. She dared not take the risk. She did not want him to think that she was still thinking of Adam. She did not want to lose him. "Yes." Finally, she spat out the words softly.

    The smile on Joseph''s lips froze faintly, and the bottom of his eyes was gloomy as the dark clouds, and the fingers caressing her cheek trembled slightly but in a subtle way. And Irish couldn''t feel that.

    Atst, the wound widened as if it had torn his flesh, and before his very eyes, this woman mercilessly did it. All these years, no woman has broken his heart, trampled on his feelings, or lied to him with such a smile.

    His eyes smiled again, but with the pain to the extreme.

    The next moment, his slender fingers swung around her back head, pressing her towards him and tilting her face.

    Irish did not expect that he would do this, and she screamed suddenly as she felt the extreme pain.

    He bowed his head and shut her mouth.

    The thin lips brushed Irish''s lips with fire, she panted, but he took the opportunity to force in, nearly gnawing her lips, overbearing and strong.

    Irish tilted her head to receive his sudden kiss.

    And just then, the conference room door suddenly opened, followed by a scream.<novelnext></novelnext>

    It was the little girl from the administrative department who was thinking of cleaning up the conference room but did not expect to be hit by this scene. Perhaps the scene in front of her was too exciting, and she was frightened for a while.

    When Irish''s heart trembled, Joseph stopped at this moment but listened to him yelling, "Get out, close the door!"

    The next second, the door of the meeting room was closed by the little girl, and the sound of footsteps darted away.

    Everything was quiet again.

    But Irish''s face, like ayer of white paste, turns pale. It could be imagined that the girl was shocked and how this matter once spread.

    Her scalp was numb, and her hair was almost erect. Her fingers and lips trembled gently and involuntarily.

    The first thought that crossed her brain was: OMG!

    Not for her, but for Joseph.

    She had never been afraid of gossip. It didn''t matter how hard it was, but she didn''t want to see or hear negative news about Joseph. Even though he and Ruby had announced about their fake marriage, although it was said that after their lunch, there was more gossip about them, it was better than the kissing scene, which outsiders directly caught.

    As she was in a panic, Joseph reached for her chin and ordered her to look him in the eye, his tone bing a little deep.

    He said, "Isabel, don''t see him again."

    Irish froze.

    "Don''t see that man again." Joseph put his arm around her, his chin against her head, his heavy tone was depressing.

    She looked up at him in astonishment. "We were just seen."

    Was that the point?

    "What if she saw it? Don''t you love me?" Joseph asked.

    She suddenly became silent, and his answer excited and frightened her.

    "Of course, I love you." She lowered her tone. "But I''m afraid it will affect you. All the gossip is directed at you."

    Joseph''s eyes were fixed. After a long time, he said, "What I care about is never an influence."

    When she heard what he said, Irish understood, thinking of the simr request he had just made in a heavy tone, and her heart was tingling like being hit by a needle. She swore that she didn''t want to deceive him, but she did not want the fake Adam to spoil their hard-won quietness.

    A blind date that has nothing to do with her was her mistake. She should not be curious to look at him. It was precisely because of that curiosity that she was in a dilemma. She must not mention to Joseph about her blind date. Otherwise, she really became the person who broke her word, although she had broken her word, and she had despised herself from the bottom of her heart.

 Chapter 510 510: Do You Want To Say Something?

    "Joseph." She snuggled up to him again, lifting her hand and tugging at his tie. "Are you angry, aren''t you? I promise you, I won''t see him again. I''ve made it clear to him. Don''t worry."

    Joseph bowed his head and held her tightly after a long time.

    Was this the taste of forbearance? When the eyes were closed, and the heart was still filled with sorrow? Even knowing her deception, he indulged her again and again and believed her again and again that this was herst one.

    Clenching the big hands behind her.

    Only in this way could he alleviate the pain in his heart, and only in that way could he ignore the pain in his heart, what he saw and what she exined.

    When was he so cowardly?

    ****

    Thepany''s elevator door rattled as the sky darkened.

    Shirley was furious when she came out of the elevator. She took off her sunsses, whose legs squeaked, and she looked at the little girls who walked into thepany from behind her, her teeth tickled.

    She originally came to thepany to find Henry. She wanted to talk to him again about increasing the shares of Ruby and Roy. She wanted to avoid causing too much trouble to thepany. She also heard that the municipal leaders came to thepany that day, so she wore sunsses and veiled herself. Unexpectedly, her ears had not been quiet since waiting for the elevator.

    Little girls were talking about gossip, whose chest card was the Runestone Group.

    All they talked about was the recent scandal between the Lake and the Runestone Group.

    Shirley listened, too, until it was revealed that Dr. Irish and Joseph were seen kissing in the conference room this afternoon, she was stunned and angrily rushed up to her head.

    The news really excited the other girls. Some said they had expected the two of them to be together, and some said Joseph had always rified that he was single and so on. And a girl said mysteriously, "Don''t you see that at noon today, Dr. Irish and Mr. Dover are very close? He uses his own knife and fork to cut off foie gras for Dr. Irish himself."

    Others nodded and said they had heard, and then there was another round of discussion. But they were all in a one-sided view that they thought Joseph and Irish were very eye-catching, a perfect match.

    A perfect match really thrilled Shirley. The elevator door slowly closed behind her. She stared at the LOGO of the Runestone Group, and her fingers were almost broken.

    All right, Joseph, and you finally showed your tail!

    Shirley bit her lower teeth and went back to the elevator without saying anything.

    ****

    The night lit up again in New York, and neon tore the haze of the night apart.

    Joseph received a call from Roy at 10 P.M., and his reception was over. When he left the hotel, he rushed directly to the pub Club where Roy was at.

    PUB, with a noisy environment, ebullient dancing figures, and bright or dim shing lights.

    When Joseph pushed open the box, he saw Roy at a nce.

    There were women around him.

    Two womeny in his arms. One gave him wine, the other took the fruit to his mouth, and the long table was filled with bottles of all kinds. There were empty bottles and unopened ones.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Seeing Josephe, Roy shook up and sat down with him.

    "You''re toote, so you need to drink."

    Roy put a clean empty cup in front of Joseph, picking up the bottle to pour wine.

    Joseph stretched out his hand and pressed the cup, "What happened?" he asked.

    Roy was a regr customer in the nightclub, but in his impression, this guy seemed to have not lived this kind of life for a long time.

    "What? What happened? I call you toe out and drink." Roy smiled, took away his hand, and poured wine into the cup.

    "Although you are not my brother-inw now, can you apany me to drink?"

    Joseph had already had some wine at the dinner, and he had no intention of drinking it, but when he saw Roy''s state, he directly picked up his ss and touched him lightly. He drank it all out. "Okay, I''ll punish myself."

    Roy also dried a cup and patted him on the shoulder, "Great."

    And then they filled each other''s ss.

    After the bottle was put down, a hand stretched across a woman''s arms and pulled her into Joseph''s arms, "Your task tonight is to apany Mr. Dover, do you understand?"

    Full of wine fragrance.

    Along with Roy''s push, the womanid against Joseph''s arms, whose voice was as sweet as a nightingale, "Don''t worry, Mr. Lake." At the end of the speech, she took the ss, and her body was as soft as a snake, "Mr. Dover, this cup is for you."

    Joseph did not pick up the cup, slightly frowning toward Roy, "You''d better go back."

    "Why, don''t you like it?" Roy seemed to have drunk a lot before, whose drunk eyes were with a smile, "Don''t pretend you and Ruby are fake, and how are you true with Irish? You are a man who can''t understand."

    Joseph did not bother with the drunk, pushed the wine cup away sent by the woman in arms, and lightly said, "Roy, what irritates you?"

    "Irritates?" Roy frowned, "Tonight, I should be very excited with wine, food, and beauty." After talking, he held the woman around him and bit her chest with his head down, making her gasp again.

    Joseph did not say a word and more or less guessed Roy''s thoughts.

    "Don''t say I didn''t think of you." Roy drank the wine cup again, pointing to the woman in his arms. "This young model is for you, fresh and delicious."

    Joseph did not even look, picked up the ss, and drank it; since he did not say something, he did not force him.

    A bottle of strong wine was quickly drained.

    Roy opened another bottle, and the woman around them hurriedly poured wine.

    Joseph was a very good listener. He never rushed to ask him what was going on. He just drank wine. Finally, when Roy was sitting there without a word, he finally asked, "Do you want to say something?"

 Chapter 511 511: I Should Serve You

    After a long time, Roy looked up, whose drunk eyes were dim, looking at Joseph, and his smile obviously helpless, "Joseph, do you know what love is?"

    Words startled Joseph.

    "When you think you know love, it''s bullshit!" Roy was drunk, talking nonsense, pouring the wine, and said, "When you think you can have her, in fact, you are just a backup!"

    Joseph''s fingers, holding the ss, stiffened for a moment. He knew that Roy was saying this to himself, probably for Cassie''s sake, but it slipped into his ear and groped inexplicably into his heart.

    It was not that he did not believe in Irish''s love but that when he saw clearly that she had lied to him, the weight of that love had be a question.

    In other words, did he understand love?

    Or did he think he knew a lot, but in fact, he didn''t know anything about it?

    The following time, Roy began nagging in front of Joseph about Cassie. He said that he did not understand how love was so difficult. He did not understand that he had done so much and could not win a woman''s heart. He could not understand why she should marry that man.

    Joseph did notfort Roy. Originally, he was also in a bad mood that day and drank a lot of wine until he was drunk.

    Until one o''clock in the morning, Roy patted Joseph on the shoulder with a vague tongue, "...I see clearly, in love, who first takes the initiative will lose. I won''t spend my whole life with a woman anymore."

    Joseph also drank a lot of wine, the whole personzily leaned on the sofa, shaking sses, gentlyughing.

    Roy wobbled up with the woman in his arms, "This model is for you, do not hurt her."

    Then he staggered.

    The woman around him quickly helped him and said, "You drink too much."

    Roy smiled and approached her, "Rest assured. I can fuck you though I am drunk."

    "Sick." The woman patted him.

    "Joseph, I''ll go first, and have a good night." Roy restored his consistent ruffian appearance, smiled, and hugged the woman, walking away from the box.

    In the huge box, only Joseph left and the young model.

    He did not move and closed his eyes to ease his drunkenness.

    The room was quiet except for the brilliant lights.

    The young model quietly looked at the man beside her, and the silhouette of the light reflected his sharp cheeks. His tall figure fell on the sofa in drunkenness, which exposed his charms.

    She gently leaned forward, carefully climbed to his body, soft hands on his broad and strong shoulders, voice light and fragile, "Mr. Dover, you drink too much? Do you have a headache?"<novelnext></novelnext>

    Joseph opened his eyes and looked at the woman in front of him by the shaking light. She, although in make-up, was still shy.

    She looked at him with some timidity, a little shyness. She wore a ck brassiere skirt so short that it could reveal her legs.

    He would not doubt Roy''s words. The woman who could apany him was either a hot model or a passionate star.

    Since he said she was a young model, then she might be.

    Seeing his open eyes, the model hurriedly changed into a smiling face and took the initiative to cling to his bosom, whose red lip rubbed his sexy throat knot, "I send you back to the hotel."

    Half of her bodyy on him, and her full breast rubbed against his arm and chest.

    Joseph pressed his hand on his temple, pushed her away, took out his purse without saying a word, and put more bills on the table. The young model quietly collected the money, then got up, and she undressed before him the next second.

    The little ck skirt fell to the ground.

    The naked female body was beautiful in the dim light. Every inch of skin had a young vigor, such as the blooming flower under the night, delicate and sexy.

    Joseph leaned forward, took a ss of wine, slowly poured a ss of wine, sipped it lightly, and said lightly. "Here''s your money. Leave quickly."

    The model was shocked, immediately shaking her head, "No, I ept your money, I should serve you."

    Joseph ignored her words and waved irritably to her to leave.

    The model did not go; instead, she sat back to him; by this time, she was naked in Joseph''s arms in a suit and tie, and this picture was unusually ambiguous.

    "This is my first time tonight. Don''t worry, I''m clean." Red lips sent up, along with his straight chin, gradually down, and the tip of her tongue gently bit open his shirt button, "Mr. Dover, I will not let you down."

    She recognized him the first time she saw him, and the man who had been in the roaring gossip, she did not expect that as an unknown model, she could see a real wealthy man. Nevertheless, he was so handsome and so difficult to approach that his charm enchanted her. Moreover, he looked at her differently than any other man, with no hunger, no eagerness, but an imprable stillness.

    But he was drunk, even though she could see that he was in a bad mood, and she had no idea that the famous general manager of the Runestone Group would be so heart-wrenching after being drunk.

    The woman in his arms was soft, and her fingers touched his skin from his slightly open neckline tentatively. He could feel her warmth and her perfume, as well as the smell of alcohol, leading to a feeling of pain to him.

    He was slightly sideways, and the silent, cool eyes fell on the face of the model, but as if he was thinking of something.

    When the model looked into his eyes, her hands trembled and then blushed, feeling as if she was getting an electric shock, and her heart also beat fast.

    His eyes were so profound that they almost overwhelmed her with drunkenness, but unlike other men who always went mad after drinking, he was more fascinated by the intoxication.

    She couldn''t help but sigh with the feeling that how could there be such a man in the world who was so charming that women were unable to forget at first sight.

 Chapter 512 512: The Memory Of Their First Met

    The light was dim in the box, like the water flowing in the dark, swaying like a ripple. Joseph stared at the woman who leaned in his arms, whose long hair intertwined in his strong arms like the liana.

    He felt that he had seen Irish and returned to the time when he met her for the first time. After that, everything yed back like a flood shing before him.

    It was also on such an ornate asion.

    He was slightly drunk with his friends that night when a figure of an enchanting woman reflected in his wine.

    It was ambiguous that night, as if something predetermined was going to happen.

    At the moment of her appearance, Joseph felt his anxiety vanish immediately. Putting down his wine, he found the figure reflected in his ss immediately and urately.

    It was a beautiful woman. To be more urate, she was a fair woman who could easily get the attention of men. The close-fitting dark dress was simple and so short that her legs were easily exposed to the air. Perhaps she also drank a lot of wine, and she ignored her high-heeled shoes falling down on the ground with her slender legs hanging barefoot. Her ankle was small but tender and was white as her skin.

    She was not far away from him, sitting in his diagonally opposite.

    Joseph didn''t step forward to strike up a conversation with her but stared at her for a long time. Under the shing light, he saw her face with fine makeup, her smooth forehead, curved eyebrows, as well as her sharp nose, and sexy lips. Her skin was white as if she had just finished a mild bath. Even though she was sitting far from him, he could feel the milk smell.

    She came here with another girl, and they seemed to be intimate friends. She smiled brightly, with her long silky hair tangling around her shoulders.

    He took over his wine, took a sip of it, and stared at the woman with smiling eyes, and for a moment, he was eager to step forward to fondle her eyes and her eyebrows and to experience the feeling of fingers gently passing through the long hair.

    Men were always obsessed with women with long and glossy hair, including Joseph. He longed for such pure happiness.

    As expected, several men walked to ost her, one after another.

    He could see the Iust in those men. The Iust to own her that was bald and unobtrusive while she had been drunk.

    Joseph was worried about her. He was worried about a strange woman for the first time.

    But soon, her sweet voice sounded, and she asked the man how much money he had.

    Hearing this, he frowned.

    But the man who was osting her whispered beside her andughed with her. She raised a finger to the man, and then he heard her say to the man, "Give me a billion dors, and then I will drink a ss of wine with you."

    The man was annoyed by her and walked away while sheughed even more cheerfully and asked the barman to give her another ss of wine.

    But soon, a middle-aged man stepped towards her and sneered at her. It was easy to tell that she was drunk, and her slender finger slipped from the man''s pilgarlic and said, "You have asthenia of the kidney, and you can''t fix me up in bed." The middle-aged man left with anger.

    Joseph couldn''t figure out if she were really the woman in the prostitutes'' quarter or if she just pretended to be that.

    It was not until he was about to leave and passed from her, who was drinking with her head down, he then hesitated.<novelnext></novelnext>

    She suddenly looked up at him, showing a big smile when she nced at his face, and then she got off the chair, staggering to him.

    He subconsciously reached out and grabbed her swaying body. In the next second, her arms wrapped around his neck, and she leaned on him as a soft kitten.

    Many women of several types, including pure or enchanted, threw themselves on him with various means in these years.

    Somehow when she fell into his arms identally but naturally, holding his neck with her arms, he didn''t push her away as he treated other women but felt sore for her and her fresh breath, as well as her fragrance, made him hesitate. He didn''t loosen her hands.

    She looked up at him; her eyes were tearful, while her lips trembled. Then, she asked him in a low voice as if she was mumbling, "Why are you sote? Do you know I have waited for you for a long time?"

    Her voice sounded clear but vague, as if she was asking him seriously, but she also looked like she was mumbling to herself.

    His heart trembled violently; perhaps he was affected by her words, and he even felt familiar with her in the next second.

    "Don''t leave me alone. Take me away." She leaned against his chest and begged him softly.

    He tightened his arms and held her soft body out of drunkenness.

    Her friend staggered to pull her, but she just held him tightly, shaking her head violently, shocking the girl. "Do you know each other?"

    Of course, they didn''t.

    However, he replied without hesitation. "Yes." He felt warm since she leaned in his arms.

    Her friend urged him to take care of her several times, and he promised her somehow.

    Soon, his friends also left, looking at him with ambiguous eyes.

    Finally, he took her to the room that his friends had booked for him. She held him tightly on the way to the hotel as the Cuscuta Chinensis intertwined around him. She seemed afraid that he would leave her, which made him feel sorrowful.

    She waspletely drunk, so he had to hold her to the hotel.

    Of course, he was impulsive in front of her, especially when she was lying on the bed softly, her hair in disorder, and her plump body unfolded half in front of him.

    Joseph was not a casual man, but he had to admit that such a beautiful woman also attracted him since he was also a man full of sap, so when she curled in his arms again, he felt the blood rushing into his head. Then he pressed her down on the bed in the following second.

    The soft boy under him soon provoked his desire, and his abdomen was tight. He was eager to release his desire, so he lifted up her dress, kissing her lips.

    He tried to persuade himself that she should have known what would happen since she was willing to go to the hotel with him.

    But she cried. She cried sadly, which startled him. He stared at the tears shed down from her cheeks, and her eyes looked like the crystal in the water, pure and clear.

 Chapter 513 513: Take The Money And Get Out Of Here

    He stopped his next movement because of her tears since he didn''t know what had happened to her. She kept crying there for a long time, and he even felt sore for her.

    And then he did something he had never done in his life. He just slept beside such a beautiful woman motionlessly without touching her.

    She finally fell asleep because of tiredness, leaning on his arms like a kid. He felt good to hold her like that.

    The memory was interrupted immediately because he was disturbed by the young model who took the initiative to hold his neck.

    Joseph frowned, and when he was about to say something, the young woman begged him in a low voice, "Let me wait upon you tonight." She reached out and touched his crumpled eyebrows. The woman''s behavior was identally consistent towards Joseph, but it annoyed him, so he pushed her away and took a sip of the wine, saying unpleasantly, "Put on the cloth. Take the money and get out of here."

    The model bit her lips and didn''t continue to touch him after perceiving his anger. She put on the cloth silently, sitting back beside him but didn''t touch him this time, though she was eager to lean against his sturdy and broad chest.

    She hastily poured wine for him when she saw he reached out to take the wine and then said softly, "Don''t worry, I won''t badger you. I must apany you to drink since I have taken your money."

    She pours another ss of wine for him while talking. Joseph didn''t reply but tossed off the cup.

    He leaned on the couch while his mind was suffused with the pictures of Irish. He missed her smile, her anger, and the moment when she spoiled like a child in front of him and told him that she loved him with her sweet voice. What''s more, he even missed her when she lied to him with a smile.

    Joseph clenched the ss and realized that he missed her so much.

    He took out the phone drunkenly but saw double images on the screen. He wanted to dial, but his fingers were out of his control because of drunkenness, so he took the coat and staggered out.

    He had to go home to meet her.

    He missed her so much.

    The young model hastily held him and said anxiously to him, "Let me send you back." But Joseph pushed her away directly. She fell down, and when she was about to stand up, she saw a phone lying on the ground. It was the phone he just took in hand and must have been identally dropped.

    She hastily took the phone without hesitation, and the screen was still on. She opened the address book but was astonished since there was only a number in it of which name my baby.

    She looked at the man who was staggering out subconsciously. It must be his beloved woman since only her number was in his private phone.

    She was very envious of this person named Baby, who such a brilliant man could love.

    Upon getting the phone, Irish hastily rushed to PUB. She didn''t drive but quickly called a taxi.

    The street at night was impeded, and the driver also osted her asionally, but she was so anxious and felt the speed of the car was too slow.

    Her cell phone was clenched in her hands, and she frowned while the woman''s sound kept echoing in her mind.<novelnext></novelnext>

    It was a soft voice from a woman, and she told her that Joseph was drunk and she had to pick him up.

    It was not Daisy''s voice, but who was she? Who can take his private cell phone so easily?

    Thinking of this, Irish breathed fast, and her hand clenched into a fist so as to remind her to keep sober.

    She knew that many girls coveted him since he was such a brilliant man. She did imagine the scene where another girl would lean in his arms, but it was too hard for her to imagine this. There were many beautiful girls in the world, and Joseph had to face much more temptation than others. In fact, she was so afraid that he would not be able to withstand temptation and was obsessed with another woman one day.

    But she still believed she was his only beloved woman, and even if he contacted other women, it was just a game in his eyes.

    Thinking of this, she felt that she was mentally prepared.

    But when she arrived at the PUB door, she almost knelt down. She walked to the box, and when she opened the door, a strong smell of alcohol struck her.

    It was quiet in the room without music but the shing light, which looked luxurious.

    And soon, Irish found Joseph, who was lying on the couch drunkenly. He leaned there while their wine bottles were in a mess on the table.

    What made her sore was that a woman was gently washing his face.

    Irish squinted, staring at the woman beside him. She was young but plump, and her close-fitting dress was slightly messy and so short that it looked so sexy.

    Her eyes were full of fondness when she looked at Joseph while he leaned on one of her arms, allowing her to wipe his face.

    His coat was put aside, with his neckline slightly opened, revealing his sturdy chest. More shockingly, his shirt was stained with the woman''s lipstick.

    Irish stood there motionlessly.

    She knew that she had to encounter such scenes now that she had fallen with a brilliant man, and she even thought she would ept if it were not Joseph who took the initiative. It was her fault because she fell in love with him, who was so attractive to a woman.

    But when she saw such a scene in front of her, she felt her heart was broken, and a gust of anger rushed to her mind. Before she lost her mind, she stepped to Joseph, pulled up the woman beside him, and roared unpleasantly. "What are you doing?"

    The young model didn''t see her and was startled violently. She looked at the woman in front of her, eyes filled with anger that shocked her, and she loosened her hands, the towel falling to the ground.

    "I... I....." She was too flurried to say a single word.

 Chapter 514 514: I Am Not Blind

    Irish red at her and then sat down beside Joseph, fondling his cheeks, and called him softly, "Joseph....."

    He did not respond to her, but his eyelid moved slightly. He looked very afflictive and frowned with his lips pressed into a thin line. The young model standing beside said tentatively, "Mr. Dover has drunk a lot of wine, and he can''t even walk straight."

    Irish turned to her abruptly and replied angrily, "I am not blind."

    The young model was frightened by her but stared at her secretly after Irish turned back to her again.

    She was beautiful, and she couldn''t help extolling though she was also a woman, and then the young woman turned to the man on the couch. Now she could understand why he would call her baby. They were well-matched.

    But Irish ignored her since she knew this model was just a peripheral girl, but she could do nothing since Joseph was drunk now, so she turned to the model and reached out her hands, "Give me the phone."

    The woman was shocked by her and couldn''t react for a short time, "Do you want to take his phone formemoration? There is only my number in it."

    The young woman blushed and hastily handed the phone to her. Irish took it over and then saw the banknotes on the table inadvertently.

    All women were jealous, including the young model. After perceiving her gaze, she hastily stepped forward, taking the cash into her bag, and said with a faint smile, "Mr. Dover gave me this cash and asked me to wait upon him."

    Irish''s heart trembled when she heard that; actually, she was annoyed, especially when she saw their slightly messy clothes.

    "Wait upon him?" Irish smiled and sneered, saying to her, word by word, "Do you think you are qualified?"

    Obviously, the model didn''t expect that she would say this, and she was shocked at first but soon became angry from embarrassment, "Mr. Dover..."

    Before she could finish her words, a few more banknotes fell in front of her, which startled the young model again.

    It was Irish who took out those banknotes to her.

    She took out all of the cash in his wallet and then said with a smile, "Take it. Remember, it is me that gives the money to you."

    The young model waspletely confused by her, and she couldn''t figure out why she did this to her.

    "If you have waited upon him, then I have to thank you since he is a man of strong lust. I am afraid it is not enough to buy some nutrients to replenish your strength with money on the table." Irish raised the money in her hand and then continued, "Take it. But if you still want to covet him, then you will be dead."

    The woman was frightened by her threatening tone.

    The woman took the money carefully and subconsciously took a glimpse at Joseph.

    "What are you looking for? Do you believe I will dig out your eyes?" Irish blocked in front of her with her face getting so close to the woman, which startled her to step back.

    "There is a small tip for you. Take the money and forget everything tonight upon getting out of the room." Irish said slowly, but soon she added, "You can only take his phone when he is drunk, but I can touch any of his private things no matter if he is awake or drunk, and that''s the difference between us. Do you understand?"

    The woman bit her lips tightly, nodded, and immediately left the room.<novelnext></novelnext>

    When everything was quiet, Irish then turned to Joseph and sighed slightly.

    Irish exhausted her strength to get him back home. When they fell down on the bed, she ran out of strength to raise her arms.

    The man beside her moved slightly and grunted.

    She leaned on his chest, staring at his closed eyes, and called his name again, thinking about cooking a hangover tea for him.

    Joseph opened his eyes slightly, "Isabel...." He mumbled her name.

    Irish felt wronged and crawled out from his chest and got off the bed.

    But he grabbed her hands, looking at her with his drunken eyes, begging in a weak voice, "Isabel, don''t leave me alone."

    Her heart trembled, crossed his fingers, and leaned on him again, whispering beside her ear, "Am I crazy? Joseph, I know I am mad." His deep affection was enough to offset her grievances and doubts. She was very angry on the way back. She was angry with why he asked another woman to apany him. But his fonder words made her feel that she loved him so deeply and she also couldn''t leave him.

    She knew she was mad, and sometimes she couldn''t help wondering, even if she had seen he was intimate with another woman, she wouldn''t leave him if he told her that he needed her.

    Was it true love?

    Has she begun to be the same as Cassie?

    When Joseph woke up the next morning, it was already seven o''clock, and he had slept two hours more than usual.

    The morning light was suffused in the bedroom. Irish was sleeping well in his arms.

    He lowered down and found they were dressed in their lover''s pajamas, clean and with the smell of sunshine.

    He was dizzy from the drunkennessst night, but as he was awake, the memories ofst night also returned to him.

    Joseph didn''t want to wake her, ring at her quietly. He couldn''t help but smile, bowed towards her forehead, and gently kissed her while she mumbled like a little animal that let people have pity on her.

    Joseph had strong lust in the morning after the whole-night drunkenness. Coupled with the woman''s sleeping state in her arms, a soft sigh was enough to provoke his lust, and then his kiss moved down, with his handsome face buried in her neck.

    Perhaps Irish was pricked by his newly-grown beard, she was awake soon, but when she saw him re at her, she pushed him away immediately.

    With a smile, Joseph held her from behind, asking, "What''s wrong?"

    "You should answer this question." Irish turned to him while frowning and asked, "Why did you drink so much alcoholst night?"

    Joseph thought for a while and then leaned on the bedside, reaching out to embrace her, and then said with a soft smile, "I was just drinking with Roy, I did get drunkst night."

 Chapter 515 515: There Was A Sexy Woman Beside You

    Irish stared at him hesitantly and said after a long while, "Nonsense, I didn''t meet Roy at all."

    "He has gone out to have fun," Joseph replied frankly.

    Irish thought for seconds and then understood what he meant. Though she felt helpless, she was still stubborn and asked, "Well, what about you? Did you have fun there?"

    "Me?" He raised his eyebrows and then realized what she was talking about. "I remember that you came to bring me back. Right?"

    Irish sneered and then replied, "Yes, it''s me who came to bring you back in person, Mr. Dover."

    He stared at her but found weirdness about her smile, so he continued to ask, "And then?"

    "You are smart, and you know I still haven''t finished my words." Irish got close to him, her lips almost attached to him, and added, "There was a sexy woman beside you."

    Joseph was shocked by her words. "If she didn''t call me with your personal phone, I would never know what you looked like when you leaned in another woman''s arms." She didn''t want to be such a woman who would always focus on the behavior of her boyfriend, and she also didn''t want to make a punitive expedition against him every day. There were many cases to show that men always hated to be suspected by women, even if they did overstep the bounds, they would also dislike interrogation.

    But now it really happened to her, and she couldn''t be as sober as a bystander anymore. In fact, she had thought for a long time, and she also smelt on him for a long while when she changed the nightgown for him but found no woman fragrance or lover''s bite on him, except for the shirt stained by lipstick.

    She tried to persuade herself that he did not have sex with that woman, but when she opened her eyes in the morning, she was so eager to know what had happened to themst night. Did they go hand in hand or kiss each other?

    The endless doubts suffused her mind that led to a headache.

    Joseph stared at Irish, who smiled faintly while her question sounded serious and casual. He was about to exin to her that he didn''t ask the woman to wait for him and told her that he missed her so much, even if he was drunk.

    But he bit back his words when he perceived her casualness and her faint smile that displeased him.

    He also remembered what happenedst night and knew that she hade to him in the PUB and even argued with somebody there. Now he realized that it was the woman who called her, but soon displeasure surged up to him.

    He thought she would quarrel with him and get angry because of that woman, and she would even make some unreasonable demands, but her calm attitude upset him.

    "Really?" He held back his anger and smiled faintly.

    He didn''t exin to her, but Irish waspletely shocked by his brief answer, and the smile turned rigidly. She drew back her eyes and continued to ask after a long while, "Do you think she is beautiful?"

    Joseph adjusted his posture and replied, "No."

    Her eyes were stained by slight dness, but soon he added, "You should say she is young and beautiful."

    She felt that her heart was broken after hearing this, and the pain spread all over her. Irish stared at him for a long time until she clearly felt the pain, and then her lips trembled, but she said nothing.<novelnext></novelnext>

    She wanted to ask him if he had a crush on her and also wanted to know if he thought she was better than her. But finally, she held back the words.

    She kept silent but leaned closer to him subconsciously, trying to feel his warmth. She wanted to ask him to hold her tightly, not tell her the truth.

    She was a coward even if she looked mighty before others, but in fact, she was outwardly strong but inwardly weak. She could ask him some unreasonable questions, but now she was timid and overcautious since she was afraid of the feeling of heartache.

    She was never suspicious about his fondness for her, but she couldn''t tolerate the bit of sand in her eyes, so she had to choose to shield the truth.

    But obviously, Joseph misunderstood her silence. He reached out, pinching her chin with his slender fingers, and said, "If I tell you that I had sex with herst night, then what will you do?" He stared at her and asked word by word.

    Her heart trembled while her breath turned rapid. He looked at her motionlessly and looked serious.

    After a long while, she smiled softly and replied helplessly, "Joseph, stop joking." After finishing the words, she got out of bed.

    Joseph stares at her back, and his eyes look dreary. There was a crystalmp in front of the mirror, illuminating her face but also dazzling her eyes. She hastily washed her face at the moment her eyes turned tearful. The cold water soon beat back her desire to cry.

    Why didn''t she have the courage to ask him?

    She could disguise her fear with a faint smile like just now, but she had to know the truth and to know if he lied to her, but she chose to escape the truth somehow.

    The man''s familiar voice sounded behind her, "If I really go to bed with other women, you won''t care, right?"

    His words gave her a shudder, and she bent over, looking at the swirling water flows and felt stuffy, but she was yelling in her heart.

    Irish looked up abruptly, and from the mirror, she could find that her face was wet from the water. The pajama''s color and the fabric in front of her chest were soaked with water, making her ufortable. She tried her best to calm down and then replied with a single word, "Yes."

    But he did not reply to her anymore. Irish looked back at the washroom door but didn''t find him there.

    Joseph opened the sprinkler in the bathroom and stood under the shower while the water sshed on his broad, solid shoulders. The water ran down his throat and rushed down to his vicle, chest, and tight belly. The bronze skin was shiny in the water.

    But he looked severe there.

    He leaned his head, letting the water drops m on his cheeks.

    His stern face looked even more well-defined while frowning, and his thin lips also pressed into a thin line, and his chin tightened.

    Suddenly she held him from behind.

 Chapter 516 516: Don’t Cry Honey

    He was rigid, and when he was about to turn back, her crying voice sounded, "Joseph, do you want to abandon me? Why did you say she was young and beautiful? Why do you have to simte me? Why did you tell me that you had sex with her? Is she better or more beautiful than me? Does she love you as deeply as me?"

    Her arms were shivering while her continuous questions struck him violently, and then he suddenly realized that he had treated her so cruelly.

    He hastily turned to her and called her name but was shocked when he saw that she was holding him in pajamas.

    Her hair was wet, as well as her nightgown, and her cheeks and her eyes were drowning in tears.

    But he saw clearly that her eyes were red and looked pitiful.

    Irish looked up and stared at him. Instead of being wrong as just now, there was obvious anger in her eyes and anxiety.

    She even didn''t give him a chance to exin to her.

    "How can you let another woman get close to you? No one could touch you! Joseph, you can''t fall in love with others, even if it was just a favorable impression. And you are not allowed to take a look at other women!" She shook her head violently.

    After Joseph finished his words and turned to the bathroom, Irish stood in front of the mirror for a long time as if she was frozen. She couldn''t think then but replied to him with a single word. However, this single word opened thetch of her real emotion. His anger, irritation, and envy all mixed together that struck her. She remembered what the young woman had told her, that it was Joseph who had given her the money and asked her to wait for him.

    Her anger was soon ignited, enough to start a prairie fire, and she rushed to the bathroom even without turning off the faucet. She couldn''t escape and keep silent anymore, and she had to tell him that she was the only woman he could have in his life.

    Perceiving her anger, Joseph felt even guiltier, but at the same time, he felt warm. He had to admit his psychology was screwy since he wanted to feel her true emotion in such a way.

    But when he saw her tearful eyes, he was so regretful and even admitted that he was a jerk.

    When he was going to turn off the sprinkler and exin to her, Irish suddenly lost her mind, and perhaps she was irritated by his words. The mighty Irish came back again.

    In the following second, he was pushed against the wall by her, and the water drops under the shower formed a mist of spray, blurring the washroom.

    But he could see clearly in her eyes.

    He could feel that she had exhausted her strength, but he was curious about what she would do next.

    Irish pressed on his naked chest, though her wet pajamas could not cover her sexy body.

    "Why do you keep silent? Why do you overstep the bounds? Why did you betray me? Why are you so harsh to me?" She gnashed her teeth as if she would snap his throat at any time.

    Joseph opened his mouth, but when he was going to say something to her, Irish rushed to him like an irritated lion and bit his sexy throat, which startled him.

    He wanted to push her away, but she just buckled his hand on the wall directly.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Joseph could neither cry norugh, and when he wanted to exin to her, she blocked his mouth with her kiss and didn''t give him a chance.

    He removed her hands and held her waist, allowing her to kiss him.

    But soon, Irish pushed him and took a brush under his astonishment, rushing to him again.

    Joseph was restless and thought he would suffer if he didn''t avoid her "attack," so he moved aside promptly when she rushed to him. Irish stood under the sprinkler with her eyes full of tears and stamped her foot angrily. "If you avoid me again, then it proves that you don''t love me, and I will leave you, nevere back."

    Joseph was shocked by her words, so he hastily surrendered and coaxed her, "Well, I promise I won''t escape again. Don''t cry, honey."

    Joseph was afraid of her tearful eyes, which looked so pitiful and made him feel guilty. Her tear was a powerful weapon, and he lost the capability to resist when she cried in front of him. He would put aside his so-called principles immediately and only hoped to hold her andfort her softly.

    He had never been afraid of women''s tears except for her. Obviously, she was an unbeatable rival to him in this life.

    Irish puckered her mouth, stepping to him with the small brush.

    Joseph kept his promise, standing there motionlessly, but he still couldn''t help asking her when she stood before him, "I can stay here still, but can you tell me first what you are going to do?"

    He was so worried because of her abnormal behavior.

    Irish held her tears, walked to him, and put the brush on his chest, "Your shirt is stained with lipstick, and I can''t leave another woman''s smell on you." She choked with sobs.

    In the next second, she began to brush his chest, leading to severe pain. Therefore, he hastily grabbed her hands and coaxed her softly, "Isabel, calm down."

    "I am not joking with you." She said seriously, and soon her eyes turned tearful again, "Are you afraid that you will forget her smell?"

    "Isabel."

    "Joseph, you can''t walk over me like this. I have to brush away the smell of another woman for you." Speaking of that, she raised the brush again and added, "If you stop me, then it turns out that you have fallen in love with her."

    Joseph stopped resisting after hearing that and tolerated her acting absurdly.

    Though she didn''t brush hard, she brushed with a fast frequency while sobbing. Joseph gnashed his teeth, staring at her, and was worried that she would disinfect him with the aqua sterilizata.

    She brushed down from his chest to the mermaid line, but the pain suddenly turned to a great stimtion when it was close to his lower abdomen. His strong Iust in the morning was held back by him forcibly, but now it is waking up and his big penis erected soon.

 Chapter 517 517: Make Love With Me

    Joseph was eager to stop her, but she grabbed his pee-pee with one of her hands and was about to brush it with the small brush, which startled him, and he hastily held her hands.

    "Let go." She red at him.

    "Isabel, you can brush all over my body except for this part." Joseph was so worried.

    She puckered her mouth while her eyes were filled with anger, holding his big penis with one of her hands, and he held the other hand, so she couldn''t move.

    But his pee-pee was so big that she couldn''t clench it with one of her hands, and she could feel its fullness and hardness, so she tightened but felt that her hand was sore.

    "Why did you go to bed with another woman? I have to brush out the smell of that foxtel." Irish argued a point to death.

    But Joseph feltfortable since she clenched it tightly, and his displeasure had gone after hearing her words. He thought she would not be jealous but never expected she would be jealous in a particrly ingenious way.

    He reached out to embrace her into his arms and lowered his head, coaxing softly, "Idiot, how can I sleep with another woman? It''s just a joke."

    Irish pushed him and said with a crying voice, "You are lying. You are partial to that foxtel!"

    "But I can''t even remember what she looks like." Joseph felt regretful for lying to her, and finally, he had to coax her. Why did he have to annoy her?

    "Why did you give her money?" Irish struggled.

    She resisted in his arms, which provoked his lust, so he held her and said with his hoarse voice, "I gave her money to let her go."

    Her eyes became tearful again and beat him violently.

    Joseph turned her body and pressed her against the wall, taking off her wet pajamas skillfully with his face buried beside her ears and then to the neck, whispering, "There is only your smell on me. What if you brush it away?"

    His big hands slipped down and covered her lower abdomen.

    Irish replied in a low voice stubbornly, "You are lying."

    "I don''t," Joseph held her face with his face getting close to her and said in his deep voice, "I was drunkpletelyst night, or why didn''t I touch youst night? A man who really gets drunk could do nothing."

    Irish stared at him, and her tears surged, blurring her eyes.

    "Joseph, I trust you. I will trust you if you tell me you have another woman someday. If you tell me that you don''t have sex with another woman, I will also trust you, so you can''t lie to me."

    "I am sorry, honey." Joseph kissed her cheeks sorrowfully, holding her face with his hands, and stared at her with his fond eyes, "Trust me. I didn''t even touch a single finger of her. How can I fall in love with others since you have hooked my soul away?"

    She nced at him and took the initiative to kiss him in the next second.

    He embraced her tightly.

    "Joseph." She mumbled, reaching out to hold his neck, clenching his big penis with the other hand, and whispered, "Make love with me."

    How can she not trust him?<novelnext></novelnext>

    He was her beloved man, and she trusted every word he said.

    Joseph was imbued with his strong Iust, and then he took the initiative, kissing her lips and grabbing her hands.

    The sprinkler boiled the bathroom. His breath turned heavy obviously while she felt the most sensitive part of her body held against his erected pee-pee, and she could easily feel its scorching temperature.

    He rubbed her gently and skillfully.

    Her heart also swayed gently, like the leaves that were gently blown by the wind outside the window. She felt the hard and hot penis rubbing the most sensitive part of her body, leading to great joy, which rxed her.

    But suddenly, he protruded, and his big penis entered her vagina. Irish grunted, closed her eyes, and breathed fast to feel the sense of fullness.

    He moved slowly, inch by inch, to fill her vagina so as to let her feel him. She almost cried out of this great joy, and when he finally buried his whole cock into her sensitive path, she panted while he held her slender waist, protruding to her deepest position, feeling the deadly tightness.

    From his perspective, her hips looked sexy as a carved model from Olympus, which stimted his desire.

    Gradually, his movement turned wild, and he kept pumping in her body.

    Irish felt it hard to withstand his collision, and her legs were trembling.

    She couldn''t help shivering every time he entered, and her heart almost jumped out of her throat.

    His hands also covered her plump breast and made her groan.

    His lips slipped at her neck as well as her spine, giving her an unnamed delighted feeling, leaving hot kisses and marks.

    The temperature in the bathroom is rising, and the man''s panting intertwined with her groaning, forming the dulcet movement.

    The joysted for a long time, and he held her out of the washroom.

    Her whole body blushed with several love bites on it. She was exhausted as a little bird with broken wings could not move, leaning in his arms motionlessly. Her hair was wet from water, while her forehead was also wet either from the water drops or her sweat.

    Irish was petite, and she looked like a child in his strong arms. Her waist was slender, and she held his neck with her fair arms. She closed her eyes, her cheeks flushing red, and her voice turned husky.

    When he passed through the living room, he saw a small iron bucket beside the couch in which a shirt''s wreckage shocked him.

    Irish also looked at his sight and exined to him with a weak voice, "It is the shirt you worest night."

    Of course, he knew that was his shirt, but why did she burn it there?

    "Joseph....." She held his neck, curling in his arms, and said softly, "I burnt it because another woman''s lipstick stained it, and I can''t let the smell of another woman corrode you." After finishing her words, she touched his penis deliberately and added, "If it is stained with another woman''s body fluid someday, I will definitely cut it down and burn it without hesitation."

    Joseph held her, standing still, and could neither cry norugh, but only lowered his head and rubbed her face, whispering, "Honey, it is only tainted with yours."

    He had no time to shave this morning, so his newly-grown beard tickled her, which made herugh.

 Chapter 518 518: It’s Just A Small Case

    The sunlight was suffused in the room, which was warm.

    She also had to go to work in Runestone Group on Friday, and many colleagues stared at her with weird looks, especially when Joseph walked into her office in person and went to take her out for lunch together, it aroused mors ofments.

    Irish ate much for lunch while Joseph was so pleasant and couldn''t help smiling when he looked at her. Irish liked his smile, enchanted and had the charm to make her blush. She enjoyed the feeling of getting along with him in this way, as sweet as first love.

    Joseph had a social interview at night, so Irish went shopping alone for a while after work and then bought some snacks in the supermarket, but when she walked out of the elevator, she was shocked.

    The closed door was opened with a slit, and she stepped forward slowly, opening it hesitantly. The moment she opened the door, she had a suction wind with her eyes widened.

    Irish had to admit that though the house seemed a bit chaotic, it was just because of the visual effect of color collision, and after all, she was a woman who paid attention to the tidiness of the room.

    Therefore, when she opened the door and found the room was in a mess as if it had been struck by the tornado and the first thought that urred to her was that a thief hade here.

    She tried to hold back the astonishment, standing by the door for a long time and then stepping in after ensuring there was no sound in the house, but for the sake of security, she took the vase ced in the entrance in case the thief would rush out suddenly.

    The living room was in a mess, all the furniture was in disorder, and the sses on the teapot were broken. Irish was so irritated, after all, the sses were scoured from abroad.

    She stepped upstairs but found it was quiet, and it seemed that the thief had already left.

    She opened the door and found that every room had been devastated.

    Her astonishment turned to irritation gradually. She regretted that she didn''t go home earlier; otherwise, she may meet the thief, and she would have certainly beaten the thief violently.

    However, she could sigh and then call the police.

    ? An hourter, Joseph finally arrived at her house, and it was dark outside. The ss windows were like ink sshed, and the stars were covered.

    Irish curled on the couch as a silkworm cocoon with the broken white orchid screen in her arms. Her face was tainted with obvious anger, and she stared forward, gnashing her teeth.

    Behind her was the endless darkness, in stark contrast to her pale face.

    The police were doing the tail-in work, and one of them stepped forward when he saw Joseph get in. "Are you the owner of this house?"

    Upon entering the house, Joseph saw Irish curling up on the couch, and he was so worried. He was eager tofort her, but the police came to him. Hearing this, he turned to Irish while she nodded quietly at him.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Yes, I am." He replied calmly.

    The police began to tell him the details, which was just arceny case from a preliminary investigation. The thief mmed into the door and directly destroyed the lock. However, therge pieces of furniture and valuable electrical appliances were not lost.

    But some cash of around twenty thousand dors left in the drawer was lost, which was for her daily expenses, so she didn''t deposit it in the bank.

    The thief was smart, and he wore a shoe cover and carried hand glue tomit crimes, so the police couldn''t collect his finger mark on the site. From the point of view of the lost items, the thief was only seeking money. As for why he did not take more valuable things, the police gave two analysis points. Firstly, he may be alone, so he can''t take the big pieces of furniture, but only take some small and valuable items, such as cash, jewelry, and phone. Secondly, it was because of the time limit, since it was closing time and the thief had to escape.

    Joseph looked around seriously and found the room was chaotic, so he asked, "Have you checked the surveince video in the corridor and elevator?"

    "The thief is sly and avoided all the cameras, and he even disguised himself among the crowd, but we will recheck the videos."

    "There is no need to do that." Irish suddenly said and then sighed heavily while the police were confused by her words. "I just lost some money. And I don''t hope everyone who lives here will be jittery." In fact, she was afraid that it would bring up unnecessary ramifications.

    She didn''t hope to cause trouble at such an essential time, and she was also afraid the media would exaggerate it to the public.

    After hearing her words, the police frowned and said, "Ms. Irish, you are condoning the actions of criminals."

    "It is just a small case." Irish insisted.

    Joseph, who stood beside her, perceived her worries, and as soon as she finished her words, he turned to the police and said, "I am the owner, and I hope you can help me to find out the truth."

    "No, no, no." Irish was anxious after hearing that and hastily put aside the screen and rushed to Joseph. She looked at the police and said sincerely, "Though he is the owner, I am the renter, so I have the right to decide."

    "Isabel." Joseph was helpless.

    Irish nodded to the police regardless of Joseph''s countenance.

    The police were confused by them and then said, after thinking for a while, "Well, we''d take back the evidentiary data today, and I can give you some time to consider."

    Irish bowed and scraped. After the police left, she curled on the couch again like a deted ball, watching the messy scene upstairs and downstairs, sending out desperate mourning. Joseph called for the security door instation service and then took off his coat, beginning to tidy up the house.

    Irish was lying on the couch motionlessly, her long hair disheveled. She stared at Joseph, who was cleaning up the room and mumbled like a little puppy.

 Chapter 519 519: I’m Afraid Of Troubles

    Joseph fixed up the cab that fell to the ground and then took a look at her after hearing her mumble.

    "Joseph, I am so upset now. Stop cleaning ande to hug me, please." She pulled the bolster restlessly.

    He stopped and then stepped to her while she reached out and grabbed his suit pants.

    Joseph couldn''t help smiling, sitting down beside her and embracing her into his arms while Irish leaned against him like a ko. He lifted her up a little, and then she directly sat on his thigh, wrapped around his neck, and stuck to him.

    "It is not safe here. You have to go back to my house tomorrow." Joseph held her and fondled her back but said with a mighty tone.

    Irish shook her head violently in his arms and said, "It is just an incident today. Mia has some emergency to deal with, so she left earlier today. I shouldn''t go shopping after work."

    "You should feel lucky that no one is in the room." Joseph was unpleasant after hearing her words and then held her face, talking sternly, "What if you meet the thief by chance and then get hurt by him?"

    He was worried that she was hurt on the way to her house, and he was relieved when he saw that she sat on the couch without injuries. But soon, he feared after the event but at the same time felt lucky since she went backte today.

    Irish rolled her eyes, loosened her arm around his neck, and shook his wrist, "I am good at Kung Fu, so I am not afraid of the thief."

    "Nonsense." While frowning, Joseph looked so severely this time and said, "You are just a jack-of-all-trades."

    After perceiving his displeasure, Irish shut up and lowered her head, avoiding his eyes.

    After seeing this, Joseph sighed and fondled her hair, and his patience, as well as his fondness for her all, came back. "If you keep living here, I will be worried all day long."

    Irish felt warm, looking up at him, and replied, "I am used to living here, and your brother is living in your house now, and I don''t want to have conflicts with him every day. What''s more, you can alsoe here asionally if I live here. Do you know I really enjoy our lover''s world?"

    Joseph was helpless after hearing her absurd theory, "Isabel, you are so stubborn."

    "So why not make a concession?" She smiled, held his face, kissed him abruptly, and added, "I have paid the rent for the first quarter, and thendlord will definitely not return the rent to me."

    Joseph had seen through her mind already, so he replied directly, "Well, how much have you paid? I willpensate you."

    "But why do I have to suffer a loss?" Irish rolled her eyes and stared at him, "Joseph, do you remember that I just winked when the police asked if you were the owner?"

    Joseph nodded and waited for her to continue.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "So you should have known I am afraid of troubles." Irish sighed and then added, "I am worried that the police would ask me to contact Jasmine since she is abroad now. And I am afraid that she would pass out if she knew a thief got into her house. She urged me several times and asked me to take care of this house, and she certainly won''t let me go, and I don''t want to pay her the extra money forpensation."

    After she finished her words, Joseph flicked her forehead.

    "Ouch!" She screamed while Joseph just nced at her and then said indifferently, "Why do you still care about money at this crucial moment?"

    "I have lost twenty dors today, so I can''t suffer another loss again." Irish felt her heart was broken when thinking of the money she lost today, and then she took his hands to her chest, "Feel it. My heart had stopped beating."

    Taking the chance, Joseph hastily took advantage, his hands slipping into her clothes and pinching her tender nipple as a punishment for her which led to pain. As soon as she reached out to beat him, he clenched her hands with her wrists and said in his deep voice, "Do you think I can''t afford you?"

    She was really a money grubber.

    Irish took the initiative to coax him since she knew that he was not joking with her and whispered, "Joseph, I don''t mean that, but I just like to live here."

    Though he was a little angry, he could understand that she had been ustomed to living here, and he also knew that she was stubborn and nobody could change her mind. He had to give up persuading her after thinking for a while but patted her hip as a punishment for her. Irish pouted and said, "Joseph, it seems you have a tendency to domestic violence."

    "In fact, I think I should use violence against you sometimes."

    Irish smiled sweetly and replied, "Well, can you bear to hit me?"

    He reached out and pinched her nose, "No, I can''t, and that''s why I never force you to do anything you dislike." He sighed after finishing his words and then looked around, "Now that you want to live here, then I have to take some measures to keep you safe. The door should be reced by one with a fingerprint lock."

    Irish was warmed by his words, holding her neck and kissing his cheeks, "It feels good to be with you, and you will manage everything for me."

    Joseph smiled while his heart was filled with a fondness for her, "You are honey-mouthed." Irish smiled after hearing that.

    Joseph began to clean up the room, but he stopped Irish from helping him. She had no choice but to follow him, wandering in the room as if she were his shadow.

    Joseph also enjoyed this feeling; in fact, he liked her to be so close to him and depend on him.

    But when she took over the white orchid screen, she was upset and said, "I have been suspicious that I am not the right owner of this screen, or how could it break several times?"

    "It is because you have chosen a cheap skeleton for it." Joseph turned to her and jeered. "I will contact the shop owner for you, and the skeletons in his shop are all of good quality."

 Chapter 520 520: We Matched Well

    "But it must be expensive, isn''t it?" Irish drew out thest word while Joseph had seen through her mind and said, "Well, I will pay it for you."

    "Well, how can I let you spend some money for me again?" Irishughed while saying and held him tightly, and added, "But I know you are an expert in this area, so you must know many people, and they may give you a discount if you buy it personally. I am grateful to you." Her words quickly exposed her nature of Grandet.

    Joseph puckered his face into a smile after he heard of that.

    Irish sighed slightly after he finished tidying up the broken sses, "Did you miss something important tonight?"

    "It doesn''t matter." He washed his hand and then sat down beside her after ensuring there was no ss g on her.

    In fact, when he received her call, the business engagement had just started for a while, but he asked Daisy to rece him for this engagement as soon as he got her phone call and knew her house was stolen. He was on tenterhooks and was worried about her safety.

    Though he said indifferently, Irish still felt guilty slightly and held him tightly in the next second, whispering, "Thank you."

    Actually, she was a little scared, and that was why she called him immediately. If she had never met Joseph, then when she encountered such a problem, how could she deal with it? Perhaps she could only curl on the couch alone, and no one would rece the security door for her, and no one would help her to settle this disturbing situation.

    But she was not as pavid as before because she knew Joseph woulde to her as soon as he received her call. Therefore, she was more courageous than usual.

    It was because he was always there for her.

    It was the most wonderful thing in this world.

    Joseph embraced her tightly, kissing her hair affectionately because he thought she had to be appreciated by him since he knew the real reason that she was reluctant to let the police get involved in this case.

    Sometimes he felt sore for this woman in his arms who would always consider him.

    If it were possible, he would like to do more for her.

    It was getting colder the next day. The branches of the tree outside were bald, and the leaves had fallen down as if they were afraid of the bitter cold air, but it was still a sunny day.

    The sunlight poured into the room like ayer of gold on the ground.

    After therceny case, she could still sleep well, perhaps because Joseph was there to apany her.

    She was warmed by his embrace, even if it was cold at night.

    She had been afraid of the cold days, and her feet were always gelid in the cold season, so whenever Joseph came to apany her at night, she was used to extending her hands and feet to him while he would warm her with his big hands as well as his strong body. And that was why she could sleep wellst night.

    Irish asked Mia not toe to work on Saturday and Sunday because she enjoyed the leisure and freedom alone.<novelnext></novelnext>

    After walking out of the bedroom, she stretched herself and saw the bright sunlight suffused in the room, so her displeasure of being stolen soon vanished.

    The furniture on the first floor was put back as if nothing had happened earlier, which shocked her.

    Upon going downstairs, she felt the smell of delicious food. She walked into the kitchen, and soon his tall figure heaved into sight.

    Joseph stood back at her while some prepared dishes were on the table. He was still dressed in the lover''s pajamas, with his upper body naked.

    Irish would be obsessed with his broad back as well as his smooth texture lines. It is hard to imagine that a man''s body would be so alluring. It was no wonder that he was so attractive to women.

    Thinking of that, she stepped forward and embraced him from behind with her cheeks sticking to his back, feeling his breath and its woody fragrance which made her heart palpitate.

    Joseph smiled at her and said, "If you don''t wake up, I will serve you with a big sentence."

    "I hate you." Obviously, Irish understood what she was talking about, and then she added deliberately, "You can''t indulge in sexual proclivities, or you will suffer a Jiryan now that you are a man of thirty."

    "But it is difficult to restrain my lust since a very sexy woman is sleeping beside me," Joseph replied slowly and med her.

    She blushed immediately, staring at his handsome face, and said with an evil smile, "You can enjoy my body as you want."

    "You are honey-mouthed, but it is you who beg for mercy first, and you even want to escape when you ignite the fire of my desire."

    "So we matched well." Irish smiled with her mouth opened slightly, biting his shoulder gently, and added, "There is an old saying that the most enchanted man would have sex with you but not mention it, while the sexiest woman would rarely have sex with you but mention it frequently. It is an urate description for us. Don''t you think so?"

    Joseph smiled, and she tickled his shoulder, so he took the chance to kiss her red lips, smiling and whispering, "Therefore, you can only sleep with me."

    What a mighty man! Irish patted him while he burst outughing.

    "When did you finish cleaning?"

    The anti-theftpany came to rece the door when it was half donest night, and after the door had been installed, they took a quick shower and then went to bed. But now it was so clear, so he must find time to finish cleaning.

    Joseph also replied frankly after filling a bowl of porridge for her, "After you fell asleep, I cleaned for some time, and I just finished the tail-in work this morning."

    Irish was moved by him since she didn''t hear anything at all, so it could tell that he cleaned cautiously without any noise not to wake her up. She was a light sleeper, but she didn''t wake upst night.

 Chapter 521 521: Was She Wrong?

    It reminded her that he used to get up early, but whenever he slept here, he didn''t wake her up once from getting up, washing, and dressing out of the house. She was slightly conscious that he kissed her forehead, and at this time, she knew that he was going to leave for work.

    "Let me do it." Irish was touched by his loving care and wanted to help him, but Joseph stopped her, and perhaps he was afraid that she would be scalded. Soon, they were ready to enjoy the meal.

    Irish had a good appetite, especially on such a sunny day, and she was happy to spend the weekend with her beloved man. She didn''t ask about his schedule in these two days because he was not in a hurry to go out, so she thought he must be free from engagement. Thinking of this, Irish was even more cheerful.

    But soon, the doorbell rang and interrupted the peace.

    Irish hesitated and blinked, trying to figure out who was knocking on the door.

    But she yelled in her heart since she didn''t hope a visitor woulde to interrupt their lovers'' world.

    So she thought for a while and then whispered, "Don''t open the door. Let''s be deaf for a while."

    Joseph was amused by her and replied, "Well, I agree, or I am afraid people will say that you hide such a handsome man in your house."

    Irish red at him, but the doorbell was still ringing.

    Joseph finally stood up and was going to open the door, but Irish stopped him and said, "You keep enjoying the meal, and I will go to open the door." She kissed his cheeks and then walked out of the dining hall.

    Joseph stared at her back, a smile hanging on his face.

    Irish walked to the door and took a look at the anti-theft disy screen, but soon she was shocked violently.

    She stood there motionlessly, and cold sweat on her back slid down as a crawling centipede which made her unable to move but only to stare at the screen.

    "Irish, what are you thinking about? Open the door. I am so cold." Aunt Mary''s voice sounded outside. She was a little impatient since Irish turned on the disy screen but didn''t open the door for her immediately.

    Irish widened her eyes, staring at the screen and at a loss of what to do.

    Mary''s chubby face was almost attached to the screen, and she could even see her double chin like a Michelin tire which rmed her.

    Uncle Steven was standing behind her, and he was dressed in a thick coat because of the cold weather today.

    "Who is it?" Joseph walked out of the dining room since he had waited for her for a long time and was curious when he saw her standing there still in a panic.

    Irish replied in a weak voice helplessly, "Aunt Mary and Uncle Steven."

    But Joseph was confused since she still didn''t open the door for them, so he reached out and was going to open it.

    As soon as his finger touched the lock, Irish hastily grabbed his hand, shaking at him violently, and said, "No, no, no. You can''t open it."

    Hearing this, he was even more confused while Irish''s brain began to run fast, "Find a ce to hide. Hurry up." Irish said while pushing him to go.

    "What?" Joseph was shocked and frowned out of puzzlement.<novelnext></novelnext>

    But Irish was so anxious to notice his expression. She looked around, pulled him to the living room, nced at the second floor, and pointed at her bedroom, "Go and hide in the bedroom. They won''t go upstairs."

    "Why?" He asked while his voice sounded a little cold.

    "It is because they always respected my privacy, so they won''t get into my bedroom," Irish exined anxiously.

    "I am asking you why I should hide." He stopped and pulled her with a frown while his voice turned unpleasant.

    However, Joseph was so willful when Mary knocked on the door, putting Irish in a great bustle. Then she said without consideration, "Don''t ask me why and you have to hide now. Anyway, you can''t let them find you."

    Her voice echoed in the air, which sounded so harsh to Joseph.

    The sunlight in the living room was somewhat offset, and Joseph was overwhelmed by it, his handsome face was also exposed to the light. There was dim light flickering in his eyes that illuminated his dreary eyes. He was speechless; his lips pursed into a thin line, and he stared at Irish nkly.

    In the following second, he squinted while the dim light in his eyes suddenly turned cold and stern.

    Obviously, Irish perceived that his eyes had turned cold, which led her into a dilemma. But she had no choice but tried to exin to him with a soft voice.

    Mary began to shout outside, and she stamped her foot out of anxiety, staring at him while rubbing her hands ceaselessly, and then said, "Joseph, please. Please do me a favor. Hurry up and find a ce to hide."

    But soon, she lowered her head under the pressure of his gaze.

    Joseph was silent for a moment but finally went upstairs.

    Irish was then relieved like a deted balloon, and she looked back at Joseph, who was stepping upstairs. The light fell on his broad and strong back, which looked lonely.

    He walked step by step, slow and ponderous.

    Irish felt that he was stepping on her heart, leading to severe pain.

    Was she wrong?

    Taking a deep breath, she rushed to the door as soon as Joseph disappeared at the corner and opened the door.

    Soon, the elevator door opened, followed by footsteps.

    Mary was hurried while Steven was sedated, indicating two different characters.

    Upon seeing Irish, Mary hastily said to her, "You scared me! How did the thief get into the house? Have you been injured? What has been lost?"

    Her loud voice was almost floating in the entire corridor as if she was going to broadcast this news to everyone. Irish was helpless but invited them to get into the house immediately.

    Steven got in and asked the same question as Mary when he took off his coat.

 Chapter 522 522: Is Your Friend Here?

    Irish felt warm and hastily served some fruits and tea for them, and then sheforted them and, at the same time, told them what had been lost.

    Steven was relieved by her words since she didn''t get injured, taking a sip of tea and he said with a sigh, "Nothing matters as long as you don''t get hurt."

    "Yes, money wille and go, but your safety should be put first." Though Maryforted her like this, she was clear that Irish was a money grubber and understood she must feel upset about the lost money.

    Irish was touched by their words, so she nodded, saying, "Don''t worry. I am fine."

    "I hope so. I know you never want to make trouble for us and always bury things in your heart without telling us."

    Steven''s words sounded a little bit serious.

    "Uncle, look at me. I am fine now. I will certainly tell you if something really urred to me." Irish replied slowly.

    "Irish, stop talking about such unlucky things."

    Irish smiled and followed his words.

    But she was so confused why they caught this news since she didn''t tell them at all.

    "Jay went to the police station for some work this morning, and he happened to see his colleagues were dealing with arceny case in your residential quarter, so he asked casually, but to find your house was stolen. He then called to tell us, and we hurried toe to you."

    Irish was slightly shocked by such a coincidence.

    "If Jay didn''t tell us, you would certainly hide this from us." Mary took off her clothes and looked around but sighed with feeling. "Look at your house. It is chaotic. The thief must lose his conscience."

    Irish was amused by her words and said, "Aunt, look carefully. The house has been cleaned up, and it is just a mess of colors in my house."

    Hearing this, Mary then looked carefully and was enlightened that she had a visual illusion. "Wow, it wasn''t painted with so many different colors when I came herest time. Nowadays young people always like decorating their house in such a weird style. Watch out for yourndlord, and she may be unhappy."

    "Thendlord is cheerful." Irish puckered her mouth and said.

    "You don''t understand. It is faddish. Stop inquiring about her. Look around and help her tidy up somewhere she has not finished yet."

    Hearing this, Mary rolled up her sleeves and then was ready for action, which startled Irish. She stood up abruptly, holding Mary, and told her it was unnecessary to do that.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Jay said that your house was in a messst night. How can you finish cleaning alone in a single night?" Mary pushed her away and then began to look around and chattered, "You can''t be single anymore. You have to find a boyfriend to take care of you. If a man is living here, the thief will definitely not get in your house, let alone steal things here. A boyfriend will do everything for you even if the thief gets in."

    Irish was so anxious after hearing this since Joseph was still hiding upstairs. She trembled violently since Mary walked into the kitchen, and she suddenly remembered the unfinished breakfast and tableware on the table, so she hastily rushed into the dining hall.

    Mary stood motionlessly at the dining room door, pointing at the two sets of cutlery, and asked, "Is your friend here?"

    Irish was so flurried, but her mind ran fast and figured out an excuse, "No. I just want to eat two breakfasts."

    Mary turned to her, taking a pitying look at her while Irish thought she might have believed in her absurd excuse. Irish just found that Mary''s eyes looked so weird, but she didn''t think too much and was relieved since she didn''t go upstairs.

    However, as Mary returned to the living room, she said to Steven, "Steven, take out your bank card for Irish. She is so pitiful since she lost so much moneyst night. But do you know that she just eats two meals a day in order to save money?"

    Hearing this, Irish then realized why she would stare at her with such a pitiful look, and she had misunderstood that she ate two breakfasts to save money.

    Steven was worried and hastily took out a bank card to her, "Take it. Eat whatever you want to eat. Don''t save money for me."

    ? "No, no, no. I can''t take it." Irish hastened to put the card back.

    "There is no time to stand in the ceremony. Take it." Mary rushed to her and put the card into her pocket without hesitation while Irish still tried to decline.

    When they were entangled in the dilemma, a deep voice sounded from the second floor, "Uncle Steven and Aunt Mary, please don''t worry. I will take all of her cost for her."

    They all looked in the same direction and stopped to push and shove. All of the sounds vanished at once, only leaving the clicking sound of the clock on the wall.

    Joseph had already put on suit trousers and a ck shirt, with the neckline unbuttoned and the sleeves rolled up, which made him look rxed.

    Mary first responded and pointed upstairs, "You, you...." She was speechless and then turned to Irish, "Why is he here?"

    Irish was in a great shock and widened her eyes at him. She was even eager to dig a hole and hide him in it, but she had no choice at this crucial moment but to smile and exin, "He just happened toe by here." But she was yelling in her heart and wondered why he came out abruptly.

    As soon as she finished her words, Joseph smiled faintly and went downstairs and then said, "I just went back to the bedroom and made a phone call to order a mattress. Why are you lying?" He stepped to Mary and Steven when he was talking and then turned to Irish with a smile in his eyes, "Irish said that she was cold for the whole night, and I even didn''t sleep well, so I had to order a thick mattress for her."

 Chapter 523 523: Can You Promise Me?

    It was a cruel thing to her since she tried her best to make a natural exnation, but he cut the ground from under her feet so easily and disregarded her feelings directly. He showed an evil smile and destroyed her petty niggling.

    Irish then realized he was such a scheming man, and she also understood that a man like him would never be manipted by others.

    Absolutely she knew he was unpleasant just now, but she thought he would listen to her since he always indulged her and showed a deep fondness for her. And she even nned to coax him after Mary and Steven left, and she thought all the things were in her control.

    However, it was just a dream, and she was so helpless to deal with such an incident at this moment.

    She tried to control the situation, but in fact, all the things were controlled by him. Though he said indifferently and sounded like to exin to them why he was upstairs, his words were like powerful bombs since they revealed so much information. They were idiots, and he also chose an ambiguous way to tell them he had cohabited with her and that he was her beloved man.

    Irish turned to Mary and Steven subconsciously, whose expression turned to irritation from astonishment. Irish looked at Mary, whose face turned from pale to indignant, and hastily said to her before she roared at her, "Aunt, let me exin to you, we��"

    "Shut up!" Steven roared and then turned to Joseph, asking word by word, "Did you live herest night?"

    The atmosphere became tense, as if there was a gradually tightened bowstring in the air.

    Irish clenched her hands and didn''t dare to exin to them but winked at Joseph and hoped he would not confess since she couldn''t bear any shock again.

    However, Joseph ignored her wink directly and replied indifferently with a faint smile, "Yes."

    His single word was like a bomb, destroying herst hope, and the first thought that came to her mind was that she would be dead today.

    As expected, Steven looked so severe after hearing that, with a tightened face, and red at him while his breath came in explosive puffs. In the following second, Mary squealed in a high-pitched voice. "What do you mean by "yes"?"

    "Aunt..."

    "Isabel." Joseph took her hands abruptly in front of them and crossed her fingers. "I have cohabited with her." Though he said it in a low voice, it sounded firm.

    "What?" Mary''s high-pitched voice even trembled, and her chubby face also slightly shook out of anger which startled Irish to stillness.

    Steven was trembling out of rage, and he roared at Irish directly, "You told us that you would break off with him. How can you lie to us?"

    Irish almost cried, and she was so anxious to exin to them, but she was at a loss for what to say.

    "It has nothing to do with her." Joseph clenched her hands and pulled her to stand beside her, undertaking all of the faults. "It is my fault. She didn''t intend to lie to you, and she wanted to break off the rtionship with me, but I can''t forget her, and I asked her to be with me in Light Town. Please don''t me her. She is the passive side from the beginning, and she doesn''t know how to tell you this because she is afraid that you will be angry with her and be disappointed with her."<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish stared at him when he was talking, and the anxiety turned to move gradually. Though he didn''t say some sweet words to coax them and just said calmly with a modest attitude, she felt warm by his words, and soon her eyes were filled with tears.

    Mary was choked while Steven red at Joseph. After a moment, he turned to Irish; though his voice sounded not so harsh as a moment ago, she could easily perceive his anger, "Come over here."

    Irish knew that Steven was indignant, and she also knew that all of the things would rise to the surface, so she loosened Joseph''s hands and walked to Steven.

    "I am so sorry. I am really sorry." She lowered her head like a kid making a huge mistake.

    Joseph stood there motionlessly, looking at her from behind, and felt sorrowful for her.

    "I won''t care about everything before, but I ask you to break up with him now. Can you promise me?"

    Irish was stunned and looked up at Steven abruptly.

    Mary also stepped to her and persuaded her anxiously, "Say yes. Irish, you can''t contact him anymore. You won''t be happy to be with him since there are so many women around him. I am sure you know the rumors about him. How can he bring you happiness since he still has an ambiguous rtionship with Ruby?"

    "I won''t let her go." Joseph made a decision for her and interrupted Mary''s words, and then exined to her indifferently. "Besides, she is my only girlfriend."

    "You..." Mary had never seen such a bold man, and how could he say this to her uncle and aunt.

    In fact, Mary had seen his boldness that night as he insisted on taking Irish away in front of her and when he stood calmly and motionlessly without frowning in the face of Steven''s sharp sword. But a man like him always liked challenges, so he would be frequently trapped in endless quarrels. Irish couldn''t be happy to be with him.

    Steven red at Joseph and said angrily, "Why do you think you are qualified to ask Irish to be with you?"

    Hearing this, Joseph still kept a modest attitude and said, "It is because we are both unmarried, and that''s why I think I am qualified." He replied firmly and then added, "What''s more important is that she really belongs to me now, and I have to be responsible for her."

    Obviously, Steven could understand what he had met, and he was speechless about his words.

    "Uncle and aunt, in fact, he is not who you think he is." Irish said in a weak and tremulous voice and continued, "He created the rumors with Britney to protect me because I have been with him at that time."

    "Irish, you..." Mary looked so distressed.

    Irish shook her head slightly, looking up at Joseph, and then turned to Mary and Steven, "I am sorry. I know I have disappointed you, but I really love him. I can''t break up with him because I am afraid that I will regret it for the rest of my life."

 Chapter 524 524: Yes, I Love Her So Much

    Joseph trembled after hearing that and stared at Irish surprisingly since he thought she might make apromise just as before.

    "You..." Steven raised his hands while Joseph hastily pulled her behind him and said sincerely, "You can beat me as you want. But it''s not her fault."

    Steven''s hands trembled violently, and he said, "I will. Don''t you think I won''t beat you?" Mary was indignant, clenching her hands, and rushed to Joseph.

    But she was not as tall as Joseph after all, so she could only beat on his back.

    She beat so hard, and Irish could feel it easily, so she was about to stop Mary, but Joseph held her tightly, allowing Mary to hit him.

    Irish bursts out in tears since she can''t move. She felt sorrowful for Joseph and also for Mary and Steven. She was at a loss for what to do to end this farce, and she also didn''t know how to ask for their forgiveness.

    "Enough!" Steven finally roared and pulled back Mary with obvious anger hanging on his face.

    Joseph still held Irish, wiping her tears for her gently and fondly.

    Steven saw his expression clearly, and he calmed down, asking after a while, "Joseph, you really haven''t married Ruby?"

    "Yes." He replied.

    "Do you really love Irish?"

    Irish looked up at him, and the man''s steady heartbeat sounded beside her ear, but she could only stare at him nkly with her tearful eyes, expecting his answer.

    Joseph looked down at her and then replied firmly, "Yes, I love her so much."

    Irish grabbed his shirt tightly and felt as if there were then a thousand horses galloping ahead in her heart. Her heart was trembling because of his brief words.

    He had never said this to her, so his words touched her.

    Mary was panting, staring at his face, and gnashed her teeth, "It is always easy for a man to say love to a woman. I don''t trust you. How can you prove it to me?"

    Steven was also waiting for his answer.

    Joseph was silent for a while, turning to Irish and smiling abruptly, fondling her hair gently and wiping her tears gently. When he turned to Steven and Marry again, he looked so sincerely, kneeling down slowly in front of them.

    "Joseph!" Irish was shocked by his behavior, dropping to her knees beside him without hesitation and shook head violently at him. How could he kneel since he was such an arrogant and mighty man? He neither surrendered in the face of a hail of bullets when they were in South Africa nor threw in the sponge when facing condemnation both in speech and in writing.

    Obviously, Steven and Mary also didn''t expect that he would drop a knee in front of them but looked at him with great astonishment speechlessly.

    Joseph took Irish''s hands, looking at Steven and Mary, and said sincerely, "You have brought up Irish since childhood, and you are like her parents. As a junior, I have to extend my sincere appreciation to you. Now, I earnestly request you to let her be with me, and I promise I will treat her well, and I won''t leave her alone in any case. Even if there is much hardship before us, I will block all of it for her and prevent her from being hurt. Please trust me. It''s my promise, and I will never go back on my words."

    The sun moved right overhead little by little.

    The sunlight prated through the thick clouds and fell on Joseph''s shoulder, and his cheeks were overwhelmed by the warmth. His eyes looked firm while he looked as steady as a rock.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish had imagined all of his looks when he wasn''t around, his smile, displeasure, frown, silence, or his fondness.

    She could store so many looks of him in her mind, but she never expected his appearance when he dropped his knee. It was until he kneeled directly in front of her eyes that she then felt severe pain in her heart.

    But there was also unnamed happiness spreading all over her body. At this moment, she could feel a strong sense of security which felt the same as when he showed upst night. His tall figure could bring her a sense of security and dispel her fear.

    His behavior made her feel that she had finally found a home to return to.

    Steven''s face was tight while Mary was frozen there, even without blinking. Finally, after a long time, Steven turned to Irish, who still held Joseph''s arms tightly, looking so pitiful.

    "Irish, you can make your own decision, but if you regret your decision someday....." Steven stopped and didn''t continue.

    Irish shook her head violently and said, "I won''t. There will not be such a day."

    Steven clenched his hands and looked so helpless. He had taken Irish as his real daughter for so many years, and he couldn''t bear to see her being unhappy and he was also shocked by her words since she said that she didn''t want to be regretful for the rest of her life.

    After a moment, Steven took a deep breath while his eyes turned serious when he looked at Joseph, "I warn you that if you dare to betray Irish someday, I will kill you at any cost."

    Though his words sounded harsh, actually, he had made apromise.

    Joseph clenched Irish''s hands while his handsome face looked sincere. He didn''t say any sweet words or make promises but replied firmly with his deep voice, "Thank you for your understanding."

    Mary and Steven left, and Irish handed back the bank card to Steven forcibly.

    When everything calmed down, Irish clung torpidly to Joseph, mumbling for a long while, "I thought it would be an earth-shaking day."

    Joseph embraced her and smiled, "It has been a big day."

    "No, I am so afraid that someone will part us." Irish stared at him with a pitiful look.

    He looked at her, moved by her words and kissed her forehead, and then said softly, "No one is qualified to do that."

    Happiness, like intertwineds, surrounded her, bringing her a sweet but also a slight pain feeling, forming an unnamed emotion.

    She was like the liana clung to him, who was like the strong trunk to feel his warmth.

    After hesitating for a while, she whispered softly, "You shouldn''t have to drop your knee."

    "It''s worth doing that." He replied beside her ears.

    They spent a peaceful weekend since Joseph was freed from his work, and he just apanied Irish at home, carefully arranging the room and checking what else wascking.

 Chapter 525 525: The Weird Music

    In this way, the time on the weekend was quiet but leisurely. They didn''t idle about it but finally went to the police station to close the case.

    They spend most of the time chatting with each other, watching movies on the couch, and eating snacks.

    She made a creaking sound while eating the puffed food and also put it into Joseph''s mouth while eating since she believed sharing would bring a lot of fun.

    However, Joseph didn''t like to eat such food but had no choice.

    Daisy would asionally call since some work still needed his instructions. What was more interesting was that Irish leaned in his arms and kept stuffing the food into his mouth when he answered the phone.

    It was peaceful these days.

    Perhaps it was because of the cold weather, and people had distracted attention from the rumors in the Lake family. That was a rule that people would never stick to the same thing forever, let alone that people just sought fun from the rumors. It was a world of information explosion where various kinds of gossip emerged endlessly.

    Therefore, when Irish showed up at Linkus Mental Institution before the public, the reporters who kept close eyes on her in the early days had vanished. No one would always focus on the same thing. That was true.

    Irish had been busy for the morning, and she was exhausted at noon because she had spent all of her energy trying to cope with a man who was serious about cleanliness. He even covered his mouth while talking with her since he was afraid that other saliva would spatter on his face, so he sat in the distance while talking with her.

    She first found out the reasons for this psychological formation of the case and then used cognitive therapy for his psychological treatment. However, the man did not cooperate with her at all. He cleaned up the chairs six times and used the boiled water to wash the disposable cup repeatedly, from which Irish decided that he suffered from serious cleanliness as well as obsessivepulsive disorder, so she had to adjust her treatment n. She had a quick meal in Christy''s office.

    Irish was used to treating Christy as her friend, while Christy also had a close rtionship with Irish. Obviously, the unequal treatment of Cheska left much unhappiness to Christy, so Irish''s unpretentiousness and familiarity surprised her, and that was why Christy took the initiative to order delicious food for Irish.

    However, Irish didn''t have an appetite to eat and it was dull today. Christy put her favorite food in front of her but was shocked by her reaction since Irish stared somewhere motionlessly. "Irish, what''s wrong with you?"

    It took her some time to respond, but she just nodded slightly.

    Seeing this, Christy couldn''t help sighing with feelings. "It seems that you have suffered from the torture of the man with cleanliness."

    Irish was most afraid of patients who refused to cooperate, and she even wanted to kick him out and tell such patients not to waste her time since he refused to ept treatment.

    She ate silently while Christy chattered endlessly beside her.

    Suddenly a weird tune was yed from Christy''sputer, melodious but doleful as if a song from hell.

    Irish felt it sounded familiar as if she had heard it before.

    The lyrics got into her ear so clearly when she was about to take a sip of water.

    She almost squirted the water in her mouth since the lyrics plunged into her ears without heart, stirring her nerves. The memory of the past also emerged.<novelnext></novelnext>

    She finally recalled this tune and remembered the lyrics, which made her heart tremble, and the days of floating on the wooden boat and watching the people on the shore put thenterns in the river came to the fore.

    It was in Light Town.

    She was above the ship''s board, leaning against the window of the ship, feeling the softness of the rain in the south of the Yangtze River. The soft sound on the shore turned around the longne, sliding down the river under the arch bridge to her ears.

    On that day, there were faintnterns on the river and the offerings and witches of the Mid-Autumn Festival offering the hope of the town. It was suffused with the thick atmosphere of traditional culture.

    Somehow, she felt sleepy and had a nap on the boat when the far-fetched and weird tune got into her ears.

    It had the same lyrics as well as the same tune as the one that was being yed on Christy''sputer.

    But when she woke up from her dream, she thought it was the boatman who yed the Kun Opera, but now she was greatly astonished as she heard this tune on Christy''sputer.

    Why would she have this tune?

    The tune yed by theputer was as melodious as the one she heard in Light Town, and Irish was still trapped in shock when it had finished.

    Christy waved in front of her eyes since she saw Irish was motionless with an astonished expression and couldn''t help asking her again, "What''s wrong with you?"

    Irish hastily grabbed Christy and said in a weak voice, "Please y the tune again."

    "Which one?" Christy focused on eating and didn''t pay much attention to the music on herputer.

    "The previous one."

    Christy got up to herputer and clicked the mouse. Soon, the wired tune got into her ears and her heart again.

    She heard it silently but felt as if she was in the darkness and tremendous crows were screaming with hoarse voices. The heavy metal music and the electronic sounds led her into a long and darkne.

    Irish''s nose twitched out of nervousness, and her heart almost stopped beating since it was twisted by this sound. She seemed to have finally seen a faint light in the alley. It was an oil light, and then the faint light left a shadow on the ground, and a pair of shoes appeared in the light and shadow.

    It was a pair of boys'' shoes with a gray-colored leather surface on which there was dust. The shoes were still under the faint oil light, but Irish couldn''t clearly see the boy''s face, but only could estimate his age through the size of the shoes. He was a little boy of around nine years old.

    The boy''s leather shoes in her memory and the weird tune intertwined with each other. The grotesqueness in her dreams had all been imprinted in her memory, making it difficult for her to distinguish between dreams and reality.

    The sharp meow at the end of the music made Irish feel that her stomach was smashed by something, and she rushed to the toilet, throwing up all of the food she had just eaten.

 Chapter 526 526: How Do You Feel?

    Irish kept vomiting which startled Christy since her first thought was that the food she ordered for Irish was not unhygienic.

    It took Irish a long time to walk out from the toilet, and Christy hastily rushed to hold her, asking her anxiously if she needed to go to the hospital.

    Irish looked pale as a mermaid that had just been salvaged from the sea, gradually losing her vitality, and her stomach was empty now. It was not until she sat back on the chair that she then asked torpidly, "What song is that?"

    "What?" Christy was shocked and replied after a long while, "All lights go out."

    Irish looked at her surprisingly.

    "What''s wrong with this song?" Christy was totally confused by her.

    "Why do you have this song?" In fact, Irish wanted to ask her why she had the same song as in her dream. But she dared not to ask her this question because she also couldn''t exin it.

    Unexpectedly, Christy was astonished when she heard her question.

    Irish was also puzzled since he perceived her astonishment. "What''s wrong?"

    Christy blinked and replied, "I still want to ask you what happened to you. Does this song lead you to vomit? But you didn''t respond when you listened to it before."

    But Irish soon got the key point from her words and trembled abruptly, "You mean I have listened to it before?"

    Christy nodded and told her that it was a popr tune on the inte that had been rearranged.

    Hearing this, Irish was even more bloodcurdling and asked her restlessly, "When I heard it before?"

    Christy also found that there was something wrong with her but still replied, "Before you have the long vocation. I also yed it when we ate lunch together, and you even asked me why I liked to listen to such a weird tune."

    The cold sweat crawled as the centipede at her back, and she could feel this slow but heavy power corroding her mind.

    Her fingers were trembling since she didn''t remember it at all. She couldn''t remember that she had heard it before. Did she listen to this tune first and then have the illusion in Light Town?

    But she was in so much pain that she couldn''t recall it, as if there was an eraser in her mind that wiped her memory of this tune, so that caused such a shock to her.

    "Irish? How do you feel?" Christy was worried since she saw the astonishment on her face.

    Irish stared at Christy subconsciously and shook her head but smiled bitterly, "I am fine."

    Yes, she was fine.<novelnext></novelnext>

    She couldn''t let anyone know, even if something really urred to her.

    ****

    The cold weather also chilled the stars in the sky.

    Getting out of the restaurant, Jay put his coat on Lilith''s shoulder. Her cheeks went pink since she drank some wine tonight and looked slightly drunk.

    A st of cold wind rose when they got out of the door.

    She shrank her neck, clinging to Jay''s arms while he embraced her tightly and walked at a stride to the parking lot.

    They got in the car, and Jay couldn''t help smiling upon seeing her leaning in his arms bashfully. Before he started the car, Lilith reached out and grabbed his arms, making a small request, "I still want to drink.

    Jay declined her request and was about to send her back.

    "I became a full member of the Runestone Group, but you are going to carry out a task soon. I am at a loss whether to be happy or upset. Can you celebrate with me though I have aplicated emotion?" Lilith got close to him, looking pleadingly at him.

    Thanks to Joseph, Lilith experienced the feeling of no favouritism. She worked hard inside thepany and dared not to make any mistakes since all of the criteria of assessment for her were all in ordance with the administration department since she knew her circumforaneous brother-inw was a serious boss, so she had been adhering to the principle of caution was the parent of safety.

    But even though she acted cautiously during work, she couldn''t avoid all the mistakes. At the beginning ofst month, she miscalcted the data in the identification document, and as a result, Joseph scolded her superior, but when he knew it was her mistake, he decided to put off her time to be a full member.

    It was a day worth celebrating, but when she called Jay cheerfully and wanted to tell him this news, Jay told her that he was going to carry out a task in Florida soon. Of course, it was confidential information, and Jay should have kept it secret from her, but this time Jay couldn''t bear to leave without notifying her.

    Jay didn''t start the car immediately but stared at her andforted, "Be happy. I promise you that this will be transferred to other departments when this task ispleted sessfully."

    In recent years, drug trafficking activities in Florida have be more and more rampant. Batches of smokable methamphetamine were transported to various states, among which Florida and Virginia were the harder-hit areas.

    Therefore when the head of the Public Security Brigade''s life, as well as his family''s life, was threatened by the drug dealers, and when one of the anti-drug police was killed by the drug dealers, Jay applied to his superior for transfer to another department without hesitation.

    It was not because he was a coward.

    In the early years when he worked in Florida, he had left his life out of his consideration. His identity as anti-drug police had been disguised when he was working in Florida since he had to get in contact with the drug dealer with various identities. Perhaps he was the police who was most familiar with the general situation in Florida.

    During transportation, the drug may have to be inspected by customs, the internal traffic checkpoints, or the public security organization at the airport, train station, or bus station, but only a tenth of the drugs that circted could be intercepted. Therefore,petent police like Jay were badly in need so as tobat the drug dealers.

    In the early years, Jay lived in the volleys of gunfire, but now he was worried since he had Lilith now. He was worried that Lilith''s life would be threatened by those vicious drug dealers someday. And that was why he was determined to transfer to another department, but the superior gave him thest anti-drug task.

 Chapter 527 527: Penny Pincher

    The police received the information that a big drug trafficker called "evil angle" would make a big deal in Florida. Everyone knew this group, including police or other drug traffickers. He was atrocious but also mysterious, so during these years, the police had been trying to arrest him but failed many times. No one had seen what he looked like, and he would never be at the transaction site in person.

    Jay also knew the so-called "evil angle." On several asions, when Jay disguised as a dinting among those drug dealers, he brushed past transactions of the "evil angle," and one time, he was almost found out by the drug trafficker that he was undercover.

    "Evil angle" had a big group andplicated personal connections. Though Jay was experienced and did many deeds of merits, he didn''t get involved in the case of "evil angle." This man was too sly, and he needed much more experience.

    When the police got the news that "evil angle" would appear in Florida and his drug transportation route would pass through New York, all the police were eager for a fight to arrest him. The Public Security Bureau of Florida specifically asked the Anti-Drug Center of New York for help.

    Jay also agreed to participate in the arrest. On the one hand, it was his dream to arrest this drug trafficker personally, while on the other hand, he wanted to live a peaceful life with Lilith after finishing this case.

    In fact, Lilith was so worried because she knew how dangerous it was, and she also understood he might lose his life in the task, but she couldn''t stop him since he had to obey the order.

    Leaning in his arms, she sighed slightly and said, "Let me drink a little bit more so that I won''t cry frequently."

    Jay took a look at her and started the car after hesitating for a long time.

    It was nearly midnight when Jay drove the car to a residentialmunity. It was quiet on such a chill night. Lilith got out of the car, looked around, and felt puzzled.

    However, Jay took her hands softly and said, "I live here."

    Lilith was enlightened, and it was her first timeing here.

    It was an apartment of three rooms and two living rooms located in a new residentialmunity.

    The house was decorated in a simple style, while the color of the room was mainly ck, supplemented by brown, with the embellishment ofke blue.

    The house was clean and neat, and perhaps an hourly worker was cleaning for him regrly.

    She got in, looking around, and couldn''t help sighing with feelings, "Jay, your housecks the atmosphere of life."

    Jay had taken out a bottle of wine as well as two sses from grade in when she was roaming around. He smiled after hearing her words, "I don''t go home often."

    Lilith had finished her roaming, stepped to him, and embraced him leisurely, "Why?"

    "I will go back to my parent''s house if I leave workte because I didn''t have time to cook." Jay grinned.

    Lilith puckered her face into a smile and replied, "That is what we call a bachelor''s life." After finishing her words, she sat on the couch, took a glimpse at the wine, and extolled, "It''s a pretty good wine."

    "My friend has a chateau, and he will give me some wine asionally. But I don''t know much about the wine." Jay sat down and said slowly.

    "Penny pincher. How can you bring me back to drink free wine?" Lilith mumbled, taking over the two sses and pouring some wine for each other.<novelnext></novelnext>

    But Jay corrected her immediately, "I can only drink at home, or who is going to drive if I am drunk?"

    Lilith shook her head, swaying her finger in front of him, and replied, "Jay, don''t you know we can find a designated driver?"

    Jay grinned but said nothing, clenching her hands and drinking a toast with Cheers. Congrattions! You are a full member of the Runestone Group now."

    When they toasted, Lilith suddenly felt sore. She bit her lips and tossed off the cup. Jay also felt grieved for her but could only sigh slightly.

    Lilith poured another ss of wine again, clinking the ss gently, and asked, "Can you promise me that you wille back safely."

    "Yes." Jay stared at her and replied in a low voice.

    "Are you sure?" Her eyes were filled with tears, and she choked.

    He embraced her and answered again, "Yes, I am sure."

    She took a sip of wine, muttering to herself, "You have promised me, so you have toe back safely. You can''t go back on your words."

    Jay was warmed by her words and held her even more tightly.

    They cherished the time to get along with each other because of theing departure. And unconsciously, they had finished the bottle of wine. The pure and aromatic smell of wine mixed with his breath in the room surrounding them.

    Lilith was drunk and got blear-eyed. She cried andughed, holding him tightly as if she was afraid he would vanish.

    Finally, she curled up in his arms softly as if she was a soft marshmallow. She held his neck, calling his name softly, and giggled, "Jay, I am dizzy. It''s really good wine."

    Though Jay also drank a lot, he didn''t get as drunk as her. He leaned against the couch, allowing her to curl in his arms, and whispered to her, "You are drunk, Lilith."

    She nodded leisurely but soon shook her head, giggling in his arms.

    Jay stopped her from continuing to drink, taking over the ss in her hands, and embraced her.

    She leaned on his chest softly. After a long while, she said in a low voice, "It''s your fault. Why do you drink with me? Who drove me home since you also drink a lot?"

    Jay reached out, crossing her hand, and said softly, "Don''t go back tonight."

    Lilith looked up at him in his arms, staring at him with her bleary eyes, while Jay also stared at her fondly.

    From his perspective, the woman in his arms looked so enchanted. The soft light fell on her cheeks as if there was a thinyer of gauze while her snowy skin went pink under the effect of alcohol. Her thick eyshes trembled slightly while her eyes flickered as the stars.

 Chapter 528 528: Gentle And Skillful

    Her mouth opened slightly, and that made her look so sexy.

    Looking at her, Jay had an inexplicable impulse.

    Lilith gazed at him and couldn''t move. She breathed more and more rapidly while Jay''s eyes looked profound, like a deep ocean. Her heartbeat also elerated, and she wanted to move but didn''t have the strength.

    In this way, Jay gradually lowered his head until his lips fell on hers.

    Their breath intertwined with each other''s, and under the effect of alcohol, their strong lust surged up.

    Lilith looked up and rubbed his lips, and gradually, she thought his kiss was a little different than his soft kiss of usual. It turned hot and eager, overwhelming her.

    She felt a hot current spreading all over her body, impacting her internal organs and taking away her mind.

    The masculinity was getting intense while she felt dizzy, her body soft. Lilith reached out to touch his chest subconsciously but only found his heartbeat elerated.

    She thought he would let her go after lingering on her lips for a while.

    However, unexpectedly his lips began to move down to her chin and then fell on her neck. She felt that her heart almost jumped out of her chest.

    She called his name softly, clenching his sleeves and her skin turned more flushed under his fondling.

    Her groaning and panting were like an aphrodisiac, and Jay just felt that his blood was upwelling. He raised his hands, covering her back, and then moved down along her back, slipping into her shirt.

    His hot finger gave her a violent shudder.

    Jay held her tightly, with his lips moving beside her ears, biting her earlobes gently.

    Lilith took a deep breath but still couldn''t help trembling.

    Her slender fingers wrapped around his back, grabbing his clothes, and her heart almost stopped beating.

    Then Jay''s deep voice sounded beside her ears, "Lilith, can I....."

    Her eyes were bleary and looked more enchanted out of drunkenness.

    Jay stared at her with rapid breathing, and his eyes were dyed with strong desire.

    Reaching his hands, he held her face, asking again with his maic voice, "Lilith, can you give your first night to me?"

    Lilith soon understood what he meant, so her face blushed immediately.

    She didn''t get so intimate with a man before, and she also didn''t stay with Jay every day since they were all busy with work. They had just kissed before, and Jay did never cross the line.

    However, she could perceive his eyes looked different than usual, as if there was a small beast there that was restless in the deep of his eyes, making him look more profound and meaningful.

    "I....." Lilith lowered her head out of embarrassment and was a little flurried, "I don''t have any experience, and I don''t know how to do it....." She was afraid he would be averse to her poor performance.

    Jay felt his heart was filled with her, so he embraced her more fondly but found her body was tight. He couldn''t help smiling and said softly, "Don''t worry."<novelnext></novelnext>

    She looked at him shyly.

    Jay was at the age of hot-blooded and impetuous, and he was driven by the alcohol tonight. Her look of shyness satisfied his pride, and he breathed more rapidly, holding her into the bedroom without hesitation.

    It was a chill night, but it was hot in the room. The man and the woman were lingering on the bed, their clothes disheveled.

    When Jay took off thest cloth for Lilith, she was eager to bury herself out of shyness. She was naked, and her pink skin formed a sharp contrast with the dark-colored sheet.

    She was shivering and moved restlessly because of his fondling. Jay also took off his clothes quickly, but when his sturdy chest was exposed to the air, she was in a great shock since his chest was covered with scars of wounds.

    Lilith gulped, widening her eyes, and soon a severe pain spread in her heart. It was not until now she realized he had suffered so many injuries.

    Jay took her hand and kissed gently," I''m sorry to scare you."

    In his opinion, Lilith was a flower in the greenhouse, and her world was pure. Even if the external environment was messed up, she still lived in her own world, freed from those dirty things. She would neverin about this world and thought everything in this world was beautiful.

    Therefore, she would never know that there were people in this world who would kill people for profit. He wanted to protect her as well as her pure innernd, and he also wanted to prevent her from the darkness of this world.

    In fact, Kelly was right, and he could understand her thoughts as a mother. But as the boyfriend of Lilith, he was also willing to give up something for her as long as he could be with her and spend this life with her peacefully.

    Lilith shook her head gently, taking the initiative to hold him and determined to love this man for her whole life.

    Jay was even happier, and his hands slipped up and down, tantalizing her beautiful body.

    Lilith couldn''t help groaning but was embarrassed about this groaning.

    Jay took her hand that covered her mouth and kissed her again.

    When he pressed on her, she felt that her heart was going to jump out.

    She felt something hard against her, and it felt so weird, but she knew what it was, so she was even tighter.

    "Don''t worry." Jay cherished her pureness, sucking her delicate earlobe while his hot breath made her tremble violently.

    Lilith clenched her hands and was anxious since she heard that it might hurt for the first time. What''s more, his penis was so big.

    Of course, she was too embarrassed to tell him that and what relieved him was that Jay was gentle and skillful, so she believed that he wouldn''t hurt her.

    Skillful...

    Upon thinking of this word, she suddenly felt sorrowful.

    She was not his first girlfriend, and he must treat another girl gently. His lips were slipping on her chest, and she couldn''t help groaning.

    Jay smiled and took off her hand that intended to cover herself and whispered beside her, "You are so beautiful."

 Chapter 529 529: Hurry Up! Run Away!

    Jay pressed on her body and raised her waist when she was trembling.

    He straightened his waist and lowered down gradually while Lilith groaned sentimentally.

    It was a sense of fullness she had never had before, so she arched her waist, panting and groaning.

    Jay kissed her lips gently since the woman''s tightness led him more intoxicated. He waited for her to adjust patiently and cherished her first night, from which she finally turned from a girl to a real woman.

    He sighed with satisfaction beside her ear, wiping her tears, and whispered, "Lilith, you are mine, finally."

    Lilith held him, her body trembling but feeling happy.

    The temperature was rising quickly in the room where the man''s breath and the woman''s groaning mixed together.

    On such a chill night, they pressed with each other and were reluctant to part with each other.

    ****

    There was faint light embedded in the farthest clouds while the dim light blurred the moonlight.

    A faint sigh sounded beside Irish''s ear, and she opened her eyes but found she was curling in the man''s arms.

    The light outside the window was so bright suddenly, pouring into the room as if there was a thinyer of gold on the ground.

    Adam, she called this name softly.

    The man who held her waist soon pressed on her body. She panted, holding his neck, allowing his hands to fondle her body.

    She called this name continuously and felt happy.

    He entered her body, extolling her tightness with his maic voice. She lingered with him on the bed while the bright sunshine warmed their naked body. He held her with his strong arms, and she was obsessed with his fragrance, almost melting in his warmth.

    I love you. She mumbled again and again. It was a voice from her deep heart.

    The man''s hot breath fell on her ears. Oblivious of herself, Irish catered to him with great passion, rubbing his handsome cheeks through the light, and she then saw clear of his look, but she was shocked and felt that her blood was frozen. Joseph?

    A st of mist rose, causing chillness to her, and she lowered her head but found she was hanging in the middle of a mountain.

    She gnashed her teeth to fix the piton and tightened the rope

    The wind was blowing while the snow blurred the rock climbing mirror.

    Someone was greeting her in the distance, hinting to her to loosen her rope for a little bit while sheplied with him.

    When she looked down, she could see the endless white and the light reflected by the white snow.

    The man caught up with her soon and climbed with her, shoulder by shoulder. They looked at each other, smiling softly.

    She slipped identally while the man beside her held her immediately with his strong arms.

    Irish puckered her face into a smile and saw the man''s appearance through the mirror.

    Joseph?

    In great astonishment, she walked into an endless darkne. She rolled up in a corner and shivered out of fear.<novelnext></novelnext>

    She couldn''t figure out why she was so scared and didn''t know where she was, but she only felt severe pain in her feet as well as her wrists.

    She wanted to cry and go home.

    Suddenly a faint light appeared at thene entrance, swaying in the darkness.

    She squinted, staring at the light, and wanted to run but was exhausted.

    The light came to her in a blink of an eye, but she couldn''t see theer''s appearance clearly. However, she could see the leather shoes with some dust on the surface. It was a pair of shoes worn by a kid around nine years old.

    She asked while shivering, "Who are you?"

    To her surprise, her voice sounded like a small girl who was puerile.

    The light was raised up slightly, making the boy trapped in the shadow of the oil light, but illuminated her face. She reached out to cover the light that dazzled her eyes but found her hands were full of wounds.

    She heard the boy say softly beside her, "Don''t be afraid. I will take you away."

    Somehow, she was relieved by his words, and her fear and worries soon vanished.

    But soon, she heard some footsteps getting close.

    The small boy clenched her hands, and she could only see his back. He was dressed neatly and noble as a kid from a rich family.

    But soon, she heard someone shout, "Hurry up! Run away!"

    Irish screamed and opened her eyes abruptly, panting out of shock.

    It was dark in front of her eyes, with only some dim light falling into the room. There was no snow mountain or darkne, and it was not sunny outside.

    Irishy on the bed, her body rigid, and couldn''t move until a few minutester. Her forehead and back were wet from sweat, which made her very ufortable.

    A man''s arms held her from behind and asked, "Do you have a horrible dream?"

    Irish trembled and then realized the man''s body pressing her was as strong as the wall. His arms held her, and he turned her over to face him.

    Under the dim light, his eyes were bleary, and he wiped the sweat on her forehead, asking in a maic voice, "Why are you wet by sweat?"

    Irish stared at him in the dim light and couldn''t tell if it was a dream or reality.

    And she almost called Adam''s name when she moved her eyes to him. After staring at him for a long time, she then mumbled quietly, "Joseph?"

    Joseph was also awakepletely and rubbed her wet hair, pulling the quilt to cover her shoulders exposed to the cold air. "Don''t be afraid. I am here."

    He said the same words as the boy in her dream, which stunned her.

    Irish stared at him, frowning. Why? Why did Adam look like Joseph in her dream? It was not the first time she had had such a dream; she had had the same dream before.

    "What''s wrong?" Joseph perceived her zy stare and turned on the bedsidemp.

    Reaching out and embracing her, he soothed her frown and said softly with a smile, "What kind of nightmare frightened you?"

    His fingers were dyed with a pleasant smell of woody fragrance which relieved her.

 Chapter 530 530: I Need To Remind You

    Irish was buried in his arms upon walking out from the trance and shook her head slightly, "Nothing."

    She didn''t tell him the details of her dream since she also couldn''t figure it out.

    Joseph smiled softly over her head and tightened his arms, "My silly woman."

    Hearing his steady heartbeat, the scenes in her dream gradually disappeared, except one still lingered in her mind. She lingered with Adam in her dream.

    His fondling, the obscurity, and even his body temperature were so real. She said that she loved him sincerely again and again. Yet, though she was awake now, she could still feel grieved when she recalled the scene.

    But it was Adam in her dream, and why did she see Joseph''s face suddenly?

    "I hate to see the darkness when I am awake." She said depressively.

    Joseph replied softly after hearing this, "Are you still afraid even if I am here with you?"

    Irish looked up at the room''s soft light and felt his fondness in the deep of his eyes, shaking slightly.

    Joseph smiled with satisfaction, rubbing her hair gently and kissing her forehead.

    She fell asleep again, and when she woke up again, it was dawn.

    Joseph had to fly abroad at ten since he had to attend a jewelry exhibition. Irish got up to pack luggage for him while he was preparing breakfast.

    When she was collecting clothes for him, she rushed to the kitchen and asked, "Which suit do you want to bring?"

    Joseph replied, even without looking back, "You can decide it for me."

    "I got it." She rushed away while Joseph couldn''t help smiling.

    But a few minutester, she came to him again and asked, "What about the ties?"

    Joseph turned to her and replied patiently, "It''s up to you."

    "Okay," She ran away again, but he knew she would return.

    As expected, she came back just a minuteter. She couldn''t helpughing when she saw that Joseph was waiting for her there and then asked, "Don''t you have any requirement about the cufflinks?"

    "No. It also depends on you." He replied with a smile.

    Irish grinned and rushed away quickly.

    When they were eating breakfast, Irish told him, "I have prepared one more casual suit for you."

    "Okay," Joseph was patient and added, "But I don''t know if I have the chance to wear them all."

    "Of course you have." She giggled shyly and then added, "You can''t be in a suit to go out when you have to buy some gifts for me."<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Buy gifts?" Joseph repressed a smile and raised his eyebrows deliberately. "But I never promised you that I would buy a gift for you."

    "Joseph," She called his name with a sweet voice, swaying his arms, and said, "Boyfriends will always bring gifts to their girlfriends when they go abroad."

    Joseph was cheered by her since he liked her to act like a spoiled kid in front of him, but he intended to tease her, so he pushed her away gently and said, "Well, then you can find a new boyfriend."

    "No," Irish held his arms tightly, looking up at him fondly, "You are the best man in the world. You are handsome and always treat your girlfriend well."

    "Really?" Joseph couldn''t help smiling but continued, "But as far as concerned, Mr. Dover''s girlfriend is sometimes dissatisfied."

    It was a pleasant scene in the morning.

    Joseph was dressed neatly, and the dark coffee-colored shirt made him look more handsome and tall. His fingers were slender, and he acted so elegantly. But Irish was still dressed in her pajamas with her hair in disorder, holding him tightly.

    "Well, though I willin about you asionally....." She stopped and grinned slyly but soon continued, "If Mr. Dover takes some time to buy some gifts for his girlfriend in Venice, he will be Mr. Perfect."

    Joseph couldn''t resist her coquetry, so he just put down his tableware and rubbed his mouth with tissues, "Alright. I will bring gifts for you."

    Irish was happy to hear that, "I will designate a gift."

    Joseph looked at her, feeling ridiculous, "You requested too much."

    "So just say it directly. What do you want?" Joseph looked at her, smiling gently.

    Irish was just waiting for his question, so as he asked it, she took out a name card from her pocket to him and said smilingly, "Pleasee to this store and buy the newest tringel for me."

    Joseph looked at it with a confused expression. It was delicate, with one side in Italian and the other in English. Every letter was as beautiful as an angel flying with her wings. He took a nce at it. It was a craft store in Venice, above which there was its name and address.

    "What?" He didn''t understand it.

    Irish ran out of the restaurant and then came back with seven or eight dolls in her bosom. She put them in front of him. "It''s just this kind of doll. It''s named lucky goddess or lucky angel. You don''t need to know much about it, and what you need to do is just order the newest one."

    Joseph had seen these dolls. These strange dolls yed a significant role in her magic style of decoration. Actually, many things in her living room were bought by her from abroad, each of which was so strange. He was ustomed to them, but he never knew that they were not average ones.

    He picked one up casually, which seemed to be small, contrasted with his big hand. He raised his eyebrows and asked, "Aren''t they clowns? Is ordering needed?"

    "What clown? Please take it seriously." Irish grabbed the doll from him and put it away, "As I said, it is tringel."

    "By the way, I need to remind you." Irish took it over stressfully and pointed, "Please be careful. It would help if you bought it from a grannie, not from a grandpa. Although the grandpa''s dolls are also authentic, I tend to buy them from that granny."

    Joseph was confused about it, "What, granny and grandpa?"

    "Do not ask so much. Anyway, you should buy it ording to what I have said." Irish was afraid that he would be perplexed if she exined too much to him, so she just refused to answer his question directly. It could be understood that a man would not know something about a girl''s hobby.

    Joseph didn''t ask further since he didn''t know it. He just took the name card over and massaged her head, "You dare to order me."

 Chapter 531 531: Little Demon

    She felt very satisfied, "I am your girlfriend."

    "Are you my girlfriend?" Joseph yed a joke, "You nearly became my elder."

    She burst outughing.

    He reached his hand to her.

    "What?"

    "Give me money." It seemed that Joseph was pleasant now, so he just yed a joke with her again, "Actually, what I act now is a purchasing agent, so you should pay for it."

    "Ah?" Irish blinked and stared at him, "You brought a gift for me, but you asked for money from me?"

    "I remember thatst time you asked your colleague to bring moisturizer for you, and you gave money to her." Joseph pretended to think of it and then added, "Importantly, I gave the money to you."

    Irish was soon clinging to him, "She is my colleague. Our rtionship was not as intimate as ours. Moreover, you are my boyfriend. Therefore, it''s reasonable for you to bring a gift for me. Needless to say, you are superior to me and you earn more than me. It will not take much money for you to buy gifts for me."

    "So when can I use your money?"

    Alia thought of it for a while, "When we need to buy some expensive ones."

    Joseph answered, "Oh," deliberately, "I have seen a new building before. Is it an expensive one?"

    "Joseph..." Irish began to act coquettishly by holding his neck.

    Josephughed happily.

    ****

    When Joseph took his coat from the cab, Irish held his bag solicitously, unlike her idle style shown before when Joseph needed to go on a business trip. He had to sigh helplessly that she would be like this for such an ugly doll.

    As he took the bag over, he said lightly, "If you still have nightmares, you should see a doctor. Otherwise, your sleep will be impacted."

    Irish just hummed lightly and hugged him.

    He smiled and kissed her clean forehead, "I wille back as soon as I finish my work."

    "Along with my dolls." She emphasized.

    Joseph had to say, "Okay. Okay. I remember that."

    Sheughed and held his neck, "Envy my dolls? Actually, I can''t separate from you."

    "Really?"

    She showed her charm and pulled his head down, staring at him, "I just hide my sorrow. More importantly, as I think that you will bring me a doll, my sadness is gone, and only joy and expectation are left."

    "Okay," Joseph clearly knew that the dolls seemed not to be so important in her mind.

    As he went to the hallway, he changed his shoes. Joseph looked at her again, "Kiss me."

    Irish ran forward just like a joyous dog and kissed his cheek. She nearly made a lip print. She leaned against the hallway and said sweetly, "Joseph. I''m waiting for you in bed."<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Little demon." Joseph pinched her nose with a spoiling expression.

    ****

    The sunshine in the afternoon was warm. Looking at the naked trunk, she was immersed in silence. The seasons changed so quickly. Actually, she still remembered the beautiful scene of plenty of maples and yellow leaves in the sky and on the road, but now the winter came without any preparation.

    There was a cup of ck tea in front of her, hot and fragrant.

    "I thought that you would not step into my clinic." Across her, Fredrick also put down a cup of hot ck tea, sat down, and said it as he nced at her.

    If possible, Irish really didn''t want toe again. She admitted that she bore grudges and that she was not open-minded at all. Although she had been fond of this man with a white coat and that now he loved Cassie so much, she would not forget the scene of Cassie lying in the bathtub that was full of blood.

    Taking a deep breath, she lowered her eyes and held her cup in her palm. The temperature of ck tea drove away from the coldness of her fingers.

    "I suspect that there is a problem with my memory." As she raised her eyes, she said earnestly, "There is no friend or mentor in this field in New York for me. I have to ask you for help."

    This was the first problem she wanted to deal with upon Joseph''s business trip. In the past, she intended to avoid it or ignore it deliberately. But the dream that night was so real that she was afraid of it. She didn''t want to share her dream with others because she knew it would be very embarrassing to analyze her condition, which was identified as an individual case by a psychologist.

    But if there were really problems with her memory, then it would be terrible. She must be clear about her health. As for her dream, if the problem was tackled, she thought that she could grasp the information of her dream via her analysis and find the password to her dream.

    Fredrick was concerned about her, "Just say what you know."

    Irish gripped the cup and made great determination to tell him the truth. She didn''t mention much, but that she forgot how intimate she had been with Adam and that she forgot a song that she had heard of.

    "Cassie assuredly said that I had told her that I loved Adam so much, but now I even forget his appearance. As for the song, I remember hearing it on the boat for the first time."

    Fredrick reminded her not to be anxious. As she became quiet, he asked, "Do you suspect that you suffer from memory loss?"

    "I''m really afraid that I will suffer from Alzheimer''s." Irish frowned.

    "It''s impossible." Fredrickforted her, "Do a test first."

    Irish was stressed about it and nodded.

    Fredrick stood up and sat down again after taking several objects. Finally, his body leaned forward and put down three pens in front of her, saying softly, "What are the colors of these three pens, respectively?"

    "Red, white and ck."

    Fredrick nodded and put away the pens, "Next, I will speak a group of numbers, and you should repeat it from back to front." Irish nodded.

    "15, 36, 27, 38, and 50," Fredrick said slowly.

    Irish thought of it for a while, "50, 38��27,36, and 15."

    "How much is 11+5-10 divided by two?"

    "3."

    Fredrick still said it at a not slow or quick speed and asked her some other questions. Irish answered them easily. After finishing answering thest question, Fredrick suddenly turned, "So what are the colors of these three pens I just showed you respectively?"

 Chapter 532 532: Isn’t It The Most Painful?

    Irish opened her mouth and answered quickly. "Red, white and ck."

    Fredrick nodded and drank the coffee. Irish got anxious again, "So there is no problem with my memory?"

    "In terms of the preliminary test, there is no problem, but it will not prove there is no recessive disease." Fredrick put down his cup. "You are familiar with this kind of test, and you are prepared well psychologically to some extent."

    Irish knew what he meant.

    "Have you ever had trouble sleeping in recent times?"

    "I have no nightmares again. It''s just asional."

    "Do you have any symptoms of dizziness or nausea?"

    "What do you suspect?" Irish gripped her fingers stressfully, "Is it because of psychological causes that my memory has some problems?"

    Seeing that she was so stressed, Fredrick opened her fingers and sighed, "As a psychologist, you must know that all the causes need checking."

    Irish shook her head lightly, "I only vomited once and didn''t feel dizzy.

    "I suggest that you should do a brain scan. If the psychological cause is not the reason, then we can use psychological therapy to intervene."

    Irish bit her lips tightly.

    Fredrick smiled lightly, "Do not have so much burden. Memory loss is normal. Actually, one''s brain will spontaneously remove some useless information to maintain normal information storage. For example, nowadays, many people cannot remember what kind of pencil case they used, who their desk mates were, and some even forget their teachers'' appearance. It is the same case with you. Sometimes when you hear a song for the first time, you will not have much of an impression. And when you listen to it again, you think it is the first time you have heard about it. Actually, your subconscious remembers it for the first time, andter you find it out."

    "So you mean that it''s normal for me not to remember Adam?" Irish hesitated.

    "Adam''s death is a great hit on you, and you even cried to death on the phone at that time." Fredrick looked at her, feeling ached, "Do not forget that one''s brain has a self-protection mechanism in that some unlucky or terrible memory will be lost, but your subconscious will not forget it and even attack your present memory, forming the illusion of memory confusion. In terms of principle, it will not be counted as memory loss or amnesia, and it is because of your brain''s self-protection mechanism."

    Irish nodded lightly.

    "If you want to have an idea about your memory, then Hypnotherapy will be the most suitable method." Fredrick just said it and covered the back of her hand lightly. He emphasized, "If you don''t want to give up that painful memory."

    Irish pulled her hand back. Her fingers got cold, "But I remember how he died. Isn''t it the most painful?"

    "Maybe... it is not what you imagine. Maybe you just remember part of it." Fredrick was a little sad now, and he sat straight again.

    Irish lowered her head down and thought about it for a while. And then she helplessly said, "Please let me think about it again.

    Fredrick nodded, "You can call me if it''s necessary."<novelnext></novelnext>

    On the way back to the Linkus Mental Research Institute, Irish didn''t feel assured. She drove to the side road, found a ce to stop, and took up the phone to call her aunt.

    Soon it got through, and Mary''s loud voice came, "Are you going to tell me that you are to be married to Joseph?"

    It was far-sighted for Irish to let the phone far away from her at the moment when it got through. She had to shout helplessly, "Seriously? I''m going to ask you something."

    "Okay."

    Irish tried her best to recall the scenes in her dream and asked, "Has anything special happened to me?"

    "What?"

    "It was not rted to my parents or my Mom''s death. I mean, were there any terrible idents when I was very young, such as getting lost or meeting someone bad?" Irish exined anxiously.

    Mary''s voice got louder, "Getting lost? Meeting someone bad? Are you okay? I suppose that you have over thought since you got together with Joseph. As I have said before, he is not so good. Look at yourself. You be a mad one now."

    Irish was regretful of calling her aunt at this moment. Actually, she was nervous and hoped that she could get some information unknown from her aunt, but her aunt was still angry now and would rte everything terrible with Joseph. Her anxiety was released to the greatest degree, and she turned tough again.

    As a matter of fact, in her aunt''s opinion, the rtionship between her and Joseph was just like that between a rabbit and a leopard. And she was the rabbit that didn''t know the danger beside her and would be swallowed by a gentle killer.

    Her aunt was so cute that Irish felt very grateful for it.

    "Okay. Okay. That''s all." She chose to give up her question.

    However, Mary didn''t want to end their conversation. Her loud voice showed its power, "Is that all? I need to be responsible for you since your Mom passed away. What if Joseph really brings bad luck to you? How can I tell her that?"

    Mary threatened Irish by mentioning her mother, making her afraid and helpless. Nevertheless, Irish dared not to hang it up by saying something casually. And she was only regretful that her sudden call invigorated her aunt''s fighting strength.

    "Hey, Girl, I''ll give you a reminder now. Joseph is not a man easy to deal with. Sometimes it is not good for a man to be too clever. I don''t mean to break you up. The scene at that time forced your uncle and me to agree on your rtionship. I just want to remind you to be more careful and make necessary preparations."

    Irish looked at herself in the mirror to check on her. She sighed, "Why do I need to make preparations?"

    "In case you break up one day, or he has no n to marry you. He nned a fake marriage with Ruby before, so does he really want to get married one day? In my opinion. Adam is good, but you don''t like him. While finding someone to get married to, you need to choose one who is in the same position as you."

    "Aunt, you are so unsatisfied with Joseph?"

    "I''m not unsatisfied with him. I just think that he is much more experienced than you in emotion. You are not his opponent."

    "Actually, we are not in apetition." Irish refuted.

 Chapter 533 533: Pretending To Be Upright

    Mary stated her motto, "One of a couple must be stronger than the other."

    "Then I will be the stronger one." Irish giggled.

    Mary hummed impolitely, "Are you the stronger one? I can''t believe it."

    Irish didn''t know how to fight but just murmured, "Aunt..." So in her aunt''s eyes, she was not strong at all.

    She dared not to say much but just said something casually and ended the conversation. She really admired her aunt''s eloquence.

    But Mary''s shouting really made her not suspect something. She couldn''t figure out any concealing and hesitation from Mary''s words. More importantly, her memory was early, and if anything really happened, she must have had some feelings.

    Thinking of this, she was much more released.

    But how did Fredrick exin the content of her dream?

    Irish frowned and had to give her a professionally exinable answer atst. One''s subconscious had the function of keeping something. Sometimes one scene one happens to see would give an impression to someone. It could be something that really happened or something known from books or TV, or even something heard. As one got older, some memories would be removed, but his subconscious still stayed. As a result, her dream was interrupted.

    Mary hung up the phone and just sat on the sofa directly. She seemed to be at a loss, just lowering her head.

    At this moment, Steven came in. Today he bought another antique in the market. On the way back home, he was totally absorbed in it. And when he came to the market neighboring his house, he bought a fish from the crowd. He felt good now.

    So when he saw Mary sitting in the living room, mncholy, he tried to call her attention, and he even acted cute in front of her.

    Mary must have been very angry if it was at the usual time. But today, she was not in the mood to do so. She just sighed, feeling upset.

    "What''s wrong with you?" Steven observed that something unusual must have happened, so he immediately put the fish and antique away and sat beside her.

    Mary turned to look at him, and after a while, she spoke, "What should I do?"

    "What?" Steven was confused.

    Mary took a deep breath and then hailed it out. She was not energetic now, "Just now, Irish called me. You guess what she asked me?"

    Steven shook his head.

    "She asked about something that happened when she was still little." Mary frowned, "She asked me whether she had gone lost or met someone bad?"

    Steven soon stood up. He was startled at first but then anxious, "You told her the truth?"

    "Impossible! I am not mad. It''s a secret!" Mary also shouted out of anger.

    "It''s good not to tell her." Steven sat down again. There was even cold sweat on his forehead. He rubbed it off and asked, "How did you answer her?"

    "Of course, I said that nothing happened. When she asked me about it, I was so stressed. Atst, a good idea urred to me. I med Joseph. And when she heard about it, she would not be so vignt."

    Steven nodded seriously and frowned.

    After a while, he asked, "Why did she ask about it?"

    "Who knows that? I am also confused. Nobody will mention it to her." Mary was very concerned. She seemed to think of something, so she just pulled Steven''s sleeves, stressed, "Does she herself memorize it?"

    "Was her voice normal on the phone?"<novelnext></novelnext>

    Mary shook her head, "No. It seemed like nothing serious."

    "Did you ask her about that time when she was still little?"

    Marry shook her head again.

    "Are you okay? Why didn''t you make it clear?" Steven shouted at her.

    Mary was also annoyed and shouted back, "How can I ask it? Irish people are so smart that if I ask too much, she must have a suspicion about it. Then it will be obvious that I have concealed something."

    Steven thought her answer was right.

    "It''s good to know about her situation now." After a while, he lowered his voice.

    Mary stood up, feeling furious. She walked into the living room, and then she said, "I will call herter to check about her feelings."

    Steven sighed and had to nod.

    At this moment, Mary stopped, worried, "Do you believe that we can conceal it for a lifetime?"

    This question terrified Steven, and he couldn''t answer it for the time being.

    ****

    The new jewelry shown in Lily Club seemed topare with that in Vera Club, which was processed perfectly during theunch event. There was not only a famous world-ss model but also strong media. In addition, Lily Club changed a poster this year, which drew the field and media''s attention.

    Leo attended theunch event and went on the T stage atst. He appeared with the new poster pulling his arm. They two seemed to be perfect couples.

    Irish sat and just saw him dressed like a male peacock. She just wanted tough at him.

    Four words could describe Leo:

    Pretending to be upright. She thought.

    At the usual time, he didn''t show his elegance and dignity. What just lingered on Irish''s mind was his terrified look when he stood above the mountain and his loud shouting when he was kicked down to the cliff, forming a strong contrast with him now, who appeared to be a sessful businessman.

    When the media asked Leo what he was most worried about, Irish really wanted to help him to answer, "He has acrophobia, and he even dares not to ride a horse."

    Thinking of that, Irish couldn''t helpughing.

    After theunch event was finished, Irish walked to the lounge with her VIP card as an entry.

    As she pushed the door, she didn''t think too much because she thought that only Leo was there.

    As a result, when she entered it directly, even without knocking at the door, she found that Leo was sitting on the sofa while the star sat on Leo''s legs. Their rtionship seemed to be dubious.

    They never expected that someone would enter suddenly, so they both got perplexed.

    Irish was also perplexed, and soon she recovered. She even wanted to dig out her eyes, so she just covered them, "Sorry. I didn''t see anything."

    One idea suddenly urred to her. Was she the one who witnessed a dubious rtionship? They two didn''t actually take off their clothes��.

 Chapter 534 534: You Finally Come

    She prepared to close the door, and then the star spoke softly and gently, "Leo. So many beautiese here."

    Then her shoes with high heels stepped on the carpet, making a little sound. Irish put her hands down. She saw the actor smiling charmingly at Leo. Her slender waist was so soft, "Remember to call me."

    Leo raised his lips lightly. He didn''t refuse her or answer her.

    As the star passed by her, Irish smelt the perfume of Chanel 5.

    Leo stood up to pull her into the room and then closed the lounge door.

    Irish seemed tough at him, "How about locking the door? What if another beautyes in and misunderstands us?"

    "Do not trick me." Leo sat down on the sofa and added, "Please open the window for me."

    "Don''t worry. I won''t disclose you two. You don''t need to jump from the building." Irish giggled and looked at him.

    Leo stared at her, "I won''t do it tomit suicide."

    "That''s right." He was afraid of heights, Irish thought.

    "My little girl, please open the window for me." Leo appeared to be casual again.

    The "my little girl" made Irish sick, and she nearly vomited. She just took a nce at him, and her arms trembled. She went to open the window.

    Leo inhaled in the fresh air and raised to touch his chest, "I''m alive now."

    "Seriously? Is she so beautiful? You want to die?" Irish yed a joke again. She acted as a hostess and took up the cup, pouring water into it and sitting on the sofa.

    Leo looked at her and emphasized, "I am almost dizzy from the perfume."

    "So, are you dizzy? I thought that you were ecstatic." Irishughed at him and sipped the water.

    Leo sat beside her and pulled her into his bosom. Her words seemed to be true or fake, "Luckily, you came at the right time; otherwise, I would have been raped by her."

    Irish acted to vomit.

    Leo took a nce at her, "Seriously?"

    "I also had perfume. Aren''t you dizzy?" Irish asked him deliberately.

    Leo grinned, "Really? Let me smell it and see whether I will be dizzy." And then his handsome face approached her.

    At the next moment, his forehead was resisted by Irish''s palm, "Do not think too much."

    Leo released her and just leaned against the sofa idly, "You know what? So many girls want that, I think too much."

    "How about calling your poster back?" Irish intended to stand up.

    Leo reached his hands to pull her and let her sit down beside him, "Do not do that. I was really dizzy by her perfume, and as I intended to push her, and then you came in."

    "She even wanted to put aside her dress, okay?" Irish pulled his tie jokingly as if she pulled a dog.

    Leo closed his lips lightly and suddenly pulled her into his bosom. She screamed out and soon fell down into his bosom.

    "But I only love you." He lowered to stare at her, seeming to smile.

    "Wow! You really moved me."

    Surprisingly, Irish didn''t push him away and just raised her hands slowly. Her slender fingers touched his ears and moved to his earlobe. She was totally attached to his crest, showing her attractive smile.

    Leo was shocked and just winked. He didn''t expect that she would have such an action.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish smiled more happily and nearly approached his face, "You want to have an affair with me?"

    "What?" Leo looked at her in a trance, and his Adam''s apple moved.

    "Such an attractive face..." Irish praised him deliberately, and at the next moment, her fingers touching his earlobe lightly, suddenly grabbed it and twisted it, "But it needs hitting."

    Leo didn''t expect that she would twist his ear, so he just shouted and begged for mercy.

    "Leo, you promised to do business for me, so I attended yourunch event.

    However, you left suddenly, just like a mouse, and I spent so much time finding you. Atst, you were ying with a girl here." Irish twisted his ear tightly, ming him like a queen.

    Leo shouted, "Save me" continuously. If the media intruded in, they must have been terrified since his image now was so different from that on the stage.

    Irish released her hands.

    Leo covered his ears and stared at her, "Irish, you know what? The VIP card in your hand is so valuable!"

    "So what? You gave it to me." Irish bullied him deliberately. She knew that the VIP card of Lily Club was as precious as that of Vera Club because it needed to consider the member''s social value. She didn''t have much social value, and her only advantage was that she knew the bosses of the two advanced jewelry clubs.

    Leo was not satisfied with her answer.

    Irish finally stated her aim, "Call Jordan toe here quickly."

    Leo ignored her and leaned on the sofa totally, closing his eyes.

    "Are you angry?" She pumped him by her shoulder.

    "Do you do it for Joseph or for Jordan?" He turned his head and asked it idly.

    Irish smiled sweetly at him, "You know what? As the saying goes, love me, love my dog. I will not take charge of him if he is not Joseph''s brother."

    "If Jordan were my brother, would you do it also?" Leo approached her.

    Irish nodded.

    He smiled happily.

    "But it needs a charge." Irish added, "I will charge you a considerable amount, Leo."

    Leo moved her head by reaching out his hands and asked, "Are you that crazy about money?"

    She just grinned.

    ****

    Jordan camete.

    It was until 2 p.m. that he arrived at the circuit. Leo apanied Irish to be immersed in the winter sunshine for over one hour. As Jordan appeared, he couldn''t helpining. "You finallye!"

    Jordan wore a casual polo T-shirt, jacket, blue jeans, and brown biker boots. It seemed that he yedputer games overnight and just went out by grabbing his hair idly.

    Chewing the gum, he sat on the meadow beside Leo and leaned against the stairs idly. He said slowly, "If possible, I will note."

    "Have you just yedputer games during this time?" Seeing the dark circles under his eyes, he knew he didn''t sleep well.

    Jordan sneered, "Is that not what my brother wants?" His elegant voice showed obvious satire. And if there were another one, he would not speak English to Irish.

 Chapter 535 535: You Are So Talkative

    Irish didn''t know what to say.

    Jordan turned to look at the circuit on which there were prepared racing cars. The racing drivers began to practice constantly. He just winked, seeming to be unhappy, "Why do you call me here?"

    "It''s said that you are a professional racing driver." Irish got this information from Leo. No wonder Leo would go to the dpidated circuit. He not only liked racing cars but also joinedpetitions abroad.

    Jordan frowned tightly and looked at Leo, "You are so talkative."

    Leo had to shrug, "A beauty asked me to do it. I am not meant to."

    "A beauty? Where is the beauty?" Jordan giggled, "A beauty tends to show her strength?"

    Leo couldn''t helpughing.

    Irish was not d to hear that, "Jordan, do you want to be hit by me?"

    However, Jordan was stubborn. He just stood up suddenly and turned to go.

    "Don''t go." Irish was quick in response and pulled his pants immediately.

    Jordan shouted loudly, "I didn''t have a belt today. Release me! It may fall down."

    "If you are still stubborn, I will put you onto the circuit in a naked body." Irish was not polite to him at all.

    "Okay. Release me quickly." Jordan blushed because of shyness.

    As Jordan sat down again, Irish suggested, "Leo chose a racing car for you, and you can just drive it. Today Leo is so generous that he is willing to buy one for you if you like it."

    Hearing it, Jordan stared at him angrily, "Leo!"

    "If you really like it and drive it well, I am willing to do so." Leo smiled lightly.

    Jordan just stared at them angrily with his mouth closed tightly. It seemed that he was hiding his anger.

    The atmosphere got strange and unfriendly for the time being.

    After a while, Jordan stood up and said angrily, "You are such a cruel woman. If you like it, you can just drive it by yourself. Or you can just put me onto the circuit in a naked body."

    And then he just turned to go.

    Leo was helpless about it. As he intended to go, Irish pulled him. She shook her head to him and motioned that he should not be anxious now.<novelnext></novelnext>

    After Jordan walked for five or six steps, Irish spoke idly with a loud voice, "Jordan, are you not willing to drive, or do you just dare not to do it? I think you are just a chicken."

    The method of provocation was the most useful one for Jordan, who was young and aggressive. Every time Irish used it, Jordan would be trapped.

    This time was not exclusive. Jordan returned anxiously and shouted with a tough voice, "Who is the chicken?"

    Irish turned her head idly and raised her eyebrows deliberately, "I thought you would just go away directly. Why did youe back now?"

    "You..." Jordan''s face got pale, and he scolded her, "You are a bad woman."

    Irish didn''t get angry. Instead, she stood up and patted away the withered grass on her, looking at him calmly, "Am I wrong? You have been fond of cars since you are little, and there are various car models in your room. You know all the types and functions of racing cars in the world. Nobody dares topare with you in terms of this. In addition, you have a gift for racing cars. Just because of this, the coach in the G4 Racing Team selected you, although you were not at an appropriate age to drive racing cars. You took part in an internationalpetition two years ago and got a high score. But now you didn''t drive it at all. Are you not willing to do it, or is it because your recklessness made your coach lose his two legs, so you dare not drive racing cars anymore?"

    The time seemed to stop.

    And there seemed to be no change in Jordan''s expressions.

    He just looked at Irish dumbly as if the stick knocked on him, and there were no subtle changes in his expression.

    After a while, he shouted angrily and soon rushed to Leo like a hungry wolf, "Leo! You are not entitled to disclose my privacy to her."

    However, Jordan was still young and aggressive for Leo. And when he rushed to him angrily, Leo pulled Jordan''s arms quickly and made great strength to grip them. However, Leo pressed Jordan immediately, and his arms were pulled to his behind.

    Jordan ached and shouted loudly. "Can''t you figure out that Irish care about you? Buddy! Do not misunderstand her." Leo patted his head.

    Jordan''s side face was pressed onto the meadow, and the grass pricked him. He just stared at Irish, who was watching them, and asked suspiciously, "Does she care about me? Ridiculous! She just wants to tter my brother!"

    Irish didn''t want to debate with him, so she just sat down at a clean ce. Unlike Jordan''s embarrassment, she looked easy and pleasant. So it was right for her to find Leo. She thought. Actually, a man would be more suitable to deal with a battle with another man.

    Just like most rebellious children, Jordan would hide many secrets and thoughts in his mind. Uninhibited as he was, his inner heart was closed. Although Irish didn''t have much time to get along with him, she was clear that a boy like him would long for others'' care and attention.

    Joseph tended to be serious and didn''t show his care. Their parents died early, so he acted as Jordan''s father and was serious with him. In addition, Joseph liked to control everything, making it difficult for Jordan to express his personal will.

    Joseph also told Irish that Jordan received his education abroad, and his major and schools were all decided by Joseph. In other words, Joseph hoped that Jordan could do everything ording to his arrangement. He thought that there was no need to listen to Jordan''s thoughts. Jordan was still young to resist his brother, so he could onlypromise.

    As a result, he was aloof and rebellious. He couldn''t understand Joseph''s way of caring, just like Joseph couldn''t understand what Jordan wanted.

    Irish really wanted to break the ice between Joseph and Jordan. On the one hand, she did it for Joseph; on the other hand, Jordan was an open-minded and good-natured boy and was entitled to gain happiness.

    So she could only ask for Leo''s help because their rtionship was always good.

 Chapter 536 536: So You Like A Bad Woman?

    When Leo told her the real reason why Jordan dared not to touch racing cars, she felt so sorry. Jordan was so kind that he could not forget it. He really liked racing cars and immediately returned to the United States when he heard of the news that there would be apetition in New York. Still, he dared not to face it because of guilt and could only choose to be sad by himself while facing the deste circuit.

    If Jordan didn''t like racing cars, Irish would not charge for it. But she could obviously feel his love for racing cars, and she needed to use some unique method to let him have the right view on this matter.

    Leoughed at Jordan''s words and asked, "Why did you say she does this to tter your brother?"

    "She is only my brother''s mistress and wants to marry him," Jordan said unhappily.

    Leo felt unsatisfied with his answer, "Listen. It''s your brother''s luck to marry her. Do not think that she is unworthy. Actually, I can be with her if she breaks up with your brother."

    Jordan frowned, "So you like a bad woman?"

    "I think you will also like herter." Leoughed again and released his hands.

    Jordan pushed him away and sat down suddenly. He stared at Irish and said harshly, "I hate you!"

    "Thank you. Many people love me, so I will have no time to deal with your tantrums." Irish wasn''t angry but smiled.

    "You..." Jordan pointed at her and tried his best to say, "Arrogant!"

    Irish stood up and walked forward, "Do not say too much. Will you go or not? Don''t want to or dare not to? Just express it directly!"

    "No," Joseph said directly.

    "Dare not?"

    "I don''t want to!" He said it word by word.

    Irish turned to look at Leo, who acted to be helpless. She thought about it for a while and asked again, "You mean you don''t like racing cars?"

    "That''s right."

    "So why do youe back to New York?"

    Jordan didn''t answer her.

    "The logo on your bag is the G4 team. If you don''t like racing cars, why do you keep them?"

    "None of your business!"

    "The other day, I received a piece of news that the G4 team doesn''t change except you, but one team member''s racing car was destroyed and sent to the junkyard. So that''s why you appeared there that day? Am I right?" Irish asked at a not-quick or slow speed.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Jordan gritted his teeth tightly, and after a while, he said word by word, "Irish, I''ve told you it''s none of your business."

    "Jordan, you just gave up your dream easily. Does your coach know that?" She smiled lightly.

    Jordan got annoyed immediately and shouted, "Do not mention my coach! You are not allowed to do that!"

    Irish shrugged, seeming to smile or not.

    Later, Leo told her that Jordan''s coach was from the Nethends and had a bushy mustache. He was also a professional racing car driver who won many international awards and valued Jordan''s talents. He taught Jordan how to control various racing cars and how to win at the quickest speed.

    G4 was what Jordan''s coach was devoted to, so he broke the rule to let Jordan join the team. What surprised him was that Jordan showed excellent performance in the firstpetition and made all the team members admire him. In consecutivepetitions, Jordan''s performance nearly reached that of the best performer in the world.

    But the most outstanding one would always be attacked by others. In onepetition, one technical personnel of G4 who was actually the spy of another team did something unbeneficial deliberately, resulting in G4''s terrible loss. Thispetition was the one that G4 got the most investment in, so the investor was so angry that G4 lost its patronage and good fame in the field.

    To save G4, Jordan went driving racing cars illegally and secretly. The so-called illegal racing carpetition was hosted by some secret organizations between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m. These organizations were initiated personally with the aim of gambling and benefits. There were not many institutions or rules, and only victory was the final aim, no matter what means were used. Naturally, there was no protection byw if any idents urred.

    But it could bring great earnings. And if one won, all the money as a bet would be in the winner''s pocket.

    The more people came to watch thispetition, the more bets there would be.

    And finally, his coach knew it and reproached him. In his coach''s view, only thepetition that was open and with standardized institutions could be called a racing carpetition. Their hands could only hold the prize and get the open bonus, instead of driving different racing cars regardless of the institutions and without a lifetime guarantee.

    However, Jordan didn''t regard him as wrong. He thought that as long as there was money, their team could be saved, and they could still stand on the world stage without patronage.

    He went to the secret circuit again, and everybody cheered for him when he appeared. He was nearly a star there. But he forgot that there was nothing stable, especially for gambling. Winning and losing urred alternately. He was so strong that many envied him. That night his coach also came there to stop him, so the catastrophe came.

    Some drivers blocked Jordan''s car and attacked him. He was nearly hit to death, and his coach lost his two legs to protect him.

    Since then, Jordan quit G4 and never drove again.

    Irish asked Leo what happenedter and how Jordan was saved.

    Leo just told her calmly that Joseph dealt with it smoothly.

    Irish was surprised at it and asked how he made it. Leo didn''t know, either. He only knew that if Joseph didn''t show up, Jordan must have been hit to death by others.

    Irish sighed as she heard of it. Then, seeing Jordan''s excited face, she just smiled, "It seems I overdid it. Okay, everyone has his taboo. It''s normal not to face it." And then she looked at Leo and said, "Treat him to a wonderful dinner. He might have been afraid of these racing cars now."

    Jordan stared at her back, gripping his hands and taking a tough breath. Then, he shouted at her back suddenly, "Irish, are you entitled to state that I ran away from reality? How about you? Aren''t you the same?"

 Chapter 537 537: What A Strange Theory

    Irish stopped. Turning her head.

    "What do you mean?" She asked.

    Jordan stared at her, coldly humming, "You watched your boyfriend fall to death from the mountain, so you never dare to climb again, isn''t it?"

    Irish froze, and sweat quickly crawled down her back.

    Leo, standing beside her, quickly went forward to pull him, "All right, let these unhappy things go, and let''s go to dinner. Today is my treat." The two of them were abnormal today, peeling at each other''s wounds, and to be honest, he suddenly had a headache on these matters.

    However, Jordan threw away Leo''s hand. He looked like a boy who finally got an advantage in the situation. When he saw Irish''s face change, his eyes were full of malice. "Why don''t you talk? Aren''t you feeling good? The renowned psychiatrist is suddenly afraid."

    "Jordan��stop it!" Leo saw Irish''s face turn pale, and he hurriedly yelled at him in a low voice.

    Jordan sneered back, "Am I wrong? Is there a sentence that doesn''t force others to do what you don''t want to do? She has her own problems. Why bother me?" Perhaps he was so gloating that he uttered the logical words.

    Leo was about to open his mouth, but Irish stepped forward in a light tone, "What do you think I can do to get qualified to care for you?"

    "Unless you can convince yourself to climb again." Jordan slightly raised his eyebrow, raising his lips.

    Irish quietly looked at him, "That is to say, as long as I dare to rock climb, you dare to go racing cars, right?"

    Jordan suddenly pursed his lips, and after a long time, he nodded with great determination, "Yes."

    "Well, that''s the deal." Irish gripped her fingers.

    "Whoever repents is the dog!" Jordan also pledged to it.

    Leo looked helplessly at the two, who were like two angry children.

    ****

    It was another bright and sunny day.

    During the video conversation between Irish and Joseph, Leo kept shaking goosebumps besides, because it was too sour for Irish''s coquettishness to Joseph. When he saw Irish kissing Joseph on the screen of her mobile phone, Leo could not help but poke his head and say, "Your woman is hanging out with me now."

    Then his head was pushed to the side by Irish.

    On the phone screen, Joseph frowned, "Why are you with him?"

    "There is something important that needs his cooperation." Irishughed very beautifully, and her softness was too much, and she said, "Honey, rest assured, I promise to protect myself from the hands of other men. My body and heart are yours."

    Leo looked at her with a wide grin and shook his head after strong goosebumps crept across his skin.

    But Joseph over there enjoyed and extended his brows, "Contacting less with him is better."

    "Yes." Sheughed like a rose.

    Daisy came forward to announce that it was time for the meeting, hastily said hello to Irish, and added, "Thanks to your phone call, all our colleagues get a short rest for more than ten minutes."<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irishined, "Joseph, you have to be more considerate to your subordinates, especially female ones. You see Daisy, and her dark circles havee out so poor."

    "Good," Joseph replied softly.

    Finally, he added, "Give the mobile phone to Leo."

    Irish followed.

    Leozily looked at Joseph, "Don''t tell me not to touch your woman because I can take advantage of her anytime and anywhere."

    Irish red at him and shouted, "Don''t listen to him."

    As Leo reached out his hand to block her mouth, she opened her mouth swiftly, biting his thumb, and the pain made him cry. Joseph smiled lightly over there, "I want to tell you not to think about my woman; checking ounts at the end of the annual year has started. So if you don''t want tog behind on the Runestone Group too long, you should be working hard by now."

    "Joseph, if I robbed your woman away, even if you were much better than me at the end of the year, I would have a psychological bnce."

    Joseph smiled deeper. "Oh? Then try it."

    After the end of the call, Leo was so angry, "How dare you underestimate me?"

    Irish looked at him sympathetically and sighed, "You''re not even a rival in Joseph''s eyes."

    "Or I should rape you." He discussed it seriously with her.

    Irish thought and nodded heavily. "That''s fine, anyway, you just want to find some pride. I can cooperate with you and be forced to give my life to you, but you have to apany me through this day."

    As she spoke, Irish put on her climbing shoes and yed with her seat belt.

    Leo looked at her, alert, "What do you mean?"

    "You''re afraid of heights. You may ovee it if you climb once."

    "What a strange theory." Leo screamed, hoping to be away from her, "We both agreed when we came here. I''ll go with you, but don''t make me climb!"

    "It''s just a climbing wall. What are you afraid of? It''s not a rock climbing field. You''re just between a few meters to climb up and down. It can''t kill you." Irish was not polite.

    Leo waved his hand, "No, I won''t climb it. I wouldn''t have done it at all!".

    From that day when pledging with Jordan, Irish could not live in peace. But Leo was also worried because she was mad when she returned to the car on that day and said to him, "I think I''ll have to get over the climbing phobia, and we can correct your fear of heights too."

    It was such a remark that he was so frightened that he wanted to hide when he saw her.

    But he could not avoid her. She dragged him into the indoor rock climbing hall, and he was afraid that she forced him to climb. They made a gentleman''s agreement in the car, but she still reneged.

    After hearing his words, Irish sat down in dismay and looked up at the climbers who were not far away from climbing the wall, her eyes darkened.

    Leo saw the situation and did not hide. Instead, he stepped forward and sat beside her without the appearance of a smiling face. He followed her eyes and looked, then he said in a serious tone, "When I first knew you were Captain of climbers, I was thinking, what would this girl look like in a mountaineering suit in the air, and now look at the people on the rock climbing wall. Irish, I think you must be a lot braver than them."

 Chapter 538 538: What Are They?

    Irish retracted her eyes and smiled bitterly, ying with the powder bag, "What is the use? At least I don''t have the courage to put magnesium powder in it. "

    "It''s magnesium powder." Leo soothed the atmosphere, reached out, and pulled, "There are so many disorderly tools that I can''t name them."

    "Indoor climbing tools don''t need much, but the outdoors has many." Irish smiled lightly.

    "Really? I thought it was the same."

    "These are just personal equipment, security belts,nding gear, safety cables, sling, climbing shoes, magnesium powder, and safety helmets. But in outdoor climbing, you need the most professional climbing equipment because you can only rely on yourself in the event of danger outside, and the tools are important." Irish blurted out casually.

    "What are they?" Leo smiled at her.

    Irish licked her lips, "The main 11mm rope for rock climbing, the cables and ropes connecting the protection points, the rock hammers of all kinds of rock cones and cones fixed to the rock walls, and the rock wedges that act the same as the rock cones. If necessary, we must also prepare the hanging tents and, of course, for such necessary materials as cooking utensils, stoves, Swiss army knives, lighters, lighting, and so on."

    "A hanging tent?" Leo was surprised.

    "Of course." Irish solemnly nodded, "Do you think you can conquer a peak in a day? It''s impossible, sometimes, when the weather is bad, or it''s impossible to climb or descend, so hanging tents is important because you need to spend the night on a rock wall."

    Leo swallowed his saliva, and the thought raised all his hair.

    "You spent the night on the rock wall?"

    "This is the most normal thing to do." Referring to her past rock climbing life, Irish smiled. "My longest record was to spend seven days and seven nights on the rock wall because the tools were in trouble, and I had to stay where I was waiting for help."

    Leo was frightened upon hearing that.

    Irish picked up the safe iron lock on the side, and the bright eyes became dim, "The iron lock is essential. Adam identally fell because of the rupture of the iron lock at that time."

    "So you dare not face rock climbing anymore."

    Irish nodded and took a deep breath, "It''s really cruel to be able to unravel the scars of the past. I can understand Jordan''s mood, but I want him to face reality positively, just as I''m trying to convince myself to climb once." Unfortunately, she could not ovee it, and her heart trembled every time she grasped the rope.

    Pulling her up, Leo said, "Today, I''ll go rock climbing with you."

    She stopped, looked at him, and smiled, "In fact, pulling you here is just a psychological constion. You are afraid of heights, and if you can climb, then I will be alright, right? But I know that if you do climb, I''m afraid it will make you more afraid of heights."

    Leo looked at her deeply and felt at once that he was useless.

    ****

    Just as Irish kept trying to convince herself to face climbing again, time went silently, and it was Thursday, the day she went to work in the Runestone Group.<novelnext></novelnext>

    As soon as she entered, it was apparent that something was wrong with her, and she was surprised that the strange eyes and fingers pointing at her were direct, which was not in the same way as they had been before.

    She knocked at the door as she passed the administrative department and entered the office. When she saw a group of girls around aputer, she could not help asking, "What are you looking at so lively?"

    "Of course, it''s big news! I didn''t expect you to be so passionate. And Mr. Dover is so sexy, and Doctor..."

    With thest three words of astonishment, the girls all stared at Irish, then in horror, then in embarrassment, and the next moment they ran away like scattered birds.

    On theputer screen were sexy pictures on the bed, which were on the front page and headlines of major portals and gossip magazines.

    The male and female characters in the photos were clearly visible.

    The man was Joseph.

    The woman was Irish.

    ****

    The Lake family again became the focus of gossip, thanks to the mboyant and exciting pictures.

    Joseph and Irish''s caresses and love on the bed had be a topic that the Inte enjoyed discussing. So those brilliant photos were packaged and sent out in a nned manner and then were quickly reproduced and downloaded byizens. The click rate of thework alone made it well known to all, not to mention the entertaining gossip press and magazines.

    Of course, the scale of the action of the two people in the photo was not exaggerated. Most of them are pictures of Joseph and Irish kissing on the bed. The thin nket simply covered the naked body of the two. The reason why it exploded was that it triggered a frenzy.

    It was a picture that gave people enough imagination.

    In the photo, Joseph, whose handsome cheek is buried deep in Irish''s breasts, and his big hand covered one, his mouth covered with arge part of the other. His sturdy body was slightly erect, and his waist was covered only by an angle of the nket.

    The light was excellent.

    It outlined Joseph''s strong body, whose fine, tan skin, strong shoulders, smooth and clear back, and arm texture lines, and each muscle sprayed with male strength and contour.

    Irish beneath him, whose long, ck hair was like the fine glossing silk, and her thin red face tilted back so her beautiful corbone extended to the shoulder. Her upper body was hunched up like a crescent moon in the sky.

    She closed her eyes, her frowning seemed to show her pain and joy, and her pink cherry lips were open, one hand clutching the sheets subconsciously and the other trying to hold Joseph''s strong shoulders.

    Rather than saying it aroused public interest, it was the most ambiguous material that had attracted the public''s attention.

    Although Joseph overran Irish''s chest, her towering radian of breasts was dimly visible in the photos, which led manyizens to specte on her cup size. The final conclusion was that heroes like Joseph would give up everything for his beauty. So it was not difficult to imagine that Irish was really tender and her body was excellent.

 Chapter 539 539: If I Know Who Did It, I’ll Kill Him

    However, what aroused more reverie amongizens was the question of what he was doing while taking pictures, which was of the greatest concern to the public.

    Tens of thousands of "professional analysts" popped up at once, most of whom came to the unanimous conclusion that the two were working under the nket.

    How did they see that?

    ording to some analysis of the picture of Joseph''s muscle hyperactivity and his emotional side of the face, he was doing that.

    Some people also denied the argument, as mentioned above, thinking that Joseph was just entering. The reason for this analysis was that Irish, whose expression was painful and happy, and her open lip shape should show that she was struggling to bear the invasion of a force, and it must be sudden, which she had expected.

    Some joked that Joseph''s posture could tell his weapon must be big and gave the most professional visual distance analysis ever made.

    Once these analyses wereunched, they triggered a flood of admiration. Some people called Irish wanton while they envied and hated her luck.

    Of course, there were even worse things to hear. For example, many anonymous users directly entertained themselves with their imaginations of the enchanting figure of Irish or even asked obscene words, "Doctor Irish, how about spending a night with me?"

    And the media following the trend was rtively systematic, whichprehensively interpreted the rtionship of the Lake. Not only did they hype the marriage between Joseph and Ruby, but they also focused on the understanding that Joseph and Irish were the rtionships between the brother-inw and his sister-inw. Then they pulled Britney White in, so Ruby, Irish Lake, Britney White, and Joseph, three women and one man dominated the headlines.

    The hands of the media always dug deep, and Irish, the sister-inw of Joseph, began to be reduced to be a focus, followed by the next step to dig deep into the history of Henry Lake.

    Avoiding and not responding to any media problems was always Lake''s attitude toward the media.

    So the media also learned that. As soon as the incident came to light, their eyes were fixed on the female protagonist Irish, who was like a fly around her, intending to adopt the policy of "getting a goal in a roundabout way." And they used the title of Henry Lake''s "illegitimate daughter."

    It was marked with time, and it was the time that pushed Irishpletely into the moral lond because the photo had been taken just before Joseph and Ruby broke up.

    With her head drooping, on the sofa, and holding a pillow tight, she looked pale and thin, her pointed chin resting on the pillow, and her eyes zed away.

    She still couldn''t remember how she came out from the Runestone, and when it hit her eyes, she was amazed and then frightened, and that feeling solidified and surrounded her.

    She did not have the strength to refute the criticisms, nor did she have the energy to care about the nces of her colleagues. The only thing she felt was chills and agony.

    She could not remember why Professor Tim had called her to the office. In short, she would not go to the Linkus again these two days because many reporters were in front of them.

    Just vaguely remembering that when she came out of the office, Cheska, who hade to deliver the documents, said to her in disdain, "Dr. Irish, you don''t have to be so anxious to roll in the bed with your brother-inw without waiting for him to be single again. Is it good to have an affair?

    At that moment, she could not retort because she finally understood that even if Joseph and Ruby had rified their rtionship, and even if they imed to be in a fake marriage, everyone would still think she was Joseph''s sister-inw.<novelnext></novelnext>

    She became a trapped beast and could not escape this strange circle.

    The thick curtains concealed the light outside the window, and nothing was left of insight rather than darkness.

    The living room was shrouded in silence, and the breath was audible.

    And the sound of Cassie''s striking theputer keyboard made the living room quieter.

    After a long time, Cassie sighed, saying, "These people would like to start to search you, see, your graduate school and the college you studied abroad have been found, and your student ID."

    She sat against Irish, holding herptop in her arms and frowning at the end of her speech.

    Irish''s eyes looked like a rusty spring, drier, looking at theputer. When she saw one of the dirty messages, she became pale, breathed quickly, and rushed into the bathroom.

    Cassie put theputer on the sofa, shuffling slippers, and ran into the bathroom.

    Irish almost spits out her bile. She didn''t eat much and vomited all the sour water in her stomach.

    Cassie naturally felt hurt but was not afraid of dirtiness. She came up to tap her back and extracted some tissue to wipe her mouth. Irish finally emptied her stomach, and then she poured a mouthwash into Irish.

    Mia stood in front of the bathroom, anxious. Finally, Cassie called Mia to pour a cup of tea for Irish to drink.

    Five minutester, Irish leaned against the wall and sat down, lifting her hand powerlessly, trying to pull up the long, scattered hair, but she did not seed several times. Seeing that, Cassie took the hair sp, quickly helping her tie her long hair, and said with indignation, "These men have big fucking mouths. If I know who did it, I''ll kill him!"

    Irish felt her lips numb and could not speak a word.

    Cassie helped her sit back on the sofa and sighed. She knew that when Irish met with extreme panic, it would lead to vomiting. She had this problem because when Irish was a child, she fell off a tree and began to vomit with fright, ording to Mary. Cassie had asked about her. She did not remember but admitted that she had this problem.

    So Cassie knew that at this moment, Irish was afraid to the extreme.

    After a long time, Irish said a few words in a hoarse voice, powerless, "There are reporters downstairs?"

    Cassie went to the window and slightly opened the thick curtains, taking a look, and she said with anger. "Do the media not need a rest or to eat? So long it has been, and they are still waiting!"

 Chapter 540 540: Don’t Look At The Internet

    And Irish did not speak again and buried her face deep in the pillow.

    Mia brought the tea and said timidly, "Doctor Irish, you haven''t eaten in a day, and drinking some tea can also replenish your strength."

    Irish did not move.

    Mia rubbed her hands and added an awkward sentence, "Then...Let me make you some soup. "

    The living room fell into silence again.

    Until Irish broke the silence again, "Cassie, don''t dy your work. You need not be with me, go and do your business."

    "You can''t get out of the door, and how can I leave you alone at home? Don''t worry, and I''m on leave from thepany. I''ll apany you." Cassie brought the tea to her. "Look at you, and you are a psychologist. At this time, you should y with them. How can they knock you down?"

    Irish shook her head gently, pushed aside the tea, sighed heavily, and clutched the pillow again, "I''ve never experienced this before."

    Her words were understated, but Cassie had to grieve. Yes, Irish was a psychiatrist, but that was her profession, and it did not mean that she should exist like a saint. She was not a star and did not live on the daily gossip experience. To put it bluntly, Irish was an ordinary woman. When all the gossip and abuse, flirting were pointed at her, she would be confused, afraid, and even escape as she was at that time.

    Irish became a helpless child. At least in Cassie''s eyes.

    Seeing her ordinary undaunted state change, the whole person, like an experimental mouse that wanted to curl up in a slit on the ground. She naturally felt heartache and was slightly angry. She gnashed her teeth and said, "How can there be a camera hidden in your house?"

    She still hung her head, did not respond to Cassie''s request and did not refute and correct her opinion. However, she knew that the reason why the photo leaked out was not that the camera had been stolen but because of their selfie that night in Hong Kong after Joseph had seized the camera.

    It was an act of frolicking between the two, and it was not intended to be the sword that attacked her and him that day.

    Irish was no stranger to the exposed photos, each of which came from the camera, and she searched the home camera for the first time. The camera was still there, and the photos were still there, so it was obvious that someone had sneaked into the house and copied the picture from the camera.

    Because of this, Irish suddenly understood why the burry made the house turn upside down that day. The burr''s original purpose was to find evidence between her and Joseph, and the loss of money was just a cover-up to hide the real purpose.

    The phone rang. It was Cassie''s phone.

    She took a look and hesitated, and dropped it.

    The cell phone ring tone made Irish have a little reaction. She looked at Cassie with worrisome eyes, "Is it not the media pestering you?"

    The power of thework search was extremely terrible. On the other hand, those people were everywhere and wouldpletely dig up people, so it was normal to find Cassie.

    Cassie shook her head. "It was Fredrick. He would probably ask about you. I''m afraid you''re not feeling well."

    "It''s all right. You can call him in case he wants something from you." Irish felt sweet, and it was always nice to have someonepany at this time.

    She had to admit that she had been a deserter. She pulled the telephone cord off thendline, turned off her cell phone, locked the door, and even closed the curtains. The door was knocked on several times, with Leo''s voice, uncle and aunt''s, Lilith''s, and even Jordan''s.

    She automatically shielded herself and turned a blind eye.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Cassie reached out for a long strand of hair falling in front of her forehead and whispered, "No, I''ll pull through when he calls me back."

    Irish quietly buried her head into the pillow, dull, breathing with asphyxiation.

    After a while, the phone rang again. Irish heard the sound of Cassie getting up. She put through the phone, but soon again, she heard Cassie back. She touched her arm and hesitated slightly, "Irish, someone is looking for you."

    Irish looked up and reacted for a while. Cassie mouthed. It was Joseph.

    The string in her heart suddenly broke, and all the numbness and indifference fell apart instantly. Irish seized the mobile phone in the next second, clenched it tightly in her hand as if she had finally caught someone to save her, and opened her mouth, but she could not utter a sound.

    But after hearing that man''s familiar and deep voice, her tears fell out of control.

    His first sentence was, "Isabel, don''t be afraid. I will return to New York soon."

    Irish''s voice, as if stuck in her throat, could not make a sound, but her tears, like broken beads, kept falling down. She was like a child who had been wronged and finally saw her man.

    Cassie beside her looked at her sympathetically, sighed, and handed over a few tissues.

    Irish epted it and desperately pressed her eyes, but not long after, the tissue was wet with her tears.

    "Don''t cry. Listen." Joseph''s voice sounded heavy and suppressive.

    "I..." It was not easy, but Irish finally made some voice, and it fluttered out of the trembling red lips through the radio waves into the man''s ear.

    "I don''t cry, really." She suppressed her desire to cry, took a deep breath, but said it in a strange voice.

    On the other side, Joseph was silent for a few seconds, then sighed, "Silly woman."

    Those words made Irish cry.

    "I''m really fine." She grabbed the napkin and squeezed her nose. "Don''t dy your work."

    "The work is over. Isabel, listen to me, remember, don''t do anything until I return. Stay at home, and I''ll deal with everything." Joseph was sorry for her.

    "All right." There was a lump in Irish''s throat.

    "Don''t look at the Inte, those news reports, anyway, just wait until I get back, okay?" Joseph earnestly urged.

    "Okay."

    "I''ll ask Jordan toe over and get you some more food."

    "No, Cassie''s here. She bought a lot of things." Irish tightly clutched her pillows.

 Chapter 541 541: It’s Too Much

    Joseph there seemed to be relieved, "Good."

    "Joseph," Irish called him.

    "What?"

    "Will you really be back soon?" Irish asked as if she were a frightened child, biting his lower lip hard in tears.

    "Yes." There was no hesitation, no doubt.

    She smiled with tears.

    The sky in Venice was rather somber.

    At the end of the phone, Joseph stood in front of the window at the end of the corridor. His angled face shed by the dim light of the sky, he seemed calm, but deep in his pupil was billowing.

    The strong arms stood on the edge of the window, and the veins popped from the back of the hand.

    Soon, clear heels sound raised behind, followed by Daisy''s voice, "Mr. Dover, it''s time for the meeting."

    Joseph did not respond.

    Daisy did not continue to urge him, carefully standing behind and waiting.

    After a long time, Joseph opened his tone, determined, "I want the fastest flight home."

    Daisy was taken aback and was quick to react and said, "I have already taken care of the domestic affairs. The relevant media have started to handle it. You can''t leave now. The Project Director of HSBC is still waiting for you. You have to...."

    "Get me a flight home right away!" Joseph suddenly turned around to interrupt Daisy, whose attitude was intolerant, forced, and rough.

    Daisy was startled by his appearance. His face was extremely terrible, especially the eyes, cold and grumpy. He rarely showed such an expression, and she could see that he was furious, so she did it immediately.

    Joseph stood there, his hands tightly clenched, his thin lips were almost drawn into a line, and his disdainful chin was taut.

    When he found out about this, he wanted to go back immediately. However, when he heard Irish''s crying voice on the phone and kept it from him, he decided that no matter how important the job was, he would give up. His heart was broken when Irish asked him helplessly on the phone whether he was reallying back. There was never a woman in the world who made him keep thinking about her. Even if it was thousands of miles away, when she was in pain, he followed to feel the pain, and she cried, then his world copsed.

    In New York, curtains shaded the light. In the room, Irish''s mood was a lot better.

    Because of Joseph''s phone call, his promise ofing back soon seemed like a shot of cardiac stimnt at her, as if all helplessness had disappeared.

    Even though Irish wanted to be strong enough to tell him not toe back, all the media would haunt her like bees had seen honey. However, these words in the mouth were repeated back and forth, and finally, she spits out only that sentence, "will you reallye back soon?"

    She was powerless, unable to face such heavy exposure, and could only hide behind Joseph, pushing him to the edge of danger. Was she too timid? Or selfish?

    However, she was sure that she would face Joseph. She was not afraid as long as he was around, no matter how big the waves were.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Cassie saw Irish, and though she cried in tears after she finished talking, she felt slightly relieved.

    After sitting beside her, she sighed, "I see, Joseph is really your nemesis."

    Irish sniffed, and the whole person leaned against Cassie. A long timeter, she said, "When I was just answering the phone, am I quite humiliated?"

    Cassie nodded her head.

    Irish buried her face in her arms, "But I want to cry when I hear his voice."

    "So it only tells you that you chose hoes before bros." Cassie caressed her head, her tone a little helpless. "As a friend, I can''t get your reaction after doing everything. Joseph just made a phone call, bringing you back to life."

    "He said he''d be right back." Irish pillowed on Cassie''s leg and said softly. Cassie looked at Irish''s attached side face, then she understood. Her affection for Joseph had been deep to the bone, and she did not know whether this was a good or bad thing.

    Just thinking about it, she saw the sudden change in her face, and the whole person suddenly sat up.

    She scared Cassie to a jump, "Irish?"

    Irish was silent, but her eyes were fixed on theputer screen, her pale face was almost twisted and deformed, and her eyes were burning like a me in full bloom.

    Cassie was frightened by her appearance and looked at it.

    The post was not closed, so it would always show thetest report content.

    A piece of news bounced out, and the followingments had already been made.

    However, it was Shirley''s tant provocation through the media with the posture of a member of the victim''s family, denouncing Irish and Joseph''s sexy photo and saying that Ruby''s admitting to the outsiders that they were in a fake marriage was a helpless action. In fact, the rtionship between them made Ruby have to divorce and to cover the ugly fact, Joseph fabricated the statement of the fake marriage.

    She pointed out all the me for the shameful behavior of Irish''s involvement in their marriage and Joseph''s vile act, which resulted in the victim character of her daughter.

    Not to mention the facial expression of Irish was terrible, even Cassie was angry, snapping the notebookputer and quickly getting up. Then she yelled angrily, "Shirley is too much! Isn''t it too cruel of her to hit the person when he is down?"

    Irish''s fingers were almost broken, her fingernails deep in her palm, and the pain crept down the skin into her heart. Her lips were shaking, her face was pale like ayer of white paste, and anger ran all the way to her brain, buzzing,

    "I think she probably did it!" Cassie trembled with anger, "Irish, this matter must be investigated. Don''t let go of anyone who is involved in this matter. It''s too much!"

    Just after the voice, only to hear a "bang," it was the sound of smashing.

    The two looked for the sound.

    But seeing Mia stranded in the drawing room entrance with a pale face. She identally dropped the soup bowl, which fell to the ground.

    "What''s the matter? Watch out!" Cassie was angry, seeing that, she was more unhappy.

 Chapter 542 542: Today, I’ll Show Her Who I Am

    Mia repeatedly apologized, scrambled to clean up the mess, returned to the kitchen to prepare a bowl of soup and fruits, carefully walked to Irish, and then put the dishes on the coffee table one by one.

    "It must have been premeditated." Irish agreed with Cassie, frowning tightly and gnashing her teeth.

    Cassie was about to open her mouth when he saw Mia knelt on the ground, and they were startled.

    "Doctor. Irish, you should scold me." Mia cried, her fingers trembling.

    Irish was stunned, "You��."

    "The house was stolen that day. Actually, I knew it for a long time." Mia was crying.

    "Make your words clear." Irish felt an ominous foreboding, staring at Mia, whose voice turned cold.

    Mia raised her hand, wiped a handful of tears, and told her the story.

    As it turned out, Shirley knew from nowhere that Mia was their nanny and hade to her one day, preparing arge sum of money for her and telling her to improve her life. She did not want her to be a nanny all her life. In fact, she was buying and using her. Her condition was simple: to take ambiguous photos or videos of Joseph and Irish when they didn''t notice. As long as she took these things to her, Shirley promised that Mia''s life would be without worries.

    At first, Mia refused. She worked as a nanny for many years and knew nothing about business-rted things. So she did not know Shirley, nor did she know what was going on. She didn''t even know what her background to Joseph was. The woman who suddenly came to the door iming to be Mrs. Lake did not make her take the woman seriously.

    Mia had germinated the idea of resignation and thought of the future life, so she dialed Shirley, who had left her phone number. After meeting with her, Mia confessed that she had not taken any photos and had no video in her hand but could give her a set of keys to the suite. As for the evidence, she would find it after entering the room.

    Shirley agreed at the time, and when she got the key, she gave Mia arge sum of money, and a burry case soon after took ce.

    "Dr. Irish, please, believe me, I''m really seduced," Mia said the above words and immediately exined.

    After a long time, Irish gazed at Mia and asked, "Why did you have the idea of resigning?" Perhaps the reason for her resignation was the important reason she chose to stand with Shirley.

    Mia hesitated to look at Cassie and then looked at Irish again, then she lowered her head and wept, "Because I have always admired you and your husband and thought you were a natural couple, I thought you were either lovers or couples because you both looked so good that there was no doubt at all until the young man, Mr. Jordan, he had told you that even if his brother divorced, he couldn''t marry you. After listening to these words, I realized that you were the third person."

    "Who are you talking about?" Cassie yelled unhappily, "Those two people have not married, why were they not allowed?"

    "I didn''t know the truth untilter, but it was toote. The pictures and everything came to light. Dr. Irish..." Mia came forward to hold on to the sleeve of Irish and said, "My wages are all given by Mr. Dover. I really didn''t want to betray you, but at first, I really thought you were a bad woman who destroyed a family. I thought about resigning, and I was sad, but I had to live after that, so I took the wrong step."

    "Why haven''t you gone?" Irish''s were sad.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Mia cried and shook her head, "I knew I was wrong after I knew the truth. I always wanted to find a chance to confess to you, but I didn''t dare. I was afraid." Then she suddenly got up and rushed out of the living room, and came back a momentter, again kneeling on the ground with a big bag in her arms and putting it before Irish, "This is all the money that the woman gave me, and I didn''t spend any here," she said, "Doctor Irish, I beg you, please forgive me, okay? I''m really wrong."

    Irish looked down at it and then at the open bag. It was full of green shadows.

    Cassie stretched out her hand to open the bag and sneered, "It''s really a big deal."

    Mia sobbed.

    Irish remained silent for a moment, looked at Mia, and asked, "Are you telling the truth?"

    Mia hastened to vow, "If I tell a lie, let me go out and be hit by a car and killed by thunder!"

    Cassie saw the situation and looked at Irish, "Call the police."

    Irish''s teeth ttered, her face darkened, and her eyes almost zing. Cassie looked at her in fear. As soon as she wanted to talk to her, Irish stood up and said, "Today, I''ll show her who I am."

    At the end of the speech, she grabbed the car keys and rushed out of the door. It happened so fast that Cassie was caught by surprise, and when she reacted, it was toote. She was startled to see two people standing at the door, who were in the same surprise.

    "Where''s Irish?" Leo, who had been staying at the gate, at first reacted and grabbed Cassie.

    He nearly broke Cassie''s wrist, and she frowned with pain. "She''s probably going to Lake''s house."

    "Why?" The other was Mary, who was stunned by the words.

    Cassie didn''t answer, seeing Leo change his face, and rushed to the elevator without saying anything.

    Mary felt ominous and rushed to run to the elevator with Cassie.

    The speed of Irish was so fast that she had probably driven her red Jeep to the speed point where God could get it because when Leo drove with Mary and Cassie to get to the Lake''s house, Irish and Shirley had already quarreled!

    Henry was not at home, probably because of the incident of sexy photos that had already involved the Runestone Group. However, the matters in thepany made him unable to separate himself, so he did not think at all that when he was faced with problems at thepany, the fire in his home was already flourishing.

    William was also not at home; since his scandal was discovered, he was like being defeated. He rarely went to thepany, went home, and often stayed in the coffee shop, thinking nothing.

 Chapter 543 543: Stop Right Now!

    The atmosphere of the Lake home had been bad, oppressive, and dreary these days.

    So Irish''s rush to the door undoubtedly added a lot of noise, at least, she and Shirley''s voices almost raised the roof.

    Ruby, Roy, and Lilith did not know how to persuade them. After persuading this one, the other began, and they could only look at each other in the end. However, Kelly had a lot of suspicions while watching with excitement. When the two quarreled, she did not interrupt, always ying with the tea set.

    Shirley saw that the outsider broke into the house and put on the hostess''s airs, yelling at Irish, "You find helpers? You want the whole family to be there for you after you''ve done such a humiliating thing, don''t you?"

    "If there must be a person losing face, it must be you! Shirley, who is shabby? First, you bought out Mia, then ran to my house and turned things over. You still don''t feel guilty and pretend to be innocent in front of your son and daughter?"

    "I''ve just told you that I certainly bought Mia out, but I didn''t go to your house to rummage!" Shirley was so angry that she said, "Whether you believe it or not!"

    "You didn''t go through anything? What are you doing with my key?" Irish retorted.

    "I take your keys and steal your things? So funny! I think you are too ostentatious and being hated!" Shirley sneered, "bitch! And you dare toe to my house and shout here? Are you ashamed now? Why didn''t you consider it when you first seduced your brother-inw?"

    Irish just wanted to counterattack, but hearing Mary''s angry roar, "Shirley, you son of a bitch! Do you have a face to scold others? I must tear up your mouth!"

    Following a shaking of the floor, Mary''s round body rushed like a barrel, and with a few quick steps, she approached Shirley. Shirley didn''t expect her to rush over. She didn''t react immediately, and Mary pulled her hair.

    "Who let you out of the bathroom without cleaning your ass? Shirley, I''ve been so angry for so many years. First, you bullied Rachel, then now you still want to bully Irish? Do you think we have no family members? It wasn''t enough to teach youst time, right? So today, I''ll give you a good lesson, you shameless bitch!" Mary''s big fat hand wed at Shirley''s hair like a bear''s paw and then snapped her, which made Shirley''s face red at once.

    Shirley naturally also grabbed Mary''s hair and began to curse back.

    For a moment, the scene was a mess. Roy and Leo rushed forward and nned to pull one separately at a time.

    However, the two women had a strong heart to fight against each other. The two big men did not pull them apart at their full strength; instead, their faces were wed.

    Cassie also rushed forward, and when her eyes collided with Roy''s, for a moment, she was stupefied, then immediately she tried to stop people from fighting with each other.

    Until Mary could not avoid being pped by Shirley in her face, Irish went mad, and with red eyes, she rushed forward and grabbed Shirley, and she yelled, "Why beat my aunt?"

    Irish''s participation also inspired Ruby. Seeing Irish start, she went up without saying anything and grabbed her across her arm, "Irish, you have no right to do it with my mother either."

    The scene was so hot.

    Mary and Shirley''s fighting with each other was so hard for Leo and Roy to stand up. At ordinary times, Mary felt resentment toward Shirley. She had been holding back the fire in her stomach. Once the fuse detonated, it would naturally not be finished. And since thest time, Shirley made her into the police station, and she went ahead regardless.

    The unfortunate ones were Leo and Roy. Their necks did not escape the two women''s ws, and Leo''s face was almost scratched with sharp ws. Fortunately, he dodged fast enough.<novelnext></novelnext>

    This way, before Mary and Shirley were pulled apart, Irish and Ruby joined the war again. Leo and Roy could not bear it. Sweat appeared on the forehead of the two men, and two big men with the same status were both in trouble for a time.

    But Cassie was easy, too. She went forward to pull them apart and could not avoid Ruby when she had pushed Irish away, and then Irish again looked like the leader of an army to rush forward to death.

    Fortunately, there was Lilith, who immediately rushed forward to cooperate with Cassie one by one.

    The fights were messy, and the men who pulled them apart were mixed up.

    The huge living room was full of roars and hysterical abuse, and the butler and nannies were stunned, and so on responded toe forward to persuade, but they didn''t know how to do it.

    The housekeeper could only rush round and round, using all avable space, saying, "Madam, miss, do not fight."

    Only one person was always quiet, Kelly.

    She sat behind the tea table, ying with the tea set without lifting her eyes. The faint smell of tea floated from the tip of her fingers. Her quietness contrasted most strongly with the disorderly surroundings around her, making her more unkind and indifferent.

    The steward ran over and begged, "You see, you can talk to madam. If Mr. Lake knew about this, he would be angry."

    Kelly''s expression did not change much.

    It seemed that only tea could arouse her interest. After hearing the butler''s words, she slightly raised her eyes and nced at a few people who had turned into a group of people not far away, and said, "In this house, I''ve always had no weight in my speech, so I can''t persuade them."

    The housekeeper stamped his feet in a hurry.

    Just as the atmosphere was anxious, all they could hear was a strong voice, "Stop right now!"

    The voice was authoritative and effectively prevented the chaos.

    Henry came back, standing at the door. The light in the room reflected his grey hair on his head, and the tiredness of his eyebrows and his body made him no longer upright and look so haggard. He frowned at what was happening before him, and seeing their bruised faces suppressed his anger.

    Leo and Roy separately pulled Mary and Shirley apart, while Cassie and Lilith pulled Irish and Ruby. Although the two camps temporarily stopped fighting, the fire was still around them.

    Irish and Ruby were not so badly bruised, but Mary and Shirley looked very difited. Their hair was disheveled. Their cheeks were red and swollen, and their necks were scratched.

    After everything was calm, Henry looked at them. After seeing Mary, the sharp look in her eyes is hidden, revealing an obvious feeling of guilt.

 Chapter 544 544: Don’t Help Her!

    Had it not been for Irish, Mary would not have stepped into the Lake''s house in her life, nor would she have wanted to see Henry, an unfaithful man. After seeing Henry''s expression, she did not say anything, shaking off Leo and darting to Henry.

    "Henry, a man like you, despite managing enterprises, your own family affairs are not well managed, making me wonder how you run such a big enterprise. Are you a man? Today, your own daughter is bullied by the outrageous bitch you brought into your home. Do you charge it? If you are really enchanted by that bitch, tell me, I will not say anything and go with Irish. From then on, she will not have a father like you, and you will not have a daughter like her! You''re sorry about Rachel, but now you can''t protect even her only child. What kind of man are you? What kind of father are you?"

    Henry was probably the most indebted to Irish''s family in this lifetime, so when Mary scolded him, he did not say anything. After she had scolded him, he handed his cane to the housekeeper and went to Shirley step by step. His face grew worse with the pace.

    "Henry, they broke into our house. It was..."

    The sound of a snap came.

    The loud pping shocked everyone.

    Henry raised his hand to Shirley, and a hard pnded on her face, which interrupted her.

    The p was decisive, and one could see that he made it with force.

    Shirley fell to the ground, covering her cheeks and the blood flowing from the corners of her mouth.

    The next second she cried.

    "Henry, I have been with you for most of our lives. Do you have any conscience? Today they rushed to the door to find fault, and you listened to their side of the speech, indiscriminately hitting me?"

    Roy and Ruby saw that, in a state of shock, they quickly came forward to support their mother.

    "Don''t help her! If anyone dares to help, get out of the house," Henry yelled.

    "Dad, why do you have to wait until you know what''s going on before you get angry?"

    Roy was the eldest son, others dared not say this, but he still had this courage.

    Henry raised his hand, his fingers trembling and pointing at Shirley, and looked at Roy, "Do you think I hit your mother because of the fight? Ask her what your mother has done."<novelnext></novelnext>

    Roy was stunned.

    "Don''t listen to the nonsense of outsiders, Henry. What have I done?" Shirley began to argue.

    Henry was so angry and pointed to her, "What have you done? Have you ever done anything on your own? Don''t think I can''t find out the truth! I''m not old enough to be useless! I don''t me you for rejecting Irish before. I know you never regarded her as a family member, instead treating her as a thorn in your flesh. You wish she were dead right away. You''re happy to see that! Why? It is because you''re afraid she went into the Lake family to take the Lake''s property! So you started ying hard this time, right? You are not convinced by the dissolution of the marriage between Joseph and Ruby, so you have been looking for an opportunity to retaliate, waiting for one day to put my daughter dead, right?"

    "How did I kill her? I am the one who is dying now." Shirley wept bitterly.

    "Are you still pretending before me? Who has been looking for someone to follow Irish? Who found out that there was a nanny in Irish''s house and started buying her off? Who gave the nanny a sum of money to find proof to frame Irish? Shirley, don''t think I don''t know what you have done! Eyes staring at the Lake are many, and I can find anyone who can find out your whereabouts! Don''t you have the key to Irish''s house? Where were you the day when Irish''s house got robbed? You''re a good pretentious, I did not expect you, except for being cruel and unreasonable, and you have a habit of stealing! Don''t say you didn''t spread those photos. Don''t you just wait for today? Otherwise, how do you act as a victim in front of the press? Because of your stupid behavior resulting in the Runestone Group''s credibility crisis, I have been busy these days!"

    "Henry." Shirley cried even harder, hammering her chest, "I really didn''t do this."

    "You didn''t do it? Yes, you didn''t do it, you got someone to do it!"

    "I didn''t get anyone to do it, either."

    "You mean I wronged you? Have you ever followed Irish or asked about her nanny? Did you get the keys?"

    Shirley wiped her tears hard and said bluntly, "Yes, I admit I followed Irish. I admit I bought the nanny out and got the keys. My first thought when I got the keys was to go to her house for evidence, but I swear it was in my head. I didn''t do anything about it. I lost the key. When did I lose it? I don''t even know! I''ve nothing to do with the theft of her house. I''ve never been to her house at all! As for the photo, it''s nothing to do with me. How did I get the picture when I didn''t even go into her house? What about me in front of the media? Henry, did you give your daughter the same concern? I can''t afford the in leaf, so you gave the leaf more property than the leaflet, yes, I am not happy, I am depressed, but what can I do? Do I disturb you every day? Didn''t I just listen to your decision? Ruby is my daughter, and how easy for Joseph to say that they have a fake marriage. Would I just let it go? Even if it is a fake marriage, in the end, the lost party is Ruby. Joseph does it well that at first, he dissolved the marriage rtionship with Ruby and then flirted with his own sister-inw openly. About this kind of matter, everyone would say something about that, not to mention I am Ruby''s mother. Now there''s a picture exposed, and that''s God who feels pity for Ruby. What if the two of them were doing the right thing, and then could we see those pictures? The two of them have been together for a long time! It is not fair to my daughter, Ruby! Why can''t I take a stand in front of the press? The two of them put their happiness in the pain of Ruby, and I will not let them feel happy!"

    Thest sentence was almost hysterical.

    Henry listened to it in his ears and saw it in his eyes. The anger in his eyes calmed down a lot after she had said this, but they were colder. Finally, after a long time, he nodded and uttered heavily, "Well, I can see it today," he said, "as long as you stay one more day at my house, then it won''t be peaceful anymore. Butler!"

    The housekeeper trembled forward.

    "Inform mywyer Johnson and ask him to prepare a divorce agreement immediately." Henry pointed to Shirley, saying, "I want this vicious woman not to take anything and get out of my house."

 Chapter 545 545: What A Joke!

    Henry''s decision stunned everyone present, including Kelly, who had been quietly making tea. She looked up at their side, slightly surprised, then rose up and opened lightly, "Lilith, go back to your room."

    Lilith was very reluctant but still had to listen to her mother back to the room.

    Roy went to Henry and lowered his voice, "Dad, you can''t do this. I can see that my mother didn''t do this. Have you not known her for so many years? She has always been saying but did nothing. Even if she was dissatisfied with it, she onlyined about it, and she could not do it with courage."

    "Has she done little things over the years? I''m fed up, your mother has repeatedly challenged my patience with foolish behavior. Even if your mother does not expose the photo, she indirectly made it! Even if she''s being used, it''s because she''s always been hostile to Irish!"

    "Dad, Mom, has been at the Lake for so many years, and she works hard. Besides, this incident started because of me. Please don''t drive away, Mom. If you drive her away, how do you live?" With tears in her eyes, Ruby went forward to beg for mercy.

    "You don''t have to talk for her!" Henry angrily yelled, "Who continues persuading, along with this woman, leave my house!"

    "How could you be so unconscionable? Who am I working for all these years? I even gave you two children, right? How can you be so cruel?" Shirley began to cry, "Did I say something wrong? Am I wrong to ask justice for my daughter? You stand everywhere for Irish, and do you think of Ruby? You''ve seen Joseph and Irish getting together, and have you cared about that? You''re not a good father at all! It is you who connived at Joseph''s swing between your two daughters. Henry, do you still think you have no responsibility at all about the Lake today?"

    "Shut up!"

    "No!" With red eyes, Shirley, like a crazy woman, looked at Irish, raising her hand to point at her, looking at Henry, "How can you not doubt your daughter? This woman did anything to get back at the Lake''s. Why don''t you ask her if she forgave you? If it weren''t for her, could we have so many things in our house? Before she returned home, we were calm and peaceful! In order to retaliate against the Lake''s, she did anything to seduce her brother-inw. What else could she not do? The photos did not only affect her but also affected the whole family. This was her purpose. She had to drag the whole family to die with her. Her purpose is to make the Lake family uneasy, that is to say, let us leave here!"

    "Mom, you''re done." Roy was helpless in persuasion.

    "At this point, what else would I dare not say? Henry, you touch your heart to ask yourself, for so many years, are you good to me? It''s me who''s watching over you! Yes, you feel sorry for Rachel, even in your heart, you are resentful, but in front of love, which woman is not, I admit, I ruined you and Rachel''s rtionship, but I dare to p my chest to say that because I have feelings for you. What about your daughter Irish? Her approach to the family had only one purpose, and it was revenge! To get back to me! She gets together with Joseph and wants him to divorce my daughter, and it is just to get back at me. Do you think she''s really in love with him? If she has such integrity, can she not live in Joseph''s house? Henry, you don''t even know, Irish now lives in a house that Joseph left to his younger brother!"

    Mary was startled, and so were Cassie and Irish. Only Leo looked calm as if he had known this matter.

    Henry had no expression on his face and could not tell if he had just known about it or had already known it. After Shirley''s hysteria was over, he looked at the housekeeper and said, "Take her back to her room, and before the divorce agreement is drawn up, don''t allow her to step out of the door!"

    "I will not divorce you! I will not allow the divorce even if I die!" Shirley cried.

    The butler''s face was embarrassed, and immediately, Henry roared. "Don''t you hear me?"

    Helpless, the butler had to assist Shirley, and Shirley refused to get up, so the butler had to give a hint to other nannies.

    Then several people came up to pull Shirley.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Ruby was anxious. She stepped forward, "Dad..."

    Only when she called out, she stopped by Roy, who motioned her not to pour oil on the fire. Although Ruby was worried, she also had to give up, thinking of another opportunity to persuade Henry.

    Shirley was brought back to her room. Ruby felt sorry for her mother and went upstairs. Roy sighed heavily, nced at his father, nced at Cassie again, and finally went upstairs to apany Shirley in silence.

    The war ended in Henry''s coldness.

    Only Mary and others were an embarrassment.

    "Let''s go, aunt." Irish helped Mary with a face of chagrin. Of course, she did not feel pity for Shirley. Mary''s face was red and swollen, which made her feel more painful than being hit on her body. She was bad, and she should not pull her aunt into the battlefield. Although Mary was still angry, looking at Irish''s terrible appearance, she nodded, turning to go.

    "Isabel." Behind was the voice of Henry, tired and powerless.

    Irish''s steps stopped, and she didn''t turn around, but her lips pressed tightly.

    "I hear the media have found your ce. Stay with me, so they can''t get in or harass you." Henry''s tone was rxed, and he was in a state of entreaties.

    Mary sniffed at the remark and said, "What a joke! You got the Great Wall on your doorstep? Is Irish homeless? Stay with you? What did you do in the early years?"

    "Stop, aunt. Let''s go." Irish gently pulled Mary''s sleeve. Her body and mind were haggard.

    "Irish, even if you don''t want to stay, you must listen to your father." Henry''s eyes were full of anxiety. "This is a disaster caused by Joseph. Listen to me. Please don''te into contact with him anymore in this period. It''s just a girl who suffers from this kind of thing."

    Irish finally turned her back with calm eyes, "Will there be anything worse than this? Mr. Lake, thank you for your concern. I never bother you to worry about my affairs."

    At the end of her speech, she pulled Mary and left.

    Leo sighed, slightly nodded at Henry, and then left.

    Henry stood alone in the same ce, and his eyes were lonely, and soon, his frowning became more tighter, and his body shook slightly. Finally, the butler saw him and hurried forward to help him, shouting hurriedly at the other people, "Bring here Mr. Lake''s medicine quickly."

 Chapter 546 546: It’s Cold Here

    Irish still went back to the house near Midtown Manhattan, and though Mary was reluctant, she still allowed her to stay there. Seeing Cassie had been scratched because of the messy fight, Irish forced her to go home after they came out of the hospital. Cassie was not at ease. Irish said she wanted to be alone and stay quiet, so Cassie had to let her live peacefully.

    Leo became the man protecting the flower, painstakingly evading the media and sending her all the way home.

    Before bidding her farewell, Irish looked into Leo''s eyes and asked, "Did you know from the beginning that the house was Joseph''s?"

    Leo''s eyes were a little dodging, which was caught by Irish, saying, "Do not avoid my question."

    He heaved a deep sigh and nodded.

    Irish''s heart was a bit suffocated, so she didn''t continue to ask but said lightly, "I see."

    Leo was a little worried, afraid she would cause more trouble. He dared not leave for a moment, but Irish told him lightly that she was fine and pushed him away.

    Mia was also sent away by Irish, and she wept when she settled her sry. Irish said that she would not be held responsible for what had happened. Irish was left alone in the huge duplex.

    Not knowing how long it was, in short, when everything was quiet, time had be an ornament.

    She slept and woke up as if the meaning of life was nothing but fleeting. She didn''t even eat.

    Once she woke up, a splitting headache crept into her senses, like being pushed into a cloud, and her body was like a dry rag that could be blown away by a gust of wind.

    She drank a few mouthfuls of water and was toozy to see if the reporters were standing downstairs and would never get up again when she fell on the sofa.

    There was a knock at the door in a trance.

    Irish''s brain and body seemed to be separated from each other, unable to open the door because she was too tired or in a state of nightmares.

    In short, the knock on the door had been for so long that she didn''t know when it wouldst.

    Many dreams, messy and broken, and people were in session, whom she knew, and she did not. She also dreamed of the little boy in the long alley, themplight fell on his little stubborn shoulder, and she could not see his face.

    When Irish woke up again, a gentle big hand caressed her.

    Slender fingers, slightly rough palms, with a familiar wood fragrance.

    She opened her eyes, colliding with the man''s deep pupil above her head.

    Seeing her gently trembling eyshes, the man lowered his head painfully, kissed her on the forehead, and said, "Silly woman, how can you sleep in the living room all night? It''s cold here."

    Irish gazed at Joseph''s cheeks, his eyes as dark as midnight but with an obvious feeling, and the trace of the lines remained between his brow. He looked a little tired, and she seemed to feel that he was busy on the journey.

    "Joseph?" Irish thought it was still in the dream and gently asked.

    Joseph stared at her with a soft smile at the corner of his mouth, his fingers gently clung to her pale face, and his cheek pressed down against her, "Isabel, I''m back."

    ****

    There was light sunlight pouring into Irish''s eyes, and her eyes under the fluttering eyshes were confused, seemingly as innocent as elk, so quietly ncing at the suddenly appeared man. Soon, all the uneasiness, fear, bewilderment, and even impatience in her heart became grievances.

    Her eyes flushed.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Next second, Joseph tightened his arms around her waist and pulled her in.

    She hugged him tightly, her pale face buried deep in his chest. The man''s familiar gentle breath and strong chest suddenly made Irish feel safe, and her tears flowed down her eyes, gradually soaking Joseph''s shirt.

    Irish cried silently. Joseph softlyforted her as if coaxing a lost child to find the right road.

    His big hands caressed her back, patiently waiting for her emotional stability.

    He knew she was afraid.

    When he took the car keys from the driver at the airport, he rushed all the way here. He found the media everywhere, so he couldn''t drive into the underground parking lot though he had a fixed parking space, because he didn''t live here all the year-round. He had to go through some formalities to get into the underground, fearing he might have been there for a long time. The media was spinning around.

    As a result, the car could only be parked on the ground.

    He bypassed the garden and entered the corridor through the backdoor, thus avoiding the media.

    Just a few minutes of the journey, Joseph would be more painful and pitiful for Irish.

    It was hard to imagine how his woman would face those almost cannibalistic eyes.

    Opening the door into the living room, the small figure curled up on the sofa, which made Joseph''s heart sink. He put his briefcase and coat aside and sat down, painfully gazing at the petite figure on the sofa.

    She lost a lot of weight.

    Wearing only a pure white sleeping skirt, lying sideways in the corner of the sofa, holding a pillow in her arms, her forehead nted against the sofa. Her long hair seemed to absorb all the nutrients of her body, and it was strangely dark, scattered on the edge of the sofa, shining like ck silk in the room''s soft light.

    But it increasingly highlighted Irish''s thin, small, pale face.

    She slept so restlessly, with tiny sweat on her forehead, and her pretty brow frowned from time to time.

    Joseph raised his hand and gently smoothed her brow. For a moment, he was deeply chagrined. He never thought the asional indulgence would bring her such disaster.

    So at this moment, as Irish trembled in his arms, it seemed like a knife cutting his heart little by little.

    Joseph would rather she burst into tears than cry so silently that he could not bear it.

    After a long period, Irish was able to calm down.

    Joseph pulled the napkin beside her and gently wiped the tears on her cheeks. Her eyes were swollen like a little rabbit, and he bowed his head and kissed her eyebrow, whispering, "I''m sorry."

    Irish shook her head gently and nestled in his bosom, greedily absorbing his breath, "I am the one who should say I''m sorry," she said, "I was the one who started taking pictures."

    She was not unaware of the weariness of his face.

    The most convenient transit from Venice to New York was at least 12 hours. When he was abroad, he would not receive domestic news too quickly, so he only heard it when he spoke to her.

    After the call, he hastily put down his phone and almost rushed to the airport.

 Chapter 547 547: I Know I Made A Mistake

    Irish admitted that she was selfish. At this time, knowing how tired he was, she was very happy to see him because she couldn''t bear such a big storm alone. She thought that as long as she could endure it, she just needed to wait quietly for the news to pass.

    But she could not remain calm.

    After hearing her words, Joseph was more suffocated and whispered, "Now, don''t think about anything."

    Irish looked at him and nodded.

    "If you''re tired, you can sleep a little longer." He uttered gently.

    Irish hugged him again, shook her head gently, and sighed, "You''vee back, and I won''t sleep anymore."

    "Fool." Joseph also hugged her.

    Joseph''s return gave her more support. Although she usually walked alone, she experienced all sorts of things, and her proud wings began to degenerate after she met Joseph. It was not until she cast away all the eyes that she found she could not fly.

    She only wanted to rely on Joseph''s breath to breathe and his temperature to survive, from the birds flying in the sky to Cuscutae Chinensis. Without him, life would be dried up.

    Although Irish did not want to admit it, she had to say that Joseph''s return had finally brought her down to take a good meal.

    Joseph''s words were not much, and he also did not mention the photo matter, like returning from a business trip as usual.

    In addition to tidying up the refrigerator and rummaging through a pile of wilting vegetables, Irish stood in front of the kitchen, barefoot, and watched as he threw a pile of vegetables in the trash can with some shame on her face.

    "Put on your shoes and return here." Joseph washed his hands and whispered.

    She obediently followed, put on her shoes, and returned to the kitchen.

    "Wasting is a shameful act, as your family and your teacher have told you." Joseph had the tendency of elders to reprimand the younger generation.

    Irish leaned against the doorframe and looked at him. "I see."

    Joseph stopped talking, searching the fridge for leftover ingredients and thinking about what to do after putting them on the board.

    He was shrouded in arge beam of light, which was like gold on his hair, each reflecting the light of animal fur. The most delightful visual feast was the handsome side face, the high nose, the thin lips, and the stylish chin.

    At once, Irish felt that the room was getting brighter and warmer.

    He looked at the ingredients with a slight frown between his eyebrows, Irish couldn''t remove her eyes away from him.

    Irish felt that her heart had never been so satisfied.

    She could not help but reach out and put her arms around him, her face against his broad back like a slug.

    Joseph took an egg in silence, and a long timeter, he said, "Eat well whatever it is."

    "Okay." She nodded on his back in a muted voice.

    Joseph began to beat eggs skillfully, allowing her to stick to his back, whispering. "Just eat something simple."

    "All Right."

    Not knowing which meal she was eating, anyway, it was delicious as long as he prepared it.

    Joseph did not eat much because the exhaustion during his trip back to New York did make him lose some appetite, so he only took a little soup.

    When she finished as well, Irish looked up at him and whispered, "I fired Mia."

    "Why?" Joseph raised his face, asking.

    Irish told Joseph as to why she kicked out Mia.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Joseph kept silent and did not interrupt her narrative. He was a man who listened more rather than talked. After hearing the reason, he smiled faintly, "So you can''t help going to the Lake''s house?"

    "You know about it?" Irish was surprised.

    "I haven''t known about it, but I guess ording to your personality, you should do that." Joseph downyed.

    Irish''s fork stopped midway, and she sighed heavily.

    ? Joseph saw the situation, and he smiled slightly, "Just eat, I don''t me you."

    Irish raised her eyes and saw that he didn''t look angry. She could not help but add anotherment, "Shirley is too bully."

    "But you can''t get your aunt and Cassie involved." He finally blurted out his opinion.

    "I didn''t expect my aunt and Leo to be waiting at the door." But, she exined, "I know I made a mistake. I''m sorry. Cassie''s arm was scratched, and she was hurt too."

    "The injury is nothing, how to face Shirley in the future is more important." Joseph suddenly said these words.

    "What do you mean?" Irish was startled.

    "Roy has not given up on Cassie yet."

    Irish was more surprised, "But Cassie will get married soon."

    Joseph looked at her, "So what?"

    "What do you mean, so what? Fredrick and her marriage is a matter of certainty. Roy can''t ruin their wedding if he is not happy."

    Seeing that she was anxious, Joseph reached for her hand and gently clenched it, "Don''t worry, it''s just my personal perspective. Eat quickly so we can leave here."

    Apparently, he did not want to continue the topic of Roy and Cassie, which he was not originally interested in. And Irish also really was caught by his sudden topic shift.

    "Where?"

    "Let''s go back to Long Ind." Joseph said straightforwardly, "just pack up a few clothes after dinner and buy what you need."

    "Why should I go to Long Ind?"

    "You will not be harassed by the media, and it will be easy to travel when you live there." Irish was silent, with her head down.

    Seeing that she was in a bad mood, Joseph asked, "What''s the matter?"

    "I know your house is safe, whether it''s in Long Ind or the one I live in now," she said in a vague voiceter, biting her lips and bowing her head.

    At this moment, it was Joseph''s turn to be surprised.

    Irish put down her fork, stood up, and walked out of the dining room.

    Joseph saw that, whose eyes were tight, and got up to follow her without saying anything.

    In the cloakroom on the second floor, Irish was packing their clothes, silent.

    Joseph stood at the door and looked at her for a minute or two. He could not help but walk up to her, pull her over, and nce at her, "You know the truth?"

    Her eyes, parallel to the button of his shirt, moved up a little andnded on his sexy throat, and she did not look into his eyes and nodded softly, "This is the only good thing Shirley has told me."

    Joseph understood and sighed, "I didn''t mean to hide it from you. In fact, I didn''t know you would live in my house."

    "But...you should tell me the truth," murmured Irish.

 Chapter 548 548: Just Take A Few

    "I''m sorry." In addition to repeated apologies, Joseph could not recall more conducive words to defuse the atmosphere.

    Irish gently pushed him aside, sat quietly on the sofa, sped her legs, and pressed her chin against her knees. Joseph saw that, sighed, walked forward, and sat by her side.

    Reaching out and stroking her head. She turned her head away from his big hand.

    Joseph''s hand stopped in midair, hesitated for a moment, then directly reached out and pulled her, forced to take her face, sincerely said, "Isabel, I didn''t mean to hide you the truth. The house was entrusted to Jasmine to take care of, and I did not know who she rented until the first time I sent you back that I learned you stay here. You have such strong self-esteem, how dare I tell you I''m thendlord? Then you resigned, and I didn''t want to tell you the truth anymore because I thought I wouldn''t be afraid to find you if you lived in my house. Remember thest time I suggested you move to Long Ind? You told me you wanted to be independent and free. I didn''t force you or tell you that the house is mine for fear that you will not feel free and have a burden on your mind."

    Irish bit her lips, "Can you keep this from me forever?"

    "Isabel." Joseph slightly entuated, whose eyebrow was serious, "This is not a big deal."

    "Who says it''s not a big deal? Do you think I was you? Do you know how hard it is for me to make money?"

    Joseph froze.

    Irish was angry to lift her hand and stretched out her finger to poke him in the chest, "I wouldn''t have paid the rent if I had known this house was yours! I don''t have to give out that big sum of money every quarter! Do you know how much money I''ve lost since I lived in this house?"

    Joseph''s expression was astounded.

    He thought she would say something bad, me him for not telling her the truth, and would run away from home in anger. Unexpectedly, she would say these words to his surprise!

    "Isabel." He was a little embarrassed and reached out to squeeze her face, "When is it, and your head is full of money? How can there be a woman like you?"

    "Don''t touch me. I''m so angry." Irish drove away his hand, and gnashed her teeth, "What I hate most in my life is the ck sheep!"

    Seeing that her charges were getting bigger and bigger, Joseph exined, "Don''t worry, your rent is all in the card. I haven''t moved a cent. Jasmine''s going abroad is a fake, and not charging you rent is the real thing."

    He thought that after he had said these words, Irish would be moved to tears and would even send him a few kisses. Unexpectedly, her face was almost inted to the point of deformation, and a small white tooth had the tendency of biting his throat.

    "I mean, if I had known that the house belonged to you, how good would it be if I lived with you? It would be better to rent the house to someone else than let me live here! I live here in vain, renting this unit to an outsider to make money is much better, Joseph, you idiot!"

    Thest sentence was spoken out of her teeth.

    Joseph really choked.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish quickly got up, and Joseph grabbed her, "Where are you going?" He could not read her mind now.

    "Of course, to Long Ind!" Irish picked him up and pushed him in front of the suitcase. "Hurry up and help me pack my clothes. Don''t waste a minute. Do you know what the rent of the house in this district looked like when I passed by the gate of the agency a few days ago? Like this duplex it could be rented for at least 3000$ a month, how much money do we lose?"

    Joseph was speechless and couldn''tugh, "So you agreed to move in with me?"

    "A fool makes no money." Irish quickly took off almost all the clothes on the hangers and threw them all into the suitcase, "if Jordan lived here, it would be a world for both of us," she said, "If he doesn''t live here, you''ll rent out the house. 3000$ a month, bro."

    Of course, she did not forget what Shirley had said, and the house was left to Jordan. It was also an important excuse to hide her guilt. Jordan would have lived here long ago if she had not taken over the house.

    "Okay." Joseph only felt that she was flying around in front of him like a white butterfly. He couldn''t hold her. He had to say that she was a magical woman who would always be a steel soldier in front of money, changing her usual decadent state.

    Or maybe she just had too much to eat.

    When she threw another coat into the suitcase, Joseph finally caught her, whispering, "Just take a few."

    "No luggage?"

    "I''ll have someone to bring them for you." Joseph looked at her and said.

    Irish was puzzled.

    When she followed Joseph out of the elevator and tried to bypass the garden through the backdoor path, she finally realized Joseph''s good intentions. However, once faced with a media siege, getting away with the heavy suitcase was tough. They would also give a message in front of the media.

    This "If..." situation finally happened.

    The reporter, whose eyes were so sharp, caught sight of both of them, followed by a crowd of reporters, startled Irish, and widened her eyes.

    She had never met the media face to face. She was lucky when she went to Lake; it was just in time for the reporters to go to dinner. But that day, the reporters were all in high spirits. After seeing the gossip characters, they were more excited. The road ahead was crowded for a time, and they raised the camera.

    Joseph sped Irish to his bosom and covered her with a coat so that there was only one scene of Joseph protecting Irish in the photos taken by reporters.

    With one hand, he sped his arms around Irish, the other hand, he strove away from the reporters and strode forward with difficulty.

 Chapter 549 549: Do You Hate Your Father?

    The questions of the reporters were even more varied.

    "Mr. Dover, what exactly is your rtionship with Miss Irish Lake?"

    "Irish, your return has anything to do with Mr. Dover? Or is it because of Mr. Dover that you entered the Runestone Group?"

    "Yes, Irish, we all know that the Runestone Group has always been cautious and strict on employees. However, you will be able to work in the Runestone Group right after you return home. Is it up to your father or Mr. Dover to make the decision?"

    "Mr. Dover, is Irish your mistress? Have you two been seeing each other before you got divorced?"

    "Was Ruby Lake forced to dere a fake marriage a day ago?"

    "Irish, you are the illegitimate daughter of Henry Lake. Do you hate your father?"

    These questions were like cold arrows thrown at Joseph and Irish without mercy.

    Irish struggled with anger and wanted to yell at the reporters, but Joseph kept his arms tight and kept her protected, her coat tightly wrapped around her head, leaving only a slit to see the ground.

    Then she saw Joseph''s difficult steps, seeing a pair of shoes in front of them.

    Her throat was blocked, and her nose became sour.

    On the contrary, the buzzing voices around her made her unable to hear what everyone was asking. Words such as "mistresses, annihtion, third person involvement, and illegitimate children" would be numb when they hit their ears for a long time. It was true that even if ten thousand arrows were thrown at the heart, they got used to it and didn''t feel anything.

    Facing the difficulties against these journalists, Joseph had always remained silent, at best, he said, "Please make a way."

    He was so calm that Irish felt that she would never learn to control her emotions.

    Suddenly, a sharp voice rose, followed Irish, and she heard something that seemed to be hitting on Joseph''s shoulder, and the voice was not polite.

    "Get out of here! Shameless Adulterers! Don''t influence our harmony here!"

    "Yes, you two get out of here, and don''t let the whole neighborhood be humiliated with you!"

    "Get out!"

    There was a session of things hitting on Joseph''s body.

    Irish tried to reach out her head to see who was so unscrupulous, but Joseph put his strength on her and kept her head buried in his arms, and she was not attacked. But she could feel in the whole process, Joseph protected her with his whole body.

    "Joseph!" She screamed in haste.

    "Shut up," Joseph ordered in a low voice, and the arm pushed the crowd with strength aside.

    Suddenly such a group of households. "Seeking justice" appeared in themunity, distracting the reporters'' attention. Nevertheless, they perhaps knew that Joseph''s silent attitude could not expose any valuable news, so most reporters rushed to those households.<novelnext></novelnext>

    The road ahead was a little better to go, and Irish made efforts to look up; through the seam, she saw those women and men not far away, cold to the extreme. She did not know these people and did not offend them, but why did they treat her like this?

    Only listening to one of the households roar. "They look upright and dress well, but who knows, he betrays his wife outside and keeps a Mistress. The woman is too shabby, knowing that the man still has a wife, and I don''t know how her parents taught her!"

    Irish wanted to rush forward to quarrel with them.

    "Don''t get angry. We''re almost in the parking lot." Joseph pressed his hand on her head.

    The moment she shrunk her head, she caught sight of an aunt who even threw an egg at their side when she was indignant. She was shocked, and the egg fell on Joseph''s back before she could react.

    "Joseph." She eximed.

    "It''s nothing." Joseph put his arms around her for a few steps. Finally, in front of the car, he pushed a few reporters who were still sticking to him, pulled the door, and ordered, "Get in the car."

    Irish hurriedly got into the car and, along the way, saw Joseph blocking the front door, and some messy things were thrown at him. There were eggs, cabbage leaves, and rolling potatoes.

    If he hadn''t stood in front of the door for her, these things would have hit her. At the door, Joseph quickly turned around in the driver''s seat. At the leaving moment, an egg "pped" on the car ss.

    Joseph, his eyes, pressed his lips and stepped on the throttle without saying anything.

    As the car left the danger zone, Joseph turned into a secluded alley, stopped, and closed the engine.

    From getting in the car to now, Irish''s mood had not settled down, and her brain had been thrown into the courtyard of themunity, repeatedly receiving the images of eggs, cabbage, and potatoes on the back of Joseph and the cameras in the hands of those reporters had be tools for killing people. Let her know that, originally, the reporter''s lenses were not used to capture justice.

    Irish was angry.

    Potato!

    Damn it, and she recalled Joseph''s words in the kitchen, "Wasting is a disgraceful act!" No matter how much salt she ate, she thought she didn''t eat as much salt as the aunts in the neighborhood. How could they not even understand the truth when they were old? The size of the potato she had eyeballed was enough for a meal.

    Angry, listening to Joseph speak, "Give a napkin to me."

    "I wish I could turn around and have a good fight with them," she said angrily. She pressed the main box in the direction of his fingers and took the napkin out, swabbing the stains on his shirt.

    "There is no need to waste time with two kinds of people." Joseph lifted his hand and loosened his tie, pulled it out, rolled it up, and threw it on the back seat. "The first was the man who was used, and the other was the man looking for trouble."

    "I never knew there were such idle owners." Irish pulled out a few napkins again, rubbed hard against a corner of his shirt, and gnashed her teeth.

    Joseph calmly answered, "They just, unfortunately, met the two conditions, so it''s no use trying to get angry with them."

    Irish stopped, "who do you suspect?"

    Joseph was silent for a while, and at the bottom of his eyes, an inadvertently dark light skimmed, soon, like a bird lightly leaping over the calm water, causing tiny invisible ripples. Later, he tickled his lips and looked at her, "It looks like you''ve cleared Shirley as a suspect."

 Chapter 550 550: Irish Has To Follow Me

    Irish gripped the tissue, sighed a long timeter, and put the dirty tissue in a small bag.

    "To tell you the truth, I particrly hope that it was what she did this time so that I really have a reason to fight with her. After that, I also thought that Shirley had admitted that she had colluded with Mia to take the key, so there''s no need for her to hide the matter of the picture, isn''t it?"

    "Perhaps, things don''t look as simple as they seem." Joseph was in meditation.

    "What do you mean?"

    Joseph looked at her, smiled faintly, and reached out his hand, "Give me the tissue."

    Well?

    Irish stupefied for a few seconds, obediently handing over the tissue.

    He took over, but the door was opened, and he got out of the car.

    Waiting for his answer, Irish rose and watched him walk to the ss and wipe the stains with tissue.

    Blinking a secondter, Irish pushed the door and got out of the car, "I haven''t finished talking yet."

    "Say what?" Joseph was puzzled.

    The cool winter wind blew, and Irish wrapped up her clothes and came up to him, "You just said it wasn''t that simple, and then what?"

    "No more." Joseph gripped the dirty tissue and yed it down.

    "What?" What was the logic of this man?

    "Hurry up, and it''s too cold." Joseph pushed her, "I''ve already told you that all you have to do now is to keep your ears off the window. Don''t be so curious."

    "But the heroine of the photo is me." She tried to regain the initiative.

    Joseph looked at her, saw her lips white, simply opened the co-pilot''s door, and ordered, "Get in the car."

    She was not reconciled when she couldn''t ask the answer; though she was unwilling, Irish was definitely not prone to self-abuse. The cold wind outside the car deprived her of the courage to ask questions. When she returned to the car, the warm air in the car finally brought her back to her soul.

    She waited in the car for a while but did not see Joseph get in, wondering, rubbing her legs. She looked through the windshield and saw him standing still in front of the car against the sun, his disdainful spine stiffened.

    Irish slightly nted her head, looking towards the back of Joseph. The next moment she also froze.

    At the alley entrance, a car was parked, the door opened, and a man came down from it. With an unusually firm pace, the man hit the ground with a crutch, followed by two bodyguards.

    It was Henry.

    The cold wind blew his hair, the grey hair a little messy, but without losing his authority.

    Irish did not know why he hade, but when she saw Joseph''s tall body stiff, she was also aware of the tension in the air. She inadvertently remembered what Henry had said when she was in the house, and in Henry''s heart, the chief culprit was Joseph.

    The rm bell in her heart, and she felt bad about it.<novelnext></novelnext>

    She quickly opened the door and got off. As soon as she reached Joseph, he frowned and yelled in a low voice, "Go back to the car."

    "No." Irish stopped by his side and replied stubbornly that if something really happened, she would face it with him.

    After hearing the words, Joseph frowned even tighter.

    At this time, Henry arrived two meters away from them. The authoritative eyes fell from Joseph''s face and then Irish, and displeasure quietly spread in his eyes.

    He didn''t say anything to Joseph. He just turned slightly and ordered, "Take Miss. Irish got in the car."

    The bodyguards behind him rushed to the front, facing the direction of Irish.

    Before Irish reacted, her arms were seized by two bodyguards. She was surprised to see Joseph, who had just nned to show off his skills, and Joseph reacted. He crossed an arm, firmly blocking in front of Irish, and the deep voice raised intolerably. "Let go!"

    The voice was cold, like the bleak winter wind on cheeks.

    The bodyguards naturally knew Joseph, listening to his cold yelling, for a time, they dared not move. Seeing that, Henry yelled at them, "Surprised at what? Get her in the car!"

    "Yes, sir." The bodyguards could not attend to so much this time and simply did it strongly.

    The next second, however, Joseph pushed away the bodyguards'' hands, grabbed Irish like a chicken, and followed, his tall body was in front of them.

    The bodyguards were embarrassed, and they could not fight Joseph.

    "Joseph, do you want to rebel?" Henry was angry, crutching heavily on the ground.

    Irish''s heart shivered, not knowing whether it was because of a sudden cold wind or because of the tension of the moment.

    Standing behind Joseph, she could not see him but heard his voice low and firm. "I''m sorry, President, Irish has to follow me."

    Although the wind was cold on her cheeks, she felt that a warm stream of water had melted into her heart, and she knew that it was a bit out of time for her to have this state of mind in this atmosphere suddenly. But she felt very d to hear the words and attitude that Joseph was so sure to take her away.

    However, Henry''s face changed, even became green, and the furrow between the brows deeper, eyes like fire staring at Joseph, unhappy, "If not you, can things be like it is today? Joseph, in my heart, you have always been a steady and measured child, how could you make such a low and unforgivable mistake? There''s a lot of gossip going on right now. Do you think you''re protecting Irish now? You''re hurting her! You''re pushing her into the fire!"

    "I will be responsible for my mistakes, but Irish must not leave." Joseph was calm as usual, and his in tone was immersed in the cold wind, which also seemed to be cool.

    Henry was furious, "If you really for her good, in this period of time, do not meet with her, do not contact her! Wait until it''s over! Don''t you know that the Runestone Group is affected indirectly now?"

    "If the President trusts me, I''ll fix thepany, and I''ll protect Irish," Joseph said resolutely.

    "Can you solve it? What are you gonna do? The best way you can solve this now is to stay away from my daughter!" Henry bit his teeth.

    Joseph stood in the wind, his forehead wide and firm, his eyes as steady as a rock, and when Henry had finished talking, he bowed himself respectfully and said, "I''m sorry."

    Henry could almost be described as "burning in anger," and his whole body shook.

    Irish slightly diverted her eyes from Henry. Somehow, she saw his gray hair, which was standing in the cold wind and shaking, and his heart as if gently scratched by a sharp de, and then some pain spread silently into her heart.

 Chapter 551 551: I’ll Be With Him

    Henry stared at Joseph for a long time. Then, seeing his firm attitude, he looked at Irish, pressed his breath, and whispered, "Isabel, get in the car with father."

    Irish looked at him and shook her head hesitantly.

    Henry also did not rush, "Be obedient to father to get in the car, I promise Joseph''s position in thepany."

    Words startled Irish.

    Joseph frowned.

    After a long time, Irish spoke, "I don''t understand your words."

    "The exposure of the photo is a matter causing a great uproar; someone has to bear the responsibility, right? You go with dad, as long as you don''t get in touch with him, he''s good, and thepany will get over it. But if you want to stay with him, things will get worse and worse, and many unprepared situations will happen in the future. So, what qualifications does he have to sit in the position of general manager of the Runestone Group again?"

    At this moment, Henry''s words were sensible.

    Irish only felt her scalp swishing in the cool wind. Although Henry''s words were cruel and even threatening, she knew everything he said was right.

    If the matter got bigger and bigger, then Joseph''s position in the Runestone Group was indeed at stake. Although he had shares because some previous conditions had already made some shareholders tend to impeach him. Whether the management of the Runestone would reshuffle in this case was unclear. Once Joseph was in the hands of shareholders, he could only give up his position as general manager.

    Henry saw Irish frown heavily, so he took out an electronic password card from his pocket, looking at Irish, "I know you hate stepping into the gate of the Lake house, and you will be very disgusted to live in it. Here''s the password card for the new house. It''s the key to a new house that Dad chose for you this morning. The new house is yours, and the owner of the house is you. No one will kick you out, no one has the right to get rid of you, if you don''t want to see Dad, then get your password card and reset it. This is a very mature upscalemunity, and the environment is good, convenient, take the keys, and live in."

    Irish did not expect that he would say so and stood there for a moment.

    "Listen to me, move out from Joseph''s house and go into the new home, and with that,munity media can not enter." Henry was so serious that he added a sentence at the end, "Do you want to see Joseph in prison?"

    "I..." Irish''s lips trembled.

    Of course, she did not want to see Joseph''s career run into a crisis. He had too much sweat for the Runestone Group to grow this far. To this day, she remembers how he got the diamond mine in South Africa. She was frightened out of her wits after only going through one of those thrilling days. And he traveled to South Africa for many years, met with some kind of risk, and this was the cause that he loved such kind of work, it was the career that he used his life to fight, so she was afraid.

    She was afraid that she would really bring down Joseph.

    The password cardy quietly in Henry''s palm, like a gift wrapped in a delicate gift box, which might be honey or a bomb. Measuring the situation in her head, she went forward and epted the honey, and with Joseph''s arm on her arm, she went away to know it was a bomb.

    Irish was not thinking about how luxurious the new house should be. Looking at the key, she could seem to see Joseph continue to sit in the position of managing director.

    Time, in the cold wind, seemed to solidify.

    It was also like being frozen, leaving only the sound of the cold wind screeching in the ears.

    Then the wind went all the way through the ear holes, Irish felt her whole head as if a sharp object had pierced it, and it was killing her.

    Joseph was unmoved, the cold wind blowing on his cheek, and his dark ck eyes did not have any stripes.

    Irish was silent for a long time, then took a step forward.

    The next second, Joseph extended his long arms in front of her.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish stopped abruptly.

    Henry frowned and suddenly was displeased, yelling, "Joseph!"

    Joseph still blocked Irish, eyes distantly looking at Henry, "Today, no one will take her away." Atst, he turned his face and looked at her. His eyes were very firm, "You can''t do it yourself."

    His voice was not high, like the calm and vast sea, but the waves were dark in his eyes, and the steady power of the man came upon her heavily.

    Irish gazed at him and let him lead her hand toward the car.

    Behind them was Henry''s sound, "Irish, you must consider it well!"

    Irish once again stopped, subconsciously looking up toward Joseph.

    Joseph, however, let go of her hand and went to the co-pilot''s seat. He reached out and opened the door. His eyes fixed on her, saying, "Whenever it is, you won''t leave me, that''s what you always say to me. You must live up to your words, Irish."

    "But..."

    "Eh. Come with me." Joseph''s tone could not be rejected.

    "When I was a child, I didn''t ask for your things, and when I grow up, I still don''t want them," she said as if she had made up her mind, clenching her fingers. "No matter how bad it is, I''ll be with him."

    "Isabel!"

    "You don''t have to talk to me, I won''t go back with you." Irish''s attitude was firm, and she got into the car.

    Joseph''s mouth loosened, closed the door, looked up at Henry, whispered sorry again to him, and then went around to the driver''s seat, opened the door, and got on.

    Henry stood in the cold wind, angry and impatient.

    There was only the smell of vehicle exhaust in the air left before him.

    ****

    Lilith did not turn on the lights when night fell, the whole room was shrouded in darkness, and only theputer screen emitted a pale light.

    Her face was almost on the screen, and several pages had been opened at the same time.

    The content was rted to the Golden Triangle drug trafficking message.

    Unfortunately, all the drug-trafficking news she could find was old news. Without any recent news, she began to check foreign websites, trying to use other methods to get thetest news.

    However, foreign websites did not show too much news rted to her searches. Thetest news she found was mostly from early years or months ago.

    Lilith finally had no way.

 Chapter 552 552: I’m Not Hungry

    Picking up the phone, dialing Jay''s phone number, and it was still shut down.

    Since he went to Thand, there has been no movement at all. Lilith was always waiting for his phone call, even if it was a short message. She tried to call his mobile phone countless times, but he never called back.

    She dialed again today. A monotonous answer came in, "Sorry, The subscriber you dialed is powered off."

    ? Since she and Jay had confirmed their love, Jay had been out of the field, but at least he would contact her during those periods to reassure her, but this time, she had never heard from him.

    Who said that no news was good news?

    Thinking about it, she was beginning to panic.

    How dangerous his mission was, though she had never participated or seen it, but she had seen a lot of it during that time. Recalling some scenes like that when the bullet was flying in the air like a meteor shower, Lilith was afraid that in real life, it would also appear like a "meteor shower," and the bullet would hit Jay''s body.

    Lilith was more afraid, clutching her mobile phone, suddenly got up, grabbed the bag, and rushed out.

    At the corner of the second floor, Kelly went upstairs, saw her hastening over, dressed neatly, and frowned, "It''s time for dinner," she said, "Where are you going?".

    "I''m not hungry. I''ll go out." Lilith hurried downstairs.

    Kelly grabbed her and said seriously, "Now the Lake was in a mess. You should be quiet with me and don''t get into unnecessary trouble again!"

    "Mom, what kind of trouble can I have? I''m really in a hurry, and I really want to lose weight, and I''m not going to eat dinner." Lilith hastened to y coquettish, broke free from Kelly, and ran away.

    Kelly''s face was hopeless, and she shouted behind her back, "Don''te back toote!"

    "Okay," Lilith said, and she had already reached the hallway on the first floor.

    ****

    Irish was brought back to the Long Ind by Joseph.

    The daytime was getting shorter, and soon thest light of the sky was swallowed up by the dark darkness, the temperature fell sharply, the wind rose, and the branches of the courtyard shuddered in the cold wind.

    In this season, especially in the US, there would be cold crows passing by.

    Soaking in a hot bath, Irish rushed here without her pajamas and took Joseph''s shirt. His wide shirt became her short skirt, covering her hips and her long legs bare in the air.

    Wet long hair was on her shoulders, droplets hanging in the tips, and finally, they fell down. The shirt was slightly wet, and she looked sexy and morous.

    At first sight, she saw the crows out of the room window.

    Standing the branch not far.

    If it hadn''t been for the night lights in the yard, she wouldn''t have seen the dark things at all.

    Yes, more than one.

    Standing neatly and quietly on the branches and the eaves farther away.

    Irish didn''t make a fuss about it. She was used to jackdaws when she was a child. At this time of year, jackdaws hovered above the old city and the ces where life was full of vor.<novelnext></novelnext>

    The big tree at her uncle''s door would also be covered with crows.

    Now there were fewer crows and more magpies, just like the decline of a dynasty, even though the species of birds had changed. Irish was looking with relish, and the gate rang. It was the sound of password input.

    She was stunned for a moment and quickly responded. Unfortunately, Jordan came in before she could find the right clothes. Perhaps he had not expected Irish to be at home and apparently had just taken a bath. She wore a man''s shirt all over her body and was stunned for a while.

    Irish was anxious.

    As she did not see Jordan earlier, she thought of returning to her bedroom to get dressed after taking a shower, fearing that he would suddenlye back and see her in embarrassment.

    It was the crows that had caused her to fall into the memory of the past.

    In an awkward atmosphere, Joseph had just finished taking a shower and going out.

    His bare chest was still stained with water, rough lines in the water and light were charming, with a bath towel tied to the waist and a suit in his hand.

    Seeing this, Joseph frowned, whose eyes became harsh. The next second he came forward, and the hands originally holding his own clothes directly threw it to Irish, displeased to say, "Change."

    Irish seems to be pped, clinging to the clothes, and running away.

    When she changed into Joseph''s pajamas, she didn''t think that Joseph and Jordan were already quarreling.

    Looking intently, Jordan had a guitar in his hand, and his neck was red.

    She had seen that guitar, which had been kept in his bedroom.

    Looking at Joseph with a gloomy face and frowning, Irish was appalled. From the exposure of pictures to the threat of Henry in such a bad mess, she could not see Joseph change his face, but at this time, his expression was chilling, how was this?

    She stepped forward carefully and said "Hi" to them.

    Both Joseph and Jordan put their eyes on her at the same time.

    Irish was staring at them, ufortable, drily smiled, and then tried from the sleeve to reach out her hand and said in embarrassment, "Really awkward ah."

    It was not her, but it was Joseph, and Jordan looked awkward.

    Because of Joseph''s tall figure, this set of pajamas in Irish was really exaggerated.

    Her upper body was covered in a blue casual hoody, and the sleeves on her arms almost made her a Michelin cartoon figure. The hoody at the back of the dress was stretched up on her head, and her lower body was in a pair of gray trousers, it was sorge that she could only step out on the legs of her trousers.

    Neither Joseph nor Jordan spoke.

    Irish carefully observed the current situation, finally looking at Jordan and asking, "Are you leaving? Didn''t you juste back?"

    Jordan ignored Irish, took the guitar, and was about to turn to leave.

    But she heard Joseph yell, "If you dare to step out of this door, I will break your legs!"

 Chapter 553 553: Wear This Suit

    The sound was like thunder rumbling, startling Irish.

    She had not seen them argue, but it was the first time he had been so strong and angry.

    Jordan suddenly stopped, whose handsome face was almost deformed. He roared at Joseph, "You are too much! You have no right to interfere with my freedom!"

    "Your so-called freedom is to be drunk all day long? Run to a bar at night and stay up all day? I warn you not to go out with those punks in the future!" Joseph''s attitude was strong and firm.

    Jordan was even more angry when he heard this and ran to Joseph, "What punks? They are my friends. Those are my buddies! Do you understand? I''m not like you, in your eyes, interests measure everything! But my buddies are different, and they don''t care whose brother I am and how powerful my brother is! You don''t understand at all because you don''t care about friendship! There is only money and profit in your world! You don''t know about friendship at all! Oh, and you think you understand love, don''t you? Your definition of love is having your picture and this bad woman flying worldwide? You want the whole world to know how she pleased you in bed?"

    At the end of his speech, Joseph lifted his hand and pped him on the cheek.

    At once, his face flushed, and the corners of his mouth bled.

    Irish screamed alongside him. She quickly grabbed Joseph''s arm and said, "What are you doing? He''s your brother. How can you hit him?"

    Jordan raised his hand to cover his face, fixed his eyes on Joseph, and his eyes were slightly red, pressing his lips tightly.

    ? Joseph''s cheeks were still cold, and the whole man was horribly harsh. Looking at Jordan, he ordered, "Put your guitar back, make dinner ready, and go back to your room after dinner and read. From this day on, if I ever know you''re going to a bar again, don''t me me for disturbing your so-called buddies."

    Jordan''s breath suddenly became sharp, gnashing his teeth.

    "Don''t try to challenge my patience, you know me, I will really do it." Joseph''s tone returned to its usual tone, but the sense of authority remained repressive.

    After hearing this, Irish hurriedly said, "I''ll make dinner, Joseph, don''t tell a child to do this��."

    "You don''t have to be hypocritical!" Jordan vented all his anger on Irish, throwing the guitar onto the sofa, "Troublemaker! If you can''t manage your own photos, you can''t also manage the freedom of others!"

    After yelling in anger, he entered the kitchen angrily.

    Irish looked at Jordan''s fading back, sighed, turned her head to Joseph, and pulled up his big hand that hit Jordan, "You hit him, don''t you hurt yourself?"

    Joseph kept quiet.

    "You can''t talk about it?" Irish shook her head, "You really don''t know how to be a good brother. He''s grown up."

    Joseph drew back his hand and lightly said, "Even you want to quarrel with me too?"

    "I''m not arguing with you. You look so scary in anger that I''m finding it like trouble." Irish raised her hand to smooth his brows and softly said.

    As time went by, she knew that Joseph was such a person. It was clearly for the good of the other side. He had to make things so stiff. Instead of exining, he only asked the other party to do what he wanted. Such a character would always give rise to misunderstandings.

    But Irish could also understand Joseph''s mood.<novelnext></novelnext>

    The eldest brother was like a father. And Joseph, who had a strong sense of responsibility, naturally would not let Jordan do bad things, so here came the problems.

    After all, Joseph was a mature man, and even if he were angry, he would not affect others, let alone the other side was Irish. The harshness of his eyes retreated, and the corners of his mouth softened, he looked up and down at her, sighed, and patted her on the head, "I''ll bring your pajamas tomorrow."

    Irish nodded.

    "Until then, wear this suit," Joseph added a sentence.

    Irish looked down and looked up again, "But it was really awkward."

    Joseph smiled faintly, stretched out his hand to pull her over, and pressed his face to say a sentence in her ear, "You can take it all off on the bed."

    Irish flushed and red at him.

    "Don''t I really have to go to the kitchen to help?" After a long time, Irish asked, she still had a lingering fear.

    Joseph returned to a serious position, admonishing her, "There''s something to remind you."

    "What''s the matter?" Irish said. "Don''t spoil Jordan. If I am not at home during the day, he will do everything he can to beg you, but you can''t let him out, and he must read books at home."

    Irish froze but shook her headter, "It''s hard to be your brother."

    ****

    The couple had just finished eating when Lilith found Mary was at home. Mary was tidying up the dishes, listening to the doorbell ring, she opened the door, and when she took a look, she froze, not expecting it was Lilith.

    "Aunt." Lilith knew she was in a hurry. She was empty-handed and felt awkward for a while.

    Steven heard the movement from the kitchen and went out. Seeing it was Lilith, he was also slightly surprised but quickly greeted, "The girl hase home, don''t let her stand at the door. Come in."

    Even if Mary was reluctant, but still invited Lilith in.

    "Uncle and aunt, I''m sorry, I didn''t bring anything." Lilith knew that Mary was not satisfied with her and remembered the scene of her fighting in the Lake house.

    "No, there''s everything in the house," Steven mentioned.

    Mary only then spoke, "Sit down, and I''ll cut you some fruit." Her face had dissipated, but there were still a few bloody lines around her neck. When Steven learned about her going to the Lake''s house to fight, he ordered her not to go out of the house in anger and wait until she was well enough. That would be the time she could go out.

    "Auntie, don''t bother." Lilith hurriedly said, "In fact, I came today to ask about Jay''s situation."

    Mary slightly frowned, "Jay? Don''t you know that he''s been out of the country on duty?" As a matter of fact, she had no opinion about Lilith, mainly because she had a prejudice against Lake. In addition, on the day of the fight, Lilith''s mother was highly suspected of watching a y, so she was more dissatisfied.

 Chapter 554 554: Just Wait For Him

    She dared not say more because Mary''s attitude was not good.

    Steven came forward to break the awkward situation, "Lilith, you don''t have to worry, I think in a period of time, he wille back."

    "But his cell phone has been out of power, and I''m worried about him." Lilith looked at Steven with anxiety in her eyes.

    Steven quickly exined, "It seems that this time the task is heavy. There have been so many times before, like this, it should be that he was not convenient to open his phone."

    "I''m afraid he was in danger," Lilith said, biting her lips tightly.

    Mary listened and shouted at the top of his voice. "What do you mean? You don''t want my son to be fine, do you?"

    "No, aunt, you misunderstand me. I don''t mean anything else. I''m just too worried about Jay." Lilith was frightened to exin.

    Steven pulled Mary and stopped her in a low voice, "What are you doing? It''s only your voice loud, isn''t it?"

    Mary shoved Steven''s hand and sat on the sofa, silent.

    "I''m sorry, uncle. I really didn''t mean that." Lilith was about to cry.

    "I know, it''s alright. Don''t worry about it," Stevenforted her, "Jay usually does this when he''s on a big mission. Just wait for him."

    Lilith gently nodded.

    Mary, on the sofa, could not help but throw out a sentence, "You are ady of a rich family, how have you experienced these? Without that psychological quality, as soon as possible, break up with Jay. You are not matched."

    Lilith was extremely embarrassed, and her face was red and then went pale.

    "Alright, just say a few words." Steven ground his teeth while looking at his wife.

    After Lilith left, Mary angrily shouted at Steven, "Your head was squeezed by the door? You were against their rtionship before. Now, what''s going on? Being so nice. What, are you going to agree with them?"

    Steven held his breath, calmly saying to Mary, "The girl came to us, worried about our son''s safety. You can''t y a poker face again, can you? You should be happy if someone cares about our son. You can''t p a man who''s smiling, can you?"

    Mary gave a cold hum, "I see, but let me remind you, there''s no good thing about the Lake''s house!" She got up and went into the kitchen in displeasure.

    Steven could not help but shake his head.

    ****

    Irish finally got a good night''s sleep.

    She had a dream all night, but the nightmare was like a dog running away because of Joseph''s embrace.

    The next day, Joseph got up early, as always.

    Through the turquoise sky, he could see that it was a clear day.

    Irish woke up after his bath andid in bed, holding his pillow, gazingzily at Joseph, who had just walked out of the bathroom, and greeted him with a good morning.

    Joseph kissed her forehead and began telling her not to surf the Inte, not to read boring reports, not to think about those photos, and to watch Jordan read books at home.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish noddedzily, then wrapped her arms around his neck with a slightly expectant tone, "Do you have to go to thepany today?" She feared that he would be in a disadvantageous situation. Yesterday''s event will ignite shareholders'' anger acting like cannibalism, devouring Joseph alive. Another disturbing thought was that Joseph had taken her away yesterday in tant defiance of Henry''s orders. Henry might be the first not to let him go.

    Seeing her worry, Joseph gently smiled, "We should always face them stronger. There''s no good hiding at home the whole day!"

    "Well. Call me if something happens."

    Joseph''s lips were lifted, "I told you, don''t worry about that."

    Irish remained silent for a while and sighed, "All right."

    "Your task is simple, to watch that boy."

    Irish nodded.

    After Joseph left, she fell asleep again. When she opened her eyes again, the sky was already bright.

    She took the clothes she had worn yesterday, put them on, and stepped on her pajamas to the window when the curtains opened automatically, the light sunburst in.

    Irishfortably stretched out, facing the bright winter sunshine, and her bright cheeks could be called porcin, which was almost transparently bright in sunlight.

    In the bathroom, it still remained the fragrance of the usual bath liquid breath, light, full of male vor.

    She also used his bath liquid, and she liked the haunting smell as if he was gently hugging her.

    After washing, Irish went into the living room.

    The living room was very quiet, the sunlight illuminating the huge space, and in the air, tiny floating dust floated, showing here to be more warm and tranquil.

    Irish was hungry, leisurely into the kitchen and simply heated the breakfast.

    When everything was ready, ncing at the wall clock, she recalled, how could she haven''t seen Jordan? Irish thought about it and turned to his bedroom.

    Jordan''s habit of sleeping at night without locking the door was something Irish had known, but for the first time ever, she had swaggered into his bedroom.

    The guitar leaned askew in the corner of the bedroom sofa.

    The thick curtains obscured the sun from the window, except for the dim light of the groundmp.

    Theptop was still on, the screen was dark, and only the indicator shed.

    Irish came forward, curiously clicking the touch board, and the screen lit up where web pages were opened. She looked closely and was amazed to find that it was all about the car.

    It seemed that the boy really didn''t forget about racing life.

    Not far away was a custom-made four-meter bed. This was the bed that Joseph had changed. Once Irish also asked him why he wanted such a big bed for Jordan. He said that he slept uneasily at night and loved falling under the bed when he was young, so he had to order a big bed. And for so many years, Jordan was used to sleeping in a big bed.

    Irish went to bed and looked at Jordan, who was two meters away from her. Thinking about it, she took something that could beat out the sound and shouted, "Jordan, get up!"

 Chapter 555 555: You Like To See A Man?

    The loud noise broke the stillness of the bedroom.

    Jordan in bed was rmed, but perhaps he was too thirsty for sleep, he frowned, muttered, turned over, and fell asleep again.

    Of course, it was impossible for Irish to jump on the bed and pull him up, so she knocked things louder and made a bigger noise.

    Jordan was impatient, pulling up the quilt to cover the head.

    Irish''s knock made her wrists sore, and when she saw that the man on the bed had not got up, she stood at the head of the bed and thought about it. She went to the sofa and took some pillows, one by one, then hit Jordan.

    "You''re almost awake at night, so you''re having a hard time getting up during the day. Jordan, you have grown up!"

    The man in the quilt moved, and the impatient voice roared out, "Don''t bother me!

    "Get out of bed!"

    Jordan was still quiet.

    Irish thought about it and turned around, and went out.

    The room was quiet again. But soon, there was a sound of footsteps.

    Irish came back again, this time carrying a mop on her shoulder and pacing to the bedside. The long mop pole reached out to Jordan and poked him, "Get up!"

    No response.

    She stabbed him twice. "Get up! Get up!"

    The man in the quilt moved restlessly.

    Then she started stabbing wildly, "Get up!"

    Then, she heard Jordan''s roar, and he pulled up the quilt and sat up, looking angrily at the abominable woman who had disturbed his dream. He was about to break his mouth and scold her, and with his mouth open, he stopped at the next moment.

    Because Irish waved the mop, smiled, and reminded him before he even spoke, "If you dare to say something bad, I''ll have to hit you hard until your teeth fall on the ground."

    But knowing that it was definitely not a good thing to say, Jordan, who did not understand what it had to do with his teeth, closed his mouth and stared angrily at Irish, who looked as if he were staring at an alien invading the earth.

    Irish, standing before him with a mop like a swordswoman, gazed at Jordan on the bed and saw that his cheeks were still a little swollen, more or less painful. She couldn''t helpining that Joseph was too ruthless. No wonder he got into the bedroomst night without having a meal. If she were him, she would be furious, especially when he was young and angry and he was pped in the face by his brother in front of an outsider. This thought lingered in her head and suddenly caused an insurmountable obstacle.

    "Come on, don''t be depressed. Isn''t it just getting up? Get up and eat. You didn''t eat anythingst night. Aren''t you hungry?" Irish smiled.

    "You don''t have to be hypocritical!" Jordan said a bad word.

    "I don''t like to hear you scold me in English," Irish threatened by waving a mop in front of him.

    Jordan shut his mouth and stared at her indignantly.

    Irish could not helpughing.

    "What are youughing at?" Jordan spoke angrily again, this time in French.

    Irish deliberately elongated the sound, "You look so cute."

    Jordan sitting in bed was a little adorable, and his bleary-looking cheeks matched with such a pair of cynical eyes, and his hair grew a little longer when he came back, so as soon as he got out of bed, there was still a wisp in the top of his head. It was like having a wireless receiver.

    But he couldn''t look down. His upper body was bare, his smooth texture and strong skeleton were the same as his brother Joseph, and his mature male body was very different from the good looks which were Kawaii.

    Jordan did not know why she suddenly said so, frowning, but her cheeks flushed. After a while, with a wave of his hand, he said, "I''ll get up and leave me alone."<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Well, get up."

    Jordan, however, still did not move.

    Irish stood patiently before him and spent time with him.

    Jordan could not bear it and pointed to the door, "Get out."

    Irishughed instead of being angry and shook her head, "I have to watch you get up, or you''ll go back to sleep when I''m gone."

    Jordan''s eyes red like a ss ball; he reached out to her and pointed at himself. "You''re going to look at me?" he asked.

    "Yes."

    Jordan choked.

    "Don''t tell me you have a habit of sleeping naked." The quilt blocked his lower body, so Irish was also tempted to ask.

    Jordan''s face was redder, and he said angrily, "I don''t, and you can''t look at it."

    Irish''s heart was clear, simply sitting at the bedside, with a mop in hand, "Quickly get up and wash, sooner the cleaner wille over, you also want to let her clog you with your quilts?"

    Jordan saw she had the intention of leaving, bit his teeth, and his angry eyes, after a few seconds, faded, coldly humming, "You like to see a man? So be it."

    He could not articte what he meant in French fully, but his expression was full.

    Irish understood what he meant and smiled, "You are wrong. In my eyes, you are a child."

    In a word, he was so angry that he got up from the bed without saying anything.

    In the dim light, Jordan had only one underpants all over his body, and his strong legs were long from Irish''s angle, and he had long legs like Joseph, which was why Joseph was a good shelf of clothes.

    Of course, she saw the wrong ce when she gave him a subconscious nce.

    There was a big bulge between his legs.

    Irish was a little embarrassed, withdrawing her eyes.

    Jordan sensitively caught her subtle expression change, and his face turned to sarcasm. He went down from the bed and said, "Awkward? You deserve it!"

    There was a lot of gloating.

    Irish was unhappy and threw a sentence at his back. "Gloating? Boy, I''ve seen something bigger than yours."

    Jordan suddenly stopped and looked back at her, eyebrows soon brewing anger, "You and another man, you dare to betray my brother?"

    Seeing that he was angry, Irish smiled and said slowly, "You misunderstand, the man who''s bigger than yours is your brother."

    "You..." Jordan''s cheeks flushed, pointing to her, too angry to say a word.

    "Not going to wash up?" Irish showed a rxed face.

    Jordan bit his teeth. After a long time, he said, "You are not worthy of my brother!"

    "Oh?" Irish raises a brow.

 Chapter 556 556: It Was Too Cold

    The next sentence of Jordan was moreplete, "You are not worthy of my brother because you are too evil!"

    Then he went into the bathroom. Irish was first stunned, thenughed hard.

    At breakfast, Jordan was unhappy, perhaps stimted by Irish''s words that "Your brother''s thing is bigger than yours," or also,st night, he had been pped by Joseph.

    So he kept quiet throughout the meal.

    Irish did not say much, always thinking about whether Joseph would be troublesome to shareholders after he went to the Runestone Group. On several asions, she wanted to call him to ask about the situation, but she was afraid to dy his work and had to hold back.

    ****

    The work of the Linkus had been at a standstill. Professor Tim urged her to stay at home because the media had not let the Linkus off, and at the university side, she most hated Cheska, who took her ce. Irish could imagine her walking in high heels and walking proudly into the college ssroom.

    After breakfast, Irishggedzily on the sofa. The remote controller was integrated, and theputer and TV inside the room were controlled. The switch was turned on, and as long as she gently said: "Joseph" or "Irish" to the air, theputer would automatically check out thetest news about the photos, and TV would automatically broadcast the news rted to it.

    As long as she spoke, she could get thetest news.

    The two names rolled around in her mouth several times, almost blurted out on the tip of her tongue several times, and finally, she didn''t say them out loud, and she seemed tonguish like a deted ball.

    Until the corner of her eye glimpsed Jordan''s figure, she reached out her hand, determined to turn the remote control off. She listened to Joseph''s words about not listening to things outside the house.

    Then she would have toe and fix Jordan.

    "Stop." She saidzily.

    Although Jordan was not satisfied, he stopped and stared at her.

    Irish turned her head from the sofa and looked at him, smiling, "What are you going to do?"

    "Sleep." Jordan squeezed the word out of his voice.

    "You can''t sleep during the daytime as it will cause you to be sleepless again at night. From today on, I have to adjust your sleep time, you are an earth person, and your sleep time should be aligned with human beings, understand?"

    "Boring." Jordan frowned.

    Irish ignored his words and pointed to the sofa opposite, "Come and sit down."

    Jordan did not move.

    "Quickly!" She yelled.

    He knew what she meant, so he walked forward and sat down across from her. He was not angry and asked, "For what?"

    Irish got up and said, "Sit here."

    Jordan was impatient.

    When Irish returned to the living room with the medicine box and the ice bucket, she was satisfied that Jordan was still sitting there. She walked to him with a smile.

    Jordan, not knowing what she was going to do, looked at her with an alert face.

    Irish did not speak much, opened the medicine box, took out arge packet of medicine cotton cloth, put several pieces of ice into the cotton cloth, wrapped it into a small ice bag, and pressed toward Jordan''s mildly swollen cheek.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Jordan reflexively shunned.

    Irish, holding an ice bag, remained calm but said lightly, "Hide what? Do you think I will hurt you? Your brother is like a mother, and a sister-inw is like a mother too. Have you not heard about that?"

    Jordan stared at her and said nothing. Irish took the ice bag and gently pressed it on his face.

    He hummed, it was too cold.

    "I don''t know you are my sister-inw," he said a long timeter.

    "That word is admitted." Irish slowly corrected his sentence.

    Jordan choked and then said, "I don''t admit that you''re my sister-inw."

    "You can add the word" really "between me and not, and when it is used as an adverb. You can express your inner feelings better." She rubbed his face and said.

    Jordan stared at her. "I really don''t admit you''re my sister-inw."

    "Well, you said it three times, see." Irishughed instead of being angry.

    Jordan did not expect her to say that. For a moment, he was dumb. He had intended to provoke her and have a good quarrel with her to vent his anger and grievance that had been circling in his heart sincest night. But she acted cool, and he was embarrassed to make trouble again.

    The room fell into silence.

    Only the clock on the wall beating the box fills the room.

    Irish applied his face intently, and all her thoughts were on his bruised cheek. It was a pity in her heart that such a beautiful little face suffered, and Joseph was not afraid to p Jordan''s face to disfigure him.

    But on second thought, thanks to Joseph''s p, she saw in advance how strong he was when he was angry. She wanted to avoid the chance that he would p her, too, in the future.

    The ice pack pressed on Jordan''s face, from the initial difort to gradually making himfortable.

    Jordan''s eyes had not looked at Irish at first, but as she lifted her hand against the ice bag, his eyes had to fall on her. Gradually his eyes calmed, and the time he looked at her grew longer and longer.

    To be honest, he had never looked at Irish so closely, nor had he seen her for so long.

    In fact, she was really extremely beautiful, her fine white skin was milky, and at such a close distance, her face had no visible pores. He was sure she had no makeup, for her cheeks were a little pale, and if she put on makeup, they could be covered. Her eyes were small, her pupils round and dark, beaming clear, and her eyshes were long and curly. Her nose was high and straight, and then her slightly closed lips were thin.

    At this moment, her lips didn''t look good.

    Pink and white mixed, there was almost no lip color.

    At first nce, he felt a little pity for her because she was wearing Joseph''s pajamas, lifting her hand to apply a cube of ice on his face, the broad sleeve fell her elbow, so it exposed her arm, like a lotus root, white and tender, and her skin in the sun refracted light, like a shell.

    The unique fragrance of the woman also crept into Jordan''s nostrils, apanied by his breath, and that fragrance also went into his viscera.

    Somehow, he felt a little numb all over his body. The position of his belly rising familiar heat. He was shocked, turning his eyes and no longer looking at her. The restless mood winded up in his heart. He now knew why his brother fell head over heels for this woman.

    Irish, of course, did not know his psychological changes, applied the ice, and gently sighed, "Are you stupid? You stand there and let your brother hurt you?"

 Chapter 557 557: Is It Useful?

    Her breath fluttered gently on his cheek and brushed his cheek. Jordan felt his throat taut a little, and a feeling of dryness rushed up, and he subconsciously swallowed the water in an attempt to ease the unknown throb in his heart.

    Seeing him silent, Irish thought he did not like to listen to her but shrugged her shoulders without care. Anyway, she was used to the way he answered and ignored her and said to herself, "You, uh, read a good book for a while, and don''t think your brother is joking. He can really check on you. If you can''t answer his question, he''ll try to torture you."

    While Jordan rushed to the bathroom, Irish saw the book he had ced next to his pillow, a book about business management and diamond knowledge. It appeared that Joseph had forced Jordan to learn it.

    Originally she also thought that Joseph with that kind of behavior was too much, after all, if his brother did not like to learn those things, he would probably not listen to him but seeing the book ced on the pillow, at that moment Irish changed her opinion a little bit more toward Joseph.

    Recalling the long years, Joseph and Jordan were far from each other; although she could guess they often had several arguments, she somehow saw Jordan actually adore his big brother but also tried to do his best ording to his brother''s will.

    For example, he learned to cook food. Let a child growing up in foreign countries to learn to do American food was not an easy thing, and what he could cook was all Joseph loved to eat; For example, thest time she saw him eating with chopsticks in the courtyard, this showed that he really wanted to blend into the atmosphere of the Chinese people. For example, when he was obviously fond of racing, he persevered in reading the book that Joseph had asked him to read. He did not like his major when he was in college, but he did well in the exam.

    He was disobedient, rebellious, and even opposed to Joseph with angry words. But in fact, he could not allow anyone who was against Joseph or someone who wanted to hurt his brother.

    Therefore, in Irish''s eyes, he was still a child,pletely wanting to arouse his elder brother''s concern.

    When Irish spoke, it would bring the fragrance of her body, and he frowned, pushed her away, and sat far from her.

    "It is true to turn one''s face into disrepute. But it was my fault, I should have warned youst night to apply ice on your face, now you can only slowly wait to reduce the swelling."

    When she said so, Jordan was no longer happy. He began to feel ashamed of the thought he had just made. In fact, she cared for him, though sometimes her way was a little more unique.

    Just then, he really wanted to keep her under him!

    The idea startled Jordan, who spurned him to think of his eldest brother''s woman.

    "I''ve known it all." He spoke such a sentence for a long time.

    Irish looked at him in amazement. "Then why don''t you tell your big brother? If you did, he would have let you outst night."

    Jordan hung his head and said nothing.

    Seeing him silent, Irish thought about it and reminded him, "You really have to remember it. Your elder brother was very strict. But I got a lot of money from him."

    "Huh?" Jordan was startled and couldn''t understand what she was spouting.

    "So go fighting and ask me if you don''t know something. I still know a lot about diamonds." Irish urged him enthusiastically.

    Her smile was like a blossom on a branch, confusing Jordan''s eyes. The restlessness came up again. Jordan avoided her smile and said, "Don''t be hypocritical."

    Jordan hummed coldly.

    When she saw that, she smiled and leaned herself on the sofa with her hands spread out, "Well, tell me, what can I do to be a kind sister-inw?"

    Jordan thought, a sharpness leaping through his eyes and closing his lips. "You let me go to the bar, and you shouldn''t tell my brother."

    He was waiting for her answer.

    ? Irish understood and deliberately asked, "Let you go to the bar, then I''ll be a kind sister-inw to you?"<novelnext></novelnext>

    Jordan stared at her, saying, "I have something important to do in the bar!"

    "Oh? What''s important?"

    Jordan was uncharacteristically unopposed to her, and his tone was a little coquettish. "It''s important, you can see it, if you don''t believe it."

    "I can see it?" Irish did not expect him to give an invitation.

    Jordan nodded hard.

    Irish looked at him, and Joseph''s words suddenly shed before he left home this morning, "I''m not at home during the day, he will do everything he can to beg you, but you can''t let him out. He must read books at home."

    Joseph said a thousand exhortations, of course, she remembered.

    But he had just said that he knew everything in the book.

    "It''s fun!" Jordan saw her eyebrow tip loose and hurriedly made up a sentence.

    But soon, she hesitated, "But your brother won''t let you out."

    "Sunsses! Hats and masks, no one recognizes you, and drive fast!" Jordan quickly seethed.

    Irish couldn''t stay at home, not to mention that she really wanted to know what Jordan was really busy with. When she heard this, she immediately got up.

    The two men pped their high five and hurried to change their clothes and set out.

    ****

    At the Runestone Group, the senior managers have a meeting.

    Henry sat on the chair, listening to the data reported, eyebrow tightening hard.

    The Runestone''s stock price has been affected, and even the Vera Club''s recent situation worsened.

    Joseph sat on Henry''s left side, his face always calm, and those unsatisfactory data reports did not seem to have much impact on his mood.

    Finally, Henry looked at Joseph, looking unhappy, "You have heard? Joseph, the huge stock downtrend is influenced by your misbehavior!"

    "I''m sorry, President," Joseph said lightly.

    Henry stared at him, thinking of a scene in which he took Irish away in front of him. Suddenly, he was angry. His big hand snapped at the conference table. "Is it useful? Now all the shareholders are waiting for me to answer!"

    "The matter arose because of me, and I am willing to ept punishment."

    Henry gnashed his teeth, "Okay, then I now announce a suspension of your position as the general manager, and in the meantime, find a solution to keep the share price of the Runestone Group back on track!"

    Joseph rose respectfully and peacefully. "Yes, President."

 Chapter 558 558: Don’t Be Shy

    Christmas day wasing, and the weather was getting cold. It was the coldest winter, and the withered leaves were rustling in the air that looked so bleak and chilly.

    Perhaps it was because of the cold weather, and Irish felt the festive mood this year was not as strong as usual.

    However, Irish did not pay much attention to it since she was not used to celebrating this festival ceremoniously after being alone abroad for so many years, but only joined in the fun.

    But she had to thank the cold weather, or she was afraid that the media reporters would be dispatched to shoot a special festival album. If those reporters caught her, she worried it would arouse trouble.

    Therefore, Irish was taken by Jordan to a bar near Madison Avenue safely without reporters following behind. When they entered the bar, Irish immediately understood the reason why Jordan was always sleepy during the day.

    The bar was not open yet at this time, so there were no other customers, no noise but only the soft light, which made people feelfortable in the room. It was a bar with three floors, while the first floor was a wide open and unclosed hall, and all of the items on this floor were custom-made, including the sses arranged neatly on the bar counter, which reflected a faint blue night.

    Jordan introduced to her that the first floor was a ce mainly for young people to drink, make friends, and dance there. The second floor had some scattered tables, while the third floor was all private rooms which needed to be booked at least one week in advance.

    All three floors were interlinked, so they could see the whole bar from the

    first floor.

    The performance stage was a circr stage with a height of more than two meters, and the columns supporting the stage were all transparent, also reflecting faint blue light. Jordan told her that it was an elevator stage.

    There were some people on the stage who were adjusting the hi-fi equipment, and they all greeted Jordan with great passion in the distance.

    Irish then realized that he always came to the bar and performed there.

    "Let me guess your role in the band." Irish sat on the highchair and said abruptly. Jordan was also interested, so he stared at her and waited for her answer.

    "You are the Guitarist." She suddenly remembered his guitar.

    After hearing that, Jordan rolled his eyes at her.

    "Are you the lead singer? It is amazing." Irish said sarcastically.

    Jordan snorted at her and replied, "I have had various roles in this band since I have learnt many different instruments.

    "Wow, genius." Irishughed.

    After perceiving that she did not trust him, Jordan was going to exin to her when one of his partners came to him from the stage. "Wow, I was confused as to why you didn''test night. It turns out that you have to apany such beauty."

    "Bullshit!" Jordan was embarrassed.

    "Hello, sweetheart. You can call me Lark. Jordan is my good friend."

    Irish greeted him and then shook hands with him.

    Lark took a glimpse at Irish and then turned to Jordan, "Don''t be shy."

    "It seems that you are very leisurely."

    "You are wrong. The boss asked me to

    practice your song since you didn''test night. Luckily, you are here tonight, and at least I don''t have to work alone." Jordan smiled faintly and replied, "Don''t you remember that night when you and Fern stood me up? I did all the work for you.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Lark burst outughing and turned to Irish, patting Jordan''s shoulders, and said, "He is talented since he is good at many instruments, especially the drum set. He is the lead singer here."

    Irish stared at him surprisingly since she didn''t expect him to be a lead singer in the band.

    Jordan was so proud and smiled.

    "Oh, I remember that." Lark hesitated for a second and then continued, "You look familiar. You are....."

    Before he could finish his words, Jordan interrupted him and held his neck, shouting at Irish, "Take care of my bag. I am going to practice now."

    After finishing his words, he pulled Lark away forcibly.

    But she heard Lark faintly say to Jordan from a distance, "She looks so sexy in the picture."

    But soon, Jordan replied unpleasantly, "If you dare to have other ideas, I will be angry with you."

    Irish felt a little upset after hearing that.

    It was not because of the picture, but she suddenly felt that it was not the right decision toe out with Jordan tonight because she was worried that his friends would stare at him with weird looks.

    When she was absorbed in her thoughts, the bang on the stage sounded abruptly, followed by the sound of a rhythmic drum kit.

    Jordan stood behind the drum set, practicing a new song with his partners.

    She had to admit that he was handsome while ying the drums.

    Suddenly a cup of a beautiful suffocating cocktail which was colorful, was pushed in front of her, and it was her first time seeing such a poetic cocktail. She looked up and found the barman was staring at her with a smile.

    "You are Jordan''s friend, so it''s free for you." He took a cup and wiped gently while saying.

    Irish extended her appreciation and asked him what kind of wine it was.

    "It is called Rainbow." The barman is around twenty-five-year-old with a maic voice and looks skillful. "It is made up of Pomegranate syrup, honeydew liqueur, brown cocoa, cherry brandy, blue fresh orange wine, and brandy. It is a kind of cocktail with a gradient color. But don''t worry because the alcohol level of it is not strong, and it is for women."

    Irish took a sip of it and felt good.

    A deep and maic voice sounded on the stage. He was singing a famous jazz song.

    Irish was shocked by him and couldn''t help extolling, "Wow, I never expected that he would be good at singing."

    "Jordan is popr in our bar, and many womene here for him every night." The barman replied with a smile.

    It was not hard to imagine since he looked so handsome, and his voice was so profound and maic.

    "Does hee here every day?"

    "No. Hees here three or four times a week."

    Irish understood that it was because of Joseph since he couldn''t get out if Joseph were at home.

 Chapter 559 559: Don’t Make Trouble

    Irish stared at Jordan, who was singing on the stage, while Lark also turned seriously different and apanied Jordan on the piano.

    He closed his eyes and looked leisurely.

    The light scattered on his hair and shrouded him as if he had attracted all of the attention and light on the stage. His handsome face could also be seen clearly.

    For a moment, Irish even thought it was Joseph who was singing on the stage since they looked very simr.

    Thinking of this, Irish suddenly realized that she didn''t even know if Joseph was good at singing. And she also couldn''t figure out what he would look like when he was singing.

    "He should be a pop star since he is so perfect." She couldn''t help sighing with feelings but also felt pride for him.

    "He wants to make money." The barman replied with a smile.

    "What?"

    "He told us that his brother doesn''t give him money, so he has to make money by himself."

    Irish was speechless after hearing that.

    She also heard that Joseph had frozen his bank cards since he hoped Jordan could focus on reading and prevent him from leaving again.

    But now it turned out that things were not simple.

    Joseph must have known this, but he didn''t interfere with him, and it was perhaps because Jordan still didn''t touch his bottom line yet, but Irish was so worried about him.

    It was getting dark, and Irish was also interested in his performance, so she kept staying there and listening to his songs. As the barman said, many young women came for him, and when he finished a song, those women would apud and send bunches of flowers to him.

    Jordan ignored the flowers as well as their screaming after he finished hisst song. He got off the stage and pulled Irish to leave. Irish was confused while Jordan pointed at his watch and exined, "My brother wille back soon."

    Irish took a look at his watch and thumbed at him, "You are awesome! Now I know the reason why your brother still doesn''t interfere with you, and it is because you always get back earlier than him."

    It was nine o''clock at night.

    Joseph would always work in thepany or take part in his business engagement outside, and he rarely went back home at this time.

    "I never expected that you would sing well. Do you want to be a singer in the future?"

    Jordan tied up the seat belt and snorted slightly, "It is just my hobby."

    "I know. You like car racing. Then why not tell your brother? You can''t give up your dream since you are still young." Irish said deliberately.

    Jordan''s eyes turned dreary.

    "Though I am disqualified from lecturing you, but just as you said, I am afraid of climbing mountains now, but now I will climb to the top of the mountain someday. What about you? After experiencing so many miserable things but can''t forget your dream, don''t you want to achieve it again?" Irish sighed and added, "Life is too short. If you have a dream, you have to realize it at any cost. And it is not toote to start from the beginning."

    Jordan was silent for a while and then said, "It''s none of your business. I am waiting for you to climb the mountain someday."

    "Wow, it seems that you don''t make any progress in English."<novelnext></novelnext>

    Jordan ignored her words, and when he was about to start the car, a white light shed in front of her eyes. Irish reached out to cover her eyes subconsciously, but soon, she heard Jordan get out of the car.

    Irish knew that he was indignant since he mmed the door harshly.

    When Irish moved her hands from her eyes, she saw a short and thin man was pressed against the wall by Jordan, who looked very irritated.

    She was shocked and hastily got out of the car.

    "Are you courting death?" Jordan roared at the man.

    But the man did not resist and smiled faintly at him.

    After seeing the camera in his hands, Irish realized he might be a reporter, so she stepped forward immediately and persuaded Jordan, "Don''t make trouble here. Let''s get out of here."

    But Jordan didn''t loosen his hands, grabbing the man''s cor and staring at Irish, "He took a photo of us."

    Irish clenched her hands while the reporter replied harshly, "If you are above board and straightforward, why are you so worried?"

    Jordan was irritated by his words, but he couldn''t express his anger since his English was poor, so he pped the man directly, "How dare you insult us?"

    The man fell on the ground immediately, and Irish was so anxious, she pulled Jordan and said anxiously, "Stop beating him. It will have a bad effect on your brother."

    Jordan stopped, but his face was full of anger. "Well, young man, you''d better don''t irritate me."

    The man stood up and wiped the blood at the corner of his mouth, sneering, "The younger brother of the Runestone Group president beat the reporter violently and caused serious injuries to him. Do you think it will be explosive news? People will certainly think you act in a tyrannous manner since your brother is a big shot."

    "You...." There was a fire of anger zing in Jordan''s eyes.

    Irish pulled him tightly and was worried he would beat the man again.

    But Jordan pushed her away, stepping toward the man, reaching out, and taking over the camera from him. Before he could take it back, Jordan mmed the camera against the wall, and soon the camera broke into pieces.

    Then Jordan took out the memory card from the camera and put it in his pocket.

    "You.....you..." The reporter rushed to his camera with his face distorted, staring at Jordan irritably, "You are a jerk!"

    But Jordan ignored him directly since the camera had been broken, so he didn''t have to be worried.

    Jordan got in the car while Irish took a glimpse at the man, sighing slightly, and then flowed Jordan to the car.

    They almost arrived home at the same time as Joseph. When they just parked the car in the parking lot, they saw Joseph''s car in the distance.

    Taking a nce at each other, they turned flurried and soon got out of the car.

    Jordan rushed to the elevator but was pulled back by Irish, "Are you crazy? You can''t take the elevator; your brother would find us from the security cameras." After finishing the words, she began to climb the stairs madly with Jordan.

 Chapter 560 560: Come Out

    Joseph still had to park his car, so there were several minutes left which was enough for them to rush back.

    "Hurry up. Change your home clothes quickly." Irish urged Jordan while panting for breath.

    Jordan nodded and rushed to his bedroom.

    Irish also went back to the bedroom and changed into Joseph''s home clothes. When she walked out of the bedroom, she happened to see Joseph step in. He took a look at her, put his portfolio on the couch, and asked, "Why is your face flushed?"

    Irish was startled by his words, and she was so worried that he would find out some clues. She touched her face subconsciously and tried her best to figure out an excuse," Nothing. I just woke up."

    In fact, she got a charley horse in her leg because she rushed so hastily.

    Joseph didn''t continue to ask her or show any suspicion but put his coat on the couch and reached out his hands to her, "Come on."

    Irish didn''t step to him because she had a guilty conscience because she lied to him, and she was afraid he would expose her lie. Therefore, she walked slowly to the couch and took his coat, "I''ll hang your coat first."

    And then she walked to the cloakroom while Joseph smiled behind her. As soon as she got in the room, her waist was held by him.

    His fresh breath fell beside her ears, tickling her.

    "What have you done today?" Joseph buried his face in her neck, poking his fingers into her hair, and asked softly.

    Irish''s heart trembled, and she felt lucky since she stood facing her back at him. "You don''t allow me to watch TV or surf the Inte, so I have no other choice but to urge your brother to read.

    "Well, does he listen to you?" Joseph gently nibbled her ear.

    "He has to. You have frozen his bank card, and he can''t go anywhere." Irish lowered her head and yed with his cufflinks.

    It seemed that Joseph was satisfied with her answer and turned her around to face him, asking softly, "What did you eat for dinner?"

    Irish stared at his eyes and dared not to move but replied in a low voice, "I ordered a takeout."

    "Ask the bonne to cook for you tomorrow." Joseph pinched her cheeks lightly.

    Irish smiled and replied, "It is not necessary."

    "I wille back earlier, or I am worried that you will maltreat yourself."

    "Okay." She tried to smile brightly, but in fact, she was yelling in her heart because she had to stay at home for the whole day.

    Joseph couldn''t figure out what she was thinking and then took a gift box to her, "I picked a suit of home clothes for you. Have a look."

    Irish opened the bag and found a pink pajama with a hat on which there were even two small downy ears. What surprised her was the pattern of cat paws on the back.

    "Joseph, I am your girlfriend but not your daughter." She reminded him kindly.

    Joseph smiled but said nothing. "You chose it for Daisy or me?" She was confused about why a man would pick such cute pajamas.

    "Of course, I picked it for you." Joseph took a quick glimpse at her and then unbuttoned his shirt.

    Irish held the pajamas and said helplessly, "But I am not a kid."

    Joseph took off his shirt and smiled at her, "I think it is suitable for you." She was a sly cat in his heart.

    Irish red at him for his unhumorous joke.

    It was a peaceful night, and at least it was tranquil before going to bed.

    Jordan stayed in his bedroom and didn''t walk out, while Joseph also didn''t go to find him, so the big house was quiet.

    Joseph had lied on the bed when Irish walked out of the bathroom. It seemed that he had just finished a phone call.

    The soft light in the room fell on his bronze-colored skin, revealing his smooth skin texture and making him look so sexy.

    Irish was drying her hair not far from the bed, and she could see him from the mirror, but she found that he was staring at her motionlessly.<novelnext></novelnext>

    She felt a little embarrassed and asked, "What are you looking for?"

    "I am looking at beauty."

    Her face blushed immediately while he smiled with satisfaction.

    After a long while, Irish asked him with a low voice, "Did he make trouble for you?"

    Absolutely, Joseph understood what she meant. He adjusted his posture slightly and replied briefly, "No."

    Irish looked at him in the mirror, trying to find some clues in his face, but failed. A few secondster, she asked again, "Is thepany in chaos now?"

    "Are you caring about the Runestone Group?" He asked in reply.

    Irish giggled and replied, "No. I am just caring about you."

    He just smiled faintly but didn''t answer her question, waving at her, "Come over here."

    Irish followed his words this time while he embraced her into his arms tightly.

    "Are you okay?" She looked at him, who frowned slightly.

    Joseph rubbed her hair and replied, "I have told you that you don''t have to worry about this case."

    "But..."

    He suddenly kissed her and blocked all of her worries.

    When he looked up again, she leaned on his chest and said quietly, "In fact, I wish to face it with you."

    "Stay with me, and that is the best way to face this matter with me," Joseph said over her head while Irish looked up at his eyes, feeling upset.

    But soon, he took a fine paper bag from the bed and changed the subject, "It is also for you."

    Irish was confused and took it, but soon her face blushed.

    "Joseph....."

    He got close to her and showed an evil smile, "Go and change into it for me."

    "There is no need to change into it tonight." Irish felt that her face was burning.

    He held her and ordered beside her, "But I want to have a look."

    Irish was so embarrassed and pushed him away, rushing to the bathroom with the pajamas.

    But Joseph waited for a long time, and she still didn''t go out.

    In the beginning, Joseph was reading the newspaper while waiting patiently, but she still didn''te out after ten minutes, so he put aside the newspaper and walked to the bathroom, knocking on the door, "Isabel?"

    "Em." Her muffled voice sounded.

    "Come out." He leaned against the wall with his hands crossing in front of his chest.

    "Oh."

    But she still didn''t go out a minuteter.

    "Open the door. Why don''t you still go out?" Joseph couldn''t wait anymore.

    But she was silent inside.

    And when Joseph was going to m the door and get in, she opened it slightly. Inside the bathroom, she was dressed up in that pajamas and looked so sexy.

 Chapter 561 561: Tell Me Who Your Body Belongs To?

    It was a simple pajama.

    But in fact, it couldn''t be a pajama at all because it was made up of several small pieces of grenadine.

    Her sexy and delicate vicle was exposed to the air, and the ckce naturally rounded her chest, with a petal-shaped low-thoracic curvature reaching the lower abdomen.

    Her slender waist was hidden under the ckce, and it had a short hem that barely covered the hips.

    That was why she refused to go out.

    She stood in front of the mirror awkwardly, and her face blushed immediately after he opened the door and stared at her motionlessly. She hastily tried to cover her breast, and her hips were also exposed in the air.

    She looked at him in great embarrassment and said, "It is definitely different from what you imagined."

    Thece on her bosoms was deformed because her breast was so crummy, and it couldn''t be covered at all, and it only covered her mammary are constrainedly.

    And the hem was even more exaggerated, which clung to her hips tightly and could barely cover her thigh.

    Anyway, it was exaggerated sexy lingerie for her.

    Joseph stared at her, who looked shy and was obsessed with her beauty and oomph.

    He stepped to her, reaching out and fondling her face with his slender fingers while his voice turned deep and maic. "No, you look so sexy and remarkable."

    She was such a nubile woman in his eyes.

    The long and silky hair served as a foil to her blushing face and snowy skin, while the sexy lingerie of ckce made her look sexier.

    Her slender and soft necks, as well as her delicate vicle, were so beautiful, while the plum breasts seemed toe out from the backce.

    What provoked his lust were her hip as well as her naked slender legs.

    Any man who looked at her would get the blood pumping and would be eager to enjoy her graceful and soft body.

    "But..... this bretelle is too tight," Irishined in a low voice.

    She pulled down the bretelle and found a distinctive red mark on her shoulders.

    There was a light flicker in his eyes suddenly, and then he stared at her shoulder, squinting and feeling the dryness-heat surging up from his chest while the red mark on her shoulder gave him a sense of satisfaction of conquering.

    He was eager for passionate sex with her, and he wanted to conquer her so as to release his strong lust.

    Irish was confused since Joseph was silent, and then she couldn''t help asking, "You bought this in person?"

    He still kept silent but still stared at her and then nodded quietly.

    Hearing that, Irish was so embarrassed for him, "How can you buy it in person? You are the president of the Runestone Group."

    "It looks sexy, so I bought it without hesitation." He replied while his voice sounded so husky.

    Irish smiled, and it was hard for her to imagine the expression of the clerk when he took this lingerie to settle ounts, so she asked out of curiosity, "Have you been treated as a madman with a disorder?"

    Joseph got close to her and held her from behind, looking at her from the mirror and rubbing beside her ears, "I would only be crazy to you."

    "You are crazy enough now." Irish blushed and avoided his kiss with a smile since she knew he was tantalizing her.

    But Joseph reached out and held her head so tightly that she couldn''t move.

    His kiss slipped from her ears to her lips and then moved to her neck and vicle.

    Irish was embraced in his arms and couldn''t move at all while she could also clearly feel his erect cock.

    She looked at the man in the mirror who held her waist with one of his hands while the other hand was slipping into her naked body. His bronze-colored skin formed a sharp contrast with herplexion.<novelnext></novelnext>

    His fingers were so hot and burnt her whole body. His eyes were dyed with strong lust, and his breath was getting fast.

    "Joseph..."

    Irish wanted to make him calm down since she felt awkward seeing such a scene in the mirror, so she tried to stop his next movement. "Let''s move to the bed, okay?" She persuaded him quietly.

    But Joseph ignored her words directly and bit her earlobes gently with his hand slipping into the hem of the sexy lingerie.

    She tried to escape, but he pressed her against the mirror directly.

    She couldn''t help shrieking and felt him be wilder and wilder.

    Her cheeks were against the mirror.

    Her long hair was rousey, and her crummy bosom was deformed because of extrusion. And soon, he reached one of his hands from behind, covering her bosom rudely.

    She felt the pain in her breast, so she called his name with a crying voice which even provoked his ferity.

    He pulled down his briefs, and soon Irish felt the hotness of his pee-pee.

    "Joseph, don''t be so rude....ah." She screamed because he had finally entered her body.

    At the moment when they integrated with each other, he also made a sound out of the great coziness.

    Irish looked up, and her whole body was taut.

    But in the following second, her whole body swayed back and forth with the man''s wild movements, such as the boat bumping in the waves.

    ? Her plump breasts were pressed against the mirror again and again and were caught in his broad palm.

    Her whitened skin turned red in his hand.

    It looked so seductive in the mirror.

    Irish was struggling to endure his great passion but finally adapted to it.

    When he turned her over, he entered her vagina, rubbed her hips, and raised her legs, whispering beside her ears, "I can imagine how much men are making a psycho analogy with your photo. Do you know that I am eager to kill them now?"

    He hit Irish, and the whole person almost flew up, but she had no choice but to hold him tightly and endure his "torture."

    She also became sensitive, and soon she had an orgasm.

    When she groaned out of great joy and held him tightly while trembling, Joseph smiled with satisfaction and his eyes looked even greedier.

    He didn''t give her a chance to buffer but turned around when her body was tight.

    Holding her tightly, Joseph asked her with his maic voice, "Tell me who your body belongs to?"

    Irish replied with her tremulous voice while her legs were trembling, "It belongs... belongs to you, Joseph..."

    "Sweet woman." He was satisfied by her answer.

    It was passionate sex, from the bathroom to the living room, and finally ended on the bed.

    Irish leaned on his chest like a dried fish.

    The pieces of ckce were torn up by him, and her snowy skin was bruised while there were many love bites on her plump breast.

    After resting for a while, Joseph took a towel and began to clean her body. He went to take a shower and then went back to bed.

    He held from behind, and he resumed his gentle and considerate behavior as usual. Joseph kissed her smooth forehead, whispering, "I''ll take you to take a shower."

 Chapter 562 562: Are You Coming Here For Isabel?

    Irish shook her head slightly since she was so exhausted and didn''t want to move at all.

    Joseph said nothing but embraced her tightly, and her buttocks clung to his hip. His cock was resting after the great passionate moment, but it still looked so big, which made her have a lingering fear.

    "Do you get mad with me?" He had to admit that he was rude just now. Though the love bites served as a stimulus for him during their sex, he still felt sorrowful for her after that. He raised her wrist and kissed gently, "You are so sexy."

    "I am not angry," Irish mumbled since she also knew that his abnormal behavior tonight may have something to do with her nude pictures.

    But she didn''t want to mention it in front of him.

    "Is there any other woman wearing this sexy lingerie in front of you?" She asked him.

    Instead of being angry, he turned her around and smiled softly, "I never bring such a woman back home."

    She red at him and pouted her mouth, "Who knows the truth? I am afraid that you have brought back such a woman to your house, and you alsoy in this bed."

    "Isabel." He turned a little serious for a second but soon he made apromise and pinched her face, "Don''t talk nonsense."

    "Well, then, why do you know about picking such sexy lingerie for me?" It seemed that Irish didn''t want to let him go.

    Joseph knew that he couldn''t argue with her, so he hastily surrendered to her, "Well, it''s my fault."

    Irish didn''t reply but pushed him away and then staggered to the bathroom. It took her a long time to finish the shower. She held the cute pajamas he had bought for her and went to bed.

    Joseph took off the pajamas andined, "Why do you have to wear clothes in bed?"

    "I know you hope I can be a Catwoman." Though she was exhausted, she was still firm in speech.

    Joseph pressed beneath him after hearing that and showed an evil smile, "But I don''t need a scratching kitten, but I need a naked and sexy Catwoman.

    "You....." She felt that his pee-pee was awakened again.

    The hotness burnt her heart, so she hastily pulled down his hands and begged in a low voice, "Calm down. It is swollen."

    "Where is swollen?" He asked deliberately.

    Irish blushed and held his hands, "Stop joking. I am so tired."

    "I have to cure it for you since it is swollen."

    Irish felt embarrassed by his words.

    He pressed her body, lowered his head, kissed her abdomen, and then moved down.

    When his head finally fell on her hips, she couldn''t help groaning.<novelnext></novelnext>

    The ardent me once again burned the airflow that calmed down in the room.

    ****

    Runestone Group announced the resignation to ease the nude picture scandal because those reporters turned from entertainment tomerciality and began to focus on the stock price of Runestone Group.

    Runestone Group didn''t make a response to the Media and opponent''s attack, and even Shirley, who cooperated with the Media, also stopped causing trouble. But only the insiders knew the fact.

    Henry filed a divorce with Shirley, and he personally drafted a divorce agreement. But she refused to sign it. Henry was so annoyed and was going to expel her from the Lake family, while Ruby and Roy begged Henry for mercy every day.

    Henry wanted to ignore their supplication, but he also knew that Runestone Group was trapped in a big dilemma, and he was afraid that if Shirley was expelled from the Lake family, Runestone Group would encounter endless troubles, so he didn''t allow her to go out and wanted to cope with this issue after the disturbance.

    And at present, Leo was the strongest enemy of the Runestone Group.

    He tried his best tobat the Runestone Group and seized the opportunity in sessive activities without giving the opportunity for the Runestone Group to buffer. Though Henry was the founder of Runestone Group and he also had many supporters, his era had passed. And the reason why he asked Joseph to manage thispany was because he felt that his ability was falling short of his wishes.

    And now it was beyond his capability to deal with the disputes as well as overt contention and covert struggle in business.

    Therefore, when Henry encountered the board of directors after being repeatedlybated by Leo, he decided to let Joseph deal with it. Though Joseph was deprived of his position as a manager, Henry still asked him to stabilize the stock price.

    But all of the staff didn''t know it was Joseph who manipted behind.

    They even discussed widely when the executive department took the sign of the "General Manager''s Office" from Joseph''s office.

    Some of them said that Henry was heartless since Joseph had devoted his life to serving Runestone Group for so many years, while others said that Irish was too ruthless since she disappeared when such an incident urred to Joseph, and some even said that Joseph fell down with a woman after experiencing so many hardships. They all sighed with the feeling that even a hero failed to pull himself up because of a beautiful woman.

    But Joseph didn''t make a response to thesements. He was not the manager of Runestone anymore, but the staff also held in awe and veneration to him.

    There was no other change in his office except for that position card being taken off the door.

    And that was why Mary could enter his office so easily without circting a notice.

    Joseph, who was closely observing the situation of Key Group, didn''t expect anyone toe in. He was not used to meeting people without an appointment, but he had no choice since it was Mary. He stood up and took a cup of tea for her, inviting her to the reception room.

    "I never expected that you woulde here," He said quietly.

    Mary looked at him and replied with neither too hot nor cold attitude, "I also didn''t expect that Henry would be so ruthless and remove your position as a manager."

    ? Joseph smiled but said nothing and didn''t make anyment on this matter.

    "Are youing here for Isabel?" He asked frankly.

 Chapter 563 563: You Can’t Be So Disgraceful

    Mary replied directly, hearing this, since she was not here to talk about the old days with him. "Where is Irish?"

    Mary couldn''t get through her phone and couldn''t find her at her house, so she could onlye here to ask Joseph.

    "She is living with me. She is safe." Joseph calmly announced.

    "Safe?" Mary sneered and retorted, "Do you think I don''t know what happened that day? The administrator of the residencemunity had told me. Irish has be the main issue because of you. Are you satisfied now? Do you still think she is safe with you? There is only one way to ensure her safety. You have to leave her."

    Instead of being irritated, Joseph said indifferently, "What is done cannot be undone. We can''t change anything even if I break up with her. Then why do I have to leave her in this way?"

    Mary was speechless about his words, but soon she frowned and said, "Joseph, what do you think about this situation?"

    Joseph took his cup, sipped it, and said deferentially, "Isabel has to be with me, and that is what I am thinking about."

    "And then?" Mary continued to ask.

    "What?" Joseph was confused.

    Mary was annoyed and mmed the desk, "Joseph, though Irish is my niece, I have treated her as my daughter in these years. Do you want to let her be with you but don''t get married to her? Are you even a man if you have that idea?"

    Joseph stared at her and replied calmly, "You have misunderstood me."

    "Don''t talk nonsense. Today you have to tell me that you will get married to her? If you want, then you have to hurry, but if you don''t want to, then leave her as far as possible and don''te to bother her anymore." Mary said harshly.

    Joseph was silent for a while.

    After seeing this, Mary gnashed her teeth and stood up abruptly, "Give me the address. I have to fetch her back."

    But Joseph didn''t reply.

    "You can''t be so disgraceful. What do you mean now that you don''t want to get married to her but still don''t want to let her go? Do you think she is your mistress?" Mary would definitely p him if they weren''t in hispany.

    Joseph didn''t get annoyed but looked calm and stared at Mary, who was indignant, saying in a low voice, "Don''t worry. I will get married to her."

    Obviously, Mary didn''t expect that he would be so straightforward, so she was slightly shocked by his words and sat down again, asking suspiciously. "Are you serious?"

    "Yes, I am serious." Joseph firmly dered.

    After thinking for a while, Mary ceased to be angry and asked, "Well, when will you marry her?"

    She was not begging him to marry Irish, but she felt sorrowful for her upon recalling those rumors. She treated Irish as her own daughter, so she couldn''t bear that anyone would hurt Irish.

    If Irish didn''t tell firmly to her that she loved this man so deeply, Mary would definitely not allow her to be with Joseph, and it was not until now she still thought Joseph fit her. Joseph was aplicated man, and she couldn''t see through his mind, but she thought Irish should be with a simple man whose background was innocent, like Adam.

    But all the parents in the world loved their daughter, including Mary. And she didn''t want to force her to do something she disliked.

    Mary asked Rachel before her grave if she would agree that Irish would be with Joseph for the rest of her life.<novelnext></novelnext>

    But she couldn''t get any response. In this way, Mary, even more, hated Henry and Shirley, as well as the Runestone Group.

    It was like a vicious circle.

    Joseph thought for a while but then replied seriously and sincerely, "Please give me some time and, at least, wait for the rumors to pass because it will be fair to Irish, and she doesn''t have to bear others'' condemnation.

    Though Mary didn''t want to hear this kind of exnation from Joseph, she had to admit he was right. If they held a wedding at this crucial moment, Irish would encounter a huge dilemma.

    "Anyway, you can''t let Irish get hurt. If she were falsely wronged, I would kill you." Mary warned him.

    Joseph replied in a low voice, "Rest assured, I will protect her."

    After Mary left, Joseph started his work again.

    When Daisy knocked into his office with a pile of documents in one of her hands and held lunch with another hand, she saw that Joseph was staring at theputer while frowning. She said nothing but put down the lunch beside him and made a cup of coffee for him.

    Joseph stopped his work and said thank you to Daisy.

    Daisy cleaned the reception room and said with a weak voice, "The secretary of the Secretariat is too high-hat. How can she let peoplee in without an appointment?"

    Joseph smiled but remained silent.

    Daisy put the documents on his desk after cleaning. "These are the papers about Key Group''s activities in recent days. I heard that Leo is interested in a diamond mine in Russia."

    "It is not surprising since he lost the diamond mine in South Africa and found another diamond mine in Russia as an alternative." But soon, he frowned and replied, "But as far as I''m concerned, the quality of the diamond in Russia is not suitable for the jewelry of Key Group."

    "I don''t get much information about that diamond mine, but I knew that it belonged to a rich businessman before. Perhaps it is because he met many problems in his business, so he decided to sell it out." Daisy analyzed and then continued, "I think that Key Group has made enough preparation and has a goodprehension of the quality of the diamond, or how could Leo let out this information? After all, his minor movements can cause endless troubles for ourpany, so why did he not go ahead with it?"

    Joseph nodded as if he was absorbed in his thought.

    "Do you think it is necessary to remind Mr. Henry?" Daisy suggested, "Leo still carefully making decisions when you were in charge of the Runestone Group, but now it seems that he is going tobat with our Runestone Group against Mr. Henry going back to the board of directors. I am afraid that he has huge ambition."

    Joseph didn''t express hisments but knocked at those documents and said, "Hand these to Mr. Henry."

    "Okay."

    "What''s more, release the news that our Runestone Group is willing to provide Key Group with a brilliant technical team if Key Group is going to mine the diamond mine in Russia."

    Daisy was shocked and blinked her eyes with doubt, "What?"

    She couldn''t figure out why Runestone Groups would like to help Key Group.

    "Follow my words."

    "Well, how about Mr. Henry..."

 Chapter 564 564: He Is Shooting Us Secretly

    Joseph hesitated for a while and then smiled bitterly, "Well, ask for Mr. Henry''s opinion first, and if he agrees with it, then you have to let the media know this news as quickly as possible."

    Daisy was puzzled and replied, "But I am afraid that Mr. Henry will not agree to court to Key Group."

    After hearing this, Joseph was silent for a while and then replied, "If he doesn''t agree with this, I can do nothing."

    Daisy sighed and then left.

    But when she walked to the door, she stepped back again, handing a letter to Joseph and exining, "I almost forgot this letter. It was sent by the expresspany this morning, and the courier asked to hand this letter to you in person."

    He squinted slightly and put the USB into hisputer.

    There was only a file in it which read a video worth 50 million dors.

    Joseph opened the video, and soon it began to y.

    It was shot in a morous environment, and it was easy to tell that this video was shot by a man who carried an invisible camera, passed through the street, and finally stopped at the entrance of thene.

    There were five to six people standing there, and the lens was getting closer to them.

    And finally, Joseph could see clearly who they were, dressed in some weird clothes, and one of them even got a bass on the back. It seemed that these people should be the singers of the bar.

    But they were taking something in turn.

    When the lens zoomed in, Joseph saw clearly what they were taking in. It was white power, and Joseph knew that it was a kind of drug.

    But there was only one person who didn''t take part, and he just leaned against the wall in a dandiacal manner with his hands put in his pocket. He was talking with them, but he couldn''t hear it clearly.

    Joseph was shocked when he saw this and frowned suddenly.

    The boy with the hand in his trouser pocket was not someone else; it was his younger brother, Jordan.

    The first video ended after several minutes, and soon the second one was yed.

    The picture of the video was messy, and it should have been shot secretly by someone. To be more concise, the photographer was tracking someone.

    But soon, there was a clicking sound in the video, and it was the sound of taking photos. And soon, footsteps and a familiar voice sounded, "Do you want to be dead?"

    The lens was fixed on the young face.

    The picture had a moment of stillness.

    But then a woman''s anxious voice sounded, "Don''t make trouble here. Let''s go."<novelnext></novelnext>

    "He is shooting us secretly."

    "If you are aboveboard, why are you so anxious?"

    But soon, the picture began to wobble.

    "Stop fighting. It will cause trouble for your brother."

    And in the following second, another man''s voice sounded, "Well, young man, you''d better don''t irritate me. The younger brother of the Runestone''s president beat the reporter violently and caused serious injuries to him. Do you think it will be explosive news? People will certainly think you act in a tyrannous manner since your brother is a big shot."

    But a few secondster, the man in the video mmed the camera violently, and the camera was soon broken into pieces.

    The video also ended immediately. Both of the videos didn''tst long but only a few minutes, but Joseph looked so severe, and he frowned tightly while his eyes looked so cold.

    Joseph sat in a great state, staring at the video stopped on theputer, and his handsome face looked so severe.

    His slender fingers were knocking at his desk, but he looked grave. Then, about ten minutester, the phone beside him rang, and the ringtone disturbed the huge uneasiness in the air.

    Joseph reached out and put through, and a man''s voice soon sounded on the phone, "Mr. Dover." Joseph stared at theputer screen and replied indifferently, "Yes, it''s me."

    The man sneered and then continued, "Well, it really costs me a long time to find your phone number. But thanks to God that I finally got the chance to talk with you, a famous bit shot."

    Hearing this, Joseph still replied calmly, "You shot the video, right?"

    "You are smart. I really admire you." The man sneered again and then added, "Though the picture in the video is not clear, it is easy to tell that the man in the video is your younger brother, Jordan. What a pity since you have such a lousy brother who piddled with a group of drug addicts. And he even beat a reporter. Mr. Dover, if I have such a brother, I will definitely give a lesson to him."

    Joseph was still calm and said indifferently, "Don''t be so greedy. I am afraid that you don''t have the capability to take 50 million dors."

    "Yes, I admit that I am not a talented man, but I know I am lucky since I got these two videos. Mr. Dover, I will not suffer from any loss if I put these two videos online, but your brother will be famous, and I am afraid that he will be more famous than your girlfriend. Do you think the police will get involved? Though your brother didn''t take drugs in the video, obviously, he knew those people well. I am afraid that he will also be trapped in a big dilemma. What''s more, he even beat people violently, and he may also get punished for that. Mr. Dover, you are a social celebrity, a well-known entrepreneur, and I know 50 million dors is not a big ount for you."

    "Okay," Joseph replied briefly but looked dreary.

    After the phone call ended, the room fell into silence again.

    After a long time, Joseph yed the video again, and when the reporter''s voice sounded in the video, he stopped it and then yed it again. He repeated several times and finally dialed a number, "Come to my office."

    After a minute, Daisy came to his office and asked respectfully. "What happened?"

    Joseph put the USB on the table and ordered, "Find out his man before 3:00 pm and then follow my instructions."

    Daisy took the USB and replied, "Okay."

 Chapter 565 565: Call Me Later

    Fredrick and Cassie didn''t intend to host a wedding abroad, so they bought the items for the wedding in New York.

    Fredrick was free from his work in the afternoon, while Cassie also asked for half day''s leave since they were going to Nordstrom for shopping.

    There were few people there because it was during work hours.

    They went shopping for the whole afternoon but only bought two ornaments and didn''t find a suitable ceremonial robe. Cassie was so tired since she wore a high-heel pair and walked the whole afternoon. After perceiving her tiredness, Fredrick suggested having a drink and resting for a while.

    Cassie deliberatelyined while drinking coffee, "If Irish is here, I have found a beautiful dress by now. You are too picky."

    They couldn''t reach an agreement when they were picking a full dress, so they wasted much time on it but got nothing.

    There was another issue, and they held a different opinion. Cassie couldn''t ept the high price since she thought she would only wear it for once, but Fredrick thought they should treat it seriously and believed you got what you paid for.

    He took a sip of coffee and grinned, "You have to wear a beautiful dress, or others willugh at me."

    "But I think the dresses I chose are very beautiful," Cassie replied in a low voice.

    Fredrick held her hands and said softly, "Don''t save money for me. I can afford you."

    Cassie felt warm by his words and said, "But I can''t waste money."

    "Let''s buy that full dress after finishing the coffee."

    Cassie looked reluctant and lowered her voice, "But it is too expensive."

    "Well, I like it, and we''ll buy itter."

    Cassie had no choice but to make apromise.

    It was also quiet in the coffee house, the sunlight pouring in through the window, while inside the room it was suffused with the fragrance of coffee. It should have been a peaceful moment, but it was disturbed by the man''s voice above her head.

    "What a coincidence."

    A man''s voice interrupted their conversation.

    Cassie looked up and found Roy standing there, and beside him, there was a beautiful and delicate woman.

    The woman had long, curly hair, fine makeup, and had a perfect figure. She was dressed in a ck mink coat and white skirt while her slender legs were exposed in the air. She wore a pair of high-heeled shoes with a limited edition ostrich skin bag of Herm��s in hand, which made her look so faddish.

    But somehow, the mink coat and her ostrich skin bag reminded Cassie of a bloody scene when those animals were being killed. And she even felt that the soul of those poor animals was around this woman, asking her continuously, "Do you feel warm?"

    Cassie couldn''t help trembling slightly.

    "Hi." She replied after a long while and turned to Roy.

    Compared with the woman''s luxurious style, Roy was dressed casually.

    He was dressed in a silver-gray round-neck outer shirt with a ck and purple striped shirt. The top buckle on the neckline of the shirt was unbuttoned, with a pair of white and worn jeans, revealing arge copper belt. And he wore a pair of light-colored casual shoes.

    The woman held his arms intimately and asked affectedly, "Is she your friend?"

    Roy nodded and kept staring at Cassie.

    The atmosphere was a little awkward.

    "Would you like to talk with me for a while?" Roy asked.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Cassie nodded slightly and then turned to Fredrick, who stood up soon and said to Cassie softly when he left, "Call meter."

    "Okay."

    Fredrick walked out of the coffee house while Roy took a bank card from his wallet and handed it to the woman beside him, "Go and buy what you want."

    "Roy..." The woman elongated her voice and said reluctantly, "I want you to apany me."

    "Be obedient," Roy replied, so she had to take the card and then leave.

    "What do you want to drink?" Cassie asked him quietly when he sat down.

    "A cup of ssic coffee." He thought for a few seconds and called the waiter.

    Soon, the waiter took a cup of coffee for him.

    Though the coffee has no creamer, it smelt good. The coffee beans just released its fragrance quietly, while on the surface of the coffee, there was a slight sound of broken foam, which was inaudible, such as the sound of a flower secretly blooming in the afternoon.

    Before Roy said something, Cassie took the initiative to talk to him with a low voice.

    "In fact, I have wanted to call you for a long time." However, she didn''t call him because she felt grieved every time she dialed his number.

    Roy began to stir the coffee, looked at her, and waited for her to continue.

    Cassie took a deep breath and then said, "I want to say sorry."

    "And then?" Roy continued to ask.

    Cassie looked at him, and her mouth opened slightly, but she said nothing.

    He put down the coffee spoon, and the spoon swayed gently on the delicate china te. The coffee on the edge of the spoon quickly condensed into the middle position, and the smooth sides reflected the aperture above the head.

    He smiled when he saw she was silent and then added for her, "And then you should change your mind."

    Cassie couldn''t figure out what he was going to tell her.

    "I have been thinking about why you weren''t with me for a long time." Roy frowned.

    "I am sorry." Cassie finally said to him.

    "You should fall in love with me." He leaned forward and added, "Don''t you ask yourself when you can''t sleep at night?"

    "I am really sorry." She was guilty.

    "Cassie, I saved your life, and that is how you repay me?" He asked again.

    Cassie bit her lips and mumbled, "I am sorry."

    "Did your conscience get eaten by the dog? Or are you hypnotized by him?" Roy gnashed his teeth.

    "I am sorry." She repeated again and lowered her head.

    Roy reached out his hands, pinching her chin, and asked, "Is he really a good man? Tell me!"

    Cassie didn''t struggle, but her thick eyshes trembled. Then she replied quietly after for a moment, "Perhaps it is because all of the women in the world are all afraid of change... afraid of environmental changes, fearing that people around us will change. Even if they know it is wrong and he is not the right person, they are willing to stick to the current situation and are not willing to take a new step because the older a woman is, the more she can''t afford to lose and the more she dares not to try new things. They are afraid there will be earth-shaking encounters."

 Chapter 566 566: Fifty Million Dollars

    Obviously, Roy didn''t expect that she would reply like this, so he gradually loosened his hand.

    "Roy, you must understand that not every woman has the courage to ept change, like many unhappy couples and couples. Though they are not happy, they are reluctant to part with each other, and the reason for this is very simple. They can tolerate yesterday''s baldness but can''t bear the unpredictable change." Cassie lowered her head, stirring her coffee quietly, and her thick eyshes covered the loneliness, but soon she added, "Woman is different from a man because women are good at selffort, so even if they know she is not treated wholeheartedly, she will enjoy the peace by deceiving herself. Though the outsiders will be indignant when they see such a situation, they want to know how many people can let it go when they are trapped in this dilemma."

    Roy shook his head and said, "I can''t understand."

    "Then do you know why there is a blind date?" She looked at him and smiled softly.

    Roy stared at her and waited for an answer.

    "It is because when reaching a certain age, women are eager for marriage but not love, and that is why people always say some women intend to get married for marriage but not for love."

    Roy thought for a long time and then took a sip of coffee, showing a faint smile, and then said, "You apologized to me several times. I know you want to get my blessing.

    "I want to get your forgiveness."

    Roy leaned against the chair and said, "Cassie, I saved your life, but you didn''t repay me, so you owe me. How can I forgive you?"

    Cassie drew back her eyes and looked lonesome.

    Roy stood up and finally said to her, "You have to remember that you will owe me for your whole life. Your happiness is based on my grievances, and I won''t forgive you in this life."

    He left, and the coffee also cooled down soon.

    Ten minutester, Fredrick came back and sat down. He was worried and asked since he saw her face was pale. "What''s wrong with you?"

    Cassie looked at him and shook her head slightly.

    "Let''s go. We still have to buy a lot of things." Fredrick stood up after saying that.

    However, Cassie replied in a low voice, "I am tired. Let''s go back first."

    ****

    It was 3:00 pm in a teahouse.

    The sunshine was bright, pouring into the room, which was so quiet, but outside the window, it was bustling.

    Joseph showed up on time, and Daisy also followed him with a file box in her hands.

    But there was a man who arrived earlier than them. He sat in a box, leaning against the window.

    He was thin, around 1.7 meters, wearing a hat, and dressed casually. There was a bag on his back, and it seemed he was a reporter.

    Joseph sat down across from him while Daisy sat beside Joseph.

    The skinny man hastily stood up and reached out his hands to shake with Joseph. "Mr. Dover, you really arrived on time."

    Joseph didn''t intend to share with him but said indifferently, "Please sit down."

    The man smiled and then sat down again.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Where is the light disk?" Joseph asked directly.

    The man took out several disks and put them in front of Joseph.

    Joseph took a glimpse at him, and he looked grieved while Daisy asked beside, "But how can we ensure that you don''t keep any record?"

    The man shrugged and replied, "It is useless for me to keep a copy after getting the money from you. Don''t worry. I won''t take the same thing to ckmail someone twice. Mr. Dover is a famous big shot, and he could tolerate me for once, but he definitely won''t put up with me twice. And I don''t make trouble for myself."

    Daisy snorted.

    "Daisy." Joseph called her calmly, and she opened the file box, took out a check on the table, and said, "Fifty million dors."

    The man took it and had a look, but soon his expression looked exaggerated, and he put down the check, "Mr. Dover, are you kidding?"

    Joseph looked at him motionlessly and waited for him to continue.

    "I want cash but not a check." The man squinted and added, "How can I assure you if this check can be cashed?"

    "Cash?" Daisy sneered and said, "I am afraid that it is beyond your capability to move fifty million dors cash."

    "You don''t have to worry about that. Anyway, I can''t ept such a check." The man said word by word.

    "What do you want to do?" Joseph finally said with a calm tone.

    "I want cash." The man said directly, but he also nced at Joseph while saying.

    He was a little bit flurried since Joseph looked tooposed, so he soon added, "It is okay to ept this check, but I have to keep a disk first, and I will return it to you after cashing the money sessfully."

    Joseph smiled faintly after hearing his words. He took out his cigarette, licked it in his mouth, and ignited it with the lighter. He took a drag of his cigarette and exhaled the smoke.

    The smoke spread gradually and shrouded Joseph''s cheeks and his faint smile.

    "It seems that you are good at negotiating! It is really a pity, Mr. Grand, since you don''t engage in business."

    His tone was still sober, and asposed as the smoke he spilled out.

    "You are ttering me. I have to watch back to make a deal with you. You..." He suddenly stopped and was shocked for a second. "Wait! How do you know who I am?" He asked vigntly and looked flurried.

    Joseph still smiled faintly, and his eyes were blurred by the smoke, like the eyes of an eagle, which made people fearful.

    "Mr. Grand has spent a lot of time investigating me and tracking my family, and absolutely I have to figure out your background."

    The man was so vignt, like a hedgehog with a thorn, staring at Joseph motionlessly.

    "Jason Grand. Good name. I think your parents have ced their hope on you."

    Hearing of this, the man''s face turned pale immediately.

    "But as far as I''m concerned, the newsyout you are responsible for is quite concerning. It is reasonable to say that you have made a lot of money. Oh, perhaps you have taken advantage of all sorts of back doors to earn money." Joseph said deliberately.

 Chapter 567 567: I Send Your Daughter A Gift

    The man was restless since he didn''t expect Joseph to investigate him, so he hastily took the check on the table and smiled, "Mr. Dover, I think it is good to take this check. You are right. I can''t move the cash, and I believe in you, and it must have no problem with this check. Oh, now these disks belong to you."

    After finishing his words, he stood up and wanted to leave.

    But Joseph said behind him slowly. "Why are you in such a hurry, Mr. Grand? You must wait until I finish my words since you have taken my money."

    The man swallowed and sat again, staring at Joseph vigntly.

    Joseph tapped at the cigarette, and the ash dropped immediately while the smoke floated from his finger like the soul he had killed. Joseph still smiled faintly, and his eyes were so profound.

    "I heard your daughter is in elementary school, and she got a prize from school recently, but do you think it will be too expensive to give her fifty million dors as a gift?" Speaking of this, Joseph shook his head slightly and added, "You can''t indulge your kid like this, or she won''t know how hard it is to make money when she grows up. But I sent a small gift to her, and I think it is a good one."

    After hearing this, his face turned pale, and he widened his eyes at Joseph, "What are you going to do to my daughter?"

    Joseph smothered the cigarette butts in the ashtray and took a sip of tea. The fragrance of tea was mixed with the smoke.

    After putting down the cup, Joseph took a look at Daisy, and soon Daisy took out a small camera from the file box, turned it on, and ced it in front of Jason.

    Jason soon saw the paused picture, which was at the gate of a school he was familiar with. He looked so enthusiastic and hastily started ying the video.

    There was a little girl in a school uniform carrying a red bag, and her ponytail looked very cute under the sunlight.

    The little girl took a Barbie doll in her hand and said to the camera, "Daddy, someone sent me an adorable doll. Do you think it is beautiful?" After finishing her words, she even made a face at the camera and then jumped into the school.

    The video stopped while Jason was stunned for a long while, and soon he roared at Joseph like a madman, "You tracked my daughter!"

    Joseph smiled faintly and said, "Compared with the fifty million dors, it seems your daughter likes her Barbie doll. The kid is easily satisfied."

    "You..."

    "I suggest you express yourment after watching the next video." Daisy interrupted Jason and reached out, ying another video for him.

    The video was soon yed, but the leading character was changed.

    It was a woman in her thirties with short hair, and her dress was ordinary. She was walking in a hurry and stopped at a bus station, but the scene in the video was also in stillness.

    Soon a bus arrived at the station, and the door opened slowly.

    But when the door finally opened, a group of people waiting for the bus rushed into the bus, including the woman. She struggled and finally got in.

    The bus door closed slowly, and the woman was standing at the door''s entrance.<novelnext></novelnext>

    The video stopped then, and it was short as thest one, but it startled Jason, and his cold sweat began to slip down from his forehead. He was trembling, and his face was pale. He stared at the man who was stillposed in front of his eyes as if he was a ghost from hell.

    Obviously, he had understood what Joseph meant.

    Jason''s heart couldn''t help trembling, and he clenched his fingers subconsciously. A strong uneasiness shrouded him, and he

    knew it was the pressureing from Joseph though he looked so calm.

    He had never expected that Joseph would find out about his background and his family. Instead, he told him he knew where his daughter and wife were.

    The woman in the second video was his wife. Though the tracker didn''t disturb her, Jason was still startled since he knew Joseph was warning him that he had controlled their whereabouts.

    Thinking of this, Jason was so anxious. He panted and gnashed his teeth, "Joseph, you can''t hurt my daughter and wife."

    Joseph gently smiled after hearing this, leaning forward, and his eyes looked as deep as the ocean, "Mr. Grand, it is not easy to take away my money."

    The man felt like he was being poured a basin of cold water, and he almost suffocated.

    ? After a long while, he then nodded like a defeated game cock. "Okay." After finishing his words, he then put back the check and all the disks on the table.

    "Mr. Dover, please don''t hurt my daughter and my wife."

    Joseph replied indifferently, "But who can ensure that my family will be free from disturbance?"

    "I can!" He hastily made a promise, grabbing Joseph''s hands and pleading. "Mr. Dover, promise that I won''t harass your family and your friends anymore. Oh, my other colleagues also won''t disturb them. What''s more..."

    His panic was in stark contrast to his arrogance just now.

    "You know reporters will connect with each other, and I have been a reporter for more than ten years, so I am clear about which journalist is responsible for what kind of news. Mr. Dover, in fact, I have a wide connection with other media, and I know that there are just a few media focused on you, but others are just followers. But you don''t have to worry because it is easy to transfer their focus."

    "Really? It''s rare that Mr. Grand wants to help me." Joseph showed a faint smile.

    "I should have to help you." The man changed his attitude and added, "I beg you to raise your hand high in mercy."

    Joseph drew back his hands, leaning against the chair and his smile vanished while his eyes looked dreary, "I don''t know if you have the record of the video, but remember that I don''t hope the videos will be spread out."

    "Don''t worry. All of the disks are here." Jason dared not to y tricks anymore. It was when he then realized Joseph was moreplex than he thought. Joseph handled big trouble for him so easily while he even utilized him. It seemed that thements on his were right. He was a man with an axe to grind.

 Chapter 568 568: Did I Let You Go?

    Joseph took a sip of the tea, put down the cup, and said indifferently, "I am not used to believing in others'' promises, but I can take consideration of yours."

    Jason looked at him while trembling with fear.

    "I will be d if my girlfriend and my brother are free from harassment, but if something urs to them, I promise that your family will go to hell soundlessly, no matter if it has something to do with you."

    Joseph said with an extremely calm tone with him which stunned Jason. Joseph''s words gave him a shudder, and his face was pale as if he were in paper.

    ****

    Irish felt sleepy for a while, and after having a quick meal for lunch, she went to bed.

    When she woke up, she found it dark outside the window.

    She was surprised after having a look at the clock.

    It was already seven o''clock at night, so she hastily got out of bed.

    When she walked out of the bedroom, she heard Jordan roaring indignantly. She was shocked and went to the living room immediately.

    Joseph hade back, and he had changed into his home clothes, drinking tea there while Jordan was standing in front of him and his face was pale out of rage. The housemaid took thepote to the table hastily and went to cook a meal.

    When she passed by Irish, she said in a low voice. "You have to persuade them. They have a fierce quarrel."

    Absolutely, Irish had perceived that.

    When she walked into the kitchen, Irish stepped forward, standing between them, but somehow she felt an unnamed pressure. What was wrong?

    Joseph took a look at her, but Irish was scared by his look since she could perceive the great pressure in his eyes.

    "What''s wrong with you?" She asked in a weak voice.

    Jordan didn''t reply to her but looked at Joseph angrily, "You don''t have the right to do this, and you can''t do this! I sneak into the bar to be a singer there, but it has nothing to do with my friends! How could you do this to them?"

    Irish was stunned and looked up at Joseph.

    "Friends?" Joseph sneered and asked, "How can they be your friends since they asked you to take the drugs with them?"

    Irish widened her eyes at Jordan and asked, "What? Take drugs?" It reminded her of the drug addicts who Jay arrested. She knew it was painful when the drug addiction attacked them.

    Therefore, she was so anxious and beat Jordan''s shoulder, "Are you crazy? Do you know the drug will destroy you? You..."

    "I didn''t take drugs." Jordan rubbed his shoulder and argued, and his French was so fluent since he never spoke English with Joseph.

    "Hey, brother, you have to tell ck from white. They just take that asionally. Strictly speaking, it is just a kind of analeptic but not the so-called drugs."

    Joseph frowned and mmed the cup on the teapot, roaring at him, "Don''t talk nonsense. You have to get rid of those people, or they will get a worse result."<novelnext></novelnext>

    Jordan waved his hands angrily and shouted, "I know you are a big shot, and you can do whatever you want, but now you have let them lose their jobs, and what do you want to do next? You can destroy me together."

    Joseph stared at him and said word by word, "You are my brother, so I can''t do anything to hurt you. But if you keep contacting them, I will make them unable to afford food."

    "You...

    "Stop. That''s enough." Irish realized that Joseph had found out that they had sneaked into the bar. "Make a promise to your brother that you won''t contact them anymore."

    "Why do you have to make such a promise?"

    Jordan was stubborn and roared at Joseph, "Yes, you are my elder brother, but when do you really care about me? You always arranged everything for me ording to your own thoughts but never asked me if I liked it. Do you know my hobby? I must admit that my friends have bad habits, but I can feel free when I stay with them and feel like I am alive but not a puppet! You are not qualified to ask me to do anything. Do you think you have done a good job? If you have done a good job, then why are you still in the Runestone Group, and why would Leo take you as his foe?"

    Irish felt her ears buzzing, and she was also confused by Jordan''s words. Didn''t Joseph stay in the Runestone Group since there was a share belonging to his family? After his roar, the room sank into stillness.

    Joseph didn''t reply to him but stared at Jordan with his dreary and cold eyes. The atmosphere was stressful in the room.

    Irish stood beside her, and she could easily feel the coldness.

    When she was at a loss as to how to persuade the two brothers, the housemaid stepped forward and said in a low voice, "Sir, the dinner has been prepared."

    After hearing this, Joseph then ordered, "Let''s eat dinner."

    Jordan bit his lips and walked into his bedroom without looking back.

    "Hey...."

    "Let him go," Joseph thundered behind Irish.

    Irish licked her lips since she perceived he was unpleasant and replied in a weak voice, "But he will be hungry."

    "He is already an adult," Joseph said unpleasantly again.

    Irish was worried since she was afraid that Joseph would get angry with her and she would risk her head, so she hesitated for a second and said, "Let me persuade him. It is not good to have quarrels frequently since you are brothers."

    After finishing her words, she stared at Joseph carefully while Joseph squinted at her slightly.

    Irish began to move slowly, and then she found Joseph said nothing, so she was going to escape immediately, but soon his unpleasant voice sounded, "Did I let you go?"

    Irish stopped abruptly.

    "Come over here." Joseph roared while Irish turned around and changed into an expression of being wronged, "Joseph....."

    "Don''t pretend to be pathetic. Come over here." Joseph raised his voice.

    Irish wailed in her heart and felt that Joseph was really angry with her, so she couldn''t helpining about Jordan. He just left her alone here, but he said before that they stood on the same front, but now she had to undertake Joseph''s anger alone.

 Chapter 569 569: Say Something

    She stepped forward slowly and then stopped in front of him.

    Joseph didn''t give her time to buffer, grabbing her arms, and soon she fell into his arms, and in the next second, he reached out his hands and pped her butt.

    A burning pain soon spread. "Ouch!" She screamed.

    "It seems that you get a lot of guts!"

    Irish didn''t expect that he would p her hip at his full tilt, and soon she felt that her legs were numb. She leaned against hisp, and her face distorted like a walnut out of pain.

    "Do you know you are wrong?"

    Irish hastily nodded.

    "Say something."

    "I am wrong." She said with a choking voice.

    After hearing this, Joseph''s frown smoothed. He looked at her, whose hair covered half of her face, but he could still see her tearful eyes. Joseph''s heart trembled and felt sore. He patted her and then said, "Don''t do this next time."

    Irish puckered her mouth and said nothing.

    ording to her stubborn character, she would argue with Joseph, but she had to admit her mistake since she didn''t listen to him.

    She knew that Joseph must have seized the evidence that they had sneaked out, though he didn''t mention anything to her.

    She also regretted that since Joseph was busy dealing with the big trouble now that she was trapped in a dilemma because of those pictures, she shouldn''t make another trouble for him at this crucial time.

    That was why she was so obedient this time.

    Joseph felt sorrowful when he saw her tearful eyes, so he sighed heavily and pulled her from hisp, "Well, let''s eat dinner."

    Irish nodded silently.

    ****

    After finishing a scene, the director stopped, and Britney''s assistant hastily took her coat as well as a cup of hot tea for her, "Ms. Britney, you have been working very hard, and there is only one scene left today."

    Britney took a sip of hot water and said impatiently, "It is a damn cold day." She stood up and walked into the anteroom.

    The assistant followed her, smiling obsequiously, "I havemunicated with the director, and the next scene will be inside the room. You can have a rest for a while."

    Britney snorted and entered the anteroom.

    There was a young girl in the room who was staring at her phone, and obviously, she didn''t find Britney. Britney took a look at her and knew she was a new actor but also a model.

    She sat down on the couch leisurely and asked abruptly, "Are you ustomed to this since it is your first time to take a movie?"

    The girl was startled and hastily stood up, but Britney hinted to her not to be so anxious and then took the script handed up by the assistant. "Do you know that the next scene has changed?"

    "Yes. Thank you, Ms. Britney."<novelnext></novelnext>

    Britney didn''t reply to her anymore and began to look through the script.

    The young girl stepped cautiously and squatted beside her, taking the initiative to show kindness, "Ms. Britney, many people said that you are difficult to get along with, but I think you are a nice person, and you are kind to people, especially to new actors. You are unlike other movie stars who are always so arrogant."

    Though Britney was cocky, she never bullied a new actor, but she looked arrogant, which was why people wouldment badly about her. Finally, she looked at the script and replied, "It seems you are honey-mouthed."

    The girl grinned.

    "What are you looking at?" Britney asked suddenly.

    But after hearing this, the girl soon blushed and hesitated.

    Britney perceived that she had something to talk about, so she stopped reading the script.

    "Ms. Britney, have you cooperated with Runestone Group? Do you think the manager of thispany is a person who is difficult to get along with?" The young model licked her lips and asked nervously.

    But Britney was also smart, and she soon got the key point, "Have you seen him before?"

    Her face was flushed because it reminded her of the cane when she met him at the bar that night. Her heart beat so fast when she recalled his breath and sturdy chest. She shyly nodded when she found that Britney was looking at her.

    Britney raised her eyebrows and asked, "Does he want you to be his mistress?"

    The girl hastily shook her head, and the light in her eyes soon vanished. "I am not as lucky as you said. I only met him once."

    She took a picture of him secretly that night, and she would look at it when she missed him.

    She also knew about the nude picture scandal since it was well-known in entertainment circles. And she even hoped she was the woman in the picture.

    Britney smiled and replied, "It is not a difficult thing. The entertainment circle is neither too big nor small, and you will meet him someday at amercial banquet. I can introduce you to him next time."

    "Thank you, Ms. Britney." The girl was excited, but Britney said nothing.

    After a long while, the girl said again, "It seems that Mr. Dover is obsessed with the second daughter of the Lake family." She suddenly remembered the nickname "baby" on his phone. Was that woman his baby?

    Britney smiled, pinched the girl''s cheeks gently, and then said, "You have to remember that don''t be serious with a man and don''t mind who he really loves. If he is willing to take notice of you, you will have a great future. But if you are too serious, then the game will be over soon. Do you understand?"

    The girl nodded, but it seemed that she didn''t fully understand.

    But Britney sneered in her heart since she thought it was absurd how Joseph could be obsessed with that woman, and he just didn''t meet a woman who he really loved.

    "Well, I still don''t know your name."

    "Becky." The girl hastily answered.

    "A good name." Britney smiled.

    The nude picture scandal calmed down a little, and at least Irish could go out freely. It was not until then she knew that Joseph was deprived of his position as the manager in Runestone Group. Of course, it was Cassie who told her this news.

    She apanied Cassie to try on a wedding dress and got this news identally.

 Chapter 570 570: Have You Moved?

    Irish was worried and wanted to call him immediately, but she tried her best to calm down since Joseph was on a business trip outside.

    "Don''t worry. The operation of the Runestone Group is inseparable from Joseph. Your dad''s decision is merely a pose for the board of directors."

    "He is not my dad." Irish gnashed her teeth.

    Cassie hastily stopped, took another wedding dress, made a gesture of measuring in front of the mirror, and said, "Your birthday ising soon. Will hee back?"

    "I don''t know." Irish was in a low mood.

    Cassie put down the dress, sighing slightly. "Will you go there on your birthday?"

    Irish nodded without hesitation. "Well, then, let''s eat dinner together. If he can''t go back that day, I will scrounge a free meal with you in your Uncle Steven''s house."

    "Okay." Irish grinned.

    Cassie said nothing and handed the wedding dress to the salesperson, "I am going to try this one."

    Irish was surprised and asked, "Why not try a few more?"

    Cassie looked tired and shook her head slightly.

    When Cassie entered the fitting room, Fredrick then arrived. Irish was discontented andined to him while he took the initiative to admit his mistake immediately. He asked about her recent situation and asked if she had done a brain scan, but Irish replied carelessly.

    When they were chatting with each other, Cassie went out and surprised them.

    Irish stepped forward and embraced her with great astonishment, "Honey, you are so beautiful!"

    "I am looking forward to seeing you in a wedding dress," Cassie whispered beside her ear.

    Irish patted her and said, "Well, I am going to leave now since your future husband has arrived."

    "Don''t be in a hurry. Why not eat with us?"

    Irish refused and exined that Jordan was still angry at home, so Cassie had to give up her idea.

    When Irish left, she turned to Fredrick but found that he was still looking out the door. She smiled bitterly and asked him abruptly, "You still love her, right?"

    Fredrick trembled violently after hearing this and looked at Cassie in shock, but Cassie just stared at him calmly.

    Soon he looked embarrassed as if his secret was exposed into the air, and he said hastily, "Cassie, you have misunderstood me. I..."

    "Irish is very happy now," Cassie replied indifferently.

    "Cassie, don''t misunderstand me..."

    Cassie smiled bitterly, looked at the mirror, and then said, "I think this wedding dress is not so good. I am going to try another one." After finishing her words, she entered the fitting room again.

    Fredrick was about to exin to her, but he finally stopped.

    Cassie''s eyes immediately filled with tears when she entered the fitting room. She was not an idiot, and she could perceive hisplicated eyes when he looked at Irish.<novelnext></novelnext>

    ****

    Irish was looking at Malus spectabilis outside the window when Adam called her.

    It was sunny in the afternoon, and the Malus spectabilis was bathed in the light. The sunlight fell on a few scattered leaves so that she could see the dry veins though she was in the room.

    Just a few minutes ago, she quarreled with Jordan.

    Since Joseph drove away all of his friends in the bar, Jordanpletely cut off the connection with them and only stayed at home. She couldn''t figure out whether it was his friend who abandoned him or Jordan who took the initiative to get rid of them so as not to implicate them again. Since Joseph took a business trip outside, it seemed that Jordan had also lost his soul.

    When she knocked on his door and asked him to go out for lunch, he was curling on the couch, staring nkly at a racing model.

    After seeing this, Irish leaned against the door and waited for him. Then, somehow, a question suddenly appeared in her mind, and she just asked him directly, "You went to that bar to perform just to earn money to participate in the car racing?"

    For a long time, she thought he was making some pin money, but now she was suspicious about his real goal since she knew that he made a lot of money in the bar.

    Irish knew that she was right because she found that he trembled slightly.

    But Jordan was annoyed since he felt that she had seen through his mind, and he felt embarrassed.

    But Irish wanted to help him and exined that she could support him if he wanted to participate in car racing.

    Unexpectedly, Jordan thought he had been looked down upon by Irish, and his anger finally burst out.

    Irish always liked to stand up to him since she thought he could release his repressed emotions during the process of arguing, and it was better that he buried all of his bad emotions in his heart.

    Therefore, she began to stimte Jordan and said that he was not courageous to drive a racing car again.

    In fact, she was trying to encourage him to pursue his dream.

    But obviously, Jordan didn''t want to ept her kindness, so he began to offend her and sarcastically said that Irish was a coward.

    Therefore, in the end, Irish stares nkly at a tree outside the window.

    She understood why Jordan said she was a coward because she had something that she dared not to face again, and that was rock climbing.

    Though she tried to avoid this sport, she knew it was a significant part of her life, and she was still fond of it.

    Therefore, when Adam called her, she was still in a muddle, and it took her some time to realize who he was.

    "I am unable to contact you these days. Have you moved?" His voice was soft as the sunshine on a winter afternoon.

    Her phone had been turned off for a few days, so it was natural that he couldn''t get her through. Moreover, she didn''t know how to face her family and friends because of the nude picture scandal.

    She found that people''s psychology was bizarre. When something worth celebrating urred to you, only your family and friends would bless you, but if something bad urred to you, except for your family and friends, some other people who rarely contact you would show up and pretend to care about you, asking you endless questions to satisfy their curiosity.

    Irish had be injured to see that because people couldn''t bear that, others would live a better life than them.

 Chapter 571 571: Are You Worried For Jay?

    It was because life was dull and the way to pursue happiness was tough, and they may have given up in the process, so when others gained their happiness, they would be envious.

    Of course, Adam''s care was sincere, and he was pursuing what he wanted.

    Irish exined to him that she was living at her friend''s house but said nothing else to him.

    However, it seemed that Adam had many words to say to her and was reluctant to hang up.

    Irish was absent-minded when Adam suddenly said, "Irish, I know you are not happy these days, so why not go rock climbing with me together. I know a good ce for rock climbing."

    After hearing this, the first thought that came to Irish was, why would he know she was in a low mood? So she sighed slightly and was going to refuse his invitation. But she suddenly remembered Jordan''s words and quickly changed her mind and epted his proposal.

    Perhaps Adam didn''t expect that she would agree with him so easily, so he was so excited. "Really?" He asked in reply very excitedly.

    "Yes." Irish replied again with a low voice and then added, "But you have to help me because I haven''t climbed a rock for a long time." She remembered that Adam said he liked rock climbing, so he may be skillful at rock climbing.

    "No problem. I will take care of your safety." Adam promised her firmly.

    They had a temporary appointment then.

    After the call, Irish called Leo, and he picked up the phone soon.

    "Thank God that you finally called me." He said.

    "Or what?" She took a bolster, leaning on it, and asked with a smile.

    "Or I will force Joseph to tell me where you are with a knife."

    Irish puckered her mouth into a smile.

    "Be serious. Where are you?" Leo asked her hastily.

    "Don''t ask me where I am. Are you free this weekend? Or are you busy coping with the Runestone Group?"

    "I will put aside everything if a beauty would like to make an appointment with me," Leo said slowly.

    After hearing this, Irish hastily replied, "That''s settled then."

    "Well, I have to know what we are going to do."

    "You can''t live with your acrophobia for your whole life." Irish smiled slyly.

    Leo was silent for a while and then replied, "In fact, I think it doesn''t matter to live with acrophobia."

    Hearing this, Irish finally yed her trump card, "Be decisive. Will youe this Sunday?"

    "Well..... okay," Leo promised reluctantly.

    After putting down her phone, Irish was relieved. Though she admitted that she was a little selfish since she knew Leo had acrophobia, she knew it was the only way to convince Jordan. She had to ovee her psychological obstacle, so she had to get help from an experienced man, and that was Adam.

    She understood Adam''s intention, so she asked Leo toe with her together to let Adam understand that it was not a date between two people.

    ****

    It was in the assembly room of the Runestone Group, and they were holding a senior leadership meeting.

    Henry was sitting on the rostrum, listening to the work report, but he felt dizzy, and the report''s content left no trace in his mind.

    In this way, he gradually felt that the voice was getting inaudible, as well as the clicking sound of the mouse beside him.

    There was a faint fragrance that freshened up him slightly.

    He looked up slightly but found a woman''s figure shrouded in a thin mist that blurred his eyesight.

    The figure was getting closer to him until her face was finally revealed in front of him.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Henry was surprised. It was Rachel!

    "Mr. Henry." Someone called beside him anxiously.

    It gave him a violent shudder, and when he took a look again, he found Rachel had gone.

    He then returned to reality while the secretary looked at him with weird eyes.

    "Mr. Henry, are you okay? Do you need me to call the doctor for you?" His secretary asked quietly beside him.

    Henry took a deep breath and replied, "I am fine. Go on."

    He wiped his forehead and found it was wet from cold sweat.

    "Is Christmasing soon?" He asked.

    "Yes." The secretary nodded.

    Henry leaned against the chair while his eyes turned dreary. Finally, he fell into meditation, and his thoughts began to drift away with the images in his mind.

    Christmas Day wasing soon.

    Rachel, did youe to me me?

    "Mr. Henry?" The secretary saw that his face was pale and was worried about him.

    Henry urged his secretary quietly, "Order a bunch of white chrysanthemums for me after the meeting and cancel all of the arrangements this afternoon."

    The secretary was shocked slightly and then nodded.

    ****

    Lilith was scolded by her leader since she took the wrong diamond and the wrong tools to the appraiser.

    Lilith was still absentminded when she had lunch, and she sat in a corner, but soon Cassie came over with the te and sat down opposite her.

    Lilith nced at her but said nothing.

    "I heard the matter this morning. It is unavoidable to make mistakes, so you don''t have to worry." Cassieforted her softly.

    Lilith said nothing but sighed heavily.

    "What happened to you?" Cassie usually got close contact with her, and they were also in the same department, so she knew Lilith well and knew she was a positive girl.

    Lilith puckered her mouth and then said, "I am so worried."

    "Are you worried for Jay?" Cassie asked directly.

    Lilith nodded while Cassie smiled softly and patted her hands, "I have known him earlier than you and trust his capability, so don''t worry, and he will be fine."

    "But he can''t be contacted now. And even the Anti-drug center also failed to contact him." Lilith sounded upset.

    Cassie was shocked after hearing this.

    Perceiving her astonishment, Lilith''s worry flooded her heart. She grabbed Cassie''s hands and asked anxiously, "You haven''t encountered such a situation though you have known him for so many years, right?"

    Lilith was right, and at least she had never heard from Irish.

    But she knew that she couldn''t add fuel to the mes at this crucial moment, and she calmed down quickly, trying tofort Lilith softly, "Perhaps it is a special task, so it takes him longer. Moreover, he may be somewhere with poor signals, so he can''t be contacted."

    She was curious to know if it would be the case, as she said. In fact, Cassie didn''t know what happened since even the Anti-drug center couldn''t get in contact with Jay.

 Chapter 572 572: Do You Want Me To Compete With Him?

    Lilith drew back her hands and clenched her cold fingers.

    "Did his leader tell you this news?" But Cassie thought it was impossible because it was confidential information.

    Lilith shook her head and replied, "I can''t contact him for a long time, so I went to the Anti-drug center to find his leader. However, I got no information from him, and he justforted me not to be worried. But when I intended to leave and passed through an office, I heard someone say they couldn''t get in touch with Jay."

    Speaking of this, Lilith''s eyes turned tearful, and then she looked at Cassie, "I heard it personally."

    Cassie was also flurried when she heard of this.

    "Have you told this news to Irish?"

    Lilith shook her head, and her tears shed down, "I don''t want her to be worried. You know she is also upied by those pictures."

    Cassie sighed and nodded.

    But soon Lilith wiped her tears and said firmly, "I have decided to go to Florida in person.

    Cassie was stunned by her words violently. "What?"

    "What if an ident urred to him? I must find him in Florida, and I can''t wait anymore."

    Cassie perceived her seriousness and felt worried, "You can''t go there. Do you know where Jay is? Can you protect yourself? Even if something urred to him, can you help him? You will make trouble for him if he is in a critical position."

    Lilith was silent and began to cry.

    "Well, don''t cry." Cassie took a tissue for her and helped her to wipe her tears whileforting her, "I can understand you, but now you can''t act rashly. Think about how dangerous it was for you, a delicate girl, to find him in Florida alone. What if an ident urred to you if you couldn''t find him? You may encounter these drug traffickers, and you may lose your life. You must have seen such news before."

    Lilith burst into tears immediately.

    ****

    Irish came to the countryside of New York with Leo and Adam. It was the first time Irish and Leo hade here, but Adam had climbed the rock here before, and he thought it was a good ce with beautiful scenery for rock climbing.

    It was in the winter, and they couldn''t see the beautiful scenery, but it was good to look down halfway up a hill.

    It was more dangerous to climb a mountain in winter, and it had a higher requirement for the climber''s physical strength.

    Adam didn''t choose a mountain with too much difficulty coefficient but chose a position with a gentle slope. When they were preparing the equipment, Leo took two bottles of water and threw one of them to Irish while saying, "You didn''t tell me he woulde with us."

    "Adam is good at rock climbing and dare not toe out with you without him." Irish took a sip of water and replied.

    Leo was dissatisfied with her words and sat beside her, staring carefully at her.

    "What are you looking at?"

    Leo pouted his mouth and said, "You said his name is Adam. Is he your ex-boyfriend?"

    "Don''t talk nonsense. They just have the same name."<novelnext></novelnext>

    "But what a coincidence that he enjoys rock climbing and also likes you. Don''t tell me that he is not wooing you." Leo said frankly.

    Irish smiled and replied, "That''s why I asked you to go out with me together."

    "Do you want me topete with him? Irish, you have to pick a sport that I am good at, and I will definitely be defeated in rock climbing." Leo raised his eyebrows.

    "You think too much." Irish giggled and put her hands on his shoulder, "There are two goals to asking you out."

    Leo didn''t reply to her but waited. "I must ovee my psychological block, but I don''t hope he will misunderstand me, so you have to go out with me. And the second goal is that I am trying to cure your acrophobia while at the same time I hope you could be my ally." Irish exined to him.

    Leo was at a loss whether to smile orugh, "Irish, you are good at considering yourself, and others even have to extend appreciation to you."

    "I really care about you. You have acrophobia, so you have to ovee it." Irish said seriously.

    Leo had no choice but made apromise, "Okay. Then talk with me about the ally."

    Irish drew back her hands and sighed slightly, "I have a hunch that Joseph will find his existence someday. In fact, we are innocent, and I have told him clearly that we are impossible to be with each other though he is wooing me. And have no choice but to go out this time, but you are here with me, so if he finds out the truth someday, you can be the witness for me."

    Now that you have known the result, why are you still hiding it from Joseph?"

    "Though Joseph said nothing before, I can feel he cared about my past story with Adam. Of course, I mean the Adam I knew before. But now, when he appeared for the first time, I have chosen to lie to Joseph, and now I have to keep this lie, though I don''t want to tell a lie to him again." Irish clenched her fingers and asked, "Leo, you won''t tell Joseph, will you?"

    Leo red at her and replied, "I am not a gossiper."

    "Then you choose to stand by me?"

    Leo stared at her but answered beyond question, "You know I also like you."

    "It makes no sense to say this now."

    Leo made apromise and replied, "Okay. I promise I will stand by you."

    "That''s better."

    Adam also had prepared, and after finishing dressing up, he took another two sets of equipment to them. He didn''t show great passion to Leo since he saw that Irish chatted with him intimately.

    But he still squatted and checked the equipment for Irish while urging her repeatedly.

    Leo patted Adam''s shoulders and said, "Man, you have to be clear that I am the person who will climb the rock for the first time."

    Adam was a little bit embarrassed while Irish suppressed a smile.

    Adam began to teach Leo how to climb the rock. He gave a casque to Leo and told him the importance of it. On the one hand, rockfall urred frequently, and on the other hand, the head was a risk ofnding first during the process of climbing.

    "I have prepared the hanger of Keith. Irish, have you used this kind of hanger before?" Adam asked.

    Irish nodded.

 Chapter 573 573: Take A Deep Breath

    The hanger of Keith was made of titanium which was light and would never be corroded, and it wouldn''t be damaged in an extremely cold or hot situation. It was of high quality.

    "The ice axe is also a necessity." Adam took out the ice axe to them while Leo weighed it in his hands.

    Adam exined, "This is the climbing tool built with the most advanced materials and technology. The biggest advantage is that it has an excellent center of gravity distribution, excellent hand handle, and stability. This is also the only hybrid climbing technology ice axe in the world that is cut from the whole body to the handle with CNC digital control technology. Of course, it is best for a steep ice face wall, but for the sake of your safety, it is a necessity for you. It only weighs 560 grams and wouldn''t cause any burden for you."

    "Irish, do you know how to use this protector?" Adam raised the protective device in his hand.

    Irish took a nce at it but shook her head.

    Leo looked at it and sighed, "Can such a thin rope protect us?"

    "This protector is known for its super strength. The semi-rope and double ropes are thin and asymmetric. It allows the climber to climb faster and descend faster. Though it was thin, it could protect the leader or upgrade the two climbers." Adam stepped forward to install it and then told them how to use it.

    Leo gave him a thumbs up and then praised his specialty, and Adam spent some time exining in detail to him how to climb the rock.

    Leo was a neer, while Irish hadn''t climbed for a long time, so Adam required them to be slow at every step. He said that they should keep safety first and then chisel the nail. Adam would be the leader and ensure their security.

    And soon, they were going to climb while Irish ignored Leo''s expression, so she didn''t know if he was nervous or fearful.

    Standing at the foot of the mountain and looking up, the long-lost feeling and her memories returned to her again.

    "Take a deep breath, think about the mountains you conquered before, and don''t think about other things." Adam stepped forward and patted her shoulder.

    She followed his words and then took a glimpse at Leo, who looked so flurried. She clenched the tools and could hear her heartbeat.

    As the climb leader, Adam had to climb first.

    The sound of an ice axe chiseling on the mountain stimted Irish''s mind. It reminded her that four years ago, his ex-boyfriend Adam was also the climb leader, and he also chiseled the mountain like this.

    The safety rope swayed in front of her eyes which relieved her worries.

    She pulled it and tied the safety buckle.

    Adam looked at her worriedly and then relieved a little when he saw she was still skilled in tying the safety buckle, and then he urged Leo to observe his movement carefully.

    But Irish had a disagreement with Leo about the safe distance.

    Leo knew that Irish had a psychological block on climbing and that she was here to ovee it. Therefore, as her ally and as a man, he decided to let Irish climb in the middle, and he would protect her so that he could observe her situation at any time.

    But Irish disagreed with him since he thought Leo was a neer and they should protect him. What was more terrible was that he had acrophobia.<novelnext></novelnext>

    When they were arguing, Adam, the climb leader, expressed his opinion and suggested Leo climb behind Irish when he perceived the hesitation and worries in Irish''s eyes.

    During the process, cooperation was an essential factor, and all of the climbers should listen to the climb leader because wild rock climbing was not as easy as indoor rock climbing, and no one could act alone, or the whole team would be implicated.

    Irish had been dealing with rock climbing teams and outdoor expeditions all year since she was a student, so she understood the discipline of a team. Though she was ill-affected, she had to be obedient.

    The temperature in the wild was particrly cold, and the wind was blowing.

    Adam led the way in front and slowed down in action, giving the two people great buffer space. He asionally stopped when he climbed up for a while, carefully observing where the best ce for nailing was.

    Irish gradually approached him, dressed up in a red mountaineering suit that could block the coldness and sand blown by the wind, while Adam wore a suit of blue and green cloth over her head. She looked up at him, and his clothes shone brightly, making her mind stop running and her movement.

    "Irish, what are you thinking about?" Leo shouted timely.

    It gave Irish a violent shudder, and then she looked down at Leo. Though his face was pale, he looked good because, during the process, he only looked up or looked at the front horizontally but avoided looking down.

    She gave a thumbs up to him and began to keep climbing.

    The wind blew more wildly, and ording to Irish''s experience, they still didn''t arrive halfway up the mountain.

    Adam climbed slowly while she also followed him at a slow speed.

    As a psychologist, she also knew that she had a mental phobia of rock climbing, but she also hoped to relieve her worries and inner struggle by slowing down.

    Gradually, the long-lost feeling of rock climbing came back again.

    The mountain in front of her eyes was uneven.

    The air she breathed into her lungs, the subconscious movements when she touched the rock wall, and the feelings of realizing the achievement all came back to her.

    But it also reminded her of lots of things.

    She recalled the scene when she stood up at the top of Mount Qomngma and her experience when she almost fell down from the mountain because she bought a set of cheap equipment to save money and inner peace when she looked down at the crest. She even recalled theplicated feeling when she slept and hung on the mountainside.

    Irish gradually turned cheerful.

    Those worries, pains, and uneasiness gradually disappeared, and the timidity that had gued her for more than four years also began to vanish.

    She began to speed up as she did four years ago.

 Chapter 574 574: You Are Pregnant

    Adam also felt that she was quickening up, so he looked back at her and made a gesture to hint to her to take care of herself.

    However, Irish''s heart violently trembled when she saw this gesture, and her thoughts were interrupted.

    Adam, who was dressed in his green and blue mountaineering suit, became blurry in her eyes.

    "Watch out!"

    Leo roared while Irish felt that she slipped, and then the whole body swayed violently and then fell vertically.

    She screamed and felt the cold wind on both sides of her body.

    When she fell, a few inexplicable lights sshed in her mind, lighting her eyes.

    She seemed to have seen a newspaper with a lot of news on it, and then a strange memory broke into her brain.

    At this moment, she seemed to hear Leo and Adam''s voices, and her waist was blocked by something that entangled her tightly, stopping her from falling down.

    "Irish," Leo called her anxiously.

    Irish then found that the safety rope protected her, and she was hanging in the air while the yellow safety rope saved her life. She looked up along the rope and found Leo holding the rope tightly.

    When she fell down, she passed Leo, and now she was at the end of the tie while Leo was in the middle position. In this way, Leo had to look down at her, and his face soon turned pale. She couldn''t determine whether he was startled by her or was because of his acrophobia.

    Adam also tightened the rope at the top to fix Leo.

    It seemed that he was also frightened by her and made a gesture to Irish.

    The new memory in Irish''s mind was bing clear, and many pictures began to show up in her mind madly.

    Leo was so anxious and shouted at her, "How do you feel now?"

    Irish tried to touch the mountain wall, but she failed because of the slope; so she dared not to act rashly anymore since she was afraid that she would implicate the two men, so she made the "Okay" sign with her fingers.

    Adam was about to give up climbing and gestured to Leo while Leo also cooperated with him and began to use the double main rope to descend.

    Though Leo''s face was relieved, he dared not to rx his vignce because he was afraid that he would shake the safety buckle at Irish''s waist if he lessened his hands, so he grabbed the rope tightly during the process.

    Irish also fell down gradually.

    Thanks to the high-end equipment Adam brought, they could descend quickly and save much time, avoiding the danger of the safety buckle being broken.

    When they finally touched the ground, Leo and Adam rushed to ask about Irish''s situation.

    The safety buckle hadn''t been unbuttoned yet, and she just sat on the ground, frowning and her hand held her ankle, "It hurts."

    Leo held her to the car without hesitation.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Adam and Leo sent her to the hospital, and it was not until they arrived that Leo''s pale face returned to normal.

    Leo found the nearest hospital for treatment since he didn''t know the seriousness of her injury. She had to see a doctor as soon as possible, and luckily there were not too many people during this time, so they didn''t have to wait any longer.

    Irish was absent-minded when she was sent to the department of orthopedics, but she still looked pale.

    Adam and Leo had to wait outside when Irish was epting the check.

    Inside the consulting room, the nurse helped Irish to take off her shoes and found there was blood.

    The doctor made a careful examination and asked her the reason for her injury while Irish exined it clearly. The doctor touched her ankle, and Irish felt so painful that the cold sweat slipped down from her forehead.

    "It is just a superficial wound, and the bones didn''t get hurt, but therge contusion of the skin tissue caused extravasated blood."

    Irish was afraid that she would be crippled, so she began to be suspicious of the doctor''s words. "Why would I feel severe pain if my bone didn''t get hurt?"

    The doctor smiled and replied, "Though you have good equipment, your ankle bone hit violently against the mountain wall, and what''s more, you slipped down, and you may have a joint sprain."

    Irish hesitated.

    Perceiving her worries, the doctor said, "If you are really worried, then you can ept the CT scan."

    "Okay. I will take the CT scan." Irish was worried that she would be a cripple in the future, and if that happened to her, how could she still be with Joseph?

    The doctor was amused by her and was about to make a list for her, but they also asked her if she was pregnant since the pregnant woman couldn''t ept a CT scan.

    "What?" Obviously, Irish was shocked by the doctor''s question. "No." She replied indefinitely.

    "Are you sure? You must know that a pregnant woman can''t ept a CT scan." The doctor asked her again.

    Irish was hesitant. "No. Perhaps "She was not sure, and she suddenly remembered that she didn''t have menstruation this month yet, but sometimes the menses were irregr, and she never worried about that.

    "You are not sure?" The doctor stopped and added, "Well, I must take some blood to test your progesterone first."

    "It is impossible for me to be pregnant. Make a list for me, please, and I will ept the CT scan as soon as possible."

    However, the doctor declined her request and asked her to take a blood test first.

    While waiting for the blood test result, Irish returned to the department of orthopedics.

    After a few minutes, she was called to the doctor''s office since the result hade out.

    Irish waited for the doctor to give her the list and didn''t look at the blood test result because she thought her menses were irregr sometimes, and Joseph would take measures when they had sex.

    The doctor looked at the result and said slowly, "Ms. Irish, you can''t ept the CT scan because you are pregnant."

 Chapter 575 575: Is The Injury Serious?

    Adam had an emergency to deal with, so Leo sent Irish back, and when they arrived at Joseph''s house, Jordan opened the door for them so that they could drive directly.

    Leo held Irish into her bedroom while Jordan stared at Irish''s wounded ankle wrapped in gauze and felt regret.

    "Why do you always make trouble?" He questioned unpleasantly.

    Irish didn''t answer him while Leo focused on Irish, so he ignored Jordan''s words. Leo grimly said when she sat on the bed, "Let me find another doctor for you. I am suspicious about the medical skill of the doctors in that hospital we went to today, and he didn''t even ask you to take a CT scan."

    Irish shook her head slightly and replied, "The doctor said it was just a skin trauma. Though my muscles and skin tissue got hurt, the ankle bone had no fracture. Don''t worry."

    Leo was still anxious, but he had no choice since Irish insisted she was fine.

    The bedroom sunk into stillness after Leo left.

    Irish leaned on the bed, but her head was buzzing. She was restless on the way back home from the hospital.

    She didn''t tell Adam and Leo she was pregnant, because until now she still didn''t believe this news. It happened in a short time, and she couldn''t ept the truth yet.

    After a long while, Irish finally reacted and put her hands on her abdomen, looking down at it, but the astonishment still didn''t vanish from her eyes.

    Was she really pregnant?

    It meant a small baby was in her body, just like the seed had quietly sprouted roots in the soil.

    Irish swallowed nervously, and her fingers trembled slightly.

    She had a baby with Joseph.

    Thinking of this, Irish''s heart was beating so fast, and the unnamed emotion in her heart exploded abruptly. Theplex emotions seemed to be nervous and surprised but also seemed to oscite and bewildered.

    She had never imagined the feeling of being a mother and what she would look like when she was pregnant. To be honest, she had been ustomed to the days of living with Joseph, and it was hard to imagine what her life would be when they had a baby in the future.

    Irish bit her lips and touched her belly gently; now she could feel nothing of her baby.

    But when did they have this baby?

    She was lost in meditation, and her thoughts finally stopped, recalling one fateful night.

    She figured out the answer.

    Joseph was drunk that night and was different from his gentle, he ignored her supplication, and he ejacted inside her body.

    It was the only time he did that because he never did that again after that.

    Irish adjusted her posture, and she had to admit that it felt strange.

    She didn''t know how to describe her feelings, but in the end, she couldn''t help smiling.

    She recalled that Joseph asked her if she had been pregnant several times before and if he must like children.

    And now there was a small baby in her body. A baby belonged to them. If he got this news, would he be happy?

    Thinking of this, Irish felt that her heart was beating so fast again, and she rubbed her hands so nervously.

    How should she tell him this news?

    What was the first sentence to say?

    Should she say that: Joseph, I had your baby now?

    While she was meditating, Jordan knocked in.

    He sighed when he saw that Irish was sitting nkly on the bed, so he stepped forward and looked embarrassed, "Are you okay?"<novelnext></novelnext>

    Her attention then transferred from her baby to Jordan.

    "She looked up at him and said, while pointing at the bed, "Can you sit down to talk with me? You are as tall as your brother, and it is tiring to look up at you."

    Jordan followed her words and sat down on the bed, staring at her foot with apologetic eyes, "Leo said that you got hurt because of me."

    Irish then understood the reason why he felt guilty, and she said frankly with a smile, "It has nothing to do with you. I never said that I went climbing the rock for you."

    Jordan raised his eyebrows and looked at her unpleasantly.

    "But I have to admit that I am getting older. I wouldn''t get hurt even if I climbed the steeper mountain while I was still young."

    "Bullshit. You are still young." Jordan said loudly.

    Irish smiled after hearing his words.

    Jordan pointed at her foot and asked, "Is the injury serious?"

    "No. Don''t worry."

    Jordan snorted and pouted, "I am not worried about you."

    Irish said nothing but stared at him, which made him more embarrassed. He blushed and cleared his throat, "I will take care of you now that you get wounded, but you have to repay me."

    Irish felt it hard to understand his logic. Still, he was making progress, so she just pretended to say harshly to him, "Your brother is on a business trip now, and you are the only man in the house, so it is natural for you to take care of me and do all the chores for me."

    Jordan red at her and stood up. He turned back when he walked at the door and added, "You said you are skillful in rock climbing, but your leg was broken now." After finishing his words, he left.

    "Hey, it''s just skin trauma, but my ankle bone wasn''t injured! You have to be clear about this." Irish shouted at the closing door but got no response.

    She put down the bolster and rxed.

    She couldn''t help smiling when recalling Jordan''s words.

    She had climbed the mountain for so many years but had never been so confused. She fell halfway off a gentle slope, and Leo, who had acrophobia, saved her life.

    She felt absurd and then recalled the moment when she gradually fell down while the new memory came to her mind again.

    At the moment when she fell down, her memory went back to the mountain peaks in Columbia as well as the mountain wall covered by heavy snow.

    She was alone there, and when she was about to climb, the ice axe fell down, and she slipped, hanging on the snowy mountain wall while the thin safety rope prevented her from falling down.

    There was an abyss under her foot.

    A new picture in her mind urred when she descended today.

    Irish was frightened but also confused.

    Why was she alone there, and where was Adam?

    However, Irish smiled soon.

    She thought that God had blessed her.

    She suffered from a minor injury and suddenly knew she was pregnant.

    She had to thank God.

    Irish was the kind of person who knew the sugar was ced on a bomb, but she would eat the sugar first.

 Chapter 576 576: The Stock Price Fell

    At that moment, she didn''t think about rock climbing anymore but began nning to tell Joseph this great news.

    Before she could react, she had dialed his number.

    But it didn''t get through immediately, and she waited for a long while.

    Irish was turned from excited to anxious and even a little disappointed.

    Finally, he answered the phone, and she felt cheerful again.

    "Joseph?" She called him happily. Butpared with Irish''s happiness, Joseph was a little tired, and Irish could feel that even if it was on the phone.

    She then asked him softly if he had meals on time, but she was worried about him, so she couldn''t help asking, "Do you have a meeting now?"

    "Yes." He sighed slightly.

    Irish felt guilty and realized he didn''t answer the phone promptly because he was having a meeting now. Usually, she would hang up the phone so as not to disturb him, but today she was so eager to listen to his voice.

    Therefore, she asked quietly, "Can I hang upter?"

    Joseph was silent for a few seconds, and soon she heard that he ordered Daisy to suspend the meeting.

    And then she heard his footsteps, and she knew he was standing up.

    He stopped somewhere quiet. Irish puckered her face into a smile and gave him a video call.

    He was connected soon.

    Irish found that he was in the anteroom, where the light was dim, which formed a sharp contrast with the bright sunshine in her room. What stunned her was that he looked so exhausted, and his well-defined face was thinner.

    His eyes were filled with red blood silk.

    "Joseph, how long have you had no rest?" Irish was astonished.

    Joseph looked at her and smiled softly, "Do I look so tired?"

    Irish nodded and asked worryingly, "Is there any problem?"

    "Nothing." His voice sounded husky.

    He would only tell her not to be worried even if he encountered a big problem.

    But Irish knew that something must be wrong, or how could he be so exhausted?

    She intended to tell him that she was pregnant, but now she was at a loss about how to tell him this news after perceiving his tiredness, so after thinking for a while, she asked, "Joseph, when will youe back?"

    Joseph was silent for a while and replied quietly, "I wille back as soon as possible, okay?"

    He would give her a definite time and never go back on his words, but now he only told her he woulde back as soon as possible, which made her feel sorrowful somehow. Staring at him, who she missed so much, she was eager to rush in front of him and embrace him tightly.

    "Isabel?" Joseph misunderstood her since she didn''t reply to him, "Are you angry with me?

    "No. I know you are busy." Irish felt sad for him, but after a few seconds, she couldn''t help saying, "Joseph, in fact, I want to tell you that��"

    "Mr. Dover, the stock price began to fluctuate again and fell sharply!" Daisy''s anxious voice interrupted Irish.<novelnext></novelnext>

    The sound of unexpected intrusions left Irish in a daze.

    The next second, she saw Joseph''s look turn cold, whose eyebrows were tight. He faced slightly sideways at Daisy, and from Irish''s viewpoint, his profile face was cold and chilling.

    "I see." He spoke, and his voice was low, like the dark clouds behind him.

    The sun fell on Irish, but somehow she felt so cold. She watched Joseph nervously across the mountains and rivers, and she seemed to be infected by his emotions.

    The joy of being pregnant seemed to be solidified by the cold, and it was always in her mouth that it could not be spoken out between her teeth.

    Soon, Joseph turned his attention back to her side, but his tone was slightly subdued. "Isabel��"

    "I know you''re busy, so I''ll just say onest word." Irish, somehow so brave, broke Joseph''s words directly, and her heart almost jumped out of her throat, and her palms were sweating.

    Swallowing a bit of saliva, suppressing the feeling because of tension, and when she opened her mouth, she even heard a tremolo, "Joseph, I''m pregnant."

    After saying this, the whole person was like a deted ball, feeling powerless, leaving only one heart still thumping in her chest. Her ears began to buzz. It was because she was too nervous. Her eyes were still staring closely at Joseph, looking forward to his reaction.

    Joseph, on the other side of the phone, was obviously stupefied.

    Then, she heard someone urging knocking at the door, and perhaps the stock movement was urgent.

    Seeing Joseph looking at her seriously, he said to her, "I''ll call youter and wait for my call."

    Irish nodded like chicken pecking.

    The call was over.

    Irish hugged the mobile phone and suddenly stretched out on the bed as if being pulled out of the backbone, only a piece of cartge supporting her whole body.

    She began toin about herself. me herself for being ignorant.

    Why didn''t she wait until Joseph returned from business and then tell him about it? She didn''t even think that she knew how busy Joseph was now. Just now, she suddenly broke her pregnancy with him. Would he be distracted? Would it affect his work?

    Irish thought of it and wanted to beat herself. She felt selfish.

    But, in the twinkling of an eye, she thought, she really couldn''t bear it.

    She could not hide such a big thing at all, and she would say it sooner orter. She could not hold back, so she would have said it earlier. If it weren''t for an urgent event urring to him, she would really like to know what he thought.

    She would like to ask him personally: Joseph, I had your child; were you happy? With a sigh, she threw the phone aside.

    Staring in the direction of the mobile phone, Irish''s heart was a little upset; in fact, she also wanted to ask Joseph, did you know my birthday wasing soon?

    ****

    When Roy came home, it was almost 11:00 P.M. When he opened the door, he was still dusty as he hastened home.

    The night was as dark as ink out of the window, and even the star hid behind the calm cloud.

    Lilith hadn''t slept yet, nestled on the sofa in the living room, and a huge TV screen twinkled in the darkened room, and what was associated with it was her deeply worried face reflected.

 Chapter 577 577: Can You Still Be Willful?

    Roy didn''t expect that at thiste hour, there was someone still wide awake, startled. After seeing it was Lilith, he was relieved. He strolled to her, threw his bag casually to the tea table, andnguidly sat beside her.

    "Being your big brother for so many years, I never knew you liked fighting movies."

    Lilith stared intently at the big screen, which was ying the TV series of the special police war on drug traffickers. The two sides were firing and shooting, and the special police officers were fearless and had the posture of fighting to the death.

    Roy wiped his hand with a wet napkin and sent a few grapes to his mouth, and when he saw a scene on the big screen, he couldn''t helpughing. "Hey, this movie is too exaggerated, and each of them is invulnerable like an iron soldier," he said. "If it were true, there would be no one to sell drugs for a long time."

    This made Lilith unhappy, frowning, and stared at him, "You just flew back from the international flight and didn''t want to rest?"

    There was an obvious smell of gunpowder.

    Roy was slow to react. He exined hastily, "I didn''t mean to criticize the special policemen. I only mentioned this TV series. Now, the screenwriters and directors are all too ridiculous."

    Lilith was interested in seeing it. While Roy was nagging endlessly, constantly talking about the plot of the TV series. This made Lilith unhappy, so she directly gave Roy a whole te of grapes, displeased, and said, "Go upstairs and eat that, if not, go to bed."

    "I''m sorry, I''m still jetgged." Royughed.

    Lilith also did not want to waste energy on this matter with Roy, ignoring him, attentively looking at the screen, and when the scene was in tension, she also could not help clenching her fists.

    Roy was tactful and had no further opinions besides her. Although he felt that the TV series was too deified, he also chose to shut up when he saw Lilith''s serious look.

    At the end of the film, Lilith just rxed.

    Sitting there, sighing heavily.

    "The writer is so good that you are so serious," Roy said helplessly.

    Lilith did not reply, and the whole person was in contemtion.

    Roy was not sleepy, turning on the induction mode, reaching out to the airzily, and the screen began to change one by one.

    "Roy." After a long time, Lilith made a sound.

    "What?"

    "Have you ever been to Florida? I have a friend who went to Thand and then to Florida." Lilith cuddled the pillow and blinked her big eyes at Roy.

    Roy chewed the grapes and nodded.

    "Is that a bad ce forw and order?" She asked again.

    Roy shook his head, "We still have to divide ces. These tourist cities are rtively safe. Many people can''t travel to ces that have not yet been developed, right? On the other hand, it is still an ideal leisure ce, and most people there have a slow life. Why? Do you want to travel?"<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Oh." Lilith mumbled, "I just ask you."

    "If you really want to travel, you''ll take my route, and you''ll be safer if I watch you." Roy made suggestions.

    Lilith smiled, "Not all the foreign scenery is the same?"

    Roy looked at her, raising his eyebrows, "You really want to go to Florida? Then I''ll contact my other colleagues to ask more about that ce."

    "Oh no, I haven''t been in the Runestone Group for less than a year. How could I have annual leave to go on vacation?" Lilith said, and when she saw Shirley descending the stairs, she quickly rose and said, "Okay, I''m sleepy, going to sleep."

    "Good night." Roy waved his hand.

    Lilith also said good night and said hello to Shirley when she met her halfway.

    Roy saw Shirley walking to him, vaguely sniffing out bad messages, and hastened to bid farewell because he wanted to rest. He was walking towards the stairs when his Mom''s voice rang.

    "You sit down. I know you can''t sleep immediately." Shirley, dressed in a coat, sat on the sofa and ordered unhappily to Roy.

    Since Henry had filed for divorce, Shirley''s life has been difficult. In the past, Henry still maintained a rtionship with her on the surface and had some taboos in front of her rtives and friends. In addition, her title as Mrs. Lake had been maintained fairly brightly. But now, Henry began to openly note home. Hiswyer bothered her every day, and Henry had been staying at the office day and night.

    Her inability to go out did not mean she was free from outside interference.

    Those rich wives who yed with her often visited her, and perhaps they heard Henry was about to divorce her.

    She knew they talked behind her back despite showing her their pretentious support. She immediately became aughingstock for them.

    Roy saw Shirley''s attitude was very persistent and had sat back on the sofa.

    "When will you return to thepany to help your father?" Shirley asked openly.

    Roy guessed this and sighed, "Mom, I''ve told you more than a thousand times."

    "Time is running! Can you still be willful?" Shirley had been too worried to sleep for a few days. After thinking about it, she finally concluded that Henry did not take her seriously because the Runestone Group employed neither of her children. If Roy or Ruby could have a ce in thepany, Henry wouldn''t dare to divorce her and would give her some face.

    Ruby was no longer possible. She did not know thepany''s business or diamond situation. It was unrealistic for her to learn from scratch, but Roy was different. What he studied at university was business management. He had interned at the Runestone headquarters and had operating experience in overseaspanies. He was the eldest son, and it would be the best choice if he could return to work.

    Sighing heavily, "I heard that your father and Joseph have a lot of different opinionstely, it is a good time for you to enter thepany. What a mess is the state of the Runestone now? You don''t want to help your father, and do you expect Joseph to help him?"

    "I think Joseph manages it very well," Roy shrugged, showing no interest.

    "Are you helping an outsider?" Shirley was anxious, "What do you mean he managed it very well? Do you wait for him to swallow the wholepany before you regret it? Roy, you can''t go on like this. You are the eldest son of the family and the sessor to the Lake, and your father must be too old one day, right? What about the Runestone Group that day? You don''t know the current situation of thepany. Although your father cut off Joseph''s rights and he was dismissed from his post, his position in thepany is also unshakable. I''ve all heard that the man who is now stabilizing the stock price of the Runestone Group is still Joseph!"

 Chapter 578 578: I Can’t Recall Her

    "Isn''t that good?" Roy really didn''t understand.

    "Good?" Shirley was so angry that she could not help raising her voice, realized it was midnight, and immediately lowered her voice, "Are you bing stupid after flying a ne, aren''t you? How could you act silly like this? Do you think your dad wants to use Joseph? Can he use an outsider if there is a son or daughter in thepany? Isn''t it because no one in thepany can match Joseph''s position?"

    Roy leaned helplessly on the sofa. "Mom, I don''t know what you mean by that."

    "I mean very simply, you must go to thepany, or else you will lose, and Runestone Group will be his ownpany." Shirley frowned.

    Roy chuckled. "How is this possible? Yes, Joseph has shares in thepany, but he has to have a lot of conditions to annex thepany, such as capital and connections. You can understand that he married Ruby and usurped his power, but now that they have dissolved their marriage, he has not even had the only chance to own thepany, so don''t worry about it."

    "Well, let me ask you, what about the day when your father can''t do it? That Runestone Group will then be in Joseph''s control. In the future, no one knows what kind of man he will be."

    Roy shook his head with a bitter smile, "Mom, what time is it now? Your thoughts are tooplicated. Even if my father can''t do it one day, the big deal is to hire a professional manager or team to manage it. Even foreign enterprises with hundreds of histories need to adopt the modern management model. Otherwise, how can they make progress?"

    Shirley red at him. "Okay, I can''t persuade you, but you remember, you''re the eldest son of the Lake''s. You''re going to pick up the burden of the Runestone sooner orter. If you really don''t want to go back to work, I''ve got a good idea."

    Hearing this, Roy felt a little confused and looked at Shirley hesitantly. She poured a ss of water, moistened her throat, and pressed her voice even lower, "You, too, are old enough. I think the daughter of Patrick Siewert is quite good. She had just graduated from college, and her family has always had business contacts with the Runestone, and her family is quite strong. Oh, that little girl you have met, she came to Ruby''s birthday party the year beforest year, and you two talked."

    Roy shook his head. "I can''t recall her."

    "The girl named Lynn Siewert, she''s beautiful." Shirley reminded him.

    Seeing that he still had no impression on his face, she simply said, "Forget it. I mean, if you get in touch with that girl, it would be best if you could form a family with her. Her family is as strong as ours. If this marriage was done, the forces of the Siewert would be on our side and would not be afraid of Joseph''s evil ideas."

    Roy listened to her, confused, hurried to get up, "Mom, I am too sleepy. Gonna go upstairs to sleep."

    "How can you run away when I talk about your life? Fine. I''ll arrange for you to meet her soon."

    "I have no time." Roy''s tone was slightly irritable, going upstairs quickly.

    Shirley stared at Roy''s back, angry.

    ****

    Irish waited a full night for the phone call.

    After calling Joseph, she waited until midnight, until three in the morning, until she fell asleep.

    For hours she felt as if it had been years.

    How many times did she think her cell phone had broken down or that her phone was in arrears? When she picked up the telephone to make a call to her mobile phone, she thought that if her cell phone really couldn''t get through, so did Joseph.<novelnext></novelnext>

    It just could exin one point: Joseph forgot to call her back.

    She was so upset.

    When she opened her eyes again, the sky outside the window was already bright.

    Sparrows fell in front of the window, chirping and flying away in the sun.

    A faint halo on the ss formed a mottled shadow, falling in the bottom of Irish''s eyes. It was perhaps that she had forgotten to pull the curtains down when she fell asleep.

    The ce where the gauze was wrapped was still a little stuffy, but no more pain. Suddenly she felt her stomach was a little ufortable, getting sour��

    Irish avoided touching the injured ce and got down, suddenly remembering that she was pregnant, so she hurried to make all the actions light.

    After rubbing her eyes, the first thing she did was grab the phone.

    Going through it.

    No phone calls, no text messages.

    Nothing!

    The phone was as quiet as a mute.

    Irish was a little disappointed, staring at the phone for a long time, hoping it would ring, even if there was a short message, but after staring at it for ten minutes, her phone remained a gentleman''s silence.

    Finally, sentimentally she put the phone back on the bedside table, and she felt aggrieved. She slepttest night but had a good dream all night. She dreamed that she and Joseph had prepared the baby''s room together and then went to the mall to choose clothes for her baby. She dreamed that Joseph was back and told her gently, Isabel, marry me.

    She also dreamt that Joseph, with a big cake in his hand, came affectionately to her and said, Happy Birthday, Honey.

    The beauty of everything seemed to be shattered by the sun, and there was nothing but the calm air.

    Many times, Irish wanted to call Joseph, but when she thought of Joseph''s tired face, she bore it, forcibly pretending to be rxed.

    At noon, Jordan came back from the gym.

    After he stopped going to the bar, he quickly adjusted his schedule, normally slept at night, and got up normally during the day, except that he spent most of his morning in the gym.

    Irish nestled on the sofa to eat fruit, just receiving Leo''s phone who asked about her injury. During the call, Irish wanted to ask him if he was the one who attacked the Runestone stock, but it was in vain to ask him. She knew Leo had to fight with the Runestone these days to seize the opportunity.

 Chapter 579 579: I’m Sorry, I Didn’t Mean To

    Before Leo, Adam also called, and his meaning was clearer. He wanted to see her injury, but he was refused by Irish politely in fright and again took an excuse that Joseph would soon return. Giving such an excuse, Adam had backed off.

    She nced at Jordan, who carried three bags in his hands, and entered the door. And Irish happened to hang up the phone.

    She raised her head, asking, "Did you go to the supermarket?"

    Jordan nodded.

    "If I knew it earlier, I''ll ask you to take me chips."

    Irish was vexed, and Jordan nced at her, handed over the other two bags to the nanny, walked to her with the remaining bag, and without saying anything, pulled out some boxes of potato chips she normally liked to eat and threw them all before her.

    Irish did not expect that he would bring her those bags of chips and almost moved with tears.

    After saying thank you, she hurriedly took a box and opened it, just ready to fill them in her mouth. But thinking of the child in her belly, all of a sudden, she held back her craving.

    Jordan saw her silently putting back the potato chips she had already taken out. Somewhat Jordan was really puzzled, "Why don''t you eat?"

    Irish hastened to think of a reason, "Oh, not now, perhaps after taking a meal."

    Jordan looked at her, raised his eyebrows, and murmured, "Weirdo."

    In the afternoon, Irish slept in a stupor again.

    She had many more dreams, but this time it was no longer a good dream, and every picture frightened her. She dreamt that Joseph told her, Irish, actually, I don''t like children.

    He also dreamt that Joseph was holding a beautiful woman younger than her and said to her, Irish, she was the one I would marry.

    She also dreamt that she was married, but the groom was not Joseph. When she saw the groom''s face, she suddenly woke up from the dream.

    She dreamt that the bridegroom had be Leo!

    Was there anything worse than this?

    So, when she suddenly opened her eyes, she heard Jordan say in English, "You look like you''ve juste back from the ghost world."

    Irish knew she was sleeping on the couch, and before that, she had been watching aedy movie with Jordan.

    "Have I slept long?" She got up, sweating on her forehead, and she was wet with sweat all over her body, sticky and miserable.

    "I''ve seen two movies." Jordan looked at herzily. "How can you sleep so well? Don''t you sleep at night?"

    Irish did not exin the reason to him. She stepped on one leg, and Jordan came to help her.

    "Stop," she said, "I''m not too bad to walk." She had to take a shower. Although her legs and feet were a little inconvenient, a simple shower was better than a sticky feeling.

    Jordan was helpless and said, "Can you be stable?"

    She nodded and walked slowly.

    The time passed by, and Jordan was worried.

    Irish stayed in the bathroom for more than thirty minutes. At first, he was still watching the movie, but gradually he was distracted. His eyes flew to the bathroom door, which was still closed.

    She hadn''te out, and Jordan was bing anxious.

    After waiting for ten minutes, Jordan could not sit still. He got up and left the living room. He went to the bathroom door and knocked at the door, "Are you drowned?"<novelnext></novelnext>

    Inside, after a long time, only then came the sound of Irish''s movement, and her voice was very faint, "Jordan, call the nanny, please."

    Nanny?

    Jordan frowned, "Why are you looking for her?" The nanny just went out to buy some food.

    "Don''t ask so much. Help me get the nanny in." Irish was in a bit of a hurry.

    Jordan had no choice but sighed, "The water came into your bandaged wound?"

    Last night it was the nanny who had gone into the bathroom to bandage her feet again, and then he leaned against the bathroom door andughed at her, saying that she was so grown-up that she didn''t know how to iste the wound during bathing, and Irish was so angry that she almost killed him.

    So today, he thought it was nothing more than that.

    There was no movement inside.

    "Hey!" Jordan opened his mouth again. A sound came out, and with the door, Jordan barely heard her voice. He leaned his ear against the door carefully, and then he heard it was like the sound of a hairdryer.

    "Are you all right?" The first thing he thought of was that she was blowing the wound with a hairdryer.

    Jordan felt that perhaps she had been mockedst night, so she was ashamed to face him, but there was no sound of water in it. He thought that she had probably finished taking a bath long ago, leaving only the matter of dealing with the wound. He hummed and directly pushed open the bathroom door, "What''s wrong with you? It''s you who usually jokes..."

    The words came to an abrupt end before they were finished.

    In the bathroom, Irish wasbing her hair and turned her head and looked at him, surprised to see Jordaning in, stunned for a moment.

    The next moment, she screamed. Jordan also reflected, and his handsome face suddenly turned red, he quickly closed the door, and he constantly apologized, "I''m sorry, I didn''t mean to."

    There seemed to be a shadow of Irish before his eyes in the bathroom.

    She was covered in arge bath towel, who had bathed, but her good figure could not be concealed, especially her plump cleavage, barelypletely covered with a bath towel, which just broke into his eyes.

    Irish, in the bathroom, was quite frightened, her face was pale, and it took a long time for her to settle down.

    Because the movement was not very convenient, and she had a sticky sweat, she forgot to go to the dressing room to take a dress. Originally she wanted to let the nanny help her. Hearing behind the door that there was no movement, she thought Jordan might call the auntie and did not expect him toe in directly.

    After hearing his sorry voice with a tremor, Irish knew Jordan was also scared. She cleared her throat and said, "Where is the nanny?"

    "Elle vend de nourriture. (She goes to sell food.)." In shock, Jordan also spoke French.

    Irish had no choice but to turn her eyes over, "Is it to buy food?" Jordan had always been unable to distinguish the word "buy" from "sell."

    "Ah? Ah, yes, she went shopping."

    Irish had difficulty jumping into the bathtub and looking at the sweat-wet clothes, and she could not find another way. She had to say, "You help me to take a set of clothes for me."

    "Ah? Ah, yes."

    She heard the hasty footsteps outside the door.

    After looking for a sp, she casually tied up her long wet hair, and soon the sound of Jordan''s footsteps came back, followed by a knock on the door, "Here you are."

    His voice sounded awkward.

 Chapter 580 580: How Do You Come Back?

    Her left hand grabbed the door, opened it in a small gap, and reached out.

    A suite of clothes was handed to her, and she took it, fingers inadvertently touching Jordan''s.

    He took a sharp breath and rxed his hand but failed.

    Irish caught the clothes that were about to drop on the ground at once with a quick motion.

    "I''m sorry." Jordan apologized again, his voice flurried.

    Irish did not know why he apologized again, did not have time to think about it, said nothing, and closed the door.

    Outside the bathroom, Jordan''s heart seemed to have been scratched lightly by the cat''s paw. The position of his hand that had just identally been touched by Irish was also burning hot. He did not know what was wrong with him. Usually, he has some asional skin contact with Irish, too. But she used to be violent when trying to beat him, and he didn''t feel that weird stuff before.

    But when he had just handed over her clothes, Irish''s hand stretched out from the door of the bathroom, and her white wrist reminded him of the fine porcin, so beautiful that though it was a moment''s touch, he still felt the softness of her fingers, as soft as cotton.

    At that moment, it was as if an electric current had hit his body, dismaying him.

    At the same time, before his eyes he seemed to recall Irish being wrapped in a white towel again.

    Thinking about it, the bathroom door was pushed open.

    Irish walked out, and a disheveled ponytail at the back of her head waved with her. She had dressed carefully, and her clean, in face looked as pure as a college student.

    Seeing that, Jordan stepped forward to help but was still careful to avoid skin contact with her.

    "Just now, I''m sorry." He apologized again, and his face was a little red, "I- I thought you were dressed, and when I didn''t hear the sound of the water, I thought you had a problem with your wound, and when I heard the sound of the hairdryer, I thought you were drying your wound. I want to help you, don''t get me wrong."

    The first time he spoke such a long sentence in English, he had a lot of trouble. It was obvious that there was a stutter, and it was slow, but it was enough to express his ideas clearly.

    Irish thought that she was embarrassed just now, but as his elder, she could not be too fussy. More importantly, Jordan had always been a child in her eyes. She couldn''t argue with a child, and then she said while waving her hand, "It''s not a big deal. I don''t me you.

    Jordan turned his head and looked at her, and his eyes fixed on her.

    "I Really don''t me you." She repeated it.

    "Oh, oh." He hurriedly shifted his eyes.

    Just then, he thought her cheeks were beautiful, as pure and white as lotus flowers, but also with invible holiness.

    Irish was walking into the living room with Jordan''s help, only to hear the sound of cars running over the road. She and Jordan both stopped, followed by the opening of the underground parking garage.

    Both of them looked at each other, surprised. That would not be the nanny, although the Hampton in the Long Ind was with a driver, but the nanny generally bought things near the house, so she could not drive the car.

    Irish hurriedly walked into the living room without paying attention to the pain in her feet. Her heart thumped quickly, and a feeling of inexplicable premonition exploded in her heart.<novelnext></novelnext>

    The elevator door to the underground garage slowly opened.

    As soon as she arrived in the living room, she saw Joseph exit the elevator.

    She was stunned for a moment.

    The man in front of her seemed toe from her thoughts, in a blue-gray turtleneck, smoky gray suit trousers, a man''s ck scarf, and a long wooly coat of the same color covering his towering figure. In addition to the briefcase in his hand, he also carried a few gift box-like things.

    He looked in a hurry and tired at the top of his brow.

    But looking at Irish, he raised a smile, like spring, spread to his eyebrows. It also lit his deep eyes, the ck pupil fried like fireworks.

    Then he strode towards her, put his coat, briefcase, and things in his hands on the coffee table, and held Irish without saying anything.

    Before she could react, her feet were lifted, and when she was held tightly, she reacted and circled her arms around his neck.

    Joseph looked so excited that he held her tightly, swirling her around several times, and the brightughter wrapped with her giggle and rattled through the living room. Standing by looking at this scene, Jordan''s heart was more or less dismayed, feeling a little bitter.

    He had to admit how beautiful the scene was when his brother strode toward Irish, lifted her high, and went around in circles joyously, like in fairy tales, where the tall and handsome prince was reunited with the beautiful princess.

    Theughter of the two more or less left Jordan lonely. Suddenly, he said, "There''s an injury on her foot."

    One sentence seeded in breaking the beautiful moment.

    Joseph was startled and put her down, only to notice that she had a foot wrapped in white gauze.

    The huge smile on his face suddenly disappeared, and his brows frowned harshly, "What happened?"

    Irish preemptively replied, "It was just identally bruised, and the doctor said it didn''t injure the bone. You can ask Jordan." At the end of her speech, she turned her head to Jordan and gave him a warning look.

    Joseph looked at his brother; though his tone was light, he was still threatening.

    "Bruising?"

    Jordan opened his mouth, nced at Irish, and said, "Yes."

    Joseph hesitated a bit.

    Irish didn''t care much, and the excitement at the bottom of her heart had not dissipated, so she held Joseph''s neck and sweetly said, "How do youe back?"

    She had thought that if she could not get through his phone again, she would call him and ask him what he nned, but Joseph was so real in front of her that she could see, touch, and put her arms around him.

    It was full of happiness as if she ate sweet cotton candy, and the sweet spread from the mouth and then into the heart. With a little pain, she felt distressed by his long journey.

 Chapter 581 581: I’ll Go Crazy

    In fact, he could make a phone call and did not need toe back directly from abroad.

    For even if it was just a phone call, she would be d to hear his voice.

    Joseph held her tightly and tried to rx his mind not to question her further. Then, with a smile on his lips rose again, staring at her, "You guess whye back?"

    With her lips closed, Irish caught joy in his deep eyes. Like the sun and fire, the light brightened his expression and weakened the weariness between his eyebrows.

    "You threw me a huge grenade at the end of the phone, and I''m no longer in a good mood there." As he spoke, his smile never stopped.

    Irish saw his joy but could not help asking, "Then you... Are you happy?"

    Joseph could not help pulling her closer to his face, his thin lips clinging to her ear, "Too happy, and I''ll go crazy."

    Sheughed.

    "When did you know?" He let her go and asked her again.

    "Yesterday," She said, blushing, embarrassed to stare at him.

    Joseph gently smiled, "Did the doctor say how old is it?"

    Irish blinked twice and did not understand.

    Seeing the situation, he raised his hands and rubbed her head, coaxing her sweetly but in a high tone, "I mean, how old is our child?"

    The sudden high tone startled Irish and surprised Jordan, who was eating potato chips.

    "I, I don''t know."

    Joseph raised his eyebrows, "You don''t know."

    "Ah." Irish nodded mechanically, "I just knew it yesterday. I don''t know anything else."

    Feeling speechless, Joseph got up, threw his car keys to Jordan, and ordered, "You drive the car."

    Jordan was startled, his actions of eating potato chips also stopped.

    Joseph said nothing, reached out, and hugged Irish again. "We''ll go to the hospital." And then he nced at Jordan, "Slow down. She''s pregnant."

    "What?"

    ****

    Taking pregnant women to the hospital for an examination is undoubtedly not easy.

    Irish became idle, and who was busy was Joseph and Jordan, especially Joseph, full y to his persistent spirit, afraid of Jordan asking the wrong thing, so he did everything personally.

    After a busy afternoon''s work, everything that should be examined was checked, and none of it was missed.

    Finally, Joseph''s most happy thing is the doctor''s words, congrattions, you became a father, and the fetus was normal in the womb conception.

    Returning to Hampton, Joseph ordered his nanny to change her usual diet, more inclined to the diet habits of pregnant women and fetuses, and handed in all the boxes carried when entering the door to the nanny''s hand. Only then did Irish know that those were the supplements he had brought back from abroad. It made herugh, and all could be bought in New York.

    The nanny was happy after she knew Irish had gotten pregnant. She pped her chest and assured Joseph that she would take good care of the pregnant woman and the child, allowing Joseph to rest assured. She also said that she had taken care of several pregnant women before.

    After all, a single nanny couldn''t get over it at all. After all, he called a friend at night to find a third professional maternity matron to take care of Irish.<novelnext></novelnext>

    This move frightened Irish; she only felt that Joseph was slightly exaggerated.

    At dinner, Joseph said that let the nanny manage their family. Then, after three matrons came to the house, she could manage them and allocate their duties. The nanny nodded.

    Since Joseph came back, Irish had fully realized that once a woman was pregnant, she would live the queen''s wonderful life. Her te was full of food piled into a hill. And all of them were cut into slices.

    "Do you have anything special to eat? Let the nanny cook it for you tomorrow." Joseph put a piece of shrimp into her te and asked softly.

    Irish thought, did not think of what she wanted to eat.

    The TV on the dining room wall was on, not knowing which station was on, but it was just one more voice. Jordan ate with his head down and looked at them from time to time, knowing he couldn''t get in at that time.

    There was a gourmet column on TV, colorful.

    Jordan listened and muttered as the host announced the names of the dishes one by one. Joseph did not know what had happened to him and looked at him.

    Irish saw that, smiled, and gently touched Joseph, "Your brother is now crazy learning English, don''t disturb him."

    Joseph thought of detail. Jordan seemed to speak French while facing Irish, but used English when talking to him. However, she was still persuasive in front of him.

    A te of burgers appeared on the screen, which seemed to beparing the tastes of burgers everywhere.

    Jordan stopped eating, swallowing the saliva, staring at the screen, and said, "Delicious burger, yful sister."

    As soon as the voice fell, Irish was stunned.

    Looking at Joseph''s face, it suddenly changed, and the originally tender eyes suddenly became serious, and then he heavily put the fork on the table and yelled, "What are you talking about? Tell me again!"

    Jordan was watching TV, startled, and turned his eyes to find that Joseph was angry at him, confused. With innocent eyes, he said, "What did I say?"

    "You��"

    "Joseph." Irish grabbed Joseph for fear that he would p him again because she had just nced along with Jordan''s eyes, only to find that the TV was talking about burgers, and then she reacted.

    "I think you misunderstand."

    Joseph''s eyes were enraged, but he still listened to Irish''s advice. Jordan immediately felt a grievance, "What have I done?"

    Irish immediately signaled Jordan not to be nervous and cleared her throat. "You just watched the TV and said something, remember?"

    "Delicious burger, yful sister," Jordan repeated again.

    Joseph sat there, his face darkened to the extreme.

    Irish pressed Joseph''s arm hard, swallowed her saliva, and looked at Jordan, "Do you understand what this means?"

    "I learned it myself, while I was online." Jordan was a little upset and added, "I know. English characters, but I don''t understand them." He needed to stress that he was not illiterate in English.

    When she heard this, she was relieved, "Then tell me what this means."

    Jordan was annoyed with her but asked him to show off his English in front of Joseph, which was somewhat awkward, so he changed to English. "Why should I listen to you?"

    Joseph frowned, "Say!"

 Chapter 582 582: How Do You See It Is Beautiful?

    Jordan was even more aggrieved. He felt like a man walking around on the road, but he was punched by someone for no reason.

    "I want to hear how you understand this sentence," she said, "I mean, how do you understand it in English?"

    "I''m tired of it." Jordan also had no appetite to eat, gasped for a breath, and said his understanding in English. "Burger is delicious, sister is funny."

    "You bastard!" Joseph could not bear it, and then he got up.

    "Joseph!" Irish held Joseph''s arm and hurriedly said, "He didn''t mean that."

    Joseph''s face was dark, looking at Jordan, coldly yelling, "What have you learned the whole day then? Such things?"

    "You let me learn English!" Jordan was also on fire.

    Irish felt dizzy and quickly yed a regting role, fearing that the two brothers would fight again. Of course, she absolutely believed that Jordan had said it without understanding this remark.

    "I''m asking you, do you understand what ''y'' means in the second half of the sentence?" She asked quickly.

    Jordan, though rebellious, was also very sensitive. However, seeing Joseph was so angry and listening to Irish''s question, the displeasure in his eyes began to loosen. He looked at her hesitantly, opened his mouth, and did not say anything for a long time.

    Irish looked at him and repeated the second half of the sentence with difficulty.

    "That''s what you just said, yful sister." Do you understand what it means?"

    Jordan was stunned for a long time and then said, "No. I don''t mean to be happy together and fight?"

    After hearing this exnation, Joseph was stunned.

    Irish was stunned for a few seconds but suddenly couldn''t helpughing, looking at Joseph and saying, "You misunderstand your brother."

    Joseph only then reacted.

    Jordan was even more puzzled. "Isn''t that what it means? You taught me, and you said it."

    Irish patted her forehead and smiled, "I''m sorry, it''s my fault."

    It was one time in the street Jordan heard two children talking, and one asked the other, was that yful? Someone else said, yes, the football was so yful. He asked her what she meant, and she casually exined that it made them happy to fight and funny.

    Then he understood the sentence this way.

    As he understood it, he had never been able to fight his sister-inw.

    "Jordan, do you know there are many exnations for the word ''y''?" Irish tried hard to suppressughter and decided to teach him a lesson.

    Jordan looked disdainful, "I know, this sentence can be understood as'' sister-inw is funny."

    Joseph was unhappy again.

    Knowing the logic of Jordan''s thinking, Irish immediately exined, "You mean interesting?"

    "No!" Jordan sneered, perhaps it was to vent, and viciously said, "You are very funny, meaning that you are funny!" He threw the word out with no politeness.

    "It doesn''t matter, and it''s almost the same." Irish was relieved, but from the point of view of being responsible to him, she felt it necessary to correct his understanding.

    "You know there are a lot of exnations for the word ''y'' in English, especially in the second half of what you say, ''y'' is not what you mean."

    Jordan looked at Irish, feeling bored.

    Irish knew he seemed to be not caring about it, but actually, he heard it in his head, licking her lips, and said, "This word isn''t interesting or funny, but..." She was a little embarrassed and blushed.

    Jordan looked at her, puzzled.

    Joseph, who had been silent, said the words she was embarrassed to say for Irish, "It means scity, and the good thing to say is that screw, which is not good to listen to, is called fuck!"<novelnext></novelnext>

    Jordan was suddenly startled, then his eyes widened.

    Joseph stared at him sullenly, his eyebrows stained with displeasure, and asked, "Is that what you mean?"

    "No!" Jordan, flushed, got up, waved desperately to both of them, and looked anxiously at Irish. "I don''t mean that, I''m sorry," he said and ran out of the living room in fright.

    After his figure disappeared, Irish sighed and looked at Joseph. "You see, you don''t ask him," she said, "you scared your brother. How could he possibly have that idea?"

    "He dares to have any idea of you, and I''ll break his leg!" Joseph frowned and was indignant.

    "Your brother has an American face, but in fact, he was still a banana man. He''s made a lot of progress, so encourage him."

    Joseph put a ss of warm water in front of her, sighed heavily, and said nothing.

    Irish took a cup of water, moistened her throat, and leaned on him, "Let nanny make burgers tomorrow."

    "You even?" Joseph thought of it and looked back at her, "You can''t plead for that boy."

    She stretched out her hand, gently wound around his neck, and saidzily, "Is it alright if I want to eat?"

    Joseph slightly raised eyebrows, smiling.

    "And..." Irish gently clung to his thin lips, shyly filling in the sentence, "The child in my belly also wants to eat."

    This really worked.

    Joseph thoroughly rxed the lines between the brows, smiling, "Okay, all listen to you."

    It suddenly urred to him that Joseph had been angry at Jordan''s words, which meant that he had acquiesced to her as Jordan''s sister-inw. Irish''s face was red again. What did Joseph mean?

    ****

    At night, it was quiet.

    Joseph took a shower and went back to the bedroom, full of warm yellow lights. Irishy on the bed, and the whole person was shrouded in this soft light, like a dream making people feelfortable.

    He went to the bedside and opened the quilt, andy on the bed.

    His arm stretched out, and the woman was put into his arms.

    Irish was looking at the result of B ultrasound, nestled in his arms, only to feel very safe. She could not helpughing and pointed out the little shadow above, "It is really small."

    Joseph did not feel sleepy at all, immersed in happiness and joy all day, and he took the result, looked at it for a long time, and smiled, "How beautiful it is." He snatched the orange from her hand again, found it cold, released one hand to heat the tangerine one by one, and fed her one by one.

    Irish looked at the corner of his smiling mouth in amazement and couldn''t help but look at it, "How do you see it is beautiful?"

    "You see the outline, isn''t it beautiful?"

    Joseph''s fingers gently touched the shadow and softly said.

    Irish looked carefully for a long time and blinked, "I did not see it."

    "You idiot." Joseph looked at her with helpless eyes and gave her a light flip on the head.

    She looked up at him, "The inte says a pregnant woman can''t be knocked on the head, or the baby will be silly."

    Joseph was stunned, "Really?"

    "Really." Irish nodded.

 Chapter 583 583: I’ve Deceived You

    Joseph immediately apologized, put his arms around her head, and gave her a heavy kiss. It made Irishugh, pointing at him, "I''ve deceived you. People say women who are pregnant will be silly for three years, and I think you guys are too."

    Her happy mood infected Joseph, and his mouth could not help rising, "Yes, you only have wits to y me fool now."

    She reached out to hit him, coquetry.

    He took her by the wrist and coaxed her, "Don''t hurt the child."

    ? She red at him, "Can''t I fight back?"

    Joseph immediately surrendered, "Well, then, I''m not moving, and you can hit me, okay?"

    "All right." Irish, like a pup, would wobble in his arms, as if with a tail, and leaned against him sweetly, "I don''t want to hit you."

    Joseph was in a good mood and teased her, "This makes me feel grateful."

    "Because I''m smart." Irish stared at him and smiled, "If I beat you up, who will feed my children and me? You are the head of the family, the support of the children and me, and at this stage, no one can mess with you."

    A woman''s sweet mouth is good, at least for people like Joseph, especially the word "head of the family," which made Joseph feel that he had a sweet burden in his life and made him feel bright in the future.

    He smiled and kissed her little mouth and said with affection, "I''ve been in your hands all my life."

    Irish showed no weakness, taking the initiative to send him her red lips.

    In her heart, she sighed, it was really good to have Joseph.

    ****

    The early stage of pregnancy made Irish easy to doze off.

    Although she slept most of the day, she could still sleep well at night, especially when Joseph returned. She was as carefree as a bird who had found a safe harbor.

    She had done a psychological experiment. Women who were likely to be sleepy in front of a man turned to get a sense of security in this man, and people who had a sense of security were easily to be sleepy, especially women. On this point, Irish, before Joseph, had fully demonstrated.

    Not knowing how long she slept, in short, Irish woke up without noticing the time.

    The interior room was dark, except for the dim light of the groundmp and the dim moonlight separated by the curtains, which made the air warm in the room.

    She rolled overzily, breathing in the pale wood fragrance of Joseph, apanied by such a quiet night, and her heart felt never-beforefortable and steady because she thought Joseph had returned.

    Because she knew Joseph liked the child.

    She could sleep peacefully. She thought of the dream she hadst night and smiled. The nightmare was nothing. She didn''t bother to worry about it. The beautiful picture was deep in her mind.

    She began to look forward to buying strollers at the mall hand-in-hand with Joseph.

    But...

    Irish was worried again.

    The incident of nude photos had notpletely disappeared, how did Joseph deal with it?

    Thinking, Irish could not help but turn around, intending to wake up Joseph to ask, only to see, the side of the bed was empty.

    Irish sat up and stared at the empty bed for a long time.

    Why was Joseph gone?<novelnext></novelnext>

    ****

    She didn''t mean to eavesdrop.

    It was just that the man was gone when she was asleep. Could she take it easy? Finally, there was a light in the study room. She looked down at the light, through the door, and saw Joseph calling inside.

    In fact, she was not eavesdropping because Joseph kept his voice down during the call, and his mood seemed to be very unhappy, and the tone of voice would be raised from time to time, so Irish could listen to it with a little understanding. She heard Joseph say to that person, President, it was inappropriate for you to do so.

    Through the light, Irish saw Joseph''s back. Soon, he turned to his face and bent over to tap the keyboard. The light on theputer screen carved the outline of his face, along with the harsh lines between his eyebrows.

    Not knowing what the other said, Joseph''s expression was more intolerable.

    He raised his voice slightly, which was very unhappy, "The price of the Runestone share was suppressed by Leo. We could have done something in the stock market for an eye for a tooth, but if you want to interfere with the mine in Russia, you can''t do that."

    Irish was all closed to the wall beside the study door, listening to the call inside, and her heart began to heave up and down. It seemed Henry was trying to deal with Leo.

    There were also obvious differences between the two in addressing things.

    Joseph, in the study room, seemed to be persuading Henry, but apparently, Henry''s attitude was very tough, prompting Joseph''s voice to be more and more suppressed, "Leo is not a fool. He can''t leave such a big advantage for the Runestone, President..."

    His words were interrupted.

    Soon, the call was over.

    Henry did not let Joseph finish thest sentence.

    Irish, outside the door, was short of breathing.

    She had been reluctant to watch the business news, not to care about things outside the window. After being pregnant, her mind had been devoted to health care, so she did not know what the current situation of the Runestone Group was, let alone how many underhand methods Leo had taken against Runestone.

    This matter had nothing to do with her.

    Joseph was the only one who she was concerned about.

    ****

    When Cassie received Roy''s phone call, it happened to be noon, and she was about to go to lunch with her colleagues. When she saw Roy''s call, she motioned her colleagues to go first.

    Since Roy had thrown out cruel wordsst time, she had given up the idea of seeing him again. It was all her mistake, so it was better not to see each other. So today, when receiving Roy''s phone call, she was agitated to answer it.

    Roy asked her toe out.

    Cassie was a little embarrassed and told him she had important work this afternoon.

    Roy''s voice on the telephone was cold, and he mentioned he was downstairs, ordering her toe down. At the end of the speech, he cut off the call and gave Cassie no slightest chance to refuse him.

    She couldn''t refuse him because nearby the office buildings were shopping malls and some fine dining restaurants where Roy was waiting for her.

    Cassie followed the address given by Roy. When entering the restaurant, she saw Roy.

    It was a restaurant specializing in Spanish food, mainly in white style, but full of romantic ambiance. Roy chose a position near the window and greeted her from afar.

    Cassie stopped suddenly, for she saw a woman sitting opposite Roy with curly hair and very well-dressed.

 Chapter 584 584: Aren’t You My Ex-Girlfriend?

    The woman also followed the direction in which Roy waved to see her.

    She looked very gentle and soft, unlike most women Roy used to date. Cassie could guess she was a richdy and grew up in a noble family.

    Cassie stepped forward, and Roy stood up, gave his position to Cassie, and he sat next to the richdy.

    "Let me introduce her to you." He looked at Cassie, saying, "She''s Lynn Siewert." Then his eyes flew at Lynn. "She''s Cassie."

    Lynn offered to reach out her hand, smiling all the time, "Hello."

    Cassie also extended her hand and said hello courteously, but as soon as Lynn''s name came out from Roy''s mouth, she remembered. She had never seen Lynn herself, but she also knew that she had a father who was rich and that her family had business contacts with the Runestone. Cassie learned to do the appraisal; she often contacted her family''s order and could recall this woman''s family name.

    It was said that the Siewert had only one such daughter, and she had been sent to study abroad at an early age, with excellent academic results. She was a famous student in the school. Her extracurricr activities were also impressive, and her aristocratic sports were also excellent. She had taken part in a beauty pageant and had just returned from college.

    So face to face, Cassie thought she was stunning, with good skin and fine hair. She sat beside Roy, nestled with his tall figure, and the two were quite matched.

    At the same time, Lynn was also looking at Cassie.

    She is not familiar with Cassie. The reason for today''s meeting with Roy was to follow the arrangement made by her family. She had always opposed it, but when she heard that the other party was Roy, she agreed without hesitation. The year beforest, she had met Roy and was very fond of him at that time.

    She took the initiative to find Roy. After seeing him, she thought he looked more mature than the year before, and she liked him. Unexpectedly, Roy took her to Manhattan and called a woman down, so Lynn had to take a good look at this woman.

    She had to admit that Cassie was pretty. Her eyes were very beautiful, and she looked capable and experienced, perhaps in her professional attire. She wore thin clothes and looked a little pale, and she might be in the cold wind after going downstairs.

    Cassie wondered why Roy had phoned her toe down and looked at him doubtfully and inquired.

    Roy ordered a cup of coffee for her, and when the coffee was served, he was toozy to say a word, but he was talking to Lynn, "I''m not really into love, and she''s been with me before. Don''t you want to know me? Ask her."

    The words made Lynn startled, and so did Cassie.

    "Roy, you..." Cassie did not expect that he would do this, embarrassed and ashamed, and then reacted by looking at him unpleasantly. Wasn''t he too much?

    Roy smiled, and his eyes fell on Cassie, but she caught sadness quickly passing through his eyes. "Am I wrong? Aren''t you my ex-girlfriend? And perhaps just a little description about meing from you would change her mind."

    It was true, and Cassie was about to choke.

    Lynn carefully looked at the two of them, read some sort of message from their eyes, smiled, and eased the mood, "I think Miss Cassie is still at work, or let her go back first."

    Cassie found an excuse and hurried to say, "Yes, I have something to do. I''ll go first."<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Isn''t it your noon break?" Roy interrupted her and nced at his watch. "You need to eat anyway, and it is the same as eating with us."

    In public, Cassie could not argue with Roy, so she had to sit back.

    Lynn naturally didn''t want her blind date to be ruined by an ex-girlfriend. She stood up politely and told Roy, "I suddenly remembered I have something to do today. Why don''t we meet again next time?"

    "You need not." Cassie saw the situation and quickly stood up, looking at Lynn, "Don''t get me wrong, I. I won''t eat here."

    "Okay." Roy rose unexpectedly and smiled politely at Lynn, "We''ll see you again next time."

    Lynn''s smiling face twitched, but she still nodded and left.

    After the elegant high-heeled shoe sound disappeared, Cassie just looked toward Roy with a helpless face, "What do you want?"

    Roy looked at her, sat down again, and took the knife and fork. "What do I want? Don''t you see that? Blind date."

    "I know it''s a blind date. The key question is, what are you doing? Why are you calling me?" She couldn''t figure out his purpose. Was it to embarrass her? He didn''t get what he wanted, and he didn''t have to.

    Roy stopped and looked at her for a long time, "If you don''te here, how can I ditch her away?"

    Cassie finally understood his intention. She could not helpughing. Atst, she said, "There are many ways to avoid seeing her. Why do you use me as a shield?"

    "Well." Roy sneered, but his eyes carried frustration, "I really want to hear how you''re going to introduce me to her. Or perhaps I''m too stubborn to still think that even once, you can remember something good about me."

    Cassie was dumbfounded, and she suddenly wanted to melt down before him.

    ****

    Joseph did not mention her birthday until the day before Christmas Eve. Irish nestled on the sofa and watched the TV while her matron, who was responsible for her nutrition after dinner, was preparing fruits for her.

    Since the three matrons arrived, the house was more lively, and the nanny put on the air of a butler. When the matrons just arrived home, she yed the authority and managed the work distribution well.

    Ever since Jordan had said the wrong words at the dinner table, he always blushed and was embarrassed at the sight of Irish, and even offered to move to Midtown Manhattan, which Irish quickly refused.

    She thought it was not easy to establish a good friendship with Jordan. Once he moved away, it would be difficult to manage him. Besides, she could see that Jordan actually wanted other people to care about him. For example, he often opposed her and said that he did not want to read books. But when she didn''t pay attention to him, he would take out books to learn.

 Chapter 585 585: Sorry, Can’t Comment On It

    Irish decided to smooth the rtionship between Jordan and Joseph before the child came.

    Of course, she was a little depressed that day just because of her approaching birthday, and no one in the family mentioned it. In fact, she couldn''t me Joseph because she never told him about her birthday.

    But he didn''t ask her either.

    Irish had a stubborn temper, shaking off a hand, and the pillow in her arms was thrown aside, frightening the matron.

    "You can''t do this. You can have a very hot temper early in pregnancy, but you must learn to control it."

    Irish listened with anxiety and grabbed an apple.

    "Wait." A matron, who was in charge of cleaning, immediately came forward, wiped her hands with a heated towel, then washed the apple and handed it to her again, "It''s very unsanitary for you to grab the pillow and eat the apple."

    Irish howled, and the apple was not eaten at all.

    "Let''s do the early pregnancy exercise. We haven''t done it yet today. If Mr. Dover knows about it, he should be worried." Thest matron was responsible for managing her body during and after pregnancy, immediately smiling and suggesting.

    Irish was annoyed, hated being restricted, and she was so anxious, so she had an impulse to vent. Seeing Jordan walk out of the room, she shouted at him, "Come here."

    "What?" Jordan halted his pace and didn''t dare toe forward.

    "Come here and let me hit you."

    The next second, Jordan ran away.

    Irish howled.

    Before the end of her howling, the nanny came over with a cell phone, "Your phone''s calling. Remember, don''t stay with it for so long."

    Irish hastened to take it and heard the first sentence, "Irish, something happened. You quickly look at the news online."

    It was definitely the reason that Cassie had said, "Something happened." When Irish disregarded the nanny and monstrous objection, she entered the study room. After opening the web page, that day''s explosive news scared her to jump.

    It was also about nude pictures.

    It was just a change of the main characters, and the photo was no longer of her and Joseph. ording to the ferocity of the message, Irish only knew that their nude picture was insignificant.

    In the photo, Ruby became the protagonist, and the one with her was Emery!

    All the titles on the screen were unified: The re-explosion of the Lake scandal, Ruby Lake was lesbian, and the fake marriage was finallying to light.

    "Oh my god��" Irish quickly looked through the web page, staring with big eyes, and she said to the mobile phone, "True?"

    "The picture of her and Emery on the bed can''t be photoshopped, can it? Oh, you didn''t know anything about it before? Have you not seen Emery?"

    "But isn''t Emery''s husband Eric?" The back of her head seemed to have been knocked violently with a hum. She remembered all the things about Ruby, especially when she had asked Joseph why he was so into her in the office, and she had been so excited about things with Emery and Eric.

    If Ruby and Emery were lovers, then Eric was the third person. Then, in order to prove Emery was a lesbian, Ruby went to bed with Eric.

    Irish covered her mouth.<novelnext></novelnext>

    So did Joseph know about this?

    "No one doubts that Ruby and Joseph got tied in a fake marriage anymore, and no one says you''re a third person anymore. Ruby is a lesbian, and how is it possible to have feelings for Joseph?" Cassie was about to be relieved.

    Irish, like a log, stared intently at the picture on herputer and looked at the web page.

    "Could Joseph do this?" Cassie hit the nail on the head.

    "How can that be?" Irish subconsciously retorted.

    "I just asked casually, and you shouldn''t be too sensitive." Cassieughed, "Anyway, you''ve been proven to be clean, and I''m so happy. By the way, what about your birthday tomorrow?"

    "Oh, I don''t know." Cassie didn''t care for her birthday anymore.

    "If Joseph doesn''t apany you, I will go to you and go to your aunt''s home in the evening."

    "Well, okay," she said without thinking.

    When she was about to put the phone down, Cassie asked again, "Hey, who told you not to take too long a call? Who? You''re not even allowed to call?"

    "No one, you heard me wrong." How could Irish exin her pregnancy to her? She made a hasty prevarication and cut off the conversation.

    Then, she sat in front of theputer, letting the people outside the study keep knocking on the door, and she still heard Jordan''s displeased voice outside, "Open the door, or I''ll kick it."

    Irish couldn''t care so much for that, looking through pages rapidly. When a photo of Ruby and Emery kissing, naked, on the bed popped out in front of her, the door of the study was also kicked by Jordan.

    She was surprised.

    Not knowing she was frightened by the loud sound of the door or by the content of the photograph, she thought it was thetter.

    ****

    The Runestone Group was in aplete mess, and the reporters nearly surrounded the floor, forcing thepany to have all the security guards protect the personnel from interference.

    The external publicity, public rtions, nning, and even Marketing departments received the call from the media in session, and these people were all-pervasive. As long as they could connect with the Runestone, they called all the phone numbers.

    Henry was so angry and stayed at home, and he did not go to thepany, so the mess was all left to Joseph to handle.

    When harassed department executives came to ask him how he would respond, Joseph ordered him to work as usual.

    So, when Daisy knocked at the door and entered the office, she happened to see Joseph was calling. The other party should be a reporter. Instead, she heard Joseph say something inly, "Sorry, can''tment on it."

    Then, he hung up.

    Daisy did not know what Joseph was thinking in his mind. Seeing that his facial expression was the same as usual, she could not tell whether he knew it or not. As soon as she knew about Ruby''s scandal, she was very frightened. Henry must have been very angry.

    "Have it been packed?" Joseph asked calmly.

    Daisy nodded and went forward. She put a fine jewelry box in front of him, "Everything is done ording to your requirements."

 Chapter 586 586: Something Has Gone Wrong

    Joseph took the jewelry box and opened it gently as if a thousand rays of light were spreading on his lips and eyebrows. A rare gradient diamond ringy quietly in the jewelry box. The huge rough stone was polished into a diamond. The light refracted by the edge could be seen from a distance.

    Daisy knew who the owner of the ring was going to be.

    She also remembered that this rare stone was a treasure excavated by Joseph when he first had taken over the mine. Because the stone was rtively rare, it had always been thought of by the outside world. Over the years, countless people havee up with the idea of paying a high price for the original stone. But Joseph had always been holding it.

    The professional branded the stone as a precious thing before it was polished, and when it was not obvious, the sharp eyes saw its peculiarity.

    Joseph had been exposed to the original stone for many years and knew which was precious and which was ordinary firsthand. Therefore, when he collected the original stone as his own, he named it Hecate because it was a rare and mysterious diamond with gradual discoloration. This was tranted into Greek as "Ek����n," a magic goddess in Greek mythology.

    So for so many years, the Hecate stone had been a diamond legend, and few people really saw it, and that was why most people wanted it.

    Hecate finally came out. Joseph personally polished it, spending a lot of time grinding it carefully. At first, Daisy didn''t know what he was going to do. She thought he was going tounch Hecate to save the share price of the Runestone Group. But when he finished polishing, he designed the precepts himself, from material to style. Finally, he had to design the box himself.

    When the ring was finally gorgeous, Daisy finally knew Joseph''s mind. She knew Joseph was an old hand, and it was easy for him to tell exactly what size the ring could be by looking at one''s fingers.

    Daisy watched Joseph carefully take out the ring, his mouth slightly raised up, and his smile slid into her eyes, also, she had a slightly better mood.

    Was he going to propose?

    Otherwise, how would he rush back to New York from abroad?

    The amount of work that night was so great that it scared people to death. When Daisy thought about it, she felt that Joseph was a real devil. When she gets a chanceter, she must sue Joseph with Irish for his crimes. For the sake of his happiness, how many employees suffer as they work overtime?

    "If you propose now, the news of Irish wille down." Daisy made a tentative remark.

    Staring at the ring, Joseph made a faint smile, "If Ruby''s news doesn''te out, I and Irish''s photo is still spreading."

    Daisy was startled, "You..."

    "You suspect I did it?" Joseph took the small cloth from the velvet box and gently rubbed the gorgeous diamond.

    "No." Daisy immediately replied, "I am just afraid that interested people will use this matter to hype, and Ruby''s matter is not small."

    "A dark arrow can''t escape." Joseph had a veryissez-faire attitude, "The other side helps me, I wee those who destroy me, and I''ll y with him."

    As soon as Daisy heard this, she understood his attitude to the matter. The people behind him seemed to help, but they widened the contradiction, and Joseph obviously wanted to use it to protect Irish.

    But she couldn''t help asking. "Do you really want to get married at this time?"

    "Why not?" Joseph smiled gently, as if she had asked a very funny joke, and added a sentence casually, "If you don''t get married, how can you let the outside world ept your child?" Tomorrow was a great day to propose, a special day for her, and a special day for both of them.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Ah?" Daisy screamed, changing the calmness on weekdays.

    "Child?" The word almost changed the tone.

    Joseph looked at the ring with a smile, but it was more like seeing Irish''s sly and beautiful face through the ring, with a deeper smile on his lips, "I want my child born to be perfectly justifiable," he murmured.

    Daisy nearly bit her tongue.

    Child?

    Surprisingly, the telephone on the table rang.

    Daisy saw Joseph''s mind on the ring, and she quickly came forward to pick up the phone.

    The end of the phone was a little anxious, then Daisy said, "You wait a moment."

    Then she held the phone and lowered her voice. "It''s Roy Lake."

    Joseph reached for the phone. He said, "Hello," and Roy was like a frost-beaten eggnt whose voice was worn and hoarse. "Joseph,e to my house; something has gone wrong."

    Joseph was stunned.

    ****

    On Christmas Eve, 24th, a fine day with no snow in New York.

    The cemetery was so clean that it made people want to cry. The air swayed with the breath of white chrysanthemum, but for Irish, there was only the breath of death and rest.

    She rarely came because, even after so many years, she could not bear to look at the smiling face of the photographs on the tombstone.

    This day, she came alone, without Joseph, because he did note back all night. He must deal with Ruby''s affairs. So he didn''t even know it was her birthday or that she would spend it in front of her mother''s tombstone every year.

    Like the afterlife space, the quiet cemetery was clearly in this city, but it had a kind of silence different from the noisiness and shiness. She could not hear the sound of carsing and going, and even the air seemed to be a lot lighter.

    The dead should rest in peace, so Irish, holding arge bundle of ca lilies to her mother''s tombstone, also lightened her steps for fear of disturbing her mother''s dream.

    Since growing up, Irish came here almost once a year, every time it was her birthday and her mother''s death anniversary. However, she dared note here often because she had to face the fact that her mother had left when she saw the picture on the gravestone.

 Chapter 587 587: How Much Does It Cost?

    She liked to deceive herself, which was her fault since her childhood.

    Just as when she was a child, she sat on the bench with her eyes closed and her head turned to the sun, imagining that she was spinning in circles on the Trojan horse.

    So she fell in love with the neighbor''s wooden horse, a little wooden carving.

    Her mother did not understand why she had a special love for a little thing; only she knew it best and then carefully hid her little secret from anyone.

    Again, she thought she would note to the cemetery, and she could pretend that her mother was still there.

    Irish stopped in front of her mother''s tombstone.

    Under the photo, there was already arge bunch of ca lilies lying there quietly, as if blooming in Charles''s arms. The flowers in the sun were a little yellowish, and the curling of the petals made people smell death, but from the fineness of the packaging, it was not difficult to see the visitor''s intentions.

    He was the only other one who knew that her mother liked ca lilies.

    Irish stood alone, clinging to the bouquet in her arms and gazing closely at the flowers on the gravestone. The winter was windy, and the wind was cold, and her long hair was blown. The dead leaves of the ground swept through her feet.

    The sorrow in her eyes couldn''t be hidden. Those deep memories in her mind came out one after another, like a tumour, usually seemed to disappear, in fact, the virus spread.

    People often like to forget the pain, to remember the happiness, but she happened to be the opposite. From childhood, what tormented her was only pain; though there was happiness, it always seemed that her painful experience often reced it.

    Irish stepped forward, bent over to pick up the bunch of ca lilies, and the withered flowers broke free of borate packing and scattered in the cold wind. She squatted down and gently put a bunch of flowers in her arms in front of the tombstone, looking up at the headstone where her mother was smiling at her, "Did hee?"

    Her answer would always be silence.

    Irish took a deep breath to ease the sour swelling of the eyes.

    Taking out a handkerchief and gently wiping the picture on the tombstone.

    "You never told me you hated him, even if he had finally chosen his career and his family." Irish carefully rubbed, and deep in her pupil was the pain.

    "So, I don''t understand why you would be unhappy for such a man when he failed to live up to his promise and became aplete betrayer. You love him, but is he worth it, Mom? Henry Lake failed his promises, I should have to remind you repeatedly."

    Irish put the handkerchief away, sat in front of the tombstone, and spoke quietly to her mother.

    "I still can''t forgive him, even though I tried to persuade myself several times."

    The wind softened her voice and made her voice more mournful.

    "Probably," She lowered her eyshes and covered the solitude of her eyes, "I don''t know how to forgive a person."

    Speaking of that, Irish smiled faintly again, smiling at her mother''s bright face, "I''m really sorry I didn''t learn to love from you. I don''t know how to love someone or how to forgive someone. If loving someone is to give, then what about forgiveness? Is it tolerance? Forget? Or, just let it go?"

    But she couldn''t let go.

    Because of Henry''s final choice, her mother was sick in bed. However, she did remember the day when her mother had left, and even that day, she still remembered the weather and the smell of the air.<novelnext></novelnext>

    On that day, the air was glued to the smell of sweet cream cake and death because it was her birthday.

    And because that was the day her mother left.

    How much she wanted to make a birthday wish with her mother and blow out the candles together.

    But she was the only one who blew out thest candle.

    The moment the candlelight went out, her mother''s head quietly leaned on her thin shoulder, motionless, and the hand holding her knife and fork with her slowly dropped.

    She did not cry, but her little shaking hand gently held her mother''s dry, senseless hand and whispered, "Mom, do not sleep before you wish me a happy birthday."

    In fact, when thest candle was blown, she knew that her mother had left because the air that blew the candle was only hers, small, weak, and unremarkable.

    But she would rather believe that her mother was asleep.

    She slept till now.

    Irish looked forward to her birthday because her mother said hering was the most precious gift ever given to her.

    Irish hated her birthday again because God took away her most gift on that day.

    The cemetery was rustling.

    Irish''s eyes became red and wet over and over again, always refusing to drop a tear. She wanted to tell her mother a lot, for example, she met Joseph. Although there were obstacles ahead, although it was hard for her to learn how to love a person, she still wanted to love him.

    For example, she wanted to tell her that she had also be a mother.

    The little life was in her womb, growing up. She didn''t know what kind of mother she would be, and she didn''t know if she would be a qualified mother, but she wanted to thank her mother for bringing her into this world. Even if there was hatred and pain, it was also fruitful.

    ****

    Because of a holiday at Christmas, Cassie slept well, and just in the afternoon, she simply cleaned up and went out.

    It was more than three o''clock in the afternoon when she arrived at Mary''s house. Steven was busy working in the kitchen. Mary opened the door, and suddenly a big cake squeezed in.

    "You little girl, why are you carrying so many things? Did you rob the supermarket?

    "Auntie, help me." Cassie wanted to move the supermarket home and went into the house with big and small bags.

    Mary hurriedly came forward to pick up the things and put them down, "How much does it cost? We all bought things for Irish''s birthday. If I knew you''d go shopping, I would''ve let youe."

    "You won''t let mee. I''lle to myself.." Cassie smiled, greeted Steven in the kitchen, and then looked around, surprised, "Irish has note back?"

 Chapter 588 588: Isn’t It Your Birthday Today?

    Mary sighed, "Yeah, I don''t know if we''re going to upset her so much tonight," said Mary, "She is unhappy every year when shees back from Rachel''s grave."

    "One must look forward." Cassieforted Mary and cheered her up.

    "I said to her many days earlier, and she knew and agreed toe here for dinner. What does that mean? That means she''s trying to move forward. Besides, she still has the power of love to support her."

    Mary nodded her head, "It''s the reason, too. I remember a thing about love. Cassie, ah, Ruby is a lesbian? Really?"

    Cassie was embarrassed, "Actually, I don''t know if this is true or not."

    "I don''t think it''s fake. Otherwise, ording to Shirley''s temper, she would have jumped out like a corpse to debate with reporters, and could she be so quiet?" Mary sneered at her nose.

    Cassie shrugged her shoulders and said nothing.

    "Before that, I always said that God was so unfair. I have to go to the temple to worship and take back the words I had been whispering to the gods. Who says God doesn''t open his eyes? Shirley''s retribution is here, isn''t it? She is so disdainful, catching a golden bachelor son-inw and feeling arrogant. She didn''t even notice that her daughter was of the heart of man, right? Oh, hey, look at those pictures. It''s called a portrait, without a dress, and the two girls do it naked in bed." Mary was starting the conversation, and it was perhaps a belly of schadenfreude that could finally be given out.

    Cassie was a little embarrassed to hear that.

    Mary spat foams, her eyes sparkling with excitement like diamonds.

    "I think it''s not as good as Irish in our family. Yes, it''s also a nude photo, but she has a normal sexual orientation. No matter what the picture is, it''s a man and a woman, which conforms to thews of nature and is fundamental to human nature. What about Ruby? It is called a vition of the naturalws of human nature and physiology, of the fine tradition of human society passed down from generation to generation."

    "All right." Steven came out of the kitchen, heard the remark, and reluctantly persuaded her. "Let your mouth shut up."

    "Hey, I''m telling the truth, it''s not disinformation. How hot is this now? Can''t I makements? The state promotes freedom of speech." Mary was in a good mood today.

    Steven pointed to her, "What you say from your mouth can make people angry to death."

    "We''re talking. Do your business. It''s all right."

    Cassie stopped the quarreling between Mary and Steven in time and asked softly, "Auntie, are you still opposed to Irish and Joseph?"

    Mary seemed to have changed her personality and waved her hand even though she didn''t think about it. "Now the truth hase to light. Joseph was never married; why am I still against it? Besides, he promised to marry Irish before me."

    "Really?" Cassie was surprised.

    "How dare he? If he treats Irish badly, I will fix him."

    Cassieughed, "I don''t think he will do that to Irish."

    "He phoned ahead of time and said he wasing tonight." Mary was mysterious.

    Cassie was shocked.

    "Maybe he wants to surprise Irish? Who knows? Anyway, he''sing. I can''t kick him out, can I? It is also my principle to act in a manner." Mary smiled.

    Cassie looked a little forward to Joseph''s purpose ofing this evening.<novelnext></novelnext>

    ****

    In the afternoon, the cemetery''s temperature became colder as the sun went on.

    Irish stayed in front of Rachel''s tombstone for a long time, and when she was about to leave, she heard the sound of footsteps behind her.

    The dry and cold air seemed to be stirred, and the chrysanthemum''s cool breath seemed to be pushed by the ripples, and a wisp of air crept gently into Irish''s breath.

    The dead leaves on the ground were crushed by footsteps and gave out a faint song.

    She turned around.

    In the sun, the man''s hair was healthy and shiny, like a fine piece of gold, reflecting the indelible outline of his face. When he came forward, he ced therge chrysanthemum in his hand gently in front of the tablet and bowed respectfully.

    In front of the tombstone, white chrysanthemums and ca lilies were close to each other, and the cold wind blew the fragrance of flowers together.

    Irish was stunned, standing, watching the man identally appear in the cemetery, appearing in front of her; for a long time, she did not respond.

    The sun lengthened his shadow, as the strength of his standing was calm and powerful. He looked around, and when his eyes fell on the nearest yellow ca lilies, the corners of his mouth showed a little helplessness.

    He looked at her, not smiling, calm as usual, but sighed softly. "Isabel, you shouldn''t throw away your father''s flowers. You shouldn''t be so capricious."

    Irish seemed toe out of a dream, looking puzzled and confused, answering the question, "Joseph? Why are you here?"

    He dressed the same way he had left home yesterday, and she had not seen him all night. He looked more tired than he had been for a few days and had visible blood streaks in his eyes. He looked much paler because of the sun, and the new stubble spread from his angr chin to his cheeks.

    This kind of Joseph really scared Irish to jump.

    "I''m here for you." Joseph reached for her.

    Irish dumbly went forward to hold his big hand, and at the moment her fingers were sped, she found Joseph''s fingers very cold, with only the wide palm having a little temperature.

    "Why do you know I''m here?" She sped his hand and tried to warm him, but her fingers were also cold.

    Joseph looked at her lovingly for a few seconds and whispered, "You should have told me about this ce earlier." He looked again at the gravestone.

    This was the first time he seriously looked at his appearance as Rachel. Her smile was really beautiful, and that smile was able to dispel all the haze. A man should love such a gentlewoman.

    "You look just like your mother." He whispered.

    "She was just as obsessive as you when youughed, I guess." He murmured

    Irish came directly to Joseph and stared at him unbelievably, "You haven''t answered my question yet. How do you know I''m here?"

    "Isn''t it your birthday today?" This time, Joseph gave a direct answer.

 Chapter 589 589: Why Am I Going To See Him?

    The wind blew, bringing a few wood breaths, which belonged to Joseph, and it made her steady. His words were understated, but moved the corner of her heart, rubbed a few strands of warm wind in, and then her cold heart grew warmer.

    "How did you know it was my birthday?" She knew that the question was pretentious andmonce and that since he could find it and since he had said it, he was able to do it.

    However, she asked, even so, eager to know.

    The hustle and bustle of the city overshadowed the true voice in Irish''s heart and concealed her most true feelings. Standing before her mother''s tombstone, and when her heartbeat could only be heard around her, she heard the absolute sound of loneliness.

    She longed to be read and loved.

    That was why, when he appeared, she would feel grateful.

    Joseph stared at her and gently rubbed her neck diamond ne, and that diamond the two men had finished in South Africa reflected a dazzling glow in the sun.

    "The waist number on this diamond was your choice, and you saw it at the time, and you made two sets of birthdays into a waist code that gave the diamond a unique identity." He stood in front of her, his eyes full of indulgence, "If I''m right, it''s my birthday ahead, and then yours."

    "I didn''t think you''d notice it," she said, looking at him for a moment. The bottom of her eyes looked like a clearke, and the wind blew through, making ripples.

    Joseph held her in his arms, with his big hands sped to the back of her head and his chin against her head.

    Irish leaned against him, and warmth gradually wrapped her whole body.

    She liked such a man.

    So quietly he found her, with no big publicity, no anger. Then, silently, he pulled her back into his arms, gently warming her lonely, cold heart.

    "You shouldn''t havee here alone." After a long time, Joseph gently said although he was worried, but also did not me her.

    Irish nestled in his arms and whispered, "I''m sorry."

    Joseph pulled her away slightly, sighed at her pale face, and put his coat on her. Then, seeing that she was about to stop him, he frowned and wrapped her up, "Put it on."

    What wrapped her was his wood fragrance and light tobo smell.

    Irish took his hand to Rachel''s tombstone, "Mom, he is Joseph, the father of my baby." Joseph stared at Rachel in the photo and bowed gently again, "Thank you for bringing me Isabel. I will treat her well for the rest of my life."

    Irish''s eyes became wet.

    After a long time, she came forward gently from behind and held him, "Thank you."

    Joseph covered her hand, looking far and deep. "Isabel, do you remember what I said to you before?" He turned and gazed down at her, "Anyone has to stop on the path of life and change himself. What about you?"

    Irish froze slightly.

    "Have you ever thought of changing your life?" He asked softly.

    The smile of her mouth concealed, looking at Joseph, "What do you want to say?"

    "Forgive your father; one must always look forward." He was straightforward. His brows gradually became cold, and even his tone was also infected with coldness.

    "Are you good at forgiving a person?" she asked.

    Joseph was silent for a while, then raised his eyes and painfully looked at her, "I don''t want you to be unhappy."

    Irish''s eyes turned red again, and this time she took the initiative to hold his arms, choking on her voice. "All I know is that when I can''t let go, I can only choose to hate, or at least it proves that I am alive." She looked up again, and tears slipped down her cheek silently. "Don''t you love me, Joseph? Don''t you like someone to ept everything about her? I can''t change myself. People treat me one point well, I''ll be very nice, and if someone hurts me one point, I''ll hurt him even more."<novelnext></novelnext>

    Joseph raised his hand, gently wiping her tears.

    "Silly girl, just want you to let go of the burden to face the future. You are already a mother, if you are not happy, how can we ask our children to be happy?"

    Irish smiled again with tears. Joseph''s expression was darker.

    "Do youe here to celebrate my birthday?" Irish changed the subject. She didn''t want to talk about Henry when she faced Joseph.

    "We''ll go to Aunt''s house tonight." Joseph took her by the hand.

    Irish''s eyes were red, but she closed her lips, "Well, you are all colluded."

    Joseph''s lip angle was only slightly raised.

    "Let''s go." Irish always felt that he was a little strange, but she could not say where the difference was.

    "Good," Joseph answered.

    Irish said bye to her mother and then turned and left.

    For a long time, she didn''t hear Joseph''s footsteps. Turning around, he was still standing in doubt, returned, pulled his hand, and somehow she began to feel an ominous foreboding in her heart.

    "Go on, Joseph."

    Joseph still stood there without moving, just holding her hand. With a little force, his arm tightened her.

    "What''s wrong?" Irish looked up at him.

    "Isabel." Joseph raised his hand and stroked the hair of her forehead, "Go and see your father."

    Irish''s eyes were startled.

    "Your father is at NY-Presbyterian Hospital, and he may be dying." Joseph''s words were clear.

    The cold wind rose.

    The overwhelming coldness attacked, so Irish could not help but wrap the coat tightly. The faint smell of tobo also seemed to change the taste into a cold smell, along with the cold wind drilling into her heart.

    She breathed more and more, her eyes wobbling as if she were ake thrown down countless stones to stir the ripples.

    Gasping for a breath, the chills filled the air.

    Soon, Irish turned her head and opened her mouth again but sounded a little tremulous. She tugged at Joseph''s arm and pulled him forward.

    "Let''s go back to my aunt''s. They''re all waiting for us."

    Joseph looked at the stubborn Irish as if the knife had cut his heart. If he was selfish, he never wanted to tell Irish about it.

    With every step she took, the anger in her eyes increased. Atst, she stopped and shouted at Joseph.

    "Why am I going to see him? Today is my birthday. Why doesn''t hee to see me? Does he remember it is my birthday?"

 Chapter 590 590: Stay With Me

    Joseph stopped and stood there, looking at her in silence and pity.

    "He''s not a good father at all!" Irish roared angrily at Joseph, feeling extremely upset. "I am already very sad today. Why do you mention him? What does it have to do with me, whether he''s dead or alive? Doesn''t he have a wife and children? What am I? Who am I?"

    Joseph felt painful and hard to bear and reached for a hand to hug her tightly in his arms.

    In this instant, Irish finally cried.

    Grieved, and pain filled her heart.

    Her anger became pain, and her words failed to connect, "He''s not a good father. No father will be hospitalized on his daughter''s birthday. No!"

    Joseph could only hug her more tightly and let her cry in her arms. He preferred her to cry more than to hold back in her heart, which had beenughing and pretending to be a hedgehog for years. He wanted to pull the thorn out of her body, but it would hurt her.

    She was hurt, and so did he.

    ****

    Irish still followed Joseph to the hospital.

    Outside the private room were all the Lake''s people.

    Shirley could be heard crying from afar, then Ruby''s sobbing. Roy''s ashtray in front of him was full, and he looked as haggard as Joseph, with a mustache, and apparently, he didn''t sleep the whole night.

    William''s family also came. He sat down in the corner of the sofa, smoking, and said nothing. Kelly''s face was not very good-looking.

    When Joseph came in with Irish, Lilith looked up and immediately got up and grabbed her hand.

    Irish obviously felt Lilith''s fingers tremble.

    Yes, Lilith grew up in a greenhouse when she was young. She had never experienced this scene, did she? Holding her fingers, Irish could not help but be sad. When her mother had left her, her fingers were so cold.

    "He is still?" Irish asked the sentence with difficulty.

    Not waiting for Lilith''s answer, she listened to Shirley stop crying but directed at her side, scolding, "Who let youe? What qualifications do you have toe here?"

    Irish''s eyes were cold.

    Ruby suddenly rushed like crazy, taking a pull at Irish, whose eyes were almost angry, and said, "Did you do that right? You already know about Emery and me. You waited so long, and you finally got the evidence? Are you satisfied? Now your goal has been achieved! You''ve managed to destroy me! Destroy the Lake family! What are you here to see? And you want to see my dad scold me and hit me? Late! He was already in the hospital after he saw the pictures you sent yesterday, and now he''s lying in there, dying! Irish, wish I could kill you!"

    Joseph stepped forward to push away Ruby, frowning and coldly yelling, "Are you done?"

    The hand reached out and drew Irish behind him.

    "Joseph, what good man do you pretend to be? You hypocrite, asshole! You are the only one who knows about Emery and me. Do you do that? You came up with this dirty trick just to cover up your two disgusting pictures, didn''t you? What did you promise me? How can you backfire? Why do you tell her about me? Do you think that bitch behind you loves you? From her return to the present, all she has done is to think of how to retaliate against us! Joseph, you are a fool! A fool! You deserve to be used by her!"

    Standing behind Joseph, Irish knew that Joseph had known Ruby was a lesbian for so long.

    Joseph''s face had been vaguely angry, and the green tendons on his forehead emerged. After a long time, he pressed down on unhappiness and lightly said, "It''s over? Get out of the way when you''re done with the scold."<novelnext></novelnext>

    "You want her to see my dad? No!"

    Shirley also came forward crying and pushing Joseph, "Get out! You two, get out! You are not wee here!"

    Joseph always protected Irish, and with one hand removed Shirley, his voice was heavy, "Step aside."

    "If you want to go in and see him, you can kill me if you can." Shirley was angry at him and yelled, "Joseph, aren''t you very good? You can only take a few pictures to make Henry half-dead, so you should kill me!"

    Seeing that, Lilith ran over, tightly holding on to Shirley, "It is uncle who wants to see Irish. Last night you did not also hear what uncle said? Just let Irish in and let uncle meet her."

    "No! I will never let her in to see him!" Shirley was like an enraged female lion.

    "Shirley!" William, who had been silent, frowned and said, "Stop making trouble."

    Shirley shivered angrily and sat back on the sofa, sobbing and crying.

    Ruby stared at Irish as if seeing her enemy.

    Irish had been leaning against Joseph, and her hands clenched tightly.

    Joseph reached to hold her, giving her the greatestfort.

    "Go in and see your father." He whispered in her ear. Irish stared at the closed door of the private room, somehow, with an inexplicable panic in her heart and a familiar smell of death. Her heart felt tight, subconsciously grasping Joseph''s hand, "Stay with me."

    "Don''t worry." Joseph would never leave her at this time.

    The two men were about to move in and heard the sound of a "beep"ing out of it. Irish was stunned for a moment. Then Roy, who had been smoking, ran madly out of the door, hysterically shouting, "Doctor!"

    The doctors and nurses who saw the sign rushed into the room and began a new round of rescue.

    "How did that happen?" Irish only felt her legs feeble, leaning on Joseph''s body, murmuring to herself.

    "Your father had a heart attack yesterday," Joseph told her heavily. Only then did Irish understand why Joseph didn''te home all night. Joseph sat aside, holding her hand tightly.

    Her fingers were horribly cold, and Joseph began to regret it. He regretted that he had promised Henry to bring her there.

    Last night, inside the private room, Henry pulled him, panting hard to ask him to bring Irish. He hesitated, even rejected, because she was not alone. She was pregnant with his child, and he would never let Irish face it if he could.

    However, Irish had to face it.

    In his opinion, this time, Henry could not escape death. If Irish could not see hisst look for the rest of her life, she would be regretful. She would live less happily.

    Ten minutester, the doctor pushed the door out, followed by the nurse.

    Shirley rushed first, "Doctor, my husband..."

    The doctor took off his mask and nced at the surrounding family members. "Sorry, we have tried our best," he said. "If you have anything else to say to Mr. Lake, please do as soon as possible."

 Chapter 591 591: You Came To See Me

    The tragedy is often the aura of infinite reincarnation and a vicious circle. When you be infected with it, you be the spirit that follows you around and is ready to strangle you to be buried with you at all times, and then, there is something in your life that is unbearable.

    Irish''s tragedy never ended, from her birth to her mother''s death to this moment. She thought that sitting in the sun would dispel the haze but did not think that it had ever been dispelled, but hid in a corner that she could not see and gathered into a sea and finally devoured her.

    So, when she entered the ward and saw the dying Henry lying on the bed, the familiar foreboding she had repressed for many years finally broke through the shell.

    It was an unquenchable fear.

    It got into every corner of her body. Shirley and a group of people were surrounded. Roy, as the eldest son, sat on the head of the bed, tightly holding Henry''s hand. Ruby cried most ferociously, and there were always words in her mouth," Dad, I''m sorry."

    Only Irish stood a few steps away from the ward, not near, but just enough to see Henry''s pale and bloodless face. She felt the whole body''s blood flowing back as if it were evaporating through her pores. She could only cling to Joseph, her cold fingers clenching his clothes corners.

    Henry''s voice was very small, different from his usual loud voice. He was like a candle that could be blown out by the wind at any time, even lifting his hand became difficult.

    He was no longer a hard man, a trailzer on the board, but a downright old man, an old man who was about to leave the world.

    He told Roy a few words and looked at Ruby painfully. Atst, the vague eyes fell on Irish, nearby.

    Irish wanted to move away from her eyes, but they actually could not be restrained and moistened.

    Henry, on the bed, smiled, so hard tough, but also so sincere, surprised, and satisfied.

    He opened his mouth and tried hard without making much noise. He was calling her, even stretching his hand very hard at her.

    A great pathos swept through Irish''s heart, and her whole body was stiff, holding the corner of Joseph''s hand harder, and her knuckles were pale.

    Joseph reached for her waist and whispered, "Go ahead."

    On the bed, Henry persisted in waving in her direction, and the withered hand seemed to try its best to grab something.

    People on both sides of the bed looked different.

    Shirley resented, Ruby was hostile, and William was always dispirited; Lilith was wiping tears, and Roy at the side said, "Irish,e here."

    Even Kelly, at the side in silence, finally opened her mouth and said with Roy to Irish, "Come quickly. Talk to your father to say a few words."

    She did not care about their gaze and eyes, but the strength of a man at her waist supported her.

    She stepped forward and stood stiffly in front of the bed, so close that she could smell the dying breath, and it made her heart ache.

    "Isabel." Henry''s hand was still trying to stretch out, wanting to hold her hand.

    Irish looked at the withered old man''s hand, about to die, and the sourness of the nostrils and the resentment at the bottom of her heart mixed together, impacting her,

    hitting her, suffocating her.<novelnext></novelnext>

    She had long forgotten what her father''s hand was like and what it was like to be led by his big hand. Once in a dream, she dreamed more than once that Henry hade back. When he entered the door, he lifted her up with his big hands and held her high above his head. Sheughed and screamed over his head, "Dad..."

    In reality, she had sat on the flower bed at the school gate more than once, hoping that Henry would suddenly appear in front of her like the father of other children, and then she happily took his hand and hopped home.

    She thought what she demanded was not too much.

    Only hoping Henry could show up, take her home from school once, let her take Henry''s big hand in public, proudly saying to those children who called her a wild child, "This is my father!"

    She just wanted a simple, ordinary dad who could apany her daily and a palpable dad, not the famous entrepreneur dad who could only be seen on TV and in the newspapers!

    Her delicate fingers were almost broken, her nails deep in her palm, her skin moring the pain, and the pain hit her heart.

    "Isabel." Behind her, Joseph murmured her name.

    Irish had a consciousness, staring at Henry''s hand, and her heart mourned, cold. Even if she did not want to admit that her life had been bestowed upon her by the old man, her desire could not be suppressed, even if she did not care for him to reach out to her.

    In fact, she wanted to hold Henry''s hand and feel his palm, whether it was as warm as before, although she knew that his hand had always belonged to Roy and Ruby.

    Her fingers were loosened and clenched and then slowly loosened. Irish hesitated to raise her hand and finally held Henry''s hand.

    Her heart trembled, and her destion came up like a flood.

    His hand was no longer as warm as she had imagined. It was cold, stiff, and dry, and the skinny bones hurt her.

    But Henry clenched Irish''s hand tightly, with excitement and contentment on his face.

    Roy saw that, and got up to press Irish to sit on the head of the bed.

    "Isabel, you... Atst, you came to see me." Henry''s breath was short, his voice weak, but his eyes dispelled the haze overshadowed by death because of joy.

    Irish tightly closed her lips, trying to suppress the overflowingplex feelings. "You cane, what a pleasure."

    She could not say a word, and her throat seemed to be blocked.

    "All these years, as your Dad, I''m sorry," Henry said painstakingly, clutching her small hand but particrly strongly as if all the strength of his whole body was used to hold her, lest she got up and left.

    "I..Am... Not a good dad, so... I want topensate you, but always...I can''t. You believe me, I''ve always loved you."

    Irish''s heart seemed to have been scratched by something bloody and painful.

    "Don''t talk." After a long time, she finally squeezed a voice out of her throat. Her eyes ached in dryness. She wanted to cry, but she kept holding back her tears.

 Chapter 592 592: President, You Misunderstood Me

    Henry saw her opening her mouth, gratified, and turned to see Ruby and then to Roy, word for word, and he said, "Remember, no matter what happened, three of you are

    siblings. You can''t hurt each other. Roy, you are the eldest son, the eldest brother, you should protect your sisters.

    Roy nodded forcefully, "Dad, you rest assured."

    Henry then nced around the room and said weakly, "Before I go, I want to say a few things to tell. First, the estate in my name shall be allocated solely in ordance with the will. Anyone has no right to interfere with the assignment ofwyers. Second, thepany relies on the opinion of the board of directors, so the staff...All positions are arranged ording to the Board of Directors. Roy and Irish, as shareholders, go back to the Runestone Group, having the right to participate in each of the businesses; third, Ruby...go abroad immediately; fourth, and... Shirley Channing officially dissolved our marriage.

    "Henry!"

    "Mom!" Roy quickly grabbed Shirley.

    Shirley was angry and sad, so she sat on the sofa and began to cry.

    These words exhausted all Henry''s strength, and he rested for a long time, returning his eyes to Irish''s face. In the depths of his eyes were benevolence and indulgence.

    "Isabel, every time I see you, I see your mother, she.. ''s still waiting for me. These days, I often see her. I know I can go with her now."

    Irish clenched her teeth.

    "After I die, remember, bury me with your mother." Henry clenched her hand harder and softened his voice, "I still love your mother."

    Irish''s tears finally came down, and subconsciously, she grasped Henry''s hand.

    "Come closer, Isabel, I have something to say to you."

    Irish leaned forward and pressed down.

    Henry took her by the hand and motioned her to be closer.

    Irish clung her ear to Henry''s mouth.

    He moved his dry lips and uttered a few words in her ear with a voice that she could only hear, and Irish''s eyes shook.

    When she got up, she was a little confused.

    "Forgive Daddy." Henry smiledboriously.

    Irish gnawed hard on her lip, and the smell of blood spread through her mouth.

    "After all these years, you''ve refused to call me Dad." Henry''s hands trembled a little, and his eyes were near entreating, "Irish... I want to hear you call me Dad."

    "You..." Irish opened her mouth, with a hoarse voice, choking, desperately shook her head, "I...I will not forgive you."

    If she forgave him, he would let go, and he would let go. Did he ever leave her behind? Like he did to her mother?

    Henry''s mouth opened, and his eyes were sad.

    Irish''s breath trembled, and after a long time, she looked up and stared at him painfully, "Dad. You can''t go until I forgive you. I haven''t forgiven you yet!"

    "Silly girl." Henry smiled, and a tear fell from the corner of his eyes on the pillow. He was satisfied but also hurt, patted her hand back, "I finally wait until you call me Dad, you''re like your mother, so stubborn."

    Irish''s tears were like beads that had broken the thread.

    "I''m sorry, Isabel, today. I had let you face me like this." Henry whispered in a sad voice.

    She looked at Henry across the haze of tears.

    Henry looked at her, the indulgence in his eyes deeper, "Irish, happy birthday."

    Irish was shocked.

    She didn''t expect Henry to remember her birthday that day.

    For a short time, her chest was ufortable again.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Henry looked at Irish with relief. After a long time, he reluctantly moved his eyes away. He told William a few words and then looked at the crowd. "You all go out, Joseph should stay."

    The crowd rose.

    Henry finally loosened his hand and said to Irish, "Isabel, please go out and help daddy close the door," he urged her.

    Irish got up and took a look at Joseph.

    Joseph looked at Irish, nodding, and beckoned her out.

    A group of people went out of the ward, and thest one was Irish. She took a deep look inside the ward, reached out, and closed the door.

    In the ward, only Henry and Joseph were left.

    "Sit down."

    Joseph took a chair and sat down in front of his bed. His cheeks were calm, and his eyes were deep.

    Henry looked at Joseph for a long time, saying. "Thank you very much for bringing Irish to see me."

    "This is what I should do." Joseph''s expression was ashen, and his tone was also cold.

    "Over the years, you''ve done much for the Runestone Group." Henry tried to breathe well and saw his face clearly.

    "Yes."

    "I blocked Leo''s ns to make a fortune in Russia, but... as you had argued with me before, I did go into the trap Leoid.

    Joseph slightly raised his mouth and smiled helplessly.

    "I know a lot about Leo, and I know the quality of Russian mine. It is good, but it''s not suitable for Leo''spany. He''s desperate to invest in the mine, seemingly crazy about choosing to suppress the price of the Runestone Group, but actually trying to freeze the capital chain of the Runestone," He whispered, "His real goal is still in South Africa, and so on, the Runestone. So we have no energy to deal with him in South Africa."

    Henry looked at him and suddenlyughed coldly. "So, do you n to cooperate with Leo?"

    Joseph was not shocked but simply said, "No."

    "Is it not your actual purpose?"

    Joseph heard that there was a light hidden in the depths of his eyes, "Then can I understand that you have never trusted me?"

    "It is your mind that is ready to move." Henry''s eyes were cool, "You do not want to cooperate with Leo? You even want to announce the news that Runestone will cooperate with him in aprehensive way."

    "It''s just the extraordinary means chosen in the special period." Joseph said, without changing his face, "President, you misunderstood me."

    "There is one thing that should not be misunderstood."

    Joseph looked up at him.

    Henry stretched out his hand, pped heavily on the back of his hand, and gasped with difficulty, "So many years you are in the Runestone Group, tell me, are you in return for grace or for revenge?"

    Joseph''s eyes were held back for a few seconds.

    Henry gasped when he was shivering, "Then you can tell me, why is your brother so against you? You know! You know!"

    Joseph was silent for a long time and then looked at Henry with a faint smile, but his smile didn''t reach his eyes.

    "What do you want to say, President?" His tone was always respectful.

    "Actually. You already know about the merger and acquisition of our two families, don''t you?" Henry asked one word after another.

    "President, at that time, although I was studying abroad, I was already sensible."

    "You really know." Henry''s breath was fast.

 Chapter 593 593: You Tell Me The Truth Today

    Joseph sat down again and smiled as if he were talking about something that had nothing to do with him, "The economic crisis made it impossible for my family to bounce back. I know my father bowed down to ask for your help. You helped, didn''t you?"

    The two families had been partners, but a disaster swept through the Dover family business when the capital chain was severely broken, and bouncing back could not be achieved. His father thought of the Savior, Henry Lake, hoping that Henry could lend a helping hand to help him recover back.

    Henry was a businessman, naturally, he would not make business losses.

    He agreed to lend money to help Joseph''s family, but at the same time, he offered a condition.

    That was, he did not lend the money to Joseph''s family but to inject capital. To put it bluntly, he wanted to take advantage of this opportunity to buy theirpany. This was a normal practice in business that day, but at the time, as a partner, it was clearly a robbery.

    The situation was imminent.

    Joseph''s father had no choice but to agree to be purchased, but made a mandatory principle for his son, Joseph, to take a stake in thepany.

    Henry did everything he could earn in any business, but that didn''t mean he was a mean person. He agreed to the family''s request and fulfilled his promise.

    "When I bought your family''spany, I admit, the means were mean, but I need to eat, to develop." Henry took a break for a while, then went on, "for so many years, I have raised you, that is, I have hope that you can do the best for the Runestone Group and the Lake with all your heart."

    "So you let Ruby marry me just to make me work for the Lake." Joseph took the fruit knife and slowly peeled the apple.

    Henry stared at him, "You tell me the truth today. Do you have intention on the Runestone Group?"

    "Half of the Runestone Group is from my family''spany. Do you think I have any ns?" Joseph smiled and asked.

    Henry breathed more, "Then why did you dissolve the marriage with Ruby?"

    "She only likes women. Sooner orter, my marriage will go wrong with her." Joseph bowed his head and moved slowly.

    Henry''s whole body was shaking, "So, are you looking at Irish?"

    Joseph''s action of peeling apples paused for a moment. His eyshes lightly obscured his deep eyes. Then he raised his eyes. His eyes were calm. "Yes."

    "Because of Ruby''s situation, you must find a normal woman in the Lake to re-cooperate with your n. You��. are looking for Isabel, and the goal is to swallow the Runestone Group through her in the most natural way, is it right?"

    Henry''s feeble, trembling voice could hardly make a big difference in the room. He was too weak even to ask the truth to Joseph.

    The one who had the sameck of strength as him was Irish. She stood in the observation room, watching the room silently through a single ss, and her whole body was motionless like wood, and her joints were stiff.

    Henry''s words reverberated in her ears all the time, and she looked at Joseph''s silhouette, where he sat, only watching his handsome side face lines, not his eyes.

    He was peeling the apple slowly, its peel was so thin and so long, transparent, and it almost dropped to the ground, which meant he was incredibly calm.

    It could only be said that either he had no guilt in his heart or that he had no fear.

    Irish listened to Joseph''s answer lightly, "You can think so."<novelnext></novelnext>

    She looked with disbelief at Joseph, and her eyes were wide and dark.

    No, he must be joking.

    In the ward, Henry''s mood looked more devastated, taking a grasp at Joseph, staring at him, "You. Destroy my two daughters at the same time!"

    "My parents were sad before they died," he said. "Is it not two lives?" As a result of Henry''s sudden movement, the de of the fruit knife identally scratched Joseph''s hand, and red blood flowed out of his fingers.

    But he was not moved, his tone was still uneventful. Finally, after putting the apple aside, he gently wiped the blood and went on, "and Jordan, who hates the Lake most, and now abhors me, too, just because I''m still working for people who kill our parents.

    "You..." Henry''s fingers trembled even more.

    "Oh, I think of something." Joseph pressed the wound, smiling, "Irish is pregnant, I will soon marry her."

    "Joseph!" Henry exhausted all his efforts to shout out his name, "You want to take the child to achieve your goal? No way! Irish love you so much that you can''t do that!"

    Joseph looked at Henry, "The child will be born by the name of my surname, not by the Lake, President."

    Irish''s face in the observation room was pale, staring closely at Joseph, listening to every word from his mouth, she began to understand Henry''s anger.

    "You want to let the Lake have no more foothold? You want to have your family namepletely attached to the Runestone Group." Only listening to Henry gasp out of breath, and he said, "Joseph, you�� can''t be so cruel!"

    Joseph did not speak but quietly looked at Henry.

    "Do you love Irish?" Henry seized him again, clutching his clothes corner tightly, almost hysterical, but the voice was too weak. "Answer me, you. Do you love her?"

    Irish stared at Joseph through the mirror, pricking up her ears to hear Joseph''s answer. She had been afraid to ask him such a question, and gradually he was getting better at her, and he had only her in his eyes.

    She felt and saw it.

    He loved her so much that she felt so warm inside her heart that Joseph would never leave her, even if she lost everyone.

    So she stopped grappling with the problem because she was so convinced that Joseph, in fact, was deeply in love with her.

    Even facing him, she was so inferior, she also worried if she could tie him for life. She was not very lucky when she was a child, and with him, she was afraid that she was only a disguised rose, a red rose that could only bloom at night.

    She longed for his love and absorbed his love.

    Staring at Joseph''s side face, facing the light, his eyes were still deep, as if some emotion went into his eyes, deep, bright, but iprehensible deep.

    She heard him speak, whose voice in her ears was calm as he had promised her, but unfortunately, he said to Henry, "No, I do not love her."

 Chapter 594 594: I Did Not Owe You

    If you could use extreme pain in exchange for an eversting love, are you willing? She said, "I will."

    There are too many people in the world, and it is an extravagant hope to find the other half to make them bloom. From the beginning of knowing what loneliness was, she longed to have a hand hold her heart gently, warmly telling her that the loneliness was not too bad.

    She was always optimistic, even if it was just a disguise of happiness to hide the chaos in her heart. She knew she was unhappy, but she never wanted to admit it.

    But no matter how to escape, there were still hands clinging to her, and then cruelly telling her, you were unfortunate.

    Like a great sadness, it sprinkled smoke after the eruption of the volcano.

    Why couldn''t she even get that simple happiness?

    Her parents'' separation and her mother''s death were beyond her control, so she said to herself that it was all divine and that her misfortune was only an ident.

    When she met love and finally the right man, she did her best to hold it firmly in her hand.

    Joseph had engraved in her heart the most important and most beautiful word.

    Every time she uttered the name from her lips, her heart wobbled gently, like a small ship hidden in the ripples of the water. Even if someone ran over and told her that Joseph was not theke she thought of, he was far more dangerous than the calm water of theke, he was a vast, unpredictable sea, and her boat, which had no resistance to hitting, would be swept by the waves sooner orter.

    She did not believe, for she was so convinced that the iprehensible Joseph would be a gentleke for her, quiet and never hurt her. All the way through, there were too many joys and sorrows.

    With so many words to fear and so many topics, she would only struggle to drill into his arms, raise her head, and look up at him. All things were less important than his smile.

    She was not afraid to be stirred up and preached because she did not care about anyone''s gossip, even if it was disparaging. As long as she could see him, she would be happy.

    She loved him so seriously that she would do anything for him.

    It turned out that everyone in the world was safe, and he was the most dangerous.

    Irish was never afraid to y the most beautiful and gloomy scene with Joseph, as long as she and he were still together. What she feared most was that she was the only one in this sorrowful scene, and he was always an unintentional bystander.

    In the ward, Joseph''s "do not love her", so determined, so not direct, and this is his real mind.

    A pair of scissors poked her in the chest, then pitifully cut through her belly and cut the kite string in her heart. Then her heart left her body in tears, and she was led away by the kite. Far away...

    She was such a fool.

    Every time she hopefully asked him, "Joseph, do you love me?"

    Yeah, he didn''t lie to her because he never told her he loved her.

    His answer was always evasive and never positive and direct.

    She forgot that a question needed to be

    asked on both sides anyway. She only cared about asking the best but neglected the least.<novelnext></novelnext>

    If she had asked him at that time, "Joseph, don''t you love me?"

    What, then, was his answer?

    "No" was far more direct than "I love you," and that was his real answer.

    Originally what Leo said was never a joke. However, she recalled he said, "Irish, wait until, in the end, you find you are a fool!"

    Yes, she was stupid.

    Because she never thought Joseph really did not love her.

    In the ward, Joseph''s figure was so strange. The blood on his finger is still flowing, piercing her eyes. She would rather that the knife had scratched her heart, so she could feel pain in this way.

    Yes, Joseph, why when you finished this sentence, my heart did not feel pain? Was it because that broken kite fled away at the same time?

    Without the heart, how could you know the pain?

    My heart was gone, was it just like you?

    Only the pain of the eyes, dry, bitter, painful. It was no wonder it would hurt because even thecrimal nd was not functional.

    Irish turned and walked out of the observation room.

    Joseph, between us, I did not owe you.

    In the ward, Henry''s anger had turned into hard panting, struggling with fate.

    In Joseph''s eyes, it was pain.

    Blood soaked in his palm, and its smell filled the surrounding.

    "How could you do that? How can you? I thought you''d at least have some feelings for her over the years." Henry sounded more like an old bellow.

    Joseph looked at Henry, and there was frostbite between eyebrow tips, and apparently, Henry''s words made him have emotional fluctuations. He gnawed his teeth and said, "Henry Lake, how can these wordse out from your mouth so naturally? Did you ever have feelings for my family? Your family in the financial crisis had a foothold because of us, and when you used the power of the Channing to obtain the annexation of my family, did you have feelings? Was my father so miserable and worried before he died? I remember how he begged you in his bed. And you? Have you ever had affections?"

    It was a scene he saw with his own eyes.

    Just before his father''s death, he sped Henry''s hand and shouted to him to swear to him that he would make sure that his wife and sons would have no worries about their food and clothing, and he could not leave them helpless.

    Henry stood in front of the bed at that time without saying a word and didn''t promise.

    Finally, his father left with regret. Henry paid for them to go to school, and Joseph knew his purpose. After his father''s death, Henry performed a drastic merger and reform of the two enterprises. On the first day of his assumption of the president position, he fired all the people who would not be conducive to his own power, and those old shareholders who were originally members of the Dover''s previous generation would not be spared. And the forces of the Dover family, along with the establishment of the Runestone Group, werepletely swept out by him.

 Chapter 595 595: He Left Peacefully?

    At that time, Henry ignored his mother and them until the mother was seriously ill, and he inadvertently discovered Joseph''s most sensitive ability to cut and discover diamonds.

    From that day on, Henry regarded him as his own son.

    But Joseph was clear. As a businessman, Henry did all things good to him, and how could he use "feeling" to describe his intentions?

    Henryy on his bed, looking down at Joseph, stretched out his trembling hand with all his strength, "Okay. Well, I got it atst. Joseph, you ask yourself, if there were no me, would there be you and your brother? You dare to swear that to me, to the Lake, you just hate? I''ve done so much over the years, so much for you, you... Haven''t you ever been touched?"

    "Henry Lake!" Joseph''s hands "pped" on the bed, and his handsome cheeks turned cold, "I have the right to let you die in no peace, you understand? After you have been unkind to my family, I have the right to do so."

    His voice was like a trapped beast, and his eyes were horrified with anger.

    Henry had never seen such an enraged Joseph, for a time, he had only gasping strength.

    The air around became a thin cool, and it was Joseph''s breath, like the death, whose tall figure shrouded in the dying head of Henry. He clenched his fist, and the blood between his fingers dropped on the white sheet.

    Like the red plum blossoming in the snow, there was deste loneliness.

    Gradually, the resentment hid from Joseph''s appalling eyebrow, his breath began to smooth, and the corners of his eyebrow became a calmke again.

    His eyes, which had just been filled with murderous pain, had withdrawn from anger, bing as lonely and silent as a dead well, full of destion.

    Joseph opened his mouth, weak, suppressing his eyebrows in inexhaustible forbearance.

    "You will never believe my boredom with hatred."

    Henry was startled.

    "Henry, I just want you to know that if I want to swallow Runestone Group, it is easy. And if I want to destroy your two daughters, I only need the slightest effort. I can do as you imagine!" Joseph squinted slightly, clenched his knuckles, and his handsome face almost clung to Henry''s face, and his sharp eyes to his shocked, muddy eyes, and said, "But, you listen to me. I''m not useless enough to use women to get things done, and I''m not an asshole to get married in exchange for sess. If I swallow the Runestone Group, it''s not about hatred, but it''s about the mood!"

    "Joseph." Henry looked at him like a stranger.

    Joseph slowly rose, and the tall figure covered arge shade of the sun. Then he took the napkin on the bed, and thest touch of sadness in his eyes disappeared, achieving the usual calmness.

    He rubbed the blood on his fingers slowly.

    After a thorough wipe, the napkin was thrown into the trash can.

    Then he sat down again and looked back at Henry, and his tone returned to the deference of the past, "President, Irish and I are going to get married soon. I hope you will bless us in heaven," he said, "It is the greatestpensation for her and for me."

    Did he hate Henry? He hated him! He even hated that he wanted to kill him.

    But did he appreciate Henry? He was grateful, for there was no Henry nor he nor Jordan.

    Perhaps, after encountering Irish, he had chosen thetter between hatred and gratitude. He had the ability to hate, but he was exhausted.

    Unfortunately, no one would believe it, including Henry. Henry had been walking between belief and unbelief, so he allowed Ruby to marry him and finally worried about Irish.<novelnext></novelnext>

    No one would believe that he had given up hatred from the beginning, even if he did not believe it himself.

    And Henry, on his bed, after hearing this remark, suddenly exerted all his strength to seize Joseph''s hand. His withered fingers were as powerful as pliers. He made a final sound and desperately squeezed out thest bit of strength of his body.

    "Joseph, I''m sorry for you, I��" His strength finally dissipated with thest "I" word, and before he finished speaking, he had no time to turn his eyes to the observation room.

    Then, holding on to Joseph''s hand, he finally lost his strength.

    It was like a gust of wind that blew out the light of his life.

    Henry''s hand fell, and the whole person fell on the bed, wide-eyed, but he made no sound.

    Joseph quietly looked at him. In the monitor nearby, the line representing the breath of life finally straightened and became eternal.

    He raised his hand, gently closed Henry''s eyes, and then pulled up the white sheets covering his face.

    After all this, he opened the door and walked out of the ward. Looking calmly at the Lake family, he said, "President has gone."

    For a time, there were crying echoes in the surrounding.

    Irish didn''t cry, and she did not even look back, far from the voice of crying, standing in front of the window. Joseph looked at that petite figure, and somehow, his heart felt a source of pain.

    He stepped forward and finally stopped behind her.

    Irish stared into the distance; her eyes were very empty, like the deste universe. After a long time, she opened her mouth, "He left peacefully?"

    The man''s voice behind him was calm, "Very peaceful."

    Irish smiled, and the pale little face on the ss had the outline of a painful smile, "Thank you."

    ****

    Cassie put down the phone in shock, sitting on the sofa for a long time, speechless.

    Mary, who came out of the bedroom, came to the living room with a gift box and looked happy. After sitting down next to Cassie, she couldn''t wait to open the gift box. She pulled out a white skirt from inside and looked at it back and forth. "Cassie, what do you think of this cashmere coat I bought? I''m sure she likes it, right? She liked white when she was young. This white cashmere coat I had been looking at for a long time. It is expensive. The mall said it was a famous brand, but I didn''t understand it anyway. But it deserves, look at this quality, other salespersons all said, it is called a diamond grade cashmere.

    In front of Mary''s endless chatter, Cassie made no response.

    Steven went out of the kitchen. "What time is it?" he said, "You call to urge the child, why don''t theye back soon? And that Joseph, didn''t he say he woulde over tonight? See if the two of them are together."

    "Oh my God, the two must be together. Don''t think about it." Mary grumbled and put her cashmere coat back in the gift box, and reached out to pick up the phone.

    Cassie had an abrupt response, reaching out to hold Mary, "Auntie, don''t call."

 Chapter 596 596: Joseph, Thank You So Much For Lying To Me

    Mary was surprised and then reacted, "Oh, Irish called you?"

    Cassie nodded her head.

    "What time are they back? Where are they?"

    Cassie shook her head gently, "she said she wouldn''t be back tonight. She didn''t want to celebrate her birthday this year."

    "Huh?" Mary was surprised at this and said in an anxious way, "Why? What''s the matter with the child?"

    Cassie had a little confusion in her eyes, just remembering Irish on the phone, whose voice was cold. She looked at Mary and whispered, "Henry has just passed away."

    Mary suddenly widened her eyes.

    ****

    In the Hospital parking lot.

    It waste.

    There was a dark light on the edge of the sky, a starry light devoured thest light, and a cold night fell.

    Irish sat quietly in the car, staring at the gleaming light, her eyes as deep as the night. She wondered if there would be another star in the night sky tonight.

    Because when her mother left, she found the night sky brighter than ever, and she was convinced that it was her mother who turned into a star and lit up her head so that she was no longer alone.

    So from tonight on, her mother would not be lonely again, for she had finally waited for the man who could turn into a star again, in the sky, in the boundless universe, no longer lonely.

    Henry''s departure made the Lake family lose its backbone. In her eyes, even the usually arrogant and domineering Shirley had be absent-minded. She had no ce in front of such a group of people. When Henry was alive, she was already like an outsider. When Henry had gone, she had be aplete outsider.

    Shirley stopped her from going to the morgue. Irish did not quarrel with her and walked away from the hospital. A ss of hot milk was delivered to her.

    The mellow smell of milk mingled with the faint wood smell of a man.

    What a yearning warmth it was.

    Irish did not move.

    "Have a drink." Joseph, who was around her, talked softly to her, and he was not in a hurry to drive.

    She shook her head.

    Only heard Joseph''s light sigh. He put down the milk first, extending his arm to hold her hand, sped, and his tone hurt, "Your fingers so cold?"

    Quickly turning on the car conditioner.

    Soon, the car was warm, and the air was like a spring breeze with a hint of peppermint aroma.

    But her fingers were still cold.

    Joseph took her hand to his lips, breathed softly, and the air ran through their fingers, her fingertips moving.

    "I know you''re in no mood for your birthday party, but uncle and aunt are always waiting; at least we should go there." He turned his face to her.

    Irish looked ahead silently, her long eyshes gently blinking.

    "Isabel." Joseph sighed, stretched out his hand and sped her face, and ordered her to look at him.

    "I know you''re sad, but the dead can''te back. We''ll have to move on."<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish was staring at his face.

    The concern at the bottom of his eyes was so real in her sight that his face still lingered in her dreams. Once upon a time, she was so afraid of losing his breath and his temperature. Once upon a time, she was so dependent on his saying, "Don''t be afraid of me," that she would regret being wayward. Regardless of the woman''s demure, she cried to ask him not to leave, not to leave her alone.

    Joseph, you never knew after walking so long that I became the fish that could only swim in yourke. Now you have destroyed yourke, but you have forgotten the existence of fish. She perceived this silent thought, wanting to utter all these painful words.

    "Joseph." She finally called out his name, but once the name came out, the viscera were all involved in pain.

    She was frightened.

    Originally, she had notpletely only had the shell, why should these false feelings be perfunctory to her?

    Staring at her, whose eyes were full of love.

    A small voice finally broke out, "Do you love me?" Irish slightly lifted her little face, and the outline of her cheeks was beautiful as the light shifted.

    Joseph was a little startled.

    Irish always look at him.

    It urred to her what her dad had said to her, his voice was intermittent but very firm, and he said, "You love him, you have to bear all of him. Do you have this psychological preparation?"

    All his acting was too true, so Irish did not want to wake up, she would rather fall into this dream just because the other was Joseph, the man she loved the most.

    She was a psychological analyst, who could read others'' minds, could see each others'' eyes'' meaning, and could analyze the human''s obvious sorrow and happiness through the dream, but how could she not see through Joseph? Why couldn''t she analyze her dream?

    Though it was a good dream, when she woke up, all the feelings of love, all the joy, and sorrow of separation, in the end, was a startling dream.

    She could not believe that she had been prey from the beginning and Joseph could use her as a reserve force. His closeness and tenderness were not true. She thought she was very smart, sessfully seducing him, in fact, he only led her into a dream step by step.

    The promise of her trip was false, and she finally realized that her thoughts were wrong, that the meeting on the long street of the Light Town was false, and that the love they shared in bed was false.

    What about South Africa?

    She thought it was always true. But in South Africa, had he never used her?

    She turned a blind eye because he had spared her his life to protect her from the bullet.

    But she knew it was fake. He was a persistent and cruel man, persistent and cruel enough to hurt himself to achieve his goal.

    Irish didn''t know what she was asking about at this moment, maybe just to see how he continued to lie.

    Her face was extremely cold.

    Staring at her, inadvertently, he remembered the words he said in the ward, and his heart was haunting a thousand strands of pain. He leaned toward her body, and his big hand gently covered her cold cheeks, the pain in the bottom of his eyes became endless love. Word for word, he said very clearly.

    "Yes." He said gently, "Isabel, I love you very much."

    The man''s breath was still warm, drilling into her nose, spattering a string of fragrance. Finally, he bowed his head and covered her lips with his thin lips.

    Irish did not dodge and closed her eyes.

    But her chest was finally torn in half, and there was nost carrier of pain, and her heart had since be a homeless soul, drifting aimlessly, like a kite floating in the air, and there was no possibility ofnding.

    Joseph, thank you so much for lying to me.

    Thank you for letting me know, in addition to feelings between men and women, there was a kind of most beautiful feeling called cheating.

 Chapter 597 597: Does Joseph Make You Angry?

    Henry''s death was a piece of big news for the business field, which could have covered Ruby''s gossip. However, these two pieces of news urred so close that the inte citizens judged that Ruby''s rumor contributed to Henry''s death. In other words, Ruby''s affair was the fuse, and Henry was extremely annoyed to death.

    The Lake''s were the focus, and they were all fed up with the media who just twined them.

    And the whole family was not cid anymore. When Henry was still alive, they could keep basic quietness, but now he was dead, and all the hidden problems appeared.

    Big changes urred in the Lake''s and the holding of stock was the most obvious.

    After announcing the will to thewyer, the Lake''s turned out to be brand new.

    As the only son of Henry, Roy was given part of Henry''s share, inherited three house properties abroad, and became the shareholder of the Vera Club. In this way, he became the biggest shareholder in the Runestone Group. He had the right of appointment and dismissal among the board of directors. Irish became the secondrgest shareholder, who not only was given shares two times but also inherited the Lake''s house and one house property abroad. Besides, she had a part share of the Vera Club and a new house given by Henry. Her social value greatly increased.

    And Joseph''s shareholding ranked three because he had been divorced from Ruby; he had nothing to do with the will that regted the property division.

    William was behind Joseph since he had a part share of the Runestone Group and the Vera Club.

    They will disclose obviously that the Vera Club was divided into several parts, not in Joseph''s full control.

    Besides the share held by Ruby before, she also inherited a house property abroad and had the running and management rights of all the stores entering into big malls. Kelly and Lilith also held a little share as William''s family members.

    Jordan also held some stocks in the Runestone Group among the directors of the board. Of course, what he held belonged to his family.

    Shirley didn''t get any bonus since thewyer reiterated Henry''s divorce announcement. Regarding the division of properties, Shirley couldn''t get any legally in that her share was divided too, and she didn''t get any house property.

    This time she didn''t shout since Henry was already gone, and it was useless for her to quarrel. As a result, she just heard thewyer''s announcement quietly.

    The major reason why she didn''t cry and shout was that although Henry deprived her of all her rights, he still guaranteed Roy''s status both in the family and in the Runestone Group. His son was thergest shareholder not only in the family but also in the Group. In addition, Ruby held part management rights, which also made herfortable.

    Although she got divorced from Henry, his son would still take care of her.

    During the announcement, Joseph didn''t show up but stayed in the Runestone Group.

    And as thewyer finished reading the will, Roy used the right of appointment. He recovered Joseph''s position and let him take control of the Runestone Group''s affairs.<novelnext></novelnext>

    The reason was easy to understand. Although Henry hoped that he coulde back to thepany, he had a clear idea about himself that he didn''t know anything about apany''s management and that he was not interested in this field. More importantly, all the partners and marketing channels were in Joseph''s control. In other words, Joseph took full control of these resources, and it was impossible for him to take it over and for others to recognize him for the time being.

    Moreover, in these two years, Joseph had many young directors promoted and changed some former employees. It was the same case for the Runestone Group and the Vera Club. That was to say, reliable persons for Joseph were everywhere to be seen.

    It was true that Roy was the new president, but it was hard for him to get the real operation right and take root in the Runestone Group. What he needed to do was to change all the reliable persons for Joseph into his.

    However, it was an impossible task.

    Roy had never had any experience in this field, so he didn''t have any trustful rtionships with any employees inside thepany. It waste for him to employ someone temporarily. Even if he seeded in persuading them to work for him, he would still be puzzled when he really took control of the Runestone Group.

    Joseph knew everything about the procedures and channels. He was the one who really entered the market, but Roy was not. If Joseph really gave up his rights, it would be a disaster for Roy to deal with all the affairs.

    When Henry was alive, he usedrge amounts of money to battle against Leo to stop the development of Key Group in the Russian market. As a result, the fund chain was frozen and caused the Group in a dilemma.

    Roy could only rely on Joseph to deal with everything. The media stated that the Runestone Group had entered into a brand new stage.

    It implied both Joseph and Roy. The business field also expected what contributions they would make to the market. As a matter of fact, what they were fonder of guessing was whether Joseph could take the ce of Roy and be the president.

    Facing the guess and suspicion, Joseph didn''t make any response. On the first day when Henry died, he came back to thepany and took full control through several consecutive meetings ranging from that among directors, among the general headquarters, and among senior leaders of branchpanies to deal with the freezing of the fund chainprehensively.

    Irish also didn''t show up when thewyer read out the will.

    Although she became the secondrgest shareholder in the Runestone Group, she was not interested in it at all.

    She was just nestled on the sofa and ate an apple slowly.

    She was more andzier physically. As she got up, her stomach suffered and retched many times, so she could not let her stomach empty because she would suffer a lot.

    There was news about the Runestone Group on TV. Naturally, she was fretful about it. And when she was to change the television channels, Mary served a te of dried fruit on the table and eximed, "In my opinion, the Runestone Group would finally be in Joseph''s control."

    And then she sat down beside Irish, taking a nce at her, "You have been just sitting here for the whole morning without any words. What''s wrong with you? Does Joseph make you angry?"

 Chapter 598 598: Do Not Trick Me

    "No," Irish said idly. As she put down the apple, she was totally on the sofa again.

    "Look at yourself, and you are so pale. What''s up?" Mary asked her.

    Irish didn''t mention that she was pregnant now because as she thought of the fact, she would think of Joseph, and then the scene happened in the hospital.

    "It''s so cold. I tend to be like this when it''s winter." She just made an excuse.

    "Just stay here. I will boil some soup for you. You are so weak now." Mary felt aching for her.

    Irish smiled slightly without any words.

    Steven came out from the kitchen. Taking a nce at the news about the Runestone Group, he just sighed and sat down at the other end of the sofa. He looked at Irish, "Do you n to return to the Runestone Group or...?"

    Irish shook her head lightly, "I have no idea."

    "In my opinion, it is a mess now, and it is right for you not toe back. Besides, Joseph will keep an eye on it." Mary suddenly chimed in.

    Irish turned her body and grasped a handful of dried fruit.

    "You have the Group''s share, so you need to go back; otherwise, you will be med." Steven frowned.

    "I don''t want it anymore."

    Mary looked at her seriously, "But it belongs to you now."

    "It''s useless for me. Maybe I will just donate it." Irish thought it was the best method for her.

    "Okay. It depends on you. Your happiness is the most important." Steven smiled at her. In his eyes, Irish was still a child, not a shareholder of the Runestone Group.

    Irish was so touched by it that she nearly wanted to cry.

    Steven watched the TV and sighed after a while, "Joseph is not a simple man."

    "Absolutely right. He is one who Irish is fond of." Mary''s attitude changed so rapidly. She patted Irish, "I think it''s good for Joseph to take the Runestone Group in his control and let the Lake''s have no ce to take root. They deserve it. On the other hand, only Joseph has a promising future that Irish''s life can be guaranteed. It is safer for girls to stay at home."

    "You said this as her elder?" Steven was not satisfied with her words.

    "Don''t my words make sense? Now they don''t need to hide themselves, and they will finally get married. It is reasonable for me to expect his good future since it has something to do with Irish."

    "Aunt, just stop talking." Irish was more annoyed to hear the phrase "getting married."

    Mary figured out Irish''s changes in her feelings, so she was just more vignt and stared at her, "What do you mean? When will you get married? Does Joseph propose to you?"

    Irish didn''t know what to say, so she just stood up and threw the rubbish away without any words.

    Mary pulled Irish and frowned, "Didn''t he mention it? He promised that he would marry you one day."

    Marry her?

    Irish really wanted to sneer about it, but all her efforts tended to be in vain. Was she really significant to Joseph?

    It would add much value for him to marry her but not lose anything if he didn''t do it. So, inferring from his actions, he actually yed an indispensable role.

    "Aunt, just stop worrying about me..." And she just rushed into the restroom without finishing her words.

    "What''s wrong with you?" Mary was perplexed.

    In the restroom, the gurgling water covered Irish''s sound of retching. Her stomach acid choked her weasand.<novelnext></novelnext>

    The tip of her nose also got ufortable, and her eye socket was also the same. She suffered a lot.

    She just stood up and gargled, washing her face with the cold water.

    Looking at her face in the mirror, on which the water was flowing, she herself felt that she was thinner, let alone her aunt, who was so instinctive. She just covered her stomach lightly with the numb feeling. Joseph''s figure lingered on her mind, and great grief came over. She felt so sad now.

    Outside the door, Mary knocked at the door, "Irish?"

    After a while, Irish closed the faucet and rubbed her face, "I''m okay."

    Opening the door, she grasped Mary''s stare with concern.

    "I''m okay. I ran into a bad one when I ate the dry fruits. It''s so bitter." Irish tried her best to make a smile.

    Mary nodded assuredly and passed on the phone to her, "Your phone rang. Someone keeps finding you, and I got through since you were still inside."

    "Thank you." Irish took over the phone.

    Mary went back to the living room.

    Irish took a nce at the phone, and she found that it was a call from Joseph.

    She soon felt sorrowful.

    She put the phone beside her ear and answered lightly.

    His voice sounded pleasant and low, "Why do you go to your aunt''s house?"

    Irish closed the restroom door and looked at herself in the mirror. Her eyes were not brilliant at all and showed no mor.

    "Can''t I go here?" She asked angrily.

    Joseph was silent for a while. Maybe he didn''t expect that she would answer in this way.

    "Irish." Joseph sighed lightly on the phone out of spoiling or tolerance. He said with a low voice, "I don''t mean to me you. I just called you and knew that you were not at home, so I am worried about you."

    Irish smiled slightly, "Worrying about the child or me?"

    Joseph seemed to have figured out the changes in her mood, so he just exined, "Both. Do not trick me."

    Irish didn''t say anything.

    "Wait for me there, and will pick you up when I am off duty. I have ordered your favorite dishes for you in the Mark Joseph Steakhouse. And we can just have dinner there."

    "You don''t have to pick me. I will go there by myself." Irish said it out of annoyance.

    Joseph didn''t know what to say again. After a while, he just said softly, "Irish, you are pregnant now and in a special period. I am not meant to restrict you, but out of concern. Okay, if you don''t want me to pick you up, let the babysitter take you there. Is that okay?"

    "I said No!" Irish gripped her fingers and made her voice louder.

    Joseph kept silent for a while and finallypromised.

    Hanging up the phone, Irish opened the restroom door with a pale face and met Mary. Mary asked her anxiously, "What''s wrong with you? Having a quarrel with Joseph?"

    Irish shook her head lightly and didn''t say anything.

    Nowadays, Joseph''s name is a heavy stone for her, making her lose her breath.

 Chapter 599 599: You Want To Go Out For Fun?

    It was in the general manager''s office of the Runestone Group.

    The sunshine was cast and filtrated the silk curtain into a soft golden one and onto the carpet.

    Joseph frowned and felt perplexed about Irish''s behavior.

    It was not until when Joseph finished the call that Daisy handed in the file. She had a clear eye on his emotional changes. He was not as severe as before when he was talking on the phone. Instead, his voice was soft and gentle, full of patience and spoiling.

    But why did he frown when he put down the phone? Daisy thought.

    "Mr. Dover, is Irish��okay?" Knowing that Irish was pregnant, Daisy was very happy, and she thought it better to congratte her.

    However, Joseph was surprisingly deep in thinking.

    Daisy was startled by it, so she just walked forward, "Mr. Dover?"

    And then Joseph made a response. He took the file over and opened it.

    Daisy saw it clearly that he didn''t finish reading even one page within one minute, but she just kept silent as a smart woman.

    Another minute passed, but Joseph didn''t turn the page and just stared at it. Nobody would know what he was thinking. Daisy couldn''t help reminding him, "Mr. Dover, the Investment Department is waiting for your confirmation."

    Joseph came to his senses and took a nce at Daisy and then at the file. He kept silent for a while and then said, "You can just put it there, and after my signature, I will let the secretary send it to the Investment Department."

    "Okay."

    And as Daisy walked to the door, Joseph suddenly asked her, making her startled. She stopped and then came back, waiting for his instruction.

    Joseph hesitated and then asked, "Do you know that Irish got pregnant?"

    Daisy nodded, "So congrattions!"

    Joseph just nodded politely and sighed, "But he seemed to be annoyed just now."

    Daisy soon realized his concern since she had worked for him for a long time. She said immediately, "Mr. Dover. I know that a pregnant woman tends to have changes psychologically since she will begin a new life."

    "Is it normal?" Joseph thought that his focus would be the management of a pregnant woman''s feelings. He has been upied by so many affairs and even had no time to sleep, let alone spend time learning about this aspect.

    Daisy nodded lightly and smiled, "When my cousin got pregnant, she was also moody. Irish is going to be a Mom, so she is filled with uncertainty and anxiety regarding the change in her identity and future. These feelings are reasonable. What''s more, Henry just passed away, so it is understandable for Irish to be in a bad mood."

    Joseph was relieved.

    Seeing that he finally got relieved, Daisy felt pleasant. Taking a nce at the file put away by him, she reminded him again, "Mr. Dover, you''d better check it soon. The Investment Department is anxious."

    Actually, this incident would not have happened before. Joseph tended to be the one who was anxious.

    Seeing worried Daisy, Joseph felt both funny and helpless.

    "Have you ordered the fresh flower for tonight?" He opened the file again and yed with the pen.

    "Yes. It will be sent to the box of Mark Joseph Steakhouse at 5 p.m. in ordance with your requests. And the staff there are responsible for it."

    Joseph nodded and then ordered, "No rose. Irish don''t like it."

    "I see." Daisy was clear about it. She knew that Joseph would propose to Irish since he refined the diamond ring first and then prepared a flower and candlelight dinner.

    ****

    After leaving her aunt''s home, Irish went back to Midtown Manhattan. And when she passed the Linkus Mental Research Institute, she hesitated for a while but didn''t go upstairs to look.<novelnext></novelnext>

    She went back to her home.

    As she opened the door, she remembered that it was not her home but Joseph''s house.

    The sunshine in the afternoon was so brilliant that all prated the room. It was so brilliant that Irish had to raise her hands to cover her eyes.

    The light aroma filled the room, and everything just kept as intact as that when she went out with Joseph. The cleaner even kept the dried flower that was put on the table.

    It was dried daisies.

    Joseph was not a romantic man. He had never sent flowers to her since he sent her a daisy thest time they were in Hong Kong. She was fond of delicate daisies and liked to buy a little to put them at home.

    Later she found that daisies became more beautiful when they turned to dry, which became an interesting hobby for her.

    It was until now that she found that what she liked was not daisies but the feeling of being cherished by Joseph at every moment.

    She never denied that love was beautiful, although she was hurt. She believed in love but not the man who had loved her.

    She put the dry flower into the rubbish can and ended her determination to protect her love.

    But when she went to the Magnolia Screen, great grief came over.

    Irish sat on the carpet and reached her hand.

    Her slender fingers touched the petals of magnolia and pistils. The clean silk yarn reflected the sunshine and her fingers became even brighter.

    She looked down gradually and finally upon the line of letters: When we meet, we are still young, and it''s notte.

    The meaning of words was interpreted perfectly. Thebination of letters contributed to the most touching statement, which looked so beautiful even when you didn''t read them.

    It was indeed a beautiful promise.

    Joseph, for you, what was thete thing since you nned everything and controlled everything? Irish thought.

    Tears made her eyes wet.

    However, she just smiled out of self-mockery.

    ****

    When Lilith came back to the big house, Kelly and Shirley were quarreling. She listened to their quarreling for some time, and finally, she realized that they were debating about this big house. Because Henry had stated clearly its belonging in the will, they nned to move out after the funeral.

    Someone moved out in advance.

    Roy and Ruby did it.

    Lilith knew that Roy had his own house but didn''t know about Ruby''s whereabouts.

    Shirley was not willing to go, though the divorce announcement took effect. However, she just insisted on staying at the house while Kelly persuaded her to have an idea about the situation. Kelly did it out of goodwill but touched Shirley''s sadness, and then they had a big quarrel.

    Lilith had a headache about their quarrel, so she justforted her mother when Shirley went upstairs and asked when they would move out.

    Kelly was a woman who was good at controlling her feelings, so she just calmed down and said, "Your father ns to wait and see what Irish intends to do. If she doesn''t want this house, we will buy it from her for fear that it''s hard to move out."

    Lilith nodded and thought of something for a while, "Mom, now the journalists just tangle with us, and I want to go out for fun and avoid meeting them."

    "You want to go out for fun? Even if you want, you''d better do it after tomorrow''s funeral."

 Chapter 600 600: I Don’t Like To Drink It

    Lilith thought it possible for her to go out, so she just pulled her Mom''s arms and said, "I see. I will not be absent since it''s so significant. I mean, after the funeral, I will go out since the New Year is around the corner."

    "Where do you n to go?" Kelly was worried about her.

    Lilith thought about it for a while, "Los Angeles. One of my friends lives there, and there will be many promotional activities there. I really want to have fun there."

    Kelly sighed, "Okay. It''s alright. Remember to make sure of your safety and report it to me by calling me every day."

    "I see." Lilith leaned on Kelly and said it lightly.

    However, her mind went to Florida.

    Everything here was out of control, but I only wished that you were safe and sound. Please wait for me in Florida. Lilith thought.

    ****

    Sometimes within the same city, someone would never meet with each other, while someone would always meet someone else she was not willing to see, and they couldn''t avoid it.

    For example, Irish met Britney on this day.

    Since Irish was with Joseph, the opportunity for her to meet a star became greater.

    And just at this moment, she met this woman when she was hanging out in the mall.

    Last time Joseph seeded in investing in a diamond mine and won the bet with Vincent in South Africa, so the Runestone Group''s diamond stores entered the Bright Mall sessfully. One of them was in New York.

    Irish entered the mall identally.

    The more luxurious a ce was, it would be quieter. It was not as crowded as Cosmos Mall but was still an expensive ce. The guests here could not be ignored, and maybe just one passerby, who was a single woman, tended to be rich.

    Global outstanding brands gathered here, and a top designer opened their store here.

    It got lively when Irish got up to the second floor.

    Irish saw many journalists there, and she nned to leave out of the first response, but the next minute she heard a journalist''s loud question, "Britney, you are not the model for the Runestone Group, but why do you appear here?"

    Irish was shocked, and then she saw Britney, who a group of people surrounded.

    Britney wore casually with a peaked cap and a suit of pink hoodies. Today she seemed to be clean and simple, not sexy and gorgeous as usual.

    Irish frowned since Britney''s brilliant smile hurt her.

    She heard Britney''s voice which could be figured since it was neither high nor low.

    "Although I''m not the model, I like its jewelry only because I am so excited to have its jewelry."

    Irish hummed coldly.

    One of the journalists asked, "Britney, does Joseph know that you are here? If you tell him, will hee here?"

    "Ah..." Britney drew out deliberately, "But it''s our private affair."

    "Tell us something. And do you know about the affairs rted to the Lake''s?"<novelnext></novelnext>

    "That''s right. You disclosed that you have a good rtionship with the Runestone Group, so just tell us something since big events urred recently."

    Britney just closed her lips and smiled politely. In the end, she just said, "Do not say that. I''m just buying something. Do not regard me as Joseph''s lover."

    "Britney."

    Irish saw this scene coldly without any emotional changes in her eyes.

    Britney let the journalists go and came back to the lounge prepared for her, but she never thought that she would see Irish, so she was just shocked for the time being.

    Irish ordered coffee already and just waited for her on the sofa. Seeing her in, Irish pointed at the opposite side of the sofa, "Are you tired? Just sit down and have a rest."

    Their meeting came, surprisingly. After half a minute, she calmed herself down and closed the door. Soon she smiled as she was faced with the media.

    But Irish could feel her hypocrisy.

    "I didn''t think that I would meet you here." Britney sat down across the other side. Although her clothes were casual, she could not behave idly.

    Unlike Britney, Irish was more aggressive. Someone would think that Irish was the one who found faults with Britney. And actually, Irish thought she indeed was.

    Irish has not been satisfied with Britney since they were in the Light Town.

    Britney dressed herself into a rabbit, while Irish wore a skimpy ck top with an acid blue knee-level skirt. Beside her, there was a creamy brown overcoat, and a handbag whose color was simr to the coat was put beside the coffee cup. She didn''tb her ck hair but just put it down casually. Her face was as clean as the overcoat and just a little pale. She just wore a little lipstick, white and delicate as cherry blossom.

    There was only a simple ne on her corbone, but those who were able to identify the value could figure out that the diamond on the ne was precious. Irish didn''t have any other diamonds, so clean.

    Hearing Britney''s words, Irish smiled lightly, "I am thergest shareholder of the Runestone Group except for Roy. Do you think it surprising for you to meet me here?"

    Britney definitely could feel the provocation in her mood. Shocked for a while, she soon smiled, "Really? I know nothing about the business field."

    Irish didn''t continue, but just put a cup of coffee to her, "It''s a cup of newly produced mocha. You can just have a taste of it."

    Britney didn''t touch the cup and just smiled lightly, "Sorry. I don''t like to drink it."

    "I don''t care about it. I''m curious what things make you care more?" Irish stirred the coffee calmly.

    The full-bodied liquid was shaken lightly, and there was a small eddy.

    Britney''s smile disappeared, and then she just exined, "You know we actors need to control our figure."

    "Even if you are slim, Joseph will not turn to you," Irish said suddenly.

    "What do you mean?" Britney was vignt.

    Irish took up the coffee cup and hesitated for a while, but soon her eyes turned to be cold, and she just sipped and then put it down, looking at Britney cidly.

    "There are only the two of us, and the location is remote, so you don''t need to be afraid that someone will hear it." She stopped and then continued, "Just say something about you and Joseph."

    Britney didn''t expect that she would say that, so her look became unnatural, "What do you mean? Something about me and Joseph?" And then she took up the cup and sipped it. She then knew what she was doing and quickly put it down.

 Chapter 601 601: His Long Term Lover

    Irish saw clearly what she was doing just now and smiled lightly. She added, "You can just tell me something about the process of being his lover. For example, when did you begin this rtionship, and when did you break up?"

    Britney just opened her eyes and blurted out subconsciously, "How did you know that? Did Joseph tell it?"

    And her questions immediately made Irish cold.

    Her guess really came true, and Britney was Joseph''s real lover!

    As they were in the Light Town, Irish thought about why Britney mentioned Joseph''s name regardless of anything. Andter, Britney deliberately disclosed her rumor about Joseph again and again, which made everyone believe that Joseph had an affair with Britney. At that moment, although she knew that Joseph did it to protect her, why didn''t Britney consider her own fame though she might n to be more famous with the rumor? In addition, Britney has already been a celebrity, so she didn''t need any rumors to hype.

    She didn''t want to think too much about the real reason.

    However, as a woman, she sensitively thought that it was not simple. Britney tried her best to help Joseph. Didn''t she want any return?

    She didn''t want to ask much about the past, but Joseph''s silence showed when she asked whether he had any lover before demonstrating that he did have.

    Anyone had his past.

    As long as Joseph liked her, it was enough.

    As Irish determined to be with Joseph, she understood that Joseph had had lovers before and would have more in the future, and she needed topete with so many women to draw his attention and only to put her in his mind.

    However, it was unfair.

    And when she met Britney today, she knew that it was an unfair rtionship between her and Joseph.

    She could love this man with all her care as long as he loved her. But now, the premise didn''t exist, so she had to struggle for a fair rtionship.

    Britney realized that it was a slip of the tongue for her, so she just tried her best to smile to hide his embarrassment. She cleaned her throat, "Does Joseph know that you found me here?"

    "Do you want him to know?" Irish sneered. She knew that Britney dared not disseminate it.

    Britney was really anxious, "Of course not."

    They two were both smart. Britney had already known that she had made a mistake before, and if Joseph really knew it, there would be no ce for her to take root.

    "Just say something. I have enough time to listen to your story." Irish said it easily.

    Britney sighed lightly and hesitated, "You really want to know?"

    Irish frowned, "It''s okay if you don''t want to say it. I can ask him directly. He dares not to hide something since you have already disclosed something."

    This statement obviously showed her status in front of Britney.

    Britney was helpless about it and just nodded, "I was indeed Joseph''s lover."

    Irish had no prominent facial expression, but she felt an ache.

    "As a matter of fact, for Joseph, many women will rush to him even if he doesn''t request them." Britney set the stage for her. It could be seen that she really wanted to beautify her image.

    Irish sneered.

    "I was kept as his mistress for three years, and I might be his lover who has kept in touch with him for the longest time."<novelnext></novelnext>

    Britney spoke hardly.

    Irish''s fingers quivered.

    She knew that Joseph had a lover, but it was still hard for her to ept it.

    "Maybe you will never believe that..." Britney licked her lips and took a deep breath, "Joseph is my first love, and I have had sex with him. It was my first time. I have been with him for three years and never betrayed him. I really loved him and even imagined that if only he could be my boyfriend, even my husband."

    Irish covered the coffee cup, and her digital joints ached.

    Britney sipped the coffee slowly and said something about her and Joseph to Irish. At first, she felt ufortable saying something and was so careful, but gradually her mood turned to be natural and pleasant as the beautiful scenes showed.

    When Britney knew Joseph, he didn''te back from abroad.

    And she went abroad with one of her friends. They first thought of going sightseeing and went back then. And when they went there, they made some friends in the business field, with whom they had much fun.

    She met Joseph at a dinner for businessmen.

    And just one nce was enough for her to fall in love with him.

    Joseph, at that time, was not so serious but was already outstanding in the branchpany. He became the most excellent man in most women''s eyes.

    One of her friends worked in the bank and cooperated with the branchpany, so she just pulled her forward and chatted with Joseph.

    At that moment, Britney nearly screamed out.

    She never knew that there would be such an attractive man, and no matter where he went, he would always be the focus.

    When she shook hands with Joseph, she dared not to take a deep breath.

    However, Joseph''s look didn''t stay with her for a long time, but he always talked about cooperation.

    "So when we met each other for the first time, I remembered him, but he didn''t remember me." Britney made a forced smile and said it to Irish.

    Irish felt that there was a sharp de cutting over her weasand and she felt ached when she took breaths.

    "It was one yearter that we met again." Britney continued.

    Britney didn''t have a good career that year. She encountered many difficulties while trying to perform a drama and met some cheaters who took away all her earnings.

    She had to sell herself out helplessly.

    "Selling herself out" she meant to act as a model and show up on many shows. She was not particr about it as long as she could earn money. Because she was tall and beautiful, an agent focused on her and signed a contract with her.

    That agent was experienced in the modeling field, who kept intimate rtionships with some sessful businessmen. One day she gave a great amount of money to Britney. Britney was puzzled about it, so the agent ordered her smilingly to go to a certain box andpany several significant customers.

    Britney then got her meaning, so she just refused her and told her that she would only walk onstage but not apany customers.

    The agent was not satisfied and said maliciously that if she didn''t go, there would be no opportunity for her to develop. Britney had to agree helplessly. But when she tried her best to open the door, she saw Joseph, who was drinking the spirits slowly at first sight.

 Chapter 602 602: Women Tend To Be Greedy

    "Joseph is a charming man, so he is so outstanding."

    There was foam on Britney''s lips, which made her look like a poster for one kind of milk. Soon she used a tissue to rub it away elegantly. Her light mood turned to be purposeful with an emphasis, "I don''t exaggerate it at all."

    As she put down her tissues, Irish saw that she wore manicures. The color was red, which didn''t match her dress at all.

    But Britney didn''t pay attention to her manicures and just fidgeted her hair lightly and continued her narration.

    That night Joseph was the quietest in the whole box.

    mboyant light shone over their heads, and as it fell on every man''s face, their malicious and boldughing was clearly shown.

    Britney and her friends were in the middle of these men. Bottles of spirits were put on the square table.

    But only Joseph sat on the sofa idly and just drank alone. He was the organizer, but he appeared to be the freest. Britney found that only the light falling on Joseph''s face was cid and quiet.

    Britney paid all her attention to Joseph, but she neglected her customers. After refusing several times, her guest was finally annoyed and called her agent.

    That agent pped her and scolded her angrily. She even wanted to jump from the building. When her guest wanted to find faults with her, Joseph kept drinking alone, helped her surprisingly, and said, "Okay. It''s enough. Just continue to drink and do not let others down."

    And then the guest just gave up. Although Joseph didn''t mean to help her, Britney was still grateful to him.

    And at the end of the gathering, she caught up with Joseph, who was to go in his car. Her voice quivered because of excitement. However, to her upset, Joseph looked at her with questioning meaning and asked, "Who are you?"

    Britney was regarded as a beauty, and she has always been admired by men, but Joseph''s attitude made her hurt and also made her attached.

    She told him that she was the model in the box before and that she had met him one year ago. Obviously, Joseph had no impression of her, and it was not until Britney mentioned her friend in the bank that Joseph knew.

    Looking at Joseph''s indifferent figure, Britney was fond of him. She just pulled his arms boldly and made the boldest step in her lifetime. She said to Joseph, "Joseph, I want to follow you."

    Joseph looked at her, puzzled.

    Britney expressed her aim bravely that she wanted to be with him because her behavior annoyed the agent, and there would be no way for her.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Joseph looked at her for a while and asked, "Do you know what it means to be with me?"

    Britney nodded and said that she only wanted to be with him no matter what happened.

    That night witnessed their rtionship, or love affair, more urately. She had been with Joseph for 3 years. During these 3 years, she was more and more sessful with Joseph''s help in that she changed her career in modeling into that in films and television, achieving her dream of being a star step by step.

    "From the very beginning, Joseph stated clearly that we two were together for different aims and that she was only her lover, so I was not entitled to be involved in anything rted to him." Britney made a forced smile and looked up to Irish, "He is the most attractive man, but also the cruelest man."

    Irish''s fingers quivered. She never thought that Britney would use "cruel" to describe Joseph.

    "I know that for a man as sessful as Joseph, of course, there is not only one woman beside him. For me, I am just one of them. Maybe the more active a woman is, the less useless she will be. At least I am not the unique one for him."

    Britney stopped here and touched her face heavily to release her facial expressions.

    "Joseph is a typical workaholic. In his eyes, work is always the No.1, and women for him are not even as precious as clothes. If he needs to choose between work and women, he must choose the former. He is impatient with a woman and what he hates most is that a woman finds faults with him, so every time, I told myself to be good, to listen to his words, and not to say or do anything he didn''t like. I have met that one time a secretary allured him regardless of asions but was finally fired by him."

    Irish seemed to know a strange Joseph from Britney.

    "However, women tend to be greedy," Britney smiled out of self-mockery, "I have stayed beside him for 3 years. The long time made me wrongly think that was different. More importantly, I really regarded him as my boyfriend and every night kept waiting for his call. 3 years sounds to be a long period of time, but can you believe that I met him twice or three times in half a year? He had so much work to do and so many meetings."

    "The worst thing I did was to upy him. Joseph kept indifferent, neither cold nor intimate, to me for these 3 years. Every time I met him was in a designated hotel room. He didn''t take me to his home, and he also didn''t spend the night at my home. He even didn''t step on my house, but I loved him more."

    Irish''s look was still cid, just like that cup of coffee, without any temperature.

    "I had enough of him in that he had only work in his mind. I also couldn''t stand those women who ttered him. I began to be jealous and suspicious. Upon meeting with him, I often checked his contact information furtively. And if he didn''t contact me for some time, I would be worried and anxious. I was afraid that he was having sex with another woman. I couldn''t help calling him during work time and acted so coquettishly that I missed him. However, Joseph was angry about it. I forgot that he hated most to be intervened by others while working. He didn''t contact me for 3 months, and atst, I missed him so much that I called him and apologized to him again and again."

    She stopped here, and her look became serious.

    Irish was also stressed about it.

    "Later, he came, and at the moment when I met him, I thought I was the happiest woman in the world. But on that night, the happiness made me mad." Britney gripped her fingers, "I changed the condom."

 Chapter 603 603: Do Not Think That You Are The Lucky One

    Irish looked at Britney, startled.

    Britney also stared at her and said word by word, "I wanted to be pregnant and give birth to a child for him."

    "What?" Irish finally made a low voice as if someone had stuck her throat.

    "Yeah, I just wanted to give birth to a child for him." Britney repeated again, "I love him regardless of his money or status. I just want to give birth to a child for such a man because he will definitely cherish me for a child''s sake since I have been with him for so many years."

    Irish heard her teeth gritting lightly.

    "However, Joseph figured out my thought, and he found that there were some faults with the condom. He soon turned out to be very cold and warned me not to forget my identity." Britney choked, "And then he left. It was not until that moment that I realized how cruel he was. He made women crazy. Later he let his secretary give me a check and an opportunity to be an actress in a movie. I kept expecting that I could meet Joseph one day and hoping that he coulde back. However, he just left, so determined."

    "But still, thank him for the opportunity. If it were not because of the role, I would havee back to my hometown already. During these years, I tried every means to be stronger, and finally, I am in this position. We recovered our cooperation this year, but I hadn''t thought he would finally be married."

    "Doctor Irish, don''t you think that you are so lucky? At least you think you can gain all his attention." Britney controlled her tears and looked at Irish ironically. She then shook her head, "You are wrong. I can tell you. Do not think of it in this way. For Joseph, nobody and nothing can beparable to his ambition. All he does is for his career, and love for him is nothing. The more care he shows to you, the greater his ambition is. You can just think that he could have a fake marriage with Ruby to be general manager of the Runestone Group, what else can''t he do? You get along with Joseph, and you are attached to him first, so you will have no way to get out."

    It suddenly urred to Irish that Leo once told her that when Joseph hated you but you still loved him, you would have no way to get out, and when you hated him but he still loved you, it would be more painful.

    Britney had a taste of being deserted by Joseph, and she now seemed to have this result.

    "Do not think that you are the lucky one." Britney added finally, "It will be the beginning of your nightmare to be noticed by Joseph. My fault was to love a man I shouldn''t fall in love with, so how about you? He has made great efforts to build the Runestone Group, so is it enough for him to be a general manager? How do you know that he didn''t n everything rted to the Lake''s? Do not deny my words. You have to admit that Joseph is not only a business talent but also a man hard to guess his intentions. Nobody knows his intentions, and nobody can guarantee to know it. Such a man is terrifying."

    ****

    It was in the box of Mark Joseph Steakhouse, where Joseph took Irish to eat here for the first time. The unique design of the mixed cold and warm light, as well as the light music, relieved people. When the light shed, there were countless apertures scattered on the delicate tableware or the silver fork, which were all ingenious.

    The most eye-catching was the flower garden of a room.

    It was an intoxicating purple lotus that was picked up carefully and in the same shape, as well as the same length and size as the flower blooms. Each one was fixed at the most brilliant moment.

    The shadow of the flower and the shadow of thempplemented each other, rendering a romantic atmosphere.

    Joseph arrived at the box at seven o''clock on time, and the diamond ring, which was polished by him personally, was ced at the nearest purple lotus cluster. He looked at the flower garden in the room, which reminded him of the first time he sent the purple lotus to Irish.

    It was on the way back from thepany to her house, and his mind was filled by the scene when Mr. Kim presented a bunch of roses to her while dropping one of his knees in front of Irish, but he could do nothing at that moment but only controlled his anger and looked at this absurd farce.

    But now he found that he was the most absurd person.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Therefore, he made a special trip to the flower shop, which was on arge scale. He was in the sea of flowers and looked at all kinds of strange flowers for a long time. There were many flowers he didn''t know about.

    And when the shop owner asked him which one he wanted to buy, he replied that he wanted something special.

    Therefore, he finally got a bunch of purple lotus.

    And finally, when Irish held the bunch of purple flowers, staring at him with a big smile that evening, he felt that Irish was the most beautiful flower in the world. She was so cheerful, and her eyes were like the shining stars in the sky. She leaned in his arms while he had been obsessed with her fragrance.

    He suddenly felt guilty because he was so busy with his work and ignored that she was also an ordinary woman who would love flowers. He seldom presented her with flowers and hardly said some sweet words to her.

    Therefore, sometimes he would wonder if she loves flowers as much as other women. Joseph had to admit that he seldom did this for her, perhaps because he was so careless or overconfident. But from this night, he was determined to make her be the happiest woman and most unique woman in the world.

    The restaurant manager took the list of the prepared dishes to Joseph at around 7:10 pm. He checked carefully from the main courses to dessert and then to fruit.

    He spent almost twenty minutes looking through it.

    Everything had been prepared except for the east wind he needed.

    And the east wind was Irish.

    Time passed, but Irish still didn''t show up at eight o''clock.

    Joseph frowned, and his eyes were filled with anxiety. He began to look at his watch frequently. It was not until the hour hand pointed at 8 he then took the phone.

    He dialed her number repeatedly but couldn''t get to her phone.

    Joseph was worried, and after thinking for a while, he made a phone call to his house.

    After a long while, Jordan lifted the telephone with hisnguid voice.

    "Is Irish at home?" Joseph asked after taking a deep breath.

    "She just arrived home, but she kept staying in the bedroom and didn''te out."

 Chapter 604 604: Don’t Take Things Too Hard

    After hearing this, Joseph''s countenance changed.

    It was in her bedroom, which was filled with darkness, and the dim light from outside poured into the room.

    Irish sat on the bed quietly, staring at the moon in the night sky outside the window. She was shrouded under the darkness, with her hands holding her knees. Her face looked pale, and her long hair fell down her cheeks.

    Jordan knocked on the door rudely and said impatiently, "What was the matter with you? Don''t take things too hard."

    Irish puckered her mouth and kept silent, but he kept knocking on the door violently outside, so she finally couldn''t help roaring, "Leave me alone."

    It suddenly turned quiet outside.

    She didn''t take things too hard; instead, she understood them thoroughly.

    But she couldn''t figure out why she would take the initiative to meet Britney and what she wanted to gain from her.

    When she finished the conversation with her, Britney asked her, "Do you think Joseph really loves you?"

    However, she replied with a smile, "It has nothing to do with you."

    Absolutely, it was a matter only between the two of them, and was there anything to do with others? For a long time, Irish thought love was a simple affair, and it was enough for her if they loved each other.

    But why does she feel so tired now?

    Since hearing the words inside the ward, she spent her days in silence without quarrels and even no crying.

    She tried to keep all of her grief and indignation as much as possible and analyze the truth and falsehood, trying to find some arguments against the "no love" conclusion in Joseph''s world.

    She was good at self-deceiving, and even if she heard Joseph''s words in person and saw the coldness from his cheeks, she tried to recall the past days when he did everything for her.

    She couldn''t understand why his soulful words and behavior would be false. She had perceived his seriousness and the affectionateness in his eyes and how all this could be a false disy of affection.

    Even Daisy told her that she was unique to him.

    She also believed that she was different from other women in his heart and had great confidence about that.

    Perhaps the most important goal she went to meet Britney was that she was eager to indicate she was the only woman who would make Joseph break his rule and keep his eyes on her.

    In fact, she was not moved by Britney''s affection for Joseph, and she didn''t even care how pitiful Britney was. She even wanted to m her cheek and tell her she deserved that.<novelnext></novelnext>

    She knew Joseph had lovers before. Though she was depressed about that, she could understand him because she also had a past. But she knew he was not a man who would find fun among women.

    That was why Irish was hesitant now.

    She would rather hope that Joseph yed the field just as Roy, but she didn''t want him to be heartless because it was horrible for a man without feeling.

    Two different voices were making a stand against her heart.

    A voice was saying, "Do not be silly. You are a psychologist, and you should trust Joseph and believe that he loves you, and it may just be a misunderstanding that day. Ask yourself if he treats you well. When you are sick, he will let go of his work ande back from the field to apany you. He has lifted his marriage for you. If you are injured, he is more nervous than anyone else. If you make a mistake, he is stricter than anyone else. And he is so cheerful when he knows that you are pregnant. Do you need to suspect such a man?"

    But another voice was persuading her, "Irish, you should clear your mind. Is there any problem with your eyes and ears? Why do you have to be muddle-headed since you have heard the words he said in the hospital that day? Why do you have to deceive yourself? Do you think you are unique in his heart? Then I can tell you that all of the women who got hurt in their love thought they were unique. But why would they be hurt? It is because they are opinionated, such as Britney, who thought she was different, but what was the result for her? He had brooded over a matter for a long time, and he knew Henry cared about you, so he knew that you could hold him. Therefore, it is not a surprise at all since he could pretend to love you for his profit. He may intend to y this drama with you for his life since he knows that his future will be more unimpeded, and he will be able to gain Runestone Group above board as long as you are going to be with him."

    These two voices kept arguing in her mind, and she was going to be crazy. Now she knew the feeling of living death.

    ? She couldn''t figure out if his affection was real, and she couldn''t tell whether this love path was true or not. It was like the case she had taken before, and the patient had a longer dream time than ordinary people, so whenever he woke up from his dream, he couldn''t tell the reality from her dream and would be suspicious of the reality.

    Therefore, when these two voices were fighting against each other in her mind, she had to admit that she was just an ordinary woman and that what she cared about was whether he loved her or not. But now she was at a loss in this matter because she didn''t have a standard and rich experience to make a judgment.

    The door of the bedroom was opened quietly.

    The light from outside poured in, and the familiar footsteps sounded, which were steady and slow. She knew it was him, and she also felt a smell of fragrance she had never felt before. It was the smell of lotus, which covered his woody fragrance somehow.

    But soon, she felt warm on her shoulder.

    The man''s big hands held her shoulder and then embraced her in his arms. His tie was unlocked, which was against her back slightly.

    "I have been waiting for you in Mark Joseph Steakhouse for an hour." His breath falling beside her ears was cold.

    "I am sorry." Irish didn''t resist him, and maybe she couldn''t refuse his hug, or it was because she was too tired.

    Joseph took her hands, crossed her fingers, and said softly, "It''s my fault. I should pick you up personally."

    Irish still stared at the moonlight outside the window but then shook her head and, after a long while, "I am not apologizing for this case, but I have something that I couldn''t figure out and need you to exin for me."

    After finishing her words, she turned to him, looking into his profound eyes, and asked word by word, "In ordance with your capability, you can help Ruby to hide this matter, right?"

 Chapter 605 605: What Is Your Goal In Ignoring This Matter?

    Irish asked directly, and though it was a question, it was as if she had known the answer. The dim light was flickering in her eyes, making her look lonely and upset.

    She stared at him silently without movement.

    Before Joseph met Irish, he felt the so-called beauty was just a boring and simple definition, but now the woman in his arms looked so depressive while her eyes were dewy and beautiful but made him feel sorrowful.

    It turned out that sometimes sorrowfulness would also be a kind of beauty.

    Joseph thought it was because she had experienced a lot of hardships. Their rtionship was publicized from the original mode of underground affairs. Though he was reluctant to use such a word to describe the rtionship, it turned out that they were all trapped on this road.

    From the beginning, he knew they might encounter many problems this way, but perhaps she had undertaken much heavier stress than him. Even if it was true for this case, he still remembered clearly her promise.

    From the exposure of marital status to the nude picture scandal and from the exposure of Ruby and Emery''s rtionship to Henry''s death, she had experienced so much in such a short time, and even if she were an iron woman, she would feel tired.

    Therefore, he was unwilling to me her coldness but turned over and took her hands gently, sighing slightly, "Isabel, it has passed."

    He also had selfish thoughts, just as it was at this moment.

    But Irish frowned at his attitude since she thought he was avoiding her question.

    Therefore, she drew back her hands while her warmth still left on his broad palm.

    "I know it has passed, but now I am asking you. What are you trying to escape?"

    Instead of being annoyed, he nced at her and replied sincerely, "I am not escaping, but I don''t hope you linger on these things." He took her hands again, and when she was going to draw back again, he clenched tightly.

    "Listen to me, Isabel. I know you are sad now, and I can understand your terrible moods as well as impatience, but you have to move forward. If you keep staying in the same ce, you won''t get peace." He stopped for a while and then clenched her hands into her abdomen and said, "Don''t forget that we have our child now, and you have to think about our baby."

    In hisst sentence, he said quietly, and his eyes were soft when he looked at her abdomen. Irish''s heart felt sore when she perceived this, and for a moment, she was hesitant.

    The voice in the deep of her heart came to her mind again as if a dandelion that came out of the wild grass that could not be seen on the margins and swayed the wind into the deep of her heart.

    The voice told her not to ask him anymore and pretended that he didn''t know it since she also calmed down her hysterical heart in South Africa and forgave him. So she could also forgive him this time for their baby. She must gain his love since they had a baby now. She was unable to hate a man like him because he gave her so many beautiful memories.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish began to breathe fast, but soon the wild barren grass swallowed up the little dandelion and even uprooted it, leaving no room for it. And there was another voice, which shocked her eardrum.

    The voice said to her, "Irish, an essential standard to pick up a boyfriend is that he wouldn''t lie to you and hurt you but apany you forever. Joseph couldn''t ensure this, and why do you have to continue to trust him? Do you think he wasforting you? It is just a way for him to escape this topic. He wants to evade that topic because he has to hide his real ulterior motive."

    The word of "ulterior motive" lingered in her mind, prompting her tone to turn even colder when she said it to him again.

    "Joseph, I know you are always confident in something you want to do and always could achieve your goal. When the nude picture scandal urred to me, you were on a business trip, but you still handled that properly and minimized the pain to me. But the case about Ruby just happened in front of your eyes, and I don''t believe you have no idea about how to deal with it. You have enough capacity to handle this, or at least you can do something about it."

    When he heard of this, he frowned slightly but still stared at her patiently, "Isabel."

    "What is your goal in ignoring this matter?" Irish stared into his eyes and continued, "Firstly, it could quell the nude picture scandal. Secondly, it could rify for yourself since Ruby''s sexual orientation provides the best evidence for your sham marriage. And thirdly, which is also the most significant point. You could use this to make a violent strike against the Lake family. In this way, the president of Runestone Group would be hurt by this case, and he would lose face in front of the board of directors. It doesn''t matter who holds the most stocks of thispany but what really matters is who could take charge of it finally."

    Joseph''s eyes turned severe after hearing her words.

    Irish didn''t avoid his eyes, but word by word, "Now, are you still going to tell me you are incapable of handling it?"

    Joseph''s eyes also turned cold, and his frowning made it easy to tell that he was refraining from his emotion. He was silent for a while and nced at Irish, replying with his husky voice. "I am incapable of handling that."

    Irish looked at him and felt disappointed. Her heart began to sink to the bottom of a valley that was invisible. She hoped that their rtionship coulde back to the previous days and hoped that she would believe in whatever he said. She also wanted to find herself back. But now he chose to deceive her again and wasn''t honest with her anymore.

    Well, perhaps he had never been honest with her.

    He controlled his displeasure and tried to speak softly to her. "Isabel, I don''t have superhuman powers, and I am also an ordinary man, so it is natural for me that there would be something that I can''t handle."

    Joseph was annoyed since she hit the nail on the head.

    Just as Irish said, he could have ways to suppress the matter for Ruby; even if he could not distinguish all of the gossips, he could minimize the rumors.

    But why did he do that?

 Chapter 606 606: Keep An Eye On Her

    Obviously, he knew the ulterior motive of the backstage maniptor, but no one would help someone else to clear the obstacles for no reason. Joseph was not a God, and he was also an ordinary person, so he would have his own selfishness.

    And his selfishness was the three goals, as Irish said just now, but she was so urate for thest point because it was true that he didn''t care who held the most stocks, but what really mattered was who could be in charge of thepany in the end. He didn''t intend to look down upon anyone, but it was true that every member of the Lake familycked thepetence to open up the market. Now Henry had been dead, and the fund was still frozen at present, but no one could deal with it, including Irish and Roy. He had to maintain the Runestone Group, which also belonged to his family, and how could he leave thepany in the hands of the Lake family?

    But he had never thought to uproot Henry by this incident.

    Though he hated Henry, he had to appreciate him at the same time. That was why Joseph had lingered in grudge and appreciation, and he experienced all kinds of hard tastes.

    After the exposure of Rube''s sexual orientation, Joseph was worried, but in the meantime, he was also surprised.

    What made him surprised was that he could resolve two of the troubles for him, but he was also worried since he knew the backstage maniptor had an ulterior motive.

    He nned to control this case after it developed to some extent so that all of the problems would be solved soundlessly.

    But just as he said to Irish, he didn''t have superhuman power and couldn''t act like a God. When he was busy resolving the fund for Runestone Group, Henry died suddenly.

    Of course, now that it had happened, he didn''t hope Irish would make blind and disorderly conjectures over it, and he couldn''t exin to her his response. No matter whether he would like to admit it, he knew that Irish was suspicious of him.

    Irish was silent for a while and then smiled faintly, staring at him, and said, "But I have heard personally that you quarreled with him that night. Are you really incapable of dealing with that, or are you reluctant to resolve it? Moreover, you have argued with him several times after the deprivation of your position in thepany. Then can I think he has be a stumbling block in your career development?"

    "Isabel!" Joseph finally frowned tightly, and his voice also sounded cold, "Do you think I am a man like this? Am I a man who would sacrifice everything for my profit in your heart?"

    Irish gnashed her teeth and replied without hesitation, "Yes."

    It seemed that the air was suddenly frozen because of a strong coldness in his eyes. Of course, he didn''t roar at her and didn''t flustered and exasperated, but he looked at her silently. He looked so severe, and his eyes were apparently chilly.

    He clenched his hands, and the blood vessels on the back of his hand bulged.

    After a long time, he said word by word, "Do you know that I have waited for you in the restaurant for an hour?" After finishing his words, he mmed the door and walked out of the room.

    He had never been so patient with a woman, and no woman dared to treat him this way. Her answer was like a knife stabbing into his heart.

    Irish felt cold in the bedroom, so she hurdled up like a shrimp.

    Jordan was eating an apple on the living room couch, and when Joseph passed by him, he took his coat and said to Jordan, "Keep an eye on her, and don''t allow her to go out."

    Jordan turned to his brother with a remote controller in his hands but only saw his back since he was about to go out.

    He said nothing and soon turned to the TV.<novelnext></novelnext>

    But after a while, he still didn''t hear the sound of closing the door, so he felt weird and then turned over again. He found that Joseph was still there, whose back looked so lonely, and it seemed that he was thinking.

    Jordan took a bite of the apple and wondered what he was thinking about.

    After a few seconds, Joseph went back and then sat on the couch.

    Jordan looked at him while eating an apple but found that he mmed the coat on the couch again while his slender body sunk against the couch.

    The light in the living room was turned into a cool white by Jordan, which made Joseph''s face look more well-defined.

    He sat there and was lost in his meditation while frowning tightly.

    Jordan couldn''t figure out what he was thinking about, and of course, he would not take the initiative to ask him. He recalled the scene just now when Joseph was going to go out with his coat angrily and could guess what had happened.

    Jordan had to admire Irish since he knew Joseph was annoyed by her, and she could easily ignite his anger.

    He was refraining from his anger, and if it were Jordan who annoyed him, he would have pped Jordan violently.

    Jordan stared at Joseph with his split vision. Though he was unsatisfied with his brother, he had to admit that he did a good job since he never beat a woman. Jordan had seen before abroad when a man was beating a woman, and Jordan thought it was really a shame for a man.

    There was only the noise from the TV in the living room and the sound of biting an apple.

    Jordan didn''t talk to his brother, and Joseph also ignored him.

    Joseph was absorbed in his own world and frowned tightly. After a long time, he leaned forward, took out a cigarette, licked it in his mouth, and then took out the lighter.

    Soon the me in the lighter lightened his skein of sorrow.

    Jordan turned to him and identally saw his coat which Joseph casually threw. An exquisite box was exposed from his pocket. It was a purple box with a fine ck belt of high-grade velvet, which could easily tell Joseph''s sincerity.

    The cigarette was ignited soon, and a wisp of smoke exhaled from his mouth, which blurred his eyes.

    However, he only took one smoke and then distinguished it while the smoke also vanished in the air as if it had never been there.

    After a few minutes, Jordan found that he looked relieved a little and then stood up. When Joseph passed by him again, Joseph said to him, "It iste. Why don''t you go to bed?" Though it didn''t sound as cold as his tone a moment ago, it still sounded unpleasant.

 Chapter 607 607: How Dare You Push Her?

    After finishing his words, Joseph went back to his bedroom.

    Jordan felt wronged since he was innocent. He looked at his watch and found that it was ten o''clock at night. Was it toote?

    When the door was opened again, and the light fell on her body, Joseph realized that she still maintained the posture when he went out. Nevertheless, she looked emaciated with her long hair draping on her shoulder.

    Joseph felt sorrowful when he looked at her, and his eyes were filled with regret. How could he forget that she was a pregnant woman who would easily get a mood swing?

    He sighed slightly and then sat on the bed again, getting closer to her.

    "Isabel, I have to apologize to you." He reached out and embraced her gently.

    He felt his heart almost melt when she leaned against his chest like soft cotton.

    "Take a shower and have a rest, okay?" He lowered his head and coaxed her patiently.

    Irish leaned against his broad arms, giving her a sense of security.

    There was a familiar woody fragrance in his body and a faint smell of tobo that fitted well with his body fragrance.

    She was willing to lean in his arms for a lifetime if it was possible.

    ? She didn''t perceive his coldness and impatience in his soft words, so she nodded slightly and didn''t offend him anymore.

    Joseph stared at her and smiled. She looked so beautiful, and he couldn''t help kissing her cheeks while she didn''t refuse but allowed him to do that.

    When the man''s lips slipped from her cheeks to the corner of her lips, she suddenly said, "I need your help."

    Joseph stopped and looked at her. "I want to take back his remains, and only you can help in this case."

    Joseph was silent for a moment and then replied, "Okay."

    ****

    It was Henry''s funeral the next day.

    The weather seemed to have been maliciously covered with heavy yarn, which was gloomy without sunlight. The wind was blowing violently, and the withered grass was swaying in the wind while the wilted leaves made a creaking sound on the ground when the wind rose.

    The weather was as dreary as people''s mood.

    Many people came to attend Henry''s funeral, including those in the business world who were dressed in ck suits. It looked like the sea under the cloudy sky, which was gloomy and made people feel depressed.

    All Lake family members were also dressed in ck, including Lilith to Roy.

    But the repressed airflow was broken by Shirley''s screaming, which added a vor of hysteria to the dreary atmosphere.

    She was holding Henry''s remains on the couch in the house of the Lake family and burst out crying there. She was dressed in a ck suit and looked like a ck widow.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Roy stared at her helplessly and then took a look at the time, walking to Shirley. He began to coax her softly, "Mom, we have to hurry up to go out. Most of the people have arrived."

    After hearing this, Shirley cried even more loudly and red at Irish, "Others would rather mock me, but I am not going to give your dad''s remains to her."

    Henry''s death made her lose her backbone. She hated Henry''s ruthlessness and also hated the decision he made before his death. He decided to be buried with Rachel in the presence of so many people, which hurt Shirley. However, she was his wife and would not let anyone take her husband away.

    But she was so afraid that Irish would take away his remains, so Shirley took back the remains secretly before the funeral. Henry could only belong to her, even if he were dead now. She was not afraid of any consequence now since she hade to such a grievous end.

    Therefore, when Irish went to the house of the Lake family, Shirley felt that she was confronted by a formidable enemy and held the cremation urn tightly.

    Irish looked so dreary, perhaps because she was dressed in ck. Her hair was tied casually, and she pinned a yn magnolia flower in her hair which was as pale as her face.

    She stepped forward to Shirley, reaching out, and said coldly, "Give me his remains urn."

    "Stay away from me and get out of here," Shirley red at her and roared, "You''d better give up because I won''t let him be buried with your mother."

    Irish''s eyes turned colder while Ruby stepped forward with her tearful eyes and determined to protect her mother. She was indignant with Irish and Joseph, so she would not speak for them. Ruby blocked in front of Shirley and said to Irish, "Today is my father''s funeral, so please don''t make trouble here."

    "Ruby." Roy pulled her away and roared at her. He then turned to Shirley and persuaded her, "Mom, it is father''s behest, and all of us heard it. You can''t act like this, or he would not keep the peace."

    "He wouldn''t get peace? It''s none of my business, but I know he never cares about me." Shirley cried and then continued, "Now he wanted to be buried together with that woman. No way!"

    "Mom, Uncle William is watching our mortuary house, and people will be suspicious if we still don''t show up. So we have to hurry up."

    "It has nothing to do with me. People will know your father''s remains would be transported elsewhere, and I would rather keep your dad''s ashes here, and I am not reluctant to lose face in public."

    Joseph, who had kept silent for a long time, walked forward and said directly. "The funeral will be held normally. We will not announce the burial of the ashes, so there is no need for you to worry about that. Mrs. Lake, Mr. Henry had said that he would like to be buried with Rachel before his death, so none of us here is qualified to show disagreement."

    "I am his wife. Why am I not qualified?" Shirley was so indignant.

    Joseph replied indifferently. "Legally speaking, you are no longer his wife.

    Shirley was speechless and couldn''t argue with him, so she began to be unreasonable and make a scene.

    "Joseph, you must burn me together with him if you want to take away his remains."

    Irish refrained herself beside, and when she saw that Shirley was shrewish, she rushed forward and reached out to grab the urn. However, Shirley held it tightly and began to cry and shout.

    After seeing this, Ruby also rushed forward and pushed Irish, "Stay away from my mom and my dad."

    Irish didn''t stand steadily, but luckily, when she fell down, Joseph held her and embraced her into his arms immediately.

    But soon, his eyes were filled with anger, and he roared at Ruby unpleasantly, "How dare you push her?"

    Ruby was shocked by him since she had never seen a noticeable change in his mood.

 Chapter 608 608: I Don’t Care About Any Modality

    Shirley looked like a shrew and just cried and shouted there, but when Joseph roared, she lowered her voice for a little bit.

    She red at Joseph, especially when she saw that he stood beside Irish to protect her. Suddenly, she felt that she had found a ce to vent her anger, so she began to shout at Joseph while standing up abruptly, "Joseph, you are an ungrateful man. Our Lake family is kind to you, but now you turn your elbow out. Do you think you have enough capacity to take charge of the Runestone Group? I can tell you now that there is still a long way for you, and the biggest shareholder is my son, so you are not qualified to interfere in the business of Runestone Group as well as the business of our Lake family."

    Roy frowned after hearing this because he felt sick to hear such crude remarks, and he could imagine Joseph''s feelings. Therefore, he was about to persuade Shirley, but when he was about to say something, Joseph''s deep and profound voice sounded, "Mrs. Lake, it is time for the funeral."

    His reminder was reasonable, and could tell his emotion from his tone, and his expression also had no change. Irish looked at them unpleasantly, especially when she looked at Shirley, and she couldn''t figure out why she could say such disgusting words. She was so eager to block her mouth.

    "Don''t talk nonsense to her." Irish rushed forward again.

    Joseph reached out and stopped her in time while Irish turned to him and snarled, "Do you forget what you have promised me?"

    But Joseph still didn''t loosen his hands but lowered his voice, "Don''t worry. I know what I have promised you."

    Irish clenched her hand out of rage.

    After seeing this, Shirley was clear about the situation, and she suddenly raised the urn over her head which stunned all of them. Roy was shocked by her movement and asked, "Mom, what are you going to do?"

    "I won''t give her the urn and would like to break it into pieces." Shirley roared at Joseph and Irish hysterically.

    "Mom, stop!" Roy and Ruby were stunned by her.

    Irish squinted at her, and there was a me of anger flickering in her eyes. She hated to be threatened by others.

    Joseph took her hands tightly to avoid her rushing forward.

    He stared at Shirley and said, "Mrs. Lake, do you think the negative news for the Lake family is still less?"

    Shirley also stared at Joseph while Joseph continued, "You can break this urn into pieces, but the guests whoe to attend the funeral have almost arrived. It has no bad effect on Irish or me, if they couldn''t meet your family at the funeral, people would scold your son and daughter and would say they are not filial."

    Joseph said calmly and directly but made Shirley speechless.

    "ording to Mr. Henry''s behest, he hoped to be buried with Rachel, and that is to say that we will transport his remains to the graveyard of Irish''s mother. So why are you so stubborn? Why are you angry here with us?"

    Shirley still raised the urn and gnashed her teeth.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "You can''t change anything if you break it, but you will lead your son to be trapped in a dilemma." Joseph continued.

    Shirley was hesitant, and Roy hastily persuaded her, "Mom, you have to give dad''s remains to Irish. He is gone, and we have to respect his behest,"

    "It''s easy for you to say that!" Shirley gnashed her teeth and said, "If I give the remains to her, then how can I exin to others? Do you hope he has two tombstones in two different graveyards? We will lose our face if others know that."

    Joseph replied indifferently after hearing this, "There is a spare urn in the funeral, and it will be buried in the graveyard of the Lake family, and the tombstone will also be put there. But you have to hand Mr. Henry''s remains to Irish, and there will not be a second tombstone in the graveyard of Irish''s mom. In this way, it would satisfy both sides."

    However, Shirley sneered and said, "Do you think she will agree?" In Shirley''s opinion, Irish was making trouble here today.

    Joseph turned to Irish and waited for her answer.

    Irish was silent for a while, and her eyes were gloomy, but soon she replied indifferently, "I don''t care about any modality, and I believe my mom also won''t care about it."

    Joseph stared at her and somehow felt sorrowful for her. Then, after a few seconds, he turned to Shirley again and said, "Well, you can hand the remains to her now."

    Shirley still held it tightly.

    "Mom, we have to hurry up. Please hand it to Irish. Dad will get peace." Roy stepped forward and carefully pulled down her arms since he was afraid she would loosen her hands or change her mind.

    Shirley also understood that nothing much could be done about it now though she was reluctant to do that. In fact, Henry didn''t care about her for his lifetime, and he only loved Rachel no matter how rich he was, and he just remembered the days living with Rachel.

    During those days, there was no fierce businesspetition and no fraud and deceit for profit, but only simple days with true love between each other.

    However, that period of time was short. But it was the reason why Henry couldn''t forget his whole life. He even thought it was the most valuable period in his life. His love for Rachel was sincere and simple, so it was precious.

    Shirley wanted to dawdle with Irish because it was the only way to appease her anger, but Joseph''s words were like needles piercing into her heart and poking at her weakness.

    Now Henry was dead, and nothing was important to her anymore except for her daughter and son. Roy was the eldest son of Lake''s family, and she was afraid that others would scold him behind, and she had to save face for him.

    After a long while, Shirley loosened her hands while Roy hastily handed the urn to Joseph and lowered his voice, "Most of the guests whoe to attend the funeral are partners of Runestone Group, and I don''t know most of them, so please stay in the funeral until it is finished."

    Roy had never contacted those businessmen, and he also knew that there were many guests at the funeral. He had a call with his Uncle William, so there must be a person who contacts them frequently. And Joseph was the person.

 Chapter 609 609: Continue To Contact Her

    Joseph handed the urn to Irish and then turned to Roy, saying indifferently, "Don''t worry. This funeral has to be held normally, so I will be there."

    After hearing this, Roy was relieved. Joseph reached out and pulled Irish, talking to her with a low voice, "I have asked Jordan to your mom''s graveyard. You go there to meet Jordan first, and I wille to find you soon."

    Irish stared at the urn in her hand silently as if she didn''t hear his words. She only felt that the urn was so light. Why did a living person be a pile of ash?

    What was the meaning of being alive? And what was the meaning of fighting fiercely for profit?

    No matter being rich or poor, everyone would turn to ash in the end after death.

    Joseph couldn''t figure out what she was thinking about but only saw she lowered her head and looked dreary, so he was worried about her. "Isabel?" He called her softly.

    Irish then responded and looked up at Joseph while he repeated his words again.

    She nodded slightly.

    Somehow an ominous premonition surged up in her heart, so she thought for a while and then emphasized, "You have to wait for me to inter the urn." He was afraid that she would do that personally and that it would hurt the baby.

    "I got it," Irish replied in a weak voice.

    Joseph was relieved for a little bit since she had made a promise to him.

    Ruby and Roy held Shirley to go out, and when Lilith passed by Irish, she whispered beside her ears, "Sister, if I can get rid of themter, I wille with Joseph to help you."

    "Thanks," Irish said quietly.

    Roy patted her shoulders and then sighed slightly, taking out a small golden key from his pocket, which was reflecting dazzling lights.

    He handed it to Irish and said, "It is the key on the dark cab of my dad''s study room, and he asked me to give it to you at night when he was sent to the hospital."

    "What''s this?" She asked.

    Roy shook his head and replied, "Dad only asked me to hand it to you, but I don''t know what is in the cab."

    Irish pinched the key silently.

    Joseph was thest one to leave Lake''s family, and he embraced Irish gently before he left, whispering beside her ears, "Wait for me, okay?" It seemed he was coaxing her, but it also sounded like he was begging her.

    A feeling of sorrow surged up in his heart which really hurt.

    ****

    Henry''s funeral was gigantic. After receiving the call from Joseph, Jordan drove to Rachel''s graveyard hastily.

    Rachel''s graveyard was not luxurious as Henry''s cemetery, which was close to the bustling downtown, and instead, it was tranquil here.

    Perhaps people had forgotten that the dead needed peace.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Cassie also rushed to Rachel''s cemetery, and she received a call from Fredrick, who was hesitant when Cassie asked him if he wanted to go there with her.

    "No. You know Irish don''t want to meet me." Fredrick replied quietly.

    Irish became estranged from him after Cassie''s suicide, and they also held different opinions to treat Cassie''s mncholia. Though Irish asked for his suggestion about the problem of her memory, he could perceive that she did not trust him as before.

    If she still trusted him, she would have assured him to hypnotize her.

    He was not trying to avoid it, but because he had a lot of jobs to do and what''s more, he was afraid he couldn''t control himself when he saw her sadness.

    Cassie didn''t force him and said nothing.

    "What''s more, I am afraid that you have to find another bridesmaid for you since Irish is in a bad mood these days." New Year''s Day wasing soon, and it was the day for them to register for marriage, and their wedding would alsoe soon.

    Fredrick respected the arrangement for their wedding, and they would hold it in New York, and then they would also invite Cassie''s rtives to celebrate in Cassie''s native ce. Therefore, Cassie''s parents go back to their hometown to prepare for the banquet.

    Though Irish had promised Cassie to be her bridesmaid, perhaps it was not a suitable asion for her now.

    Cassie also understood this; after all, her father had just passed away, and it was not convenient for her to attend her wedding on such an asion, so she nodded and replied, "I will ask for Irish''s opinion. Perhaps I have to find another bridesmaid, but we still have time." In fact, she wanted to say that she didn''t have a close attachment to her father.

    Fredrick agreed with her and then hung up.

    Cassie clenched the phone, and when she looked up, she found that the scheduled car had arrived. After getting into the car, she suddenly bes silent. Somehow, she recalled that Roy would also be alone in the cemetery, and would he be grieved?

    When the funeral was halfway through, Joseph received a call from Jordan, who asked him anxiously why Irish still hadn''t arrived. Joseph took a look while his eyes looked hesitant. She should have arrived, but after thinking for a while, he told Jordan to wait for her for some time.

    Though heforted him like that, Joseph was unsure, so he called Irish again but found her phone was off. He tried to track her through thework, but he found that she was not in the signal spacing.

    Henry''s picture was iid in arge cluster of white chrysanthemums, and the atmosphere was cold. Joseph felt a strong cold surge from his fingertips into the deep of his heart.

    Irish had turned off her phone before, but it was because she didn''t charge it sometimes, but now he was so restless.

    He couldn''t stand there calmly and chat with the guests who came to attend the funeral and couldn''t ignore the growing uneasiness. He began to frown and took out his phone, making several calls, but he still couldn''t find her.

    Joseph dialed Daisy directly, and she put it through quickly.

    "What''s the situation now?" He asked directly.

    Daisy also replied directly, "Mr. Dover, all of us have arrived at the cemetery, but Irish still hasn''t arrived yet. I tried to contact her with all kinds of methods but failed."

    Joseph''s eyes turned severe, and therge piece of white chrysanthemum made him feel chilly.

    "Continue to contact her." He ordered word by word and then hung up.

    Joseph walked quickly to Roy, who was extending appreciation to the guests and then grabbed his cor, asking him severely. "What is the key you handed to Irish?"

 Chapter 610 610: She Will Be Safe

    The people there were stunned by him, and most of them knew Joseph well, and some of them even cooperated with him in business. Perhaps they all didn''t expect that he would be so indignant, so they all turned to them.

    Roy was also stunned by Joseph, and it took him some time to respond, but soon he found that Joseph looked so severely and his eyes were full of indignation.

    "I don''t know what the key is for." And then he asked with confusion, "What happened?"

    Shirley also heard their conversation, and she hastily asked, "What is the key?" When Joseph found that many people were staring at them, he then realized that he had lost his mind, but he also perceived that Roy was not telling a lie to him, so he repressed his indignation while his frown also smoothed.

    And soon, he returned to being calm as usual and took a deep breath while his hands also loosened gradually.

    "What happened?" Roy didn''t reply to Shirley but focused on Joseph.

    He knew that something must have happened since Joseph, who always kept a calm mind, would be so anxious.

    However, Joseph replied indifferently, "Nothing."

    Roy was astonished, and soon Joseph''s voice sounded again, "You have to be in charge of the funeral now, and I have to leave now. I am so sorry." Joseph recovered to be calm again.

    Roy was also worried when he looked at Joseph, who left in a hurry.

    When Joseph arrived at the cemetery, the smog that spread over the sky was heavier, and the sun was covered by the thick mist, only leaving the shadows of the dead trees.

    When the car crossed the trail and climbed the mountain path, a crow flew over the front windshield, and before Joseph could put on the brake, it mmed into the windshield.

    Joseph could only see its ck wings, and soon the blood bled down slowly. The car made a harsh brake.

    He opened the door and then got out of the car.

    ? The wind was blowing, spreading into the clothes that made him feel cold, which he had never felt for so many years.

    The smell of blood flew in the air as a ghost lingered around the car.

    Joseph looked around the car but found nothing there, including the dead body of the crow.

    Another cold wind rose, wandering between the empty valleys, igniting a shallow echo.

    The sound of the wind sounded ufortably like mourning.

    He gazed at the roadside and thought perhaps the crow mmed violently and had fallen into the valley.

    He didn''t want to waste time, so she got in the car and turned on the wiper.

    The blood on the windshield soon disappeared, but it still lingered in his mind.

    He gnashed his teeth and started the car again.

    The cemetery was built on the mountainside. When the car was getting closer there, he could see the tablet script. The entrance door was built antique, and it was suitable for the surrounding green mountains and blue waters.

    The car couldn''t get in when he drove halfway, so he had to park it in the parking lot and walk along the stone-paved path.<novelnext></novelnext>

    The more he walked up, the wind got stronger, which flustered him.

    When he finally arrived at Rachel''s graveyard, Daisy, who had waited for a long time, hastily rushed up. She also looked anxious, which was different from her calmness. "Mr. Dover, all of us can''t get in contact with Irish. What should we do?"

    Joseph was afraid that an incident would ur to her, and he was worried and anxious on the way. He also gave a call to the steward of the Lake family, and ording to the time when she left the house of the Lake family, she should have arrived here earlier.

    Joseph was so worried that something had happened to Irish on the way. After all, this mountain road was rugged and smoggy, so he paid attention on the way, hoping to find some clues.

    When he heard the words from Daisy, he was even more guilty. He shouldn''t let her leave alone.

    Mary and Steven had also arrived, bringing a few workers. They waited for Irish to bring the ashes of Henry and then opened the burial of the tablet to inter his remains with Rachel. They waited for a long time, but she still didn''t arrive except for Daisy and a young boy who looked very much like Joseph. And he was the younger brother of Joseph.

    All of the people had arrived there, but Irish still didn''t show up.

    Therefore, when Joseph arrived, Mary hastily stepped forward and asked, "Where is Irish? Do you find her?"

    Joseph felt guilty, especially in front of Mary. He tried to calm down and refrain from his worries, "Don''t worry. I promise I will find her."

    His words almost drove Mary crazy because sheid all of her hope in Joseph. After hearing these words, she knew that he still hadn''t found Irish yet, so she grabbed his arms and looked panicked.

    "Does something wrong happen to her? There have been many traffic idents on this road to the cemetery, so will she also have an ident?"

    "No." Joseph replied firmly and directly, "She will be safe."

    "What should I do? What should I do now?" Mary was so flurried.

    Joseph felt his heart was tied up by a rope tightly, and he couldn''t breathe smoothly. He nced at his watch and found that Irish had missed for three hours. Anything could happen in these three hours.

    "Daisy, keep calling her and try to find her." He tried his best to order calmly.

    ****

    The cemetery sunk into deathly stillness and restlessness. The cold wind leaped over the dead branches that had lost the leaves, and they plundered for their bleakness over and over again. The branches were like a dying patient, and they continued to groan and struggle.

    The weather was getting colder, and the thick mist also got heavier among the tombstones.

    In the following time, they all tried their best to find the whereabouts of Irish and kept calling, asking different people again and again.

    Steven was also trying his best to contact Irish, while Mary still thought something must have happened to Irish, so she knelt in front of Rachel''s tombstone and kept praying for a blessing.

    Cassie also called all of their ssmates and colleagues but got nothing useful from them. She felt that she would be crazy out of anxiety.

    Jordan couldn''t do anything but wait silently since he just came back to New York and didn''t know anyone. Looking at Joseph''s back not far from him, Jordan also bore an expectation whenever Joseph made a call and asked on the phone. But he only found that his brother frowned more and more tightly.

    Those workers didn''t know what had happened, but they didn''t care about it at all. What mattered to them was that they could make money here. They also sat on the ground and waited patiently at the beginning, but as time passed, they were tired, so they leaned against the tree, chatting with each other.

 Chapter 611 611: We Will Find Her Soon

    The ringing of the phone again oscited the caky smog.

    Joseph put through the phone immediately, standing at the high steps and holding the phone with one of his hands while the other was put in his pocket. He kept staring at the mountain in the distance, and his eyes were full of uneasiness and worry.

    The cold wind swiped his shoulders, blowing his hair, and he looked so grave.

    "Thanks for helping me, Wills." He said briefly and then hung up the phone. Joseph rubbed his eyebrows and his temple and felt there was a wire entangled in his cranial nerves, making him feel pain.

    Daisy stepped forward, and she could guess the situation when she saw his countenance, so she asked softly. "Isn''t there any news from Wills?"

    Joseph put down his hands and replied. "The surveince cameras from the urban areas to this cemetery are notpleted, and especially the road leading to the cemetery is not equipped with monitoring equipment. He could only expand the searching areas and recall all the surveince videos from the house of the Lake family."

    Daisy was shocked since she knew it was aplicated job to do, and she could perceive that Joseph was really anxious this time.

    "It will cost a long time." She had to remind him.

    "As long as she is safe, I can wait for her," Joseph replied word by word after keeping silent for a while.

    He stared at the mountain road for a long time when he was answering the phone, and panic surged into his mind repeatedly. He knew there were no cameras on the mountain path, which meant that even if an ident urred to her, he wouldn''t get the news in time. He sank into great fear since he was afraid that Irish had fallen into the valley.

    But he had tofort himself that she would be fine, and if something really happened to her during the mountain path, he would definitely find some clues.

    However, he suddenly recalled the dead crow mmed into his car. Its wings were so dark, which made him restless, and the red blood lingered in his mind.

    In this way, the expectation was intertwined with bad premonitions, disturbing his mind. He hadn''t experienced such a feeling of living death for many years. He could only wait but could not do anything.

    He heard there was a rush of footsteps behind him.

    It was Mary, and it seemed that she recalled something, so she stood up abruptly and rushed to Joseph, "Irish must be kidnapped by someone."

    Joseph turned to her immediately after hearing her words while Steve also stepped forward and said unpleasantly to Mary, "Don''t talk nonsense here."

    "I am not talking nonsense." Mary got rid of Steven''s arms and then looked at Joseph anxiously, "It must be Shirley who asked people to kidnap Irish. How can she bear that his husband will be buried with another woman? She hated Rachel so much, and she wouldn''t agree to let Henry be buried with Rachel. She just put on a y in front of you, but indeed she had asked people to kidnap Irish and grabbed back the remains."

    Steven frowned tightly and said, "Why do you always think in this way?"

    Mary ignored Steven but grabbed Joseph''s arms tightly and begged him, "I beg you to rescue Irish. Now that Henry is dead, I am afraid that that bitch woman would hurt Irish. You can ask her the whereabouts of Irish."

    "Please calm down first." Daisy tried to persuade Mary.

    Mary''s eyes were filled with tears, and she then replied, "I can''t calm down now, and I am so worried about Irish."

    Joseph allowed her to grab his arms, looked at her, and said, "Don''t worry. I have asked the police to help us, and they have initially ruled out the possibility that Irish was being kidnapped." In fact, he not only asked the police station to help him but also asked the traffic detachment to help him find Irish through a surveince camera video in New York.

    "Really?" Mary looked at him with her tearful eyes.

    "Yes," Joseph replied firmly.

    No matter how anxious or flurried he was, he had to persuade himself to be calm and keep his reasonable mind. If he acted rashly at this crucial moment, all of the people here would lose their minds, especially Mary.

    He thought for a while and calmed down. Then he took out his phone again, staring at Steven and Mary, and said, "I will make a call to the Departure Office first, and don''t worry."

    Then he walked away and began to make the call.

    The phone was put through immediately, and Joseph began to exin his intention to give this call.

    Daisy walked to Mary and then clenched her cold hands,forting her, "Don''t worry. Mr. Dover will find Irish soon."

    She understood that Joseph had made enough effort to find her. He was afraid that Irish would be kidnapped, so he asked the police station for help, and now he was calling the Departure Office since he wanted to know if Irish had left New York. But the more people he asked for help, the more people he owed.

    It stood to reason that he would ask her to make these calls, but now he called personally, which meant that he was flurried and worried about Irish.

    Cassie perceived his worries so clearly and profoundly. For a long time, she thought she couldn''t see through his mind, especially when Ruby''s sexual orientation was exposed before the public. She had to admit that she was suspicious of him, and such suspicion spread in her heart, but now she was hesitant about her suspicion.

    Perhaps she had perceived his worries, so she believed he was sincere with Irish. She had never seen his mood swings, but his frown had revealed his anxiety.

    His eyes were not profound, and he also didn''t look calm.

    At this moment, Cassie was able to feel his concerns deeply.

    He was worrying about Irish. After that call, they all waited there since it would take some time to search for videos.

    They all kept silent there.

    The wind was blowing violently, and it hurt their cheeks.

    The workers couldn''t wait anymore, and one of them stood up and walked to Joseph, asking him cautiously, "Sir, when shall we start our work? We still have other jobs to do, and we can''t just wait here but do nothing."

 Chapter 612 612: Why Are Her Ashes Gone?

    They also have to earn a living, so they have to cherish time. That was why they couldn''t wait here and couldn''t get the chance to make money.

    Joseph was restless, but he looked more severe since he heard the words of that worker, and his face seemed to be iced while his eyes looked so unpleasant. Finally, when Daisy was about to step forward andfort him, Joseph took out his wallet, took all of the cash to the man, and said coldly, "Keep waiting here."

    The man picked up the money on the ground while another worker also stepped forward as if they feared the money would be blown away by the wind. However, after getting the money, those men were not anxious anymore and bowed unctuously to Joseph.

    Joseph ignored those men and stood before Rachel''s tombstone, staring at her smiling picture on it, and sighed heavily. He never believed in the supernatural and didn''t believe there was another world for the dead. The reason why living people paid homage to the dead was that they wanted to seek psychologicalfort. The dead people were like distinguishedmps, and how could they be omnipotent after death since they could not help too many people when they were still alive?

    But now he was praying for Rachel''s blessing in his heart, and he hoped Irish would be safe.

    He moved his eyes and looked at the pedestal of the tablet, which was clean, and there was no wild grass around. It was the workers of the cemetery who cleaned up here. It reminded him of the scene when Irish stood before the grave monument. The cold wind almost swallowed her up. Joseph suddenly felt sore, and his heart trembled, but soon a light shed in his mind.

    When the thought popped into his mind, it only left a shadow, but Joseph immediately grabbed it. The hunch that condensed in his brain was even stronger when the idea was getting clearer as if the fireworks were sting in his mind. Joseph squinted, and soon a bold idea emerged.

    "Come over here." He turned to those workers and said loudly to them.

    Those workers thought they could start the work, so they hastily walked forward with their tools.

    Others didn''t know what he would do, so they also stepped forward.

    Joseph pointed at the pedestal of the tablet and said after a long while, "Lever it up."

    All of them were shocked by his words except for those workers since they came here to bury the remains, so they were about to unclench it.

    Steven rushed forward and stopped them, roaring at Joseph, "What are you going to do?"

    Daisy was also confused and said in a low voice, "Mr. Dover, Irish is not here, and you can''t ask them to lever it up and have to wait for her to bring Mr. Henry''s remains."

    Joseph ignored Daisy''s words and didn''t look up at Steven but roared at the workers, "Why you still don''t start work? Lever it up."

    "Stop!" Mary rushed forward and blocked in front of the tombstone, "Stop! What are you going to do? No one could lever it up before you exin to us clearly."

    Joseph took a look at the watch and looked worried. Mary was blocked in front of him, and he had no choice, so he had to exin, "I suspect that it is an empty tomb."

    All of them were shocked, especially Mary, who almost screamed, "It is impossible."

    Steven also shook his head and said, "We buried Rachel''s ashes in person, so it is impossible to be an empty tomb."

    "Lever it up, and we could find the truth." Joseph said firmly and stared at Steven with his profound eyes, "I have to know if it is an empty tomb, and only in this way could I find Irish."

    "What do you mean?" Steven was stunned.

    Joseph stared at the picture on the tombstone while a cold st of wind rose at this moment. A piece of leaf swiped from Rachel''s picture fell on the tombstone soundlessly and made a creaking sound.

    His heart also trembled, and he sighed and replied, "Now we have eliminated the possibility of kidnapping and ident. Why doesn''t shee here? Henry is her father, and she wouldn''t go wrong at such a crucial time."

    Steven was astonished and said after a while, "But what if she really had an ident on the way to the cemetery?"

    "So we have to check out if it is an empty tomb," Joseph replied word by word.

    The cold wind wiped his eyebrows while all of the people there were silent. Perhaps they were startled by Joseph''s idea.

    Joseph didn''t want to lose time, so he ordered those workers to start work.

    The workers stepped forward and then began to unclench it with the tools. Before Steven could react, they had started to lever it, and it was toote for him to stop them.

    Soon the experienced worker prized up the location where the urn was buried without causing any damage, but when theypletely prized it up, they gasped with surprise.

    "S....Sir, look." One of the workers called Joseph stutteringly and pointed at the position under the pedestal of the tombstone with his eyes widening.

    Joseph stepped forward, and soon he also frowned tightly.

    Steven and Mary also rushed forward, but soon Mary''s scream sounded, "How could it be possible? How could it be an empty tomb? Where is Rachel? Why are her ashes gone?"

    Steven stood in great astonishment, and he mumbled while shaking his head, "It is impossible. It is impossible to be empty. I buried it in person."

    Joseph squatted and touched the soil in it and then pinched it to observe carefully. He found that it was much moister than the soil outside. And then he observed the pit, which was gentle without an imprint which meant that it was not transferredtely.

    He asked one of the workers for his suggestion, and the man also squatted down, looking at the moist, and then took out the tool to measure the situation of the tablet. He repeatedly looked at the edge of the tombstone and finally drew a conclusion, "I could draw a preliminary conclusion that the urn here was taken away more than ten years ago. Look, the imprint on the edge of the pedestal of the tablet is an old one, and it was caused ten years ago."

 Chapter 613 613: Why Did She Do This?

    The workers were experienced since they had to cope with the tombstone every day, so they were clear about it at a nce.

    Joseph frowned tightly, and he had expected it was an empty tomb, but he hadn''t expected that it had been an empty tomb for more than ten years.

    Steven was indignant after hearing this. "It must be Henry! It must be Henry who took Rachel''s ash away." It was the first thought that came to his mind.

    Mary also began to scold Henry, but then she began to suspect whether the remains of Henry and Rachel had been taken away by Shirley.

    Joseph was calm, and then he said calmly, "It has nothing to do with Henry. It''s Isabel."

    "What?" Steven and Mary were so shocked.

    Cassie was also startled and shook her head hesitantly, "How could it be possible? It has been an empty tomb for more than ten years."

    "A young teenager of seventeen years old has enough capability to do this." Joseph''s eyes were dreary.

    Ten years ago, Irish was still a teenager, but she was almost an adult at that age, so it was not a surprise that she would take away her mother''s ashes.

    Mary was still mumbling, "It is impossible. It is impossible....."

    But Joseph kept silent.

    The reason why he would suspect it was an empty tomb was that he recalled the scene when Irish stood there on Christmas day. It was her birthday. He also had known Irish for a long time, but she never mentioned this ce to him. Later, he knew that she only came here once a year.

    So why did she onlye here to visit her dead mother once every year since she missed her so much, but only came here on her birthday as if she was fulfilling a task?

    What''s more, why didn''t she show up on such an important asion?

    No, it was an empty tomb that could indicate that Irish had known this before. She came here so as to cast a mist before their eyes.

    "Is there another graveyard for her mother?" Cassie asked hesitantly.

    Joseph stood up abruptly, patting the dust in his hands, and said, after thinking for a while, "No, I think the remains may have been ced at a funeral home."

    It was a reasonable inference.

    He knew how many cemeteries there were in New York, and he was also clear about how far each cemetery was from the downtown area. Irish had been with him for a long time, and if Rachel''s ashes had been transferred to another cemetery, it would have cost Irish a long time to visit her mom. She didn''t have much time, but she had to ensure that she could visit at any time, so the best ce to put her mom''s remains was in the funeral home.

    But why did she do this?

    Joseph suddenly enlightened. Perhaps she had nned to bury Rachel with Henry after his death for a long time.

    Thinking of this, he had to admit that she was a thoughtful woman. He thought she was a woman who had never made a n for tomorrow before, but now it turned out that she advanced gradually and entrenched herself at every step, and she could make a n for more than ten years.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Do we need to find her in the funeral home one by one?" Jordan, who had kept silent for a long time, finally asked. He rarely came to the cemetery and didn''t know the rules. He had only paid homage to his parents as well as Jenny.

    Joseph was silent for a while and then said hesitantly, "Or will she put the remains in the temple?"

    "Temple?" Mary was shocked and confused by his words.

    Joseph turned to Steven and asked, "Did Aunt Rachel have religious beliefs?"

    Steven was stunned, but soon he nodded and replied, "Yes, she believed in Buddhism, and she would go to the temple to worship the Buddha. And she also did many good deeds before."

    Joseph nodded and then overthrew his previous judgment. "Then the ashes may be ced at a temple." The temple in New York City was much closer than the cemetery to the downtown area, so it was convenient for Irish to worship.

    He remembered that Irish had mentioned to him before that her mother loved red sandalwood very much, and it could be made into exquisite Buddha beads. Joseph was curious how she knew it while Irish told him that it was her Uncle Steven who told her that.

    He just recalled her words and then got the analysis. Now it turned out that her mom really believed in Buddhism.

    "What are we going to do next?" Steven was anxious.

    When Joseph was about to reply to him, his phone rang.

    "Hello, Mr. Want."

    But soon, Joseph changed his expression and looked grave.

    All of them focused on him since they were afraid to get bad news. But then Joseph replied after Mr. Want finished his words, "Okay. I got it. Thank you, Mr. Want. I''ll visit you another day."

    It was in Lake Michigan, Chicago.

    When the setting sun was falling, theke was full of shining ripples that reflected the bright red light of the sunset. There were not so many people traveling here in this season, so it was much more tranquil than in the high season.

    The boat was drifting on the red-stainedke while the boatman sighed with feelings, "Nowadays, people all enjoy the tranquil Lake Michigan."

    But he soon kept silent when he didn''t get a response from the girl in his boat, and the boat slowly went to the depths.

    Irish sat at the stern while her eyes looked so dreary. The sunset not only dyed theke but also reddened her eyes. The boatman focused on paddling the boat, and his back was thin and shadowy.

    When there was no boat shadow around, she opened the white porcin urn and tilted it slightly while the ash in the altar was sprinkled slowly into theke. The white ash soon dissipated in theke.

    She was in deep sorrow and leaned on the boat.

    Mom, he finally realized his promise to you.

 Chapter 614 614: She Was So Sorrowful

    The day of Christmas Eve was Irish''s birthday. The time froze at the moment when Irish walked out from the observation room, and then the pointer of the clock slowly and normally went away.

    Irish felt that she was walking above the clouds, and her feeling of pain had broken into pieces by Joseph''s words. He said he didn''t love her at all. Her body that had lost the pain suddenly became the missing outer form without a soul, numbly passing through the crowd step by step and then walking into the window at the end of the corridor.

    Through the ss, she seemed to be able to smell the dusty smell of the wind. The dust choked her breath and stuck in the trachea, which made her suffocate for a moment. Everything outside the window turned gray, suffusing her eyes.

    People said that love was like a sweet spun sugar, but now it turned out that love was a candy which was wrapped in delicate sugar paper.

    She was like a child who couldn''t withstand the temptation of the beautiful sugar paper and then took it cautiously. And then someone told her that it was for her, so she was not hesitant anymore, tasting it in a hurry.

    The candy taste made her unforgettable, and she was even willing to sacrifice everything to own it. Nobody told her that the sugar would taste bitter in the end.

    It tasted like the semen nelumbinis, which was tasty and refreshing but with a Hindu lotus plumule inside.

    The bitterness dispelled the previous sweetness soon. It seemed that the more beautiful things were more dangerous.

    She recalled her mother and then reminded her father, who was lying on the sick bed. When Joseph walked out of the ward, she felt the smell of death from his calm expression.

    As expected, he turned to everybody and dered Henry''s death.

    She heard Shirley screaming, which sounded harsh, and Ruby''s guilty sobbing. It sounded like a failed movement of cello and violin, stuffing her ear.

    At that moment, she felt that her tears had been frozen in hercrimal nd for a long time. She couldn''t burst into tears and couldn''t repress back the tears.

    She was eager to cry in Joseph''s arms, and he was the only one who could bring herfort at this moment. But as he got closer to her, she remembered the words he said in the ward as well as his cold expression.

    He never knew that there was only a white paper in her life. Once she tried to use Adam''s portrait to enrich the paper, but in the end, she gently wiped it with an eraser. Finally, she met him, and since then, she painted a world on the paper which belonged to them.

    He was the only man in her life, but it seemed that she had never existed in his life.

    Therefore, she took over the eraser again.

    When Joseph called Roy, she called one of her friends and said that she was going to hold a memorial ceremony for her parents and asked her friend to contact the temple abbot for her.

    Before she went abroad, she levered her mom''s tombstone, took out her cremains secretly, and consecrated it in the temple. Her mother believed in Buddhism and was lonely for a lifetime, so Irish didn''t hope she would face the loneliness in the cemetery after death.

    Irish believed her mother could find peace in the temple, and she also believed that her mom''s soul still existed in this world.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish didn''t negotiate with her uncle and aunt but decided alone because she knew, in their eyes, it was treason and heresy since she had unclenched her mother''s grave monument. She didn''t hope they would be sad, so she had to disguise the fact.

    It was convenient for her to pay homage to her mother in the temple.

    Therefore, when she returned to the US from abroad, she settled in New York, and this temple was a ce she would frequently visit. It was close to the house where she lived, and the traffic was also convenient, which was different from the dested cemetery.

    Before Henry''s funeral, Irish went to the temple. Though she didn''t believe in Buddhism, she was in awe of the Buddha. She was so appreciative that the Buddha could bring peace to her mother and was also grateful for the mercy of Buddha to let her mom live here for so long.

    She took away her mother''s remains and waited for the day to hold a funeral procession for Henry.

    The day finally came.

    Irish had decided to hold a multi-burial for her mother and Henry even if Henry had no previous will. Her mom had waited for a long time, so when she took out Rachel''s ashes, she said to her mom, "I haven''t held a memorial ceremony for you in these years because I know you have been waiting for my father. You can''t be with each other when you are alive, so know you won''t get peace even if I hold the memorial ceremony for you. But now you can be with him soon."

    Therefore, Irish went to the Lake family and took away her father''s ashes with the help of Joseph.

    When she finally got his remains, she was so sorrowful. Her mother had waited for him for twenty years!

    She didn''t follow Joseph''s words to the cemetery because she knew it was an empty tomb and it was unnecessary for her to go there; indeed, she had another n. Of course, she didn''t tell her uncle it was a ten-year n for her, and she couldn''t tell anyone.

    Irish went to the airport and took the ne to Chicago. For the convenience of carrying, she mixed her parents'' ashes together in a porcin jar.

    But she was sore when she finally arrived at the airport in Chicago.

    Though she had traveled to many cities, she had never been there before. It was not because she didn''t want toe here but because she dared not.

    When she was still a small child, she knew New York was not her mom''s hometown, and she had grown up in another city with her uncle. But they settled in New Yorkter. The environment in the hometown cultivated her mom as a sweet woman, and she was as beautiful as a pearl.

    Irish once thought Chicago was her hometown; however, her mom told her that she had never been to Chicago once.

    Irish was confused why she was obsessed with this city since she had never been there for once.

    But she got the reasonter.

 Chapter 615 615: Have You Really Decided?

    From ancient times, many people endowed the city of Chicago with a poetic soul. It may be sad or joyous. But most of the poems focused on the beautiful scenery of Lake Michigan, so it turned out to be a birthce of amatory poems, keeping as a kind of belief that can maintain young girls'' joys and sorrows of life, including her mother.

    Rachel was a person who believed in true love, and in her eyes, true love served as a faith in her life that could maintain her life''s joys and sorrows.

    After she fell in love with Henry, the gorgeous love made her mother a moth to me since she wanted to entrust her life to this man.

    Henry''s favorite city was not a leisurely town in foreign countries or a domestic metropolis. He loved the city of Chicago because of its long history and its beautiful scenery.

    He told her mom that it was a good ce to live.

    Her mom had never been to Chicago, but she began to long for that city after hearing that from Henry, while her father also promised her mom that they would live there someday.

    Her mother believed that the day woulde soon.

    After she brought her to New York, she still missed the city but didn''t go there alone because, in her mother''s heart, the city was a belief in love. But, without a lover''spanionship, the belief''s meaning would be changed.

    Therefore, her mother had been waiting for Henry to fulfill his promise to her.

    Chicago had been a ce filled with sorrow for Irish since the day when her mother passed away.

    She also had never been there because it had been a belief in her heart.

    The belief was that the day when she went to this city, it would be a reunion day for her parents.

    And now the day finally came.

    She sat on the boat, heard the paddle sound, and slowly sprinkled her parents'' ashes into theke.

    Before that, she went to a temple in Chicago which was located in a quiet ce with blue waters and green mountains. The environment here was so great, and that was why she asked for her friend''s help. She held a memorial ceremony for her parents in such a tranquil ce so that they would get peace here, and it was also a ce where her parents wanted to settle down.

    It took her a long time to hold the ceremony, and she prayed devoutly in the center of the temple for her parents, hoping they would get peace and live a happy life after the reunion.

    She kept her sincerity in holding this memorial ceremony for her parents, but in the meantime, she was also guilty because she was not only holding a memorial ceremony for her parents but also her baby, who was destined to have no chance to meet her.

    Irish bowed her head over and over again for her parents and her baby.

    The sunset was setting down on the mountain.<novelnext></novelnext>

    She stared at the sky, which was dyed by the sunset, and felt upset. When she finally buried her parents together, she was in a low mood, so she didn''t want to appreciate the beautiful scenery of theke.

    It was in Emma Hospital.

    Irish couldn''t help trembling when she finally arrived at this hospital. Perhaps it was because the weather was too cold, just as when she was in Hong Kong, where the rain was heavy. And now the coldness had spread into Chicago while the wind blew violently, which made her feel pain.

    It was her friend who introduced this hospital to her, and the doctor she was going to meet was the one who had delivered a child for her friend before. She arrived there on time while her friend was also curious about her situation, but she didn''t reply frankly but told her that she was going to have a physical examination.

    The doctor was an expert in obstetrics and gynecology in her fifties, with golden hair and blue eyes. She smiled brightly, and it was easy to tell from her tan skin that she enjoyed sunbathing.

    She spoke at a rapid speed, and it seemed that she was positive and easygoing.

    Upon meeting Irish, she asked directly, "Why did you make such a decision, Ms. Irish? You should think twice."

    Irish was silent for a while but didn''t reply to her question directly and said in a low voice, "I choose to use medication abortion."

    The doctor was shocked, and she also raised her voice, "If you really don''t want this baby, I advise you to ept painless induced abortion."

    However, Irish shook her head slightly.

    "I can''t understand why you insist on choosing medication abortion since there is a painless method for you. You have to know that the medication may cause damage to your health, and you will feel pain during the whole process."

    Irish stared into her sincere eyes and replied slowly, "I intend to choose a painful method."

    It was because only the painfulness could pay homage to the loss, and only in this way could she understand what the real meaning of loss was. She wanted to punish herself in this extreme way so as to torture her numb heart, trying to restore its ability to beat.

    The doctor was so astonished and asked her again after a long time, "Have you really decided?"

    Irish nodded silently.

    "Well..." The doctor sighed slightly and gave her the list, and then added, "You have to stay here for one night after taking medicine because we have to ensure your safety."

    But Irish was confused.

    "The drawback of medical abortion is that a part of the centa may still exist in your body, and if it is not cleaned in time, it may arouse some other disease, so you have to stay here for one night for observation. We could judge if the centa is expelledpletely. And if you want to go away right now with medicine, then I have to apologize to you because I can''t do that for you." The doctor exined patiently to her.

 Chapter 616 616: Begin The Searching Now

    Irish then understood the reason, so she nodded after a long while.

    The doctor had no choice but to give a list for her since she perceived her firm attitude and asked the nurse to prepare the ward for her.

    A few minutester, everything had been prepared.

    The nurse handed the white pills to her, staring at her with a weird look, and said, "There was water in the ward, and you can take the pills when you have decided."

    Irish clenched the pills and could not feel its existence, but she suddenly felt heartache. She began to feel hardtop breathing and then put her hands on her abdomen, feeling thousands of arrows prating her heart. She was destined to lose her baby.

    "I am sorry, my baby. It''s mom''s fault."

    She murmured in her heart.

    It was at O''Hare International Airport.

    It was full of people at the exit.

    Some of them were waving hands, and some were raising big brands in hand while others even held arge bunch of flowers.

    It was dark when Joseph got off the ne, and the darkness swallowed up thest light. The neon lightened the city.

    He walked quickly, with the light falling on his hair, but he frowned tightly. Naturally, his handsome appearance attracted much attention from many young girls.

    But he suddenly stopped since when he walked out from the exit, a man stepped toward him rapidly, raising a st of wind, and then vanished soon.

    The man showed great passion when he met Joseph and shook hands with him hastily. "Mr. Dover, nice to meet you. I haven''t seen you for a long time. Mr. Burne is so d since he knows that you wille here, but now he is still in Washington. And he wille back soon. He urged me to y host to you first on the phone."

    "Thanks. I have told Mr. Burne of my goal in Chicago. How long does it take to help me find a person here?" Joseph asked directly.

    He got the phone from Mr. Want in the cemetery and finally got news about Irish. She went to the airport and bought a ticket to Chicago.

    Joseph asked Daisy to cope with the things in New York and then bought a ticket to Chicago without hesitation. He didn''t care about whether he could buy a ticket for the first-ss cabin.

    Unexpectedly, after the boarding, the schedule was still dyed by air traffic control.

    It was when he was so anxious and wanted to get off the ne the captain then informed them that the ne was going to take off soon.

    Around two hourster, he arrived at O''Hare International airport, and it was dark already.

    After thinking for a while, the man who came to pick him up said, "Today is the weekend, and it will take two to three hours more than usual to find a person. Mr. Dover, Mr. Burne intends to arrange for people to search for the person for you tomorrow morning, and it iste, Mr. Burne wants to entertain you tonight, and he has booked a room for you in the hotel."

    "It is unnecessary to entertain me this time, but please arrange for people to begin searching for her now."

    The man nodded since he had perceived Joseph was anxious, and he was also afraid that he would bungle matters.

    "Well, then, what about the evening reception?"

    "I will exin to Mr. Burne personally."<novelnext></novelnext>

    The man nodded and said, "Okay. Then please go back now, and I will arrange for people to search for her as soon as possible."

    Joseph then followed him to the parking lot.

    ****

    It was dark at night, and the blurry light was shining outside the window, and it was the groundmp in the garden of the hospital.

    Irish felt that the stars this evening were particrly bright, which shocked her.

    Shey on the bed quietly and lonely.

    There was a dripping sound in the washroom since she didn''t tighten the stopcock, which reminded her of the day when Cassiemitted suicide, and her blood was also dripping on the ground in this way.

    She didn''t turn on the light in the room, and there was only the moonlight pouring from outside. The moonlight emitted silver-like colors, and the light was cold.

    Irish was like a small animal without temperature, staring at the ceiling without movement. She was dressed in a hospital gown, and her face was pale as if she was just released from death.

    Her lips, which were white and delicate, were dry at the moment.

    But her eyes asionally blinked, which at least indicated that she was still alive.

    She clenched a red wooden horse on, which back there was mane pricked her palm gently as if trying tofort her soul.

    Except for the wooden horse, a notebook and a key were lying in her bag.

    It was a key to open the door of Henry''s heart, and she had to thank Roy for handing it to her.

    When all of the people left the Lake family, she entered Henry''s study room alone.

    And then she opened the cab slowly. At the moment she opened it, she waspletely shocked.

    Eachyer in the cab was neatly arranged with small wooden horses, and there were thirty wooden horses in it, and each of them was vivid in different colors and expressions.

    Irish was stunned for a long while, reaching out slowly and taking a red cockhorse that also existed in her memory.

    When she took it in her hand, she began to suspect that it was the one she liked when she was a kid.

    But soon, she found a notebook, and it was Henry''s diary.

    He wrote on the first page: Isabel, my sweet daughter, I hope you will like the birthday gift that dad prepared for you but never had the courage to send to you.

    She looked through it and felt she was struck by thunder.

    It was not until then she realized that those cockhorses were the birthday gifts that Henry prepared for her every year. And the red one, which was clenched in her hands now, was the one he bought from her neighbor at a high price.

 Chapter 617 617: Are You Still Waiting For Me?

    People had to have dreams of living in this world, and only in this way would life be better. Some people put the dream on their feet, and they may travel around; some would entrust the dream to delicious food, so they would try all kinds of table delicacies fromnd and sea, while some would only make a dream in mind, so they would never put it into practice.

    Perhaps nobody would know that Irish hid a small cockhorse in her heart. She would put it under the sunshine when the sun was bright and sway it leisurely. It was her dream, a dream from her childhood.

    She couldn''t figure out why she would be obsessed with cockhorses. Perhaps it was because of its adorable appearance, or it was because she wanted to find back the happiness she had owned before.

    She would never forget the sunlight that day when the branches and leaves had just sprouted. And the sunlight was mottled while the newborn sprout revealed pure green.

    Her father, who would only appear in newspapers, came to her suddenly while her mother told her with tears in her eyes, "Irish, it is your father. Call daddy."

    She was familiar with the word father, and she was not even strange to the tall and handsome man in front of her because she usually saw her mother looking through his photos at night. She would point at the man in the photo and tell her that the man was her father.

    Irish knew that her mom cherished that album very much.

    Therefore, she will never forget that day when she was a small kid because her parents apanied her to ride the carousel, and when she was riding on it, she saw her parents who stood outside the craw and matched so well with each other.

    Her mom smiled brightly, and the white orchid bloomed behind her. Her long hair was like a silky fabric which made her look even more beautiful, while her father, the man who was always far removed from the masses and reality, also smiled softly when he stared at her mother. When the wind blew up her mom''s hair, he reached out and naturally tucked her hair behind her ears for her.

    Irish felt that it was really a beautiful scene, and she thought they were lovers who would never be separated under the sunshine.

    After that day, she insisted on riding the carousel since she thought her father would show up as long as she went to ride the merry-go-round. However, her mom told her that he would nevere again.

    She couldn''t understand and was unable to ept the scene of riding on the merry-go-round without thepanion of her parents, so she was obsessed with her neighbor''s red cockhorse; perhaps it was because she wanted to catch thest happiness.

    She was so eager to own that red wooden horse, just as she longed for her father, who would only show up in newspapers and TV.

    The red cockhorse bore too much of her expectation which was beautiful but remote from reality, so it could only be an unreachable dream.

    However, she had never expected that day when she opened her father''s cab, there would be so many hand-made cockhorses prepared for her on which her birthday and age were carved, as well as her father''s birthday wishes to her.

    The wish was unique, which was carved in all of the wooden horses and read: my sweet daughter, dad hopes you can grow up healthy and sound.

    It was the sincerest expectation from a father, and he didn''t care if she would bepetent or rich in the future, but he just hoped that she would be healthy and happy.<novelnext></novelnext>

    He recorded his love story with her mom, such as how they knew and fell in love with each other, as well as the process of separating from each other. He used the word, heartbroken man, to describe the feeling when he was forced to separate from her mom. The mottled shadow was invisible on the paper, and Irish knew that it was caused by tears.

    And then she found Henry mentioning his promise to her mother. It seemed that he also longed to live with her mother in Chicago, enjoying the lover''s world of themselves. He also missed her mom, but her mother also remembered her dad fondly.

    She remembered the poem in her mom''s diary: "The red bean grows in Southernnds, with spring its sender tendrils twine. Gather for me some more, I pray, as they best convey lovesickness." She remembered her mom''s tearful eyes when she read this poem every time.

    Irish burst into tears in front of the cockhorses, but she could just sob there as if she had lost all of her strength at that moment. She was unable to figure out how the lovers would not be separated and stay with each other for a lifetime.

    Now, she finally helped her parents to fulfill their wishes, but she was left alone in this world to learn how to maintain her beloved one in the deep of her heart while avoiding suffering in the meantime.

    The moonlight outside the window was getting colder.

    Irish leaned on the bed, her eyes dreary, and stared at the moonlight pouring on the edge of the window for a long time.

    She was also suffering from the pain of missing a person, just like her mother.

    She didn''t know when she fell asleep and how long she had slept.

    She felt that she opened her eyes and saw a bustling street in front of her eyes with endless car flow. The neon was flickering while the people around went to and fro in a hurry, but she just stood among the crowd in a solitary tower as if she was looking for the light that could shine on her.

    But soon she saw a man who was ten meters away from her. He also stood there motionlessly as she did.

    He was dressed in a long ck coat, a dark grey shirt, and a pair of ck trousers. Though the color was monotonous, it didn''t look dull at all. He was tall and with a strong figure and sturdy chest.

    He waved at her; his palm was broad, while his fingers were slender.

    She was cheerful and rushed to him while a smile gradually appeared on his face.

    He held her tightly and called her name, asking her, "Are you waiting for me? Are you still waiting for me?"

    She replied without hesitation, "Yes, I am waiting for you. I am waiting for you in the same ce and have never left."

 Chapter 618 618: How Do You Know I’m Here?

    He smiled but looked so mncholy.

    She held him tightly with her cheeks pressing his chest, and her tears shed down. "Do you know that I have a nightmare? You fell down into the deep valley of the mountain in my dream, and I am so sad. I have been alone for so many years, but I can''t get any information from you. You are gone. But now I feel so good since I finally woke up from that nightmare. You are still here and alive." She said softly in a low voice.

    He lowered his head and kissed her forehead.

    She closed her eyes quietly to feel his warmth, but soon a dropping tear swiped her cheeks which startled her. She opened her eyes but found he had turned away.

    "Adam!" She called his name and tried her best to find his back among the crowd.

    However, he vanished soon among the crowd.

    Irish opened her eyes abruptly but could only see the dim light.

    It turned out that it was a dream, but it was so real.

    Her body was as stiff as a wooden te while her mind was still lingering in the dream. Tears shed down soundlessly, and she even didn''t feel them.

    The dream was so real that she was unable to tell the dream from reality and couldn''t figure out whether she was awake or still in the dream.

    But soon, she was stunned by the airflow, which reminded her that she had woken up from her dream.

    A faint woody fragrance floated in the air, which was the smell she missed madly. This familiar fragrance apanied her every day in previous days, from being courteous to each other to intimate with each other. Her life turned out to be colorful because of this fragrance.

    No matter how much damage it brought to her, she was unable to forget it. She was like a drug addict who couldn''t live without this woody fragrance anymore.

    But how can there be his breath? Irish suddenly returned to reality and then looked around, but soon she was stunned by the man sitting beside her bed.

    She screamed since the figure in the dream ovepped with the man in front of her. She suddenly sat up from the bed and tried to look at the man in front of her by the dim light outside the window.

    The man just sat there silently, staring at her until she stopped screaming. It seemed he was a little cruel since he frightened her abruptly, but he didn''tfort her with a single word and just stared at her quietly until she calmed down.

    He was the only man in the world who could bring people dread when he was calm.

    A slight light was outside the window, which squeezed out from the gap between the clouds, so the light was dim and fuzzy.

    But it was enough for her to see the face of the man clearly.

    But soon, she was in great astonishment, and she began to breathe quickly.

    It was Joseph!

    It was as if the robber interrupted the tranquil environment while Irish turned to be the object of aggression. She stared at Joseph, and her body was imbued with a strong sense of weakness.

    He looked so calm under the dim light, even without a faint smile, and his thin lips pursed into a line that looked sharp. He stared at her motionlessly while she couldn''t see through his mind. His eyes seemed to have absorbed all of the light and trapped her in endless darkness.

    Irish stared at him in shock, and she didn''t know how he found her and could not figure out when he got in. What she knew was that his silence and stillness were the most powerful weapons hitting her chest, making her stand at a loss.

    Obviously, she had never expected that he would find her in such a short time.<novelnext></novelnext>

    The time solidified, and everything in the room sunk into stillness.

    It was not until he finally asked her with a husky voice, "Are you awake now?"

    The maic voice disturbed the silence, and in the following second, a re shed out of the window, and the sun finally came out of the skyline.

    Irish was able to see his expression clearly.

    He looked tired, and at least she could tell his tiredness from his frown.

    His eyes were filled with blood silk which made him look so exhausted.

    Irish was like a broken puppet and just stared at him silently. She said nothing but tried her best to adjust her emotion while Joseph kept staring at her without moving. There was a strong sadness flowing in his eyes.

    "How do you know I''m here?" When she said to him after a long while, Irish had restored her calmness. She suffered from pain when her hand was stained by blood.

    And now, when she looked at him, she felt a severe pain again.

    Joseph ignored her words directly. No matter how he found her, he was sitting in front of her at this moment.

    He leaned forward, pulling her hand that was holding a red wooden horse and crossed with it. The moment when he touched her hands, Irish trembled violently because his hand was so cold, and she couldn''t feel any warmth from it.

    He seemed to be refraining from his emotion since his eysh was slightly shivering. But soon, his voice sounded, "Did you sleep well?" His voice was tremulous.

    Joseph clenched her hands, puckering his mouth as if he was waiting for a better answer, and it also seemed that he was avoiding something.

    The ward was once again trapped in stillness. Irish could only hear the humming sound of her eardrum.

    After a long time, she replied indifferently, "You just want to know if I sleep well?"

    She couldn''t avoid what woulde next, and she had to admit what she had done.

    The light was brighter, and the nascent light was always so eager to break in and would vanish on the other side of the sky.

    It was like the short life of a human, which bloomed gorgeously but would vanish silently.

    The light fell on his face, on his well-defined chin. Irish saw his eyes tremble, and a dim light was flickering there. Then, gradually, it condensed into seriousness, and his tone also turned grave.

    "Where is the baby?"

    She perceived that his hand shivered slightly when he asked.

    The dawn finally came, and her face looked so pale, including her lips which looked like they had been decolorized.

    Joseph felt sore when she stared at her, but when he found the blood in her hospital gown, his eyes turned rigorously, and he clenched her even more tightly.

 Chapter 619 619: Where Is My Baby?

    Irish followed his eyesight, and when the red blood heaved insight, she was suffocated for a moment. Every cell in her body screamed for pain. She was like a prisoner who was about to ept the death sentence, bearing the torture in great pain.

    "Where is my baby?" Joseph gnashed his teeth and asked word by word.

    Irish felt pain since he clenched her so tightly, so she drew back her hand from his palm, getting off the bed after looking at him for a moment. She staggered into the washroom, and when she walked out, her forehead was wet.

    Joseph stood up subconsciously, and the unfathomable premonition was stronger.

    He felt that he had seen the crow that mmed into the car and then cried mournfully.

    A pool of blood unfolded before his eyes.

    Irish could not walk anymore since she was so weak, so she leaned against the wall, and her back was wet with sweat. She was like being on the ice.

    "Joseph, I almost trust you if you could be a bit more serious." She leaned on the wall so that she would not fall down, staring at him with a faint smile, and added, "I will believe that you are looking forward to the birth of this baby."

    Joseph stepped forward quickly and grabbed her shoulder anxiously while Irish could perceive his indignation easily. "Tell me that you didn''t take that medicine!"

    Irish gazed at him indifferently, ignoring the pain in her shoulder since it was nothingpared to the pain in her heart. Now she really knew what torture was. She allowed him to grab her, and she bit her lips tightly.

    After he roared at her, she unfolded her hand in front of him where there was a small ssware in which there was a small group of flesh and blood.

    He breathed rapidly, loosened one of his hands, and then took the ssware.

    She smiled faintly and said indifferently, "It''s your baby."

    His hand trembled violently, and the ssware slipped down to the white carpet from his hand. The little crassamentum had been stuck to the ssware.

    He staggered, and his face turned pale immediately, staring at the ssware on the ground. His breath elerated soon, his shoulder shivering, hand clenching.

    She saw the blue vein on his forehead.

    "It is impossible." He gnashed his teeth and said in a weak voice.

    Irish stared at him motionlessly and replied word by word, "I have taken medicine, and that is your baby."

    Joseph was grave and stepped back until he reached the window. It seemed that he had been pulled out of the backbone, and his self-esteem was broken into pieces. He gnashed his teeth but kept staring at the ssware on the ground.

    The red blood heaved in his sight and lingered in his mind. And in the next second, he roared like a wounded beast.

    He punched the window violently, and soon the ss scattered on the floor, making a cracking sound.

    His hand was bleeding soon.

    He leaned on the wall like a wounded animal that was dying, and his tall figure elongated.

    His hand was bleeding and was hanging there, and the blood was dripping to the ground.

    Irish closed her eyes and endured the severe pain. Only she could perceive the real feeling. She hated him, but for him, she wouldn''t endure such torture.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Perhaps the nurse also heard the noise in the ward, so she opened the door, but soon she was shocked and widened her eyes at the scene in the ward, asking cautiously, "Ms. Irish, are you okay?"

    Irish was too exhausted to reply, but soon Joseph roared indignantly, "Get out of here."

    It was not until he turned around, Irish then found that his eyes were scarlet as a horrible beast while his face was extremely pale, ring at her sharply.

    The young nurse was startled by him, and soon she rushed out of the ward out of fear.

    Joseph did not care about his bleeding hands, which were still shivering, and still clenched his hands.

    "Why?" He asked in a weak voice with his teeth gnashing.

    It took him two hours from New York to Chicago, but this trip cost all of his strength. He had never been so anxious and worried before.

    He disregarded his work at the Runestone Group, which was still trapped in huge trouble. He asked for many people''s help to find her.

    As soon as he arrived in Chicago, he immediately searched for the surveince video. After that, he searched almost every corner of New York and Chicago to find her.

    He dared not to cken at all since he was afraid that he would waste a single second to find her.

    He only hoped she would be safe.

    He almost burst into tears because of happiness when he finally saw her in the video. It was not until then he realized that he was so afraid that he would lose her.

    Therefore, he tracked her to this hospital, and when he stood at the gate of the hospital, it was at night before dawn. The sky was particrly deep and serene, which made the stars brighter, hanging over the sky.

    But somehow, his heart trembled suddenly.

    He walked into the hospital with heavy steps.

    He kept praying that nothing terrible would happen on the way to the hospital. He was so worried about Irish''s health and the baby in her belly since Irish was so abnormally quiet and just sat in one ce for a long time.

    He was afraid that she didn''t say anything. However, she was so stubborn that she would not say anything in front of others, no matter how sad she was.

    He heard that Irish stayed in the hospital through the nurse.

    However, the nurse told him that she must remain in the hospital because she had conducted a medical abortion, which shocked him. He thought that the nurse made it wrong because she was not such a cruel woman. Although she was not so mild in speech, he ensured that she loved the baby.

    It was impossible for her to choose a medical abortion.

    The nurse hesitated to tell him that Irish just took the medicine back to the ward, and she also hoped that Irish could make a decision after deep thinking. After all, the baby was innocent.

    The nurse looked at him as if she was looking at an irresponsible man.

    Joseph thought that he had experienced a lot, and he would always keep calm after so many years of fighting and struggling in the business field. However, when the nurse told him that, he was terrified and ran to the ward without hesitation.

 Chapter 620 620: Why Could She Be So Cruel?

    The nurse stopped him immediately. He was so anxious that he put his ID card on the table directly.

    He opened the door with his quivering hands.

    And then he saw Irish lying in bed.

    She justy there quietly like a good baby, but this scene made him ache.

    All his anxiety, annoyance, and anger were gone when he saw her. She was there, so truthful, and within ten steps.

    He put his footsteps light and came to her bed. He stared at her under the moonlight passing through the window gap, and his eyes were filled with pity.

    Her face was so pale.

    He dared not think too much and considered something he didn''t want to perceive.

    Running was not what he was good at. He didn''t do well in it and also hated it deeply. But at this moment, he dared not to wake her up, which was aplete action of running away.

    He sat beside her bed silently and waited for her to wake up. He only hoped that when she woke up, she could tell him smilingly that she was only worried about the baby''s health, so she came here to have a check.

    He justforted himself this way and was unwilling to wake her up. And when she woke up, he had to tell her that the ward was not suitable for her anymore.

    If she were really worried about her baby, he would prepare a colorful ward for her so that she could be filled with energy both in her eyes and her mind, not as pale as this ward.

    That was right. He hated whiteness most, so he longed to bring color to his own woman.

    Irish was beautiful when she fell asleep. Although her face was pale, she was still so beautiful and attractive.

    Shey there with a snow-white quilt. One of her hands was in it, while the other was out, in which there was a little wooden horse. Its color deeply touched him.

    Was the mboyant color the hope that she wanted to give to the baby?

    He reached out his hands. He really wanted to touch her but stopped at a near distance.

    He was afraid that he would wake her up.

    However, his nervousness couldn''t be driven away even if he kept silent. She had difficulty sleeping easily because her red lips sometimes quivered. He was so worried about her, and he wanted tofort her by touching her lightly.

    However, when his hands just covered her cheek, she shouted out anxiously, "Adam!"

    Joseph pulled his hands back, and his heart was torn by her into pieces. He had deeply believed that he had made her forget that man during this time, a man she murmured in his bosom and a man he hated most and wanted to dig out, but he had no way to find out.

    Nobody like her would be so bold and shout out another man''s name without worry.

    Was it because he loved her so much or that she was a cruel woman?

    She woke up with expectations about the dream and the puzzle for the present. And finally, she saw him, and soon she was filled with terror.

    He didn''t make it wrong. It was terror.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Having much experience in the business field, he had seen many expressions before. When hispetitors were forced by him so much that there was no way for them they would show this kind of expression. Joseph was fond of this kind of expression and even ignored them, but atst, he saw it on his woman''s face.

    At that moment, he was so broken.

    As a matter of fact, the man she missed was Adam, and even in her dream, the man she wanted to seek was not Joseph!

    However, he was still attached to her.

    She dug out his heart like a killer and threw it on the ground. She stepped on it forcefully and pulverized it little by little. However, he still had hope, and it was only because she said what she could do since she fell in love with him.

    Nobody would know how joyful he was when he heard it. Her cold eyes made him sad again.

    He ignored his pain and tolerated it, and he dared not to ask her, "Did you have the medicine?" He acted to be an ostrich for the first time and just buried its head into thend. He could only ask some irrelevant questions.

    He dared not to ask, and he only hoped that things wouldn''t get terrible and be under his control because he was not used to epting something he couldn''t control.

    However, Irish really became a killer now. She not only hurt him but also killed his baby. Now the baby was in front of him and destroyed all his pride and confidence.

    He didn''t understand. He really didn''t understand!

    Why could she be so cruel?

    The air in the ward was so thin that she nearly suffocated. The pressure given by Joseph came to her immediately, just like a stone.

    Irish bent down difficultly and picked up the container. She walked to him slowly and put it into his pocket lightly by, ignoring her pain.

    She smiled lightly and told him word by word, "And now it''s fair to both of us."

    Joseph was annoyed, so he just reached his hand suddenly and pinched Irish''s neck tightly with his cold hands. This woman''s beauty turned out to be a poison for him, and at this moment, he nearly wanted to pinch her to death.

    "Irish, you are so bold!" His teeth gritted.

    Irish didn''t struggle and just let him do it. She could feel his anger. His fingers were not wild anymore, and they were just deep into her neck. She could feel her blood vessels throbbing because of rough cirction. She couldn''t breathe and could only be forced to look up at his handsome but distorted face.

    One of her hands dropped weakly while the other was gripped tightly.

    He didn''t notice this hand, which was always gripped as she fell asleep, woke up, and then went to the restroom.

    His hand nearly ripped out her neck, and she was just like a goat waiting to be killed quietly.

    Her hands became cold, while the little pill became wet and nearly melted. And now it was powder in her hands.

    She didn''t know whether it was because it was near for her to die; she could feel the dryness of the powder.

    Her breath was more and more difficult, and she could hear the sound of beating. There were so many scenes in her brain, and finally, she thought of one cloudy afternoon in the doctor''s office.

    She would never forget that scene for her lifetime.

 Chapter 621 621: Her Anguish

    That afternoon, she sat across from the doctor and looked at the two data. One was about progesterone, and the other was about human chorionic gonadotropin. She asked the doctor with a quivering voice, "Why are these two data close to thatst time? Is there no increase?"

    She had checked some information, and it was said that human chorionic gonadotropin would increase multiple times, proving that the baby was growing. That was why she controlled her anguish, but she was still not assured, so she came to the hospital.

    But why did this happen?

    The doctor was very concerned, and Irish was afraid to see this expression. Finally, the doctor told her that the situation was unpleasant and she might have a miscarriage.

    She didn''t believe that.

    The doctor suggested she receive treatment to protect her baby and have a check every two other days.

    She couldn''t wait for it.

    Butter, when she took a blood test again, the doctor stated that all her efforts were in vain.

    Until now, the doctor''s words lingered in her mind, "Sorry! Your progesterone and human chorionic gonadotropin haven''t increased within these several hours."

    "What do you mean?" She heard the sound of gritting teeth.

    "You could not protect your child well." The doctor sighed.

    "I beg you. Please protect my baby. Please!"

    The doctor didn''t know how to handle it, "I could only give you some medicine to protect your baby, but ording to the situation, there was a great possibility for you to have an abortion. It was so dangerous."

    "I just want to protect it no matter how much it will cost."

    "But ording to the data identified before and now, your baby has already been ..." The doctor didn''t know how to say it directly, "So when your pregnancy has to be stopped, the embryo needs to be taken out immediately; otherwise, it will cause inmmation."

    It was just at that moment that she knew what feeling was helplessness. Even if she knew that her love was just a joke, she still had hope, no matter how sad she was.

    And the hope was her baby.

    No matter how she didn''t want to admit Joseph''s words, she still needed to admit the fact that she was pregnant now.

    So many people left the world, especially those who had been beside her.

    And now her baby was leaving her.

    She understood what the doctor meant. There was no increase in the data, which meant that her baby wascking vitality and it would disappear at any time.

    "I just want to let it be good. Is it so difficult? Now that the technology is so advanced, I..." She was just like a drowning person and filled with desperation and helplessness. Her tears fell down on the table, out of control. She seemed to force the doctor, but actually, she could only put all her hopes on the doctor.

    It would be overjoyed for her if it was possible to keep the baby well.

    The doctor was silent for a while and said to her honestly, "The case for you might have something to do with your unstable feelings and your own health. I need to remind you that your uterine wall was very thin."<novelnext></novelnext>

    "I can''t understand. What does it mean?"

    The doctor looked at her seriously, "It means that it''s not suitable for you to be pregnant because your uterine wall is too thin. Even if you get pregnant, it will be hard for you to bear the baby''s increasing weight. And when the fetus is six or seven months, there is a potential danger of the uterus breaking. Actually, there have been cases before, and if the uterus is broken, it will cause the adult''s death."

    "So you mean..." Her body quivered. The doctor looked at her and said lightly, "If you really want babies, I suggest that you should adopt one because it is very dangerous for you with a weak constitution. On the one hand, there is a danger if you have a premature delivery. On the other hand, you will be in danger at any time. As a result, you will be in hospital and need to end your pregnancy at any time. Every woman in the world wants to be a mother one day, but you..."

    She didn''t know how she walked out of the hospital.

    She could only remember that the wind was so cruel and made her ache greatly. Her underbelly ached, which told her the fact that the fetus had left her and that it would be nearly impossible for her to have her own baby one day.

    She refused the doctor''s suggestion and took the medicine tightly. She kept expecting that her progesterone and human chorionic gonadotropin would increase by multiple times, and the doctor told her that there were mistakes in the results, and actually, her baby was sound.

    How could her child be so unhealthy?

    However, day by day, her underbelly felt ached, and she had to face the fact that it was bleeding. No matter how hard she tried and how sincere she was, the connection between her and the baby was broken.

    When she was faced with these Buddhas and looked up to them, she really wanted to ask them why her baby had to be taken away. Actually, it was the only means for her to miss Joseph.

    She hated Joseph and hated that statement. She hated that he left cruelly after giving her hope and happiness and that he still pretended to love her when he didn''t love her at all.

    How she loved Joseph, and she would hate him so much.

    She still lived in despair, and two sounds battled each other daily. She was worn out and wondered whether he loved her or not.

    She hated him so much, but she couldn''t avoid him.

    She was cold to him, which made her also suffer. Actually, who she punished was not him but herself.

    And when his kiss kept as warm as before, Irish found that she couldn''t make it not to love him at all, even if he was cruel and made her so sad.

    She still couldn''t make it not to love him.

    If so, she could put him into her mind forever and into her dream, even if they would be strangerster.

    However, the first moment when they met each other, she turned her love for him into hatred again, especially when she prayed for her child. She hated Joseph to the greatest degree.

    Why?

    Why did her happinesse from him and her anguish too?

    If they had not met each other and fallen in love, it would not have been so miserable to fall into the abyss after the joy of being a mother.

    How could she face him?

 Chapter 622 622: Just Kill Me

    Even if she could cheat herself that he loved her, she was not entitled to maintain such a kind of rtionship during which they would not be happy.

    So there was a kind of person who could alleviate pain for others and clean barriers by utilizing dreams to make them healthy and happy but couldn''t give themselves a good dream.

    She was that kind of person.

    So she hated it.

    Her baby wanted to leave her so much that she could feel it every second, so she came to the hospital.

    She couldn''t let her baby ept the cold scalpel at itsst second. Her baby was so quiet and silent that she was afraid that when the scalpel swept over its body, it would scream in her dream, "Mom, feel ached..."

    Yes, she couldn''t make it ache since it was her baby, just like she was her mother''s. So she chose to have medicine.

    This would be a painful choice, but it was just for her.

    She wanted to prove that her baby hade to this world with the most torturing method. She wanted to have it for thest time.

    She was finally punished by god.

    She didn''t have the medicine, and it waste for her to feel the baby''s existence for thest time. The baby just left her silently.

    She suffered and could only cry in bed with herst breath.

    She knew that she could not leave it anymore...

    She didn''t know how to clean the blood. She didn''t know how she finally saw it in the blood either, and then she just put it into the container prepared by the hospital.

    Her fingers were filled with blood.

    It was the fetus''s blood.

    It was so beautiful. She imagined that it would be a girl. She also imagined dressing her in the most beautiful clothes. And now it was indeed the most beautiful because it had a transparent ss coat as protection from harm.

    But why did hee here and see such a helpless and desperate one? What did he want to do?

    Why didn''t she pull him into the cliff together?

    Joseph''s hands were death''s hands for her.

    She couldn''t take a breath, and it was difficult for her to inhale oxygen.

    And her consciousness became unclear. So was it a feeling of facing death? She became quieter, just like a broken doll, and was sent to hell by Joseph without any resistance. The man overhead was shouting angrily and asked why she did it. Was she entitled to do it?

    Her lips opened, and she couldn''t say anything.<novelnext></novelnext>

    The scenes in her brain began to show one by one, so clear and so true.

    She saw Shirley quarreling with her Mom and scolded her Mom. She saw herself riding on the Carousel andughing and shouting happily while her parents just stood there and looked at her as other parents did. Only she was in their mind.

    She saw that as she was little, she was not willing to go and just cried in front of a neighbor''s house. She just stared at that little red Trojan horse and didn''t want to leave, regardless of her parent''s persuasion. And then she saw that her father knocked at the neighbor''s door, and then the neighbor refused her father''s request.

    She saw within a deep and cidne a little boy was pulling a girl to run while a crowd of people was chasing them.

    She saw that she had great courage toe to the Lake''s and tried her best to approach the bell on tiptoe. However, she was so short that she could only pound the door with great strength. The woman who scolded her Mom came out and looked at her, disgusted. That woman regarded her as a beggar. She told Irish that her father would never see her Mom.

    She saw her Mom lying in bed and leaning against her little shoulder quietly. It waste for her to say "Happy Birthday" to her Mom since her Mom had closed her eyes.

    And then she saw Joseph in the sunshine at Midnight. Joseph was so tall and so attractive to her...

    And then she knew that all these 30 years were just like a movie for her and showed gradually as she was near death.

    So when the oxygen was nearly all out of her brain, she difficultly said, "Joseph...You... just kill me..."

    Death was a release for her now.

    And there was darkness in front of her.

    Before she was out of consciousness, a voice intruded in angrily and anxiously, "Are you mad, Joseph?"

    She closed her eyes and was in the dark abyss without any torture.

    ****

    When in a mess, everyone deals with it differently. Someone would encounter it positively, while others just follow others naturally, and still, others just run away. So many people could be grouped into thest category in reality and exist considerably like clouds of birds. And Lilith was just one of them.

    She took the flight to Florida when the Lake''s were in a mess.

    It was not because she was cruel, but because she could not address the issues that were so difficult for her, who didn''t graduate from college for a long time.

    She was not as strong as Irish, who was with willingness and tenacity. She was also not as confident as Joseph, who nned everything and controlled everything. She could only grasp what she could ande to Florida to seek Jay.

    It was already 6 in the evening when she arrived in Miami. And there was no train from Miami to Ondo. She had nned to rent a car to Ondo, but she feared that Florida would be dangerous in the darkness. As she was alone, it would be unpredictable for her to go, so she had to stay overnight in Miami.

    Miami was a small city in Florida. Just as described in the book, it was quiet and clean, not as messy and dpidated as she had imagined. Instead, it kept its original characteristics and identity.

    Its name had its own origin, which made it more impressive.

    It was not cold, so when Lilith sought the room she ordered before on the inte, there was still warm sunshine cast down and on the longne with stones.

 Chapter 623 623: Didn’t Pay Attention

    Under the sunshine, she prayed for Jay honestly and sincerely.

    The other day, she said goodbye to her room and took a ride to Ondo after three hours.

    That was where Jay was.

    He had stayed in other ces for a long time, and now he went to Ondo. Stopping beside a river, Lilith wondered whether Jay had also stopped there.

    Ondo was different from Miami. Many banyan trees were on the roadside and among viges, which was the most prominent feature.

    She heard of this ce from Jay, and Joseph also mentioned it.

    The Runestone Group''s main activity was diamond, and it had its own stable channels, ranging from a collection of raw materials to independent design and sales. Diamond was the main jewelry, but it could not be the only product, and someplementary materials were needed, such as gold, silver, gem, and pearl. Joseph mentioned Ondo because the emerald trade was popr here.

    Emerald gambling was Ondo''s culture, which had a deep origin. One''s destiny could be decided by just one knife.

    Joseph was in the material collection. To search for the best emerald, he hade to Ondo, and naturally, he had experienced emerald gambling.

    Emerald was different from other jades in that it appeared in the form of a stone. And its quality could only be decided by opening it. Obviously, it was the gambling of wisdom and experience and the demonstration of boldness and judgment.

    She heard that in earlier years, Joseph really seeded in such a game since the quality of emerald was really advanced as it was cut. He put emeralds as design elements of a diamond ne, which was sold at a high price. Hence the market on the maind was opened.

    Of course, she had no interest in emerald gambling. She didn''t pay attention to these precious emeralds either. She only wanted to find him in this ce.

    She could feel that he was here. And it was supper time.

    Some children ran beside her and spoke local dialects. However, they were not curious about her anymore because many tourists came here.

    Big noise was made as she stepped onto the stonene. It was lucky for her to wear a pair of t shoes; otherwise, it would be very tiring if she had worn high heels.

    And when she was far from the crowd, she saw a car.

    That car still followed her just like a ghost.

    She stopped, and then the car also slowed down.

    Lilith was stressed about it and had some unlucky predictions, so she just sped up.

    She heard the noise of cars pressing stones, so unpleasant.

    So she just ran directly.

    However, the car behind her also sped up and rushed toward her.

    Finally, it stopped in front of her.

    "Ah��" Lilith was terrified to scream and just looked at the car.

    Her heel was twisted, and then she just sat down directly.

    Soon the door was opened, and several people jumped out, walking towards her with no obvious facial expressions.

    She just opened her eyes and screamed, trying her best to run away.

    However, several men caught her immediately and brought her into the car easily.

    Lilith''s loud shouting couldn''t be heard as the door was closed suddenly.

    The car went away.

    And only one of her shoes was left alone.<novelnext></novelnext>

    ****

    It was in the morning.

    It was as difficult for the dim light toe out as a new baby came to the new world.

    But Irish had no such blessing of having a baby.

    So she could only look up to the window and stare at the sunshine that was not brilliant now.

    Just as she had consciousness, she thought that she had died already.

    If not, why was it fully white? There was the sound of spring water flowing lightly and hovering around her. The light aroma of leather and rosin wood was on her breath, a little familiar and a little strange.

    She had a sore throat.

    She wanted to touch it, but her neck ached greatly.

    She thought of thest scene when she was in aa when Joseph held her neck. The anguish in his eyes nearly made her die. She believed that he really wanted to kill her.

    Later, when the door was pushed, and Leo''s figure met her eyes, she thought that the voice in the Chicago ward was from Leo.

    He told her that it was his house.

    Now she hase back to New York.

    Irish couldn''t remember how Leo brought her back to New York and how he avoided Joseph. Instead, she was deep into the endless darkness, and when she woke up again, she found herself in a house designed withplete whiteness.

    She hadn''te to Leo''s house and didn''t know that it was so clean.

    Whenever she passed by the Rainbow Bridge, she would see the Palm Spring Apartment, a high-end international apartment. She never thought that Leo lived here, and it was not far from Joseph''s house in Midtown Manhattan.

    She just leaned against the window with a diary book left by Henry on her legs. She just viewed the beautiful scenes in the garden sluggishly. The sunshine in the morning was pleasant, but she felt cold.

    Sunshine on the winter days was a little cold.

    Someone knocked at the door. She didn''t move.

    The sound of opening the door was small, and someone walked toward her.

    It was so quiet.

    So she really wanted to say to the man behind her, "Finally, I know why you are fond of noise because it is too quiet here."

    However, she didn''t speak it out.

    "Just have something." Leo''s voice was very mild.

    Irish was not hungry at all. She just wanted to go home and leave. However, where did she go?

    Seeing her motionless, Leo sighed and sat beside her, watching the morning sunshine outside the window. After a while, he looked at her again and raised his hands to put her hair beside her ears lightly and said, "It is suggested by the doctor that you need to have a rest since you are weak now."

    Her body quivered.

    Leo felt sorry for her, so he just pulled her into his bosom.

    The light came in and drew their shadows long. They were just there silently.

 Chapter 624 624: I Will Not Lose

    After over ten minutes, Irish spoke, "Send me back to my uncle''s home. I''m okay now." Leo was so considerate that he called her uncle on the way back to New York.

    If she were as weak as she was in the hospital, she would not have nned to go back to her uncle''s home. She tended to share happiness with others and was not ustomed to sharing sadness. Upon her mother''s death, she understood that it was not pleasant to share pains and sufferings with others.

    Leo denied it upon hearing her words, "No. I am worried about your health."

    "I''m really okay." She emphasized lightly.

    Leo still didn''t agree.

    "You need to work."

    Leo smiled lightly and said, "I have a protracted war with him, this mad one.

    Irish had a bad prediction.

    "Irish." Leo released her and held her shoulders lightly, saying softly and lovingly, "It iste even if you don''t want to drag me, so just stay here and leave when you are healthy again."

    He saw the bruise on her neck, so scary. Joseph''s anger could be observed easily. Leo dared not to imagine. If he hade therete for one minute, Irish would have been dead. When he intruded in, he thought that he saw a devil whose eyes were so cold, while Irish was just like a flower that would wither immediately and silently.

    Joseph had notified Leo since he predicted that something would happen. Joseph called Leo and told him that he had arrived in Chicago.

    It would be difficult for him to find Irish in Chicago, but easy to know something about Joseph.

    However, he camete.

    He never thought that Joseph would hold Irish''s neck to death.

    At that time, so many doctors and nurses came, and one even called the police. The police also came. As Irish was out of consciousness and fainted, Joseph was taken by the police.

    He would forever remember Joseph''s expression when he left. His sharp eyes were just like knives.

    Joseph was taken to the police station, and Leo knew clearly that he would soone out of it with his resources. Leo just asked something about Irish simply and basically knew something about her, and then he took Irish back to New York.

    Aftering back to New York, Irish felt bad and slept for a long time. She had nightmares and a fever, so Leo called the family doctor to look after her for the whole 24 hours.

    Irish could figure out Leo''s meaning.

    She looked at him, "What did Joseph do?"

    "Nothing terrible. He was just unsatisfied with me." Leo simply said it.

    However, the truth was when Joseph came back to New York, and he attacked Key Group''s stock price. Leo was busy with Irish''s affairs, so he forgot that Joseph would do something bad to him. The attack was sudden and unexpected.

    He never saw that Joseph could be so irrational that he retaliated to him by making use of the business. He didn''t expect the Linkus Group to still be against the Key Group.

    He had to admit that Joseph knew something deeply about the rules and situation of stock.

    Irish looked at him for a while and struggled to stand up. Leo pulled her and stopped her action. He looked at her seriously, "If there is a real battle, I will not lose."

    She looked at him, shocked, then shook her head helplessly.

    It was not the result she wanted.

    She only wanted to find a quiet ce that could be strange. Nobody needed to know her, so she didn''t need to live in others'' sympathy.

    She didn''t want to be interrupted, and she didn''t want to interrupt others. She just wanted tofort herself. It was just simple.

    But why was it so difficult to achieve?<novelnext></novelnext>

    She could not make a guess about what Joseph did to Leo. She didn''t want to burden others since others lived easily.

    Leo didn''t allow her to say much, and he just embraced her onto the bed directly and put her onto, pressing her and saying word by word, "Irish, I have much time to watch you. Do not have so many thoughts and do not have so many considerations. You can just stay here and be responsible for yourself."

    "I��"

    The bell ring interrupted her words. Leo stared at her and ordered, "Lie down and have a good rest."

    And then he left the bedroom and closed the door lightly.

    When the door was open, the sunshine was strong.

    Joseph''s tall figure nearly made the door frame full. There was light on his face, and his eyes were cold. Leo opened the door and saw him, but he didn''t feel strange. He just stood there and crossed his arms.

    "It is the first time for you toe here. So rare!"

    Joseph was still cold, and he just looked at Leo, asking word by word, "Where is Irish?

    "Unhappy since you didn''t make her die? Do you need a knife from me?" Leo was also serious now and said angrily, "You are so cruel!"

    How could he do such things? Joseph didn''t answer him and was still cold. He didn''t make his voice louder and asked again, "Where is Irish?"

    Leo kept silent.

    However, he just pushed Leo and walked in with big steps.

    "You can''t bring her away," Leo said to him, and his voice lingered in therge living room.

    Joseph didn''t answer and just rushed to the second floor.

    Leo was not anxious at all and just followed him slowly, seeing him seeking Irish room by room. He didn''t believe that Joseph would hit Irish in front of him.

    And finally, Joseph pushed open the door at the end of the corridor.

    It was filled with sunshine, and when he opened it, the cold smell of disinfectant entered his nose.

    The room had good sound instion.

    At least Irish didn''t hear the noise of opening doors by Joseph.

    And when this room''s door was opened, she was terrified and looked at the door. She was surprised to see this man at the door.

    She didn''t expect that he woulde here, just like she hadn''t thought that Joseph would appear in the ward in Chicago.

    As Joseph saw her, he turned so cold. He came in and approached her, reaching his hands. Just at this moment, Leo rushed toward and protected her, stopping Joseph''s hands.

    "Joseph, what do you want to do?"

    "Go away!" Joseph was not polite.

    Leo stared at him angrily, "This is my home. You should go away!"

    Joseph''s face turned to be colder, and he raised his hands up, struggling out of Leo''s holding. He sneered, "Do you have time to take charge of other affairs?"

    "Her affairs are also mine." Leo didn''t make a concession.

    Their quarreling gave Irish a headache. She reached her hands weakly and pulled Leo''s clothes, "I can deal with it."

 Chapter 625 625: Do You Still Love Me Like This?

    After Leo left, it calmed the dreadful tension in the room a little but deepened the coldness, which she knew emanated from Joseph, who, as soon as he approached, could make her freeze.

    The room waspletely quiet but deeply disturbing.

    Irish also did not raise her eyes and lightly said, "Joseph, you hate me very well; after all, I killed your child."

    Everyone has pride and dignity to maintain, Joseph did so, and so did she. Some people like to pour out all their words to others. They think that if they say it, everything can be solved. In fact, it is a typical act of passing on one''s emotions to others selfishly without suffering any losses. No one in the world has any obligation to be your garbage can. The more you grow up, the more lonely you be. The more you think about things, the less you can say, and some people like to bury everything in their hearts. These kinds of people never have a notebook to write down their thoughts because they are convinced that even a locked notebook does not keep their secrets well. Only they are the most faithful secret guardians.

    There was nothing secret about Irish, and there were things to say and not to say, which she knew clearly.

    When she had a goal and dreams and took the future as a sunrise, she would try her best to solve the plight, but when she saw the devastation after so many people had left, she still had the ability to look forward to it again and again.

    Even if she was a psychologist, she didn''t have the capacity to bear the window that God had closed.

    She felt as if she were a creature, the monster in the Mountain, with three heads and six tails,ughing every day. Although it was a monster, it didn''t have the ability of a monster, and too many people thought about its flesh. Because the meat was edible, eating that, they would no longer have nightmares or even depression.

    She was the bird.

    Now that she wanted to eat her own flesh, she would sleep well, but she could notfort herself because the healer did not cure herself, and that was her grief, so she preferred to peel her bones with the help of someone else''s hand.

    She won''t be silly enough to ask Joseph now, "Do you still love me like this?" Was it still eptable?

    Love or not was no longer important, really.

    There was a Runestone Group between her and Joseph, and she never knew whether he was true or not; and there was always a child between Joseph and her, who was her pain and his scar. Joseph was a sessful businessman who, because of his sess, was far superior to other ordinary people, which doomed his dignity and pride to be far greater than ordinary people. As he ascended to the halls of sess, as his control grew, more and more people adored him and did not disobey him.

    For him, what he wanted was what he deserved to have, and he ignored the wishes and the real ideas of each other, both in his career and in the rtionship between men and women. Just as he faced Britney White or any other lovers, he was to take on them long ago, and the pattern was imprinted in his mind, so he would not hesitate to leave when he was tired of the other person. It was cold and ruthless.

    In fact, such a person did not think he was ruthless. He thought it was a normal way to get along.

    And she, for the time being, whether the rtionship was true or fake, for profit or truth, was sure that she should be the most energy-cost and time-consuming one in his old lovers. The more he gave, the more he wanted, including the children.

    She had an abortion. For a man like him, it was no less humiliating than when he knew he was being betrayed and she handed the dead child into his hands. This state of anger, grief, and destroyed self-respect was the equivalent of seeing his wife cheating on his bed when he came home to see his bloody child with his own eyes!

    The average man could not bear this kind of thing, let alone Joseph!<novelnext></novelnext>

    So, the important thing was, from then on, he had his sunny life, and she had the little self-esteem she wanted to preserve.

    Human nature isplex, but people are forgetful, aren''t they?

    Joseph stood silent beside her bed.

    She could feel the anger in his chest that had burned his usual cool eyes.

    He squinted slightly, fixed his eyes on the woman on the bed, and as his eyes fell on her neck, the bruise darkened his eyes. His hand had a scab, but there was a wound of feeling that had been torn open.

    In Chicago, he wanted to strangle her. At that time, he wanted too!

    "Why?" He said a cold word.

    This was the answer he desperately wanted to know. He couldn''t figure out why she should kill his child!

    The thought of this made his chest stuffy.

    He remembered his shock when he learned about it from the doctor in Chicago. He stared at the doctor with a nearly murderous look. He wanted to chop off the doctor''s hand, gnash his teeth, and ask the doctor why she had done it.

    The doctor shivered at his anger and exined that he did not know that she hade to the hospital with a firm resolve to get an abortion.

    What did he do? How well did he have to treat her? How could she be determined enough to be cruel?

    "I made it very clear to you when I was in Chicago." Irish tried to make her tone more insipid until it was as if she was talking about other people''s things.

    "Joseph, I am tired, really tired. There is no need for me or you to go on."

    "What do you mean?" He gnashed his teeth.

    Irish smiled, smiled very lightly, and her face was pale, like a white blossom blooming on a branch, and as if the wind would blow her away. She raised her eyes gently and looked at him, very direct and "sincere."

    "In fact, Shirley is right. All along, I have been using you to attack the Lake family. I hate her for taking away everything from me and also for Henry''s betrayal of my mother. I hate even more clearly that I am also a daughter of the Lake, but only Ruby is qualified to bear the title of the Lake. She can easily go to a famous school because she has a father with money, and I am admitted to a famous school only on my own. Because I don''t have a rich mother, I have to work outside the school and study hard for schrships. I will never forget the day when my mother closed her eyes. This hatred makes me blind, selfish, indifferent, and vindictive, and I have no feelings. There is only one purpose for me to go back to the US, that is, to disintegrate the Lake, just like my home. Therefore, I must find someone to apany me in a big y. Unfortunately, Joseph, when I knew that you were the general manager of the Runestone Group, the husband of Ruby, and Shirley''s son-inw, who she kept on praising, I knew that you are the best man."

 Chapter 626 626: It Is Life

    Joseph''s eyebrows formed harsh lines as sharp as a cier, "These words were said the first time you broke up with me."

    "It''s just hard to get." There was a bit of a bitter smile on the lip corner of Irish''s mouth. "Shirley brought Ruby to thepany to make trouble. If, at that time, I did not retreat to advance, how could you believe me? I want to strike at the Lake family, and the important thing is to find the most powerful person to cooperate with me in acting, then Joseph, if I do not work hard on you, do not let youpletely believe me, how can I achieve the n?"

    Joseph''s teeth root gnawed, "Then, what about the reunion in the Light Town?"

    "It''s fake." She sighed, and her tone was sincere, "It would be good for me to break up with you, even if I gave you the information about the car crash. All I want is to win your trust. In fact, you are such a proud man, I am afraid that no woman will break up with you voluntarily. I give you the information to solve your problems and then voluntarily break up with you, and the purpose is to let you can''t leave me and would probablye back to me. But then, you really let go, and at that time, I began to adjust my n, starting from the Light Town."

    Joseph clenched his fists.

    She saw that the scab on his knuckles had broken, and the blood had prated out. The blood, as it had been Cassie''s and her child''s the other day, pierced her eyes and emptied her heart.

    "I deliberately arranged the repetition in the Light Town," Irish said softly. "My n to avenge the Lake was notpleted, so I couldn''t easily throw away you, the chess piece. It was because I heard about your itinerary, so I deliberately went there, or did you think you really met me so coincidentally when you were in the restaurant?"

    "You came with me to South Africa?"

    "It''s another fake game because I have to have enough time to warm up your feelings. It''s the best way to go with you to South Africa, where no one will disturb us."

    "What about in New York?"

    "No, what I really do is implement my n step by step ording to the situation. In fact, from the beginning, your role was very simple. If I let you fall in love with me, then I could use you to do anything. I don''t have the power to bring the Lake down, but you do, I can only use your strength to carry out the n. It turns out that you do have the ability."

    Joseph stared at her sadly, with coldness on his lips, "I never knew you had the powers of the Prophet."

    "I''m not a prophet, I''m just adjusting my ns as the plot unfolds."<novelnext></novelnext>

    "How can such a calcting woman get tired again?" Joseph said, "You havee to this point, how do you let go of it so easily?"

    Irish''s eyebrow really permeated a trace of tiredness, and maybe her health was a little bit worse. She simply leaned on the bedside, her lips slightly raised, and instead of answering Joseph''s question, she asked, "Do you know what Roy let me see on the day of the funeral?"

    Instead of waiting for Joseph''s reaction, she told him bluntly, "I saw a lot of Trojans behind those keys. I grew up wanting to have the Trojan horse, which was bought back by Henry at a high price. He made me a Trojan horse on my birthday every year and engraved his best wishes on it. Joseph, in fact, you are right. In this life, you have to stop and fix your life before you can continue to go on. Unfortunately, when I really understood this truth, it was alreadyte, and I went further and farther on the road to revenge. I didn''t find myself really happy until I really achieved my goal. Do I really wish the Lake would fall apart? Do I expect Henry to die? I cried in front of those Trojans for a long time, once again I felt the grief of my mother when she left, and I finally understood, in fact, what makes me persistent is not the hatred against the Lake family but the father''s love that has been missing since I was a child. You once told me that I would regret it when I lost it. Yes, I regret it now. If I wasn''t so obstinate, if I could have figured it out sooner, maybe��" She took a deep breath and soothed her choking voice, "we all would not be regretful, for him or me."

    Some words were so true and false, which were so indifferent that she could not tell the truth.

    She hated Henry, which was true, and she was always waiting for revenge, which was false. It was true that she had given up revenge before she went to the Light Town and that Joseph was regarded as a chess piece, which was false. The emptiness after hatred was true, and the calction was false; the sincereness of what she said was true, and the determination was absolutely false.

    But as soon as she said this, the remark that from the beginning was nned, all revenge, all calctions were as they were true, so it was not clear to her whether the hatred had really been put down at the beginning or whether itsted until Henry died.

    But there was one thing she was sure of.

    She had to use the tone of repentance and tiredness to talk to Joseph, which was more credible than hysterical words or sarcasm.

    "So Joseph, I am tired, I also want to give up." Irish gently clenched her fingers, and the tiny coldness of her fingertips darted into her heart, and the little embryo, which was once in her hand, reminded her of the pain and agony, so until now, her fingertips were still cold.

    In the silence, Joseph''s face was horribly pale, and the veins on his forehead were obviously protruding. He stood in front of her, staring at her beautiful and pale face, and all his heartache turned into hatred, hate this beautiful but cruel executioner!

    "It is life! How can you bear it?"

 Chapter 627 627: You Shouldn’t Be Such A Woman

    Irish smiled coldly, gazing at his anger, "When a man grows up in hatred, life bes less important. Joseph, that child, came very surprisingly. If I really want to be pregnant with your child, why should I get contraception? You should know that I don''t want children. Now I just want to end our rtionship as soon as possible, and if I keep the kid for what? I don''t want to have anything to do with you in the future. How can I start my life again if I have children?"

    Joseph''s figure pressed down, his big hand pressed on her hair, and she could feel the coldness of his fingertips. The slender fingers were stained with wood incense and a light blood smell, which made her neck sore again.

    His big hand sped that she had to look his eyes up.

    She saw a dark sea in the bottom of his eyes, surging as if to devour her at any moment.

    He asked, "Would you rather have sex with me for revenge?"

    "It''s not a grievance to have sex with you. To be honest, you''re really a man who can make women obsessed. More importantly, how can you put your heart on me if I don''t sleep with you?"

    The strength on his hand grew stronger, squinting, "I asked you when I was in Hong Kong. You told me so sincerely that I could trust you!"

    The scene was always in his mind because of her, so he felt concerned.

    How true-like that conversation was, so true-like that he believed it.

    "I''m just worried that too much trouble in the future will make you leave on your own initiative."

    "No." He clenched his jaw.

    "Don''t you think and promise?" He added painfully.

    She nodded heavily.

    "Your promisese so fast."

    "Irish, can I believe you?"

    His conviction was thorough, though he knew her promise was so direct and thoughtless.

    Irish closed her eyes and then opened them to ease the pain in her eyes, "I''m sorry, I''ve said so many words to you. I can''t remember."

    "You said you loved me. He promised to stay beside me no matter whates along our way." Joseph''s eyes were getting terrified.

    "If I love you, I won''t get an abortion." Irish always smiled lightly. "Joseph, wake up, you love me, I love you, that''s just in that situation, and in this game, who is serious is the one who really loses. You are a shrewd businessman, but don''t forget, I am a counselor, and getting the other side''s trust in me is easy. To me, you are just another case that I handled."

    This sentence said the oxygen around her became thin, and she could feel the pressure from the man hovering over her head, anytime and anywhere down to kill her.

    He straightened, his spine stiffened, and his thin, sweaty lips tucked tightly. The arc of his chin was lonely and cold. His cold hand moved over her back and grabbed her jaw, "So you''re saying I''m your subject?"

    Irish''s eyes always looked so indifferent all the time. Her lip angle was slightly raised, and her light smile was beautiful. She reached out to feel the breath in his nose, "Mr. Dover, you are living a life. For now, I am only interested in thest dream of the deceased. As for you and me, it''s a game. If you can''t y, get out of my life."

    Thest word slipped easily between her teeth without the slightest emotion.

    If love was a luxury, could she at least do what she could do right now? Henry''s diary was yellowish. It was obvious that the diary had been many years. She opened it, only to find out how her father loved her mother and to getfortable. But at the end of the diary, his words were strange enough. He said he could often see Rachel and eat and sleep with her.

    These kinds of words she heard Joseph had mentioned, but also heard from Henry, but Joie''s matter had not been resolved? Or was it all an illusion of the dying Henry? She did not know, but somehow she felt a foreboding.

    Before she had finished reading Henry''s diary, she always had a bold thought that it might not be the way she had seen it. Was there any secret to his death?

    Everything was just her guess.

    Joseph''s fingers strengthened, and his fingertips were deep in her chin, eager to crush the beautiful face in front of him. She did not know that his heart had been pierced, that she was making a show, and that he took it all for granted.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Good, he had not been yed by a woman in his life!

    He could forgive her once, indulge her once, but he had not been reduced to the point where he knew everything was false.

    Irish withstood the pain of her chin and looked at him.

    Gradually, she clearly saw that the darkness had disappeared from the bottom of Joseph''s eyes, and that iron green face was slowly returning to its usual calmness. He let go of his hand and opened his mouth, as usual.

    He said, "Irish, I''m Joseph, and you may not be able to y with me."

    At the end of the speech, he turned around.

    When his hand sped to the doorknob, Irish lightly added a sentence, "Joseph, the person I love is always Adam."

    Joseph paused, clenched the doorknob, and left, thundering, and the door was mmed.

    The near-withered heart of Irish fell to the ground with the loud sound of closing the door. She loosened her tightly sped hands, all sweating in her palm.

    At this moment, she felt deeply feeble, and her blood seemed to be against the current.

    This was the end.

    Actually, it was good, wasn''t it?

    She smiled faintly. It was a great dream. When she finally woke up, she died of poison.

    After a long time, the door was slowly pushed open. Leo was standing at the door withplex eyes.

    She sped her pillow in her arms and held it tight.

    "He''s gone," Leo said lightly.

    Irish looked quietly at the bedside and gently nodded her head, "I know."

    "I''m sorry to hear about your conversation. The door was not closed." Leo added gently.

    Irish smiled, but there was nothing she could do.

    "What do you want to ask?"

    Leo closed his lips, staring at her, slightly frowning. "You just said it in anger, is it right?" What he heard in his ear was so true that he lost the standard of judgment.

    So he would look at her and see if she was lying.

    Irish''s arms hugged the pillow, and she said with a light tone, "I wasn''t angry, I really told Joseph the truth."

    "Did you approach him just to get back at the Lake family? From the beginning to the death of Henry?" Leo looked at her with disbelief.

    Irish nodded without hesitation and looked into his eyes, "Now, you know what kind of woman I am?"

    Leo gazed at her for a long time, then stepped forward and sat down in front of her, "You shouldn''t be such a woman."

    "Yes, I should not have been such a woman, but what the Lake had done to me had forced me to be such a woman." Irish''s eyes became sad.

 Chapter 628 628: I’m Telling You Something Serious

    Her indifferent words and a sad, tired expression made Leo look at Irish for a long time, trying to find a trace of it, but he found nothing. For a moment, he could not tell which of her words was true and which was false. And he hesitated to judge what he saw and heard.

    Perhaps life was true or false, and there was no absolute truth, and a lie that was told a thousand times became true. When he thought of it, he smiled bitterly. Why should he stick to it? For some things, the present was the most crucial.

    "Getting healthy is the key now." Leo softened his tone. There were a lot of things he didn''t want to ask, such as her pregnancy.

    He only knew about the situation when he was in Chicago. And he, who had just heard the two of them talk about the child, to be honest, he did not want to believe that Irish''s motives were true or false. Strictly speaking, it was her personal business, and she didn''t want to talk too much about it, and he didn''t want to ask too much, either.

    It didn''t matter whether she was bitter or really cold in his eyes now, but the paleness that had been engraved in his eyes, and looking at her skinny appearance, made him pity her.

    Irishid down by his support, gazing quietly at the ceiling, silent as air.

    Leo sat by the bedside, covered her with a quilt, and gazed at her, "Take a break, I''ll bring you something to eat."

    Her eyes twitched and closed gently.

    Beside the bed, Leo sighed lightly, and after a long time, he got up.

    Approaching the door, he heard the feeble voice of Irish, "Leo,"

    He paused and turned his head.

    "I''m sorry. I made trouble for you." These were her heartfelt words.

    The Runestone Group and Leo''s fight was not for a day, she knew, but all the fighting was around the interests of thepany. Joseph and Leo were only taking advantage of business opportunities in the attack on each other, from this point of view, it was both justifiable. But now, Joseph was obviously dealing with Leo, which was purely an act of personal emotion. It was she who was making Joseph angry. This consequence should be borne by her, not Leo. He was innocent.

    Leo heard this, making a faint smile. He walked back, leaning slightly to her bed, and his arms were in front of the bed,pletely covering her shadow. He looked down at her and said in a soft tone, "You''re wrong, that''s what I''d love to see."

    Irish did not expect him to answer like this, a little frozen.

    His breath swept down in front of her forehead, and a low voice broke in, "I would like to feel the taste of protecting a person, Irish, I would like to do it for you."

    "Leo..."

    "I know you mean to say you and I are good friends." Leo interrupted her, "but wouldn''t it be too much if I were really mean to take advantage of people''s danger at this time?"

    Irish stared at him in a stupefied manner, only to react for a long time and quickly get up, "I have to exin this to you. I don''t think..."

    "Well, why are you so excited?" Leo could not help shaking his head, sitting beside her after reaching out to calm her, turning his head, staring at her closely, "I really want to be your boyfriend, is it that bad?"

    He tried to ease the atmosphere.

    He didn''t think of it, but he saw her nodding her head.

    Leo was speechless and was hit hard, so he simply put his arms around her and asked earnestly, "You say you don''t love him? Is that true?"<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish''s lips moved slightly, but soon she nodded, "Yes, I don''t love him."

    Leo held her back and asked, "Well, can you love me?"

    She looked at him and pouted her lips, "I don''t love you either."

    "If you''re a heartless woman, I''d like to try." Leo was straightforward.

    Irish was puzzled, "Why?"

    "Don''t you want to bet once in your life?"

    Irish smiled bitterly, "Leo, you already lost in the casino in South Africa."

    "The real winner starts with losing." Leo unhurriedly retorted.

    "To tell you the truth, I''m still worried about the money you lost. You know, kids in many parts of America can''t eat enough." It was a serious and sensitive subject, and Irish was not making fun of it, but she wanted tough bitterly at the thought of the night he had lost his money, and, at the same time, he looked more like a child in the casino.

    Leo was slightly surprised, then frowned, "Irish, I''m telling you something serious."

    Irish sighed, "Okay."

    "In fact, you''re not bad with me." Leo hugged her hard and said seriously. "Although I am a few years older than you, it turns out that we can y together. Like rock climbing, I also changed myself. What''s more, I am not a career-minded person. I can keep working as long as I can guarantee my food and clothing without worries, I''m satisfied, and most importantly, I live a happy life. I like to travel, and that fits you. In the rtionship between men and women, I am very self-disciplined, although I''m a little flirtatious, but not dirty. I am not an omnipotent person, but I am the one who can bring you a sense of security. Of course, I have my faults, too. I''m afraid of heights, but you seem to have corrected me. At least themp at home is broken, and I dare go up and fix it. Oh, I''m afraid of mice, but there are no mice in this ce, and there are very few ces with mice in this city."

    Irish looked at him in astonishment, "Are you still afraid of rats?"

    Leo''s expression was slightly embarrassed, and he cleared his throat, "Is it not a disgrace for men to be afraid of mice."

    Irish nodded gently, which was not a disgrace, but a little strange. She could not imagine how Leo was being chased by a mouse.

    "But I can cook, which can make up for my fear of mice." He hurriedly said.

    "Actually, fear of mice is not a defect." She needed to remind him.

    Leo, however, took it seriously, loosening her and standing up, "That''s a mouse as big as a cat you''ve never seen. I''ve seen it!"

    Then he began to dance and describe how big the mouse was and under what circumstances he met it, and then he saw what the mouse did and what the mouse did to him.

    Irish looked at hisparison, very exaggerated, but with the suspicion of deliberately making herugh. When Leo''s handsome face was deliberately twisted, Irish could not helpughing, but quickly, her eyes became red.

    Big tears rolled down from her eyes, but she stillughed.

    Leo saw that, was shocked and rushed over, "I''m sorry, I didn''t want to make you cry."

 Chapter 629 629: Taken Away By Unknown People

    Irish choked up and couldn''t help but put her arms around him.

    Leo was shocked and quickly embraced her, a little happy.

    "Leo, you are really good, it is amazing to know you." Irish cried.

    Some people could always bring warmth; sometimes, warmth was a sh, so precious that she thanked him for not asking to the end and would rather be a clown to amuse her.

    She truly felt that Leo was a good man, no matter how he was in the business, at least he was a warm friend.

    This warmth was more important because she had fallen into darkness.

    Leo felt relieved when he saw her crying, and it was better than her calm silence. He sat down around her and sighed, "I thought you had figured it out. You are going to be my girlfriend."

    She cried and couldn''t say a word.

    He had to hand over the napkin.

    After a long time, he said, "Otherwise, if you marry me, you will have to marry someone. It''s the same. Besides, we are engaged."

    Sobbing, Irish asked, "Do you make it up?"

    "If I tell a lie, I will be killed." Leo vowed, "In fact, it is very simple for us to get married to each other. That is, my father met Henry through Joseph''s father. At that time, Henry was not yet President of the Runestone Group. He also met your mother when they were having dinner together. Knowing that your mother was pregnant, he then made an engagement for us."

    Irish shook her head gently, and her eyes red, and said, "That doesn''t count."

    "Why not? A verbal promise is also a promise." Leo was in a hurry.

    "You are my most important friend, Leo. I can lose a lot of people all my life, but I don''t want to lose my friend," she said with tears in her eyes.

    Leo sighed heavily, "I don''t understand, why can''t you ept me?"

    "Because." Irish bit her lip, "In fact, you are the same as him."

    Leo was stunned.

    "Can you be a simple person to be able to deal with Joseph for so many years?" Irish looked at him sincerely, saying, "Leo, I want to make friends with people like you, not lovers."

    Leo raised his eyebrows, "Joseph and I are two kinds of people."

    Irish gently shook her head, "You and Joseph are not simple people."

    Leo opened his mouth and was speechless for a while.

    She leaned over the bed and whispered, "It''s good to be friends with you, really."

    Leo raised his eyes, and when looking at her, his heart was sore. He lowered his voice, "Maybe you don''t realize it at all. You just told me that you didn''t love me, and you were direct, but when you said you didn''t love Joseph, you were hesitant." He blurted out.<novelnext></novelnext>

    He couldn''t ensure that what she said before was true or false, or that''s what she really thought was true, but one thing was for sure, that even if she abhorred the Lake and used Joseph as a chess piece, her mind was influenced by Joseph. Otherwise, her eyes would not be so hesitant, and she would no longer reject people like Joseph into her heart.

    Irish''s eyes trembled slightly, like a stone thrown into the calmke.

    ****

    When Lilith woke up, the sky outside the window was very faint, like the whole sky was covered in a piece of yellow sand, and she could not see the bright sunshine and blue sky and only saw the wind blowing the small g flying around.

    But she was in a nice room with a few clean windows, afortable bed, and arge area. From the style of decoration, she should be in a hotel.

    Lilith carefully recalled what had happened. She remembered that she had just arrived in Ondo and was about to pass through the vige when she was stopped by a car. The men who had boarded her had no expression at all. One of them had been holding a cotton cloth and covering her mouth. Soon her vision was lost, and at thest second, she lost consciousness and shed the thought that she had been kidnapped.

    But her hands were not tied, and the room was not the old warehouse or filthy cabin she saw on TV, but it was so clean and bright that it didn''t look like the kidnapper''s ce.

    Lilith hastened to check herself again, touching it from beginning to end. She was afraid of the bad man who sold her organs and cut off her kidney for sale.

    But there were no signs of surgery. She got up and looked out the window. It was quite deste outside, except for the trees. She did not know where it was, but it was supposed to be deserted; at least since she woke up, she found that there was no way out of the window.

    Was it...

    Lilith''s brain flies fast.

    ? It was a drug dealer!

    As soon as they appeared in her head, they exploded like a detonator. She was surprised that her pores opened and her blood flowed back. That was it. What if the other party was a drug dealer? Did Jay''s identitye to light and be killed by drug dealers? Otherwise, why wasn''t he taking action? Then the drug dealer took the opportunity to retaliate, knowing that she was Jay''s girlfriend, so he was going to kill her.

    Scenes of anti-drug films urred to Lilith''s mind, intertwining and superimposing, and she never knew her memory was so good.

    All she could think of was that Jay took important evidence of the other side''s drug trafficking, but the other side could not find the evidence even if Jay had been killed and disposed of, so he nned to take the people around Jay to do it!

    Lilith was grieved and desperate. If Jay really suffered misfortunes, if the person who had locked her up here was really a drug dealer, even if she fought for this life, she would kill one to avenge for Jay!

    Thinking so, she was not afraid. Now she was only thinking about Jay. She was ready toe here.

    There was movement outside the door.

    It seemed like someone was talking, and it was like footsteps.

    The sound instion was excellent, so she didn''t hear their conversation very clearly.

    Lilith was nervous, and her eyes quickly scanned the room. Not far from her, she saw a long-neck wooden vase decoration, and she made a n.

    Soon, the sound of footsteps outside the door became clearer, and the person should being this way.

 Chapter 630 630: Your Physical Body Might Suffer

    Lilith crept to the door, clenched the woodcarving in her hand, listened to the approaching footsteps outside the door, and swallowed her saliva nervously.

    The sound of footsteps stopped in front of the door. Then there was the sound of the door handle turning slowly.

    Lilith raised the woodcarving in her hand, only waiting for the other side to push the door to give each other a fatal blow. She had heard Irish say that the explosive force that people generated when faced with danger was extremely powerful, and it was important that she could escape the tiger''s mouth.

    But the question was, was she going to wave the woodcarving at the man''s head?

    The wood carving in her hand was very heavy, which indicates it was solid wood carving.

    Was this going to be hard enough to beat people on the head? In hesitation, the door opened.

    A man''s foot first stepped in, followed by half a body.

    Lilith only saw a tall and burly figuree in, very nervous, clenched the wood carving in her hand, staring at the back of the man''s head, and swallowed saliva again. She had never attacked anyone, and she had never experienced such a scene. She only thought that the people on TV would be able to hold up their weapons in their hands when the bad guys invaded and hurt them to protect themselves. But why could she not do it when it was her turn?

    Her arms were shaking so much that the high wood carving was as heavy as a huge rock, and she could not hit the man in the back of his head.

    At that moment, the man who found no one in the room suddenly turned his head, and his eyes locked unmistakably behind the door, holding up Lilith, who was in trepidation at the back of the door.

    Lilith''s awareness of danger was ignited, followed by the automatic opening of self-protection mechanisms.

    She shouted, holding up a wood carving, and rushed to the man.

    When the wood carving fell, the man easily caught it, then his hand tightened, and the wood carving from Lilith''s hands was forcibly snatched down.

    Without a weapon, Lilith suddenly felt like a winged bird. Her legs were feeble on the ground, staring at the invading man, and her eyes widened.

    "I, I warn you, if you dare to do anything to me, I will kill you!"

    An original threat was said in stammer, and it became aplete expression of her fear for mercy.

    The man did not expect her to be so frightened, and stepped forward.

    She retreated with terror and cried, "Don''te closer!"

    The man saw the situation and stopped, "I am not a bad man."

    "Bad, bad people don''t say they''re bad guys! How could you have been brought here for no reason if you were not a bad man?" Lilith was frightened to close her eyes tightly, her heart popping out of her throat.

    When the man saw her too nervous, he simply gave up and said nothing, squatting on the opposite side of her, watching her.

    There was no movement for a while.

    Lilith felt strange, carefully opening her eyes.

    "Ah..." again, the next second, she cried, but the voice was short.

    The man crouched opposite her, gazing at her with interest. "You, what are you looking at me for? Who the hell are you? What am I doing here? I, I warn you, I don''t know anything, you caught me in vain!"

    She saw the man on the other side, very manly, with a strong eyebrow. He didn''t look like a bad guy.

    Hearing that, the man smiled and said, "If I were a drug dealer, I would know what you know."

    Lilith was stunned.<novelnext></novelnext>

    The man smiled brightly and got up. "You are Jay''s girlfriend, aren''t you?"

    Lilith''s eyes were full of vignce.

    "I am Jay''s colleague." The man saw her as a hedgehog and introduced himself hurriedly.

    Lilith stared at him, hesitating.

    "Miss Lake, we had no choice but to bring you back. Rest assured, we didn''t mean to hurt you." The man was calm and soft, "Pleasee with me. It''s our Captain who wants to see you."

    Lilith held the wall to stand up and suspiciously said, "Captain? What Captain?" She was afraid of being in a trap and never dared to say anything to the policeman.

    The man seemed to see through her mind and could not helpughing, facing the direction of the door, "Rest assured, our captain is upstairs, you do not want to see Jay?"

    After hearing this, Lilith immediately followed him out of the room.

    ****

    When Daisy knocked on the door, she saw Joseph leaning on his office chair and falling asleep with his eyes closed.

    The light out of the window reflected his frowning brows in his sleep. Two buttons on the cor of his shirt were unbuttoned, and a tie was loosely around his neck, which made Joseph look tired.

    Daisy did not know exactly what had happened. It should be said that no one knew what had happened when Joseph was in Chicago. After he returned, he seemed to have changed his personality and became more taciturn than ever before. The already silent face could not show any smile.

    He seemed to grow up in thepany, but he spent all his energy on his work. He used to see only work, but at least he was tired and took a rest in the resting room. At that time, he seemed to have to take a bath and change his clothes when he used to stay in that room. The rest of the time was spent dealing with Leo''s stock.

    Daisy sighed silently, stepped forward, and hung up the coat that Joseph had thrown on the sofa at will. She looked at the light outside the arc-shaped windows around him and thought of putting the screen back.

    When her hand first touched the veil curtain, Joseph opened his eyes, and his fingers trembled a bit.

    Daisy clearly saw that his eyes were confused when he first woke up, a little panicked, his broad forehead reflected in the light with sweat, and she spected that he had a nightmare.

    Who brought him the nightmare? Daisy was unclear, but this was the first helpless Joseph she had seen after working with him for a long time.

    After opening his eyes, he seemed to be adjusting to the light before his eyes.

    Daisy came forward, hesitating, "Mr. Dover?"

    After her voice came to his ears, Joseph realized he had been asleep. He raised his hand and pressed his sore forehead. He leaned his head on the chair and asked, "What time is it?"

    "It''s almost nine o''clock." Daisy answered, could not help but add a sentence, "Mr. Dover, you did not sleep in the resting roomst night? Your physical body might suffer."

    Joseph did not care about Daisy''s concern, opened his eyes, and lightly asked, "What is the situation at Leo''spany?"

    "It seems silent," Daisy reported immediately.

    "Go on," Joseph ordered.

    Daisy hesitated, "Now the media is staring at us very strictly, and shareholders also have objections."

    "It doesn''t matter." Joseph''s condition looked a bit bad, with his fingers tapping two times on the table, "You just have to remember that when you let the outside world know that we can still have the chain of funds topete with Leo, there is the hope of a rebound in the Runestone''s share price." He calmly dered.

 Chapter 631 631: I Can’t Be Relieved Until I See Him

    Daisy nodded, "I see."

    As far as the present situation of the Runestone Group was concerned, only good news could stabilize the people''s hearts. The game between Leo and the Runestone Group in the stock market seemed to be a senseless struggle, but for those who were eyeing it covetously and waiting for a bad end, it was a perfect counterattack.

    Daisy asked him again, "How did you think about the Land It Forum that I told you about before? They have been waiting for your reply."

    Joseph pondered for a moment and nodded. "Well, I''ll reply to themter."

    Daisy wrote down what he said.

    Joseph looked a little listless and threw his tie on the desk, lifting his hand and rubbing his temples. Daisy was surprised to see all this in her eyes. As she spent so many years with Joseph, she was more or less familiar with him. Her boss had always regarded his work as his life. It was not that he had never been busy like that in the past, nor had he not been able to sleep a week, but never as decadent and tired as he was this time.

    Even he was a little intolerant, and she could see that not all of his thoughts were at work.

    So, what was he thinking?

    Daisy was a clever woman with sharp eyes. She knew when it was appropriate to ask and when it was not appropriate. Seeing Joseph''s appearance, she wondered whether it would have anything to do with Irish, but at that time, she would never ask.

    If it was rted to Dr. Irish, then there had been a simr situation before. On that asion, he even got angry at his subordinates and lost his temper with her. But at least his mood had changed, suggesting he was eager to fix the situation. But this time, Joseph was in a strange state. He didn''t get angry. He didn''t even react too much to his subordinates'' mistakes during the meeting. He was just looking somewhere in a daze, his eyes were wandering.

    Moreover, he was more serene than ever, which was the most terrible situation.

    Seeing Daisy standing before him, Joseph put down his hand, lightly asking, "Is there something else?"

    Daisy wanted to talk again but hesitated.

    "Come on."

    "Ruby came, and she said she wanted your help." Daisy''s voice barely came out as she recalled that Runestone''s present situation was very chaotic.

    Henry Lake died, and Roy took the President''s seat. She was somewhat dissatisfied and also had a little resentment towards Lake.

    Having no selfishness was false. In her opinion, the Runestone Group could have today''s achievements entirely thanks to Joseph''s effort. For the Runestone, his input and expertise made by wholehearted dedication brought the entirepany to glory, only to be taken away and reced by Roy, who did not understand the market. She would have felt ufortable if it had been so. But looking back, there were no parents who didn''t care for their children. Henry always had to leave a way for his children.

    It should be med that it was too early for Joseph to break up his rtionship with Ruby and toote to confirm his rtionship with Irish. If he had married Irish, the Runestone Group would undoubtedly be his.

    But why did these two people have no movement?

    Joseph frowned slightly, and after a long time, he said, "Tell her I''m busy."

    Daisy respectfully said, "In fact, that''s what I told Ruby, but she seemed really worried. She said she must see you today and that she would be waiting for you. It didn''t matter if she would be waiting for you until you finished your work."

    Joseph''s frowning was much colder. Finally, after a long time, he got up and said, "Let her wait in the office for an hour."

    "All right"

    "Wait," Joseph called Daisy again. He picked up a note and wrote a list of addresses on it to Daisy. "Find an experienced nanny."<novelnext></novelnext>

    Daisy nced at the note, slightly surprised, "Let the nanny go here?"

    Joseph''s eyes were deep, "Yes."

    "Okay, I''ll do it soon."

    ****

    Lilith followed the man who imed to be Jay''s colleague to go out and then followed him all the way up the stairs. She had thought she would see Jay. Unexpectedly, the maning toward her was a middle-aged man who looked in his 40s and 50s and was quite tall. His body was quite strong, although he was wearing casual clothes, between the eyebrows exuded the upright air, which should not be ignored. His face was also very serious, and he was not like an ordinary person.

    He smiled slightly after seeing Lilith, which dissolved his seriousness.

    "Miss Lake, this is Kevin, the director of the Drug Enforcement Brigade." The man next to Lilith made a brief introduction.

    Lilith looked at him up and down.

    Kevin had been an old policeman engaged in the investigation for many years. Seeing her reaction, which was obviously hesitating, he took out his work certificate with a smile, "Hello, Miss Lake. I am Kevin."

    Lilith took his work card, looked at it, and touched it carefully, "It''s not a copy, is it?"

    The man around him chuckled, and Kevin did not expect her to say that stunned, thenughed and joked, "Have you ever seen a copy of this?"

    "What can''t be done these days? As small as invoices, as big as documents." Lilith muttered in a low voice.

    "The little girl is very interesting." Kevin wasn''t angry, pointing to the back, "My work card can be falsified, then these can not be copied."

    Lilith noticed the scene behind him.

    Apparently, it was a workshop, about a dozen people, all watching the monitor screen, wearing serious faces. She walked up and stared at the screens, hesitating, "This is?"

    "Every informant sent back a surveince image. We need to ensure the safety of every informant who works for the country," Kevin said with a serious smile, "and their situation at every time."

    Lilith was in shock, "What about Jay?"

    "Don''t worry, and he''s safe," Kevin said a short word.

    Lilith shook her head, "I can''t be relieved until I see him."

    Kevin thought it. He patted one of the policemen''s shoulders and ordered him, "Transfer to Jay''s image."

    Soon, the screen turned and showed a group of people eating, most of whom were men, only one woman popped out, who was very beautiful, who looked like a mixed race from the outline of her face, whose skin was a Western favorite healthy wheat color. She was wearing a tight cor jacket, and her deep cleavage was filled with temptation.

    Holding a crimsondy''s cigarette, thin and delicate, she was enchanting as she breathed out the rim from her sexy red lips, gazing in one direction, looking at the man standing in front of the box window.

 Chapter 632 632: I Have To Use It

    The man in the video was tall and strong, tough and heroic, but in a gangster style, with blond hair on his forehead, which slightly covered his drooping eyes. He was wearing a white T-shirt, and its pendulum was tucked randomly into his old-like white jeans. Lazily leaning against the window with a cigarette in his mouth, his eyes were careless.

    "Jay!" Lilith was happy and suddenly cried out, subconsciously calling out his name.

    "Miss Lake, this is the image that Jay sent us an hour ago," Kevin said.

    "An hour ago? What about now? "Lilith asked anxiously.

    Kevin did not immediately answer, but towards the direction of the room, he stretched a handout, "Miss Lake, please talk about that there."

    Lilith thought, walking in the direction he pointed out. Inside was a small room, like a lounge.

    "Undercover work is a very dangerous job." When she sat down, Kevin offered to pour her a ss of water, then sat opposite her, "I don''t think you can imagine the hardship of this job. Many undercover agents like Jay can''t survive being dragged down by drug dealers, killed, ormitting suicide. Psychological stress is beyond outsiders'' imagination. Although we have the best possible protection for the undercover, there will still be a situation which requires that the undercover personnel not only have the full experience but also need to send us a safe message without being discovered by the other party."

    Lilith nodded nervously.

    "At least, for now, Jay is safe. A few days ago, we left no contact with him as his contact gadget got a minor problem. He''s a very smart and capable police officer, trying to get in touch with us atst, so rest assured he''s safe now."

    Lilith licked her lips, "Then you kidnapped. Oh, no, bring me here."

    "I''m sorry the way we invited you was a little rough," Kevin said with an apology. "In fact, the purpose of inviting Miss Lake here is to find a safe ce to tell you that we will arrange for you to return to New York as soon as possible."

    "What?" Lilith was stunned. She was not going to go.

    "Because Jay is very important to our team, I must ensure he concentrates on his job." Kevin was straightforward.

    "I actually came here to see if he was safe." She whispered.

    Kevin nodded, "I understand your concern, but Miss Lake, you really can''t help here, and you may cause unnecessary trouble for Jay."

    Lilith clutched her fingers, and she knew that, but��.

    "Can I see him?"

    Kevin''s attitude was very firm, "No."

    She abruptly choked.

    "Tomorrow morning, Lenard will personally take you to the airport," Kevin said, calling Lenard outside toe in. Lilith looked up, just that man.

    She didn''t want to go, but she had to.

    "When can Jay return to New York?"

    Kevin shook his head, "I''m sorry, I can''t guarantee the time. Maybe soon, maybe a few years."

    Lilith knew that her question was asked in vain.

    "If you''re serious about Jay, get out of here and don''t distract him." Kevin saw her hesitating, but he could understand. After saying this, he thought and said, "You can contact Lenardter. He is a police officer who is closely watching Jay''s line. He can tell you what he can tell you."<novelnext></novelnext>

    Lilith listened to this, absorbing all his words, hardly nodding and looking at Lenard, and said, "I may trouble you."

    Lenardughed very freely. "My pleasure."

    "Can I ask you another question?" Lilith hesitantly looked at Kevin.

    Kevin nodded.

    Lilith recalled the surveince image. The woman behind Jay actually looks dazzling at first sight, closing her lips and whispering. "The woman with Jay... Who is she?"

    Kevin hesitated a little.

    Lilith looked at him, anxious.

    Kevin was silent for a while and smiled again, "Lilith, do not imagine too much; as long as you understand that Jay is working, that''s a big relief. You''d better return to New York as soon as possible, understand?" He ordered.

    Lilith smiled, she was more or less happy, but also understood that some words she asked also could not have an answer, so she had to bear the dissatisfaction and nodded.

    ****

    In the lounge of the General Manager''s Office, the Runestone Group, New York.

    In the massage bathtub, the blister rolled into small exploding bubbles, silently pouring into the man who was closing his eyes to take a rest. Beneath the clear water was the sexy, sturdy man''s body, and water sshed on the silhouette of his stout cheek, tumbling down his shaven chin and resting on a raised throat.

    One of his arms stretched out of the bathtub, his slender fingers holding a cigarette, the thin green and white tobo curling up from the ck and red butts, the ash growing, and finally falling to the ground with a p of gravity.

    After a long time, he opened his eyes, raised his hand, and smoked heavily.

    Gently spitting out, the smoke and water mist intertwined before his eyes.

    He seemed to see Irish''s body, moving charmingly before his eyes, as if at the dinner when she first entered thepany, she took his neck boldly and passionately and wriggled like a snake in his arms.

    She was a very bad girl, but she was too bad for him to extricate himself.

    Joseph thought of her, suddenly frowning tightly, hardly pressing out the cigarette butts. Getting up, he made a brief dash, and his tall, sturdy shadow fell over the wall.

    Drops of water from the shower hit him on the cheek.

    His eyes were fixed on the bath liquid on the hand-washing stand. He turned off the sprinkle and went up to take the bath liquid. He could not help thinking of Irish, who had finished the bath and held him. She said to him, "Look, I bought you more bottles of this brand of bath liquid. Joseph, why do you have to use this one? It was very expensive. You have to pay me."

    He asked her, "So you still buy so many?"

    She looked up, her eyes captivating, and said, "I have to use it."

    He smiled, "This one is for men. You can buy the same one for women."

    She sped his lips and smiled, "I want to use the same bath liquid as you and so many women who looked covetously at you, I can let them know that the woman closest to you is me. We use the same bath liquid, and I also have the smell of you. When you are not beside me, do not feel lonely."

 Chapter 633 633: What Can I Get From Helping You?

    The lounge was full of Irish''s shadow, from the bed, window, sofas, bathroom, to even corridors.

    Lies were too beautiful, so beautiful that he could not tell the truth and falsehood. He forgot too much, forgot that women''s minds wereplex!

    In front of the mirror, Joseph''s eyes became extremely cold, and the harsh eyebrow tips were also stained with frost coldness. He briskly waved away the appearance of Irish in his head and raised his hand. The bath liquid was thrown into the trash can.

    An hourter, Joseph came out of the lounge.

    As he finished washing, the tiredness in his brows disappeared. He changed into a ck shirt, a pair of dark grey suit trousers, no tie, two buttons open, sleeves rolled up on his elbows, and looked low-key andnguid.

    Ruby had been waiting for a long time in the living room of the office. She sat on the sofa quietly and drank rose tea. She threw two sugar cubes into the teapot very skillfully. When she heard the noise in the lounge, she looked up. When she saw Joseph, her finger trembled slightly with the sugar cubes.

    The cubes fell on the tea table and shook off a lot of sugar residue. Ruby quickly took the napkin, wiped away the residue, throwing it into the garbage can.

    She became nervous because Joseph looked more apathetic than ever. Stranger, she only found this word to describe Joseph in front of her.

    "What can I do for you?" Joseph sat down opposite her and put the sugar in the rose teapot.

    Instead of tea, he poured a cup of ck coffee and put it in front of him. Soon, the fragrance of the coffee covered the fragrance of the rose.

    Ruby''s finger pulled back from the rim of the cup, looked at Joseph, and immediately said, "I want to know what I have to do so you can let me go."

    This made Joseph frown, "What do you mean?"

    "Don''t pretend now." Ruby sneered, "It''s what you want to do with Emery and me?"

    Joseph looked up at her for a moment, held up the cup, and sipped his coffee. The bitter ck coffee spread quickly in his mouth, and his heart was bitter.

    "Daisy told me that you came to me to seek my help." He didn''t exin anything. He put the ss down and just said a few words, which meant go straight to the point and stop talking so much.

    Ruby, after all, had been his friend, and she could feel whether he was intolerant or not. She cleared up her throat, "I hope you can let me and Emery go."

    "Why? You and Emery are still so concerned?" Joseph was puzzled deliberately.

    "Joseph, you know it!" Ruby gnawed her teeth.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Joseph calmly answered, "I am sorry, as for your situation, I really do not pay attention to that."

    Ruby was so angry that she almost wanted to quarrel with him, but the thought of Emery still held down her anger. After a long time, she looked at Joseph; although her eyes were angry, her tone seemed to be somewhat sincere.

    "This has happened, and I have no power to stop it. Joseph, now you have what you want, still, you can''t let go of Emery and me? Okay, I''ll take it for granted that you didn''t do it. Can I ask you for a favor? I know you can handle this, at the very least, don''t let those reporters at the door of Emery''s house every day, so she can get out and do her routine."

    Joseph looked at the coffee in the cup, the delicate silver spoon gently stirred and refracted dazzling light. His face was always calm, but the tone was cold, "You people of the Lake family do not have a bit of self-care ability? In addition to business, am I responsible for your ordinary life?"

    Ruby clenched her lips, and her hands clenched into fists.

    "Do you know how much trouble your father caused me during his short days on the board? Oh, perhaps you don''t care at all." Joseph put down his spoon and looked up at her with clear displeasure in his eyes.

    Ruby felt his displeasure and remained silent for a moment. As before, she was not interested in the reorganization of the board of directors. She had heard more or less about it, but she knew nothing about it.

    "One of his wrong decisions led to a serious capital chain freeze in the Runestone Group. Do you know what that means?" Joseph''s eyes squinted slightly, sharply gazed at her, and light shed through his eyes, saying, "It means that vultures have been circling our heads long before they dive down and tear the Runestone''s bones."

    Ruby shivered.

    "And now here you are, suddenly appearing and telling me that you''re worried about you and Emery''s boring personal problems, aren''t you?" Joseph''s tone was cold and harsh.

    Ruby''s breathing became sharp.

    "What exactly can you do for the Lake from top to bottom?" Joseph looked at her coldly. "If the Runestone Group is swallowed one day, who cares about your life or death? Now the reporter is surrounding you because your status is Miss Lake, and when no one talks to you that day, you can''t be in the headlines even if you strip naked on the street!"

    "I know that the Runestone Group can''t survive without you, and that is the truth that everyone in the Lake family does understand, so Roy handed over power to your hands." Ruby freed her hand and looked at Joseph with an entreaty expression, "I don''t care about Miss Lake''s status at all. I only care about Emery. Joseph, I beg you, let us go, help us, you have helped me, and it helped you also. This kind of thing is not good for the Runestone Group after all."

    ? Joseph looked at her gradually, his eyes restored indifference, leaning back, and there was a moment of silence. He said, "Okay, I can help you, but what can I get from that?"

    Ruby was stunned, "For the sake of the Runestone Group."

    Joseph coldly sneered, "To tell the truth, you and Emery''s thing can''t cause any threat to me, don''t forget, I pave the 2/3 of the market channel of the Runestone. Do you think I can save the Runestone by only pacifying your scandal?"

    Ruby could not answer it for a moment. She knew that it was not difficult to save the Runestone Group with his ability and that what she had just said could only push him to be even more displeased. She thought for a long time and thought many things, all rted to Emery.

 Chapter 634 634: I’m Really Fine

    Gnawing her teeth, she bargained, "Joseph, you''re a sessful businessman. I know I''ll have to pay the price for asking for your help. Even if I no longer care about the title of the Lake, for the sake of Emery, I also have to protect my interests. Joseph, I can give up some of my shares in exchange for the condition that you have to suppress this matterpletely. You have to make sure I''m safe with Emery."

    "Are you going to give me your shares?" Joseph hummed with a smile.

    Ruby took a deep breath and nodded heavily. "Yes,"

    "If your father knows this, he''ll give you a dream and call you a loser," Joseph said lightly.

    "I. I only give you 1%."

    Unexpectedly, Joseph shook his head and looked at her with a smile, "I''ll take your two points of your shares."

    "What?" Ruby suddenly rose from the sofa, "Then you..."

    "Yes, after I hold two points of the Lake''s stock, plus my family''s, I can break Roy''s absolute control; at least, we bnce each other." Joseph epted her words, leaning on the sofa, and his slender right leg elegantly crossed on his left leg. Looking at her, he lightly added, "So, you better think carefully, transfer your stock under my name or not."

    "You��" Ruby''s fingers trembled, and she stared at him as if staring at a great beast. "Joseph, you are now the general manager of the Runestone Group. Roy''s president position is just a title. He can''te back andpete with you for the Runestone position. Why are you doing this?"

    Joseph did not immediately give a reply but took a cigarette box, pulled out a cigarette, and ignited it. He took a deep drag, gently spitting out. Green white smoke hazy made his cheeks ambiguous, weakening the sharp lines on his handsome face.

    He hummed in his nose as if he were sarcastic or helpless, "I''m not discussing with you the two points. If it wasn''t for many years, we''ve known each other, and if I didn''t want to keep your noble status, I would ask you directly for all the shares in your hands. So, Ruby, I have given you enough face. You have no room to bargain with me. Either you go out from there and continue to live a life of fear, or you give me your shares, using the interest in hand to change a stable environment for Emery."

    Ruby pressed her lips tightly.

    Her tea had cooled before her eyes, the scent of roses had cooled, the smell of tobo was subtle, and her breathing was always refreshing.

    "Joseph, you''re really on the move." Half a minuteter, she shook her head and grinned, "You managed to make use of my rtionship with Emery to get up, and now you''re looking at the stock in my hand. Is that all your calction?"

    Joseph released heavy smoke, shaking off the ash, and did not pander to her words but said lightly, "I just want to remind you, this kind of problem that dragged for more than one day, you, as well as Emery, will feel another day of torture. I''m not in a hurry to take over your stock, you go back and think about it."

    "Do I have to choose?" Ruby smiled coldly, staring at his word for word, "I agree to give you two points, but don''t forget, now the Runestone''s stock price is very unstable!"

    "I will buy your shares at 10% above the market price, so you can guarantee a good return." Joseph''s attitude was calm.

    Ruby bit her teeth hard, "Okay."

    ? Joseph smiled triumphantly, got up, and went to his desk. He pressed the inte button and ordered, "Come here."<novelnext></novelnext>

    Soon, Daisy came in.

    "Draw up a contract for the transfer of shares as required by her and send it to thewyer."

    Daisy''s eyes were slightly shocked, and two secondster, she reacted and respectfully said, "Okay, I will do it immediately." She went to the sitting room, looked at Ruby, and said softly, "Miss Lake, please."

    Ruby''s hands clenched and sank deeply into her palm, causing it to bleed. After a long time, she got up, hardly pulled her delicate satchel, and gnashed her teeth when passing by Joseph, and she said, "Joseph, you will be punished, certainly will!"

    Then she left without turning back.

    Daisy looked at this scene with a little worry and hurried out.

    The cigarette in the tea-table ashtray was left half, and the end of the cigarette med from scarlet to faint light, and the tobo, like a cocoon, med faintly in the air.

    Joseph stood in front of the window, his hands thrust into his pants pocket, looking down at the traffic. The busy streets, the crowd, and everyone in the world was heading for their own goal.

    Neither did he. It was a path of no return for him, no chance of turning back, but a constant walk. He was used to this, seeking a point of security for what he already had and demanding absolute control over what he was about to have.

    For only in this way could he prove that he was still alive.

    ****

    From childhood to adulthood, Irish had no deep feelings for New Year''s Day, just as she hated Christmas very much because Christmas Eve made her feel that Christmas was sad and that it was associated with it.

    She still left Leo''s ce, and although Leo was unwilling, she could not always stay in his home; moreover, she hated others to take care of her, and she didn''t want to trouble others.

    Of course, she couldn''t go to Cassie''s house. It would be the day on which she registered her marriage. If she went there, she must take happiness to her. How could she add sadness to others on a day of great joy? So, when Cassie called her on her own initiative and was in a hurry, Irish just smiled and said to her, "I''m fine, really."

    She thought she was a good liar.

    Because even though she began to believe that she actually had a purpose in approaching Joseph, and she only believed in her own lies, she could not go so hardter in life, didn''t she?

    When necessary, people should use the ability to deceive others; otherwise, life is short. There was only one way out when their memory was full of pain.

 Chapter 635 635: Did She Go There Alone?

    She didn''t want to die yet, and there were people in the world that she missed, such as her aunt and uncle, such as Jay��such as Cassie.

    Irish temporarily lived in Jay''s house, facing her uncle and aunt''s worries, and she came to tell them that she was living a good life. Second, she buried her parents'' ashes in the Buddhist temple and avoided theke burial. Her uncle and aunt were relieved.

    On New Year''s Day''s reunion dinner, Irish ate with her uncle and aunt. On the table, she smiled happily but barely talked. Seeing her smiling face all the time, her uncle and aunt were relieved.

    Mary prepared a table of dishes and let Steven drink. Steven''s smiling eyes were narrowed into a slit, happy.

    "You are a stubborn child. How good is it to call Joseph for a holiday? Otherwise, he would have been alone, and there were only three of us in the family. Jay doesn''te back, and we are lonely. "Mary started to eat and began to chat.

    Irish''s heart was sore a little upon hearing Joseph''s name. The pain quickly ran between her fingers, and when she touched the fork, she felt the pain. She opened her mouth and gradually said, "Actually, we''re...."

    "Give him a call, Irish." Mary hadn''t heard her mosquito-like voice, reached out and patted her on the shoulder, looking forward to it.

    Irish''s gaze fell on Mary''s expression, surprised that her aunt was ready to ept Joseph. Watching Steven, he nodded at her and urged her to make a phone call.

    She could never make a call.

    She licked her lips and hardly spoke, "He''s going to have a holiday with his brother, so let''s not bother him."

    "Hey, what is that? What do you mean, leave him alone? You make him look like an outsider. You are both getting married soon." Mary''s voice was loud, "Two big men stay together to have a holiday? It would be nice if they came to our house."

    "Aunt, let''s not call two more people to apany you to chat." Irish tried to look natural.

    In fact, originally, she wanted to tell her uncle and aunt the truth, but in the big festival, how would she dare to spill the truth? And how would she tell the sad news to her aunt? She had to think about it.

    "Yes, they are children who grew up overseas." Mary smiled and patted her shoulder. "It''s all right. But if he marries you, he will be our son-inw. And he has to chat with me."

    "Auntie, Joseph. He''s swamped." It was not easy to spit out his name, and her breath ached like a sharp saw through her nose.

    Mary was only then enlightened. "Yes, the Runestone Group is in a mess. Irish, I''ve been against you and Joseph before, but since the burial, I''vepletely changed my opinions of him. You don''t know how he almost went crazy looking for you. Your uncle and I both witnessed his nervousness, and we''re so grateful that he was there that day, or else your uncle and I didn''t know what to do. A woman has to have a man to lean on, even if she can do it. You know, Joseph, when he heard that you were in Chicago, he flew over to find you. It''s really so amazing."

    Irish''s heart was dripping blood again, winding into tears.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Steven also nodded in agreement. "Before, your aunt and I both thought it was nice to find an ordinary person. But now we think about it, and if you are with him, it may be a matter of fate. He''s Joseph. Would other men have such a well-connectedwork to find you immediately?"

    "Oh, don''t mention Joseph. Will you eat or not? It''s getting cold." Irish ate quickly to control the tears that formed in the corner of her eyes.

    Mary knocked on her bowl with her fork. "You also heard the gossip about Britney White on TV; although I hate her, she may likely grab Joseph as she is the type of woman a man would like. How gentle and charming. Remember, Joseph is a sessful businessman, a diamond dealer, and a tall, handsome man. Every woman clings to him. There are so many women out there. Don''t be a cking woman all day and let other women covet your man."

    Irish didn''t say any words about Joseph, lowering her head, and she again obviously intended to change the topic.

    "Have you heard anything about Jay this time? He won''t be gone for years this time, will he?" This may be the grief of the police''s family, who will not and dare not call him during his assignment and only rely on his superiors to get his message."

    Steven sipped a sip of wine and opened his mouth, "All is safe. Some time ago, something went wrong, and we were worried. Fortunately, Lilith told us the great news recently."

    Irish was surprised, "Lilith?" How could she contact Jay?

    Mary licked her lips, "She didn''t tell you? She was in Florida. After she got the news about Jay, she called us to ease our burden."

    "Ah? Did she go there alone?"

    "She seems to have gone by herself."

    Irish was shocked. She was too bold, and she did this kind of thing unexpectedly without discussing it with her. What if she had an ident? But she thought about it. There were so many things that happened a while ago. Even if Lilith came to find her, what could she do? She could only advise her not to go, but ording to Lilith''s disposition, she certainly would not listen.

    Mary sighed, "To tell you the truth, Lilith is a really good girl. Unfortunately, she is a child of the Lake family."

    Irish wanted to tell her aunt that it was all right.

    But words always spun in her mouth, but she could not spit them out.

    Really?

    She felt that even if Henry was gone, there was always a gap between her family and the Lake family. It was not easy to close the gap. It was as if she and Joseph had stood face to face but could not fit into each other''s world because she was Henry''s daughter. The gap between Joseph and her was no longer the size of a golf course but a thousand rivers and mountains wide.

 Chapter 636 636: You Hate Your Brother?

    Aftering out of her uncle''s house, Irish went back to Jay''s house. During Jay''s absence, her aunt came in almost two days to clean up, saving her the time to find hourly workers.

    When it was dark, someone knocked at the door.

    Irish mistook it for her aunt, who came to nag her. She didn''t want to open the door, only to see that it was Jordan standing at the door.

    He leaned against the doorframe, wore a ck leather jacket with a white T-shirt inside, still a pair of old jeans, Martin''s boots, a dark blue college bag, short hair, handsome sunsses, chewing gum in his mouth, and waved at her as she opened the door. "Hey,dy," he greeted her. "Are you good?"

    Irish thought for a moment that she had seen Joseph, and her heart was throbbing. Don''t me her for her nervousness. Jordan and Joseph were identical in height, even in the same shape. This height alone was enough to put pressure on her.

    For a moment, she stood at the door, silent.

    Jordan saw her frozen, lifted his sunsses, hung to his chest, raised his eyebrows in surprise, and waved his hand before her eyes.

    "Oh,e on in."

    Jordan looked at the marble floor of the living room, so clean that it could almost be used as a mirror, and looked at his own shoes with a beautiful English voice wrapped in a maic voice. "Do I need to take off my shoes? My shoes are hard to wear."

    "No." In Hampton, she did not see him take off his shoes into the door, and he didn''t need toe here to pretend to be civilized.

    Jordan swaggered in, looked around, and blew an exaggerated whistle. "Yes, not as small as my house, but the pattern is excellent."

    He was much more polite to her at this meeting.

    Irish did not bother to correct him. Seeing his struggle, she called him to sit down and brought him the fruit te.

    "How did you find this ce?"

    Jordan used a napkin to wipe his hands and then took mangosteen with his fingers, slightly forced to break open. "I looked for Leo. He said that you came to your aunt''s house, and I went to your aunt immediately. Your aunt was very warm, ah. Without asking further, she told me your address. Even gave me the keys here."

    He briefly exined, eating a piece of mangosteen, and suddenly the sourness made his face contort.

    Irish listened to him, staring with wide eyes, "Gave you the key?" Jesus, what the hell was this?

    Jordanzily took the keys out of his trousers pocket and shook them in front of her, "She told me to bring it to my brother," he smiled viciously. "She''s not sure you''re here alone."

    "Give it to me." Irish was frightened and snatched away the key.

    Jordan swallowed the rest of the mangosteen as if smiling, "So I shouldn''t give it to him?"

    Irish felt strange and put away the key after staring at him, "You don''t know, your brother and I have broken up?"

    Jordan shrugged his shoulders. "I can tell from his look, but he didn''t dare to tell me. If you say so, it''s probably true."

    "I''ve been using your brother since the beginning, so I''m the kind of woman you call me."

    Jordan smiled as if he had heard a ridiculous joke in the world. "I don''t care about what you did to my brother."

    Irish was stunned.

    "Irish, you know, we are different, and what happened between you and him has nothing to do with me." Unconsciously, he changed the way he addressed her and stopped calling her the way he used to.

    Irish lowered her eyes.

    "Don''t you always think I''m your eldest brother''s mistress?"

    "Matter factly, you broke up with my brother at your initiative." Jordan smiled, shrugging his shoulders.

    Irish hesitated even more. "Do I look gloating?"

    Jordan did not speak.

    "You hate the Lake family?" Irish asked a question.

    Jordan was straightforward, "Dislikes, very much!"

    "Because of your parents?"

    Jordan thought for a while, "It''s because of him, I don''t understand why he works for the Runestone Group."

    "So you hate your brother?"

    "No, I hate him for other reasons." The light in Jordan''s eyes darkened a little.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish looked at him and waited for him to go on.

    Instead of telling her what his reason was, he asked, "What about the child?"

    "Why am I keeping your eldest brother''s children?" The sound of Irish chilled.

    Jordan stared at her for a long time, suddenly realizing, "That''s all, my brother knows you got an abortion abroad?"

    Irish was silent.

    Seeing that, Jordan could more or less guess the general situation, shaking his head, "Irish, you do that. In other words, it is illegal in foreign countries."

    "You''re wrong. You don''t break thew abroad before the baby has a heartbeat. If the baby has a heartbeat, then it''s illegal to abort it."

    Jordan had no choice but to be helpless, "Well, I can''t win you."

    "You can hate me."

    Jordan smiled gently. "I''ve always hated you, so I can''t hate you anymore."

    "I let your eldest brother''s child die, and you still talk andugh with me as if nothing happens?"

    Jordan looked at her with a strange gaze. "You didn''t do that to my child."

    Irish choked, hearing his answer.

    Jordan took an orange, after peeling it, stuffed most of it in his mouth, and Irish saw that in horror. She asked, "How did you like toe out of a refugee camp?"

    "It''s called life. It''s the key to a good life. Eat and y." Jordan taught her a lesson, got up, held her hand, and the orange peel went right into the trash can, waving his hand to her, "Let''s go."

    "Go where?"

    Jordan simply pulled her arm and said, "When life is happy, we should also have fun, right?"

    "Yes, yes, but neither you nor I seem to be very pleased. Jordan, you used it in the wrong situation."

    "Whatever. Let''s drink." Jordan urged her and added, "Oh, your body won''t allow you. Hmm, soe with me, you can drink, well, only milk."

    At this time, Irish had no intention of going out. She shook her head.

    "Come on, rx," He persuaded her. "If you are in a bad mood, you might as well vent it out."

    Irish hesitated and nodded after a long time.

    "Wait for me, and I''ll change my clothes."

    Jordan smiled and gave her an okay gesture.

    "Well.." he stopped her again.

    Irish stopped.

    "Why don''t you give me the key to the room? In case you take things too hard to kill yourself, I won''t have to break in." Jordan seemed to be serious.

    Irish took the key and shook it, "I dare give you this key, and you may not dare to ept it."

    "Why?"

    "Do you know what my brother does?" She pointed to the picture on the wall.

    "Yes, the police."

    "To be exact, he''s a drug enforcement officer, an anti-drug man." Irish swayed the key. "It''s dangerous here. I don''t know if I''ll be killed by drug dealers for revenge someday."

    Jordan swallowed the saliva and cleared his throat, "I suddenly felt... Or is it safer for you to hold the key?"

    Irish lightly closed her lip and entered the cloakroom.

    Jordan paced to the photo, looking at the photo of Jay in police uniform, shaking his head, "Such a handsome man, it''s a pity to deal with drug dealers."

 Chapter 637 637: Let Me Drive You Back

    Cassie was always in a panic when she was to get married. She didn''t know why. The more she got to the day of registration, the worse she felt. During this time, Fredrick always went to her house to discuss the details of their wedding. He knew that her parents were not satisfied with their marriage, but he called her parents on his own initiative and told them everything that would go well.

    In fact, he was really a responsible man.

    Cassie wanted to go shopping with Irish and buy something for her wedding. But after calling Irish, she felt she was in a bad mood. What she was doing was a happy event, and Irish''s father had just passed away a while ago, so she was afraid that Irish was still in grief.

    It got dark fast.

    Aftering out of the mall, she was weed by a long street of neon colors.

    During New Year''s Day, businesses were doing promotion activities, which also promoted the surrounding taxi environment to be very bad. Cassie had to carry the shopping bags and stand on the street. Seeing an empty taxiing, immediately raising her hand to wave desperately.

    The car stopped, but without waiting for her to step forward, she saw a young man behind her suddenly scrambling to get into the car. She stamped her feet in anger and shouted to the window, "You fucking sissy!"

    The young man took out a mirror and put out his hair, which had been blown away by the wind.

    The taxi driver gave Cassie a look that he could not help. Finally, he stepped on his foot, and the car left.

    Cassie shivered with anger. Another car slid silently toward her when she was about to pull out her cell phone to call a car rental. She put down the phone and looked at it. The car looked familiar.

    The window fell slowly, exposing Roy''s haggard face.

    Roy looked emaciated under the streemp, with his eyes suffused with blood silk. He stopped the car, got off, and stepped to Cassie, asking her quietly, "Why are you alone with so many things? Why didn''t hee to pick you up?"

    Obviously, Cassie didn''t expect that she would meet him here, so she replied hesitantly, "He is meeting with an important customer." After a few seconds, she asked him with a sigh since he looked so exhausted, "How are you doing?"

    She knew clearly about the mishap that happened to Runestone Group. Fresh personnel was introduced to the board of directors, and Roy turned out to be the first major shareholder of Runestone Group, but he handed the real power to Joseph. No, it seemed that he didn''t go to work recently, and the misfortunes that urred to his family must have caused a great strike on him.

    Roy didn''t reply to her question but reached out to help her to take the bag in her hands. "Let me drive you back."

    "No. Thanks. I can do it myself." She thought he should have a good rest and shouldn''t drive outside.

    His eyes were dreary, and he said, "It is hard for you to call a taxi at this time."

    "It is really not necessary to....."<novelnext></novelnext>

    Roy ignored her words and took her bags to his car. She had no choice but to follow him. There were also many girls who were waiting for the taxi, and they all gazed at Cassie, which made her feel uneasy.

    Roy put all the things into the trunk and then got into the car. He started his car after she tied the seat belt.

    He drove quickly, and soon they left the bustling block.

    The streetmp was stained with bleakness, and an aperture was shot on the window with a circle of light as the imprint of the time passing, which trapped people in a trance.

    The atmosphere was very depressing since Roy kept silent. Cassie didn''t know how tofort him, and she thought the polite form was too hypocritical.

    After a long time, Roy took the initiative to talk to her, "Congrattions, Cassie. You will be married to him soon."

    Cassie felt it was hard for her to bear such words from him, who had just lost his father, but she still expressed her thanks to him.

    In this way, he drove in the direction of her home, but he suddenly slowed down and stopped the car at the turn near her home.

    Cassie was confused, turning to him with puzzlement.

    Roy put his hands on the steering wheel, his head lowered, and the outline of his side face was unusually distinct. After a long while, he looked forward and said in a weak voice, "Cassie, I feel terrible now."

    Her heart trembled after hearing these words. After a long moment, she replied, "I am sorry for what happened to your father, and all of the staff in thepany are sad about this. I don''t know how tofort you, but I hope you can bestir yourself; after all, you must move forward."

    If Irish was also there, she might also be at a loss in how tofort her, but she would embrace her and allow her to cry in her arms. However, Irish didn''t give her such a chance.

    Roy clenched the steering wheel, turned over at her, and gazed at Cassie, "Don''t go back so early. Could you go and drink with me at the bar?"

    Cassie opened her mouth but said nothing. She was reluctant to go to a bar, and she only went to such a ce with Irish, so she could act freely. But she had never been to such a ce with Roy, and she didn''t know how long he would drink.

    She would decline his request as usual, but now she was touched by his pleading tone and tabid eyes, so she could not refuse him.

    She then recalled the scene when he held her and rushed to the hospital, so she sighed slightly, nodded, and added, "But you can''t drink too much."

    Roy nced at her and started the car, driving directions in the opposite direction.

 Chapter 638 638: Screw You

    The signboard of MI Bar was shining at night on Madison Avenue. It was a ce where many young people came for entertainment.

    Irish got into the bar and then sat in a secluded corner. It was the right time for people to enjoy the fun here, and when the deafening music sounded, she felt dizzy. It was not until then she had to admit that she was not as young as before.

    Jordan asked for a cup of milk for her which shocked her since she never expected that there would be milk. Jordan patted her shoulder as if he was her buddy and then said to her loudly. "I bought this milk outside."

    "But no drinks are allowed to be brought personally."

    Jordan smiled at her and replied, "Don''t worry. The workers are not fools. And have paid the price for this cup of milk. I have to buy an extra set meal here."

    Irish widened her eyes since she was surprised, and soon the waiters served them alcohol and some snacks.

    The waiter served them two bottles of wine, four bottles of beer, and apote.

    Irish pointed at the bottles on the table and said, "You can''t drink so much wine. I won''t pay for it."

    "I have already paid," Jordan said helplessly.

    After hearing this, Irish smiled slyly.

    "It doesn''t matter." Jordan opened the bottles while speaking.

    "Are you crazy?"

    Jordan smiled and said, "Don''t waste the beautiful moment."

    Irish looked at him helplessly.

    It turned out that going out with him was a little bit depressing.

    Irish couldn''t figure out why those young girls'' eyes would be so sharp, and more than ten girls hade to strike up a conversation with Jordan within an hour.

    Jordan was young, handsome, and vigorous, so it was natural that those girls would be attracted to him. However, Irish still thought they were too audacious.

    Jordan drank with those girls, but as long as they sent an invitation to him, Jordan would embrace Irish immediately and say with a big smile, "I am sorry. This is my girlfriend."

    As soon as he finished his words, Irish would receive a look of hatred from those girls.

    After looking at him helplessly and saying, "Are you sure you brought me here for fun? But I think you are proving your charm in front of me."

    Jordan replied with a smile, "I really want to apany you." But Irish still didn''t trust him.

    It turned out that as soon as he finished his words, he rushed to the dancing floor where all of the young girls were there.

    In such a noisy environment, Irish was so quiet.

    He held her face, staring at Jordan through the light.

    Those girls surrounded him, so it was easy for her to know where he was. He was good at dancing. His well-defined chin and smiling lips gave her an illusion, and she almost thought it was Joseph who was there.

    Perhaps, he was also apanied by a sweet girl at this time.

    Just as her Aunt said, a man like Joseph would neverck thepanion of a woman.

    Though it was her own decision to end their rtionship and why she still felt so painful?<novelnext></novelnext>

    She called the waiter and asked for a cup of hot water to relieve her pain.

    Soon the waiter served her the water, but a man suddenly blocked in front of her.

    She looked and found a strange man standing there.

    "Is anyone sitting here?" He asked.

    It was a handsome man in his twenties but looked slovenly.

    "Yes." She replied coldly.

    The man was going to say something, but soon she added, "I only like women."

    "Madwoman." The man was shocked and soon left.

    Irish sighed slightly after hearing that since she also thought she was a mad woman.

    In the following hour, Irish declined several men''s invitations, including the young and old, handsome or not. She felt she was not as vigorous as before, so shecked the energy to talk nonsense with those people.

    However, three nasty men finally came to her.

    It seemed that they were frequent callers of the bar, and one of the men with a tattoo sat beside her and asked her, "Hey, beauty, do you want to have a midnight snack with me?"

    "I have a stomachache, so I don''t want to eat anything now."

    "Stomachache? Don''t worry. I want to buy some medicine for you." The man with a tattoo reached out and held her waist while talking.

    Irish frowned and removed his hands, "Stay away from me. Don''t bother me here."

    "Wow, hot-tempered woman." Instead of being irritated, the man smiled and said, "Don''t be angry. Why are you so sad? You can tell me."

    Irish had run out her patience, and she roared at him, "Go away!"

    "It''s an honor for you since I have a crush on you, so you''d better not offend me." The man pulled Irish''s arms and was about to hold her in his arms.

    Though Jordan was dancing, he paid attention to Irish asionally in case any incident urred to her. He also noticed that many men came to strike up a conversation with her, but those men looked polite and left her soon.

    But he stopped dancing immediately and frowned tightly when he saw that the slovenly man was harassing Irish. He pushed the girls who were dancing and pressed him but only gazed at Irish. Jordan was totally irritated when he found that the man was trying to embrace Irish, so he rushed through the crowds and took an empty bottle in his hand.

    At the moment when that man held Irish in his arms, Jordan stepped in front of him and mmed the empty bottle to the man''s head. "Screw you."

    The bottle was broken into pieces soon, and the man fell down to the ground immediately. He covered his head and was shocked. He was indignant when he finally got to know what had happened. "Do you want to die?" He roared at Jordan.

    Two of hispanions also rushed up after seeing what happened.

    Jordan struck out wildly with them while the man who fell on the ground also rushed to Jordan with a bottle, but soon Jordan heard a bang. When he turned around, he surprisingly found that the man had been hit by a bottle and fallen on the ground again.

    He screamed out of pain on the ground while the blood was bleeding from his head.

    It was Irish who beat the man.

    "Bitch! Go to hell!" Two of the other men turned to Irish.

 Chapter 639 639: I Feel Worse Now

    The colorful lights were intertwined with the fast rotation, which blurred the face of the dancing young people. A handsome man with big mixed-race big-eared earphones was shaking his body along with the rhythm of the music.

    The dancing people on the dance floor were excited. The night was beautiful, and people were all releasing their nature under a flickering, noisy, and wild environment, disregarding the masks where they hid during the day.

    Everyone was enjoying themselves, so no one noticed the fight in the corner, except for the people around them who would scream out of fear. But soon, their screaming was suppressed by the deafening music. No matter how much confusion it causes, it would be eliminated by the wild people on the dance floor.

    No one would notice that, even if a murder urred here.

    The other two men were irritated by Irish since they saw their friend screaming on the ground like a mouse that had been trampled off the tail, so they all rushed to Irish.

    Absolutely, Jordan would protect Irish from danger, so he hastily blocked his body before Irish, but it seemed that he had forgotten that he was defeated Irish before. Therefore, as soon as he touched the cor of a man, Irish rushed forward and kicked the man''s abdomen violently while grabbing his cor tightly. The man''s face was distorted, and he squealed immediately. However, his scream soon vanished in the noisy music. When he squatted over, Irish pped him abruptly, and obviously, the man didn''t expect it, so he fell down immediately. He mmed into the neighboring table, which startled the guests, causing them to run away.

    In the meantime, she also avoided the attack of the third man in red, and the bottle of wine swiped over her head. However, she took the chance to grab his arm, lifting her feet and kicking his abdomen. The man also fell down on the ground immediately.

    But another man who had just mmed into the table stood up and tried to attack her again. He looked like an indignant beast rushing to Irish. She avoided him promptly, and before the man could react, she had given him faster flex.

    Jordan covered his eyes since it was really too horrible to see. He knew how painful it was since he had experienced it before.

    It seemed that Irish didn''t intend to loosen her hands after the man fell to the ground. She stepped forward and kicked him with her high-heeled shoes. The man cried out, but soon she rushed in front of the two other men and picked up the wine bottles on the ground, pouring the wine to them while kicking them.

    All the people surrounding them were startled by her. Perhaps they didn''t expect that such a delicate woman would be so fierce.

    Jordan didn''te to help her during the whole process. In fact, she didn''t need his help at all, which made him embarrassed. Though he was a man with a strong figure, the three men were defeated by a woman, and it somehow severely hit his self-esteem.

    But he understood clearly that Irish had released all of her bad emotions on the three men. She kicked them violently while her beautiful face was distorted.

    When the security officer rushed over to them, Jordan hastily stopped Irish and took her bag, which fell on the ground, and rushed away.

    The security man shouted behind them in the noisy environment, "Stop them! Stop them!"

    However, before other security men could respond, they had run out of the bar and rushed to their car.

    The security men soon rushed out from the bar while Jordan hastily took Irish to hide behind the car, avoiding those men immediately.

    There were many young men who came to hit the bars on Madison Avenue, and gradually the security men gave up searching them.

    Jordan observed them secretly behind the car, and he was finally relieved when he found that they had all left. He sat on the ground directly, leaning against the car, and adjusted his breath.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish also punted there. "Have they all gone then?"

    Jordan nodded, but he then shook his head after staring at her for a long while.

    Irish was confused about why he was smiling.

    "You are awesome!" He gave her a thumbs-up sigh and then added, "You defeated the three men. You are even superior to a real man!"

    Irish red at him and replied, "Are you a man? When I was fighting with them, where did you go? You just stood there like a piece of wood. You are like an onlooker."

    Jordan raised his hands to surrender, "Jesus, I really want to help you, but it turned out that you can handle them easily. I am afraid that I will do a disservice since you fight there fiercely, and I am even worried you would hurt me identally."

    "You are quibbling," Irish mumbled and rubbed her sore wrist. She had to admit that she was not as energetic as before.

    However, Jordan asked abruptly, "Do you think the three guys could recognize us?"

    "The light is dim over there, and it was in chaos at that moment, so I am sure they wouldn''t recognize us. Are you afraid?" Irish said sarcastically.

    Jordan rolled his eyes and spoke English with her, "I am worried about you! And I am afraid that you would have to bear all of the consequences." He stopped for a second and then said, "There is a surveince camera, so it is easy for them to find us."

    "Don''t worry. It frequently urred in the bar."

    "I mean, the three guys may find us easily."

    Irish looked at him with contemptuous eyes and said, "Jordan, can you be courageous? The three guys are just three loafers, so why are you afraid of them? I am sure they won''t find us. And if they do, I am sure they are courting death."

    Jordan was scolded by her and felt embarrassed, so he raised his voice while replying, "Hey, I am just caring about you."

    "I even hope that they wille for me." She still needed to release her anger, so if they dared to find trouble again, she would beat them even more violently.

    "Let''s go." Irish stood up while Jordan also followed her, walking to their car. When she was opening the door, Jordan suddenly asked behind her, "Are you feeling better now?"

    Irish clenched her hands, stopping her movement for a second, and then turned to him, "I feel worse now." She gnashed her teeth and replied.

    Jordan was speechless after hearing this.

 Chapter 640 640: What A Boring Man

    It was in Moon Bay at Villet Avenue.

    It was eleven o''clock at night when Cassie held Roy and finally drove to his apartment. She took a deep breath after trying her best to move him on the couch while her forehead was wet with sweat.

    When they got out of the bar, Roy was staggering on the street. He waspletely drunk, so he couldn''t drive at all, but he forced Cassie to drive him back and refused to call for a designated driving service. Cassie had no choice but to drive him home though she had no driving license.

    But the management of his residencemunity was so strict that the security man asked her a series of questions and stared at her with his sharp eyes. They were finally permitted to get in after Roy showed his parking permit.

    Cassie sighed helplessly since he was as drunk as a jellyfish. He said no more than ten words from the beginning when they got into the bar but drank silently there.

    "Roy, how do you feel now?" She stood in front of the couch and asked.

    He opened his drunken eyes, looked around, and rubbed his forehead. "I am fine. Thank you."

    Cassie was relieved since he still had consciousness, "Have a good rest. I have to go home now."

    She prayed in her heart that she could get a taxi as soon as she walked out of this residentialmunity, and then she took her bag and was about to go out.

    At the moment when she turned back, Roy mumbled behind her, "Could you please get me some anti-alcoholic tea? I have a terrible headache."

    Cassie stopped, taking a look at the time, and was at a loss, but when she stared at Roy, who looked in pain, she also couldn''t bear to leave him alone.

    "Please. The housemaid wille tomorrow." He leaned against the couch, gazing at her, and said with his maic voice.

    Cassie was soft-hearted since he looked so terrible there, so she stepped to him and asked, "Where is the kitchen?"

    Roy smiled and pointed in the direction of the kitchen for her.

    Cassie put aside her bag and said, "Well, wait for me for a moment." After finishing her words, she stepped into the kitchen.

    Roy looked more well-defined under the soft light. He leaned his head and looked straight into the ceiling, breathing Cassie''s faint fragrance. It was refreshing and sweet, which surrounded him, but he was unable to feel it when he tried deliberately.

    His drunken eyes trembled slightly, and a dangerous atmosphere spread quietly. Cassie took a cup of anti-alcoholic tea for him after a few minutes. She put it on the table and said softly to him, "You can drink itter. It''s too hot now."

    Roy smiled at her and said, "It didn''t burn you, did it?"

    "I am fine," Cassie replied with a smile and then took her bag. "Drink it and have a good rest."

    However, Roy hastily said, "Don''t leave in a hurry. Aren''t you tired? You didn''t have a second rest after you got me home."

    "It is toote, and I have to go home now."

    "Wait for a moment until I finish drinking the tea, okay?" Cassie was confused while Roy sighed slightly, "Your bags are still in my car."

    It reminded Cassie that her bags were in the trunk of his car. If Roy didn''t go downstairs, she was unable to get the bags, so after thinking for a while, she sat down on the couch and suggested, "Would you mind giving the key to your car to me? I can send it back to you after getting the bags."

    Roy stared at her and showed an evil smile, and said, "I am not a beast. Why are you reluctant to apany me for a while?"<novelnext></novelnext>

    "You have misunderstood me. You are drunk, so I think it is not convenient for you to go downstairs." She hastily exined.

    Roy smiled at her but said nothing. He took an empty ss and poured a cup of water for her. "You must be thirsty. Have a rest and drink some water. I will go with you after I finish the anti-alcoholic tea."

    Cassie was unable to decline his request since he said firmly, so she took the ss of water and finished it as she was thirsty.

    "Do you want more water?"

    Cassie shook her head slightly.

    Roy took his cup and began to sip the anti-alcoholic tea.

    "Does it taste awful?" She asked.

    Roy smiled faintly at her and replied, "How could it be possible since you made it for me?"

    Cassie felt weird after hearing this, but she didn''t care about it and replied, "That''s good. Now I am relieved."

    "Have you made tea before for Fredrick?"

    Cassie shook her head and calmly replied, "He has never been drunk."

    "What a boring man!" Roy snorted.

    Cassie felt a little embarrassed but had to regard it as alcohol talking, so she said nothing. Roy was still drinking slowly while Cassie suggested, "You''d better drink it in one gulp if it is not too hot, and it will have a better effect in this way."

    "Are you so eager to go home and apany Fredrick?" He asked abruptly.

    Cassie was shocked and then smiled faintly, "What are you talking about?"

    Roy stood up and walked to her, sitting beside her directly. He gazed at her and whispered, "Are you going home or going to his house?"

    Cassie''s heart trembled suddenly, and she began to breathe quickly. Her blood was like spoiled water, flowing quickly in her body. When he got close to her, his breath mixed with the faint scent of wine soon spread into her nose, which elerated her heartbeat.

    What happened to her?

    "In fact, it is not necessary for you to go home tonight." Roy held her waist while talking and then lowered his cheeks, whispering beside her ears, "Stay here to apany me tonight."

    His broad hands held her waist, and she could easily feel his warmth.

    She felt that someone pinched her heart, and she breathed quickly while her head was dizzy.

    She staggered, but soon Roy held her into his arms while she was forced to lean on his chest weakly, seeing double.

    "What''s wrong with you?" Instead of being drunk, Roy rubbed beside her ears.

 Chapter 641 641: Have You Forgotten My Words Before?

    Cassie felt very thirsty, and her heart almost jumped out of her chest. She exerted effort to sober herself, pushing him away but stumbled. She was like a drunken person and was unable to stand steadily but could only see his blurred face.

    "Roy, what have you added to my water?" She felt it was hard to talk clearly since her tongue was numb.

    Half asleep, she saw him walk to her step by step, but she still had consciousness and was alert. Trying her best, she stumbled to the door, but the moment when she touched the door handle, she fell down on the ground and was unable to stand up again.

    She felt weak, as if she had lost her spine. The coldness of the ground spread all over her body, but she could do nothing but see Roy walk to her step by step.

    It was not until he finally stopped in front of her and looked down at her.

    She was too weak to look up. Though she was furious, she could say nothing, and her tongue was numb.

    He bowed down, holding her effortlessly, and stepped into the bedroom.

    Cassie felt dizzy with her hands hanging weakly, and she couldn''t see his eyes but had to allow him to hold her into the bedroom. Roy put her on the bed upon entering the bedroom.

    She could tell from her eyes what he was going to do next, so she tried to struggle out and found that she couldn''t move at all.

    Roy pressed over her body, took off her clothes, and stared at her with his beast-like eyes. "You must have forgotten the words I told you before that you will belong to me sooner orter."

    Cassie wanted to stop him and scold him or even plead for his mercy, but she was unable to make any sound at all. She couldn''t do anything to stop him from taking off her clothes. And soon, he also unbuttoned his shirt and took off his trousers.

    She was so weak that it was even hard for her to move her eyes. In other words, she was forced to see his sturdy and strong body.

    When Roy pressed down, she could feel his erect penis easily.

    Cassie yelled in her heart and scolded him harshly, but it didn''t work at all.

    "The reason for keeping you conscious is...." He stopped while his hand slipped on her naked body. Her soft breasts stimted his Iust, so even his eyes were stained by strong lust.

    "I want you to feel the difference between Fredrick and me."

    He raised her waist and her soft legs.

    Cassie''s eyes were filled with tears, and when he pressed down, a drop of tear shed down along her cheeks, falling down to the sheet as he entered her body violently.

    The great pain led her to breathe quickly, but she could make a faint voice. She felt her body was filled by him maximally.

    Her soft body brought him great joy. He lowered his head and stared at her tearful eyes, which gave him a sense of satisfaction.

    "Your pussy is so tight. You are awesome!" He squinted at her and then added while showing an evil smile. "It seems that Fredrick can''t satisfy you."

    Cassie tried her best to close her eyes, but soon he began to move in her body. She felt that she was mmed into the fire and was destroyed by itpletely.

    ****

    It was sunny when Lenard sent Lilith to the airport. Compared to the cold New York, it was a ce with fine weather.

    Lilith extended her appreciation to him again and again, but she sighed after she got her boarding check.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "What''s wrong?" Lenard asked her.

    "I am really eager to meet him." She replied while staring outside.

    Lenard replied with a smile, "I can understand you. But you can''t act like this next time because it will cause a lot of pressure on us."

    She was confused by his words, so Lenard had to exin to her patiently.

    It turned out that Jay required that his family should be protected every time when he was carrying out a task outside, and this time he added a name to the list, and that was Lilith.

    It was not until then Lilith figured out the reason why she would be found easily as soon as she went to Florida. It turned out that she had been protected by them.

    "Jay will be fine, so don''t worry," Lenard said firmly.

    Though Lilith knew that he wasforting her, she was full of strength and nodded with a big smile, "I know. I will wait for him toe back."

    Lenard also smiled and said, "Jay is lucky since he could have such a nice girlfriend."

    Lilith was shy, and it was not until she arrived in Florida she then realized how dangerous here. She could perceive their tiredness easily since many of the policemen hadn''t had a good rest for several days while others even didn''t have time to shave. They were forced to leave home ande here for their work and to fight with those drug traffickers.

    They all faced the same danger, just as Lenard said to her on the first day that he knew that his life was out of his control from the day he became anti-drug police.

    It was the same asion as Jay, so Lilith admired them very much but also worried about them.

    "Does Jay know I am here?" She couldn''t help asking him.

    "No, he won''t know it," Lenard replied frankly.

    Lilith was a little upset after hearing this, but she still replied calmly, "Oh, it doesn''t matter."

    "Do you want to divert his attention?" Lenard was also soft-hearted.

    Lilith then realized what he meant, so she hastily shook her head. Absolutely, she didn''t want him to divert his attention. In fact, if he knew that she was here, it may cause trouble for him. How can she be so selfish? She always forgot how dangerous his work was.

    Lenard stared at her and said softly, "What you should do at this crucial moment is trust him and support him."

    Lilith nodded and was determined to do that.

    They walked forward, and Lilith suddenly hit a person violently since she was absorbed in her thoughts. Her bag fell down to the ground immediately.

    She hastily lowered her head and apologized to him, but the man quickly picked up her bag.

    "Thank you. You..." Lilith stopped out of great astonishment and took a sharp breath.

    The man who picked up the bag for her was Jay, who she had missed so much for a long time.

 Chapter 642 642: She Hated Him So Much

    God would make some mistakes sometimes, such as departing lovers who were in love, just as Jay and Lilith at this moment. Therefore, at first sight of Jay, a great joy sted in Lilith''s heart, and her eyes were even flickering. Her worries and panic,sting for a long time, were gone immediately.

    She was eager to embrace him, but it seemed that the man in front of her was not quite himself.

    He wore a white T-shirt with a pair of jeans. Though his dress was normal, the blond hair on his forehead was offensive to the eye. What was uneptable was the tattoo on his arms which covered his entire skin.

    For a long time, Lilith was afraid of the man with a tattoo, and she would never get in contact with such a man. And none of her friends would like the tattoo, and in her subconscious, men with tattoos were not good men.

    But now, the man with a tattoo in front of her eyes was Jay. Though he looked slovenly and wore sunsses, even licking a toothpick in his mouth, she still recognized him at first sight.

    He was Jay, strange and familiar to her.

    She couldn''t see his eyes under the sunsses, so she was unable to feel his emotion. What was more shocking was that a woman was standing beside him.

    ? Lilith had seen this woman on the surveince video, and Lilith would never forget her infatuated eyes.

    She held Jay''s arm while her beautiful face looked even more charming under the light. She had long and curly hair, just like a Barbie doll, as well as a plump bosom. She is intimately leaning toward Jay.

    Lilith was so jealous.

    She envied the woman''s crummy breasts but hated her so much since she held her boyfriend''s hand.

    Soon, the man took off his sses, and at the moment when they looked at each other, her thoughts for him welled up like a spring.

    "Miss, I am sorry. Here you are." He looked down at Lilith and said indifferently, even without mood swings.

    Lilith was so depressed after hearing his unemotional words. She gazed at his eyes that she was familiar with before, but she felt so strange at this moment and looked at his arm where another woman was leaning there. It gave her a feeling of heartbreak.

    But she suddenly felt warmth spreading from her shoulder.

    Lilith looked back consciously but surprisingly found that it was Lenard who was embracing her. Before she could say something, Lenard took her bag and then said slowly with a smile, "I am sorry, sir. My girlfriend is timid. She is afraid of tattoos."

    Lenard tightened his hand as if trying to remind her.

    It was not until then Lilith suddenly woke up to reality. She pretended to be feared when she looked at Jay and then hastily held Lenard and said, "Honey. He scared me. There is a tattoo on his arm."

    Though she acted like this, she felt so sore.

    How could she forget that it was his work? He didn''t hide his identity as anti-drug police. He even told her some confidential information about his work as a dinting in Florida, which indicated that Jay trusted her because he should have to hide the information from everyone, including his family. Luckily, Lenard was there, or she would have shown her weakness.

    She knew the severity of this case, and Jay may lose his life if his real identity was exposed.

    Lenard raised his hands and patted her back tofort her.

    Lilith couldn''t see Jay''s expression, but she was reluctant to see, and nothing mattered as long as he could be safe.

    "Honey, you scared the girl. Let''s go home. I am so tired." The voice of the woman beside him sounded. It seemed that her English was not so good.

    Her sweet voice gave Lilith goosebumps, but soon she felt sorrowful because she heard that the woman called Jay honey.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Jay left soon.

    He looked like a stranger when he passed by her.

    Lilith turned back, looking in the direction where Jay left but found the backlight blurred him while the woman still held him intimately.

    Lenard loosened his hand, looking in the direction where Jay left, and then turned to Lilith again. "It is time to ept the security check. Let''s go." He said softly.

    Lilith nodded, but her steps were heavy and ponderous because she felt that she seemed to have lost something important when Jay passed by her.

    ****

    It was sunny in the morning.

    The door of the bedroom was unlocked, and there was a faint light shining out. The clothes of the man and woman were scattered all over the ground, while the bra and the woman''s knickers were put on the bed. Besides the scattered clothes, tissues were strewn on the ground everywhere.

    The bed stand drawer was pulled out in which a box of condomsy there. Four used condoms overflowed with white liquid in the trash can while on the bed, the woman was covered by a thin nket.

    Her long hair was scattered on the pillow, her cheeks were pink, her eyes closed, and there were love bites on her skin which was exposed to the air. She was sunk in sleep with tear stains at the corner of her eyes.

    There was a noiseing from outside the window, which woke her up. She opened her eyes abruptly as a frightened deer.

    She moved slightly but found her body was sore, and it was like the pain of being run over by the wheel.

    She straightened her body, but soon she turned stiff when she saw the scene on the ground.

    The memories ofst night surged up immediately.

    Under the soft light, Roy invaded her body. She wanted to get out of there, but she could not move with her hands hanging weakly, allowing him to enter her body again and again.

    He lied to her because he didn''t get drunk at all.

    Everything that happenedst night made her inconsble. She felt that the body was not hers anymore, while Roy alsopletely tore off the elegant outerwear and vented his desire on her body.

    She hated him so much!

    But soon, the door opened. She looked up and saw the initiator of evil standing over there.

    It seemed that he had also just gotten off the bed. He had taken a shower, wrapped in a bath towel. When he opened the door, he found that she was sitting on the bed nkly, so he asked with a smile, "Are you awake?"

    Cassie breathed quickly while her eyes were as sharp as a knife. She was eager to kill him at once. She gnashed her teeth, ring at him.

    But Roy stepped forward on her gaze, pinching her chin, and asked, "Does the overpowering drug lose potency?"

    He did put something in the water.

 Chapter 643 643: Take Her Back

    Cassie red at him irritably. How can he be so despicable?

    "What''s wrong? You were happyst night, weren''t you?" Roy sat down and held her, with his slender fingers slipping down, and then whispered beside her ears, "The sheet was wet by your sexual secretions."

    Cassie trembled out of rage while he continued, "Your pussy is so tight, which gave me great pleasure. Honey, you are so tight. Do you feel happier when I don''t wear condoms in the early morning?"

    Her face turned pale, and her heart almost stopped beating.

    She couldn''t remember how many times they had sex, but now she was reminded by his words, and the memory of this morning was back again. The man''s panting was suffused in her mind, which gave a violent strike to her mind.

    She vaguely remembered that Roy pressed over her body this early morning, and she was weak enough to withstand his violent impact.

    When he almost reached the orgasm, he didn''t wear a condom like the previous few times but ejacted directly inside her body.

    She could even feel the hot temperature pouring inside her.

    He was such a despicable man!

    "I will sue you! You are a monster." She felt weak, not because of the drug action but because he tortured her for the whole night. She was too weak to argue with him.

    After hearing this, Roy smiled and asked in reply, "What are you going to sue me? Are you going to sue me for raping you? But even the security guard knew that it was you who drove me backst night. And I didn''t force you to get into my housest night. Do you have any evidence to sue me? Do you think the police will believe you that raped youst night? Don''t waste time because no one would trust you."

    "You are so despicable." Cassie was so eager to kill him by stabbing a knife into his chest.

    However, he smiled and said in a low voice beside her ears, "Don''t worry. The real despicable thing wille soon."

    Cassie was shocked and confused by his words, but soon she heard the doorbell ring.

    Roy stood up with an evil smile, pinching her cheeks, and said, "I have a surprise for you."

    After a few seconds, she heard footstepsing.

    She was startled and hastily pulled the nket, but as soon as she covered her body with the nket, the door was opened by someone.

    The man stopped when he saw the scene in the room, while Cassie was also tired of earthly life at that moment.

    It was Fredrick who opened the door.

    Roy sneered behind him and snorted, "Take her back."

    Fredrick balled his fists, and the blue vein protruded.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Roy, you are a jerk!" He gnashed his teeth and raised his fist to Roy.

    However, Roy held his fist and pressed Fredrick against the wall, sneering, "But it is me, the asshole, who led your woman to orgasm several times! Fredrick, I am afraid that you have never brought her such great joy!"

    Fredrick looked like a raging beast, pushing him away and pping his face violently, "Go to hell."

    "That''s enough!" Cassie shouted, and her voice teetered on the edge of hysteria.

    They stopped together and found Cassie huddled there as a shrimp with a hand covering her ears. Her face was so pale. Finally, she cried out and then passed out.

    ****

    The meaning of the rumor was to release people''s pressure and add some color to people''s life. It didn''t have any social or reference value, and its products may be a maliciously fabricated and fictional exaggeration. Nevertheless, it rapidly spread because people were all interested in such gossip. Therefore, though it generated quickly but would vanish soon, and that was why rumor could only be regarded as information but not news.

    The rumor about Ruby''s sexual orientation was also just a rumor, and because of her identity as the daughter of the Lake family, people paid great attention to this gossip. Of course, it would pass sooner orter, but the negative impact of this period brought great suffering to the person concerned.

    But Joseph''s promotion of status in Runestone Group was unmistakable news.

    The media reported that the board of directors of Runestone Group would encounter a reform, pointing out that through the second stock adjustment after the death of former chairman Henry, the general manager of the Runestone Group held almost the same stock with the only son of the Lake family, Roy.

    Some outsiders spected the significance of this stock adjustment, and some even pointed out that the establishment of the Runestone Group had something to do with two enterprises, and it was a result of corporate restructuring. In addition, people were interested in whether the internal decision-making authority of Joseph''s family, represented by him, would overwhelm the authority of the Lake family.

    This explosive news soon overcame the rumors about Ruby. However, Ruby could still not cross this ridge, but luckily Joseph promised to help her cope with this dilemma.

    In fact, Joseph did not need to spend much effort coping with these things. At the moment when Ruby agreed to transfer her stock to him, the rumors ended at that time. What happened was without extra effort for Joseph.

    The rumor was like a flood that needed people''s instruction.

    Of course, someone had to pay the price to achieve one''s goals. For example, Ruby had the right to vote since she agreed to transfer her stock right, but it was just a drop in the ocean while Joseph''s position rose quickly. It was not only for him but also for the social status of Jordan, who had never been to Runestone Group and improved rapidly.

    However, even if the news caused much gossip, Runestone Group was still operating normally. The staff of Runestone Group didn''t care who was in charge of thepany; they just cared about whether they would be cut down and their sry would improve.

    Joseph was busy from morning to night, as if he was Robert. He had endless meetings, social engagements, and business negotiations. He had to visit the mining site, review model design, and market sales. He also had to elerate the deep development and cooperation in the first-tier city market, investment management of various projects, and capital operation of the stock market.

    He was busy with his work until midnight, and after four hours of sleep, he would devote himself to work again. It seemed that Joseph had forgotten that Daisy was also a woman. She was almost exhausted after dealing with the endless document and arranging the schedule for him.

    Joseph just kept silent without any mood swings. Daisy tried to find out any clues about his mood swings but failed often.

 Chapter 644 644: I’m Your Future Husband

    He looked soposed, as if he had never fallen in love with Irish, but it also seemed that their rtionship had never affected him. Daisy was suspicious about that but was also hesitant.

    She began to suspect that they may have broken up because Joseph didn''t mention anything about Irish anymore like before, as if Irish had beenpletely removed from his life.

    And she also found that he didn''t use the private phone anymore while the mobile phone did not ring again. He put it in the drawer but never opened it again.

    Along with the mobile phone, the diamond ring he made was also in it. Daisy had seen the ring and was shocked by its splendor. She knew that it was a result of Joseph''s painstaking efforts. He utilized the world''s most expensive and time-consuming cutting process on this diamond ring and endowed this ring with a dazzling life.

    If the ring wasunched into the market, it was undoubtedly priceless and it would be a miracle in the jewelry industry. Instead, however, it was lying in the drawer quietly.

    Daisy couldn''t figure out how long this beautiful ring had to beid up there.

    ****

    Irish had a long dream in which happiness was intertwined with sadness, and warmth was mixed up with miseries. When she suddenly woke up, the bright sunshine outside the windowforted her uneasy heart. The warm sunlight prated through the thin gauze, leaving mottled sunlight on the floor, indicating theing of a new day.

    It was quiet and peaceful in the room.

    Under the light, the slight floating dust could be seen clearly while the clock''s pointer on the wall was rotating slowly. Behind the thin gauze, several pots of green nts were put there, of which branches were adorned with the crystal drops.

    Everything was quiet.

    Irish stared at the green nts nkly while her long eyshes moved slightly. The sunlight shone on her face, which was slightly pale, and her forehead was wet. She reached out to wipe the sweat and ran her finger through her hair, but soon she stopped abruptly.

    She hastily took the mirror on the bed stand since she suddenly remembered that she had shoulder-length hair.

    Irish was absent-minded, but soon, she smiled. It was just an authentic dream that she couldn''t tell dream from reality. The girl with shoulder-length hair was real, while the long hair only existed in her dream. Her long, silky hair was draped on her shoulder, which she had longed for a long time. Though she was determined to keep long hair every time, she could cut it in summer since it was too hot.

    She stretched herself, got off the bed, and walked out of her dream.

    When she got off the bed, she found that she was dressed in conservative cotton pajamas.

    As soon as she walked out of the bedroom, the smell of delicious food spread into her nose, which cheered Irish. She walked into the kitchen where a tall man was cooking.

    The light poured into the kitchen from the window, falling on his hair.

    Irish stood at the kitchen door, staring at the man who was overwhelmed in the sunlight and felt warm, so she couldn''t help stepping forward, embracing him gently with her cheeks pressing on his back.<novelnext></novelnext>

    The man didn''t look back but said to her while cooking, "You are really an easy dozer."

    Irish pressed on his broad back and sighed with the feeling that it felt so good to be awake. "Why are you here?"

    "I have to cook for you? Or what are you going to eat? I am afraid that you would call for takeout again." He had finished a dish while talking with her, so he turned to her with a big smile.

    Irish held his face, staring at him.

    "What''s up?" He asked and grinned.

    "Nothing." Staring at his well-defined face, Irish felt his fondness which she was familiar with.

    "I had a beautiful dreamst night in which I was a beauty, and many men wooed me."

    He pinched her cheeks after hearing this and said, "I am the only man who will love you forever. Well, go wash your face, and I will almost finish cooking."

    "Adam." She called him softly.

    The man took the dishes from the table and then looked at her.

    "Do you think I am too ordinary? I am not beautiful and even don''t have a good job." Irish stepped in front of him and asked hesitantly.

    Adam looked at her helplessly and replied, "Don''t talk nonsense. We will get married soon. He reached out and whispered, "I will love you forever. Trust me."

    Irish was relieved by his words and took the initiative to hold him and said softly, "The dream was too authentic, and I can''t tell it from reality. I dreamed that you fell down from the mountain when we were climbing, and you just vanished for nearly four years. I can''t get any information from you. Many people said that you are dead."

    "Silly girl." Adam smiled and held her cheeks while talking, "It is my fault. If I had checked the security rope before climbing, nothing would happen. Luckily, I just suffered from a minor injury. You must have been frightened by me, so you had such a dream. Don''t worry; I promised you I would not go climbing anymore."

    Irish nodded slightly and said after a long while, "The dream is so weird, and it feels so real. Many things happened in my dream. Adam, do you know that I dreamed I was a psychologist specializing in analyzing people''s dreams? Do you think it is strange? Perhaps it is because I always have dreams during sleep. What is more shocking is that I am an uwful daughter of a rich family in the dream and fell in love with another man, but he is my brother-inw. I can''t remember clearly, but I can recall some diamonds and jewelry. However, I finally broke up with him painfully."

    Adam took her onto the chair and sat across from her, sighing slightly, "Is his name Joseph?"

    "How do you know that?" Irish was surprised. Though she forgot many details of the dream, she could remember this name clearly because she liked this name so much.

    "I heard that you were calling this name in the morning." Adam shook his head slightly and pretended toin about her, "Irish, I am your future husband, and I will be jealous if you call another man''s name in your dream. And I cannot vent my anger since he is a fictional man in your dream. I even hoped he would be real, so I could warn him to stay away from my wife."

 Chapter 645 645: It Is Snowing Outside

    "What are you talking about? The man in the dream is very simr to you, and I am afraid that it is the result of first love because you exist everywhere, even in my dream." Adam was amused by her indignation andughed. He was a gentleman, but he would also be jealous of a fictional person in her dream, so Irish asked after thinking, "You just said that I always mention the name with you?"

    "It is your third time calling his name in your dream." Adam sighed slightly.

    Irish pouted after hearing this and said, "Why do you take it so seriously? It is just a dream." She took a tissue to wipe her hands and continued, "I think it feels good to live in the dream. Though I am beautiful and have a good job, I am an uwful daughter. And I even have a high sry."

    "Don''t you think it is good to be a teacher to teach your students now?" Adam reached over with his chopsticks to refill her bowl and continued, "When you have students everywhere, then you will be proud."

    Irish sighed slightly but said nothing. She recalled the man who was as tall as Adam and had the same sturdy chest as him, but the man called Joseph looked serious. He was her brother-inw and treated her strictly, but he also loved her deeply.

    It seemed they encountered a problem, so they broke up with each other and lost their unborn child, which made her so painful.

    Adam stopped and stared at her, "You are still less than thirty years old, and is there a problem with your memory? Today is your parents'' wedding day, and my mother-inw urged me not to bete to attend the party. And you said that you would pick up a meaningful gift for them yesterday. Do you forget that?"

    "Oh my God, I almost forgot that." Irish patted her head and then said, "Then we need to hurry up. It is already ten o''clock, and the party will begin at six o''clock, but we still have to buy a gift for them. Hurry up!"

    Adam looked at her and showed a fond smile.

    "Oh,st night I had a nightmare in which my Mom died when I was a child, and my dad got married to another woman, but he also passed away, and I buried his remains with my mom in Lake Michigan."

    Adam was shocked by her words and asked her in reply, "Don''t you think it is absurd?"

    "Don''t joke with me. I am talking to you about my dream."

    Adam put Irish''s favorite dish in front of her and then said with a faint smile, "You''d better forget it immediately, and I am sure my father-inw will be angry if he knows this."

    "I am not going to tell them." She replied and sighed. But soon, she added, "My parents loved each other so deeply, and they apanied each other till old. I really admire them."

    Adam looked at her and said softly. "There is no need for you to envy other''s love. Irish, you are lucky, and I will take care of you for the rest of your life."

    Irish smiled happily after hearing his words.

    The sunshine was warm in the afternoon.

    In order to attract customers'' attention, the shopping mallunched many promotional means, so it was crowded. Irish scrambled her way through the crowd with several bags, and finally, she was pulled out by Adam.

    Her back was even wet from the sweat, and she gnashed her teeth while talking with Adam, "It is like a zoo instead of a shopping mall!"

    Adam ignored herint and said with a smile, "Wait for me here, and I am going to get the car."

    The parking lot was suffused with cars, so his car could only be parked opposite the mall. Irish nodded and stood there with several bags in her hands, looking at Adam, who was walking toward his car.

    However, suddenly a car ran the red light, rushing over to Adam.

    Irish was startled and shouted hysterically, "Adam!"<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Ah!"

    Irish woke up from her dream in bed with her eyes widening, and her forehead was wet with sweat dripping from her hair.

    The sheet behind her back was also wet, which made her so ufortable.

    She was lying still on the bed, looking up at the ceiling, and recalled the car ident in her dream. The man was rushed over to the ground while the blood was flowing.

    It was not until after a long while she was able to move, getting off the bed. Then, reaching out, she wiped the sweat on her forehead while her long hair was also soaked by sweat, sticking to her back.

    Was she still in the dream, or was it a reality?

    She dreamed of Adam, who was as tall as Joseph and even had the same look as him.

    Irish covered her head to recall all the beautiful things in her dream in which she was just an ordinary teacher and fell in love with Adam, who enjoyed climbing.

    They would get married soon while her parents were still alive, and they were an ordinary couple enjoying their retirement life.

    Her phone was ringing again and over again, but Irish ignored it. A sense of fear spread in her heart.

    She saw clearly that Adam had the same look as Joseph.

    She suffered from a severe headache which drove her crazy.

    The dream was so authentic that she even began to suspect it.

    However, her phone was still ringing, so she had to take it over and put it through.

    It was her assistant Christy who sounded very cheerful. "It is snowing outside. Irish, have you seen that? It is so beautiful!"

    Irish was eager to pull Christy out from her mobile phone and kick her off, but she could only gnash her teeth and say, "You call me to tell me that it is snowing?"

    Perhaps Christy had perceived her depressiveness, so she hastily exined, "Of course not. But it is the first day after New Year''s Day, and why haven''t you been to your office now? Professor Tim had been here several times and asked me to call you."

    It reminded Irish that her holiday ended on New Year''s Day, and it was time for her to return to work.

    But she was perturbed by her dream.

    It was not her first time having such a dream that Adam looked the same as Joseph. Now she was eager to figure out the truth.

    Was there a problem with her memory, or had something else happened to her?

    "Christy, please help me to ask for sick leave from Professor Tim. I feel sick now and will go back to work tomorrow."

 Chapter 646 646: I Will Call You If I Need Your Help

    When hearing that, Christy asked her solicitously, "Do you need me to apany you to see a doctor?"

    "No, thanks. I will call you if I need your help."

    "Okay. Call me anytime if you need my help." Christy urged her several times and then hung up.

    The thick curtain covered the scene outside the window.

    Irish sat on the bed for a while and then got out of bed, opening the curtain. Soon a white snowy world unfolded in front of her, just as Christy said it was snowing.

    Perhaps people were all excited about the beautiful snowy scenery. When she was in her childhood, it frequently snowed in winter. She grew up in Uncle Steven''s home, so she would make a snowman with Jay on a snowy day.

    It was not until one day when she was making a snowman and found that so much trash was buried under the snow that she didn''t expect the snowy day anymore.

    The white and thick snow could hide all the dirty things just as trash. People who knew nothing about it would y the snowball game on it, but Irish felt sick. Therefore, she would try her best to avoid walking on the snowfield since she was afraid of stepping on some dirty things.

    She would like to see all of the dirty things clearly but was reluctant that they would be disguised just as people''s love.

    Love was like the white snow in winter, which was endowed with romance and happiness, but someone would betray people in the name of love while she was the injured party.

    Irish frowned at the snow falling outside the window motionlessly.

    That would be great if she could live in the world of her dream in which she owned a stable life without such a dramatic identity while her parents were still alive, and she wouldn''t meet a lover like Joseph, who brought many miseries to her. And she didn''t even have a beautiful appearance, without the long silky hair and a good job.

    Everything would be back to peace and simplicity.

    However, she woke up from her dream finally.

    She opened the window slightly, and the cold air soon dispelled the warmth in the room.

    Irish was clear-headed in the cold air.

    She stepped back to the bed, taking over the phone to make a call. Soon the phone was connected.

    ? "Jordan, I need your help. Wake up now." She said directly.

    "What?" He growled.

    "My key is put in your brother''s house, so please take it out for me." She hurriedly left her house in Midtown Manhattan and left many clothes there as well as some necessities, but now she had broken up with Joseph, so she had to ask for help from Jordan.

    "Come to get it yourself. My brother hasn''t been back for several days."<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish was hesitant, but then she replied after thinking for a while, "It is not convenient for me toe over there. Could you please take it for me?"

    "Well, fine."

    "Okay. What about meeting at three o''clock this afternoon?" She was eager to find out what problem she had, so she had toe to Fredrick, whose office was on Madison Avenue, so she asked Jordan to meet her there.

    "Okay. But you have to invite me for a hearty dinner." Jordan replied leisurely.

    "No problem," Irish promised him immediately.

    ****

    There would always be a traffic jam on a bad weather day, and what''s more, it was the first day after New Year''s Day, so the street was tightly packed with cars. As a result, the car could only scramble its way through the crowded street.

    Irish gave up her idea of driving a car but took the subway. It was not until she arrived at Madison Avenue and walked out of the subway station that she felt alive again since it was also crowded in the subway because many people chose to take a metro on such a snowy day.

    Irish realized that she should wear a thick coat as soon as she walked out of the subway station. She usually drove her car when she went out, so she wouldn''t feel cold at all. But today, she wore thigh boots to resist the cold wind and was dressed in a creamy-white coat, a gift from Aunt Mary.

    However, as a result, the cold wind intertwined with snow sprayed into her face while the cold wind even spread into her clothes, making her constantly shiver. It was not until now that she realized why girls wore thick coats in the subway.

    It was lucky that Fredrick''s office was close to the metro, so she walked quickly into the building, and soon the warm air drove away her coldness.

    Fredrick didn''t look surprised about her sudden arrival, and in fact, he looked exhausted. His eyes were filled with blood streaks. Irish misunderstood that he was tired because he was busy preparing for his wedding, so she didn''t ask him. She asked him about Cassie''s situation since it seemed Cassie was downhearted when she called her, and Irish was so worried that some incidents would happen to them.

    But Fredrick told her everything ran smoothly, and perhaps it was just because he didn''t have a good rest.

    Irish then asked him if they had registered for marriage while Fredrick just nodded slightly.

    After extending her congrattions to him, she was determined to meet Cassie the next day, and she had to prepare a gift for her wedding.

    After that, she told Fredrick her goal for today''s visit and asked him to do hypnotherapy for her.

    Fredrick agreed after ruling out the possibility that she had an organic disease and instructed his assistant that he would not meet anyone within two hours and then started the treatment for Irish.

    Irish was nervous at the beginning. Though she was lying on the bench, she was unable to keep in her zone.

    Fredrick instructed her patiently and said, "Irish, now that you hope to solve your problems, you need to cooperate with me and rx your vignce, and only in this way can you better enter hypnosis."

    Obviously, Irish could understand that, but she was clear about what she was, a person with strong vignce. Though she enjoyed making friends, she was not good at sharing her secrets with others. What''s more, after bing a psychologist for so many years, she was used to being a listener. As for the behavior of suddenly eavesdropping on her secret others, she would definitely reject it.

 Chapter 647 647: Hypnosis Conversation

    She knew she had to cooperate with him, so she tried to persuade herself.

    "Irish, I am your tutor, and now I am your therapist, so you have to stop resisting me in your heart and trust me, or I can''t get into your subconsciousness." Fredrick sat beside her and said softly.

    Irish took a deep breath, nodded, and closed her eyes.

    "Okay. Be rxed." Fredrick stared at her and felt sore for her, especially when he saw her pale face.

    It was easy to tell that she suffered from mental torture, so he would help her at any cost.

    Irish tried her best to rx, following Fredrick''s instruction from the beginning, and gradually she entered the state of hypnosis.

    When she woke up by Fredrick''s instruction, she found it snowing heavier outside. The white snowy world and the tranquil environment where she was at the right moment formed a peaceful world.

    Fredrick input the record into theputer and looked gravely.

    After perceiving his seriousness, Irish was nervous and stepped to him, asking, "What''s wrong with me?"

    Fredrick asked her to sit down and took a cup of water for her, asking her seriously, "Did you ept hypnotherapy from other people before?"

    "No," Irish replied firmly without any hesitation, while Fredrick kept silent after hearing from her.

    "What''s wrong?"

    Fredrick looked to another side withplicated eyes, but soon he replied with a faint smile, "Nothing. I just ask casually."

    "Is there any problem with me?" She felt something weird.

    Sitting across from her, Fredrick pulled over a chair and said, "You also understand that your problem could be found through hypnosis. To be honest, you still take Adam''s death to your heart."

    Irish was hesitant.

    Fredrick clicked the mouse and began to y the record of the conversation between them.

    "Walking towards the light. What do you see through the light?"

    "I.... see a person."

    "Woman or man?"

    "A man."

    "Do you know him?"

    "Yes. It''s..... Adam."

    "What does he look like?"

    "He is tall and has a soft smile."

    "Does he look the same as Joseph?"

    "Joseph? Who is he?"

    Irish was shocked after hearing this.

    "How do you know Adam?"

    "I��"

    She stopped for a few seconds and then replied slowly, "We have known each other since we were kids."

    "Is he your neighbor?"

    She was silent again, and Irish knew it was because of the subconscious block. She needed the therapist to guide her patiently at this time. As expected, Fredrick said to her again, "Well, let''s go back to your childhood. Walk along this dark road slowly. It is dark, and you have to find the exit."

    His voice was maic, and he instructed her patiently.

    "I see a little girl."

    "What else do you see?"

    "A pack of dogs is chasing the girl."

    "How old is she?"

    "Around three or four years old."<novelnext></novelnext>

    "What is she doing?"

    "She is running. It seems that she was terrified."

    "You can help her."

    "No. A small boy is helping her, taking her to run."

    "Well, then follow them and try to see what they look like."

    She was silent for a while.

    "Do you see them clearly?"

    "The little girl is me, and the small boy is Adam."

    "So, do you meet each other at that time?"

    "Yes...."

    "Have you been with each other since then?"

    "No, he is busy."

    "Does he like rock climbing?"

    "Yes."

    "What does he do besides rock climbing?"

    "He is a diamond businessman." The record stopped suddenly while Irish was stunned.

    After a long while, she pointed at theputer and asked hesitantly, "Why does Adam turn out to be a diamond businessman?"

    "It is because, in your subconsciousness, you have mixed Adam with Joseph into the same person," Fredrick replied while frowning.

    "How could it be possible?"

    Fredrick sighed slightly and then said, "Irish, now I suspect that you''ve got some problems with your memory. This is like aputer with a confusing program. It needs to be reorganized."

    "Well..."

    "Though the memory is in disorder, your subconsciousness is real. As a result of your memory problem, the disorder urs during the process when your subconsciousness reminds you, and that is why you can''t tell your dream from reality."

    "But why am I unable to recall what Adam looks like?"

    "It is normal. Adam''s death is a death blow to you, and perhaps you had a deep rtionship before, so you couldn''t ept the reality while Joseph''s appearance satisfied your memory vacancy. You moved Joseph''s appearance to Adam, which would give you mental satisfaction, so your brain mechanism automatically shielded what Adam looks like. It is normal physiological protection."

    "Do I really know Adam since childhood? Why can''t I remember that?" Did the little boy named Adam appear in her dream frequently?

    "No. When your physiological protection gets strong, your subconsciousness may be clouded. All we can do is take the most authentic part from our subconscious. But it needs time."

    After hearing this, Irish bit her lips slightly.

    "Irish, I suggested that you should put down your work for some time." Fredrick returned to his table and created a new personal file for her. "Now you have some problems with your memory. Though it is not organic, it is still aroused by your mental problem, and I have to treat it for you. It is not suitable for you to work during this period because I am afraid the problem will get worse if you don''t ept treatment."

    "Don''t work? How could it be possible?"

    "What''s more, I hope I can ask for your consent. Then, I will do a deeper hypnosis treatment for you next time. Today, the hypnosis only reached a middle level because your subconscious rejection is powerful."

    "What does it mean?"

    "It means that there is a secret hidden deep in your brain. This secret may be the key to all your problems."

    Irish was frightened by his words while Fredrick said seriously, "But don''t worry. I will try my best to help you." In fact, another horrible problem he didn''t tell Irish was that he suspected that someone had falsified her memory before.

    Muddleheaded, Irish walked out of Fredrick''s office while a copy of the treatment was in her bag. She couldn''t figure out how her memory could be wrong. Did it mean that she was deceived by herself?

    In this way, she walked to Time Square.

    A st of cold wind blew and gave her a shudder, and then she saw a familiar car stop in front of her.

    As the car window winded down, Joseph''s face showed up in front of the car. "Get in." He said coldly to her.

 Chapter 648 648: Do You Still Want To Live There?

    How can you prove that you have existed in this world?

    Your memory was the best way to prove that you had been there, no matter if it was good or bad, happy or sad. When your memory is filled with experience, your life will be colorful. Memory is like a household registration that can prove your identity. If you have no memory, you will lose your identity.

    Irish had met such patients before, and some of them may have memory decline while others even lost their memories. She could perceive their panic and fear easily. Perhaps many people in the world had ignored the memories, but as a psychologist, she could understand how valuable memory was.

    But she never expected that she would encounter such a problem.

    There were not many people in Time Square at this time, and it was a good ce to go shopping. However, Irish was in a low mood. She only wanted to get back the key from Jordan and then went back to sleep. She was tired, and she had never been so tired before.

    But she did not expect that Joseph woulde here. His voice sounded cold as the cold water, which made her bitterly disappointed.

    Irish stared at the car surprisingly and stood there motionlessly as a chump. The cold wind was sting, messing up her hair while her eyes were blurred by snow.

    She couldn''t gaze into his eyes but felt he was a stranger.

    Of course, they were strangers now.

    They had not met with each other when she woke up in the hospital.

    Though there were not so many people, they still attracted many young people''s attention. A handsome man and a beauty always got noticed by others.

    Joseph frowned and got out of the car when he found that she stood there motionlessly. He opened the door of the copilot, "Get in." It seemed that he was a little impatient.

    When he got out of the car, it was snowing heavily, and his leather shoes squeaked on the snow. He always liked brte clothes, and he wore a short ck business coat with a dark coffee sweater fitting with a silver-gray scarf, ck suit trousers, and a pair of ck leather shoes.

    He looked so handsome, and Irish could even hear the young girls whispering that the man was so handsome.

    The snowke fell on his hair, but he was soposed that she couldn''t feel any emotion from him. He stood beside the car, waiting for her. It seemed that he was getting thinner.

    It was a beautiful scene. However, Irish only had a sense of rejection.

    She stood there, and her hands were frozen, and she lost consciousness, so she put her hands into her pocket and clenched. Her nose was also chilled. Though she wanted to find a warm ce to avoid the cold, she knew she couldn''t get into his car.

    After thinking for a while, she said indifferently, "I am sorry. I have something to deal with." After finishing her words, she turned to Time Square.

    She had to find a warm ce, or she would be frozen.

    Joseph didn''t follow her but stood there still, looking at her, shivering back and frowning tightly.

    Upon entering the mansion, Irish called Jordan, and as soon as it was connected, she said with anger, "Jordan, are you courting death? I asked you to give me the key, but why is your brother there now? Where are you?"

    Unexpectedly, Jordan felt wrong on the other end of the phone and exined, "I don''t intend to stand up. I have to go there for the hearty dinner."

    "Why don''t you admit? It is your brother who came for me!" She entered a coffee house and sat down while she replied to him indignantly.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Jordan hastily exined to her, "I can''t find your key in the house, and then realized that my brother had taken the key away. I had no choice but to call him, but he said that he would give it to you in person."

    Irish took a deep breath, but she still felt sorrowful, and she couldn''t figure out why her heart beat so fast.

    "Have you met him and got the key back?" Jordan asked.

    Irish was in a bad mood at the right moment, so she replied impatiently, "I am so embarrassed to meet him."

    When the waiter served a cup of coffee to her, she saw a man walk in with her split vision. But she didn''t look up since she was answering the phone. When she was about to take a sip of coffee to steady her nerves, she felt that a man was standing in front of her.

    She was startled when she found that it was Joseph. And her hands trembled while the coffee sprinkled out.

    "Ouch!" The hot coffee burned her. Jordan was startled by her and hastily asked her what had happened.

    "Nothing. I''ll call youter." She hung up the phone directly, staring at the man in front of her in astonishment.

    Joseph handed a tissue to her silently while she took it over hesitantly and then wiped the coffee on her hand.

    "Are you okay?" He suddenly asked her with his maic voice.

    "I am fine." She didn''t expect he would ask her like this, so she replied after hesitation for a few seconds and then added, "Thanks."

    Joseph said nothing but called the waiter and ordered a cup of coffee.

    A few minutester, the waiter took him a ck coffee which was his favorite.

    It reminded Irish of the scene in South Africa when he said that her coffee was cold and exchanged it with her while she smiled and told him that it might not be suitable for him since it tasted so sweet.

    However, he also said that she had to adapt to the bitterness of his coffee.

    The previous scenes were still vivid in her mind, but now things were still there while the men were no longer the same ones. Irish felt uneasy. The moreposed he was, the more restless she would be.

    When she was about to take her bag to leave, Joseph put down his coffee and gazed at her directly, "I will send you back to the house in Midtown Manhattan after I finish the coffee."

    "It is not necessary for you to do that." Irish immediately declined him and thought he must be joking since they had broken up.

    She hoped that the future days could be peaceful, and she didn''t want to have any implications with him.

    "Do you still want to live there?"

    "No! I have found a new apartment."

    "So take all your things back," Joseph said indifferently.

 Chapter 649 649: You Are So Despicable

    Irish also had the same idea, but... "Give the key to me, and I will hand it back to your brother after I take back my things there." She didn''t want to stay in the same room with him since it was weird.

    Joseph took a sip of coffee leisurely and said with a faint smile, "Do you think I will trust you again?"

    "You..." Irish knew that he was satirizing her and wanted to offend him back. She gnashed her teeth, calmed down, and said sarcastically, "I won''t take anything from your house."

    Joseph leaned on the chair, gazing at her, and replied meaningfully, "Thendlord has to watch over the tenants to pack things, which is the best way to reduce losses."

    Irish clenched her hands under the table. If it was possible, she wanted to tell him that she didn''t want to take back those things, but many small doohickeys were collected in foreign countries, and she was reluctant to throw them away.

    When she hesitated, Joseph continued, "I only have free time today, and I will throw all of your things if you don''t take them back today."

    "You are so despicable!" Irish red at him.

    Instead of being irritated, Joseph stared at her quietly and said indifferently after a long while, "You have broken up with me already, so what are you afraid of? I won''t do anything to you."

    Irish was relieved by his words then because she knew he was a man of his word, so she clenched the cup of her hand and then replied briefly, "Okay."

    The atmosphere on the way was depressive.

    They didn''t talk with each other for a single word, while Irish kept looking outside the window and even counted how many red lights they had passed through.

    It turned out that she should have driven her car out. Instead, though she saved much time by taking the subway, she took Joseph''s car and sat beside him. She had no idea, but she sat there silently because they encountered a traffic jam.

    The green light was on several times, but the car didn''t move at all.

    She was so anxious, winding down the window and took a look outside the window and couldn''t helpining, "What''s wrong?"

    She justined casually and didn''t expect any response. However, Joseph replied to her abruptly, "We encountered a traffic jam."

    It was really an unlucky day.

    Irishined in her heart. Why should they encounter the traffic jam at this time?

    When she was thinking, the car began to move slowly like a crawling tortoise.

    Less than a dozen meters away, the car stopped again. Unfortunately, they were blocked in the middle, so they had no choice but to wait. She couldn''t bear such a depressing atmosphere anymore, so she reached out and turned on the music to relieve the embarrassment. The music sounded immediately with an elegant melody as the sweet jasmine flower.

    Irish was shocked since it was the music she had picked up for him personally, and she didn''t expect that he would keep listening to it. Therefore, she took a quick glimpse at him subconsciously but found that he was also looking at her. When she looked directly into his eyes, she felt that her heart had almost stopped beating, and she hastily turned off the music.<novelnext></novelnext>

    ****

    Everything was kept the same in the house of Midtown Manhattan.

    When Joseph opened the door, Irish saw the sunset outside the window. It burned like a me on the horizon, sweeping the sky.

    The setting sun had boundless beauty, but it was near night.

    Irish enjoyed such a beautiful scene but was also afraid of the moment when the beautiful scene vanished. She appreciated the sunset before and would send Joseph several messages to tell him the terrible feeling after the sunset.

    He would send back her message as soon as he got her message, no matter what he was doing or where he was.

    He would tell her it didn''t matter because he would be with her forever.

    Many people said that Joseph was a heartless man, including Leo, Jordan, and Britney, but Irish believed it was impossible since he would send such a warm message to her. Therefore, she always believed that he treated her differently than others. Compared with other women, he had taken her into his heart.

    "Go and pack your things." He walked into the living room, sitting on the couch, and said to Irish, who was looking at the sunset. He couldn''t figure out what she was thinking but felt that she was soely when the sunset light fell on her face. He hated to gaze at her, but he couldn''t help staring at her beautiful face.

    Her face would look pale if no afterglow were on it, which made him feel sore for her. However, when her cheeks were overwhelmed in the afterglow of the sunset, her fair skin was like the peach blossom''s dyed beauty, which is exactly the same as her tender lips. And it was so difficult for him to move his eyes away.

    He had to admit that no matter how vicious she was, her beauty would attract all of the men''s attention.

    Irish pulled out of her thoughts after hearing his words, so she turned to Joseph, who was sitting on the couch seriously. A dim light flickering in his eyes, which was so clear under the sunset glow, made her heart tremble slightly. Finally, she cleared her throat and said, "It will take me a long time to pack up things. You might as well be busy with your own affairs, and I can call you to check when I finish packing things."

    She didn''t know if she could pack things naturally under his gaze, and she was afraid that the memories about the days with him would surge out, and she would embarrass herself in front of him.

    She had to admit she was a loser in their rtionship, but she couldn''t bear to lose her dignity.

    However, Joseph ignored her suggestion, leaning against the couch with his hands putting his legs gently, and said indifferently. "I have a lot of free time today."

    Irish understood that he said it deliberately since she knew he could waste so much time. She bit her lips and constrained her displeasure, going to the second floor.

    After a few seconds, he heard that she had pulled out her luggage carrier.

    Joseph sat there as a chump and lost in his thoughts. She seemed to vent her anger, but he ignored it and looked around. The house was decorated in a magical style which was her favorite. And the items in the house were her favorite doohickey, which she collected from foreign countries but looked weird.

 Chapter 650 650: You Make Trouble Deliberately

    He had never been to a woman''s house, so he didn''t know how other women''s homes would be decorated, but there was one thing he could ensure, and that was no one would decorate a house in such a strange style.

    Joseph looked up upstairs, where he could hear her faint footsteps. She should have packed her clothes in the cloakroom. He felt that a hammer struck his heart, and it was hard for him to breathe.

    The woman was going to escape from his world. Every time she packed up her things, the breath about her in this house was bing less, which made him feel so terrible.

    For a moment, he was eager to rush to stop her and give her a lecture, telling her not to be so arrogant. Not everyndlord would permit her to decorate the house regardless. The only man who would indulge her in acting like this was only him.

    It was quiet upstairs, and she might be folding clothes, but Joseph didn''t care about that since he had to suppress his desire to go upstairs. Finally, after a long while, he stood up and took a decorative doll in his hands.

    It was a karma doll that was made for her in Italy, and he could still remember how excited Irish was. It was mailed from Italy while Irish waited for a long time. However, the doll was stagnant for two days in customs, and when Irish got this news, she acted like an ant in the hot pan.

    However, Joseph didn''t like it since he thought it looked weird, and the doll even had a clown hat. Moreover, he could not understand why this doll could be called an angel since he thought angels should be very adorable with wings.

    He suddenly recalled her sweet voice when she acted like a spoiled kid beside him.

    ? She said that he had to bring a gift for her since he was her boyfriend and ingratiated him to get the doll as a gift.

    Joseph suddenly clenched his hands while the doll was even deformed.

    The sunset released thest glow, falling on the white orchid screen not far away while the white petals were dyed with the bloody and dazzling afterglow.

    Joseph stepped into the screen, touching its petals as if its fragrance stained his fingers. He stared at it as if he had seen Irish when she was in the Light Town.

    At the long alley, they stood at the two ends of it. And in the encounter at that time, he decided that he would not let her go in this lifetime. He didn''t care about what she was doing here and how long she would stay here. What he knew was that he would take her hands and apany her wherever she went in the future days.

    In fact, he didn''t have too much free time to stay in Light Town. He nned to find an embroidery expert here and then go to South Africa directly since there was an emergency for him to deal with in South Africa. However, he couldn''t stop here for her.

    She sat on the wicker chair at the embroidered house and waited for him. He was busy with his business, but he couldn''t help staring at her. The breeze blew through while the petals all fell down from the trees. She was like a fairy among the falling petals. She smiled softly when a flower fell down into her arms.

    He had never seen a woman who could smile so brightly and softly, which warmed his heart.

    The embroidery expert asked him if she was his girlfriend, but he didn''t reply to him directly but pointed at the embroidery pattern and told the master that this was the effect he wanted. Perhaps only he could understand the real meaning behind the question.<novelnext></novelnext>

    He wanted her to be his girlfriend. He expected and also believed it woulde true.

    She liked the white orchid screen and looked as cheerful as a kid, but she was astonished when she heard the price of it.

    She would never know how sophisticated but adorable she looked at that time, which amused him. He even wanted to embrace her at that moment. However, he wanted to surprise her, so he bought it secretly and wrote a sentence for her that read, "When we met, we were young, but it was not toote." He asked the master to add those words to the screen.

    He didn''t believe in karma, but because of Irish, he began to believe in its existence. However, he didn''t expect their encounter in Light Town to be fictitious.

    What else can he believe in?

    "Mr. Dover," Irish called him upstairs abruptly, and it sounded cold and indifferent.

    Joseph turned back, looking up at her while his eyes turned dreary. She also called him like this before, and in fact, she would only call him intimately when she needed his help. But her voice would not be so cold and chilly; instead, it always sounded sweet and warm. It was not until then he recognized that a name called by the lover would be imbued with emotions. But now her voice sounded so aloof.

    "To be honest, I have too many things to pack and I can''t finish packing today, so I beg you to leave the key to me and promise I won''t take anything of your things. And I can pay you a cash pledge if you want. Okay?" Though her luggage carriers were all there, there were so many things she had to pack. She would have to finish packing by midnight. But it was impossible for him to wait for her here toote.

    Joseph stared at her and replied indifferently, "You must finish packing today."

    "You...."

    Irish gnashed her teeth angrily and went downstairs without hesitation, stepping towards him and saying, "Why do you have to make trouble deliberately?"

    "As far as I am concerned, not many things belong to you." Joseph snorted and added, "Now that you are so eager to draw a demarcation line with me, would you like to take away something I bought for you?"

    Irish was speechless by his words.

    He was right. Almost all the things in this house were bought by him, including her bags, clothes, some doohickeys, and the white orchid screen worth more than 110,000 dors.

    The screen was like a witness of their rtionship, from their encounter to falling in love with each other and from quarrels to break up. She threw it outside during that quarrel, but he still left without looking back. Now it seemed that his heartlessness had been reflected long ago, but she was blurred by love and didn''t perceive that at all.

 Chapter 651 651: Follow Me

    If you peeled off the sweet candy paper of memory and tasted its bitterness, then everything would be meaningless.

    "I won''t take any of your things, including those you bought for me," Irish replied indifferently in an aloof attitude and drew back her eyes from the white orchid screen.

    Joseph looked even drearier with his hand clenching. "Those I bought for you all belong to you."

    Irish shook her head after hearing that. She had too many things to take, and she didn''t like to take anything of him since they had broken up.

    Joseph said nothing.

    Though she stood with her back facing him, it was easy for her to feel an unnamed pressure that made her feel suffocated. She could feel his faint, woody fragrance whenever he got closer to her. But it was like a rope that tied her tightly.

    She hastily walked away from him, holding a box to collect those doohickeys in the living room. Everything had been packed

    into the box, except for that karma angel, standing alone as an abandoned child.

    It was unnecessary to take the doll since they had no love.

    Soon Joseph''s voice sounded behind, "I can leave the key to you."

    Irish stopped for a second, turning back to him, and was confused by his words since she couldn''t figure out why he had changed his mind abruptly.

    Through the faint afterglow, his eyes looked profound and sad, with dim light flickering that shocked her somehow. He gazed at her face and said word by word, "As long as you can return to me."

    Irish almost stopped breathing when she heard it and her eyes also trembled slightly. When he said that to her, he lookedposed, but she heard clearly. His eyes were firm, and it seemed he was not joking with her.

    She pressed down her panic, smiling sarcastically, and then replied, "I won''t be with you anymore. I have told you that it is just a game for equal exchange between us, so I would never be back to you."

    After finishing her words, she elerated her movement to pack things.

    However, his footsteps sounded behind her, with obvious aggression and danger. Before she could react, her waist was held by his strong arms. She panted, and soon she was spun around by him.

    "You...." As soon as she red at his cold eyes, and before she could respond, he lowered his head and kissed her.

    Irish resisted violently, and he held her so tight that she couldn''t move at all. He kissed her angrily, almost smashing her lips while his hands held her, constantly shaking her head, his cold and slender fingers pressing against her face.

    His tongue tried to slip into her mouth, so Irish had to repress his lips to stop him, which irritated Joseph. He tightened his hand, grabbing the backside of her head which brought severe pain to her. She couldn''t help panting, but he seized the chance and slipped his tongue into her mouth.

    "No...." She tried her best to make a faint sound, but soon it vanished in his mighty kiss. He was so overbearing to capture every inch of her mouth and even hurt her tongue. Her eyes filled with tears soon, and her heart almost broke.

    The man''s breath spread into her mouth, and she could feel his gruff breath. His body was rigid as a steel te, and she couldn''t move but be held tightly in his arms forcibly.

    Her head leaned forward forcibly, and she felt that her neck was sore, but it seemed that he didn''t intend to stop, so she had to take the initiative to fight back. Irish bit his lips abruptly while Joseph snorted and soon pushed her away, staring at her with his scary, profound eyes. The blood was flooding from his lips.

    Though she felt grieved, it was not enough to suppress her panic. Somehow a bad hunch surged up from her heart, like the ivy covering her whole heart.

    She was a little afraid of him at this moment, and an unnamed fear urred to her.<novelnext></novelnext>

    He stood there nkly, and the haze in his eyes overwhelmed her. He stood still, allowing the blood streaming while his lips pressed into a thin line, forming a sharp arc with his well-defined chin. His backbone was rigid and stiff.

    "I have told you I have never fallen in love with you. Why do you still act like this? You have your life, and I just want to live a peaceful life. Is it very difficult to understand?" Irish was indignant and raised her voice so as to release her growing panic.

    Joseph''s eyes turned chilly, and his coldness was like breaking into the air since her hair could feel the coldness of the floating air.

    Irish dared not to look into his eyes, and her panic drove her to give up and continue to pack her things. She stepped to the couch, pressing her fear, and said hastily, "You can deal with my things as you want."

    She was about to abandon all of her things in this house.

    But when she walked quickly and walked past Joseph, she felt a cold airflow at her neck, and as soon as she turned back to him, she saw that he raised his arms abruptly.

    Irish felt a pain in her neck, and before she could make a sound, she passed out and lost consciousness.

    Joseph stepped forward and held her soft body.

    "Isabel, you forced me to do that." He murmured.

    ****

    In Florida

    A gunshot disrupted the messy market, and foreigners, locals, and some illegal immigrants were all rushing out in the chaos. Among the crowd, a beautiful woman grabbed the man''s hands; her face turned pale out of fear.

    "Alva, what should we do? The policemen are here." The woman looked panicked as she ran to an alley with the man.

    "Follow me." The young man took the woman''s hands tightly and looked around cautiously to watch out for the police.

    There was a siren whistling, followed by the car. All of the policemen were armed with ammunition.

    At the other end of the alley, Kevin assumed personalmand there, monitoring the entire course of the whole arrest process. He ordered after for a long while, "Lenard, Jay was on the other end of the alley. You have to outnk, but you have to watch out and don''t hurt him."

    As soon as he finished his words, Lenard''s voice sounded, "Copy that."

    Jay hid in the alley while the woman was shivering beside him, her hand grabbing him tightly. "Alva, we can''t escape this time, right?" She asked him with a trembling voice.

    "You have to seize the chance and run away."

    "But how about you?" The woman was shocked by his words.

    "Don''t worry about me." Jay took out the gun while talking with her.

    The woman was stunned since the footsteps of the police were getting closer to them.

 Chapter 652 652: I Won’t Leave You

    At the right moment, a police officer found them and then shouted. "Don''t move!"

    "Alva!"

    "Carmen! Run! Hurry up!" Jay shouted to the woman. The woman rushed after hearing that.

    The gunshot sounded. Jay fired to fight with the police, which startled Carmen to scream. Upon looking back, she saw that Jay rushed to her and then gave a grunt. His shoulder de was shot.

    "Alva!"

    "Run...away." Jay pushed her. His injury drove Carmen crazy, and she took over the gun from Jay, rushing to the policeman and firing. The policeman was shot and fell to the ground, asking for support. A police siren sounded again, and before the arrival of the supporting unit, Carmen tried her best to hold Jay and ran forward. She rushed to the roadside, shot a scared driver, and took his car, escaping with Jay.

    Lenard hastily reported the situation to Kevin as soon as he arrived at the scene and then called an ambnce.

    ****

    Fredrick knocked on Cassie''s door but found she was tired and tabid when she opened the door. Her face turned even paler after seeing Fredrick.

    His fingers trembled slightly constantly, standing at the door as a chump.

    Fredrick looked at her and felt sorrowful. "Can I get in?" He said softly.

    Cassie hesitated for a while and then turned her body sideways slightly.

    Fredrick walked in and closed the door while Cassie walked quickly to the couch and held a bolster, huddling on it.

    But she subconsciously shrank back.

    "Cassie, I won''t leave you. I am serious. We will register to get married soon." He whispered to her.

    Cassie passed out in Roy''s house since she bore so much mental stimtion, and Fredrick took her back. But since then, she has been reluctant to talk to anyone and doesn''t smile anymore. She stayed in the house all day while Fredrick woulde to apany her every day. However, she was afraid of his touching, and on the day when they nned to register for marriage, she decided to break up with him.

    Fredrick could understand why she would make such a decision, and if it was possible, he wanted to kill Roy right away. But now, all he cared about was Cassie, and worried about whether her depression would recur.

    He didn''t tell anyone about this, including Irish.

    After hearing this, Cassie breathed quickly and shook her head violently. She was in a poor mental state now, and she murmured, "No, Fredrick, I can''t get married to you anymore. It is impossible for me to get married to you anymore."<novelnext></novelnext>

    Roy''s unscrupulousugh still sounded beside her ear when he forced his way to have sex with her that night. And she could also recall his words. "Now I have had sex with you, and do you think you can still get along with Fredrick naturally as if nothing happened tonight? I warn you that if you dare to get married to him, I will disy our pictures of sedulous at your wedding!"

    Fredrick was like a deted ball and sat on the couch after hearing the words from Cassie. He was utterly dissipated while Cassie still held the bolster tightly, and her fingers were nched. In this way, they both kept silent for a long while and didn''t talk to each other. The room sunk into deathly stillness.

    After a long while, Fredrick gnashed his teeth and said, "We have to sue that asshole."

    Cassie trembled subconsciously, and a panic filled her eyes immediately. She shook her head painfully and replied, "It is no use to doing that." She had no evidence to show that she was forced, and once the police took charge in this case, they would get the proof of her voluntarypanion to him from the bar to his house.

    In fact, Roy had made a thorough n already, leading her to jump into his pitfall. She had to admit that she was a fool since she thought that he was in a low mood and had been drunk. She even thought that he had given up on her. All of this was because she trusted him since he had saved her life before.

    It was all her fault, and she couldn''t me anyone.

    Of course, Fredrick couldn''t understand that.

    Roy had made a thorough n and ensured that everything was exactly right. Now that Roy dared to invite him to watch this farce unscrupulously, this meant that he knew that they couldn''t call the police since they had no evidence.

    Damn it!

    "Cassie, we will still get married as we have nned." Fredrick stared at her and said seriously. He understood that Roy''s real goal was to prevent them from getting married.

    However, Cassie shook her head and said, "No."

    "Cassie, we are all clear about his real goal. Do you want to let him have his way?" Fredrick grabbed her hands and continued, "Listen to me. As long as we get married, he has no idea about that."

    "No, he is a monster." Cassie could not tell Fredrick that Roy had her nude picture and was also not sure about that. She couldn''t know if he really had her nude picture or video. But what if he really had?

    She understood that it would give rise to trouble for her family as well as her friends. It reminded her of Joseph and Irish''s nude picture that spread through the inte. Though they were half-covered, people condemned them and made disgracefulments. The reporters even came to her for more explosive news, including Irish''s uncle and aunt. Roy was not as kind-hearted as she thought. What if he really made trouble at her wedding? Then she would beughed at by her rtives and friends.

    Many people woulde to attend their wedding, so she was afraid that her parents, including Fredrick''s parents, would lose their face, let alone his parents enjoyed a great reputation, and Roy would destroy it.

    She dared not take such a risk because she was not as young as before and didn''t have much time to prevent or resist.

    "Cassie!" Fredrick looked so devastated. "I won''t mind that or me you. I can swear."

 Chapter 653 653: I Don’t Mean That

    Cassie looked at him while she was hurt by the pain in the deep of his eyes. She felt that a sharp sword stabbed her heart and then wrapped it to freeze forever. Her heart, filled with agony, still kept groaning out of pain.

    "Fredrick, we have to break up." She knew that every man in the world would care about this kind of thing, let alone if he was a sessful man with achievement. Roy had established a wall that was firmly blocking her and Fredrick. She couldn''t overstep while it was also impossible for him toe over.

    She was a loser at this moment because as time passed, this thing would take root in Fredrick''s heart and eventually grow into a towering hatred. She didn''t hope he would regret it someday and didn''t hope that people would make disgracefulments about her.

    She was walking in a totally different direction from Fredrick, and it was no longer possible to have an ovepping day.

    Fredrick felt heartbroken when he saw what she said was firm after he had persuaded her for a long time, so he had to leave first. Upon Fredrick walking out of her house, she stood upstairs for a long time, staring nkly at the door.

    It was not until he sobered himself that he fished out his phone and called Irish. He had no other alternative now. If it were possible, he would not let anyone know their situation.

    However, he thought that he had hurt Cassie for once, and he couldn''t give up their marriage this time. He hoped that Irish would help him to persuade Cassie; after all, they were good friends, and at least Cassie could speak out her inner thoughts to Irish.

    Fredrick was a little bit nervous, and he didn''t know how to tell Irish about this since her half-brother was the initiator of the evil deeds. But after he weighed things out finally dialed her number.

    Unexpectedly, he found that her phone had powered off.

    *****

    The annual selection of economic figures was actually a banquet gathered by business tycoons. Many Media came there to find some news as many business elites gathered together on this day.

    The most beautiful night view could be seen in the clubhouse where the banquet was to be held. The elegant violin music flowing in every corner of the banquet hall gave a siren atmosphere like Dreand under the shadow of the luxurious crystal chandelier. The moonlight outside the window gave a nostalgia for the romantic scene in Paris on a summer night. The goblet that was flown back from Italy by air is like a crystal shoe at the foot of Cindere.

    The top ten economic figures that were selected were like the moon being twinkled by stars, while Joseph was the most brilliant one among the ten people. His dress was as low-pitched as usual. He was dressed in a silver-gray shirt and ck suit pants, fitted by a ck suit with a dark striped tie, ck metal tie clip, and cufflinks that appeared so simple. However, he still looks so attractive.

    He was the most eye-catching man among so many people there. He was chatting with his business partner with a cup of wine. Some of them even brought femalepanions, including models or movie stars.

    Everyone knew him well since he was so famous and what''s more, he was a diamond dealer.

    Besides his handsome look, many people were jealous of the great value created by his hands.

    "Do you see that? Joseph is the youngest man among the ten people. Though he was younger than many business tycoons, he enjoyed a significant social status. It is easy to tell that he is apetent man. But a man like him must be profound. If you want to get close to him, you must exert effort." Britney took a sip of the wine but kept staring at Joseph, who was chatting with others in front of the French window. The neon light outside the window blurred his face, which made him look even more handsome.

    Britney came here with a sponsor, bringing Becky with her because she could perceive her obsession with Joseph just like herself.

    Becky was a quiet girl without exaggerated makeup. She was dressed in an elegant white dress while her hair was pulled back into a bun, revealing her delicate earlobes but without earrings.<novelnext></novelnext>

    She had fair skin, while her shoulders were as smooth as china.

    But her emotions were released from her eyes. She kept ncing at Joseph since she arrived here. Her obsession with Joseph was getting even stronger when Britney said those words to her a minute ago.

    It reminded her of that night when Joseph was drunk.

    She wanted to lean on his sturdy chest for a lifetime. There was a smell of alcohol in his body and a special woody fragrance that was faint by freshness.

    He gave people a feeling of aloofness even when he was smiling.

    He was a man who every woman would worship. But the more she admired him, the deeper her obsession would be.

    "Miss. White, hees here alone tonight. Does he break up with the second daughter of the Lake family?" Becky asked with expectation.

    Britney greeted another woman who came here to attend the banquet briefly and then sneered at Becky, "You''d better not hold expectation since it is lucky enough for you to be his mistress. Do you want to be his girlfriend?"

    "I..." Her face blushed, and she replied, "I don''t mean that."

    "You must remember that you can''t expect to be his girlfriend or wife if you want to stay with a man like him. Treat it indifferently and only in this way, and you will not be hurt."

    Of course, Becky understood her meaning, but...

    She stared at Joseph not far away, and he was chatting with others with a faint smile on his face, which was well-defined. He was at a man''s golden age because he was sessful in his career and had a wide range of contacts. She also knew that she was not

    the only woman here who admired him or had a deep obsession with him.

    But it would be great if she was the only one.

    "Do you think he would remember me?" She asked Britney subconsciously.

    The memories of that night were so precious to her, and she kept those memories deep in her mind. When she missed him, she recalled it secretly and tried to experience every detail since it could drive her crazy.

    "Well, what do you think about that?" Britney asked in reply while taking a sip of wine.

    "I...." Becky was hesitant and hoped that he would remember her, but she was not sure and was afraid that the answer would bring her disappointment.

 Chapter 654 654: Please Help Me

    Finally, Britney gave her an assured answer, which destroyed herst hope.

    "He will not remember you."

    Becky felt pain. She looked at Britney. Britney poured a ss of champagne to her and said calmly, "A man like Joseph knows clearly what he needs. If he remembers you, it proves that he likes you. And if he really likes someone, he will take some action. He will let you approach him and give you the opportunities to get closer to him. It may even be possible for him to be close to you. So Becky, has he contacted you since that night?"

    Becky didn''t answer her, and then she found an excuse, "Because he didn''t have my phone number."

    Britney seemed to have heard the funniest joke, so she justughed, "Do you really think it enough for him to have your contact information? Do not be silly. Does he need your phone number if he really wants to find you?"

    Becky felt so embarrassed. She knew that Britney''s words were true, and she herself regarded that reason as untruthful, so she was just modest, "So what should I do?"

    "So what are you anxious about? Do you think Joseph is the kind of man who your beauty will lure? Actually, so many women would like to be with him. Today, the most important thing for you is to let him have impressions on you. At least you need to let him know you when you meet each other next time." As she stopped here, she made signs towards the location of Joseph, "Do not do it that way."

    Becky followed her signs.

    There was a slim girl approaching Joseph in a red dress, just like the mes. She was indeed enthusiastic and bold. Her face was nearly attached to Joseph. As Joseph was tall, he could easily see the woman''s crest when he looked down. What a pity! Joseph frowned.

    And then Joseph apologized politely and went far away from that girl. He walked to the other side of the room alone. This was the tenth girl who wanted to know Joseph but was refused by him, and Joseph had changed his position over ten times. Every time he was alone, some businessmen would chat with him.

    Becky sighed and thought that this man was so excellent that women tended to pay attention to him.

    "That woman is the daughter of a boss of a listedpany, but Joseph still didn''t pay attention to her. So you know how much effort you must make to attract his attention." Britney patted her shoulders and said sincerely.

    In the middle of the banquet, Joseph walked out and to the end of the corridor. He got through the ringing call. The voice at that side was low but anxious.

    "Sir, the girl nearly crashed all the expensive objects. She is so furious that I can''t get it controlled."

    "Buy a new one." Joseph''s look was cold.

    "She scolded me and even hurt me. My forehead got injured. Sir...I think you''d better find another nanny. I can''t do it well."

    Joseph calmed himself down and said lightly, "Does she have meals?"

    "She is not willing to eat." Hearing the words, Joseph frowned and said after a long time''s silence, "Okay. I will arrange another one to look after her."

    The woman was so grateful and thanked him many times.

    After the conversation, Joseph called Daisy immediately. He just said, "Find another nanny, not the one who has served an average family. And you need to order her to guarantee Irish''s nutrition intake no matter what methods she uses. And a family doctor is needed."

    After that, he hung it up.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Looking at the night views outside the window, he thought of Irish''s furious eyes. He had thought that she would struggle against them, but he had never expected that she would hit someone.

    Such an annoying woman!

    Joseph was more and more serious.

    Another ten minutes passed. When he prepared to go back to the hall, he passed by a room and heard some strange voice.

    Joseph stopped his footsteps and soon nned to leave. Actually, he didn''t have the habit of taking charge of others'' business.

    But just then, the door was opened, and a woman with tousy clothes ran out of it, crying sadly. He didn''t have time to respond, and a woman just met into his bosom.

    The woman ran into his bosom and begged, "Sir. Please help me..."

    Soon a strong man went out and scolded someone, "You really think that you are famous for acting in two dramas? I like you, which is apliment to you. But you��"

    These vulgar speeches ended as he met Joseph''s eyes.

    "You...you, Mr. Dover?"

    The woman in his bosom held Joseph tightly and raised her head, staring at him pitifully, "Please help me, please."

    It was not until now that Joseph saw the situation clearly, so he just pulled the woman aside and looked at the man across from him. It was Kim.

    Joseph would not have remembered such a businessman as Kim. He remembered him so clearly because Kim dared to like his woman and even regarded him as an eyewitness!

    So he will never forget him!

    "Nice to meet you," Joseph said lightly as a greeting or as a satire.

    Mr. Kim was so stressed to see Joseph here and got more stressed by hearing his words. He immediately exined, "You see. You have nothing to do with this case. She is just a new star with whom have signed a contract. And I am giving her a lesson since she is so stubborn."

    As he was treated badly by Josephst time, his businesses didn''t process smoothly, and the most profitablepany went into liquidation. Even Britney went to anotherpany. Kim felt it was so strange, and after inquiry, he knew that he had made Joseph unhappy. Later Joseph''s love rtionship with Irish was disclosed, and he realized he had made a big mistake.

    Later he asked for Joseph''s forgiveness and hoped that he could let him have a way out, but it was so difficult for him to meet Joseph without an appointment ahead of time. He wanted to make an appointment but was notified that it would be three monthster. Mr. Kim was desperate since he couldn''t hold on for even thirty days.

    So he had to give up his big businesses and survive by relying on his smallpanies.

 Chapter 655 655: I Have No Way

    Joseph didn''t want to take charge of it either. Actually, as long as Kim didn''t like Irish anymore, he could do anything he wanted, which had nothing to do with Joseph.

    So as Kim finished it, Joseph sneered and intended to go.

    "Joseph..." The woman beside him was just like an abandoned doll and rushed forward poorly, embracing Joseph''s arms and begging shatteringly, "Do not go! Please help me."

    And then Joseph took a nce at the girl.

    She was indeed not a gaudy girl with just a white dress. The belt was a little messy, and her long hair got loose. On the other hand, she seemed to be a little delicate and charming.

    There were still tears in her eyes. She thought of him as her hope.

    Somehow Joseph thought of Irish, who ran to him with only pajamas and begged him not to leave her with tears when they were in Hong Kong. She was also delicate and charming, which touched him.

    But he clearly knew that she was not Irish.

    He just pulled out his arms and asked lightly, "What happened?"

    "He... was frivolous to me.." The woman cried sadly.

    Kim was surprised to hear that, and he soon said to Joseph, "Do not listen to her. I will not do it this way. Actually, let her advertise a product, but she refused to do so, which was a big loss for me. And I intended to makepensation by inviting the advertisingpany to have a meal together, but she refused it again. She didn''t cooperate with me, which made me angry."

    "Mr. Dover. I didn''t intend to break the promise. It was really because of scheduling conflicts. As for the gathering meal, they are a nasty one. One star in thepany had apanied them and been treated badly." The girl cried, "I love acting, and I really want to work well. I don''t want to apany them."

    Joseph''s facial expressions didn''t have many changes, and his look was still calm. He looked at Kim and said, "How much are the liquidated damages she does owe?"

    Kim was confused and soon understood, "$300,000,"

    Joseph smiled widely, "Mr. Kim, you have a quarrel with staff for only $300,000. Are you okay?"

    Kim was a little embarrassed. Joseph didn''t say much and took out a check from his pocket. He filled in the amount and signed his name, passing it on to Kim, "Just take it. And it is over."

    Kim took it and nced at it. It was a check with $300,000 on it. He was soon happy and felt grateful, "Thank you. Mr. Dover. Thank you." And then he raised his eyes and asked tentatively, "So Becky is yours."

    Joseph frowned. He didn''t notice Becky that he mentioned and just said coldly, "Before yourpany went bankrupt, there was still a business. And actually, this check is for the interests. Just tell you one thing. Go away from Irish; otherwise, you may not have it."

    Kim nodded and ran immediately. Joseph entered the hall without turning back.

    "Mr. Dover...." Becky behind him couldn''t catch up with him and just saw his back disappear at the door. She stood there, mncholy and sorrowful. So he really couldn''t remember who she was and even his look on her didn''t stay for three seconds.<novelnext></novelnext>

    He still cared about Irish so much��

    ****

    It was still elegant in the hall. All the men and women wore a coat of civilization and tried their best to be satisfied. Human beings tend to ce their emptiness on something, such as Joseph. Of course, other people with dreams nned to take advantage of this opportunity to raise their statuses, such as Britney and Becky. But Becky dreamed of something more beautiful, and she even wanted to get love.

    But her behavior was a little childish.

    And Britney even wanted to hit her. "I promised that I would help you. Why didn''t you get yourself controlled?" Britney was angry and anxious at the corner of the hall when she heard Becky''s narration. She was angry about her impatience.

    "Sorry. I didn''t know that it would happen. Just now, Mr. Kim called me out, and I didn''t think that he would do it in that way." Becky lowered her head and answered carefully.

    Britney was cold and thought for a while, "Didn''t he recognize you?"

    Becky shook her head. She thought that he would have some impressions on her. It would be d for her to hear that she was a little familiar with Joseph.

    Britney sighed and didn''t say anything.

    "Am I hopeless?" Becky felt lost since Britney didn''t talk anymore.

    Britney was very serious, and her mood was disturbed, "What kind of person do you think he is? I just told you clearly that no matter if your behavior was idental or deliberate, he regarded you as a woman who actively approached him. He has seen so many women and witnessed so many tricks. It is childish for him, you know? What''s more, do not think that it is to help you that he gave the money to Kim. You will get mad at this thought. He just used the money to clean his barriers."

    When she said it, Britney herself was a little puzzled.

    How she got close to Joseph was simr to that of Becky, but why did she seed and stay beside Joseph for many years, while Becky didn''t arouse Joseph''s attention? Was it because of Irish''s existence? Or did Joseph really love Irish?

    Becky felt more dispirited by hearing these words, and she was even helpless. Finally, she just pulled Britney''s hands and begged, "Please help me."

    "I have no way." Britney said directly, "If it hadn''t happened, I had meant to take you to have a greeting with him. I would be responsible for upying others beside him, while you could have some time to chat with him. But now Joseph holds bias on you, and if I continue my n, he will figure out my intentions."

    "So..." Becky was anxious, "What should I do? I can''t let him have bad impressions of me."

    Britney looked around and finally signed the other end of the sofa, "Now only Megan can help you. She is good at promoting actors, and she has contact with Joseph since they have had cooperation before."

    Actually, there was another reason that Britney didn''t want to tell Becky. After losing contact with Joseph, Britney was so regretful, andter she met Megan. It was through Megan that she had an opportunity to have a face-to-face talk with Joseph. And this time, she just talked about work, not their rtionships.

 Chapter 656 656: Nice To Meet You

    Joseph was a cold man. When he was faced with her, he treated her as a stranger. And it was not until now that she knew that, in Joseph''s eyes, she was no different from other women. And there was no attachment to the prior rtionship.

    Becky seemed to have grasped thest ray of hope, and she just nodded. But she soon hesitated, "I have had no cooperation with Megan. Will she help me?"

    "It depends on whether you are good at dealing with it." Britney smiled lightly and turned around. As she walked, she turned to look at Becky and asked, "Is it really an ident between you and Mr. Kim?"

    Becky was puzzled at first, and then she nodded immediately, "It is really an ident, not nned deliberately."

    Britney took a meaningful nce at her and walked to Megan.

    Megan would always be present on such asions since she was famous formunicating with different kinds of people. Moreover, she was often on such social asions to attract investment.

    Britney walked in front of her. After simple chatting, Britney said beside her ears, while Megan looked over there, seeming to observe her. Becky was so stressed about it.

    She didn''t know what Britney said to Megan, and finally, Megan nodded. Britney waved her hands to her, and Becky walked forward happily.

    ****

    At the dinner, Joseph didn''t drink much, and he just dipped a little when everyone toasted him. Atst, when an enthusiastic friend stood up and poured down a ss of wine for him, he covered the cup''s mouth and smiled lightly, "Okay. It''s enough,"

    Others dared not to say that since this action would arouse others'' hatred, but Joseph just smiled and said it sincerely, which made it embarrassing for others to persuade him.

    And just at this time, Megan took Becky forward with sses in their hands.

    "Mr. Dover..." Megan''s voice was pleasant, and there was even a smile in her eyes.

    Joseph raised his eyes to nce at her.

    "You must be very busy today. I want to have a drink with you, but there are so many people surrounding you. It is not easy to get ess to you." Megan said smilingly.

    Most of these people knew Megan, and one of them even gave a seat to her. Megan thanked him and sat down, preparing to chat with Joseph.

    Joseph smiled lightly, "Nice to meet you."

    "Okay, Cheers." Megan raised her ss to him, "The movie has had a hot box office, and it all thanks to your investment. You didn''t attend the celebration activities, which was a big pity for Britney and me. So today, it is really nice to meet you here, and cheers!"

    "We all benefit from it. So I should also thank you. And it may not be necessary to have a drink again." However, Joseph still refused her and covered the mouth of his ss, holding on not to drink.

    Megan was smart since she cooperated with Joseph and knew something about his temper. Under this circumstance, it would not be interesting for her to stick to having a drink with him. She smiled lightly and signed Becky to walk forward. She introduced Becky to Joseph, "Mr. Dover, there was an ident when the movie started shooting. You may not know it. At that time, a supporting role was nned to be reced by this girl, but she dared not ept it since she had had a contract with others. And as a result, the movie''s process was affected, so today she wants to apologize to you."

    Joseph took a nce at Becky without any obvious changes in her facial expressions.

    Becky felt stressed as she was watched by Joseph, and she didn''t know what to say for the time being.

    "Becky, make an apology to Joseph quickly. You know what? You nearly destroyed the movie." Megan figured out Becky''s feelings and touched her arms.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Becky recovered herself and spoke immediately. However, she was so stressed that she stammered, "Hello! Mr. Dover. I''m Becky��"

    Joseph nodded lightly.

    "Mr. Dover, you know what? She is quiet, simple, and timid. Now there is no such a simple girl as her. Others would have broken the promise if they had been given this opportunity to act in this movie. But Becky dares not to do it. She is promising, and she is good at acting." Megan tried her best topliment Becky.

    Joseph just smiled and didn''t say anything.

    Megan just signed Becky with an expression.

    Becky lifted up her ss and said shyly, "I hope that...you can have bigger businesses."

    And as she finished it, all the businessmenughed out loud. One even couldn''t help saying, "It must be the first time for you toe to this asion!"

    Becky blushed.

    "Okay, Okay. I warn you not to be impolite to Becky. She is actually the actress I n to choose for the next movie." Megan yed jokes with them.

    Joseph didn''t say much and just said lightly, "Thank you."

    Becky asked the waiter forward and gave him some orders. After a while, he served a ss of drinking water to her. Becky took it over and put it in front of Joseph, saying lightly, "Mr. Dover. It is unhealthy to drink too much. You can just have this ss of water, and thank you for helping me just now."

    And she finished the spirits in her ss.

    Some people cheered for them.

    Looking at the water, Joseph thought of Irish. She would be angry at him whenever he came backte and roared beside his ears, "Joseph. You''d better wish for your longevity."

    At that time, she was so stubborn and so cute.

    Thinking of that, Joseph raised his lips and smiled.

    Becky didn''t know what he was thinking. But when he smiled lightly, she was totally attached to him. She never knew that a man would be so attractive while smiling as if there were only him in the world.

    "Mr. Dover..." She called him lightly. Joseph recovered himself and took up the ss. He just thanked her and sipped a little.

    "Look. This girl is considerate." Megan praised Becky again deliberately, "Mr. Dover. I hope that we can improve our cooperationter. Please remember Becky. As you know, it is not easy for a girl like her to take root in this field."

    Becky looked at Joseph, stressed.

    Joseph didn''t change his face and kept distant from her, "I also hope so."

    It just sounded like a phaticmunion.

 Chapter 657 657: I Protect You Not For The Other Aims

    At the end of the dinner, Daisy picked up Joseph.

    It was warmer in Washington than in New York, so when Joseph went out, he kept the coat on his arms. Daisy walked forward and took the coat from him.

    "Is everything done?" Joseph said goodbye to those beside him and asked Daisy directly.

    Daisy nodded and told him that everything had been done. And she just asked him carefully, "Mr. Dover. Is Irish spending her holidays there?"

    Joseph stopped for a while and then walked towards the car, not answering her question.

    Daisy was so sensitive that she saw that just now Joseph''s face tended to be cold. She didn''t say anything. Although she was suspicious, she still kept silent.

    Someone behind them called Joseph, so anxious.

    Daisy turned her head back and she saw a girl with a white dress taking a delicate box with one hand and her dress with the other, and running towards them.

    Daisy was confused. She wondered who this girl was.

    Joseph also stopped. After seeing the girl clearly, he was a little unhappy and impatient. As he frowned, Daisy noticed it and at this time she realized that it might be a girl who wanted to get close to him first.

    Daisy was not surprised about it at all.

    After catching up with Joseph, Becky was filled with joy and happiness. She didn''t notice Daisy and just walked to Joseph, pressing her beating chest. She looked up at him, "Mr. Dover. Are you going home now? I want to thank you again for your goodwill today."

    Joseph''s mood didn''t change and just answered lightly, "You are wee. I do it for myself."

    It was actually not a polite answer.

    However, Becky was too attached to his look, so she didn''t understand his meaning.

    She passed the box to him and said softly, "Mr. Dover. You drank too much tonight. This is the hangover tea prepared for you by the chef and you can just have a taste of it. It can not only alleviate the feeling of getting drunk but also remove tiredness."

    Joseph seemed to think of something, and after a while, he took it over.

    Becky was so happy about it.

    But at the next moment, Joseph passed it to Daisy, "You must be tired and just drink it."

    Daisy knew clearly about Joseph''s meaning. She took over the box in Joseph''s hands happily, "Thank you and..." She looked at Becky, "What''s your name?"

    "Becky"

    "It''s really a good name." Daisy was very polite, "Thank you, Becky."

    Becky was very embarrassed and she just answered, "You are wee."

    She saw that Joseph turned around and gone to the car. She was a little surprised and just ran forward, pulling the door. Joseph turned to be unhappy immediately.

    "Mr. Dover. You must have misunderstood me." Becky was just like a child deserted by others, and exined, " Maybe I have be a woman with special aims in your eyes, but please believe me that it is just an ident. I..."<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Becky." Joseph interrupted her, "I will state it again for thest time. I have no interest in knowing what happened between you and Kim. I pay the money just for myself, not for you. What''s more, as for what kind of person you are, it has nothing to do with me. So please release me."

    Becky blushed and just released his hand on the handlebar.

    The door was closed immediately and Becky''s pale face showed on the window.

    As Daisy passed by Britney, she reminded, "Becky. You''d better go back to the hall. You will get cold since you wear so little."

    Becky gripped her fingers tightly. Daisy had no other way since Becky kept standing there. Daisy was used to Joseph''s attitude towards women, so she had to shake her head and went to the car. When the car left, Becky couldn''t help crying and when the tears got dry from the wind, she felt so cold.

    ****

    It was in Florida.

    When Carmen finished her call and went out of the bedroom, Jay was watching TV on the sofa,ughing happily when he saw something interesting.

    Carmen stood there and looked at his profile face. After a while, she went forward and sat down beside him softly. She went into his bosom and asked, "Do you love the Beans?"

    Jay''s look still stayed on the TV and just embraced her, "Who said that you cannot watch the Beans?"

    "Alva..." Carmen tried her best to draw his attention, "Please look at me."

    Jay turned to look at her.

    Carmen was attached to him, so she couldn''t help kissing his lips, "My dear, are you okay now?"

    She referred to the wound caused by the gun.

    Jay nodded, "Don''t worry about me."

    Carmen embraced him and said after a long time of thinking, "Next month, Poison and Killer will arrive in Mexico and we will pick up a catch of goods. I need yourpany."

    There was a ray of mor in Jay''s eyes. He asked cidly. "Is it convenient?"

    The mysterious big drug lord Evil Angel had wide divisions, and three strong assistants helped him with all the affairs. They were Charm, Poison, and Killer respectively.

    The killer was the oldest among the three and also the cruelest. He was famous for force in that he conducted threatening treasures to sell drugs. People there dared not to vite his order.

    Poison was just in his thirties and a college student graduated from Cambridge University. He was mainly responsible for making drugs and a master.

    And Charm was Carmen actually, who was embracing Jay at this moment. She was the onlydy among three assistants at the age of 24. She was not as strong as Killer and didn''t know anything about making drugs. Her biggest characteristic was being good atmunicating with others. The nickname " Charm" demonstrated her features. And she was famous for being social and she often appeared in public. That was why Jay soon found her.

    Carmen stood up and looked at Jay, pricking into his crest, "You protected me from the bullet. You made it even if it was so dangerous. You saved me, so you belong to one part of this group."

    Jay smiled, "You know what, Carmen? I protected you not for other aims."

    Carmen closed her lips lightly. "So just tell me. Do you love me?"

 Chapter 658 658: Why I Couldn’t Get Through Her Phone?

    Lilith''s face lingered on Jay''s mind, and then he felt ached. Soon his smile becamerger, "What do you think?"

    "You are a bad one." Carmen embraced him, "I am totally attached to you. I love you, Alva. You are the first one that I fall in love with. So please do not leave me at any time, okay?"

    Jay frowned lightly but soon pulled her away lightly, staring at her, "Why are you so unconfident?"

    "It''s said that women who fall in love with someoneck a sense of security, and now experience it." Carmen approached him and said softly, "So do not say that to me and just apany me this time."

    "Okay." Jay nodded and asked, "Just you three while trading?"

    Carmen tilted her head away, "Do you want to see Evil Angel?"

    Jay answered cleverly, "I think everyone in this field wants to see Evil Angel."

    Carmenughed, "Even we three don''t know his or her true appearance."

    Jay was shocked by it. Was it possible? He thought.

    "But don''t worry. Evil Angel knows everything. He must know that you saved me and one day you will meet him." Carmen thought that he got lost, so sheforted him immediately.

    Jay didn''t say much and just pulled her into his bosom to hide his frowned eyebrows.

    ****

    After New Year''s Day, the expected festival was Valentine''s Day, a romantic festival for lovers. During that day, the lovers would spend time together.

    Joseph was invited to shoot the cover image of a famous business magazine, and Leo was also invited. The nning team of the magazine was afraid originally that the two would have conflicts since they had battled on the stock market.

    But the magazine personnel was surprised when Joseph heard that Leo was also invited, he was not unhappy, while Leo also said that if there were not been Joseph, he would not have agreed to shoot.

    And finally, three days prior to Valentine''s Day, Joseph arrived at the studio, while Leo waste by nearly 2 hours. All the staff was waiting for him.

    The editor-in-chief was so anxious and apologized to Joseph. Although they could not me Leo, they could not let Joseph down, either.

    Joseph was surprisingly easy, looking through the magazines idly. As they apologized to him, he just said lightly, "You''re not the one who camete actually, so you don''t have to apologize to him."

    The editor-in-chief didn''t know why he said that, but she felt assured that he was not angry. It was not until noon that Leo came.

    And when he entered, he immediately said, "Sorry. The traffic is too busy." He made the simplest andmonest excuse.

    The editor-in-chief felt so grateful for their attitudes and soon called the costume staff and stylist to make preparations.

    Within the dressing room, there were costumes sponsored by various brands, styled in business suits. The assistant walking out of the dressing room whispered with other staff dly, blushed, "So handsome!"

    The fact was that when Joseph and Leo changed their clothes, walked out of the dressing room, and then stood under the light, they indeed drew a lot of attention. The staff was young girls and they all got together to discuss Joseph and Leo''s charm.

    The photographers were taking photos from various angles.

    Leo and Joseph didn''t make many poses but just stood there, sat there, and leaned against each other casually, which contributed to plenty of excellent works.

    "Oh my god! Joseph is so handsome with such a slim figure. The shirt is so pretty on him."

    "Leo is also good. His smile is so attractive."

    "This must be the best-seller."<novelnext></novelnext>

    There were so many discussions about them.

    Joseph and Leo were not also obviously silent.

    As he changed his position, Leo smiled at the photographer, but gritted his teeth at Joseph and said, "Where did you hide Irish?"

    Joseph also changed his standing position with his hands in his pocket, smiling lightly, "Hide? You use this word to describe the rtionship between me and Irish? I will condemn you for defamation."

    "Actually I know what happened in Chicago." Leo made a fake smile.

    "So what can it prove?"

    "It proves that Irish''s missing has something to do with you."

    "Let''s make separate shootings, shall we?" The photographer shouted.

    Leo made a gesture to agree with him.

    "Missing? I remember that you have no hobby of viewing mystery novels or dramas. "Joseph sneered.

    Leo looked at him directly, "Do you regard me as only a three-year-old child? Irish wasn''t at his uncle''s home."

    "So you have been 2 hourste because you''re looking for her?"

    "Shut up! Just tell me where Irish is."

    "Mr. Shelton, you blocked Mr. Dover." The photographer shouted again.

    Leo turned over a little.

    Joseph''s look was still on the camera, and the girls were just screaming happily for that. His smile was subtle, "You must be clear that she didn''t disappear but just had a rest since you havee to her uncle''s home. And suppose that her uncle just mentioned it to you."

    Leo gripped his fists suddenly.

    "Thank you. And next, we will make separate shootings." The photographer interrupted them. He didn''t notice that they had conflicts.

    "Okay. Let me be the first." Leo seized the opportunity.

    Joseph just smiled lightly and made a gesture to let him be the first.

    It didn''tst long and it was all because they two were born models. They were the kings of the business, so they didn''t have to make some poses deliberately. They were endowed with many advantages at the time, such as calmness, elegance, and dignity. They were not actors and they could interpret their charm by just standing there.

    When Leo was in his shooting time, Joseph just waited there in the lounge. And when it was turned for Joseph, Leo was sitting on the sofa not far from the light. He stared at Joseph tightly and couldn''t get the idea about where he hid Irish.

    And finally, their tasks were finished. Leo walked forward and barred Joseph, "Now that you said that Irish is going on holiday, why couldn''t I get her phone through?"

    Joseph just looked at Leo, seeming to nce at an idiot. He cleverly answered, "If you are on holiday, do you wish that you will be interrupted?"

    "You..."

    "Thank you." The publisher of the magazine said warmly. She was the queen of fashion, sophisticated and smart in speech.

 Chapter 659 659: Do You Need Meals?

    Leo and Joseph all looked at her, smiling and nodding together as a greeting.

    "Thank you for your cooperation. And now it is noon and I have prepared a meal for both of you. Will you guys join it?"

    This morning, the magazine had told their assistants that they would have a banquet together, but Joseph refused it. Leo also said that he had no time. Now the publisher invited them, hoping they would take part in it.

    Leo didn''t answer her and looked at Joseph.

    Joseph smiled lightly. "Sorry. It will be busy before the festival, so it may not be convenient for us to have the meal with you. Let''s get together when we are free."

    The publisher continued to persuade, but Joseph still refused her politely.

    Seeing that Joseph changed his clothes and intended to go, Leo still wanted to ask something about Irish, so he also refused the publisher''s invitation and followed him.

    "Do not think that I can''t find Irish one day." In the parking lot, Leo shouted towards Joseph''s back.

    Joseph stopped in his tracks and turned back to look at him, answering, "Happy Valentine''s Day!" And then he went to the car.

    Leo stared at his shadow, cold and mncholy.

    ***

    If one could have returned to the past, Irish would never have chosen to get in Joseph''s car.

    No, to put it urately, if she could have returned to the past, she would not long for knowing Joseph or giving her heart to him permanently.

    Joseph gave her so many brilliant promises and let her believe that he would keep them, but finally, she knew that Joseph''s promise would not be authentic. The love he promised to her and the words "I will do nothing to you" were the same cases.

    Irish didn''t know where she was and she only knew that her consciousness was lost in Midtown Manhattan. And it was not until when she woke up that she knew that Joseph hit her while she was unaware, which was unexpected for her.

    When she woke up, she found herself on a helicopter. She was kidnapped with her mouth filled with something. She couldn''t speak and could only try her best to hum with her nose.

    The pilot was so responsible that he didn''t turn his head back. He didn''t care how terrified Irish was because he wasn''t worried that she would fight against him. Actually, she was tied to the chair with robes. It was impossible for her to run away unless she pulled up the chair.

    The flightsted so long that Irish couldn''t see what happened onnd. And she could only see clouds passing by. The sky was so vast that there was no signal for her.

    Later she got tired and fell asleep. When she woke up again, it was at night.

    Andter she arrived at this vi. All she could see was the endless blue sea, and sometimes some seagulls fly over. There were no ships and no road, so she had no way to guess the location.

    During the first few days, Irish became mad. She just ran and screamed. Within therge vi, there was only a chef and a nanny who was responsible for her life. When she ran, the nanny followed and caught up with her.

    She was totally desperate when she saw the situation clearly.

    If her guess was true, she was on a small ind where there were many forests and flowers, surrounded by seas. The ind was not sorge, but big enough for her to be afraid.

    Atst, she was tired, so she just sat on the beach. The nanny then ran to her, panting, "Go back quickly. Otherwise, Sir will be angry."<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish gritted her teeth.

    Joseph!

    She knew that it was his idea.

    Back at the vi, Irish just knocked something. No matter what she saw and no matter how expensive it was, she just knocked them into pieces.

    She even knocked off the chef''s legs

    and hurt the nanny''s forehead with the cookware.

    She just wanted to threaten Joseph to show up.

    As long as he showed up, she would try her best to fight against him.

    But just one night, when she fell asleep she heard the sound of a helicopter. She was soon awake and ran out of the vi. She was surprised to find that the chef and the nanny were picked up.

    Joseph sent a new nanny, chef, and even a family doctor, but he himself didn''t show up.

    The new nanny called herself Jessica and she said that the former employers all called her this way. Unlike the former nanny, Jessica was very numb and cold. She was just indifferent to Irish''s actions.

    When Irish got tired of smashing everything she would take out her phone and report to someone that Irish smashed something again.

    And then within three days, new objects were added. It seemed that Irish could do anything she wanted.

    There was no phone, inte, or even real-time newspapers in the vi. She could only watch TV and look through magazines. She had gone into Jessica''s room and nned to steal her phone. However, she found that it was locked and she even wanted to reset it. But the aftermath was that the phone broke down silently.

    Later someone sent a new phone to her,pletely the same as the former one.

    Irish finally had to give up.

    About one monthter, Irish stopped being violent and became very quiet.

    Jessica seemed to be a person who was not easy to get along with and actually every day they just talked a few times.

    Jessica just looked at her without any obvious emotional changes, and after she became a little cid, Jessica asked her slowly, "Are you hungry now? Do you need meals?"

    As for meals, Irish also had permanent battles with her.

    In the past, if Irish wouldn''t eat, the nanny dared not force her. But Jessica was different, as long as Irish was not willing to have meals, she would order the chef and the doctor to tie Irish, forcing her to eat something.

    Actually, Irish could not resist their force.

    One day, Jessica served a te of eggs to her and said lightly, "Valentine''s Day is around the corner. Sir wille back to spend it with you. I think you should dress beautifully like a woman, it will be better for you not to be so stubborn."

 Chapter 660 660: Do You Think This Situation Is Normal?

    Make yourself beautiful?

    Fuck!

    Irish mercilessly cursed in her heart, and expected to call her name every day! But facing the possibility that only this woman might be able to help her get out of this ce, Irish let her chatter, and finally begged her to ask for the police.

    After listening to her pleading, she looked at her with the eyes of a stranger. After a long time, she said to her, "Don''t be discontented in life, sir brought you here to keep you well."

    But Irish insisted that she had been kidnapped and illegally imprisoned.

    At Irish''s insistence, Jessica seemed to be very helpless, and she asked Irish, "Don''t you know the owner of this vi?"

    Irish didn''t say anything.

    Jessica''s tone was restored to a consistent tone, and said, "You eat and drink well. You have been here for more than a month and do notck arms and legs, and you are not tied. How can you say you are being kidnapped?

    Irish retorted that she was restricted from her freedom.

    Irish felt even more ridiculous, and asked, "Can I say that I have been illegally imprisoned? As a matter of fact, it is impossible for you to go shopping anytime and anywhere like being in New York."

    Irish was so angry that she threatened her directly, saying that if she didn''t call the police, she would start beating her.

    Jessica was old enough to get threatened, saying, "If you think it can relieve your anger, then I have no problem."

    Irish was speechless, because she had never seen such a strange nanny, and finally asked, "Do you think this situation is normal?"

    Jessica answered, "I''ve been in many rich families and have seen strange things. Miss Irish, to tell you the truth, it''s the easiest job I''ve ever had, and you''re the best person to get along with."

    Irish was helpless.

    She finally understood how strong Jessica''s psychology was trained.

    So Irish became silent.

    She knew that in such an environment, no one could help her, only herself. She slept quietly, got up, ate, and watched the scenery, which became the only way she would pass the day.

    No longer as aggressive and no longer smashing, Irish went to bed at 10:00 PM. and got up at seven in the morning, keeping the best physiological sleeping time ever.

    Then she would watch TV, have lunch, and then go to the beach for a walk. At first, she stayed outside a little longer when Jessica was still watching her, and then she said to her, "I can''t swim, and I can''t grow wings. Do you have to stare at me?"

    She also felt that Irish could not get out of this ind, so she allowed her to go for a walk every day after lunch. The days went by until Valentine''s Day, which was said by Jessica.

    Irish had no expectations for Valentine''s Day, at least this year because, in this isted ind, there was no atmosphere. She had nned to spend it with her aunt, but she thought it was all in vain.

    To Irish''s surprise, helicopters soon came and brought a lot of things, lots of food, and colorful lights.

    She knew that these helicopters wereing in to deliver fresh ingredients. The ind had a rich diet, ranging from ingredients for cooking all kinds of Chinese food to Western-style meals, ck truffles, foie gras, truffles, sea cucumbers, and other ingredients. She could feel that they are all the freshest and most expensive.

    Only, the delivery of food was many times more than usual, and there were a lot of things she could not name.

    The vi seemed to be crowded.

    There were also a few more helpers. She did not know which country they were from and saw that they were working to decorate the house, which made Irish startled.<novelnext></novelnext>

    When they left, Irish was startled that the vi had the vor.

    She felt that Jessica was not lying, and 80% chance of Joseph wasing.

    Until one night.

    Irish slept so restlessly, vaguely as if thunder had passed through the sky and thundered into her ears. She tried to open her eyes but felt as if they were glued, and her sleep was intertwined with the deep uneasiness of her heart.

    At some point, she felt itching on her cheeks as if something had caressed her hair in front of her forehead. It was a soft touch with temperature. There was a familiar breath, like the real one, but also like being in a dream.

    Irish woke up and unexpectedly, the next second she saw a dark shadow sitting beside her bed, she screamed unconsciously, "Who are you?"

    In the dark, the figure was silent.

    But suddenly she knew who it was.

    Even if he did not speak, his figure and light wood fragrance had also exposed his identity!

    The back of Irish was tightly attached to the head of the bed, and her breathing began to elerate.

    The thunder rolled out of the window, and then a sharp lightning burst into the air, which almost lit up the night sky, and the face of the man sitting beside the bed was clearly reflected.

    Soon after the lightning and thunder passed, it began to rain.

    The rain came quickly and quickly as if something had suddenly opened a hole in the sky. The heavy rain poured down and the bean-like rain hurriedly hit the window, stirring the hearts and minds of the people.

    He, Joseph, came.

    Heavy rain brought tremendous pressure, and thin air and people became restless because oxygen wascking.

    So quietly he sat by the bed and looked at her, as quiet as a ghost.

    The bedsidemp was not turned on and the light out of the window was turned off.

    There was only a faint light in the rain, but it was obscured by the veil. But, even in the dark, Irish could feel Joseph''s eyes staring at her, as cold as rain, as cold as frost on a mountain, without any emotion.

    Irish''s body became stiff and cold. She tightened her warning and was as alert as a hedgehog. Gradually, after her eyes hadpletely adapted to the darkness, she red at him and wanted to tear him up.

    Joseph did not reach out to turn on the light, and he seemed very satisfied with her anger. A long timeter, a long arm stretched, slender fingers pinched her chin, and he said in a low voice, "You recover well."

    On his way to the ind, he imagined Irish''s appearance in his mind, pale, haggard, and even silent like a ragged doll.

    Buting to the ind, when he couldn''t wait to get to the bedroom, he saw apletely different Irish from his imagination.

    She slept very quietly.

    Her face was a little pale, but she was not losing weight. She should have just taken a shower and had a touch of bath liquid on her body. Before they used the same brand of bath liquid, although he hated it and threw it away, he could not help but send the bath liquid to the ind.

    He didn''t know what he was looking for and perhaps all he could catch was a touch of familiarity.

 Chapter 661 661: Want To Die?

    The man''s fingers were not light and heavy, but he managed to catch her so that she could only gnash her teeth at Joseph''s face through the night. The anger that had umted for more than a month quickly climbed and began to erupt.

    She did not speak, pressed her lips tightly, and her eyes were hostile.

    But this appearance was extremely beautiful, and those eyes were like the mes burning in the night. Anger, and hatred, all turned into a seduction that a man wanted to conquer. Joseph slightly squinted his eyes, the next second, the tall figure pressed over, bowing, his thin lips clung to her tight lips.

    The good smell of wood, wrapped Irish,yer byyer, was breathless.

    As the man forced them to open her lips, her hand slowly reached under the pillow, then lifted her hand unaware.

    A sh of lightning shed across the sky and the thunder exploded.

    Joseph only felt the corner of his eye light sweep a cold light, and suddenly pushed her away. Then a knife was stuck hard on the mattress.

    Even if he dodged a secondter, the knife would hit his back.

    Irish did not expect Joseph to react so quickly, pulling out the knife the next moment, raising the knife, and rushing at him again. In the midst of the thunderstorm, she was as angry as a lion, clutching a fruit knife, and yelling angrily, "Joseph, you bastard!"

    Unfortunately, Joseph''s defensive consciousness wouldn''t allow her to seed, repeatedly dodging. Because of the overpowering hatred, Irish''s strength in every attack was stronger, and the knife all was to his fatal position.

    Anger had made her lose her mind. When the fruit knife again moved past Joseph''s eyes, he finally took the knife in her hands. He knew that ording to Irish''s temperament, she would never stand up to the situation, and the battle of force was inevitable, which was why he was on his guard when he entered the room.

    It was just that he had forgotten. Although Irish''s force was nothing more than an ant''s in his eyes, the explosive force of the angry fierce woman was still extremely strong. When she saw that the hand with the knife had been hoisted, she did bite Joseph''s neck directly without thinking. Biting hard, she only listened to Joseph''s sound, reflexively pushing her away.

    Her hand with the knife strove through the air, feeling as though she had touched the substance.

    The next second, Joseph''s shirt sleeve was cut, his arm was scratched, and blood flowed out.

    Damn it!

    Joseph found that he had been injured, and his brows were almost capable of wringing out the water, ring at Irish, and the veins on his forehead were almost protruding. The wound was not too deep, but the knife was piercing into his heart!

    His teeth ttered and he came step by step towards Irish.

    After that, Irish was so tired that she had no chance ofunching an attack at this time. Seeing Joseph getting closer and closer to her, she was anxious, with his wrist twirling, and she directly put the knife around her neck.

    Joseph''s footsteps stopped. Seeing him stop, Irish got up from the ground, the sharp knife was against her neck all the time, step by step back to the window. Through the faint light and the man''s increasingly cool eyes, she said word by word, "Joseph, if you don''t let me go, I''ll die! I want everyone to know that you, the general manager of the Runestone Group, illegally imprisoned a woman and forced her to death!"

    A month''s imprisonment was enough to make a normal person lose their sanity and make a normal person crazy. Not to mention Irish, whose temper was already strong, and the worst thing she hated was being detained. Joseph''s behavior undoubtedly inspired the most powerful rebellion in her heart.

    She became extremely unsurprising and hysterical.

    At this time, she wanted to die with Joseph, which was better than living a ghost life!

    She hated it. Why would he do that? Was he qualified to do it? At present, it was thew ruling society, and she did not believe that he could hide from the sky!<novelnext></novelnext>

    Joseph''s face was almost dark, staring at her, with a cool voice he made an order, "Put the knife down."

    At the end of the speech, he once again approached her step by step.

    "Stop! If youe closer again, I''ll slit my neck!" Irish did not seem to be joking, pushing the sharp de hard on her neck, into the porcin-white skin.

    As the lightning struck, it was clear that glowing red blood had dyed the de.

    Her eyes were absolute, abhorrent, angry, and persevering in death.

    "For thest time, put the knife down." Joseph walked, his voice creepingly cold, and his anger tumbled in the depths of his eyes.

    No woman had ever threatened him like that!

    She sped the handle, her back against the cold window, and she almost felt the rain on the ss. She quickly breathed, and said in a cold voice, "I want to get out of here!"

    Joseph in the darkness slowly said, "No way."

    "Well, I''ll kill myself! Joseph, I want you to always remember that it is you who force me to death!" Under anger, Irish was impetuous.

    "Want to die? Well, I''ll send your body to your uncle with my own hands." Joseph gnawed his teeth.

    Irish''s heart trembled.

    Taking advantage of this gap, Joseph suddenly strode forward.

    "Don''te forward..." Feeling urgent, she really was about to slit her neck.

    Joseph''s movement was much faster than hers, and when she would do that, he sprang forward and grabbed her wrist with a big hand, but she felt that she could not bring it up at all, and the knife fell to the ground.

    "Want to die, don''t you?" Joseph forced her two hands to sp behind her, and when the cold breath of the whole person came down, he became evil. He stared at her. His eyes were as cold as the cold ice of the December moon, and he saw her struggling, and his big hand tried hard again. Irish felt pain, so her face had twisted, only feeling that her arms were almost broken.

    "I regret having made you eat and drink well and you are so fast to recover your strength."

    "Joseph, you bastard! Who are you to do this to me? I will not forgive you!"

    Joseph smiled widely and pushed her against the window with a strong arm, her face clung to the ss, and lightning lit the outline of her beautiful cheek.

    He still sped her arms, bowed his head, and his thin lips fell on her ears. "At this point, you and I have happened to coincide. Irish, you killed my child behind my back. Do you think I can let you go? You want to die. Well, I''ve got plenty of time for you to feel that life is like death!"

    Thest three words almost broke hisst strand of patience, wrapped with coldness and anger.

 Chapter 662 662: Youre A Hell Of A Bitch

    The deeper the rainy night, the cooler.

    The rain grew heavier, and finally, it poured, and then it turned into a hailstorm.

    The strength of Joseph''s hand on her arm as he said aggravated.

    Irish only felt the pain in her arm would make it about to break away from her body. She seemed to hear the crackling of the bones, and the cold words of the man pierced her eardrum, and she could only stick her cheek tightly against the ss. The pearl-like hail hit on the ss, and her face could feel the shock of impact.

    The ss made her vicle ache, she could not move, and Joseph''s anger had the effect of tearing her bone up.

    Then, the warm blood on the ss met with the rapid cooling of the ss, and could not flow, condensing together like the red plum.

    The wound in her neck, though not deep, had been bleeding.

    The blood remaining in the wound was more seeped by her attempts to struggle, a trace of it trickling down and clinging to her nervous and undting chest.

    Her skin was snowy, and her blood was redder and ring.

    "Joseph, you are breaking thew!" She was weaker than him coupled with a full month''s imprisonment, which was enough to destroy her energy and spirit, and Joseph was so aggressive that anyone who was trapped in such a ce would almost copse.

    She was losing her strength too, leaving only the strength to bite hard.

    Josephughed at the remark, and with a tall body attached to her, bent his head, "It''s ridiculous to say thew out of your heartless woman''s mouth, tell me. Thew? Do you think anyone outside the world would believe that Joseph will hold a woman prisoner?"

    There was a fire in her eyes, and the only thing that could be done was re.

    Apparently, Joseph was dissatisfied with her eyes, and the frown had just retreated unpleasantly, and gradually, the coldness came out from the bottom of his eyes, and it was like a rainy night outside.

    Once upon a time, he believed the feeling showed in her eyes and watched her with warmth, and his heart melted every time her eyes fell upon him.

    He had always thought that her eyes choked him, and never thought that one day her eyes would be filled with disgust and anger.

    This anger was more than every evil word.

    "You''ve been so angry for a month, Irish. You''re a hell of a bitch." He lifted his lips, but no smile in his eyes, only with one hand to mp her two wrists, freeing one hand slowly to open his tie.

    "Do you know that the deer in the forest does not know at first that it is in danger when it approached the food bait, and it is brazenly brave before the lion that ready to devour it, and then when it was eaten by the predator, the remaining every generation of the deer remember who they can''t mess with? In the same case, it takes experience to understand what should be done and what cannot be done. Let me tell you tonight that even if you are angry you will have to give me a pleasant look. Those who can''t control their anger will always have to be given a little lesson to remember.

    Irish was cold, "Joseph, what do you want?"<novelnext></novelnext>

    Joseph did not answer, straining his tie to her wrists, and the expensive tie was made into a rope. With a strong force, he had her wrists strapped with it.

    Irish didn''t know what he was going to do, so she struggled with all her strength.

    However, she was caught by his big hand, like an eagle holding chicken, and pushed open a grand door by the window.

    Outside was a huge arched terrace. If someone usually came here for a holiday, it was an excellent view to look out from this position under the ease of elegance. That person could see the endless ocean of tile blue through the lush green, and if it was the afternoon of the summer, leisurely opening the door, leaning against the back chair, grinding a ssic cup of espresso, breathing the mellow smell of the beans, and listen leisurely to the sound of the waves beating against the rocks.

    Once in a while seagulls passed by, and made sounds from a distance when flying above the sea. Life here was called living in paradise.

    But it was not the same tonight.

    It was a cold rainy night, and even a hailstorm had been turned from raindrops, and when the door was opened, the ck veil, which was more than six meters high was blown open and lifted high, which was spectacr as the wind of the night rain drifted away in the air.

    Joseph even pushed her out. Irish''s feet twisted, and with a cry, she fell on the pebblesid on the terrace, whose size, color, and even shape here could not be much different, just for the sake of beauty and it could be imagined that every detail here was unique.

    The pebbles were not trampled too much, not too smooth, and there was a lot of hail falling onto the pebbles, and when she fell to the ground, her knees were sore.

    Joseph grabbed her and tied the other end of the tie directly to the edge of the terrace, which precluded her from jumping off the terrace.

    Irish was fixed on the terrace, her white sleeping dress shrouded and she was like a witch who was about to be executed. The cold hailstorm struck her like a thousand little hammers falling into every corner of her body.

    She tried her best to shout, angrily scolding Joseph.

    But Joseph, cold to be cruel.

    He did not close the door, standing more than a meter from her in the room, his hands in his trousers pocket, calm enough to look at her without a touch of humanity, and let her scold him under the hail, and his face never wavered.

    The hail also swept into the bedroom, and wet his trousers, but he still did not move.

    The wind blew hotly.

    The ck veil was dancing like a monster behind Joseph, making him grow colder and colder. Besides, he wore a ck shirt, and the room was almost no lights.

    So, looking from Irish point of view, Joseph really became a Satan who came to search for life. The night was deep, the veil was ck, and the hail was colder than his eyes. Yes, he was asking for her life, for his child''s sake. But who was she going to ask for life?

    He was the real culprit!

 Chapter 663 663: You Can Directly Kill Me

    Irish shrank and suffered the pain of hailstones falling on her body. The tie that fastened her wrists lost its smoothness after soaking as if it were embedded in the skin like a leather rope having soaked saltwater causing pain in her wrists.

    She could not shake her legs anymore, but atst, she had to tuck in a corner of the terrace, her arms pulled and fastened.

    She buried her head, her long hair wet on both sides of her cheek, her tiny shoulders shivering with hail and coldness intertwining. Her red naked feet were on the cold stones under the hailstones, and her white toes were almost green.

    She felt that she would die the next moment.

    Never feeling such coldness, she thought every minute was suffering. The hailstones were beginning to hurt her as if she had been prodded deeply by a thousand knives, but gradually she could no longer feel the pain.

    The strength and temperature of the hail had numbed her entire back.

    She was like a bloodless corpse, and atstying motionless in a corner of the terrace, no longer struggling, no more scolding, silent, there.

    For an hour.

    The hail turned soothing from heaviness, but mixed with cold rain, pouring down from the sky.

    Irish was dying, her petite body did not move at all.

    Joseph, who had not moved for an hour, did not sit and leave, and the whole man stood like a statue, staring at her not far from her.

    Only, his eyes were stained with too much coldness. The thin lips were close, almost stretching into a line.

    He was always waiting for Irish to beg for mercy and told him that she was wrong.

    But she would rather be hit by a hailstorm than say that.

    In an hour, Joseph''s heart gradually solidified into ice, and finally, he was firmly stuck in an ice hole. He looked at Irish and saw the woman who had fascinated him, and he wanted to dig out all his heart for her. He finally understood. It was only then that he was finally willing to believe her ungrateful love.

    Luxury was always a luxury.

    He thought that he had got it, only finding that he had got the false one to be real. In this field which he had never been familiar with, he could not tell whether it was true or false, so it was only right to be fooledpletely!

    He would like to thank Irish, without her, he did not know that love could be false, so he would like to thank her, heartily, thank her for letting his heart back to be cold.

    Irish did not know it was how long she suffered, but in her senses, as if it was after thousands of years. Until there was the sound of footsteps.

    Her long hair has been soaked by rainwater, and her pointed chin leaning between her knees. Powerlessly opening her eyes, she found it was a pair of handmade men''s crocodile leather shoes.

    Her lips trembled and tried to say something, but she could not spit out a word, for her lips were numb with coldness.

    With vague insight, she seemed to see Joseph bow, and his thick big hand gently caressing her head. She did not feel too much strength, perhaps his hand had not been forced, perhaps the force he used barely made her feel it.<novelnext></novelnext>

    The man''s tall figure more or less covered the rain and hailstorm that hit her, and her head drooped feebly, like a bird with broken wings, leaving only thest breath of strength.

    She felt Joseph''s fingers moving and falling behind her head.

    With a great force from his hand, she suddenly began to make a sharp humming, as if a faint soul had crept out of her throat, and let him catch her head. He ordered her to look him in the eye.

    Joseph''s eyes were as deep as the cold night.

    She was forced to turn her head back. For him, there was only a little rain on her cheek and coldness winding through her chest. She felt a tingle in her neck, which reminded her that she was alive.

    The rain and hailstorm seemed to be afraid of the coolness of his body,pared to weak Irish, who fell on his broad shoulders with less strength.

    She mocked herself that she was too weak to be treated well by even the natural conditions.

    He held the back of her head by the arm that she had cut with a knife. She could see the wound on his arm with only a slight turn of her head, and the ck shirt clung to it, wet, not knowing whether it was blood or rainwater.

    She could not smell blood, and perhaps her sense of smell was gone.

    "Listen to me, or you will suffer more." Joseph''s tone was very light, cold, and ruthless, staring at her already nearly dark face, and said slowly, "I still prefer to see you in a good state, young and beautiful."

    "Joseph, you... If you can do so, you can directly kill me." She was very weak, but she would never beg for mercy, she would not beg him. If that happens, she would rather die.

    Joseph''s smile expanded, "Kill you? I might as well keep you by my side, and I''ll y with you."

    Irish''s body quivered.

    "Don''t think I don''t know what you''re thinking. You want the stake of the Lake family. Have you ever asked yourself if you''re qualified to treat me like this?" she said intermittently. "For the benefit and for your future, you approached me, pretending to love me. I''m so pathetic for following your n to get my revenge against the Lake family. You''re just as mean as I am, so you''re not qualified to do this to me."

    The radiance of Joseph''s lips gradually disappeared. Good, she clearly said he pretended to love her. How could she judge him like that when he poured all his love and affection into her? Hearing the painful wordsing from her he realized what a woman''s heart was like.

    "You missed a little bit." With a cold face, he said, "the next thing I''m going to get from you is not just the Lake''s shares, but the life of the child you owe me!"

    Like a hammer hitting the back of her head, her ears buzzed, and before she could react, Joseph had unlocked her hands, but still no n of untying the tight sp tie in her wrists.

    Picking her up, he walked steadily toward the bathroom.

    Irish leaned feebly against his arms, her hair winding through his arm, and she tried to resist. Her whole body was as weak as a broken bone, unable to struggle anymore, and allowed him to hold her into the bathroom.

    The bathtub automatically turned on the water lift system, and soon, the heat swept through the bathroom.

    Without saying anything, Joseph threw Irish directly into the bathtub, plopping, engulfing her screams. He was not idle, and, without pity, tore open her sleeping skirt.

 Chapter 664 664: Did You Like It?

    The cloth became frail between his fingers.

    Soon, Irish''s whole body, except for the tie on the wrist, was naked.

    She almost choked, reflexively moving to the side of the bathtub, staring at the condescending Joseph, clenching her lips, and a long timeter saying, "I... won''t have a baby for you."

    She finally admitted it, but it was the result she knew so well, why would her heart feel sorrowful so much?

    "Irish, no woman has dared to y me like this. Let you have a baby because you owe me." Joseph simply sat by the bathtub. The woman''s still enchanting posture in the water stung his eyes and he squinted his eyes slightly. He reached out and pinched her chin, "You''re right, you are nothing but a chess piece in my eyes, to put it bluntly," he said, "you are no different from the women who have warmed my bed. Now I need Lake''s blood, and you are the best container."

    The man''s words were colder than the cold wind and bitter rain.

    She drew her eyes, and when he pulled his hand away, her head leaned feebly against the bathtub, her long hair floating on the water like algae, her cheeks creepily pale.

    She quivered her lips and said, "If I had to choose again, I would get another abortion of your child."

    She was just a chess piece, right?

    It was okay.

    It really didn''t matter.

    She had fallen in love with him so much before, and now she hated him so much.

    Joseph heard her words and smiled lightly, "It doesn''t matter, you dare to do that again, I

    dare to get you pregnant repeatedly too."

    His slender finger slid down her pale cheek, and as he passed through the cut in her neck, his finger paused a little, looking at it slightly and he noticed the cut was not visible.

    His hand gradually slid gently to her corbone, to the soaring chest, and the t belly.

    Irish''s wrists were tightened so strongly that it was impossible to push away his big hand and because she had just been in the rain for an hour, her whole body was weak. When the man''s big hand reached between her legs, she subconsciously tried to mp her legs, but unfortunately, she could not match the strength of the man''s big hand.

    When his fingers rushed in without warning, her dry, hoarse throat hurt a little.

    She tried to scream, but the noise was as low as a mosquito.

    Then, she felt Joseph again, who put into his second, the third fingers.

    Rude without pity.

    His hands were as cold as his eyes. Her body curled up and began to tremble.

    But he enjoyed the pleasure of the tight space he felt in his fingertips.

    "Joseph. You are shameful." Irish felt nothing but pain in her lower body. His fingers were long, and every movement could reach her deepest point.

    Joseph, however, pressed his head, smiled harmlessly, and his other hand twirled her little face, and said in her ear with a deep voice, "I am shameless? Have you forgotten when you were screaming like a little beast underneath my naked body when I touched you?"

    Irish knew he was going to torture her, but she didn''t think the humiliationing out of his mouth would make her so embarrassed.

    "It''s been more than a month, and to be honest, I''m kind of missing your screams." He brutally raised her face, watching her every reaction and his pupil shrank, elerating the movement of his fingers inside her.

    Irish could not avoid his behavior, only to bite her lips, at least, to control her voice.

    Joseph seemed to see through her mind, lowering his thin lips to her ear, gently whispering, "Don''t hold on, you are very wet right now, honey."

    Irish tried to twist her waist again but was held down by him all at once.

    Atst, she put all her strength into biting her lips.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Her stubbornness aroused Joseph''s displeasure, his eyes like a rolling ck cloud. He pulled out two fingers, leaving only one of them and urately finding the small, sensitive point.

    Shoving it down with a sneer, and then grinding it.

    Irish suddenly widened her eyes, and the tip of the wave pped in her heart.

    Suddenly the strength was increased and her lower lip was gnawed.

    Joseph, however, was in no hurry, torturing the spot and feeling the delicate and soft wall getting tighter and tighter.

    He wanted her to get rid of her armour, and that was the point at which she was quickly paralyzed.

    "Let go. You son of a bitch." Irish''s voice was a bit of a cry.

    Joseph''s eyes were colder, but the slippage between his fingers made his voice grow thick. He pressed down on her struggling body, "Did you like it? Your body is getting tighter and tighter."

    "Enough!" This man was an asshole. She was gonna kill him!

    She hated herself for being weak and she should have stabbed him with all her strength when he entered the room!

    Joseph''s hand still tormented her, incessantly stimting her.

    Just when he perceived that she was almost reaching her peak, his fingers pressed hard on her pleasure spot.

    Irish gasped, shrank her teeth to her lower lip, and finally exhaled from her throat, and shrank to the tightest.

    Her chest panting heavily continued.

    She was too weak to bear the thrill of being sent to the clouds, and the next moment she closed her eyes and slid into the bathtub.

    Joseph''s strong arm reached out and picked her up.

    Seeing that her lower lip had been bitten hard and with blood, his face turned blue.

    Irish, you were so good at controlling yourself!

    ****

    Irish did not know how long she had slept.

    When she opened her eyes, outside the window was bright, and the ck veil was reflected to lose its pure ck.

    The room was quiet, and only a faint tick came into her ears.

    She tried to sit up from the bed with a painful, faint head, and a broken-like wrist. She raised her hand, only to find that the tie was gone.

    Only a conspicuous bruise was left.

    Even without this bruising reminder, Irish still remembered everything that had happenedst night.

    Joseph came.

    Then he became the devil.

    Irish looked around the room warily. He was not in the room, but she still smelled his body aroma.

    The breath was no longer as safe as it had been, and now she felt frightened even if she breathed lightly.

 Chapter 665 665: He’s Not In The Villa

    She had to admit she was afraid of what he had been looking likest night, but in any case, she would not bow to him!

    The other side of the bed was empty, but from the additional pillow, it could be seen that Joseph was sleeping beside herst night. Shuddering, Irish touched the pillow and remembered the torture of his finger again between her legs.

    It even left a wood incense smell.

    Very light. But it was his breath that was tickling her earlobe, reminding her how he defeated her defense mechanism.

    She noticed the mechanical watch he used to wear on the bedside table, and the tick wasing from the beating sound of the pointer, but the room was so quiet that she could hear the watch moving.

    She had put on clean pajamas, and cotton, and was very soft.

    Someone knocked on the door. With alert eyes, Irish''s body was attached to the head of the bed, who quickly raised her guard line.

    It was Jessica who came in.

    There was no fuss when she saw Irish was already awoken, turning a blind eye to her pale face, she went straight to the window, drawing the curtains, and letting the sun rush to the windowsill.

    "Miss Irish,e downstairs and have lunch when you''re done cleaning your face. Before Sir went out, he told me that I had to keep an eye on you for lunch."

    Jessica''s words made Irish shiver, catching herst words, "Before going out? He... He''s not in the vi right now?"

    "Sir went out on business this morning."

    Irish''s brain was running fast, her fingers trembling with excitement after hearing that Joseph went out to work.

    There must be a way out of this ind!

    ****

    The ind was very quiet, and time seemed to have stopped in this ce, without the noise of the city, and had not been busy every day like the pressure of the gyroscope, where only the sound of whispering was heard between the birds, flowers, and trees.

    After lunch, it was time to walk again.

    But this time, instead of walking aimlessly, she sat quietly on the beach, staring at the wide open waters near her.

    At the foot was the fine white sand, which was clean enough not to be stamped.

    The calm sea winded, purely reflected the blue sky, as deep as sapphire.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Everything was calm.

    Sitting quietly on the white sand, Irish was thinking.

    After learning that Joseph had gone out of the house, she did not show much emotion in front of Jessica. When she washed as quietly as before, she saw that the wound on her neck had been affixed with a Band-Aid. It was very thin and almost impalpable. She looked at herself in the mirror for a long time and the Band-Aid.

    Then she quietly ate, and then went out at the time that had been used by Jessica.

    A few days before she was sent to the ind, she vented all her grievances, and then, after she had calmed down, she began to familiarize herself with the ind''s environment and location.

    However, in the absence of signal location, Irish, who had been not interested in geography, could not urately locate herself most scientifically, and could only preliminarily judge ording to several obvious features.

    The temperature difference between day and night on this ind was slightlyrger. During this month, she found that the daytime temperature was about 25, so it was warm but not hot, and the sea breeze was soft andfortable; at night, it was about ten degrees, and the beach got cooler, likest night, which should be cooler.

    There were no heating or cooling facilities in the vi, which meant it wouldn''t be too hot, and now it was the beginning of the year, which meant it wouldn''t be too cold. She also carefully observed the vi at other times. The main material of the vi was made of good instion material, mainly wood and steel, thus ensuring the temperature inside the vi.

    The vi was equipped with sr and wind energy, and all the energy needed in the vi came from the conversion of natural energy, it was a very advanced conversion. At the very least, Irish did not feel cold in the vi, and there were plenty of hot water resources in the bath, and Jessica could also use natural energy to make delicious meals, and the fountains and garden watering equipment in the vi were all derived from the conversion of energy sources.

    In other words, there were only a few ces where the huge vi could use electricity.

    This required the most demanding condition for the temperature and light of the ind, which clearly fitted. Irish was quietly pondering how Joseph had left.

    For nearly half a month she had not looked at the topography of the ind, only to find, in despair, that the most convenient means of transportation was ne and ship, while the car was nowhere to be found. She was sure it was surrounded by the sea.

    So, when she calmed down, she thought, if Joseph really left, he would take on a helicopter.

    She extrapted two points: first, Joseph''s watch was still on the bedside table, which showed that he did not want to go far and that he should be back in the evening; second if Joseph was onnd, there was still a ce on the ind where she had not found it. So, could she possibly find a way out in just a couple of hours?

    The answer was no.

    Let''s not say how long it would take her to find a ce to stay. Take Jessica, for example, if she didn''t see her back for more than three hours, she would ask someone to look for her. Besides, afterst night, she was very weak. The distance from the vi to the beach wobbled her, not to mention finding a way out.

    Even though she could find a way out, Joseph would be back by that time, and she could not take the risk.

    After sitting on the beach for more than an hour, Irish got up and dragged her aching body toward the jungle.

 Chapter 666 666: You Should Eat More

    She was familiar with the way of the jungle, far away, and could hear the sound of the sea.

    The high roof and white windmill of the vi had gradually been sheltered by the tall wood of the jungle, as she walked deeper and deeper, with tough branches stinging her arm and scratching a wound.

    Regardless, she finally stopped in front of a towering tree.

    If it wasn''t for the pain, Irish would have thoughtst night was just a nightmare. At least, when the sunset, Joseph did not return.

    When she got back to the vi, she went to sleep again, and after the sunset, it was eight o''clock in the evening when she woke up.

    When Jessica saw her awake, she told her to go downstairs for dinner.

    She came to the restaurant like a robot, and as soon as she sat down, Jessica prepared all kinds of beautiful dishes. But Irish didn''t have an appetite.

    Unexpectedly, Jessica said, "Miss Irish, you should eat more, if a woman is too thin, it''s not good."

    Irish looked up at her and ate in silence.

    Jessica stood in the same ce and did not move, looking at her.

    "You have something to say to me?" Irish sighed gently, without lifting her head, and ced her fork and knife beside the te.

    Perhaps Jessica was surprised that she could guess her thoughts.

    And Irish, at this time, also looked at her, with calm eyes.

    Jessica thought about it and said, "Actually, I want to advise you, sometimes women should not be too stubborn, if that, the ultimate loss is not our own. No one knows the reason why the strength of arms won''t win thighs."

    Irish''s fingers trembled gently, together with her eyesight.

    "You..." She hesitated. A few secondster, her eyes lit up. "Did you see what happenedst night?" Jessica could not see the room, but perhaps she saw a scene on the terrace. Both Jessica and the cook had separate residences. If they passed through the terrace, they would have seen Joseph''s behavior.

    Jessica''s eyes shed a touch of panic, and soon returned to the usual appearance, and she softly said, "I just casually said a sentence, and you can see that you are very dissatisfied with Sir, so I advise you."

    "Jessica..." Irish suddenly rose up, staggered up to her, as if holding a life-saving straw, sping her hand, and said with an urgent voice, "Please help me, even if you let me make a phone call."

    Jessica was frightened, hurriedly drew back the hand, and shook her head, "Miss Irish, please don''t force me, really can''t help you."

    "No, you''re the only one who can help me now." Irish thought that since she could say what she had just said, she might be a kind person, so she saw hope again.

    Jessica stepped back and shook her head desperately.

    "I beg you, just help me once. Well, you tell me how to unlock the password, and if he finds out, you say I stole the phone, and you don''t know when I know the password. I''ll assure you I won''t implicate you."

    "Miss Irish, that''s not right." Jessica anxiously refused, "This will affect meter, so it''s a no."

    "I promise you, if you promise to help me, I will give you a generous pension. After that, you don''t have to worry about your future, I''ve inherited a lot of money. Really, I didn''t lie to you. I can even write you a note, and you can hide it. I''ll be sure to contact you when I''m out." As long as she could go out, she would not care if there was that inheritance, even if she sold the house, she would do it just to get free. Her uncle and aunt must be very worried about her this time.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Jessica hesitated at that.

    "Jessica." Irish saw her expression, getting more excited. What presented before she was a piece of dawn.

    Jessica looked up at her and wanted to say something but stopped.

    "Well, tell me how much you need, as long as I can do it!" Irish added.

    "Actually, I..."

    "Jessica, you''ve always had a lot of experience. Don''t you understand what a nk check is?" The unexpected voice interrupted her.

    Suddenly Irish trembled and was startled after hearing that.

    Her eyes turned to the restaurant door, surprised to find that Joseph came back.

    There he stood, a tall figure shadowing a great shadow of light, with unchanging calmness on his face, and there was an iprehensible, dark, deep, smooth, shuddering majestic aura in his eyes.

    Jessica did not expect him toe back suddenly, surprised, hurriedly said, "Sir, I''m sorry."

    Joseph took a few steps forward, and his eyes fell on Irish''s face, a slight addiction to the sentence, "People can not live for themselves, you are retiring soon, but your children are still young."

    He said this to Jessica, but his eyes did not leave Irish for a moment.

    Somehow, Irish shuddered.

    "Yes, sir, you are right, don''t get me wrong," she said, turning pale, "I..."

    Joseph raised his hand and interrupted Jessica''s exnation.

    A fire gradually rose in the abdomen, rotated, and formed a small tornado. Irish stood in the spot, clenching her two hands first. But Joseph ignored her anger and looked away from her face, and his eyes fell on the dishes on the table, looking for a few seconds he ordered, "Prepare hot rose tea half an hourter."

    Jessica nodded.

    "I don''t need your hypocrisy." Irish opened her mouth, and her voice was cold.

    But Joseph looked into her eyes, even cooler.

    At this moment, a pleasant voice broke the restaurant''s depression.

    "Joseph, there are too few people in the vi, and you don''t help me either."

    The girl''s voice was very sensual, like ark, and following him, a petite and super cute girl entered the restaurant with enthusiasm and took Joseph''s arm, whom every woman wanted to cling to.

    Irish''s body stiffened for a moment, and when the girl smiled and put her arm on Joseph''s, she even breathed painfully.

 Chapter 667 667: Why Is He Still Keeping Her?

    Irish did not expect that Joseph would bring a woman back.

    The woman in front of her was almost as tall as she was, and the proportion she was standing with Joseph was exactly the same as when she was standing beside him. The woman was as delicate as a doll, with long brown hair, which was longer than hers, and was carefully drawn into the princess''s hairstyle, with scattered pearls in her bun and a haphazard charm in the hair.

    From the outline of her features, she was supposed to be a hybrid of Asia and Europe, with a high nose and deeper eyes than the Asians, and then her eyes were deep and attractive, but she had a small cherry mouth on which was an orange-pink lip ze. It looked soft and made her skin shiny, but she also looked beautiful.

    Irish could read the expensive feeling of this woman. Everyone has a temperament, good or bad.

    Irish had always felt that temperament was natural, and it had nothing to do with life experience and how much money you could make, and the temperament was not umted over time, nor could it be umted by money. Like a nouveau riche, no matter how much money he made, he never understood that the nobility was not unting on horseback but enjoying spiritual behavior.

    So Irish felt that this woman should be a kind of nobledy, not only expensive but also delicate.

    At the same time, the woman was also looking at Irish. As soon as she entered the restaurant, she talked to Joseph, but her eyes fell curiously on Irish and never moved away.

    Most people understood that beauty couldn''t be remembered, but a woman with a character couldn''t be forgotten.

    But the woman in the white cotton pajamas was the kind of woman who was too beautiful to forget. She could not be said to be beautiful, or, to be exact, the kind of beauty that a woman had to look at with admiration.

    She was a little apathetic, not knowing whether she was dressed too inly or because of her eyebrow.

    Her eyes were like an empty firmament, without the slightest joy or sadness, looking indifferent or just looking at you. Her features were meticulously carved as if deities preferred them. Her standard face had no ws, and her eyebrows, radians of nose, and lips were perfect from either angle.

    Draped on the shoulders was the most enviable long waterfall hair, soft, which was the most mysterious Asian ck, without any modification, so gently scattered, reminding her of the shampoo advertisement.

    She couldn''t help asking, "Joseph, is she?"

    The lines of Joseph''s side face were a little heavy, not answering a woman''s question but staring at Irish with a vague light in his pupil.

    Aware of the atmosphere''s incongruity, Jessica looked at Irish, then looked at Joseph, and asked carefully, "Sir, still prepare the rose tea?"

    Joseph''s eyes always fell on Irish''s face, with the dark fog that could not be driven away and explored what he thought in his mind. When he opened his mouth again, he faintly said, "Prepare the rose tea for this youngdy."

    His tone was so light that it was cold as if a de had gently scratched Irish''s heart. She tried not to feel pain but was shocked to find that she had been hurt when hearing those words slip from Joseph''s mouth.

    She lowered her eyes, and her long eyshes obscured the shimmering light of her eyes, she returned to the table, took up the cutlery, and ate silently without any noise.

    Joseph stared into her eyes, and he looked cooler.

    Jessica felt more and more depressed in the deadly air existing between them, she did not dare to ask anything and nodded to prepare the tea.

    The woman looked very curious, and her eyes fell on the table, gently making a voice, "wow, so many dishes?"

    Irish did not look up, she knew she could not speak at this moment, and such a sweet voice must be spoken for Joseph.

    Then she heard Joseph say to the woman, "Wait upstairs for me."

    The woman gave a gentle "Okay," and then left the restaurant.

    Upstairs, except the bedroom was the study or the guest room, he still let that woman upstairs no matter which private ce he was referring to.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish''s hand holding the fork and knife clenched, and she took a deep breath. The woman was undoubtedly superior to her, beautiful and elegant, and above all, she was obedient. Did he not say that he liked the obedient woman?

    So why is he still keeping her?

    He had found another rich girl, so he should let her go. As a woman, Irish suddenly felt that she had never been so embarrassed.

    The woman''s footsteps soon disappeared.

    But Joseph still stood in the dining room, less than ten steps from her.

    Irish always kept her head down and tried to keep her eyes on food, not to think about the man who was not far from her. Nheless, she could not ignore the tension in the air, as if a bow was slowly being pulled, the string was almost broken, and it was impossible to say that a cold arrow woulde the next second.

    She did not know what Joseph would do or what he was thinking.

    Feeling that the atmosphere was increasingly depressing, she stopped eating, put down her cutlery, and suddenly got up and was about to leave.

    In the next second, she heard a low order from Joseph, "Sit down and finish it."

    Irish was startled and looked up at him.

    He stepped forward, the tall figure carrying her with great pressure. She frowned slightly, and he sat down opposite her harshly as his eyes fell on her.

    "Sit down." His tone was always nd.

    Irish thought ofst night''s scene and of her own weakness, so she was not foolish enough topete with him.

    She sat down again.

    Sitting opposite, Joseph no longer spoke, silent.

    She picked up her cutlery and ate as quietly as she had before.

    In this way, the restaurant was very quiet.

    Only the asional sound of cutlery gently hitting the te could be heard, and only this sound reminded each other that there was only silence left between them.

    This kind of quietness was even more terrible than making a big noise.

    He did not say a word until Irish''s food was almost finished.

    But she could always feel his eyes on her face.

    Then suddenly, Jessica came in and said respectfully to Joseph, "Sir, the rose tea is ready. Will it be sent upstairs?"

    After two or three seconds, he said to Jessica, "Just give it to me, I''ll bring it."

    "Okay." Jessica went out.

 Chapter 668 668: Would You Mind If She Took A Suit Of Yours?

    Irish heard it clearly, with her eyes slightly raised, but it only fell on Joseph''s hand. His fingers were still as slender as usual, and his palms were still so broad, but she did not know when the elegant coat had faded, leaving only cruelty as he wasst night and at present.

    Who was that woman?

    Was she the next woman he would use, or was she his old lover?

    She thought thetter was most likely, for the woman was so familiar to him, and she called her "Joseph" casually.

    So Joseph couldn''t wait?

    He took her to this ce and brought her the tea himself. What kind of a noblewoman would make Joseph do it himself?

    Irish thought of it, and her heart seemed to be cut by a sharp saw every time she breathed.

    It was good to say that the woman upstairs would seed in diverting his hatred against her, and he might let her go, and after that, they will be strangers.

    Irish wanted to raise her lips and calm herself gently. She kept telling herself that it was good, really.

    But her throat was choked to death.

    After a while, Jessica came in with a cup of rose tea.

    A delicate cup, white porcin, blooming a few petals, was gently ced on the table.

    Irish had only realized that Joseph had been waiting in the restaurant to deliver the rose tea to the woman personally.

    What an affectionate scene, what a considerate man.

    Irish quickly finished thest meal, got up, and left the table.

    As she neared the door of the restaurant, Joseph spoke, his deep voice drilling into her heart like an electric drill.

    He said, "Would you mind if she took a suit of yours?"

    Irish stopped, turning to look at Joseph.

    Joseph still sat there, waiting for her to answer.

    It was as if a stone had been grinding her hard, and Irish had suddenly reacted to the humiliation she had never had, and her eyes grew angry, and her fists clenched.

    Joseph, you were going too far!

    Joseph turned a blind eye to the obvious anger in her eyes, and his eyes remained indifferent.

    After a long time, Irish spat out one word after another, "Clothes are all bought by you, whatever.

    Joseph looked at her for a few seconds, then his eyes fell on Jessica again, "Go and give it to thedy upstairs."

    Jessica really could not understand what Joseph wanted to do, but as an employee, she also had no right to ask and nodded.

    Irish really could not stay in the restaurant, turning around and leaving.

    Jessica looked at the back of Irish and sighed gently.

    "Does she have regr meals during the day?" Joseph leaned against his chair and asked without a thought.

    Jessica was startled at first and quickly reacted, hurriedly replying, "Miss Irish got up already in the afternoon and ate lunch immediately."<novelnext></novelnext>

    Joseph nodded slightly and asked, "And go out for a walk as before?"

    "Yes, Miss Irish went out for three hours today, the same as before."

    Joseph mused, bing silent, with the tea, he left the restaurant.

    Jessica was confused. What was that?

    ****

    Irish didn''t go upstairs, though she wanted to lie in the bedroom, close her eyes, and think nothing.

    She was so weak at present that she moved as if she had a small knife cutting her flesh.

    She ascribed the pain to Joseph, whose body was rarely overdrawn.

    But she couldn''t get up to the second floor, and she didn''t know which room Joseph and the woman would be in on the second floor, maybe they were in the bedroom she had slept inst night.

    It turned out that the night was so long that Irish felt it.

    She never felt that way when she first came to the house.

    She sat on the sofa in the living room on the first floor, and there was a movie opposite her. She had not seen it, and she did not know what it was, just feeling that the scenes inside were very strongly dazzling.

    A line popped out of the screen, and the woman said, "Love is never a right thing, never a wrong thing, it is a very selfish thing because ites and goes selfishly."

    The woman in the picture was fresh and pure, and the pink bo looked so charming that Irish thought it would look better if it were on thedy upstairs.

    She didn''t know what kind of dress Joseph would eventually choose for the girl, but she had to say that Joseph had a great ability to match clothes, and she believed that her dress would be more suitable if thedy was wearing it.

    Irish''s eyes were just staring at the screen and looked so seriously because, in addition to the screen, she didn''t know where she could see.

    She emptied her head and wanted nothing.

    Thinking nothing, and we wouldn''t take it seriously, right?

    That was it. Not knowing how long it took.

    Maybe two hours, maybe three hours, maybe longer, until the sound of footsteps came down.

    Familiar and calm, apanied by a pleasant deep voice, "Jessica."

    Irish''s ears seemed to have been pierced, with huge ck sses near the curtain, and translucent decorations, showing the man standing on the staircase because of the reflection of the crystalmp.

    Her eyes looked at him unwittingly.

    She did not know from which room he came from but could only vaguely see in the dark mirror that he was supposed to have changed a pair of household trousers, that his upper body was naked, and that she could see the smooth texture of his upper body, even from a distance.

    He had a shirt in his hand, the one he had worn when he came back, and he asked Jessica to go to the cloakroom to pick up some upper clothes for him, and Jessica did it.

    And at this time, it was the woman''s voice from the second-floor corridor, "Joseph, you do not have a woman''s bath? I used yours."

    Irish no longer heard clearly what Joseph''s answer was.

    The second after the woman dropped this sentence, she suddenly changed her face, threw the pillow in her arms on the sofa, and rushed to the bathroom on the first floor.

 Chapter 669 669: A Troublemaker

    Then, she couldn''t stop vomiting.

    She threw up all the food she had eaten that night.

    Soon after, Jessica knocked on the door and came in, asking what was wrong with her.

    She squatted on the floor, flushed the toilet, and shook her head at Jessica.

    "I''ll tell Sir to call the doctor." When Jessica saw her pale face as if it had been bleached, she was a little worried.

    "No, I''m fine." Irish got up and went to the sink. The water from the faucet was thergest. The cold drops of water hit her fingers. After stopping her, she bowed her head and washed her face.

    Jessica sighed after seeing the situation but did not say anything and left.

    The cold water hit her face, spattering tens of thousands of water flowers. She did not know how many times she washed her face and did not know how many times she brushed her teeth. She adjusted the lowest temperature of the water, so low that she reached for it, and the coldness got into her heart.

    Looking at herself in the mirror, Irish smiled faintly.

    She believed the water was so cold that her tears flowed down to protest against her actions.

    Yes, cold water was the culprit.

    However... Why did the heart hurt so much?

    In her mind was Joseph''s appearance in the ck mirror.

    The pair of household trousers he put on was worn by himst night, and today when she got up, she saw the pair on the couch, that was to say, he brought the woman into the bedroom.

    No wonder he was looking for clothes for the woman. No wonder the woman would bathe here and use her shower cream.

    She didn''t know how long she had just been in the living room, but when one movie was over, she changed all the channels and started watching another.

    Joseph just walked out of the bedroom.

    ording to Joseph''s enthusiasm and physical strength, Irish knew that it was enough for him to take so long in bed.

    He made out with other women in the bedroom she used to live in, and he slept with other women in the bed she slept in.

    Irish''s heart had be a honeb, even if a gentle gust of the wind blowing all the holes were cold.

    Joseph, you were really tough. In the name of love, first, I was bruised, and then you humiliated me because of your hatred. What made you turn into a devil?

    Irish stood in front of the mirror with her eyes closed, her fingers sped to the pool, and her knuckles white.

    What was next? What were you going to do? Did you want me to watch your second round of sex with my own eyes?

    Irish nasal cavity was sour, she took a deep breath and opened her eyes again, but her eyes were still red.<novelnext></novelnext>

    After changing his coat, Joseph returned to his study and saw Rosy, with bath liquid in her hand, snatching the bath liquid from her hand and throwing her travel kit as she was about to bathe in the guest bedroom.

    Rosy looked at the traveling bag in her hand and looked at the bottle of bath lotion in Joseph''s hand, pouting her mouth," That has a better smell than mine. "

    Joseph did not spoil her, put bath liquid on the table, and said to Rosy, "This is hers, you use that one."

    Rosy looked at Joseph for a long time andughed, "But that''s man''s bath liquid."

    "Miss Rosy, your personal teacher does not ever teach you that it''s impolite to walk into someone''s bedroom?" Joseph just went into his bedroom, changed his pants, and then walked downstairs, but Rosy got into his bedroom.

    "I''m just curious." Though a little afraid of him, Rosy was so respectful and replied with a smile, "How would I have known you have two pillows in your bedroom? Joseph, you slept with that woman downstairs, didn''t you? That woman looks familiar. Ah, I remember. The photo of...?"

    "Don''t ask me to help you with all your nonsense ns." Joseph briefly interrupted her inquiry.

    Rosy panicked, "No, it''s not easy for me to leave home to see Leo. You''re the only one who can help me. I''m obedient." Then she gave him a salute and ran away.

    Rosy, Vincent''s favorite little daughter, a typical princess, was educated by western aristocrats when she was younger. She was also one of the best girls in the world and was the target of many celebrities.

    Rosy, however, had an engagement with Leo.

    Of course, this was an old ount. It was nothing more than the interests that the two families needed to cooperate with at that time. Rosy had a special love for Leo, but Leo refused Rosy one after another with a different character. Over the years, it had been staged in Rosy''s pursuit and Leo''s hiding.

    But Rosy was not the kind of girl who would easily give up. On the contrary, she seemed to be open-minded in the past few years, but somehow, she was going to go to America to find Leo again.

    Finding Leo was not difficult; he was so famous that she could trace him, but the problem was whether Leo could ept her from the bottom of his heart.

    Joseph also did not expect to meet Rosy.

    The ind was surrounded by sea, and someone could go out either by boat or helicopter. That day, when he had finished his work, the captain told him that he had found a ship in the area of the ind and that Joseph was very suspicious and ordered the ne to fly low.

    He looked closer at the binocrs to find out it was Rosy''s boat.

    He was familiar with the ship, which Vincent had intended to invite a professional designer to design such a luxurious ship for Rosy in Moro as a gift for her eighteenth birthday. Rosy had fallen in love with sailing since she had the ship, and mostly she crossed the sea as captain.

    Only unexpectedly, her ship in the waters of the ind was stranded for a while, unable to operate.

    Joseph had to pick her back and ordered the professional to fix Rosy''s ship at once. After all, he and Vincent were now in partnership.

    But more importantly, Joseph brought Rosy back with a big purpose: as long as Rosy went to America, then Leo absolutely had no time to make trouble.

    During this period, he was having a headache about how to stop Leo froming to his ind. Leo would not be slower in finding people than he did. In addition to Valentine''s Day, Leo, who had no hectic schedule, might speed up the search for Irish, so, at this time, Rosy''s appearance was heavenly help for Joseph.

    It was just that Rosy was a troublemaker.

 Chapter 670 670: It May Be That Leo Is Too Idle

    After seeing him as if she had caught the saver, she said, "Can I borrow your bathroom?" She had been on the sea for a few days. The moss would grow on her if she didn''t take a bath. And her clothes were dirty.

    Joseph thought of Leo and had to endure such trouble inside his vi.

    It took longer for Rosy toe out of the bathroom, slouched into the study, her hair still wet, andined at the sight of Joseph, "Your hospitality is at its worst! The shampoo in the travel suit is hard to use."

    Had it not been for the purpose of suppressing Leo, he would have been toozy to meddle in her business.

    Frowning a little, "Better than being a primitive woman on a ship."

    "I didn''t know the boat would break down so thoroughly that I couldn''t even wash myself," Rosy said, turning around in front of the mirror and looking at her clothes.

    "The breast of the dress owner is a little bigger than mine."

    Joseph paid no heed to her words.

    Rosy saw it, had mischief in her heart, and looked at Joseph,ughing. "Does this suit look good on her or me?"

    "Her." Joseph looked at the document, and his head remained droopy.

    Rosy stared at him, "Do I look good, or does she look good?"

    "She looks good." Joseph did not hesitate.

    Rosy pouted, "You love her?"

    Joseph''s hand halted when turning over the file, and the back of Irish shed in his head, who was running toward the bathroom. Though at sight, he saw her paleness, too.

    Frowning more tightly, he said with a faint tone, "The boatman called just now, and there should be a quarter of an hour left for your ship to be repaired well."

    Rosy ignored her boat and looked at Joseph with interest, "Why did you change the topic?"

    Joseph directly closed the file, "You''d better worry about your own business first. Leo is also very interested in her."

    "What?" Rosy widened her eyes and was shocked, ignoring the word "also" in Joseph''s speech.

    A person who is used to taking control may be led once or twice by someone''s words. Then he will turn the situation around in a subtle way and seize the initiative, making someone inadvertently turn from the active to the passive, of course, if he wants to. He will never give someone a chance to be an initiator.

    Like Rosy.

    She just upied the initiative of two words, but in a moment, she was pulled away by Joseph''s topic.

    He was a very clever man, so he was good at the topic, then he could quickly find the most concerning topic to avoid answering the question he didn''t want to answer, and cut in quietly and attack the other''s heart.

    Rosy was the one.

    After hearing Joseph''s understated words, the little girl waspletely disheveled. With her simple ways of getting along with people and little thoughts, it was impossible to get any advantage from Joseph.

    The concrete manifestation of the anxiety was the whole person''s irritability, first shocked, then frantically she ran to Joseph''s side, grabbed his arm, and hurriedly asked, "What? Leo is interested in her?"<novelnext></novelnext>

    Joseph pulled away his arm quietly, "That means the girl downstairs is your rival."

    Rosy''s little face began to twitch in panic, confusion, or both.

    "What''s going on? Isn''t she with you? Why is she with Leo?"

    "She doesn''t like Leo." Joseph felt it necessary to correct her remarks, "In other words, Leo is in one-sided love."

    "That''s too much. How could he?"

    Rosy''s face showed doubt, "Isn''t he Leo? How could he do such a thing?"

    Joseph only made a faint smile and did not respond.

    But Rosy was crazy, walking around, nervous, "What the hell is that woman? Why are your eyes staring at her? Isn''t she an illegitimate child? How can a person of this kind..."

    The conversation came to a halt.

    But when Joseph heard the words "illegitimate child," his rxed expression suddenly turned to seriousness, and the light in his eyes shed through the obvious displeasure, and Rosy intelligently shut her mouth.

    Rosy was more or less familiar with some of the big predators because of her father''s business, and she was born in this environment, so she knew something about the circle.

    The predator included Joseph.

    She knew Leo first, then saw Joseph. Because of their family rtionship, their treatment of each other turned ordinary. People in the circle said Joseph was an extremely low-key introverted man, his calm maturity, his strategy were all hidden in his quiet calmness.

    And, of course, he was tough.

    It was just that Rosy didn''t have a chance to see it.

    But just then, when Joseph changed his face slightly, Rosy was sensitive to the sudden turn of coldness in the room. As he frowned, the lines between his brow and his nose were as sharp and cold as a cier. She could not resist the shivering before the man who had experienced many appalling scenes in the wind and waves.

    Only then did she know what the circle had said about him.

    "I''m sorry, I''m not talking ill against her." Rosy was frightened by Joseph''s look and then worried about the tension. She was afraid that Joseph would withdraw his help in anger and that her n to find Leo would be ruined. "I''m not the person who likes to gossip behind her back. I just don''t understand why she''s so attractive."

    "It may be that Leo is too idle." Joseph lightly replied, with a pen on a white paper, not knowing what he was writing on it.

    Rosy is afraid to talk anymore.

    She was unsure what was happening between Joseph and the woman downstairs. Just now, both of them looked so indifferent that they didn''t even say anything. She thought Joseph was tired of that woman. But it didn''t look that way at present.

    Of course, Rosy was not concerned about Joseph''s emotional world. She only cared about Leo. After hearing Joseph''s remarks, although she was a little unhappy, fortunately, at least Leo was not with the women downstairs.

    Rosy was a girl from a rich family, and she disdained the behavior of sabotaging other people''s feelings and robbing other people''s boyfriends. If Leo already had a woman who he was in love with, then she would return home without saying a word. But he did not, and that was another matter.

 Chapter 671 671: She Was Gone

    After Joseph finished writing, he handed her the paper.

    Rosy looked at the number of addresses in New York, L.A., and other ces. In short, it contained the addresses of many cities in the US.

    She wondered, "These are..."

    "This is where Leo often goes in various cities in the US, like clubs, bars, restaurants, hotels, and his residence. He is now in New York. You can check the New York address." Joseph, leaning back in his chair, yed with his signature pen and said lightly.

    Roy was so excited and surprised again, "Oh, my God, how can you do that? That''s awesome! All his movements are in your hands."

    Joseph slightly raised eyebrows, "Not all, it just can be said only the most. In other words, he has some ces I do not know. Just as he can''t control all my whereabouts, at least he doesn''t know the location of the ind right now."

    Rosy looked at him in surprise.

    "Come here." Joseph threw the signature pen on the table, lightmanding.

    Rosy stepped forward, subservient to the man''s imperceptible majesty.

    Joseph, however, reached for her.

    Blinking, unaware of what he was going to do, she put her hand on his big hand. He closed his fingers and took hold of her hand.

    "Rosy, you''ve always been a smart girl, and I''ve always liked you as my sister." Joseph''s tone was very serious, "Let''s make an agreement today?"

    He held Rosy''s hand, but she felt that his big hand was very powerful. Somehow the woman downstairs would appear to be so scared if she had been held tightly by Joseph''s big hand, she didn''t even have a chance to breathe, did she?

    "What''s your agreement with me?"

    "It''s simple. You take this list, but only if you don''t say anything about the ind to Leo, including the location of the ind." Joseph was straightforward.

    Rosy thought, "Are you afraid of Leo finding her?"

    "I just wish I could match you both. You''re fit for him." Joseph, in silence, recaptured the words of control.

    And then the simple Rosy got excited, "Really? I also think I fit him."

    "So you can''t mention the ind and the woman downstairs, otherwise, don''t me me for being merciless." He said with a smile, a light tone, but it was more like a threat.

    Rosy inadvertently gave a shiver, but the simple child followed with joy and nodded heavily. "Joseph, you can rest assured, I will never betray you."

    "Well, that''s a deal."

    "That''s a deal!" Rosy gave him a high five.

    After the boatman had repaired the boat, Rosy began to get ready to set sail. She carefully collected the list written by Joseph and promised him that she would memorize it on the way and then destroy the pages.

    Joseph praised her for assuring him that she would "destroy" the list he gave.

    When she was about to go out, Rosy pointed to her clothes and asked, "This is her dress. Will Leo recognize it?"

    "I bought this new one for her, and Leo never saw it."

    Rosy was relieved.

    Then she asked, "Can I have a pot of your coffee? I can''t get that delicious coffee out there."

    "What you''ve just done isn''t like it is a good drink."<novelnext></novelnext>

    Rosy blushed after hearing Joseph''s words and remembered the embarrassing state she had just made.

    She had tasted food all over the world. But she couldn''t help with a cup of coffee after she had finished her rose tea. It was unexpected that the coffee''s fragrance was out of her imagination.

    She couldn''t help but taste it until she choked and sprayed it on Joseph, who was calling the boatman, so he had to put down the phone and quickly change his clothes.

    Joseph''s remark made Rosy more embarrassed, and she apologized again and again. Finally, Joseph just made a casual remark and asked Jessica to give Rosy two packs of new coffee beans from the vi and then sent her away.

    When Rosy''s boat could go smoothly, Joseph returned to the vi.

    The TV in the living room was still on, and the pillow that had just been thrown on the carpet had been neatly put back in ce by Jessica. As Joseph passed by, he thought again of the scene in which Irish had just rushed into the bathroom. He paused and stopped Jessica. "Where is she?"

    Jessica respectfully replied, "Oh, Miss Irish just returned to the bedroom andid down."

    Looking for a moment, he said softly, "Ask the doctor to check her."

    "I asked Miss Irish. She said she was fine and didn''t want to see a doctor." The family doctor had a special ce to live, not far from the vi.

    Joseph looked upstairs and ordered a long timeter, "Call the doctor."

    Jessica nodded and immediately dialed the phone.

    Joseph went upstairs.

    Into the bedroom, the surrounding was dark, the lights were not turned on, the curtains were notpletely tightened, and the moonlight poured in, leaving the room as white as silver. On the bed, there were slightly raised radians. Joseph looked for a long time, and he felt even more strange.

    The night was quiet.

    It seemed that only the moonlight could be seen moving.

    Through the moonlight, the bed wasid on a small figure, covered with the quilt, faintly huddling. Joseph''s brows frowned, and he went to bed.

    A long timeter, he said, "Get up and get dressed. The doctor will be here at once."

    There was no response in the bed. The woman''s apathy made Joseph''s eyebrow infected with displeasure. An inexplicable fire burned his heart, and anger jumped into his pupil. Finally, he couldn''t bear it and said, "Get up quickly!"

    He exined that he did not want to let her die so cheaply.

    But Irish was still unresponsive.

    Under the quilt was the motionless silhouette, cool as water, a few wisps of light sshing on the bed. Looking at the moonlight, Joseph felt suspicious, and the curtains were not drawn when he had just entered the bedroom to change his household trousers.

    He knew Irish.

    She couldn''t sleep very well if the curtains weren''t closed when she slept. It differed from Joseph, who had be ustomed to getting up early, sometimes as the day was still dark. The curtain was just a decoration to him, and it lost the function of shading the light. However, after Irish moved in and cohabited with him, he ordered the curtains to be remade, and all he chose was a good shading material.

    But that night, there was the moon outside the window, and the curtains were wide open.

    Joseph''s eyes fell back to bed from the curtains. Irish was so quiet that making no movement, even the ups and downs of her breath. Joseph was shocked, and a thought shed. Unwrapping the quilt, he was surprised to find that there were two pillows under the quilt.

    Shit!

    She was gone!

 Chapter 672 672: God Still Blessed Her

    His two eyebrows were appallingly cool when he saw the real situation under the quilt.

    He let it go, and the quilt was thrown to the ground by the force he had just made.

    The pillows stood upright as if mocking his insensibility.

    Joseph stood on the head of the bed, the blue veins in his forehead almost bursting, his thin lips tucked into a line, and his taut chin forming a cold, angry arc.

    Like the moonlight out of the window as water, his eyes grew thinner and colder.

    Reaching out and pressing the bedside phone.

    After a while, Jessica hurried up to the second floor, nervously entering the bedroom, "Sir?"

    Then she mistakenly assumed that something had happened to Irish and immediately exined, "The doctor is going to..."

    "When did she go?" Joseph coldly interrupted Jessica''s words.

    Jessica was startled for a time, she did not react, and her first reaction was that he was just talking about the youngdy. But then Joseph suddenly made an angry yelling, almost raising the roof. "When did Irish leave the house?"

    Jessica was frightened by his voice, staring, and then she could clearly see the scene. And when she looked at it, she was scared out of her wits. How did it happen?

    "Sir, Miss Irish, she really went back to her room." Jessica almost cried, hurriedly exining, "I watched her enter the bedroom with my own eyes and then, ording to your request, lock the door before you returned to the bedroom, and she could not have disappeared."

    Howe that woman just disappeared?

    Joseph believed Jessica wasn''t lying, the bedroom door was locked, and he also opened the door before entering.

    His mood sank a little, and his sharp eyes nced like gamma rays into the corner of the room, finally falling back to the windowsill. Then, his eyes suddenly became sharp, striding forward.

    Pushing the door open and walking quickly to the terrace.

    Jessica, looking panicked, followed him hastily. She took a breath of cool air, following Joseph''s eyes. She saw a bath towel cut into several pieces, then twisted into a rope and tied one end to the railing of the terrace. And the other end fluttered gently in the boundless night.

    She was astonished. Her eyes were almost popping out. "Miss Irish, how could she possibly do it?"

    Thewn from the bedroom to the ground was as tall as three stories. How dare a petite woman jump from such a high ce?

    But Joseph calmed down.

    Reaching out to pull the towel into a rope, making a touch, it was still wet. He gnawed his teeth, "Irish, you are really smart, you also know how to use the wet towel!"

    This was an excellent water-absorbing towel. Soaking it in water, then cutting it into strips, it would be strongly tied together. Looking at this length, one could get at least down to half the height. It was his carelessness. He forgot to remind Jessica that Irish was a rock climber!

    Once, she had climbed the office building with her bare hands, slipped smoothly into the second floor, and then magically appeared at his office door.

    She had also used the trunk position to jump from the second floor. She also told him cheerfully that rock climbers like them used anything as a tool to use every foothold perfectly. Joseph clenched his fists, but he ignored it!

    "Sir, Miss Irish... She can''t go far. There should be no way out of the ind. "<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Give me the phone." Joseph''s voice was low and heavy, marking the atmosphere into a depression of storm.

    Jessica hurriedly went into the study to get his cell phone.

    Joseph held his cell phone in his hand, squinted slightly, dialed a string of numbers for a moment, and his voice was cool when he got through. "Rosy, where''s your boat?"

    ****

    Irish nestled quietly in the hidden corner of the ship and heard the woman say pleasantly, "Well, I''ll take a break."

    Perhaps she was speaking to the captain and heard her footsteps downstairs.

    Irish held her breath and waited to hear the sound of footsteps disappear before she took a long, rxed breath.

    All she felt was the speed of the boat elerating, and the sound of the waves was in her ears.

    Though she could not see what was happening outside, she knew it was already in the middle of the sea.

    Irish had to admire the woman''s physical strength because she had the strength to drive through the night after the rain. But she was lucky to do so, or she would have to wait one night.

    Just after both Joseph and the woman had returned upstairs, a question came up to her in an inexplicable way when she was vomiting, that was, how did they get to the ind? Did this woman have to leave? So she left by helicopter?

    As she hesitated, she heard Jessica talking to people as if it were some boat repair team.

    An idea shed, Irish boldly spected on the ship''s origin, and it seemed that Jessica was quite anxious because she said it should be done as soon as possible. So she felt that the ship probably belonged to the woman because it seemed that Joseph had only taken a helicopter.

    She got the idea that it was a good opportunity.

    So she returned to her bedroom in Jessica''s eyes and heard her lock the door outside.

    She chuckled and, without a second''s dy, began her escape n.

    In fact, at first, she did not intend to escape. She just wanted to see the details, whether it was the best way to use the boat. She could quietly climb back to their bedroom.

    Anyway, the windows could be opened quickly.

    God still blessed her.

    When she saw the ship, she was surprised to find that it was a great ship, and she almost praised the sky. However, after observing the ind, from initial expectation to final despair, she knew she could never have left the ind without transportation.

    Joseph was no fool. Even if she hid, he wouldn''t panic. Without transportation, he knew she couldn''t escape unless jumping into the sea.

    Unfortunately, she has poor skills in the water and, more importantly, in the vast sea; escaping was a suicide, and no one would be foolish to use this way to run away.

    Hiding in the darkness, she heard the boatman call in fluent English, saying it would take about 15 minutes to repair the boat. This call might be for Jessica or Joseph.

 Chapter 673 673: It Was A Gamble

    Irish didn''t care. She only cared about the fifteen minutes she had heard! In other words, the ship would be ready to leave in fifteen minutes.

    Fifteen minutes, then, would be enough to keep her safe from discovery.

    She would never miss such an opportunity.

    In this way, Irish finally sneaked into the boat and looked around, which seemed to be a storage room. There was a lot of spare fresh water in it. She was ecstatic. Even without food, she could support her strength by relying on the freshwater.

    Of course, Irish prepared for the worst.

    Once the youngdy left, Joseph had to go back to his bedroom sooner orter, finding that she ran away, it was likely that the boat would turn around.

    Irish also made emergency ns for this.

    If the boat really had to turn around, she wouldn''t have been able to dive into the bottom of the boat while Joseph was looking for her. She didn''t know how to swim, but she could hold her breath. She had already observed the shape of the boat and the tools avable before she sneaked into the boat. It should be fine to hide until Joseph leaves the ship.

    She was only afraid that Joseph would look for her at the bottom of the ship.

    Dead or alive, it was a gamble.

    The ship was like a luxury car onnd, fast and steady, and the storage room was so close to the deck that she heard the sound of the waves beating so clearly throughout the course.

    The sea at night was like a sleeping child, but asionally the waves rolled over.

    Irish kept telling herself to stay awake.

    But gradually, her eyelids began to fight, bing increasingly sleepy.

    She began to regret that she had not found a ce with windows to hide so that she could see the scenery outside and that she would not have to flee to the deck when Joseph got on board and was looking for her.

    Irish was leaning against the freshwater bucket in the storage room, desperately yawning.

    She simply curled up, her chin against her knees, pinched herself desperately every time she fell asleep, and began to wonder what to do next.

    She didn''t know where the ship would go, but it always came ashore, and she would see people, so there was a way to go, and she could return to New York soon.

    Irish cheered herself in the darkness, looking at the freshwater that rippled in the transparent bucket, opening it, reaching for it, and patting it on her face. The cool water more or less activated her sobriety and dispelled her drowsiness.

    ****

    There were no parents who didn''t want to watch their children marry and have their own children too.

    Except for Cassie''s parents.

    So when they learned that this time Cassie took the initiative to break up with Fredrick, her mother first froze, then sighed.

    Like being rxed, but also like relieving.

    Her mother said that, fortunately, her daughter did not marry Fredrick.

    When Roy stayed again as a boyfriend at Cassie''s house, her parents smiled, especially her mother, who expressed her favor for Roy with ecstasy.

    Cassie was sad when she looked at her mother, seeing Roy as if looking at her son in joy.

    Fredrick made a mistake and pushed her tomit suicide. From then on, her parents regarded Fredrick as a natural enemy, and even when she decided to marry Fredrick, her parents did not want to bless her.<novelnext></novelnext>

    And Roy made a mistake, whichpletely buckled her reputation for betrayal. But from then on, her parents regarded him as a benefactor. Even though she still could not conceal her loneliness before her parents, her parents persuaded her, saying: Roy was true to you, a good boy.

    Cassie wanted to tell her parents the truth, how Roy bullied her, and how she couldn''t marry Fredrick.

    Roy officially described himself as her boyfriend at the annual meeting.

    As the president of the Runestone Group, the group''s major shareholders, the Lake''s eldest son, with many identities, attended the annual meeting.

    In this annual meeting, the Runestone Group General Manager Joseph did not attend, only Daisy, on behalf of Joseph, said a few words for everyone.

    Cassie''s friendship with Joseph had so far not been strong, though his rtionship with Irish had been overdone.

    Joseph was her boss, the senior leader of the group, and because he was notoriously ruthless, Cassie had to respect Joseph and fear him.

    But at the annual meeting, she unexpectedly looked forward to Joseph''s appearance because when he showed up, Irish would appear.

    When Irish appeared, she could talk to her and release the burden that she had repressed for too long.

    But Joseph didn''te. Some said he went on vacation every year as the annual meeting often took too long.

    Even the general manager of the Runestone Group couldn''t stand it, so he took early leave to go on a vacation.

    Others said that Dr. Irish did note, so they went on holiday together.

    As for the holiday location, there were all kinds of guesses.

    Some said they had gone to a small European town to enjoy their slow life, some said they had gone to the Antic Ocean to enjoy the romantic scenery of the beautiful beaches, and they had gone to the Antarctic to see penguins. Still, others said they had not gone anywhere. The two people nestled together in the corner of New York and enjoyed their own world.

    Cassie knew that Irish had gone away for vacation, ording to her uncle.

    Therefore, at the annual meeting, she no longer waited for Irish, even Ruby did not attend.

    If Ruby came, she might be able to vent a few words about her dissatisfaction with Irish and might disclose Irish''s location.

    Roy appeared at the annual meeting with the most handsome profile, drawing several fascinating women''s attention.

    But he gave her a bunch of flowers at the end of the meeting.

    White rose and little green Aia odorata.

    Milky white petals, delicate and each opening almost the same size, apanied by green grass, like pearls.

    He told her in full view, "Cassie, be my girlfriend."

    Then, he held her gently and said in her ear, "It seems you have no other choice."

    That was known.

    Later, she could not bear to say to him, "Even if I owe you before, I am sorry for you, but Roy, you have seeded in your retaliation, when will you stop teasing me?"

    Roy looked at her with a smile and said, "For the first time, I find it interesting to chase a woman."

 Chapter 674 674: Nothing Could Go Back

    Cassie knew that Roy was just enjoying the pain he brought to her. He enjoyed it and watched her living in pain.

    And he reappeared openly in front of her parents, staged a scene of their reconciliation, and then her parents became his aplice, and when they saw Fredricke to her, they drove him out directly.

    She dared not see Fredrick, nor did she want to see him again.

    In many cases, rtionships between people, such as she, Fredrick, and Roy, changed instantly.

    Nothing could go back.

    When Roy finished the meal at her house, Cassie''s mother urged her to send him away.

    Cassie felt it was very unfair. She had been raped. And she was gonna send him away?

    Roy took her hand out of the door in front of her parents and pulled her into the car.

    For so long, she had been enduring insomnia every day, whether mental or physical, both were absolute overdrafts, and she did not know what to do to get through this difficulty with no direction.

    Roy, sitting in the driver''s seat, did not drive immediately.

    He turned his face to her.

    Then, his body leaned over.

    Cassie held her fingers reflexively, all her muscles were taut.

    Roy turned a blind eye to her nervousness and rejection and grabbed her lips.

    His lips opened her mouth passionately and skilfully captured her tongue and explored every corner of her mouth.

    She could feel his broad shoulders pressing on her and her corbone aching, but her hands feebly fell, and she did not resist, closing her eyes tightly.

    Her silence did not lead to Roy''s anger, his lips finally withdrew from hers but boldly kissed around her neck.

    Big hands sneaked into her clothes skillfully.

    The chill of the man''s fingers gave her a slight shiver.

    Cassie wanted to cry, so though her eyes were closed, her nose was sore.

    Roy, however, leaned in her ears with a clear, heavy panting and said, "Come home with me tonight."

    He sent out a definite invitation.

    No, to him, perhaps it was just an order.

    As if she was in the cold pool, her mind shed over the big bed, horrified. The memory of that night has be clearer these days.

    She remembered how he carried her to bed, how he undressed her, and how his lips greased her.

    When he pressed down at her, she was physically and psychologically in pain.

    He galloped excitedly on her, gasping.

    She knew that he was enjoying the chase between the hunter and the prey, so she ensured that he could one day be tired of the game.

    But at this moment, when she heard his request, she could no longer remain silent, she said, "Roy, you can''t rely on your own money to bully people too much, and you don''t have to keep threatening me with those things. I''m not afraid."

    Roy did not get angry but smiled, drawing back his hand, lifting her head gently, "How can I bully you? I just think we have had sex in bed. It''s okay for you and me to do it again, isn''t it?"

    "Are you having fun bullying me? Are you having a good time?" Her fingers were embedded in the palm of her hand.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Roy approached her with interest, his arms wrapped around her waist, very ambiguous, "I only know that you are quite enjoyable in bed, and your body is too soft and could squeeze out water, more importantly, you are tight to death. You bit me so hard that night that I almost surrendered every time. Why are you still tight like a little girl? Is it because I was lucky enough to meet the famous device, or is Fredrick too small to satisfy you?"

    Cassie looked ahead, and his breath wrapped her. She clenched her teeth and listened to his insulting flirtation. A long timeter, she said, "Are you finished?"

    At the end of the speech, she reached for the door.

    Roy''s hand pressed the back of her hand and said to her, "I know the truth that people would do anything to prevent anxiety, just like me and you, who have died once. But Cassie, what you need to know is that sometimes misfortune falls on your parents before it''s your turn."

    Cassie seemed to be suddenly pped.

    "The outside world has long called me a yboy, so it doesn''t matter. Of course, it doesn''t matter when you''re young. It''s not a big deal for you to walk away. What about your parents? Or Fredrick, who is in your heart? Oh, and there''s one more thing I''ll tell you, your picture is far clearer than Irish''s naked picture, and unless you have a heart stronger than hers, you can face the consequences."

    Cassie waspletely silent.

    It took a long time to breathe.

    "What do you want?"

    Roy stared at her, understating, "You and Fredrick''s wedding was originally scheduled for the first half of the year, wasn''t it? I do have an idea to offer, and see if it suits you."

    Cassie looked at him. Somehow, her heart sprang up, and a trace of ignorance spread.

    "The wedding will take ce as usual, but how about changing the bridegroom to me?" Roy casually said.

    Cassie was startled and looked at him in horror.

    "You marry someone who is far better for your future, and I marry someone who I chase. Think about it before you refuse. Our wedding will satisfy everyone, especially your parents."

    ? Cassie took a cold breath, and after a long time, she said, "Roy, you''re crazy." She could not understand what was going on in his mind.

    Roy ignored her panic, pressed over, and slowly said to her, "No, I''m serious. I told you several times that I love you, but you ignored me."

    ****

    The boat swayed slightly, Irish holding the fresh water bucket, whose head leaned against the mouth of the bucket, and woken up herself.

    She was surprised, only to find that she did not know when she had fallen asleep.

    Her neck hurt to death.

    She used a freshwater bucket as a pillow.

    The scattered light made it impossible to know what was happening outside.

    Listening carefully, the waves were much quieter.

    Did it get into the harbor?

    Irish waspletely sleepless, hastening to get some fresh water to wash her face, and this time she thoroughly awoke.

    Where was it?

    How did she feel like the boat was not leaving?

    As she thought of it, she heard a faint noise of footsteps, as if on deck or in the portico, but in all directions.

    Irish stood up, alert behind the door of the storeroom, and the foreboding spread like a ripple.

 Chapter 675 675: Go Up And Help

    Irish''s unease did note from anywhere.

    She could hear a hint of danger from these hasty footsteps, and as the footsteps approached, the danger became more obvious.

    The sound of footsteps was more than one or two.

    The first thought that crossed Irish''s brain was that these people hade to catch her.

    Soon, the idea came true.

    She heard someone yelling in a loud voice, "Search for her! Check every corner!"

    Irish was finally convinced that the ship had stopped.

    These people came aggressively; probably, they were listening to Joseph''s instructions.

    It should be med that she had overslept, not knowing when the boat had stopped.

    But at present?

    Irish secretly prayed that it was not her who they were looking for. Of course, she would have met a pirate or an enemy that the woman already had, but she would rather have taken the initiative to attack than sit idly.

    Taking a deep breath, she darted to the door and gently opened the storeroom door outside, still dark.

    The night is as quiet as death.

    Above this boundless sea, the only thing in sight was the dark midnight.

    Footsteps came again.

    Irish hurriedly closed the door, quietly waiting for the footsteps to pass, she slipped out of the storage room and ran in the opposite direction of the concentration of footsteps.

    There was only the deck at the top of thedder.

    She either jumped off the deck, as she had nned, at the risk of being hit by the ship and hid under it or unloaded a lifeboat while they were not ready and drifted silently at sea. The big deal was that she would be Robinson once.

    Both methods were bad, and more importantly, whatever she did, she had to find a way to get to the deck.

    Irish was no stranger to this private cruise ship.

    When she went to school abroad, she was often taken to sea by ssmates on their own cruise ship. She was enjoying the blue clouds during the day and watching the distant seagulls gliding gently over the shark''s head.

    But at present, she enjoyed the lonely wind and the unknown fate.

    But she wanted to thank her ssmates, at least letting her understand the structure of the ship.

    So it was not difficult to avoid them and get to the deck.

    She knew that there was always a way for the shipowner to escape or take refuge, and in the event of an emergency, it was the most vital green passage.

    She would use this passage to reach the deck.

    The passageway was often near the owner''s nearest ce or in the lounge or activity room, where the woman was absent.

    Irish had no time to think of her present situation, found a passage, and passed by the impression in the direction of the deck.

    There was still a noise of footsteps on the deck.

    She poked her head.

    At night there were indeed four or five strong men, and there was another woman in addition to the strong men, and she said to them again, "Look for her, and keep looking for her."

    Irish''s desire to meet a pirate fell through.

    She knew that there was only one situation left.

    Joseph has already begun to y.

    Irish''s back clung to the ship''s board, and her heart suddenly rose to a great pathos.

    How did she and he get to this point?

    Once upon a time.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Once upon a time. Painful memories of them came flooding her mind.

    She yed hide-and-seek with him. She hid.

    She hid, but he turned a blind eye and indulged her, telling her that he had lost and let her out.

    She came out.

    Jumping out behind him with a smile, covering his eyes, and then smiling to ask him, "How should I punish you?"

    He also let her cover his eyes and said, "you say."

    She really thought about it.

    He turned around and lowered his head, deliberately pricking her cheek and neck with his chin, "Give myself to you."

    She smiled and dodged, reaching out to him, "Mr. Dover, if I''m going to bed with you, I have to charge twice as much."

    He said she was obsessed with money.

    She said his appetite was so greedy that she had to replenish her strength for several days every time they made it.

    The thought of this made her heart sore.

    Were people too good at deceiving themselves? They ended up hurting each other.

    So even though she was thinking of the past, where she thought he was real. But would there be no such heartache between them if he were so real?

    At least he wouldn''t send a woman who had just slept with him to find her in the middle of the night.

    Irish took a deep breath, only to look into the situation when she found that the woman and several strong men had already left the deck.

    At such a nce, she felt much relieved.

    The searchlights of the ship were turned on temporarily, and the waters around her were like daylight, let alone the deck, and she would easily be spotted as long as she stood on the deck.

    Under the searchlight were bright lifeboats and a few lifejackets, and apparently, Irish had to give up. Looking around the sea.

    Coldness suddenly crept into her heart, scaring her to death.

    No wonder she felt a little familiar when she reached the deck. Looking at it, the ship turned its direction and approached the ind at the slowest and most steady speed.

    And the ind was illuminated.

    It was Joseph who turned on all the lights on the ind and matched her ship.

    Somehow, Irish''s heart stirred up an inexplicable panic, and she felt defeated to face Joseph. She seemed to feel that her desire to escape was familiar.

    Memory seemed to have a hand hidden in the dark, dry, cold, and harshughter rolled towards her.

    Irish shivered, the next second, she was totally exhausted.

    She darted to a shady spot and was about to jump.

    Later, the ship ran aground.

    But she forgot that the opponent was Joseph.

    Just as she was about to jump, the woman sprang out of nowhere with the two men and shouted in her direction, "Come here, here she is."

    Two strong men came, running at her.

    Seeing that, Irish dodged the first strong man, waving a fist on the bridge of his nose. Painfully, he covered his nose and screamed.

    "Oh, my God!" Rosy began to shout, followed by a cry for help, and those helpers who heard the noise ran up. "Go up and help."

    One could imagine Irish''s fate.

    She was defeated again.

    As a result, she was bound.

 Chapter 676 676: I’m Not Sick

    When the boat finallynded, Rosy sat down with a sigh and looked at Irish. "I''m sorry, my brother told me to tie you back. I didn''t know you before. That, oh, didn''t say anything. It''s good to find you."

    Having lost her strength, she lowered her head, and her long hair hung on both sides of her cheek, "He asked you to tie me?"

    "Yes. So don''t me me, he said. You''re dangerous."

    Irish raises her eyes suddenly, sharp.

    Rosy sat on the floor with a scared look.

    Then she found that she was wearing her clothes, which hurt her eyes even more.

    "What do you mean?"

    Rosy carefully stood up, away from her. "In fact, I know that many psychologists will have problems after seeing too many mental illnesses. You can rest assured that Joseph will find the best psychiatrist to cure you. It''s a good ce on this ind to take care of yourself."

    Irish never imagined that this woman before her would think of her like this. What was terrifying was that it was Joseph who told that lie to this woman.

    "He told you I had a mental problem?"

    "You did hit someone just now."

    "I''m not sick! The sick one is Joseph! He locked me up on this ind!"

    Rosy was so scared that she almost jumped out of the deck, and the others took two steps back after seeing her hysterical. Then, after a long time, Rosy made a catory remark, "You must calm down," she added, "Joseph is all for you."

    Irish suddenly stopped struggling and roaring.

    She forgot that a normal person could sometimes be considered to have a mental disorder in a particr environment, for example, by putting a normal person in a mental hospital for a long time and forgetting whether he was a normal person or sick.

    Another example was her current situation now. Apparently, her actions had caused panic, thanks to Joseph''s desire and obsession, because, as Joseph himself said, no one outside would believe that Joseph would kidnap a woman.

    Irish suddenly felt dizzy.

    Soon she was taken ashore like a prisoner.

    The tiny white beach was shone almost brightly by the ind''s lights.

    Joseph stood on the beach, dressed for leisure.

    The upper body was in a blue and white casual shirt, and the lower body was in white linen trousers.

    He stood there, his stature standing still, gazing calmly at Irish.

    Three buttons of his shirt unfastened, casually revealing a strong chest, sleeves rolled up on the arm, veins protruding on his arms, and two big hands were leisurely stuck in his pockets.

    The lights glowed in his short hair and reflected darkness in his pupil like the night sky swallowed up the sea.

    He did not take the first half of the step, only to wait for two strong men to bring her forward and his strong arms put around her waist. But in silence, he used force so that she could not escape.

    "It''s hard for you, Rosy." He looked straight ahead, smiling as if nothing had happened.

    Rosy shook her head and said, "she really is..."

    "I''m not sick!" Irish, resentful, roared at Joseph in a low voice, "I clearly know at this time what has happened! I''ll sue you, I''ll sue you!"

    Joseph, however, raised his hand against his lips and gently "hushed" to her. Then he gently put a strand of her long hair at the back of her ear, softly saying, "Okay, when you''re good, you can sue me. It''s toote. Shall we go back?"<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish unbelievably looked at Joseph and then looked at the eyes of the people around her.

    For a moment, she was burning with anger. "Don''t pretend! I know what you want. You want everyone to think I''m crazy, right? You''re delusional! This is impossible!"

    "Well, it''s all my fault. It''s toote. Listen to me. They have to rest." Joseph directly held her gently in his arms, but his strong arms were enough to control her anger and struggle. He bowed his head and kissed her on the forehead in full view, with soft eyes, "Irish, I love you," he said. "So I''ll help you to get better soon."

    Joseph''s words disclosed his convenience.

    His warm breath fell on her forehead.

    His gentle tone would make one misunderstand that he was showing sincere feelings.

    At one moment, Irish was also shocked by Joseph''s promise. Finally, he promised that he loved her.

    It was just likely to be said by a loving man to his beloved woman.

    It was just likely to be the promise he often expresses to her.

    But Irish felt he was acting without any sign of pretension.

    He acted to love her on the beach, shown before the onlookers'' eyes.

    She stared into his eyes when his lips moved away from her forehead. There was subtle light in his blue eyes.

    It was really subtle that even her strong anger would melt away if she hadn''t known his hidden deception.

    The light disappeared quickly, just like the meteor, but she urately felt his ulterior motives.

    It was true that Joseph never acted to do something.

    No matter how many people were there, his actions and words all expressed only the information to her.

    And that was, as a man who was good at controlling everything, he would never hand over the power to her.

    Irish was so experienced in grasping human nature since she was a psychoanalyst.

    But she had never seen such a man as Joseph, who always broke down all your pride calmly and quietly.

    Maybe no one understood Joseph, even an expert who thought she could explore human nature.

    She tried her best to find his faults but was exploited by him instead.

    She had thought that Joseph''s calmness was just a disguise to protect his authority and status in the business field. And it was not until now that she understood what real calmness was.

    It was a kind of ability with which he could change the situation that was not good for him, and then he could make use of someone''s disadvantage while smiling or talking.

    Irish thought that she was just doomed to be defeated by him.

    She was just like a rabbit that was experienced in avoiding human attacks but only exposed her weakness to him.

    Maybe they were enemies even before they were born, or her fate yed tricks on her and brought Joseph into her life in a painful way.

    She suddenly thought of their conversation as they knew each other. She said that he should have been a psychoanalyst since he was so good at grasping the human mind.

    But he answered that he was really good at grasping human nature, not mind.

 Chapter 677 677: His Placid Calmness Cheated Everyone

    He actually emphasized his authority from the very beginning, but she didn''t figure out the implied meaning.

    He was indeed good at controlling something fully as long as he liked. He could achieve his goal by using human nature, which was mystical and moreplicated.

    And now he made it.

    Controlling someone like Rosy, who followed his order and sent her back,pletely believed what he said.

    And also, those men who kidnaped her showed a sense of vignce to her.

    Irish failed to push him away, but she wanted to try her best for thest time.

    She could only seek help from that woman, though Joseph might have deluded her.

    Thinking of that, she might be willing to help her. If Irish were in her shoes, who loved a man, she must have been willing to help a woman beside him to run away.

    The reason was very simple. A woman''s desire to upy something prevailed.

    She would help her rival, so she could be together with Joseph.

    Irish darted her eyes at Rosy, began to speak, trying her best not to be excited, and begged, "Please help me. Please."

    Rosy was her only hope. Although she hated Rosy so much, she had to admit that if Rosy''s ship left, she would have to wait for the next good opportunity for a very long time unless Joseph was willing to let her go.

    Rosy looked embarrassed.

    "Please. It was not as what you have seen. I know it was wrong for me to hate your partnership, but I just did it for self-protection!" Irish looked at Rosy anxiously and added, afraid that she didn''t believe it, "Joseph told a lie to you. Jessica can prove it!"

    Rosy nced at Joseph''s cold face and then looked at Jessica.

    Jessica was shocked and waved her hands to show disagreement, "Sorry. I don''t know anything."

    "Jessica, how dare you say that you didn''t know anything? Actually, you have witnessed what he had done to me." Irish was now really anxious. Her only witness didn''t help her.

    She believed Jessica had seen what happened on the balcony that rainy night and seen how Joseph abused her; otherwise, she would not have warned her the following day.

    However, Jessica shook her head and slowly said, "Irish, please just follow Mr. Dover''s order and take a good rest, which is good for you."

    "What!?" Irish couldn''t believe what Jessica had said.

    "Irish, it is suitable for you to have a rest here. Please do not torture yourself and follow what sir advises, okay?" Jessica expressed her feelings sincerely.

    Actually, she felt so strange when she just came here.

    Jessica was not an average nanny. What she had served before were all wealthy employers, and she had seen so many extraordinary things. But it was not until she came here that she knew it was really a paradise.

    It waspletely a small paradise where one could forget all the worries. Of course, it was unnecessary for her to be shocked. Among those employers, there were many who would like to buy an ind for pleasure since they were so rich that they tried their best to invest more in their spiritual world.

    But it was really her first time working on an ind, so she couldn''t understand why Irish hated such a beautiful ce.

    All the anxiousness and dullness Irish showed made Jessica perplexed, and she came here just because Irish injured the former nanny.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Working as Irish''s nanny, she could directly report everything happening here to Joseph.

    She could sense Joseph''s care for Irish. He called almost every day and even twice or three times a day, so Jessica felt that Joseph loved Irish so much.

    On the first day, when she came here, Joseph told her that Irish stayed here to have a good rest, so she needed to bear her bad temper.

    Jessica had never met such a rich man who was so gentle and polite, even to a nanny.

    At the very beginning, Jessica thought that Irish was Joseph''s mistress, but Joseph returned and meant to spend Valentine''s Day with Irish.

    Jessica discarded her own prejudice after seeing Joseph''s effort.

    Thinking that if Irish were only his mistress, he would not have spent such precious time with her since Valentine''s Day was such a significant day for lovers.

    But the scene on the previous night was really confusing.

    She didn''t stay on the balcony that long but clearly saw Irish soaked in the rain while Joseph stared silently at Irish.

    Jessica began to feel sorry for Irish as she heard Irish''s words the following day.

    But now all the worries disappeared when she knew that Irish had a mental illness, her doubts even faded away. Of course, such a kind man as Joseph shouldn''t have let the rain torture Irish, but realizing how hard it would be for Joseph to control his emotion that night as Irish felt sick, he must also be helpless.

    Looking at Irish today, who acted as a victim, she felt pity for her too.

    Irish smugly stared at Jessica. She had never thought that Jessica would have no mercy for her.

    Rosy, on the other hand, realized how pitiful Irish was, and she didn''t want to pay attention to Irish''s words anymore. She went on her ship hastily. She couldn''t wait to see Leo, and she didn''t want to be bothered by other irrelevant things. After all, she was not a psychoanalyst, and she had her own life.

    In the end, Irish was pulled back to the vi.

    It turned to be quiet again, superficially.

    Joseph embraced her into the bedroom, and it was not until when they entered the bedroom that he turned cold and threw her onto the bed directly.

    Irish bounced on the bed.

    She groveled on the bed. She took a dull breath and stared at Joseph, gnashing her teeth, "asshole!"

    His cid mind and calmness cheated everyone.

    Irish really hoped that, at this moment, someone coulde in and look at his scary facial expressions. She believed that as long as they saw such a scene, they would not believe his lies anymore.

    She hated the fact that only she could witness his cruelty.

    Joseph had no intention of untying her.

    He just stood there and stared at her. His eyes were so dreadful in theplete darkness.

    Having heard her curse, he lowered his head and propped up his hands on the head of the bed. Looking at Irish, he felt so much pain deep in his heart, like a sharp de piercing strongly without any warning. How on earth do they end up like this when he believed he showered her his most enthusiastic affection?

 Chapter 678 678: Was He Really An Idiot?

    Irish didn''t show her fragility, and she always got her head up even though she was in a disadvantageous situation.

    "You can''t do everything you want. Joseph, do you think you have all the right to abuse me after you bring me here?" She shouted angrily and sharply shot a disgusting look at him.

    Joseph raised his hands and wrapped them to the back of her head. His low voice was just like the raining soon, "Need to be capable of letting you follow all my orders? Honey, you might have forgotten who I am."

    Irish shook her head to get rid of his hands.

    He suddenly made greater efforts and grasped her head tightly, which made Irish hard to breathe.

    "Irish, do you think you have strong wings?" His face was so close to her that she could sense the coldness in his eyes. Finally, he said it word by word, "You should have an idea that I will not let you fly high. If you have wings, I will surely cut them off."

    The war between Irish and Joseph was between arm and leg, and the result could be figured out easily.

    Irish would rather be killed by Joseph so she could leave her pain and forget about him.

    She couldn''t understand why he tortured her this way since they broke up and were in such an awkward situation. Did he love her? Obviously, he hated her so much and only used her as a tool to take his revenge against Irish''s father.

    She would rather deal with the problem through fighting until herst drop of blood. Although she looked down upon men who hated women, in this case, she would also ept it if he was really seeking an outlet for his hatred. The fact that she''s Henry''s daughter could be considered reason enough for Joseph to destroy her from other people''s perspectives.

    She was looking forward to leaving this hell one day when he finally unleashed his anger. Could she stand longer with all his attacks until that day he grew tired? He just kidnapped her and made several attacks physically and mentally to undermine her strong will and hit on her pride.

    He was always like a game designer being cold, sitting there and watching her desperate effort to escape. Her loneliness was clear evidence, yet Joseph chose to cage her.

    A psychological test once said: An average person was exiled to a deserted ce without human beings, or nts and animals. That was to say, he was the only creature in such arge ce.

    He was provided with enough water, and bountiful food had been made. So there was no need for him to do anything or work. He only had to stay in that particr ce.

    Three monthster, he had a terrible mentality. While getting into modern society, he got abnormally sensitive and anxious, losing the ability to get along with others. Human beings were social animals.

    Joseph was the tester who separated her from modern society. Although there were human beings, nts, and animals, anyone who was not willing to stay there would be broken down.

    She hated the fact that she was his subject. She hated Joseph for being so cruel and turning into a devil.

    ****

    It was already 2:00 am after Joseph finished his work.

    Closing the files, he just leaned on the chair tiredly and pressed the edge of his forehead.

    The share price of Runestone went steadily. And that was because he had Ruby''s share, which made it easy for him to implement the business model.

    And the problem at this moment was how to release the fund frozen by Leo.

    Joseph closed his eyes, and between his eyebrows, there were light forehead wrinkles, he appeared angry. Leo was really tough, and it seemed that there was no ce to turn around.<novelnext></novelnext>

    He talked with many financiers using personal rtionships recently. Leo precisely knew that there would be a second payment needed for the diamond mines in South Africa, so he just achieved two goals one at a time: making the share price of Runestone Group go downhill and pushing the Runestone Group to abandon the mining production.

    And Joseph had to deal with these problems one by one.

    It was normal for an enterprise to counter the difficulty of fund turnover. Joseph had dealt with many simr problems, big or small, so now he needed to get financial support quickly.

    Of course, if there was no ident, he could deal with this problem as long as he could find the best opportunity.

    As he came back to the bedroom, he found that there was full moonlight passing through the window.

    The curtain was open.

    Irish lying on the bed was motionless.

    She was curling up like a helpless victim. Joseph didn''t touch her as he threw her into the bed, letting her scold him casually. And after she finished scolding him, he stood up and said lightly, "Have a good rest."

    He walked out of the bedroom silently, but before he could close the door, he clearly heard Irish cursing him again, "Idiot!"

    Was he really an idiot?

    He couldn''t answer that thought. He only knew that this woman on the bed trampled his dignity and showed her cruel love. She hurt him while she kept fighting to run away from him and hated him without even asking how devastated he was that they ended up this way.

    He knew she had the right to hate him as he showed his stubbornness.

    Even if he knew she just wanted to use him to take her revenge against the Lake family, he just couldn''t let her go.

    Joseph sat on the edge of the bed silently and looked at Irish''s face through the moonlight.

    Her hands were tied behind, so she could only grovel on the bed wholly like a small rabbit in a sacrifice. Every second of her life was struggling.

    He just watched her for a long time.

    He raised his hand. He moved her hair, covering her face to the other side, and then her beautiful facial outline and white neck were shown.

    Her radiant skin reflected on the shining moonlight.

    Irish looked undoubtedly beautiful.

    Her skin was just like the white sand, gentle and mild.

    The moonlight fell on her forehead. Joseph couldn''t resist touching her forehead and tracing her face with his fingers.

 Chapter 679 679: A Man Was Pressing Her

    She had a small but high nose bridge, and the outline of her mouth was as perfect as engraved by a designer.

    Then, suddenly, the tip of his fingers got wet.

    He was shocked, he found out that tears were drenching her eyshes and slowly dripping onto the pillow, causing it to get wet.

    The pillow swallowed her tears, but it hurt Joseph''s chest.

    Maybe she got tired of scolding him and fell asleep.

    Joseph suddenly felt so exhausted. Actually, he hadn''t felt as tired as he did today since he entered the business field.

    He had to admit that he was exhausted.

    He was devastated and hated her before, but as he touched her face with tears, all his pain, disappointment, and anger suddenly disappeared.

    There had been no woman like her, making him so exhausted.

    He wanted to let her go, but he couldn''t bear to do it simply because she was the only woman who robbed his heart and drained all his inner strength.

    Irish was right. He was really an idiot.

    He couldn''t indulge her properly and couldn''t bear to let her go because he only wanted to grab her freedom to let her stay beside him for the rest of his life despite her anger and resentment against him.

    The so-called freedom referred to the fact that she could do anything she wanted in his private world, and there was only one premise: she couldn''t go out of his world.

    Joseph had thought that his own world could let her in, and she could live casually and without worry. He didn''t want to mention that, actually, there were so many women longing to live in his world. He thought that this kind of idea was childish. He only wanted to emphasize that he had provided such a ce for this woman who drowned him gradually. His private world only belongs to Irish.

    Irish is the only woman who made him so desperate and changed the entire course of his life abruptly.

    No matter how stubborn she was, he would love to provide her with a secure and stable ce.

    He had thought that he was deeply familiar with her, but he forgot that she was actually a psychoanalyst.

    Was he an individual case for her or a tool for her revenge? Was their unborn child also a part of her scheme? How could she have the heart to sacrifice their unborn child? She should have killed him, not their child.

    As he thought about those painful events, he got angrier.

    His eyes turned cold.

    It was the first time Joseph was so serious with a woman.

    And it was not until now Joseph knew that money was not Irish''s target. If she really did everything for money, it would be easy for him to grasp her. She hasn''t jumped from the high building or gone rock climbing. Instead, she dared to die before him this time.

    Joseph''s fingers stopped on her face for a while.

    He wiped away her tears lightly. Her wrists were so pale, along with her fingers.

    Joseph held her hands and felt her cold fingers.

    He felt really sorry for her.

    He untied the rope and released her wrists.

    One of her arms slipped down slowly while Joseph stretched the other into his palm. He pressed the red print on her wrist lightly, and then on the other...

    Gradually Irish''s wrists got warm again after Joseph gave her a massage on them, along with her fingers.

    Josephy down by her side and turned around to face her.

    He pulled her fingers to his mouth.

    Her fingers were so soft, just like the clouds.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Joseph''s action interrupted Irish''s sleeping. She murmured and pulled back her hands in an immediate response.

    The corbone got distorted, and her breast was vaguely shown under it.

    Joseph clearly noticed it. The view became more attractive along with her breath.

    He realized that he hadn''t slept with her for over a month.

    Joseph was certain that he hated her but loved her body.

    He unveiled her pajama, and then her shoulder was shown.

    She was really charming to him. Joseph approached her and lowered to kiss her red lips.

    Irish''s dreand was also not beautiful.

    She dreamed of going rock climbing, and suddenly the safety buckle was open, and she fell down.

    Right before her eyes, the mountain quickly copsed.

    The mountain suppressed her, and it was hard for her to breathe.

    It was not until she woke up from the nightmare that she realized she couldn''t take a breath.

    She didn''t know when she was naked.

    A man was pressing her.

    The light wooden aroma exposed him.

    She screamed.

    There were no clothes on her, and Joseph was also naked above her.

    She groveled on the bed, so she couldn''t perceive his expressions, but only felt his lips moving on her back, ridge, and finally on her hip.

    His lips were hot like volcanicva, and his one strong arm wrapped her entire body while his other hand gently kneaded her plum breast.

    Irish gave out a shrill scream, astonishment was written all over her beautiful face, and the next moment she turned around and then pushed Joseph away.

    She quickly grabbed the quilt, trying to cover her naked yet beautiful body, and stared at Joseph vigntly as if he were a monster who would lunge at her anytime.

    However, to her surprise, Joseph just stood there motionlessly.

    He remained silent and even didn''t get mad at her even if she pushed him in such a rude manner.

    Joseph just didn''t get irritated but just leaned against the bed and gazed at her with a faint smile.

    With the cold moonlight shining on them, they could see each other clearly. Joseph was naked and gazed at her directly without any hesitation.

    The thing between his legs was erected like a lion with its head sharply eyeing her.

    Seeing his naked and extremely beautiful body, Irish felt that her heart was burning while a sudden strong desire crept through her whole body, shuddering her and making her sore.

    It was easy for her to feel the man''s desire to touch her.

    Irish trembled slightly and had a sudden physical response uncontrobly. But soon, she warmed herself that if she sumbed to it, she would learn a bitter lesson tonight from him.

    Her physical reaction meant that she also became enamored physiologically, but it was a different case in psychology. Psychological emotions refer to love, while physical emotions often refer to the desire for sex.

 Chapter 680 680: Joseph, You Are A Wretch

    Generally speaking, women longed to be conquered since they always needed a sense of security brought by a strong man. Of course, the word strong did not only mean the man''s figure as well as his capability, it only referred to his sexual capacity. If his manhood was big enough, then women must be willing to surrender.

    Scientifically, a woman was the same as a man since they all focused on one''s appearance, which seemed to be human beings'' instinct.

    But women were more implicit, so gradually, they forgot their nature.

    Logically there was a survey about this matter. The easiest way to test if the woman was emotional was to let her see the man''s penis directly. It was shown that the hormones secreted by women were to a different extent which was determined by the size of the man''s penis. Most women would be subdued in their inner hearts when they saw a big penis. There were only 10% of women would maintain an introverted attitude, and they would even say that if it were true love, then they would like to have sex with men. The rest of the people who did not participate in the investigation were homosexuals.

    However, Irish belonged to the first category.

    Of course, she knew that it would be painful at the beginning when Joseph entered her body, but she also understood that it was just a transitory pain and that she would have a beautiful experience in the end.

    Therefore, the fire in her body was running higher after she took a glimpse at his haunch. That was why she looked down upon herself at the right moment.

    Irish hated herself because even if she was clear that Joseph was hypocritical, she still couldn''t stop her affection for him.

    Joseph smiled faintly, but a hint of sadness hid in his eyes.

    He looked into her eyes and said in a sarcastic tone, "Why are you so nervous? It is not your first time having sex with me, right? Have you run out of patience, and you don''t even want to put on a y with me?"

    Irish furrowed her eyebrows as she heard this from Joseph. It was not difficult to tell his taunt from his words.

    "Yes, you are right. Now that you clearly saw it, then it is unnecessary for me to put on a y with you in bed," Irish blurted out harshly. She didn''t want to be such a cruel person if there was another option for her, but there was none at this moment. So she made such a harsh response since she didn''t want to be humiliated. Even if she was being hurt, she strove to change the situation.

    After hearing her remarks, Joseph''s faint smile gradually vanished. "But what if I insist?" He sounded cold.

    "It is not my duty to please you with my body," Irish emphasized her answer word by word.

    Squinting at her, Joseph looked serious under the cold moonlight.

    He said nothing, stood up directly, and stepped to her. Reaching out, Joseph pulled Irish into his arms.

    Astonished yet frightened by him, Irish was pressed down in the bed with Joseph''s broad chest against her back.

    Irish could feel his hot penis easily.

    It was so close to her skin that she could even feel its hot temperature.

    "Joseph, you are a wretch! Let me go!" shouted Irish while trying to get rid of his arms.

    However, she failed since she couldn''t move at all.

    Irish tried to beat him, but her hands were grabbed by him tightly.

    Helpless yet irritated, Irish struggled under his body. Joseph did not stop her but stared at her without saying anything.<novelnext></novelnext>

    She struggled while her sexy hips inadvertently rubbed his penis, which stimted Joseph. He almost lost his mind.

    Irish quickly noticed that, so she stopped struggling.

    "Are you a real man? Don''t be a skunk," Irish growled. She was so enraged since her hands were grabbed tightly. She couldn''t move, and her waist was held by Joseph''s other hand.

    Joseph leaned down while his hands moved to her bosom. "Don''t you know if I am a real man?" Joseph asked in reply, his breath getting ragged and hot.

    "Irish, there is a watery discharge from your wet core. You are much more professional than a real actress," added Joseph.

    After hearing the words, Irish couldn''t help panting, trying her best to avoid his touch. However, she failed every time.

    When she sensed that his fingers had slipped into her middle legs, Irish said without hesitation, "Joseph, do you really like to have sex with a woman who used to sleep with another man?"

    Joseph trembled slightly as Irish finished her sentence, and soon his body became rigid.

    Unaware of his next action, Irish felt his fingers go deeper into her wet core instantly startling her.

    "What did you say just now?" Joseph''s cold voice rang in her ear as he leaned closer beside her.

    In fact, it was just a lie since Irish just wanted to get rid of him as soon as possible.

    Irish did hesitate and endured the pain. Her knuckles whitened as this irritated man clenched her hands.

    Irish was a little bit desperate, so she began to toy with the idea of going for a break.

    "Joseph, you are not the first man whom I slept with," said Irish abruptly, with her teeth gnashing.

    Joseph loosed his hands but then snorted sarcastically, his hands rubbing her cheeks. However, the seriousness in his eyes began to dissipate.

    Obviously, Joseph didn''t believe what Irish had said. "Irish, do you know that once you start a lie, you have to straighten out contradictions and make it usible? Well, let me teach you how to say it. Why didn''t you tell me you slept with another man after having sex with me for the first time? Perhaps I will be convinced," Joseph snorted as his ego was badly injured.

    Taking a deep breath, Irish then responded, "It''s Adam. I gave myself to him."

    She had to y mind games with him at such a crucial moment.

    Perhaps Joseph was so confident that he was the first man who possessed her body, but she had to admit that Adam was the most effective weapon to infuriate Joseph. Irish knew that she was ying with fire, but she knew that Joseph was such an arrogant man, and he would mind every word she said.

    An arrogant man would care about if the woman was a virgin when he had sex with her, even if he didn''t really love her. A man who indulged in promiscuous sex would use a condom before a woman with a lot of experience in sex.

    The man always had something inmon. As long as the woman whom he was going to sleep with was not a virgin, then he would abandon her soon.

    What Irish was going to do was to let Joseph think she was not a pure woman and was not a woman worth being loved.

 Chapter 681 681: Do You Know You Are Playing With Fire?

    The most important point was that Joseph got intimate with another woman before her, but now he was trying to put Irish to shame by having sex with the smell of another woman''s perfume.

    At the thought of this, she then added, "I love Adam and gave my first time to him. Joseph, it is just a game between us. Do you still want to sleep with me?"

    As soon as she finished her sentence, Irish could clearly feel the stiffness of his muscles.

    A dignified atmosphere spread over her head, and she sensed her scalp numb.

    Joseph''s eyes were filled with anger while his teeth gnashed tightly. He held Irish and forced her to look into his eyes.

    "Irish, repeat what you just said!"

    Irish''s cheeks turned pale as Joseph grabbed her face. "Every time when I have sex with you, I take you as Adam," said Irish word by word.

    Irish thought that Joseph would be enraged by her words and would fling out of the room. Or he would even throw her back to New York like garbage because it was not only a matter of love; instead, it was about his dignity.

    But Irish was wrong again this time.

    Joseph did not act as she expected. Perhaps other people would respond like that, but Joseph was different from others.

    However, Irish still knew him in some aspects. Joseph did get annoyed by her words.

    Joseph clung to Irish''s hands rudely, and Irish felt that her arms were almost broken. Soon Joseph pressed her wrists over her head, and he then stayed cushioned upon her.

    "Irish, do you know you are ying with fire?" Joseph sounded indignant.

    As soon as he finished his sentence, Joseph''s arms wrapped around her waist, which shocked Irish.

    Irish never expected that he would continue his move.

    "No, Joseph. Stop. You can''t do this to me!" Irish screamed. She could feel the anger in his eyes, and he almost injured her arms as severe pain came crushing her.

    Irish widened her eyes somehow as if she saw a big hand reaching to her and a man showing a miserable smile at her.

    She was pulled back to reality by Joseph''s angry gasp.

    Deep fears struck her unexpectedly. Irish began to shout, struggle and curse in rage. She couldn''t tell if she really wanted to get rid of the hand over her chest or the man pressing against her.

    However, Joseph was irritated by her reaction, so he simply held her waist higher, with her hips facing him helplessly.

    Joseph gnashed his teeth, his lips pressing into a thin line while his eyes flickered with coldness.

    Joseph mmed back his arms while his crotch mmed forward abruptly.

    In this way, he entered her body immediately even without giving her time to respond.

    Irish didn''t expect Joseph would do this to her, and severe pain urred to her violently.

    "Ouch!" Irish loudly wailed.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Instead of slowing down, Joseph reached out and grabbed her beautiful neck. Irish felt that she couldn''t breathe but only made mournful sounds.

    Joseph''s broad hands were like a pair of pliers, and she felt her bones were sore.

    Irish''s body was not ready for his entrance, so his hard penis was pushed outside. Irish was badly in need of time to adjust to its big size.

    Irish would beg Joseph to be tender and slow down his movement every time they had sex before, so she had been ustomed to his gentleness. Their bodies would merge with each other as Irish gradually adapted to him. After that, Joseph would then enjoy her beautiful body in a rather rude manner.

    Obviously, Joseph had lost his patience tonight. He treated her in the rudest manner at the beginning. It always took Irish some time to adapt to his big penis, but now he did not give her even a single second. Tears trickled down her cheeks, and Irish could not control herself at all. Joseph was enraged by Irish, so he tried to torture her mercilessly.

    Joseph tightened her waist again, loosened his hand that clung to her wrist, and then wrapped his hands around her waist. A secondter, Joseph mmed forward while his hard member slipped into Irish''s wet core immediately. Irish couldn''t help wailing while her eyes were filled with tears.

    She sensed that Joseph had reached the deepest part of her body. Then, severe pain urred to her unexpectedly.

    However, Joseph just lowered his head, turned over her face, and kissed her red lips. Soon there was only Irish''s sob rumbling around the room.

    Joseph did not stop but began to upy her body violently and rapidly. He reached the deepest part of her inner core each time he plunged.

    After a few moments, Irish''s legs began to tremble, and the soreness began to spread. She endured his torture while her long hair swayed in the air.

    It was like a storm for Irish. Joseph began to rub and suck all over her skin. Irish''s delicate skin is covered with red marks. Joseph reached out to gather her hair, and then he tugged at her hair, forcing her to look up. The man''s gasp reverberated in her ears while his wooden fragrance mixed with her breath.

    "Honey, did Adam also enter your body like this?" Joseph asked in an ironic yet cold voice.

    He stopped his movement deliberately as he uttered these words.

    It was his first time humiliating Irish with such an appetion. When Joseph became enamored, he would gently kiss her ears, controlling himself to slow down his movement. Usually, he would bite her earlobe and call out her name softly.

    Irish would move by his tenderness, although she did not really understand what he meant.

    But Joseph stopped as he finished his words with his penis against her body''s deepest yet most sensitive part.

    Irish''s face turned pale, and soon she felt that Joseph plugged in again. Her inner core was filled with his big tectum. Although soreness struck her again, she longed for more. She could feel him so clearly.

    Joseph told her before that he had to control himself so as not to let his cock enter her bodypletely because he was worried that Irish was unable to stand.

    With experience in sexuality multiplied, Irish finally understood what he meant. It was a beautiful memory for them when Irish finally yielded to Joseph''s skillful flirtation.

    Joseph also enjoyed her initiative, so he couldn''t resist entering her inner corepletely. Irish groaned with her eyebrows furrowed since she still couldn''t get used to his big size. Seeing this, Joseph smiled and then withdrew for a little bit, telling her he would slip in gradually when she was ustomed to him. However, he did never pry open the deepest door of her privates.

    Irish knew that he meant her womb.

    Joseph also tried to convince her that she would not get hurt and it would be a beautiful and unforgettable experience, but Irish declined his request since she was worried that she couldn''t endure the pain.

    However, the day finallyes. And Joseph brought her severe pain in such a rude manner today. She felt like her body was torn by him.

 Chapter 682 682: Tired Of Living?

    The sun was so bright that everything in heaven and earth was touched with gold.

    As the gulls jumped across the sea, they were drenched with dazzling light, much more free than humans.

    When Irish woke up, she heard the sound of seagulls, which reced the rm clock to wake her. And then she would stand on the terrace for a while as usual, quietly counting the number of seagulls passing by.

    But that day, Irish did not go to the terrace.

    When she woke up, she felt that even opening her eyes would run out of her energy.

    She remembered that once she had gone to Thand, she had chatted with local friends about Thand''s "Tame Head." Irish had no religious beliefs; naturally, she would not believe these things, but she listened out of curiosity. After all, it was also a form of local humanities.

    That friend mentioned a kind of the "Tame Head," but she forgot the name. She only remembered that it was about recovery and that if the broken head was spliced back into the body, the dead coulde back to life. There was a man whose wife died at the same time in an ident with three best friends when traveling. He wanted to bring the dead wife back to life, but he was infatuated with the body of his wife''s three best friends, so he put the best ces that he thought of dead women together to form a body and then spliced his wife''s head to resurrect her.

    The wife returned to life, but gradually she realized that the arms were not her own, the legs were not hers, and even the torso was not hers. When she finally realized that her arms, legs, and torso all belonged to her three good friends, she wentpletely crazy.

    Irish felt that she was the one who Joseph had spliced up.

    What Joseph did Last night was more like a kind of vent and punishment. He almost crushed her body.

    She had never seen such a cruel and cold-blooded side of Joseph. He had always been abominably calm, butst night he had done enough to let her know what he meant by "tired of living."

    Her limbs seemed to be broken, andst night, her soul flew out of her body with his wild impact, and at present, her legs were even shaking as she got out of bed.

    The pain went through all over her body.

    Her lips hurt when he bit them.

    He pinched her neck. Her bones and joints seemed to creak with pains in his arms because of his big strong hands, especially her breasts.

    His big hands caused hickey marks and scratches.

    A gentle touch would make the delicate tips of the breast pain. And her lower body no longer belonged to her own.

    The legs seemed able to detach from the crotch at any time, and she even needed to hold the wall tightly to stand.

    She was burning as if she had been branded with iron.

    She forgot how many tears she had shed in painst night but remembered that she screamed when he raged on her and that she had lost her voice in the process.

    So when waking up the next morning, she felt that Joseph must have dismembered her to pieces and then spliced them together. Otherwise, why would she feel pain in every part of her body?

    It was afternoon when Irish finally couldn''t stand hunger.

    She held the wall and struggled out of the bedroom. She didn''t see Jessica as well as the cleaners on the ind.

    The vi was quiet.

    There seemed to be no such thing as a trace of breath.

    But the vi was very dazzling. The colorful lights, like the stars, had long been in the courtyard, and even the living room was full of color, and there was hidden light in every corner, as bright as the stars that fall from the Milky Way.

    It was very lively. But it referred to the environment. The huge vi was grotesque. At least, Irish thought so. She saw no one.

    Like Jessica, because at a time like that, Jessica should have gone to the bedroom to call her for dinner.<novelnext></novelnext>

    And even the cook, because at a time like that, the cook had been waiting in the restaurant for a long time to wait for the answer whether she was satisfied or not.

    And like the doctor, because at that time, the doctor would alwayse to do a routine examination of her.

    Irish had always rejected tests and hated doctors because she felt that Joseph only wanted to keep torturing her with the permission of her body''s condition, making her life worse than death.

    But that day, the doctor she hated was not there either.

    There were a few people in this vi. At present, Irish suddenly felt that she was the only one left.

    Even Joseph, who nearly killed her like a devilst night, was gone.

    Irish went downstairs in a hurry.

    But because of the pain, she fainted, and her feet stepped in the air and fell down several stairs.

    She shouted bitterly.

    Her knees hit the cold ck marble floor, and it was painful.

    Fortunately, she did not roll down from the top; otherwise, she would have been disabled.

    Her arms also clung to the ground, and the smooth ground reflected her pale face.

    Her long hair was messy and covered her eyes.

    She felt that she had never been so embarrassed.

    The sound of a man''s footsteps came when she was trying to get up by lifting through the stair railing.

    And then she saw a man''s feet and long legs.

    She struggled to look up.

    And she saw the bright and dark, uncertain eyes of Joseph.

    He stood there and did not immediately reach out to help her but looked at her with amanding look.

    Like a proud king, quietly watching how embarrassed she was as a clown.

    Irish knew that he wanted to see her lower her head, crawl to him as a ve, square herself, and confess to him how shameless she was.

    However, her shamelessness was only used to protect her humble self-esteem.

    And what about him?

    He was so mean that he yed such a real y with her, and he was so angry that he trapped her here, and even he was so despicable that people on the ind thought she was a psychopath.

    So who was more despicable?

    Irish shifted her eyes.

    She wisely chose to avoid his gaze silently to suffer less. If she went on looking into his eyes, she would have to yell at him.

 Chapter 683 683: I’m Always Wondering How To Spend Valentine’s Day

    However, the man whomitted violence against her would have a second time.

    As long as he was enraged, he could make her miserable anytime, anywhere. Irish was not stupid enough to hurt herself.

    She would not ask him for help, nor would she expect him to reach out to help her.

    If he was a disaster she couldn''t avoid, would she try to turn a blind eye to him? But the next second, Irish felt like she was a chicken pulled up by him. It hurt her badly that she frowned and bit her lower lip.

    Joseph lowered his eyes, and they naturally fell on her neckline.

    Because of their height difference, the full scenery on her chest was also seen by him.

    There were traces of varying depths, ck and purple, scratches, bite marks, and hickeys.

    Joseph looked at Irish with emotion. She was as weak as a rabbit, and he could easily find her whole body was trembling.

    Such small tremors should be out of her control. Her long ck hair looked a little messy, and a wisp also went into her chest, whose porcin white skin with marks made the ck darker and the white turn pale.

    Joseph''s sexy throat slid up and down, and he squinted slightly. Such Irish, who was too weak and clung to him, gave him an impulse to ravage.

    Such a woman was destined to be a dream of men.

    When he was in love, he wanted to make love to her every night. Though he had tried his best to love her, he didn''t think it was enough.

    And when he hated her, he was still immersed in her body. He loathed his heart and hated himself, but every time he saw her, he was attracted to her and lost his control.

    Joseph had never been in contact with real love and never paid his heart to love a woman before until she came. He never thought that one day he would meet Irish, a woman who made him dream of a perfect family.

    They all said that true love was letting her go.

    Perhaps, his love was not deep love because it was mixed with hate, and he could not let her go. Even if he went to hell, he would pull her to be buried with him.

    He badly pulled Irish, and her arm seemed almost broken by him.

    Looking up, she said with enduring pain, "Joseph, if you really want me to die. I want to die with a full stomach."

    It was human nature to crave food, not to mention that she was really hungry now.

    She had no willpower to break the valley and could not live calmly without eating and drinking.

    Joseph did let her go.

    Irish turned around and walked slowly to the restaurant.

    There were still no traces of Jessica and the cook in the restaurant.

    At the table, however, the food was already prepared.

    She often ate some of the dishes, some of which were her favorite, and there were other dishes that she could not name.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Although the presentation was not as professional as the restaurant, the smell and vision of the dishes must be excellent.

    In the ice bucket was a rare wine, and what was embellished with ck table gs were blooming purple water lilies, and each blooming petals were the same. The mysterious purple with a steady and low-key ck looked so beautiful.

    Irish was stunned before the table.

    Joseph followed her.

    He was close to her, and behind her, he looped his arms around her.

    Irish''s body trembled with her heart and then quickly stiffened.

    Joseph bowed his head, and his thin lips gently pressed on the corner of her forehead, deeply breathing her hair fragrance. His voice was low and stirring. "I''m always wondering how we would spend Valentine''s Day. Irish, thanks to you, this year''s Day is really unforgettable."

    Valentine''s Day?

    Irish''s mind was nk.

    That day was Valentine''s Day.

    Just thinking, the big hand between her waist was pulled away, and the man''s voice was as calm as water, "Let''s eat."

    He turned his face like a book, as cold as he had just been.

    Irish shivered, and she found that his eyes had never been warm when he spoke and that his eyes were frosty. And when he sat down opposite her and looked at her again, his eyes were too majestic, making people not dare to make movements.

    What was the Valentine''s Day feast like?

    In Irish''s early memory, Valentine''s day was a grand feast for lovers. But indeed, all of the people would be immersed in a lively atmosphere. Children were no exception, while adults held parties and set fireworks to celebrate it.

    The most impressive time she had was Valentine''s Day with her Uncle Steven and Aunt Mary when she was still a little girl. She was afraid of fireworks at that time, but her younger brother Jay acted like an adult, standing in front of her and promising that he would protect Irish.

    As time passed by, Jay became an anti-drug cap. Perhaps Jay would never know that his sister, who he had wanted to protect since his childhood, was trapped on an isted ind, spending Valentine''s Day dismally.

    Normally, it was a grand event for Irish since Joseph also stayed with her. However, the atmosphere was quite depressing between them.

    Irish clenched the fork and ate silently with her head lowered. Joseph also sat on the opposite side without saying anything.

    Indeed, the dishes were very delicious, but Irish was not clear about who cooked these dishes. The chief was not there, and Jessica also took a few days off. ''Did Joseph cook these dishes?'' Irish asked herself.

    She was not sure, but she finally found the answer when she ate the fish that Joseph had cooked for her before. He liked steamed fish and hardly put condiments on it so as to keep the delicacy of the fish flesh.

    Irish was shocked by its taste when she ate the fish for the first time. Gradually Irish figured out the reason why Joseph liked steamed fish. It was because he stayed abroad all year round, and most foreigners liked to eat steamed fish, so he was also ustomed to the taste.

    However, Irish could not ept the mild vor, and soon she suggested Joseph put some sugar in it since she liked sweets. Joseph also epted her suggestion, and since then, the steamed fish cooked by Joseph was a little sweet.

 Chapter 684 684: Where Are You Taking Me?

    When Irish took the first bite of the fish today, a taste of sweetness suffused her mouth, so she was sure Joseph had cooked the fish by himself.

    But why would he do that? Taking a deep breath, Irish tried to calm down. She remained silent with her head lowered and didn''t even take a nce at Joseph. She felt like she was eating there alone. A momentter, a piece of fish belly refilled her te abruptly, which startled Irish. She was lost in thought for a long time. She still remembered that Joseph once said that a good man would always leave the best for his beloved woman, and that was why he always gave the most delicious part of the fish to her.

    From that day on, Joseph would take the fish brisket for her every time. Gradually, Irish got used to it.

    After thinking for a while, Irish looked up and took a nce at him, but Joseph did not spare a glimpse at her at all, as if it was not him who took the fish brisket for Irish.

    "Let me go," Irish uttered in a shaky voice.

    It should be a grand feast while the families should spend time together. Even if Joseph was reluctant to consider her, he had to care for his younger brother Jordan who must stay at home alone at this moment.

    However, Joseph had just googled, taken out a prawn from the te, and replied indifferently, "You better give up your daydream."

    After peeling and devising the prawn, Joseph did not eat it; instead, he put it on Irish''s te. "There is still a long way to go. Life would be dull without you because tormenting people is also a pleasure for me," Joseph added.

    "You...." Irish was speechless. She clenched her fork, her mouth pouting.

    Seeing this, Joseph snorted and said in a cold voice, "You better remember that you are not qualified to bargain with me now."

    Irish was so irritated by his words, and she couldn''t help trembling. "Joseph, it''s Valentine''s Day. I have to call my family."

    "Don''t worry. I will give you a phone. But I have to take you to a ce first," replied Joseph with a faint smile.

    "Where are you taking me?" Irish asked hesitantly yet vigntly. She was afraid that Joseph would take her to a more deste ce, and in that case, she would never have the opportunity to run away.

    Joseph also perceived her worry and then replied, "Finish your meal first."

    Irish was ufortable and began to worry.

    ****

    The music was loud when Jay got into the box with Carmen. There were already two people sitting there, each with an armed bodyguard. Both of them were tall and muscr.

    Carmen greeted them with great enthusiasm as soon as she walked in while Jay swept through the room quickly. And soon, Jay got to know the situation in the room. It was at that time Jay happened to see the man who was tied up at the corner. The man was dying with blood all over his body, his head bowed.

    Jay could not clearly see the man''s face, and it was also inconvenient for him to keep looking around.

    Carmen started to introduce the two people to Jay. And they were Killer and Poison. Jay had seen the side face of these two men in the police station before, so he was a bit impressed.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Two of them often came and went like a shadow of an evil angel, so it was difficult for the police to get a frontal picture of them. As in the rumor, Killer was a middle-aged man who was far from handsome. And it could even be said that he was too ordinary that there was no sense of existence for him. His eyes were as small as mung beans, with a small nose beset in his corpulent face. People would not believe that Killer was such an ordinary person. However, Jay believed that he was not as simple as he looked since his eyes were ferocious yet attractive.

    But it was a different case for Poison. Jay never thought he would be such a young yet handsome man, and he was also younger than Killer. Poison was well-dressed and wore sses, which made him look refined. He was the kind of man who fascinated women.

    However, they stared at Jay unkindly. Killer squinted his eyes, looking at Jay carefully, and it was easy to tell from his expression that he rejected Jay as if he was a dangerous outsider.

    Different from Killer''s coldness, Poison looked more friendly. He looked up and down at Jay with a smile and then turned to Carmen. "Is he the man who saved your life?"

    Stepping forward, Carmen held Jay''s arms intimately, leaning her head against Jay''s shoulder. She didn''t reply to Poison directly but smiled at him. But soon, Poison got her answer through her sweet smile. "You like Carmen?" Poison asked with his eyes gazing at Jay.

    Carmen blushed immediately as she heard this from Poison, her eyes flickering with light.

    As he finished his sentence, Poison squinted slightly, waiting for Jay''s reply. However, Killer looked gloomy and said coldly, "Carmen, you better not ask for trouble."

    After hearing this, Carmen turned to Killer, rolling her eyes at him, and responded impatiently, "Don''t talk nonsense here. Why are you still here? Didn''t you say that there is a deal today?"

    Shrugging shoulders, Poison replied indifferently. "The deal is canceled today."

    His reply shocked Carmen. "What? Why?" Carmen asked with great confusion.

    Instead of responding quickly, Poison turned to Killer while Carmen also gazed at Killer.

    Obviously, Killer was their leader, who sat on the couch, took a sip of the cigar, and then spat out the smoke.

    Killer did not exin to them immediately but kept staring at Jay silently.

    Jay was also shocked since he did not expect that the deal would be canceled, Jay looked into Killer''s eyes calmly as he sensed the unfriendly look from him.

    Slowly, Killer got up and stepped to Jay. Taking another sip of a cigar, Killer spat out the smoke to Jay''s face directly.

    However, Jay just stood there even without moving a little.

    "What the hell is going on?" Carmen asked anxiously. Now she was unconfident as she perceived that Killer kept looking up and down at Jay.

    "There is a cop among us," Killer blurted out word by word, his eyes gazing at Jay''s face.

    "What? Are you kidding me?" Carmen waspletely shocked.

 Chapter 685 685: You Can Go As You Want

    At night, the fireworks system on the small ind vi wasunched, and the entire ind was lit with blooming fireworks. The string of colorful lights reached the nightingale, and even the stars disappeared.

    Layers of fireworks were beautiful when blooming in the sky above the sea.

    It was a grand firework party, but itcked the pleasure of setting off the fireworks personally.

    However, Irish wasn''t in a good mood to enjoy the beautiful fireworks even if Joseph asked her to set off the fireworks by herself.

    She thought that Joseph would take her away, but he just led her to the jungle in the depths of the ind.

    The jungle looked a little bit different, as usual.

    The lights that were hidden in all corners were lit abruptly, and it was not until then Irish realized that the lighting system was installed at every corner of the ind. It looked like a natural resort, but indeed it was a ce under high-tech and high-energy technology.

    Irish didn''t know why he took her here tonight, so she was reluctant to move on but stood there still. Seeing this, Joseph reached out, trying to drag her forward.

    Until she heard the sound of the waves on the other side of the jungle, Irish shook off Joseph''s hands, stopped there, and said, "I am out of strength. You can go as you want."

    Joseph did not force her but turned back and stared at her. A momentter, he smiled and replied, "Are you really out of strength, or you just dare not move on?"

    Irish''s heart dropped as she heard this. She quickly nced at him and then responded with a frown, "Whatever. I would not keep moving anyway."

    Slowly Joseph stepped to her with a faint smile.

    Seeing this, Irish was struck by a sense of anxiety, so she stepped back consciously.

    However, Joseph approached her step by step until she had nowhere to retreat. Finally, Irish leaned against the trunk of a big tree, and it was convenient for his next move.

    She tried to get away from the other side but was stopped by Joseph, who reached out and blocked her way out. In that case, Irish was surrounded by him.

    "Joseph, what the hell do you want to do? Are you so idle every day?" Irish roared indignantly.

    Lowering his head to get closer to Irish, Joseph''s sharp nose almost touched hers.

    He stared at Irish, smiling.

    The light in the jungle jumped into the depths of his bottom, and the faint light was floating and flickering. Once again, Irish was almost attracted by his soft smile and maic voice. "Well, but I think you are idler than me," Joseph murmured softly.

    After hearing this, Irish began to gasp.

    A few secondster, Joseph lowered his head, his thin lips moving down along her cheeks, and Irish could feel his hot breath. Joseph bit her delicate earlobes gently.

    He also started gasping. "Irish, I have to admire you. You are a really sly fox. Sometimes I even wanted to take your head off and take it as a stool."<novelnext></novelnext>

    The smell of his breath made Irish tremble slightly while his words brought her a sense of anxiety.

    Irish could quickly feel the pressure as Joseph gradually got closer to her. Irish reached out, trying to hold him back. The man''s sturdy chest also sensed her resistance, so instead of loosening his grip, Joseph got even closer to her as if he was going to flirt with her. Slowly, Joseph''s hot yet thin lips slipped from her earlobes to her neck.

    Joseph''s wooden fragrance was mixed with the surroundings.

    Irish felt it hard to breathe, so she exerted herself to push him away for a little bit.

    Joseph stopped approaching but loosened his grip. He put his hands in his pockets, squinting at her with a sly smile. He was like a hunter who deliberately indulged his prey to escape, but actually, everything was in his control, and he was just waiting for a proper opportunity.

    Irish didn''t want to keep staying there, and she even didn''t want to see Joseph''s uncertain expression, so she turned back to leave.

    Unexpectedly, Irish''s waist was held abruptly, and soon she was held on his shoulder as if she was a sack.

    Irish was shocked, and she couldn''t help screaming. Seeing this, Joseph freed up an arm to lift the hem of her skirt, taking a bite at her thigh. Startled again, Irish dared not to resist this time but only gave a grunt. Irish hasn''t met anyone else except for Joseph since she woke up.

    Therefore, Irish was worried that only two of them lived on this small ind. If so, Irish couldn''t even call for help. At the thought of this, Irish''s heart missed a beat.

    There were only two of them on this small and deste ind. Irish sensed her scalp numb, and perhaps it was because of the horrible thought, or it was because her head was hanging upside-down.

    Around five to six minutester, Irish heard the sound of waves while the fireworks were still exploding in the distance. The fireworks lit the jungle, and it was too bright to see every leaf clearly.

    Joseph stopped while Irish struggled, so he just put her down as she wished. However, the moment when Irish was put down, she felt dizzy and just fell to the ground.

    Joseph did not hold her this time but just condescendingly looked at her. His tall figure cast a shadow on Irish. She became the soul swallowed by darkness, staring at Joseph helplessly.

    Joseph looked so peaceful, but Irish knew it was just the calm before the storm. It was easy for Irish to feel a sense of menace as if he was going to tear her up.

    Irish turned to be disturbed as she finally found out where she was.

    "You made it?" Joseph asked indifferently, looking into her eyes.

    Irish began to gasp and followed his eyes. All of the hope dashes into pieces. Her heart dropped into the valley bottom.

    Irish didn''t expect that Joseph would find out her secret in such a short time. There was just one step short of sess, but now it would be destroyed by him soon.

    Two wooden rafts were lying under the big old trees in the distance, and they were made of thick trunks.

    Strictly speaking, it was a raft that could carry three people with a small canvas tent built on it to withstand wind and waves. It could also be used as a lounge or storeroom. Of course, there was no food and water in it not, but a ce to put tools was saved there.

 Chapter 686 686: You Are Clever

    Perhaps the owner wanted to put some basic tools such as a knife and fish pole so as to get some food from the sea. Another smaller raft was lying beside the bigger one, but it was just a coarse semi-finished product.

    Two rafts became wooden boats stranded in the desert and looked bleak under the old trees. The twine of the made-up raft had been cut off, and the entire frame was nted and scrapped. It could not be used anymore.

    Slowly, Joseph walked over and stopped in front of the rafts.

    Taking a nce at the rafts, Joseph turned to Irish, calm yet dangerous. Compared with Irish''s indignation, Joseph looked reserved and explicit while his eyes were full of sarcasm.

    "Irish, it seems that you didn''t study hard in manual ss when you were in primary school. You made two rafts so roughly. I really can''t figure out if you want to take it to escape ormit suicide," Joseph sounded sarcastic.

    Irish still didn''t know what had happened to the raft, so she was startled when she heard the sentence from him. Regardless of the severe pain from her ankle, Irish stood up and staggered forward.

    She stepped forward but found that the raft was destroyed, and it could be told that the twine was cut off intentionally, which meant that all her swans were geese.

    Seeing this, Irish felt as if she had been ravaged and then leaned against the tree, staring at the rafts helplessly. She kept silent while her lips trembled.

    Irish felt she was swallowed by endless darkness and couldn''t see a glimmer of light. Her heart was corroded by irritation.

    But she could do nothing but stare at Joseph, who walked over to her. He reached out and circled her into his arms. The next second, he forced Irish to look at the pile of scattered wood.

    "Let me guess what you want to do with two rafts," Joseph said with a faint smile.

    His hands held Irish''s shoulder, her chest close to him. It was so close that she could touch his chest easily.

    ? "The raft with a tent is used for escaping, right? Generally speaking, you could make it with the raft since it was divided into lounge and storeroom." His voice sounded as soft as it used to.

    "But actually, it won''t work," added Joseph in an ironic tone.

    Irish was rigid with fear.

    "Look at the raft that hasn''t been finished. Did you make it as camouge?" Joseph questioned with a smile, waiting for her reply.

    Startled, Irish widened her eyes with astonishment since his words had struck her.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Reaching out, Joseph tightened his grip on her while Irish gave a grunt, her back firmly attaching to his chest.

    "You are clever. You know that you couldn''t escape with a raft, so you made another raft to cast a mist. I think you will ce the simply equipped raft in the other direction you are going to escape," Joseph said in a rather sarcastic tone.

    After hearing this, Irish didn''t respond but bit her lips. Joseph was right, and he almost figured out her mind.

    Irish could do nothing but let herself go in the first half of the month she was taken to the ind. Irish was so anxious that she stormed about the house, breaking things every day.

    When Irish finally realized that Joseph would not show up no matter how she kicked up a row, she started her n of escaping from this ind.

    Obviously, she could not take any public transportation, such as a ne or steamboat, since the ce was deserted, without a soul to be seen.

    Later, when she happened to walk into the jungle and saw those big trees, an idea struck her.

    She remembered once she went out with her teammates rock climbing but encountered an earth-shattering tornado, unfortunately. After that, their luggage and backpacks were all gone. There was no way for them to walk back on foot, and they just prayed they could reach somewhere with inhabitants to ask for help.

    But they were blocked by a rushing river which was so broad that they tried to find a boat to cross the river. However, all of their efforts were in vain.

    Teammates who were familiar with the terrain suggested cutting trees to make rafts across the river because this river was long and swift, so it was natural that no one would like to build a bridge there.

    Therefore, they started making rafts together, and finally, they found a way out.

    At the thought of this, Irish was determined to make rafts. But the premise was that she had to make a raft that could support her survival for many days or even a month at sea. However, Irish was also clear that it was impossible for her to float over the sea for a month because she couldn''t store fresh drinking water for a month. But that was herst straw, so she would like to try it at any cost.

    There were many kinds of wood in the jungle suitable for the material of rafts, while the strong vine could be used as twine. Irish then remembered the canvas in the vi, which was firm enough to stand up the wind. In that way, the tools were equipped, and the most important yet difficult part was to make a raft with reliability.

    Therefore, from that day on, Irish went to the jungle for a walk every day, and gradually the safeguards also rxed vignce at her. Irish got enough time to transfer the tools from the vi to the jungle secretly. But soon, another problem urred. The endless sea surrounded the ind, so she had to decide which direction she was going to escape. Irish would never make two rafts to escape if she didn''t need to cope with Joseph. No matter which direction she was going to escape, she could not get away from the vi in a short time. After all, it was just a raft but not a steamer. She had to paddle away by herself, so she could be discovered soon before she could get away.

    Therefore, she decided to ce the other raft in the opposite direction of her escaping path, and it was made more roughly than the bigger one. The tide would carry the raft along, and it may have drifted a long distance when people in the vi perceived she was gone.

    Irish believed that people would think she had fallen into the sea since the raft was made of rough workmanship. And it may take them a long time to take action to rescue her. In that case, Irish could take the time to escape from their sight.

 Chapter 687 687: You Are A Crafty Rabbit

    When she made the second raft, however, it was out of her expectation that Joseph hade to the ind. The n couldn''t catch up with changes. When she wanted him toe, he did not appear, and when she wanted to escape before he found it, he appeared again.

    "You are so smart." Joseph let go of her face, and his arm was still holding her. Pointing to the nearest ancient tree, he said, "To get the raft you hid in the tree, the gardener almost broke his leg, and one of his arms was injured. Irish, I belittled your strength. You could even get the raft to the tree, and you are a real rock climber."

    Joseph had never told Irish that the ind and its vi had 17,000 cameras. He could see what was happening on the ind as long as they were turned on. Of course, he was not bored enough to turn on every camera to check. Usually, he made a direct phone call to ask about her.

    After he came to the ind, he found something weird.

    Jessica told him her daily walking time and route. Initially, he is not suspicious until he finds she wants to take Rosy''s boat to leave the ind.

    ording to his understanding of Irish, she was stubborn and intelligent and would never await her doom. She was the kind of person who could make full use of all the things avable. It was an ident that Rosy''s boat came to the ind, and she wouldn''t really be waiting on the ind, would she?

    So he suspected that she must have been trying to get out.

    Joseph thought about that night. He saw scratches on her leg and on the palm of her hand. The wound healed well, and he thought branches should have scratched the wound. And then he went to the jungle personally ording to the route told by Jessica.

    At first nce, he was so surprised that he didn''t expect her to hide two rafts here!

    He really underestimated her ability to escape.

    Seeing that he found that, Irish became calm. It was no use for her to be angry now.

    "The sea here is vast. You can escape with your tiny raft?" Joseph sneered near her ear. "I''m responsible for reminding you that the only consequence of doing this is to die at sea, which is why I just said it doesn''t work in reality."

    Irish clenched her teeth. She also thought about it, but sometimes she did want to have a try.

    Joseph looked up at his wrist and said with a smile, "20 minutester, your fireworks will begin."

    Irish nced at him and looked at him in surprise.

    But Joseph was cold. Without saying anything, he pulled her through the jungle without mercy and went to another sea area.

    The fireworks on the other side of the vi were blooming.

    Like flowers in the sky, they showed the stillness of the night sky and the joy of Valentine''s Day.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Joseph drew Irish into the O-shaped fireworks, which almost filled the beach. Irish looked at him in fear. After a while, she said, "No... You can never know..."

    "In my eyes, you are a crafty rabbit." Joseph mped his hands on her shoulders and fed her to look at the starry sky, saying in a cold tone, "Every two days, there will be a ne on time at 10:30 p.m., and you''ve already taken the time. Two dayster, at 10:30 in the evening, you will see the ne. How can you get the ne to find you? So the cold fireworks in the vi can help you. You took the cold fireworks to this ce, and you waited for the time to start the automatic setting-off system with the fireworks tonight. But you''ve forgotten that what you see is a passenger ne. Even if you make an "SOS" by setting off cold fireworks on the whole ind, no one cane here and take you away!"

    Irish stared at Joseph as if she were staring at a ghost, and she was defeated in this battle!

    "You want to run away from this ind, don''t you?" Joseph''s patience was finally exhausted. When he found the raft that was used to make the "SOS" signal, he was trying to resist his anger until that night. It could be imagined that there would be dazzling fireworks on top of their heads, and from the height, it must be a huge "SOS" pattern.

    Irish sensed danger in his cold tone and dark eyes. It was a real danger, and it was brewing to devour her at full speed.

    The ominous foreboding was like a sudden bouncing string, stimting her nervousness. She retreated reflexively, and her heel rotated. The next second, she turned and ran.

    But he was faster than she was. He stood in front of her, and she could not stop her footsteps and bump into his arms. The pain made her cry.

    But then she was held up by Joseph.

    "What are you doing? Let me go!" The rm in Irish''s heart sounded louder and louder, and the terrible feeling strangled her as if it were a tight vine.

    Joseph held her tight and walked toward the sea.

    From Irish''s point of view, his cheeks were unusually cold, his disdainful chin was stiff, his lips were tight, and his ck pupils were dark enough to devour the light on the shore.

    Sea water pped, and Irish was alert. Joseph took her into the sea. The water had passed his waist and soaked her feet.

    She was stunned, and before she could scream, she was suddenly released, and the next second she was thrown into the sea by him.

    Immediately, the smell of the sea winded her.

    Irish did not expect him to do so. The wide and boundless sea and the waves that could hit her at any time frightened her for a moment. She fluttered desperately in the water and choked several mouthfuls of seawater, and the whole person looked like a drowned rat.

    She shouted, sank, fluttered, and shouted.

    But Joseph stood there, and the sea breeze slightly messed up his hair. He stared at Irish, which kept fluttering in the sea, and his eyes were horribly cool.

 Chapter 688 688: You Can’t Leave Me At All

    The sea at night was like the devil, dark and appalling. Not to mention being thrown into the sea.

    Irish was full of fear and nervousness. She tried to reach for Joseph''s arm or the corner of his clothes, but she couldn''t reach it.

    She felt that she was about to be washed away by the sea and thenpletely disappear into the world.

    The seawater rushed into her eyes and mouth and choked into her nasal cavity, and she felt that the next second she would die.

    The figure of the man in front of her became increasingly blurred, and she reached out to him with all her energy and cried in horror.

    Joseph pulled her hands.

    Irish tried her best to hold on to him as if she had caught the straw, but he kept her from moving forward.

    "Help me." Out of desire and instinct for life, Irish finally could not help but send out a distress signal.

    Joseph''s eyes were shocked, and his eyebrows tightly wrinkled and said strictly. "Do you still want to leave?"

    "No. I will not leave. Please." Irish clenched her fingers, and her knuckles became pale.

    The next second, her body was picked up by the man, and then Joseph turned back to the coast.

    The fear disappeared from her body little by little with the footsteps of a man.

    When she was thrown back to the shore by the man, she coughed hard. Her throat was full of seawater. After fear disappeared, anger rose again, which was human instinct.

    Joseph looked into her eyes, whose lip was slightly raised, "If you listened to me, you do not have to suffer like that."

    ? Irish''s lips trembled, the sea breeze came, and her body was cold.

    "It''s all wet." Joseph chuckled and reached to touch her pale face.

    The woman on the shore was like a mermaid stranded on the seashore.

    The distant fireworks intertwined with the twilight of the stars, which was like ayer of silver had been coated on her. She was wearing a white sleeping skirt, which was long and wet and clung to her.

    Her silhouette was lined with wet clothes, and each line was clearly visible.

    Irish was really frightened. Her arms could no longer support her body, and the whole body was almost lying on the beach. With long hair intertwined with his body, she was like Andersen''s mermaid, who had just cut off her tail and got her feet.

    He held up her face, and the little face in his palm was pitifully pale.

    She breathed hurriedly, her pajamas clinging to her chest, a little messy, showing a great deal of shiny skin.

    "Dear Isabel." Joseph simply sat down next to her, caressing her cheek with a rough thumb, with love, and then slowly slid down, "You are fascinating."

    He could easily feel her trembling.

    Every inch of her skin trembled. Then he leaned over and kissed her cold lips.

    At this time, Irish had no strength to struggle.

    The man had seeded in removing her wings, and she could no longer fly but fell feebly on the ground, allowing him to mock her.

    She could feel the position of her wings gurgling and bleeding. It was painful.

    "Hmm." The man seemed to punish her distractions and bit her lips, and she hummed.

    But Joseph took the opportunity to drive straight in, opening her lips, and twining her slightly cold tongue. Her eyes were closed, and her mouth was full of his breath.

    The woman''s obedience made Joseph''s desire rise, constantly hitting on his chest, and he simply pinned her down and ripped the button off her sleeping skirt.

    The muscr breath that fell on her ear was heavy and muddy with the smell of seawater.<novelnext></novelnext>

    She just felt like she was between cold and hot.

    The cold was her body, but the hot one was his body.

    "No." Irish finally murmured, whose small voice squeezed out of her dry and hoarse throat. Her tears fell down. She remembered what he had done to herst night, the pain, and they were on the beach this time.

    Joseph bowed his head and kissed her tears, whose hot lips moved around her ears, gently sliding. His voice was low, maic, and gentle, "Honey, I just want you to know you can not leave me at all."

    ****

    She spent two nights with Joseph.

    The first night he had taught her a great lesson. His hatred was hidden in peace, and there was no ripple between his eyebrows. He tied her to the terrace and looked at her soaked in the rain for an hour.

    The coldness went straight into her bones that night.

    The next night he also let her know what kind of life was worse than death and what was tired of living. He was like a wolf whose calmness faded. He was violent and cruel, and intercourse could make her miserable.

    That night, he pressed her tightly on the beach. Not far, the waves beat the rocks, and in further ces were cold fireworks of different sizes, rendering the colors of the night sky.

    She forgot that tonight was Valentine''s Night.

    It was supposed to be the day of the reunion, but she was imprisoned on an ind by a man who once had doted on her. At that time, she was pressed under him and epted his invasion in the open air.

    Irish hated it.

    His eyes were red again.

    After two nights of toil, coupled with the fact that he had just thrown her into the sea and she was almost drowned, Irish had lost the strength to resist.

    No matter how strong she was, there was only spiritual power left.

    No parts of her body seemed to be hers.

    She could only lie there, looking at the stars in the sky, and when the cool night wind came, the beach under her sleeping skirt was soft and cool, and the man on her body was hot.

    When Joseph''s slender fingers skillfully unbuttoned her, she could only murmur weakly. "No��"

    What did he think of her?

    Whore?

    Or worse than a prostitute?

    Maybe in his eyes, she was really inferior to a prostitute because even a prostitute had the right to demand a ce for intercourse.

    Joseph turned a deaf ear, and his thin lips fell on her cheek.

    She deflected her head with rejection.

    His kiss fell on her ear.

    Heughed, "Since you couldn''t avoid it, you might as well enjoy it."

    "You are shameless," Irish said word by word.

    She knew that this was the end of her fear of death and that she could only allow him to humiliate her when she was weak.

    Unexpectedly, when Joseph heard this, he smiled. He stared at her little face and his slender fingers drilled between her legs.

    Irish was horrified, but it didn''t help if she wanted to close her legs together.

 Chapter 689 689: I Won’t Hurt You Tonight

    His big hand had made her sensitive.

    "It''s too early to say that, Irish. After tonight, you think about whether it is better to use these two words to describe you or me."

    Irish turned her face to one side, and her white teeth pressed her thin lips.

    Joseph smiled softly, but the smile did not reach his eyes.

    His big hand moved slowly.

    All she felt was that the palm of a man''s hand was wide and hot, and it was as if it were burning when it covered her skin.

    Seeing her frown, Joseph bowed his head, and his sexy thin lips on her ears slightly opened, he whispered, "It is still swollen."

    She knew it.

    She was the only one who knew how much she was hurtst night.

    Despite this, it was clear that he did not intend to let her go. The strength of his palm kneading her was lighter and gentler, as if he was caring for delicate petals.

    Irish did not expect him to do so, and her body shivered.

    And there was a panic in her heart.

    She feared that the next second he would be a wolf-likest night venting on her.

    As if aware of Irish''s tenderness, Joseph''s lips always gently slid between her ears and her neck, and the heavy, hot muscr breath gently swept her earlobe.

    He smiled and said, "Don''t worry, I won''t hurt you tonight."

    Irish''s ears shivered.

    "Because I''m beginning to miss the sound of you beneath me." He was bing crueler and crueler.

    Irish bit tightly.

    Josephughed, using his lips and hands on her body.

    Irish had just begun to bear it, and gradually she felt a little hot. He kept stimting her most sensitive position, and her thighs began to tremble slightly.

    His hands were very sophisticated, and she felt a strange feeling rise with slight pain.

    He was patient, stared at her little face, and yed with her body calmly.

    She frowned slightly as the man''s slender fingers went in.

    Joseph bowed his head and kissed her cold red lips.

    His lips and his tongue were warm, like a warm current shuttling between her lips, covering her cold tongue.

    Though there was no such thing as yesterday''s domineering strength, Irish knew that Joseph was really hateful that night.

    He did this to her because he tried to force out her enthusiasm, forcing her to know that it was a humiliating game, and she could not help but groan and enjoy it.

    When the man''s slender fingers began to deepen slowly and gently, she wanted to clench her teeth.

    Her eyebrows frowned.

    The feeling of pain and heat in her lower body made her feel terrible.

    "Does it hurt?" Joseph asked in a low voice.

    Irish hated him, and her nose was sour.

    Seeing her red eyes, he looked at her cheek with a trace of haze. Quickly, he smiled. He was patient, and he put his big hand around her back neck with a little force so that her head had to lift slightly.

    Joseph kissed her lips inch by inch.

    His fingers were softer.

    In this way, Irish''s breathing increased a few times, and her heart also began to speed up. Again, a familiar feeling came out.

    She knew what was going on, so she did her best to reject the feeling. However, she could not control the physical changes, just as she couldn''t stop warm currents from quietly breeding somewhere.

    The one who knew best about her physical changes was Joseph.

    As his fingertips began to slide, the movements were getting smoother and smoother.

    Irish''s nose began to widen gently, and Joseph''s kiss became fierce.<novelnext></novelnext>

    His head moved down gradually.

    When his lips reached her delicate belly, Irish shivered all over, and her belly suddenly shrank.

    She reached out to stop his head from moving down.

    But Joseph reached for her wrists. She couldn''t resist his power.

    His lips slid down as his fingers gently pulled out. Then, when he was about to kiss her breast, the night sky in front of her suddenly brightened.

    It was the fireworks.

    It was blooming one after another above the sky.

    In the deepest part of her body, she became more sensitive under Joseph''s lips.

    Irish tightened her body and looked at the fireworks in the sky.

    She suddenly reacted.

    It turned out that Joseph carried her into a huge letter O of "SOS" made by cold fireworks, and he was making love with her.

    Irish became panicked, and she subconsciously struggled, staring at theyers of fireworks that bloomed around her.

    However, Joseph read her thoughts, looked up slightly with wild eyes, and smiled, pressing her uneasy body. He said, "These are cold fireworks, it can''t hurt you."

    "Joseph, you are a son of bitch!" Irish never thought she would do it one day in the middle of fireworks.

    If it were normal, she would think it was romantic.

    But could she think it was romantic at that time?

    After these three days in hell, she no longer believed the man would create any romance for her. Instead, all he wanted was to destroy her psychologically.

    Let her submit to him.

    And be willing to ept his humiliation.

    Joseph, however, was always smiling. Under the fireworks, his smile looked so light, but his eyes were so quiet and dark that even the light of the fireworks did not brighten his pupils.

    His head bowed down again.

    Irish''s body also shrank again.

    In this way, he was patient in stimting her body.

    Irish remembered that the automatic discharge system of these cold fireworks starts every 15 minutes.

    When she was finally sweating and sensitive enough, the fireworks on her head had bloomed twice.

    Joseph extended his forey much longer than before.

    Irish''s body became increasingly sensitive, and although her teeth bit her lips hard, there was a slight humming in her nasal cavity.

    On several asions, she was about to climb to the peak.

    But every time her body shrank to the point of orgasm, Joseph stopped moving. She began to be anxious and upset.

    Her body began to be more empty.

    She hated the man in front of her, but at the same time, she hoped that the man would save her.

    As if countless ants were crawling on the top of her body and then nibbling at her. Their itching was intolerable.

    Her legs wanted to cling to his waist to ease the tension, but Joseph reached out to stop her.

    Her buttocks began to rub under her sleeping skirt, and her naked toes clung together.

    She wanted to reach the feeling of release.

    But Joseph was so cruel that he stopped at the near peak every time and then went on and stopped again.

    Irish''s mouth was dry.

    This feeling was terrible.

 Chapter 690 690: She Couldn’t Stand It

    Her face began to turn, her hands on both sides sping the sand tightly, and her knuckles almost stuck in.

    Under the moonlight, in the fireworks, Joseph had taken off his clothes.

    So it was easy for her to see that thing in his crotch.

    Joseph was naturally familiar with her psychological craving. Seeing her try to turn her face, he smiled, reaching out over her face so that she could not turn a blind eye to him.

    This was definitely a thrill for Irish, who wanted to climb the peak repeatedly.

    She longed for something to enrich her.

    And he was the best choice.

    Irish''s heart slid on the steel wire, flickering left and right. She would rather Joseph give her some ecstasy so that even if she longed for it, she could convince herself that it was because of the drugs.

    But Joseph, who had made it clear that he was really patient, flirted with her.

    He disdains from giving her what she needs as his arrogant nature doomed him to be too keen on herpromise.

    Compromise and obedience from the bottom of her heart

    Then, he let her keep awake and knew how she wriggled unbearably under him.

    Irish finally couldn''t stand it.

    There was a cry-like sound in her nasal cavity and convulsions in the depths of her body.

    There was no need for him to hold her face, she could not help staring at his rise and could not move her eyes away.

    Her mouth became dry.

    Her body was like a fish in thirst. She had no time to care about fireworks. She just felt that her eyes were tired from the strong desire to get conquered by him, and it was excruciating.

    Joseph finally let her go.

    His tall body was gently pressed down.

    Her skin was uncontrolled to shiver when her legs felt the man''s heat. She longed for strong chest pressure, touching the man''s strong texture and feeling his burning temperature.

    He was in her legs.

    She consciously lifted her body to cooperate with him.

    Joseph smiled widely.

    His body did not press downpletely, but his lips came down.

    They gently stuck to her lips.

    Perhaps the fireworks were too beautiful, or people would be lost on such ate night.

    Perhaps she could not resist the most direct physical craving, and Joseph knew too well where she was sensitive, so he seeded in making her seem to have a drug addiction.

    When Joseph''s thin lips fell, she could not help but respond.

    But she gave herself an excuse.

    She was a mature woman, and her physical cognition was far more honest than the psychological, so was it not too much, right?

    Joseph was familiar with her body and became gentle that night afterst night''s violence. He knew too well how to make her have a desire.

    With her response, Joseph''s breath also became heavy.

    But he was not in a hurry to enter. Instead, he just touched her with his body and felt her getting hotter and hotter.

    Irish''s breathing became increasingly urgent, and her body wriggled uneasily.

    The undercurrent hit her sharply, and there was an urgent need for a release. Joseph sensed the eagerness of her body and erged the smile on his lips.

    He finally pressed down his body. Irish suddenly opened her mouth to gasp and raised her head high and backward.

    She felt that his strength was advancing slowly and firmly.

    She could feel every inch.

    She could not help shouting with his long advancing thing.<novelnext></novelnext>

    She felt that the thick power was filling her densely.

    Finally, when it was totally in, Irish suddenly tremble all over, and her crying also became sharp and trembling.

    Her body began to contract like a sponge.

    The strength was stronger thanst time. She finally climbed up to the clouds, and her body arched highly.

    Joseph gave her time to rest. Without the urge to act like a wolf, he enjoyed her tightness.

    When her body finally softened down, Joseph reached out to caress the sweat on her forehead and whispered in her ear, "You are such a woman to make a man proud."

    Irish was motionless, but her eyes were closed tightly, and her eyshes trembled gently.

    When joy passed, what had left in her heart was deep shame and self-deprecation.

    She even...

    Irish wanted to kill herself with a knife!

    Joseph smiled over her head and whispered, "There''s nothing to be ashamed of."

    Irish did not want to look into his eyes, for she was sure that there was nothing else in his eyes but satire.

    Then Joseph began to move.

    Irish''s body, which had just climbed to the peak, was already sensitive. When he moved, she shook.

    She reached out against his chest and shook her head as hard as he could.

    He pressed down and vacated his arm to hold her neck.

    The man was always slow.

    In the process, Joseph is also always with Irish''s closed eyes.

    Bowing his head, he kissed her long, trembling eyshes.

    Irish preferred him to hurry up to torture her.

    But that night, Joseph, who was different, always maintained a very calm speed to bend over to kiss her slowly for a long time.

    All the time, he kissed and stroked her gently.

    ? They made love many times over and over again.

    His speed had always been the same.

    His speed wasparable to that of the torrential rain.

    Irish''s body tightened again. Her toes were bent so badly that she was about to climb the clouds again from the sound and the look on her face.

    Her cheeks turned red and too beautiful to make him remove his eyes.

    Joseph understood her eagerness to grasp, but he did not change his speed and still tortured her deeply and slowly.

    But at this moment, he changed his angle every time he exercised.

    He began to do upward.

    He seemed to be looking for some of her sensitive points.

    Irish suddenly opened her eyes and stared at Joseph, trembling.

    And Joseph also stared at her.

    When the two looked at each other, the fireworks bloomed with the feeling in the depths of Joseph''s eyes.

    "Oh, my God, you��." On the forehead of Irish was crystal sweaty. Her nostrils widened, and her lips trembled more and more.

    Her fingers were deep in the white sand.

    Joseph stared at her, bent down, and gently bit her lips, but he still touched her point.

    Suddenly, Irish could not help but sp his neck and arch her back.

 Chapter 691 691: Don’t You Think That’s Serious?

    There was an uncontrolled cry from Irish''s mouth.

    Just then, the fireworks bloomed again to cater to her cry.

    Irish''s body shook, and she groaned for a long time, which she never had. Because, at this time, she felt different.

    The excitementsted longer than ever.

    Her wailing turned into groans and then to breathing, trembling, and convulsions. What exactly did he do to her?

    This time, Joseph no longer gave her breathing time.

    He did not stop for a second as she tightened and wailed up to the top, changed his slow pace, and began to make the speed rise and fall.

    He gasped heavily at her body.

    He became wild.

    Irish''s brain was nk, feeling like a boat in the waves, bumping in the storm.

    ****

    The house of the Lake family waspletely empty.

    Although Shirley did not want to do so, she could not help and finally had to live in Roy''s house first after receiving thewyer''s letter.

    William Lake''s family originally wanted to wait for Irish toe back for the acquisition of the old house, but they did not wait for her to appear. Later, through Joseph, they knew that she had gone on holiday. Joseph meant that Irish''s private property legally owned Lake''s old house, so no one was allowed to move in without the consent of the owner.

    Therefore, William also moved out of the old house in anger.

    At this time, Shirley was so depressed that Ruby''s affairs made herpletely lose face.

    She had tried to find the girl named Emery, hoping that she could leave Ruby, butter, Ruby learned about it and simply moved into Emery''s house after a big quarrel with her.

    It never urred to Shirley that one day she would object to a woman whom her daughter was dating.

    One day, William Lake unexpectedly came to Roy, saying they would have a holiday together, but when Roy returned home and just sat down, William exined his intention.

    He hoped Roy would suspend work at the airport and return to the Runestone Group to take control of the entire operation.

    Roy was not interested in these things, and when he heard this, he was impatient. He said it was good that Joseph was looking at thepany, as he did not know about the diamond industry, so he could not help thepany.

    After hearing this, Shirley began to persuade Roy, "Your uncle and I made a decision together. Roy, why can''t you see the situation clearly?"

    "What is the situation now?" Roy was puzzled.

    Shirley began to analyze, "Although you are a major shareholder, Joseph now absorbs a portion of the Lake''s shares, which is almost the same as yours in equity holdings. Is there anyone from the Lake family working in the wholepany now? What does it mean that even your uncle''s position has not been stored so far? It means that the Runestone Group is now Joseph''s world, and he just wants to take it and remove every member of the Lake family from thepany."<novelnext></novelnext>

    "How is that possible?" Lilith, who had been sulking at food, could not help but speak and murmur, "My brother-inw is not that kind of person."

    "Why do you still call him brother-inw? Who he marries makes you call him brother-inw?" Shirley yelled at her in a low voice.

    Lilith looked aggrieved. "Even if he''s not with Ruby, he''s still with my second sister. Sooner orter, I should call him brother-inw."

    "What''s the mess? How do you know about the rtionship details between Joseph and Irish?" Shirley wrinkled her eyebrows.

    "What? Don''t you know? They are in a rtionship," Lilith said.

    Shirley stared at her with a cold face, "Keep on eating. If you don''t help at Lake''s house, just forget it. Don''t mess with me. Do you think I don''t know about your movements in Florida? I''ll handle your affairster!"

    Lilith quickly shut up.

    At this time, Shirley and Kelly were on the same team.

    "Roy, let''s see. The Lake is basically here, but are any of us working for thepany? You can no longer stand idly. Even if you do nothing in the Runestone Group, at least you let the wholepany know that the Lake family is still in charge."

    "Does it make sense to fight for this false title? We all know Joseph is a more reliable and capable person to handle the entire Runestone Group." Roy frowned his eyebrows.

    Shirley was shocked.

    William sighed after hearing the words. "Well, I''ll tell you something meaningful." He adjusted his sitting posture. "Just a few years ago, Joseph kicked out the only three old shareholders left in the Lake family from the board of directors. Don''t you think that''s serious?"

    Roy was stunned. "Why don''t I know about this?" He was the chairman of the board of directors, but he just knew that.

    "Because you gave Joseph all the power to appoint." William looked serious. "He has your authorization, and he also owns a stake in the Lake family, so he is more fearless in shuffling his card. Roy, as the eldest son of the Lake, you must return to the Runestone Group; otherwise, it will be sooner orter for Joseph to annex thepany."

    Roy kept silent.

    "There''s one more thing you don''t know." William added quickly, whose tone was a little hesitant and small, "It should be said

    that none of us must know."

    As soon as Shirley heard it, she urged him to speak quickly.

    Even Lilith looked up at him curiously, wondering what it was.

    William took a deep breath and thought about it for a long time. "Roy, I suspect your father''s death has something to do with Joseph."

    Hearing that, Shirley''s whole body trembled.

    And Roy felt like he heard a fantasy. "Uncle, are you okay? How do youe to such a conclusion for no reason? Is that what you''re gonna tell me?"

    "What is it ''for no reason''?" William frowned. "To be honest, I have no personal grudges against Joseph. I have only words about him on business. Originally I didn''t want to doubt him, but the more I thought about it, the more wrong it was. I thought our family had already fallen into Joseph''s careful design trap. Before your father died, the two of them had quarreled many times, and once at the Lake''s house, I heard it myself. I heard your father yell at Joseph, saying he was retaliating on business and disobeyed his decision to cut down his power. And Joseph said that your father was old, and this was not his age. The two quarreled a lot. Then it happened that Leo made a blow against the Runestone Group, and I wondered how things could be so coincidental. Leo could do that at any time, but why did he do that when your father returned to the board of directors?"

 Chapter 692 692: What Kind Of Grudge?

    Roy looked at him, raising his eyebrows. "Uncle, you want to say that Joseph killed my father? Is there any evidence?"

    "I think there must have been someone else who heard the two arguments, and more importantly, your father was not in good health, but why was he so vulnerable? He experienced the Sexy Photo ident, so it''s reasonable that your father''s psychological endurance is extreme. How can Ruby''s affair directly lead to his death?"

    Shirley opened her eyes widely. "Do you mean Joseph put medicine on Henry? Oh, my God, I remember. Joseph came to the Lake''s house before Henry''s death. And the bowl with food was brought by him to the study room that a housekeeper should do."

    William nodded heavily, "There''s absolutely something wrong with that."

    Roy listened to that, annoyed, "That''s impossible. Joseph can''t do such a thing."

    "Do you know the feud between Joseph''s family and the Lake family?" William asked.

    Roy was surprised, "Feud? What kind of grudge?

    His words made Shirley and Kelly also puzzled.

    William said in a heavy tone, "I also identally learned about it in my early years, and then your father made me swear that I would never tell anyone else about it for the rest of my life. I swear, so I never mentioned it to you. But now, I suspect that Joseph has ulterior motives. He has stayed in the Runestone Group for so many years because he wants to get the things of the Dover family back."

    Later, William said what had happened between Lake and Dover''s family at that time, and finally, he added, "Morally speaking, the Lake family was sorry for his family, but for the business growth, this is inevitable. At that time, Joseph''s family was already in that kind of situation. Even if the Lake family did note forward, otherpanies were eyeing it covetously. This is a cruel rule in the business world, and no one can help it."

    Roy sat in his chair and could not say a word for a moment. All he knew was that Dover''s family and the Lake family were friends. He knew that his father treated Joseph as his own son and paid for his education. He could not have thought that there was a secret behind that.

    Shirley could not resist, "Joseph must have done it. We have to call the police. We can''t just let him go! Oh, my God, it is horrible! It turns out we''ve been raising an ungrateful man!"

    Lilith couldn''t bear it anymore. She put the fork on the table, "How can you think of him like that? He has been taking care of thepany all these years. If he wants to swallow the Runestone Group, he doesn''t have to wait until now."<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Silly daughter, you don''t understand what''s going on in the business world." William did not yell at Lilith to shut up but exined with great patience, "Joseph was right, he has stayed in the Runestone Group for many years, but he came back from abroad suddenly and sat in the position of the general manager. He has not been in power all the time. Think about it. As soon as he became general manager at the beginning of the year, he began to be bold. The first unlucky thing was Jack, who owns Lake''s shares. He has been our original shareholder since the Runestone Group was founded. What just urred? He questioned Joseph''s management ability on the board of directors, and he was kicked out. And Joseph gave us an ount that Jack used his position to make money. I do not know if you believe or do not believe. I really know what kind of person Jack is. The Runestone Group is not so easy to annex, so Joseph has to find an opportunity. During this time, he constantly umted contacts and channel resources, and his motive was to silently remove the people of the Lake family from Runestone Group and change into his people. He will not openly seize thepany because everyone will know that. What he wanted was to force the Runestone Group to be unable to leave him and let everyone know that he is the real master of the Runestone Group."

    Roy opened his mouth for a long time. "Uncle, even if the rtionship between his family and the Lake is true, the following are spection. We have no evidence that Joseph killed my father or that he has been trying to annex the Runestone Group."

    William looked helplessly at Roy. "I think you have be stupid. Who can tell the truth, whether it is true or not, in the business world? What you see is all superficial harmony. Take the current Runestone Group as an example, it looks quite normal, the stock price is also stable, and the drilling and mining side is also good. But Roy, you can go to thepany to see if there are shareholders on the board of directors are the Lake family. You can ask the staff who is the hero of the Runestone Group in their hearts. I think you also understand that when a soldier''s glory covers the emperor''s, the soldier will conspire to usurp the throne if the emperor does not eradicate the soldier."

    "Roy, your uncle is right. You can''t take it lightly. Now the Lake family is counting on you." Shirley got angry at the thought of being driven out of the Lake''s house by Irish. She would like to find her and p her.

    Roy sighed.

    "It doesn''t matter if you question me. Why don''t you go back to thepany for a while and watch it yourself?" William persuaded him painstakingly.

    Roy was silent for a long time and said, "I can go back and see what''s going on." Then, as several of them turned happy, he added, "but I have one condition."

    "Oh, my son, what are the conditions for you to go back to your ownpany?" Shirley said in a hurry.

    Roy frowned. "If you don''t say yes, I won''t go to thepany." At the end of the conversation, he got up and prepared to go.

    William hastened to reach for Roy, "What is the condition, say it."

    Roy''s eyes fell on Shirley''s face. "Don''t set me up with Lynn Siewert. We are impossible. I already have a woman I like. Mom, I''ll marry her this May. The condition is that you can''t object to us."

    "What?" Shirley stood up as soon as he heard it. "Son, are you going to marry? That''s a good thing, why do I object? Who is the woman, and how about her family?"

 Chapter 693 693: She Has A High Fever

    Lilith also widened her eyes and said, "Roy, you want to get married to Cassie, do you?" Everyone knew that he had wooed Cassie in public during thepany''s annual meeting, but no one would take it seriously because Roy''s reputation had always been bad. Everyone knew that Mr. Lake''s eldest son was a famous yboy, and it was just a whim to woo Cassie.

    Therefore, Lilith was a little angry. She was angry about how he could have an idea about his female employees, and the friendship between Cassie and her was really good. Her eldest brother really did not consider her feelings.

    But that day, Lilith was a little surprised when she heard Roy say that. Was Roy serious this time? But had Cassie not married Fredrick?

    Shirley had a sharp ear. She said, "Cassie?" She was suspicious and reacted at once, staring at Roy. "Is she a good friend of Irish? The girl who came to the old housest time?"

    Roy did not shy away at all and replied briskly, "That''s her."

    "No!" Shirley refused, "You can marry anyone, but you can''t marry her! It''s okay that you don''t want to develop any rtionship with Lynn, but you have to marry at least a girl matching your status, don''t you? How can she be worthy of you? What can she do for you?"

    Roy seemed to have expected this attitude, and when she had finished saying this, he said, "Then, don''t force me back to work for the Runestone Group."

    "Roy." Shirley was sad. "You know if you marry Lynn, our family can be saved. At least we can use the strength of her family topete with Joseph."

    Roy smiled. "Mom, what do you think of my marriage? Just an exchange for your chips?"

    "You were born in our family without the right to choose, just as your father and I did. Without the support of my family, the Channing, at that time, the Lake family would have copsed in the financial crisis during that year. Do you know the most fundamental reason why Joseph''s family didn''t survive the financial crisis? Because Joseph''s father married a girl from an ordinary family, and look what happened? What can Cassie''s family do in the event of something going wrong in our family? Nothing at all!"

    Roy turned a deaf ear and said, "I have settled down the marriage with Cassie. Even if I do not have your permission, I will marry her. And will no longer pay attention to the Runestone Group. Don''t bother me with this mess."

    "You��"

    "Shirley, you''d better agree. Now the Runestone Group is more important than anything. Besides, as long as Roy likes her, it''s the most important. Do you still want to see your son live an unhappy life every day like yours?" William persuaded.

    "But..."

    "I think it''s good." Kelly said, "The girl Roy marries will be the Lake family. Since she is Irish''s good friend, when Irish faces us, she would take into ount the feelings of that girl and could even influence Joseph."

    After hearing the words, Roy frowned.

    Shirley listened to this, her eyebrows rxed. Why didn''t she think of that? Finally, after a moment of silence, she cleared my throat. "Okay, I can agree, but you have to get back to work at once."

    Roy sighed with relief and replied, "Okay."

    Lilith was bewildered by this and hastened to ask, "Roy, you want to marry Cassie? Does she know that?"

    It was too strange.

    Before Roy could answer, Shirley wondered, "What do you mean ''does she know that'' all about?"

    "Well, Cassie has a boyfriend." Lilith was puzzled. Was she toocent? Or was the world changing fast?

    Shirley smiled when she heard that, "What''s wrong with a boyfriend? Is it not normal to see these young people change their lovers every day?" She quickly changed her tone after listening to William''s words, and her attitude changed so fast too. Cassie was not a nightmare for her at this time, but a cheese piece that could be used to restrain Irish and Joseph.

    So, how could she let the chess slip away?

    Lilith opened her mouth and was speechless.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Roy gently answered Lilith''s question. He looked at her and said, "Cassie has promised to marry me. The man she loves is me, not Fredrick."

    "What?" Lilith waspletely dizzy.

    ****

    Irish was ill.

    After the ultimate intercourse, she waspletely overdrawn by her exhausted body.

    Lying in bed, confused, feeling cold and hot, there many cold sweats on her.

    The world in front of her was bing increasingly blurred, and she always saw a white light flicker, spreading out one by one and then gradually exploding.

    She felt that she was dying.

    She felt like someone in a trance held her up, and her mouth was bitter, as if someone had given her medicine.

    Then she lost consciousness and fell into the boundless darkness.

    In the bedroom, the doctor measured Irish''s temperature.

    Joseph sat by the bed and asked, "How about that?"

    "She has a high fever of 40 degrees. I have just given her an antipyretic injection."

    "Why does she still have 40 degrees after you gave her a fever shot?" Ran frowned suddenly.

    The doctor hurriedly replied, "It still depends on her physique. It doesn''t mean that everyone can get rid of the fever as soon as they get an injection. She is already weaker, and the people with poor resistance have a low ability to ept the medicine. Please wait, I will prescribe some more medicine for her. As long as you take good care of her, her fever will be relieved."

    After sending the doctor away, Joseph returned to the bed and looked at Irish, who was lying on the bed silently. He sighed heavily.

    There was no one on the ind, but he had to order the doctor toe over again because of her high fever.

    Outside the window, fireworks were still in the sky.

    It was four o''clock in the morning since she fainted on the beach. She had been talking nonsense and saying she was cold.

    Joseph leaned against the bed and reached the slow dripping.

    Then he took her hand to his lips and kissed her fingertips.

    Her fingers had sped around his neck a few hours ago. And she had gasped violently by his ears. But at this moment, she lost consciousness.

    Her skin flushed with a high fever, but her cheeks were unusually pale, and her forehead was covered with thin beads of sweat. When he saw her frown ufortably, he came forward and reached for her brow.

    But the temperature on her cheek almost burned him.

 Chapter 694 694: I Won’t Hurt You, Good Girl

    Joseph found the ethyl alcohol.

    When the dripping was done, he helped bring down her fever with ethyl alcohol, ording to what the doctor had said.

    He sat on the bed, reaching out to gently unbutton her.

    The flushed skin was exposed.

    The woman who was burned trembled subconsciously and then murmured, "Please don''t��"

    The word "don''t" hurt Joseph, and his eyebrows also frowned painfully. Did she reject him? Even at this point, in her subconscious mind, she still repelled him.

    The woman on the bed was very ufortable. She murmured, frowning more tightly.

    Without thinking, Joseph took off her clothes, and she struggled.

    Finally, Joseph had to stop, bending over and holding her. He gently said beside her ear, "I won''t hurt you, good girl."

    In his arms, Irish was quiet. Her eyes closed, and her eyshes trembled gently.

    Joseph gently let hery down and took off all her clothes.

    After taking the cotton ball with alcohol, he began to wipe her body to cool down. At first, Irish rejected it, and gradually, she calmed down. Her breath began to soften, and her eyebrows loosened.

    Joseph wiped her body over and over again until her reddish skin began to cool down.

    Irish''s breath became normal, and it could be seen that she was better.

    Joseph did not dare to sleep, afraid that she would continue to have a fever. An hourter, he brought the medicine and sat beside her bed, holding her with the medicine in one hand.

    But Irish did not cooperate. She did not take the medicine. Her lips and teeth closed tightly.

    "Take the medicine," Joseph whispered beside her ear.

    Irish still rejected it.

    Joseph looked at her little face. He took pity on her, but he also wanted tough. He sighed beside her ear, "Even at present, you still do not forget to fight with me, right?"

    Irish''s head was on his neck with her eyes closed.

    When he sighed, he thought he could feed her directly.

    He took a sip of the medicine and then gently sent it into her lips.

    The medicine was slowly fed into her mouth, and there was an unhappy sound from her nasal cavity until thest drop was finished.

    But atst, he was reluctant to let her go, and the action of feeding directly turned into a kiss. He nibbled at her lip and enjoyed her fragrance.

    He didn''t let go of her lips until she struggled.

    And he put her in his arms and sighed, "Isabel, what am I supposed to do with you?"

    When it was dawn, Irish felt cold all over.

    She began to tremble as if she were in a cold grotto.

    And Joseph, who had always been lying beside her, did not sleep calmly. He closed his eyes and felt that the woman beside him was trembling from time to time. He suddenly opened his eyes and heard her murmur, "Cold..."

    He hugged her quickly and covered her with a quilt.

    Irish crept into his arms, and her cheeks clung to his neck, looking for warmth.

    Joseph simply took off his shirt and clung to her skin, and she clung to him more tightly like a helpless child, looking for a way home.

    There was a pain in his heart, and his arms tightened her, making his wide chestpletely close to her. She stopped saying cold and wrapped around him like a dodder.

    She felt that there was such a trace of a warm current after the coldness.

    But there was still a long alley in front of her.

    She curled up in the corner, looking alert and paying attention to everything around her.

    Then she saw the little boy with the greenntern, whose shoes were illuminated by thentern.<novelnext></novelnext>

    The little boy walked into the long alley holding her tiny hand.

    She said with tears that she was afraid.

    The little boy told her, "Don''t be afraid, I will get you out of here."

    The voice was so good and tender, which could bring her a full sense of security.

    It was not until she walked out of the alley that she felt it was not so cold.

    The little boy always held her hand and asked, "Are you still afraid?"

    She shook her head.

    "But why are you still crying?"

    She sobbed, "I can''t find my mother. Can you help me find her?"

    The little boy nodded, "Okay, I will help you."

    She finally burst into a smile. But then she was worried, "What if you can''t find my mother?"

    The little boy thought, "Well. I''ll take care of you until you find your mother."

    "That''s very kind of you." She was relieved.

    The little boy smiled. His eyes were bright, making him more handsome. "Brother, are you my boyfriend?"

    "Boyfriend?"

    She nodded hard, with a tear on her cheek. "A sister living beside me said that boyfriends are always taking care of their girlfriends. If you are my boyfriend, then I am your girlfriend, so you can take care of me."

    "But...you look very young."

    "Can I be your girlfriend when I grow up?" She asked him seriously.

    "Well..."

    When she saw him hesitating, she was afraid that the only one who could protect her was gone, even though she had only known him shortly. She pulled his sleeve and swayed gently, choking. She said in a delicate voice, "Please..."

    When the little boy saw her crying again, he nodded at once. "Well, I promise you. When you grow up, you will be my girlfriend, okay?"

    She was happy and stretched out her little hand. "Okay."

    "Great." The little boy also stretched out his little hand.

    "Brother." In aa, Irish murmured softly, like the sound of mosquitoes.

    Joseph, who hugged her tightly, heard it. He looked up at her. Seeing that her lips move, he bent over.

    He heard her call "Brother".

    Brother?

    Joseph did not know who she was calling.

    He frowned gently. How much did he wish he could hear his name from her mouth?

    Irish pressed her head against his chest, whispering, "Don''t leave me."

    The light sound of the woman was like a knife cutting his chest.

    Joseph couldn''t help to tighten his arm and hug her.

    He murmured beside her ear, "Isabel, I will not leave you. Even if you do not love me, I will not let you go."

    He admitted it.

    He preferred that "Don''t leave me" from her mouth had been spoken to him.

 Chapter 695 695: If You Kill A Man, I Will Trust You

    At this time, he didn''t want to go deeper into her dreams. Who exactly did she say not to leave her? Perhaps that sentence was told to the man she most loved, but he was also willing to fool himself.

    Even if she told him how well she had been with Adam before.

    Even if she insulted him sarcastically by saying that he would rather want a woman who loved another man.

    He didn''t care. He didn''t want to care about another man in her heart, and he didn''t want to care about her first love and how gentle and affectionate she had been in bed with Adam. He just wanted her. As long as she could stay with him, and even if she didn''t love him, he was willing to do so.

    Although his heart would bleed, it was better than letting her go.

    ****

    At the balcony, Jay leaned on the wall in a corner.

    At that time, the clock''s hand was pointed at 03:00, and someone came up.

    It was Lenard.

    He took a bag in his hand with two cans of beer in it.

    Seeing Jay, he threw one of the beers at him.

    Jay reached for it.

    He opened it and drank.

    Lenard walked to Jay, and he also opened his beer, drinking. He looked in the distance and casually said, "Kevin has applied for you. As long as you catch the three of them, you can go back to New York."

    Jay nodded, saying nothing. He continued drinking.

    Lenard looked at him, and saw him disheveled, sighing, "Are you all right?"

    Jay was silent for a moment. His eyes were fixed. He raised his hand and rubbed her face, "If our brother is fine," he said, "I''m fine."

    "It''s not your fault. If it were me, I would have done the same." Lenardforted him.

    Jay shook his head, putting his finger into his hair. He pulled his hair, drinking all the rest of the beer. He pinched the can, and it was deformed in his hand. He threw it hard and got up to kick it to the wall.

    "What the fuck!"

    "Jay!" Lenard knew that his psychological pressure was too great, so he pulled him up. "Kevin has seen him. He will be alright. Don''t worry!"

    Jay got rid of him and staggered to the handrail, putting his hands on the concrete wall. He shook in pain. "You don''t understand what it''s like to point a gun at your man!"

    What happened was vivid before his eyes.

    In this lifetime, he would never forget.

    When Killer hade up to him, staring at him, he had told them a guy had entered the group who had been sent by the police. When hearing this, Jay''s heart thumped, and his first reaction had been that his identity had been exposed.

    But Jay had been calm all the time. He had been in and out of the poison nest for so many years, so what kind of wind and waves had he not seen? On more than one asion, he had been suspected of being a spy, but he fooled them. So he didn''t show much emotion before Killer because it could also be the usual trick of drug dealers.

    It was Carmen who couldn''t be calm.

    She walked to Killer in a hurry and asked, "What are you talking about? You''re suspicious of Alva now, right?"<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Can''t I? After all, how long have you known him?" Killer looked at Carmen with a cold face.

    Hearing what he said, Carmen was outspoken. "Alva is the one who saved my life. I''m sure he won''t betray me."

    Beside her, Poison said with a strange smile, "Carmen, it may also be a y performed by others, and you believe it."

    "What do you mean?" Carmen was anxious.

    Jay reached for her and whispered, "Calm down."

    "Alva, can you swallow your anger when everyone else bullies you?" Carmen was angry.

    Jay looked at Killer. "I''m not a canch, and I''m not capable of being that. To put it bluntly, I''m just trying to earn a living. It''s simple. If you don''t believe me, okay, you can give me a shoot."

    "Do you think I dare not?" Killer was tough, and he did not allow others to threaten him. He was angry and pressed a gun up at Jay''s head.

    "Leave him alone; otherwise, I will kill you!" Carmen was in a hurry, pushing Killer away, and stood in front of Jay.

    "Carmen, are you crazy? You can''t tell who your partner is? Believe it or not, I will shoot you."

    Then Jay pulled Carmen behind and looked at Killer. "Don''t threaten her, I can handle it."

    "Alva..."

    Poison pped, "Well, how lovely you are. Carmen, do I need to congratte you on finding a man who is really good to you?"

    "Don''t watch the fun over there!" Carmen red at him.

    Poison shrugged his shoulders.

    Jay looked at Killer, but he said to Carmen, "If he suspected me, he would shoot. He didn''t shoot, so he was testing me."

    Carmen looked at Killer with a face of vignce.

    After hearing these words, Killer sneered and took back the gun. "Good boy, you''re very smart. There is no wonder why Carmen works so hard to protect you."

    Seeing him say so, Jay was rxed.

    Killer sat back on the sofa, putting his legs on the coffee table, and continued to smoke a cigar. He spat the smoke out and smiled, "To tell you the truth, I don''t trust anyone because anyone here has the possibility of betraying me. You are Alva, right? You said that you are not a canch. Okay. If you kill a man, I will trust you."

    "Who?" Jay was alert.

    With the cigar, Killer pointed his finger, and the bodyguard on the opposite side made way.

    Jay saw that he was referring to the man who had been beaten to death.

    "This man followed me for three years and then fucking knew he was a cop!" Killer said, rising. He walked to the man, lifting his foot and kicking. The man hummed.

    "He almost killed me. Fortunately, I knew there was a canch because someone told me, damn it!" Killer said with a murderous face. Then he pressed the cigar against the man''s neck.

    The man''s cry was mixed with the burning voice of the flesh, making people panic.

 Chapter 696 696: You Snort This?

    Killer got up and signaled to the bodyguard around him.

    The bodyguard came forward and gave the gun to Jay.

    Jay, holding the gun, felt the coldness deep in his heart.

    So, this man was hispanion?

    "If you kill him for me, I''ll believe you''re not a canch." Killer went back to the sofa and sat down, saying slowly.

    When Carmen heard this, she made a sigh of relief and pulled Jay. "You just need to kill someone. You have shot the police, right? I thought it was a big deal. It''s better to kill him quickly than to be suspected."

    Jay walked forward with a gun. He knew that everyone was watching him. But he also knew that once he shot, his colleague would die. Did he really want to use other people''s lives to save his life?

    For a moment, he wanted to point the gun at Killer and shoot others.

    But if he did that, he would kill himself. Even if he had the skills to escape, it wouldn''t help if he took three of them back to the police station. They had no deal now, and there was no direct evidence of arresting them!

    Jay walked up to the man and slowly raised his gun.

    The man looked up and looked powerlessly at Jay.

    His face and neck were bleeding, and he seemed to have suffered a lot.

    When Jay''s eyes fell on his face, he trembled violently.

    He bowed his head when he first saw him. And he recognized him when he saw him clearly.

    He was indeed a policeman, and he was his schoolmate. The reason for his impression was that the Academy had held a basketball game at that time, and he had defeated Jay several times as the main force of another team, so Jay remembered it.

    Then he dropped out of school.

    Jay was clear, it was not because of fighting but because he showed amazing endurance during the special training, so it was likely that he was sent to be undercover.

    Working undercover was very hard, just like Jay. He was basically removed from the police in the first few years. Not only that, but he also received the most stringent training, he even couldn''t sleep well, and they needed to control themselves not to have a sleep talk. What''s more, his mobile phone cards were never fixed.

    During that time, he almost thought of death, but when he thought of the drug dealers, he put up with it.

    But at present, in front of Jay, the man was almost dead. More importantly, he had to shoot at the man, and if he didn''t, the situation would be even more dangerous.

    The man in front of him also seemed to recognize Jay.

    At the end of his death, the hand he put on his body moved a little, and then his finger moved.

    Jay sensed the subtle movements. After seeing the message from his fingers, Jay suddenly felt great grief.

    That was the code they had to learn alone while they were under training as undercover, and the man''s instruction to Jay was to shoot.

    Jay''s hand with a gun was hesitant for a few seconds. He nodded gently at Jay again to shoot him immediately.

    Jay''s throat choked suddenly, and the grief in his heart turned into anger.

    Then, with a slight deviation of his gun, he mmed the trigger and heard a bang, and the gun went off.<novelnext></novelnext>

    The bullet hit the man in the heart, and blood flowed to the ground.

    Carmen put her arms around Jay and watched Killer. "Do you believe him now?"

    Killer stared at Jay and smiled gloomily.

    "He''s not bad."

    Jay did not dare to see the appearance of his colleagues again, turning around. He threw the gun to the bodyguard and watched Killer, "Do you want me to deal with the body for you?"

    "You don''t have to do it." Killer called two bodyguards forward, "Move him out and deal with it quickly. Be careful, don''t leave any trace."

    The two bodyguards nodded and dragged the man away.

    "Alva, well done, do you want to make money with me?" Killer put the cigar aside and asked.

    Jay replied, "Of course."

    Laughing, Killer took out a metal box and poured some white powder out of it. He put it on the table. "If you take it, I''ll make you rich."

    Jay frowned a little. The thing on the table was top heroin. He knew it without smelling it.

    "Dare not?"

    "Man, I''ve never taken it." Jay smiled gently. "I just want to make money, but I don''t want to get addicted to this thing."

    "Young man, you should know how to enjoy your life. This thing has no harm, and it will only let you see the world more clearly." Killer sneered, "Those so-called people who receive detoxification just can not afford it. But you can rest assured that if you want this thing, I will provide it for you all this life."

    Killer''s words sounded generous, but there existed subtle danger in his smiling. Jay knew thatmunicating with this kind of person was just like walking into a pool of crocodiles. You never knew whether these crocodiles would bite you off at the very moment.

    The heroin in front of him was a test. If he refused it again, it would generate doubt from Killer.

    As he hesitated about it, Carmen gave her hands to him. She looked at Killer, not happy. "Why do you threaten him? Alva never has this. You are menacing him."

    And then she turned her head to Jay, "Do not listen to him."

    "Do not listen to me? Okay. Do not let him appear in front of me!" Killer got angry easily, and his slow voice was wrapped with danger, "Only if he snorts it that he is by our side. Otherwise, get out of here. But today, he knew what I and Poison looked like. It will be hard for him to get out of this ce."

    "Killer!" Carmen was anxious.

    Killer interrupted her and said slowly, "Do not be so anxious. I do it for a reason to exin to Evil Angel. After all, I cannot be responsible for this. Can you? Carmen, you alone snort this, actually. Why not share this with Alva?"

    Carmen was very embarrassed to hear about this.

    Jay pulled Carmen and frowned lightly. "You snort this?" He was amazed that she had cheated on him.

    Carmen got nervous, pulling his hands with an anxious voice, "Alva. I''m not meant to cheat you. I am afraid that you will look down upon me if you know it, so.. so I haven''t told you about it. I really didn''t mean to lie."

    Jay was clear now.

    "So, do you have any interests? Carmen likes drugs. You should try it." Killer persuaded him superficially, but his eyes were filled with doubt and suspicion.

 Chapter 697 697: You Have A Bad Memory

    Jay had a clear idea of his question and aggressiveness. Looking at the heroin on the table, he thought for a while and then walked forward.

    "Alva..." Carmen was surprised.

    Jay crouched down and approached, snorting it with great strength. The entire heroin was snorted by him.

    "Good boy!" Killer pped andughed.

    The amount was a little great. After snorting all of it, Jay felt as if something were bumping his head. He felt disgusted and terrible.

    Killer''s face in his eyes got distorted. He stopped the desire to vomit and smiled, "As you know, my girlfriend likes this, so I should follow her."

    Poisonughed, and his doubt disappeared. He thumbed at Jay, "Such a sweet couple."

    Carmen was so concerned about Jay, so she supported him immediately, "Are you okay?"

    "No issues" Jay pulled away his arms and embraced Carmen into his bosom, "Do you believe me now?"

    Killer watched him for a while with arge smile, "Good." And then he looked at Carmen, "I will notify you next time when we have a trade. Let him be with you. I think he''s good."

    Carmen nodded.

    Killer and Poison stood up and left with their guardians.

    As they left, Jay rushed into the washroom and fell down.

    Carmen was terrified and also followed him. Seeing Jay''s fingers trembling, she cried and hugged him tightly, "Alva... Alva."

    Jay pushed her away and rushed to the faucet, drinking water with all his strength, shouting at Carmen, "Water...Please give me water."

    Carmen saw his pale face and shattering body. She knew that it was a normal reaction as he had drugs for the first time. But she was nervous about his health, so she just rushed out to get some water for him.

    As soon as Carmen ran out of the room, Jay took out his phone and dialed.

    Soon it got through.

    He just said, "One of our buddies got shot 2 centimeters away from the heart. He might be near my apartment. Please help me."

    And then he hung up and deleted the dialing record.

    At this moment, Carmen went back with a big bottle of water and said rapidly, "Drink some water."

    Jay got it and drank it immediately.

    Later he knew that the colleague getting shot was taken by the ambnce. Once he went to the hospital and was found him in a deepa, he was so devastated. Nobody knew when he would wake up. His wife apanied him day and night while his child was doing homework.

    Jay felt terrible, so he gave some money to the wife by the name of the patient''s friend.

    The wife said that she realized this day woulde. She also persuaded his husband not to follow those drug dealers, but he didn''t listen to her. Now the bad luck finally came.

    Jay couldn''t tell her the truth that his colleague was actually undercover, but he also didn''t know how tofort her.

    The colleague''s son was clever, neither crying nor shouting. While giving him toys, he asked Jay, "Could the toy be sold for money? I want to save my Dad."

    Jayforted him that his Dad would wake up one day. He asked what he would like to be when he grew up.

    The child told him firmly that he would like to be a policeman so that he could take all the bad guys to prison.

    Jay felt very sorry for it.

    Lenard totally understood his feelings.

    A stable life was a luxury for a policeman.

    So many colleagues were broken down, and their wives and children even deserted some. What''s more, some became single for the rest of their life, and some evenmitted suicide.

    Jay had seen so many bad things, and these were all caused by interests driven by drugs. Cracking down on drug trafficking was necessary, and they were in suits. It was their responsibility to do it.

    "It is decided to send him into a first-tier city for treatment when it is with lower risks: Be assured that his family''s life can be guaranteed." Lenard drank off the bear and said.

    Jay nodded

    "Make it done on the seventeenth of this month!" He vowed it firmly.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Lenard walked forward and patted his shoulders, "Keep going. Think about Lilith.

    Lenard left.

    Jay didn''t leave at once.

    He lit another cigarette and looked at his front.

    Yes, Lilith.

    He missed her so much.

    ****

    As Irish opened her eyes, there was sunshine outside the window. Birds were flying over, leaving vague shadows on the curtain.

    She was a little puzzled.

    She didn''t know where she was.

    Someone knocked at the door and came in. A man''s smiling face appeared, "Irish, if you do not get up now, our n to go sightseeing will be deserted."

    Irish was more confused.

    It was Adam.

    Seeing her sitting on the bed, puzzled, Adam walked in with his smiling face, surrounding her with his arms. He kissed his lips lightly, "What are you thinking about?"

    Irish blinked her eyes, staring at his clear face.

    She found that this face was the same as Joseph''s.

    Her breath became more and more rapid. She couldn''t tell Adam from Joseph.

    It was Adam who made breakfast. His tall figure was the same as Joseph''s.

    She couldn''t stop asking, "Adam, was that you who pulled me out of the long alley when I was little?"

    Adam put the breakfast in front of her with a light smile, "You have a bad memory. I have told you so many times that it was I who saved you."

    "And then? What happened?" Irish asked anxiously.

    Adam raised his eyebrow, "And then we found your mother."

    Irish was silent. She didn''t think it was right.

    It was on Saturday when there was a traffic jam.

    Adam stopped his car many times.

    Irish was extraordinarily silent.

    Adam turned up the music to diffuse the quietness in the car.

    "What are you thinking about?" Adam asked her after a while. This was the most frequent question he had been asking in the morning.

    Irish recovered. "Ah, nothing."

    Looking at her. Adamughed and touched her hair. "Keep the hair longer,"

    "Why?"

    "It looks good."

    Looking at her face in the mirror, she felt it was strange.

    As she looked out of the window, she was shocked and opened the door immediately.

    Adam braked quickly.

    And then Irish rushed out.

 Chapter 698 698: I Can Help You If You Behave Politely

    The figure at the corner of the street got vaguer.

    Irish couldn''t reach him, only to see him disappear in the crowd.

    Adam caught up with her and pulled her, unhappy, "Are you mad? It''s so dangerous!"

    "I saw Joseph...." She blurted out and found Adam was upset.

    He frowned, "Irish, couldn''t you tell reality from a dream? Joseph! Joseph! You are thinking about him day and night! But there is no Joseph at all!"

    Irish was terrified.

    She held her head, feeling a sudden headache.

    "Isabel!" There was a familiar voice from far away.

    Only he would call her by this name.

    Irish raised her head, only to find that there was a man across from her with the same look and height as Adam. He waved his hands to Irish and said, "Isabel,e to me."

    It was Joseph!

    She judged who Joseph was and who Adam was clearly now.

    Extremely happy, she stood up and walked towards Joseph, but her waists were pulled.

    She turned around and looked at the angry face. "Who you love is me!"

    "Let me go..." Irish''s waists ached. She couldn''t help shouting, "Let me go!"

    "Ah��" Irish opened her eyes suddenly.

    What met her eyes were Joseph''s severe expressions.

    Subtle light was moving in his eyes, like rolling waves.

    Irish realized that this time, she was awake. That dream was so real that she could remember all the feelings she had as if she had truly experienced them.

    But she could be assured that the man in front of her was Joseph, not Adam.

    Only Joseph had such cold expressions.

    "Awake?" Joseph sat on the head of the bed and said it calmly.

    Irish had a headache and a soft body. She opened her mouth, finding that her voice got hoarse.

    "Get down to have breakfast." Without noticing her pale face, Joseph stood up and left coldly.

    Irish''s memory came back gradually.

    It was on the beach with fireworks that she was pressed by him and had spontaneous sex with him. She looked down upon herself.

    So he must be proud?

    And that was the reason for which his eyes were so cold since she behaved so dissolutely.

    And it was half an hourter when she finally went down.

    After doing some washing, she walked out of her bedroom. Every step was just like on the cloud, but she was really hungry.

    As she walked out of the bedroom, Joseph walked forward.

    She stopped. Joseph also stopped. Taking a nce at her, he frowned, "What are you hesitating for?" And then he turned around and went down the stairs.

    In front of her, there were bountiful dishes.

    Joseph sat down across from her and motioned to the chair to remind her to sit down.

    Irish still had a headache as she sat down and was to take her knives. Joseph said lightly, "Drink some water first."

    She was surprised and took a nce at the ss. She took it up and sipped it.

    Was it sweet?

    Was it...glucose?<novelnext></novelnext>

    She put down the cup and pressed her sore forehead, asking, "Am...I ill?"

    "You have had a fever and been asleep for two days." Joseph''s action of having a meal was elegant as usual, but his voice seemed not to be so good. He didn''t look at her either.

    Irish was amazed that she had been in aa for so long. That was to say, Valentine''s Day had passed.

    "You must want me not to wake up!" As Irish thought of his evil behavior, she got angrier.

    Joseph stopped his action, and soon he smiled coldly, "I have no time to look after a patient, so you''d better wake up so that I have someone apanied while sleeping."

    Actually, all the concerns and expectations were in vain as she woke up.

    He had no good rest within these two days, but strangely he was not tired at all.

    He just watched her in bed, waiting for her to recover.

    This morning he saw her tight eyebrows. It seemed that she was dreaming. Sitting on the head of the bed, he touched her face lightly, hoping that he could wake her up.

    However, she just threw away his hands and said rapidly, "Let me go!"

    He felt so frustrated at that moment.

    So even in the dream, she hated him the most.

    As Irish heard it, she raised her eyes to stare at him. She wanted to scold him back, but she was so weak that her hands with knives were shattering.

    They were just having meals silently.

    And suddenly the phone rang.

    It interrupted the silence.

    Irish was shocked at first since she hadn''t heard the phone ringing for a long time.

    Joseph picked it up.

    She couldn''t grasp the voice of the caller.

    She could only hear Joseph answering simply, "Yes, it''s true... Tomorrow morning."

    Irish ate something slowly.

    She didn''t see that Joseph was watching her all the time. Then, noticing that she was having something in a good manner, he was relieved.

    The call was very short.

    After the call, the hall was silent again.

    This kind of quiet continued until they finished their breakfast.

    Joseph went to the living room, but Irish didn''t follow him. She was standing there, thinking for a while, and then entered the living room.

    "You have something to say?" Joseph made a cup of coffee and asked her lightly.

    Irish licked her lips and sat down across from him. She thought about what to say first.

    Joseph started making coffee slowly, "It urred to me as a statement."

    Irish raised her eyes to look at him.

    "There must be something I can help you with if you behave politely." He stared at her.

    Irish was not d to hear this. She tried to be calm, clearing her throat, "I haven''t contacted my uncle for a long time. They must be worried about my safety."

    Josephughed as he heard that and sipped the coffee lightly, "Be assured that they know you are good now."

    Irish looked at him with an air of vignce.

    Joseph didn''t want to continue this topic, so he just put down the cup and leaned against the sofa, crossing his legs and looking confident and idle.

    "Okay, let''s talk about how we get along with each otherter."

    Irish was puzzled, "Later?"

 Chapter 699 699: I Want To Call My Uncle

    "That is to say, about our future." Joseph looked cold.

    Irish was shocked, "How long do you n to keep me in prison here?"

    "That''s why we need to negotiate about this." Joseph pressed his soared forehead, staring at her, "If the result is good, you can leave here soon. If not, it will be hard for you to leave this ce."

    Irish had an idea that he would not keep this state all the time. He had toe back to New York one day, and then how would he deal with her?

    So finally, he talked about it.

    "What do you want?" She asked directly.

    Joseph got up slightly with two arms on his leg and two hands crossed. He looked at her and said slowly, "Irish, there are two options. You can choose one, and no matter which choice you make, you can leave here."

    Irish thought that he was not so kind. These two choices must have been difficult for her to make.

    "Just say it." She took a deep breath and prepared for it.

    Joseph raised his lips and said, "The first choice for you is to marry me. We will get married soon."

    Irish was amazed and looked at him.

    "The second choice is that you be my mistress for one year, and you cannot leave me," Joseph uttered slowly.

    Irish stood up immediately with harsh breaths, "You are so cruel!"

    "Annoyed?" Joseph''s smile disappeared, and there was a coldness in his eyes. He leaned against the sofa again with a slow voice, "Irish, you know, I am a businessman. I like to make conditions clear. There are two options, and you can choose one as you like."

    Irish clenched her fists, "You are forcing me."

    "You are wrong. If I force you, I will only give you only one choice." Joseph smiled softly.

    Irish gritted her teeth, "If I don''t make any choice?"

    Joseph looked pitifully at her, "If it is so, I''m afraid that you have to stay on this ind until the next Valentine''s Day."

    "You...." Irish was angrier.

    After a while, she calmed herself down and stared at him, "Joseph, you couldn''t threaten me. If I hadn''te back to New York in a long time, my uncle would call the police. Even if they don''t do that, Jay will find me one day."

    Joseph smiled and said slowly, "If they do know your state, will they still call the police?

    "What do you mean?" Irish was vignt.

    Joseph said lightly, "You have been on this ind for over a month. They should be anxious, but you are still here. Don''t you think it''s weird?"

    Irish looked at his smiling eyes. She felt terrified, suddenly bursting out immediately, "How did you treat them?"<novelnext></novelnext>

    However, Joseph shook his head, "What can I do? Your question was urate. It''s not me who has done something, but how they think about you. Actually, they order me to look after you well."

    "Impossible!"

    Irish stepped back subconsciously, but she forgot that behind her was a sofa. She just sat down on the sofa directly.

    Now Joseph, in her eyes, was a monster.

    "Everything is possible." Joseph took his cup and sipped the coffee slowly, "Irish, a famous psychoanalyst of the Linkus Mental Research institute, employed by Runestone Group as a psychological consultant and a famous university teacher, became upset due to the rumor of having nude photos exposed in public. In addition, she has touched so many individual cases of mental illness, which has had an impact on her. The main symptoms are shown that there are problems with her memory. She has an unclearness in reality and dreams, which is called depersonalization. Her father''s death also hit her, and the disease became more severe, so she needed time to rest. Psychological and physical treatment is also necessary."

    Irish was totally shocked and overwhelmed, "What did you say? Who has depersonalization? You are a liar!"

    Joseph put down the cup and sighed, "Irish, you have a severe mental illness. As you say, people who have this kind of disease cannot figure out that they are ill, while healthy people im that they have. I take you into this ind with consideration of your health. Don''t you remember that you have a mental illness?"

    "Ridiculous! Is my health decided by you? Who are you? Are you a doctor or a god?" Irish was really annoyed. She stood up immediately and rushed to his phone, "I want to call my uncle!"

    Irish tried her best to get the phone out of his hand. She had never realized the significance of a mobile phone before since she could use it at any time, but now it turned out to be a life-saving straw, seducing Irish, who almost drowned.

    No matter what happened, she had to take the phone. But it was inevitable that there would be physical contact with Joseph in the process of snatch.

    In the next second, Irish''s waist was held by Joseph''s strong arms. Before she could scream, Joseph tightened his arms while Irish fell into hisp.

    Irish was shocked and struggled to get up.

    However, she failed since Joseph held her inside and steadied her.

    Irish kept struggling in his arms which stimted Joseph somehow. His abdomen was tense, which reminded him of Valentine''s night when Irish groaned under his sturdy body. At the thought of this, Joseph''s eyes turned deep.

    Irish also perceived his physical reaction since she felt something hard pressed against her waist, so she blushed soon, pushing away indignantly. "Let me go, Joseph." However, Joseph just ignored her words but held her in his arms. He even didn''t stop her but let her struggle in his arms. Slowly, Joseph got close to Irish''s neck and said in a rather deep and husky voice, "You took the initiative to throw yourself on me."

    The air was mixed with the man''s breath that enveloped her. She felt like she had nowhere to escape since his wooden fragrance floated in the air everywhere.

    "Joseph, you can''t stop me from calling."

    Irish shouted, who was so disturbed because of Joseph''s flirtation. Irish resisted him with her arms, stopping him from approaching.

    Joseph stopped his movement but still held her tightly, staring at her face. "You can call your aunt. Tell them you are safe," Joseph urged her calmly.

    After hearing this, Irish looked up into his eyes with a frown.

    ''Tell them I am safe? He must be kidding me,'' thought Irish to herself.

    "Of course, you could also ask them for help," Joseph added with a sly smile as if he had seen through her mind.

 Chapter 700 700: Give Me The Phone

    Shocked yet confused, Irish didn''t know why he would be so kind to her abruptly.

    But...Joseph started again, just as she expected. "But you have to figure out where you are first," Joseph said to her slowly while his smile began to vanish.

    Irish was rigid as she heard this from Joseph,

    Joseph reached out with his hands gently moving down along her spine to herp. He uncovered her skirt while his fingers slipped into Irish''s wet core. Irish was so surprised since she didn''t expect he would do this. Irish couldn''t help groaning while her legs mped.

    Instead of getting mad at her, Joseph smiled widely while his fingers still kept inside, rubbing her sensitive privates. His breath was hot while his voice sounded soft, "Irish, you are a smart girl. I am sure you know what to say. Are you really going to tell them you are kidnapped? But how could you tell them where you are? If you are determined to tell them what happened here, then perhaps I will be out of patience to continue this absurd y with your family members. Do you know how they would act at that time?"

    As soon as Joseph finished his words, Irish''s face turned pale. Although Joseph was a mean yet selfish person, his words sounded reasonable. ''He is right. I don''t even know where I am.'' As long as her aunt and uncle get to know her situation, they must be anxious and worried about her. Irish didn''t care if she had to offend Joseph directly. But if he really imprisoned her on this deste ind, Irish was afraid that she could never leave here. At that time, her uncle and aunt could not get in contact with her and even could not provide any evidence to the cap. But they were too old to stand the racket.

    It was not worth the candle.

    Therefore, Joseph had made a n earlier and that was why he kept so calm. It was just because Joseph was confident enough that she would not tell the truth to her family members.

    A smile crept over his face when Joseph found that Irish turned hesitant. He gazed at her small face, rubbed her slim waist, and said in a low voice, "Let me give you a small tip."

    But Irish was clear that it must be a misadvice.

    Slowly Joseph took out a phone, put it in Irish''s hands, and then said, "Give a call to your uncle. It is a big day today."

    "Joseph!" screamed Irish with her teeth gnashing. "Don''t be highly conceited," growled Irish indignantly.

    However, Joseph just smiled and shook his head, "I did it for your own good."

    Irish began to gasp, staring at the phone, and then clenched it. An evil idea shed in her mind, and that was smashing his head with the phone as a weapon. But what could she do after she passed?

    She still couldn''t get out of here since there was no ne, no steamer, and no vehicles to take her away.

    But perhaps...

    Irish gazed at Joseph while an idea urred to her.

    If she could knock and kidnap Joseph, he passed out and then made a call to Daisy, asking her to pick them up. It might be a good idea. Daisy was loyal to Joseph, and this might be feasible. Daisy would take some steps as she learned Irish had kidnaped Joseph.

    ''Now that he always takes me as a pawn, then why can''t I take him as a hostage? Thought Irish.

    At the thought of this, Irish clenched her hands to encourage herself.<novelnext></novelnext>

    However, in the next second, Joseph said abruptly, "Well, other warm tips for you. You cannot take the phone as a weapon since it might be too small to hurt me."

    With her eyes widening, Irish was so surprised to hear that she kept gazing at him.

    Joseph held in hisughter and grabbed her hands. "Irish, I know you are a smart woman, and I am sure you know what you should do. You must be clear about what is the best option for you. New York is a big city, but I am confident enough that I could do anything for you in this city. Therefore, there are two options for you. You better get inside right now or give a call to your family members. And you better clear away any thoughts that you shouldn''t have in your mind, or you may suffer losses," Joseph said in a soft yet threatening tone.

    As soon as Joseph finished his sentence, Irish felt an unbearable irritation spreading over her heart. She was so angry, but she could do nothing.

    She hadn''t felt that way in long years. Although she was not convinced, she had no way to offend him back. Moreover, Irish even had to control herself and suppress her anger.

    "There is another thing you must know," Joseph added while getting closer to Irish. He tightened his arms while his sexy chin with a newly grown beard gently touched her shoulder. "Don''t n to ask for help from Daisy. She would not listen to you unless she gets permission from me, or she won''t do anything for you," Joseph''s soft voice startled her.

    His breath encircled Irish, lingering over there. "No matter what happened, she won''t listen to you," uttered Joseph again, word by word.

    Irish''s head was buzzing as she heard those words from Joseph since she suddenly realized how horrible he was.

    "Let me go. I have to make a call to my uncle," she clenched her jaw. She tried her best to calm down, waiting for his response.

    "You can make the call in my arms," Joseph said with a smile.

    "You..." Irish was speechless, and she even wanted to bite Joseph''s throat.

    "You don''t want to make a call? Well, then let''s go back to the room," Joseph urged her and was about to hold her back.

    "No, give me the phone," Irish hastily responded.

    Joseph showed a faint smile and then loosened his grip.

    Seeing this, Irish took a deep breath and felt released a little bit. A few secondster, she dialed the number, and soon, the phone got through. Her aunt, Mary''s voice, was heard on the phone. At that moment, tears almost burst out from Irish''s eyes while her nose also twitched.

    "Aunt Mary. It''s me," Irish started to talk.

    "Irish? Is that you, Irish?" asked Mary in a hurry. It sounded like she was more agitated than Irish.

    "Yeah, it''s me," replied Irish briefly. She dared not to talk anymore since she was afraid that she would burst out crying the next moment.

 Chapter 701 701: You’re Not A Simple Woman

    As she confirmed it was Irish, Mary began to chatter endlessly. "Irish, it is my fault. I always thought that you were happy since you often wore a smile, but I never cared about how you felt. How''s it going? Joseph said that he would take you to a beautiful ce to rx. Do you feel better right now? Irish, you have to be happy and safe. I promised your mother to take good care of you."

    Irish''s heart dropped as she heard the words from Mary, turning to Joseph, who still stared at her calmly. Irish knew that he had reached his goal, and now even her aunt believed in what he said.

    "Aunt..." Irish said hesitantly. She turned back, trying to avoid his eyes, and then bit her lips. "I am fine. Don''t worry about me. But don''t trust Joseph."

    However, as she finished her sentence, her leg was pinched, and the pain struck her suddenly.

    It was Joseph. He reached out to pinch her.

    "Ouch!"

    "What''s wrong with you, Irish? Are you okay?" Mary quickly asked on the other end of the phone anxiously.

    "I am fine, aunt," Irish replied to assure Mary.

    "Irish, be careful and take care of yourself. You have to trust me that everything will go with the wind. I know you are so bad that you did like that, but I also know that you didn''t mean to, but we won''t me you for that. There is nothing more important than your happiness."

    Irish was confused by Mary''s words since she didn''t know what had happened. "Aunt, what are you talking about? I don''t understand.

    Heaving a sigh, Mary continued, "Irish, you have to keep in mind that your uncle and I will always love you, so there is no need for you to undertake everything. Just talk with me if you feel sad. We will support you no matter what you want to do."

    "Aunt, I am fine. Really, I am serious. But why don''t you trust me? I..." exined Irish.

    "Okay, okay. It is not a proper time to talk about this. I mean, I just want you to be happy. Well, let it go. It is a big day. We should be happy. Do you know we all miss you so much, Irish?" Mary uttered in a soft tone.

    Irish''s heart began to sink and turned cold. After a while, Irish then said again, "I miss you too, so I called you today."

    "Be a good girl, Irish. Your uncle is not at home right now, and I will tell him when he is back. Now I am relieved as I know you are safe." Mary exined in a soft tone. Hesitating for a while, Mary then added, "Do you stay with Joseph right now?"

    It was the third time Mary mentioned Joseph on the phone.

    When did my aunt regard him as a part of my family?'' Irish tried to figure out the answer in her mind.

    "I..." Irish hesitated, looking into Joseph''s eyes, and then replied with a frown, "Yes, I stay with him now."

    "Well, give him the phone to Irish," Mary urged her.

    "What?!" Irish was so astonished.

    "I have something to talk about with him," Mary responded softly.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Although Irish was reluctant, she still handed the phone to him.

    Joseph took over the phone while Irish was trying to get up. However, Joseph tightened his arms immediately, so she failed again and fell down into his arms again. Irish was so mad that she couldn''t help beating his chest. Instead of stopping her, Joseph encircled her and did not lose his grip.

    Irish also heard the words of her aunt Mary since she was so close to Joseph. "Joseph, please tell me the truth. How''s she doing recently? She told me she is fine."

    Hearing that, Joseph somehow looked so peaceful and handsome with deep eyes and a prominent nose.

    Annoyed, Irish thought that this man was actually a devil. Irish had no idea what Joseph said to her aunt Mary, and she also tried to figure out why her aunt would utter strange words to her.

    Irish stared at Joseph and waited for his reply. "Don''t worry. I will take care of her. I promise you that she will be fine," Joseph responded politely yet calmly.

    Joseph also kept gazing at Irish when he was talking, and when he finished his sentence, his hands slipped into her nightgown and soon covered her bosom, rubbing her sensitive nipple.

    Shocked, Irish struggled to avoid his flirtation. However, she failed again and again. After all, he was much stronger than Irish.

    "Well, when will Irish go back to New York? We are worried about her. She is alone outside, and we miss her so much. Today should be a big day for a family reunion, but she didn''te back, and even Jay didn''te back home," Mary said with a sigh.

    "Don''t worry, I said I will take care of her," assured Joseph in a sincere tone. Instead, however, his hand was fumbling her delicate bosom, rubbing her sensitive nipple continuously as if she was a doll for his leisure.

    Irish kept struggling but soon became still as she heard thest sentence from Joseph. "Don''t worry. I will take her back tomorrow, provided circumstances permit."

    ''Tomorrow?'' Irish wondered.

    "Tomorrow? That will be great! But I am still worried about her health," Mary sounded sad.

    "That is why I said if circumstances permit," Joseph instantly responded while staring at Irish with a smile. His smile widened as he perceived Irish''s astonishment. Joseph lowered his head, reaching out to unbutton her skirt while Irish''s white skin was soon exposed in front of his eyes.

    Getting closer to her, Joseph kissed her nipple abruptly, which stimted Irish. She couldn''t help trembling and almost groaned, her body tightening.

    But Mary didn''t know what happened, and she was so appreciative that Joseph could take care of Irish.

    Although Irish was irritated, she could do nothing to resist him.

    As they finished the call, Irish pushed Joseph away, removed his arms, and covered her naked body. "Joseph, are you really a gentleman? Why do you bully a woman every day?"

    Leaning on the couch, Joseph wiped his mouth with his thumb as if he tasted something sweet.

    "Irish, remember that you are not a simple woman. Ordinary people can''t cope with you. You are a psychologist, and I must prepare enough since I need to y a long-term battle with you," Joseph answered indifferently.

 Chapter 702 702: Don’t Move

    Irish exerted herself to calm down since she was clear that she would be an underdog if she lost her mind at such a critical moment. After a long while, she walked to the couch and sat down. It was no use quarreling with Joseph, and she knew he would ignore her. In that case, she would be the one to get hurt.

    "You won''t take me back tomorrow without a condition, right?" asked Irish. She heard Joseph mention on the phone he would go tomorrow morning, and now he even promised her aunt Mary to take her back tomorrow, so it must be Daisy who called him in the morning.

    With a soft smile, Joseph replied directly, "Yes, you are right."

    It reminded Irish of the words he said to her aunt Mary. ''He said if circumstances permitted. What does he mean?'' Irish wondered.

    "Joseph, are you going to force me again? Is that interesting to do it?" Irish red at him indignantly.

    "Yes, it is interesting," Joseph replied word by word while staring into her eyes.

    "You can''t detain me here long," Irish retorted. After a moment of silence, Irish continued, "Or how could you answer my aunt if she asked you again?" Irish looked into his eyes coldly.

    However, Joseph didn''t agree with her. "You are wrong. If I tell them your health is getting worse and you need rest..." Joseph cut his words instantly.

    "They won''t trust you," Irish argued to him.

    "They will. If you didn''t run away with your parents'' bone ash, your aunt and uncle may not trust me. You have to know that a normal person would not do that. Irish, why don''t you admit you are mentally ill?" Joseph''s voice sounded mocking.

    "Bullshit! I did it with my reason," Irish shouted, eyes red with anger.

    "But who would believe you? You ignored your father''sst words. He wanted to be buried with your mother. But look at what you did. They all think you are mentally ill as you''re mentally and physically exhausted after doing that," Joseph said slowly yet indifferently.

    Irish clenched her hand into a fist after hearing his harsh words.

    "Irish, your behavior is abnormal. That is why people will regard you as a mad woman,"

    Joseph harshly spouted these words.

    "Joseph, you are sick!" Irish turned agitated.

    Staring at her, Joseph replied calmly. "I could be more contemptible to you. Now let me know your choice. Of course, you could refuse to make your option. In that way, you could enjoy your beautiful life on this ind."

    Irish felt that her irritation almost burst out. She kept gazing at him, and she even wanted to kill him.

    After a long while, Irish then said again in a shaky voice, "Is it just a year?"

    Shocked, Joseph''s eyes turned a little bit dim while he also looked more serious. "Yes," Joseph answered in a deep voice.

    "Will you really let me go a yearter?" Irish asked again to ensure he would give her freedomter.

    "I said yes," Joseph briefly responded in a rather impatient voice.

    Closing her eyes and taking a deep breath, Irish kept silent for a few seconds. When she opened her eyes again, she looked dismal yet indifferent. "Okay, I chose to be your mistress for one year," Irish firmly made her decision.

    After getting the answer from Irish, Joseph''s eyebrows knitted into a frown. "Mistress? Okay. I thought you would decline the options since you are such a stubborn yet arrogant woman," Joseph stared directly at her.

    He repeated the word of the mistress to remind Irish of her own option.

    Irish understood what he meant, so she resisted with a sneer, "I don''t have to be a noble person since you are such a white sepulcher, right?"<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish was skeptical if her answer would hit him, but his face looked upset. Joseph stared at her with his teeth gnashing. "Good," Joseph said maliciously. "I hope you won''t regret that," He said a secondter.

    And then he got up and walked away while Irish kept sitting there still. Turning around and looking at the sun outside the window, she squinted.

    ''Everything will be fine,'' thought Irish.

    She was Joseph''s mistress in theing year.

    ****

    A few dayster, Killer started their deal.

    The trading location was in an abandoned warehouse with an area of more than two hundred square meters.

    It was ten o''clock in the morning, and the transaction items were the top-grade smokable methamphetamine that was worth billions of dors.

    The buyer was an underground casino group of which the general headquarters was located in Mysia. After the purchase, the members of this organization would transport the smokable methamphetamine to various countries, including Anta.

    And then those ice would be transported into more American countries.

    Like capiry vessels, the blood flew all over the body. Of course, for people who used drugs, these ices were their blood.

    The American police fully cooperated with the Vietnamese and Mysian police to fight against drug trafficking.

    Jay was quietly waiting for the arrival of this moment.

    In the hiddenmand center, the tripartite executives gathered together to determine the action n for thest time.

    Special police officers had also been dispatched to support this action.

    Before their action, Kevin had sent Jay''s photo to the internal system to prevent being hurt by friendly fire.

    Time passed by, and they all waited patiently.

    In the warehouse.

    The gate of the warehouse was opened at ten o''clock timely.

    The buyer was a middle-aged man in a boxer''s sinuous posture while a couple of bodyguards followed behind. The bodyguards walked ahead carrying a big box in which a great amount of money was put inside.

    When the two sides were checking their goods and money, Carmen walked to Jay, holding him gently, and said softly, "Alva, I want to travel with you when we finish this deal. I have never been to the Aegean Sea before, and I want to go there with you."

    However, Jay gave his whole attention to those men not far away from him. He was waiting for a proper opportunity, so he just boggled and asked, "You have been to many ces before, but why didn''t you go to the Aegean Sea since you always wanted to go there?"

    "It is because I think the Aegean Sea is a holy ce, and I think I am not qualified to be such a pure ce," replied Carmen, leaning in his arms and looking into his eyes. "But I want to go there with my beloved since I got to know you," added Carmen softly.

    Jay was startled as he heard this from Carmen since he didn''t expect she would take him as her beloved. Jay was about to say something to lighten the atmosphere, but he found those people had already started their deal. Without any hesitation, Jay crushed the tracker hidden in his wrist. In the next second, the special police broke into the warehouse with guns. "Don''t move. Stay there. Hands up," shouted the police.

 Chapter 703 703: One Year Is Enough

    We were all lost in the long street with the moonlight shining. On a cold night, we were helpless like children, wandering over the edge of love and hatred and struggling amidst crime and penalty. The dream about that period of old times came once and once again. We were silent and waited for the day when all the misunderstandings could be exined, and love finally came back.

    ****

    The spring trees became green suddenly, and that was all due to the rising temperature.

    The twigs also grew green, and the color mixing of winter jasmine and spring plum made the view be beautiful.

    And in this way, New York''s spring came surprisingly. The cold winter has passed as if the old memory has been covered by a new one slowly without any trace.

    Irish remembered that it was just at this timest year that she came back from abroad, but all the flowers bloomed better.

    There were different flowers in different seasons.

    For instance, the nts in early spring had flowers first and then had leaves, while the nts in summer had leaves first.

    Just like some people followed the normal order-being in love with someone and then getting married, while others had extraordinary love experiences and finally departed from each other.

    Irish didn''t know whether the connection between her and Joseph was love.

    She was not certain about it.

    Even she herself was questioning why she loved Joseph, and maybe her love was disappearing along the tough journey.

    So she would rather request time for them to get along with each other.

    Maybe one year was enough.

    At this timest year, she met Joseph. They seemed to know each other. Later she began to memorize some scenes that night. In the scene, there was brilliant light. And she saw a pair of eyes vaguely. Actually, at that time, he kept watching her silently.

    She didn''t know why she would purge into Joseph''s bosom. Maybe it was because of his eyes or that his tall figure made it safe for her to be with him. All in all, they met each other.

    But was it idental for them to meet each other? Or maybe when she just came back from abroad, he kept an eye on her and gradually fell in love with her.

    So by this time of next year, there would be an end to their rtionship.

    It was good that the rtionship began in spring and ended in spring.

    Joseph kept his promise to take her back to New York as he left there. Unlike how she came here, they were taken away by a private ne. There werefortable lounges and restaurants. It was so surprisingly luxurious.

    She didn''t know how long the journey took. She had fallen asleep many times, and thest time when she woke up, she found out that she was in Joseph''s bosom. She remembered that they were apart from each other when she was taking a nap. At that time, he was reading a newspaper on thetest economic news.

    She was draped with the same nket as him, resting her head on his arm with her pillow on the other side, her face buried deep into his neck. They have developed this habit since they cohabited. Of course, it was before their breakup.

    Irish raised her head and found that he was still asleep.

    The wrinkles between his eyebrows were not obvious as before.

    There was a business magazine in his right hand.

    His left hand was embracing her as usual.

    They tended to keep this pose as they were still in South Africa.<novelnext></novelnext>

    One night when they were in South Africa, she felt ufortable and couldn''t breathe smoothly. The next day''s morning, she found that she was on the side of Joseph''s left hand.

    And from that night on, no matter whether they were in South Africa or in New York, he would let her be on his left side while she nestled in his arm naturally. He acted as her pillow, actually.

    Irish asked whether it would hurt him with this pose. Joseph answered lightly that he was used to that.

    Irish thought that this pose would just be sweet for lovers but not for a mistress and her owner.

    She turned her back to him.

    And soon, she felt suffocated.

    But very quickly, Joseph''s arm stretched out to turn her body over, and his left arm circled her shoulder while his right arm put her into his bosom.

    She was again in his bosom. His chin touched her head lightly. Again, the newborn stubble hurt her skin.

    Irish thought that Joseph was awake.

    And after being still for a long time, she found that he was asleep. All the actions were just out of the subconscious.

    In this way, Irish went back to New York.

    When shended in New York, looking at the crowd outside the window, Irish felt that she was alive. At this time, she felt it unreasonable to say that human beings longed for solitude.

    Joseph gave her two options again. Firstly, continue to stay in his vi. And secondly, she muste back to her home in Midtown Manhattan.

    No matter her choice, Irish knew that he had already put her into his range in his control.

    Finally, she chose her home in Midtown Manhattan.

    That house had been cleaned thoroughly. Everything was just in the right ce. They were all bought by her. Her suitcase was just standing beside the sofa.

    Looking at the suitcase for a long time, Irish thought of the moment when Joseph hit her.

    Aftering back to New York, Joseph didn''t appear.

    Irish stayed in her house in Midtown Manhattan for two days. And from the 3rd day on, she began to live in her uncle''s house. Again, there was no call from Joseph.

    Two dayster, she decided to go to work.

    She returned to work for the Linkus Mental Research Institute and university but not for Runestone Group.

    Suddenly her phone rang. The call was from Roy.

    He sincerely invited her to work back in Runestone Group and reminded her that she was also one of the shareholders.

    Irish felt it was strange, so she went to thepany and surprisingly found that Joseph had also returned. He sat in the office of Runestone Group. Unlike his casual dress as usual, he wore a business suit and sat in a formal pose, which was really strange for Irish.

    Roy was more ufortable. He asked Irish with a forced smile, "Do you feel me strange?"

 Chapter 704 704: You Should Be With Me

    Irish didn''t know how to answer him. Obviously, there were great changes when she was absent. In the end, she said to Roy, "I think you look better in uniforms."

    This business suit was not suitable for Roy; just like that, he was not suitable in the business field.

    She knew Roy. Such a hard field was not for Roy. If only he would have been as cruel as Joseph.

    Roy didn''t talk much about work with her. Instead, he asked whether she felt better after traveling and how she nned to deal with the issue of the house given by Henry.

    Irish just answered simply. As for the house, she said, "Just let it be here." She didn''t want to live in that house, definitely not.

    As she was to leave, Roy told her suddenly, "Well, I''m getting married to Cassie on Labor Day."

    Irish was totally shocked.

    What happened after all?

    Surprisingly, she finally knew some information about the scene when Roy returned to thepany.

    Many female colleagues witnessed this moment. As described by a staff member in the administration section, it was just like a movie.

    "Irish, you can never imagine how amazing it is to see two handsome men meeting and shaking hands in the corridor. They were all senior managers. One was the general manager in control of the economy of the whole Group, while the other was the only sessor of the Lake family." The colleague said excitedly.

    Irish could imagine the grand scene.

    She could also imagine there would be many rumors about them. It was known that Joseph''s status was so stable inside thepany. Besides, he had much share and became an important role among the shareholders, which meant that his power was inestimable. It was also obvious that Roy was back to hold Joseph. In this way, the Runestone Group became more developed.

    But Irish had a clear idea that Roy was not Joseph''spetitor.

    She didn''t know why Roy agreed to return to the Runestone Group, but she had a clear idea that he had no interest in business, and he was not good at it, either. His interestsy in the ne, not the business field.

    So it seemed that she could foresee the future.

    At this time, Roy pulled her back to the Runestone Group by persuading her to continue to work here. He reiterated her status to remind her that she was one of the Lake family members in case Joseph put the whole Group into his pocket one day.

    Honestly, she didn''t care what Joseph would look like and to whom thepany would belong. What she only cared about were her rtives and friends. She thought of Cassie. Didn''t she marry Fredrick? Why did she suddenly marry Roy?

    Later Irish made an appointment with Cassie. They talked a lot, and Irish found that not only she became silent, but also Cassie. She asked her directly about her marriage with Roy.

    Cassie kept silent for a long time. And she said, "I''m willing to do that."

    Irish was confused. She thought there must be difficulties. She was afraid that Cassie would be the same as her.

    But Cassie smiled lightly, "Because I love Roy. Maybe when Imitted suicide, I didn''t love Fredrick anymore."

    Irish couldn''t perceive the truth of her words.

    Cassie asked her with concern, "What about you and Joseph? When do you n to get married?"

    "Get married?"

    She smiled. The smile was forced. In front of Cassie, she didn''t want to show her bad luck. She didn''t want to let her worry about her because she was her best friend.

    So she told Cassie that everything had gone smoothly.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "I have heard about it." Cassie stretched her hands tightly with sincere expressions, "You had a bad mood before. He allowed you to travel for so long. You should know that it has disrupted his principles to let you do this. It proves that he really cares about you. Irish, you must be happy."

    Actually, Irish wanted to say this to Cassie, too. She hoped that Cassie could be happy for her.

    In the nexting year, she and Joseph were doomed to torment each other. Where would happinesse from?

    Later, Irish called Fredrick. Fredrick''s voice was weak on the phone. She asked why he didn''t marry Cassie, and he became angry immediately, "I will not let Roy be good!"

    Fredrick didn''t talk much about the issue. Irish knew everything would be in vain if the other person were unwilling to talk.

    She thought that Cassie loved Roy, not Fredrick, so thetter hated the former so much.

    It was two weekster when she finally met Leo.

    They made an appointment to have dinner together.

    As Leo met her, he asked. "Have a good time?"

    Irish found out that Joseph had made two excuses for her absence. To her friends, he said she was to adjust her state of mind, while to her uncle and aunt; he described the situation more severely.

    Would she be thankful for his consideration?

    At least not everyone knew that she was "mentally sick."

    She just replied, "I''m good."

    But Leo made a forced smile, "Irish, you are not good. Although I don''t know what Joseph has done to you, I can figure out that you are not happy at all."

    Irish knew why he said that. It was because when he was in Chicago, he witnessed the scene where Joseph almost killed her. As a result, no matter what she said, Leo dered Joseph guilty.

    If she were Leo, she would also have had this thought.

    "I''m really good. Joseph doesn''t abuse me." Irish used "abuse" to describe the rtionship between her and Joseph. Eating

    the dessert, she doesn''t feel the sweet taste.

    Leo looked at her with a doubtful expression.

    Irish smiled lightly, looking out of the window, and said, "Look, the tree has sprouted. Do you remember the scene when we two had a blind datest year?"

    Leo remembered it, of course. He remembered that when he met her for the first time, he thought she was so beautiful. However, he hadn''t thought that she would kick him down in a minute.

    "Irish." Leo sighed lightly. He held her hands out of concern, "You should be with me. I cherish your smile more than Joseph does."

    Irish shook her head. Sometimes many things were doomed to be mistakes. But pitifully, there was no beginning again. Even if she could begin it again, she would not choose Leo.

    She pulled her hand back and said sorry lightly. And at this time, the phone rang.

    Irish was shocked suddenly. She pulled her phone out and found a short message.

    It was from Joseph.

 Chapter 705 705: She Was A Mistress

    The short message was simple and clear, but with order meaning: Tonight, I will be back in New York at 10 p.m. You must be earlier than me.

    At this time, Irish knew that Joseph had taken a business trip.

    She felt nervous suddenly. Anyhow she was afraid.

    Leo saw her strange expressions. He grabbed her phone immediately and saw this text message. He was annoyed after seeing that.

    Showing the phone, his voice was not pleasant. "Is this your state? Is this his attitude? What role do you y?"

    What role? She was a mistress.

    She was aplete mistress.

    At least before they had quarrels, Joseph would not have treated her in this way.

    This attitude equaled ordering her to wait for him.

    Irish didn''t say anything and stretched to take her phone back.

    Leo clenched her hand again and said firmly, "Irish, just leave him."

    ? Irish also made great strength and pulled her hand back. She said lightly, "It takes time to leave."

    "Okay. I will wait for you." Leo frowned.

    "No." Irish shook her head resolutely. Her look was direct as her voice, "Leo, please forgive me that my thoughts haven''t changed still. I will not fall in love with you. You are the most important friend for me,

    but I couldn''t regard you as a lover."

    "Irish, don''t you feel that you are cruel?"

    "If I promise you, it will be crueler." Irish always refused Leo directly because he was her precious friend. Something needed to be clear among friends; otherwise, there might be a continuous misunderstanding.

    She didn''t want to let Leo misunderstand. She wanted to be responsible for him.

    Leo clenched his fist with a serious expression, "You know what? When I came to Chicago to find you and found that he nearly killed you, I decided that I would punish him. If he treats you well, I will ept it. But the fact is that he doesn''t make it, so I will not let him slip away. You are the apple of my eye."

    Irish sighed, "Why?"

    "Do not do it for me." She shook her head, "I''m not worth it."

    Leo didn''t agree with her.

    At this moment, Leo''s phone rang.

    He took a nce at the phone and frowned. Finally, he put the phone down.

    But the phone rang again.

    Irish lowered her head to drink deliberately to give some ce for him to pick up the call.

    He picked it up.

    Irish could guess it was from a woman, but she couldn''t rify it.

    Leo replied without any patience, "Rosy. I have enough of you."

    Was it Rosy?

    Irish stopped drinking. This name was so familiar...

    She searched this familiar name in her memory and finally thought of Joseph and the woman holding his arm.

    Leo shut down his phone. Then, seeing Irish in a daze, he asked what she was thinking about.

    She asked after a while, "Who is Rosy..."

    "She''s Vincent''s daughter. You know Vincent, right? He''s the owner of Bright Corporation."

    Irish felt uneasy.

    So her guess was right that the girl called Rosy was really from a rich family. He was Vincent''s daughter, who had cooperation with the Runestone Group. So Joseph and she...

    "Is she also in New York?" Irish couldn''t stop asking.

    Leo answered simply. It seemed like he didn''t want to talk too much about her. But his answer also made her sad. She must have been here because Joseph was here.

    "You know Rosy?" Leo knew that Irish didn''t take an interest in strange people, so her concern must have reasons.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish thought about it for a while. She shook her head and said, "No, I just think this name sounds good."

    She didn''t want to share the experience on the ind with Leo for two reasons. One was that she didn''t want to recall it, and the other was that it would be more terrible if Leo knew it.

    She would rather be an ostrich during this period, hiding her head in the sand.

    She didn''t need any concerns or conflicts for her.

    She would rather be air, and nobody could find her.

    Leo didn''t ask her. Looking at her for a while silently, he put some dishes in front of her and said lightly. "Do not only eat dessert. Eat more staple food. You look skinnier."

    Irish had an impulse to cry. It was almost 9 o''clock when they finished dinner.

    Irish didn''t drive her car.

    Outside the restaurant, Leo was to send her back. He said that he would wait for Joseph and negotiate with him.

    Irish shook her head anxiously.

    Leo put her into the car. Irish was anxious. She said, "Leo, could you please not intervene with us?"

    She felt regretful as soon as she vented.

    He just cared about her. Why did she forget it?

    Leo was also silent. He clenched the wheel tightly. The shadow of his side face was a little tolerant and lonely.

    After a while, he lowered his voice and said, "Irish, it''s just out of concern."

    Irish felt sorry. She lowered her head and crossed her hands, "Sorry. Leo, I shouldn''t say that to you that way."

    Was it because she knew that he would not be angry that she could be impolite?

    Irish, do not take it for granted that everyone should care about you. Irish thought.

    Leo looked at her and sighed lightly after a while. He pulled her clenched hands and held them tightly, "Do you really think that you can get along well with him?"

    Irish nodded lightly.

    He loosened her hands.

    Looking at her for a while, he said, "Okay. I''ll send you back."

    Irish nodded again.

    ****

    There were bright stars on the other side of the city.

    Jay drove slowly with Lilith after dinner.

    Later Lilith saw a fountain. She said to Jay, "How about stopping for a while?" Jay stopped. Lilith went off from the car first.

    She walked directly to the fountain, looking at the shadows of the water against the light.

    In the water, she looked so beautiful.

    Jay walked forward and embraced her from her behind.

    There was no verbal contact between them.

    After five or six minutes, looking at the water against the light, she said lightly, "Jay, don''t you feel that there is little contact between us?"

    Actually, Lilith wanted to ask about it all the time. Jay had been back for several days.

    She could still remember the scene when he came to find her.

    That day she kept hanging outside, and the only thing on her mind was Jay''s safety.

    She didn''t know when Jay coulde back and when his task could be finished.

    Once, she called Lenard and asked something about Jay. Lenard said that Jay had finished the task and coulde back to New York soon.

    She expected that day, every day. However, over half a month had passed when Jay finally came back.

 Chapter 706 706: My Heart Has Always Been With You

    Lilith didn''t know what he had to do after the task. No matter how difficult the job was, it needn''t take the next half a month.

    In this way, she waited in worry and joy, feeling the time went slowly.

    Until Jay found her house since the family moved out of the old house, Lilith went home on holidays, and on working days, she lived in a staff dormitory of thepany. The so-called dormitory was actually an upscale closedmunity, and the condition was excellent.

    As soon as she walked to the dormitory, she saw Jay leaning against the door of his car, waiting for her.

    Unlike dressing up as a ruffian in Florida, Jay stood in front of her, looking different. He dressed very simply, and he was also very clean.

    He wore ssic dark blue straight jeans with a light id shirt. The weather was still cold, and he wore a light camel color short jacket. Wearing a pair of frameless sses, he looked capable and refreshing.

    He had slight myopia and usually wore contact lenses. It was rare to see him wear sses.

    However, such a man with a perfectly handsome face looked like a brother next door, kind and peaceful. Lilith suddenly thought of the upperssman that the novel often mentioned, who was handsome. Everything was beautiful and unreal.

    The shopping bag in Lilith''s hand dropped.

    The sound startled Jay. He turned his head, and he saw Lilith.

    Lilith felt like a tornado stirred her heart as he walked towards her. She could not speak of the joy of the long-anticipated reunion, and she could even feel every cell in her body jumping.

    He was getting closer and closer. Close enough to see the smile on his lips.

    Until he stopped in front of her.

    Lilith opened her mouth, and after a while, she said, "Youe back."

    There was no hugging and no tears of joy from the reunion. All the rough waves turned into these three words at this moment. Lilith did not know what was wrong with herself or, perhaps, what had happened to him.

    Jay hugged her.

    Then he was asked if she had eaten dinner.

    She shook her head gently.

    Jay bent over and picked up her shopping bag scattered on the ground, took her by the hand, pulled her into the car, and took her to dinner.

    They began to date at the former frequency.

    When he was not busy, he would pick her up from work, or she would go to find him, but most of the time, Jay came to her.

    They were like the mostmon lovers, holding hands, dating, eating, and watching movies, and then Jay took her home. But somehow, Lilith felt different. There was something more between her and Jay and something less.

    Later she realized that there was more silence between them and less intimacy than in the past.

    She used to stick to him every day, but at present, she and Jay seemed to have an invisible wall, and although they talked andughed as they used to, they always seemed to be trying to avoid something.

    Lilith didn''t know why.

    Thinking about it, she slowly felt that perhaps she had witnessed Jay have another identity and y the show of love with another woman.

    She knew it was Jay''s job, but she was afraid it was true.

    Jay hugged and listened to her words, making his heart ache.

    He pulled over her body but found her eyes sad, sighing, "Don''t think too much."

    Lilith took the initiative to hold him, whispering, "I always feel that although your body hase back, your heart has note."<novelnext></novelnext>

    She would rather be paranoid so that she could me herself for being so.

    Jay whispered helplessly. "My heart has always been with you and has never left you."

    After hearing this, Lilith could not help holding him tightly.

    Only in this way could she seem to feel that he was by her side. Jay felt her fear clearly, and his heart began to hurt.

    He could clearly feel Lilith''s worries and doubts about who was not like Carmen.

    And Carmen in his arms was deeply attached to him.

    Even at thest minute.

    On the day of the Seventeenth.

    That day was the day when the police closed the case, and it was thest day he had executed the undercover mission.

    Jay felt that day was no different from the past.

    It was just that he never thought that Carmen would be so affectionate.

    To tell him the truth, when Carmen told him that she felt she didn''t deserve to go to the Aegean Sea, his heart was a littlepassionate, and for a moment he wanted to take her to see the Aegean Sea to tell her that you were still young and that there was still a long way to go.

    But this sentence was not said. There was a gunfight when the special police broke in.

    Jay had experienced such kinds of scenes many times.

    As an undercover, he ostensibly helped the head escape, but he actually controlled where he was going at any time to prevent the possibility of his escape.

    But at the critical moment, Carmen shouted at him, "Alva, run away!"

    In the firefight, Jay turned back in a hurry, but he only saw Carmen''s anxious face for him. She was not worried about Killer, nor worried about Poison, but only hoped that he could escape.

    Because of the careful deployment, the possibility of escape of the people present was zero; although the other side was in possession of heavy weapons, they could not resist a great number of special police officers.

    Everything went well.

    Killer, Poison, and Charm were all captured, and buyers were arrested by the police. They intercepted arge number of cash and methamphetamine transactions on the spot.

    Jay failed to escape and was taken back together.

    As a matter of fact, he was not going to run away.

    But Carmen did not know, watching him be handcuffed. At that moment, she cried.

    Jay did not look at her and was taken to another police car by the police.

    Kevin was in that police car.

    After the car moved, he opened Jay''s handcuffs and threw him a bottle of water.

    But Jay''s eyes fixed on the prison car in front of him, and his face was serious. Kevin smiled and told him that his task had been aplished.

    These were the favorite words of an undercover, but he did not know why, his heart was slightly heavy.

    Afterpleting the task, Jay transferred work and contacted New York''s colleagues. They agreed to his transfer application, and his work would be arranged after his return from Florida.

 Chapter 707 707: I Approach You For The Task

    Jay made a long sigh of relief, and all he could think of was that from then on, he would fear nothing, and he could propose to Lilith.

    But just as he was going to leave Florida, Lenard found him.

    Because of his outstanding performance, Lenard would be transferred back to New York with him this time, so when he saw Lenard walk in, Jay thought he was just greeting or asking him about New York. After all, this was Lenard''s first visit to New York.

    But Lenard told him that it was difficult for them to get information from Carmen''s mouth, and her only request to the police was that she wanted to see Alva.

    In this encirclement and suppression operation, Killer was wounded, and he was caught, and Poison fell from a high building and died on the spot when he escaped in a gun battle. However, Carmen was unscathed, so the police could only learn the news of the evil angel from Killer and Carmen.

    Jay saw her drug addiction attack, who was like aplete madman. ording to Lenard, the doctor has examined her. She had been addicted to drugs for 5 or 6 years. It would take a long time to get clean.

    Although he did not love the woman, it was hard for him to see her like this.

    He went in.

    Carmen wept with joy and rushed forward. She hugged him tightly and kept calling his name.

    He brought her a small dose of drugs, and people of her addiction age had to get clean step by step, or she would lose her life.

    Carmen could not wait to take it. Although she was still ufortable, more or less, it could ease her.

    She cried, holding his hand. She made sure that he was fine.

    Jay looked at her and whispered to persuade her to cooperate with the police so that she could be turned into a tainted witness. There was still a possibility of going out.

    Carmen looked at him with an unbelievable look and asked him if he had been turned into a tainted witness.

    Jay shook his head gently.

    Carmen hugged him at once and was like a child in his arms.

    But Jay opened his mouth, and his voice was heavy. "Carmen, I''m a policeman."

    Carmen froze all of a sudden. She let him go and looked at him unbelievably.

    "I''m sorry, Carmen. I approach you for the task. All you have to do now is to cooperate with the police, tell the police truthfully about the evil angel, and listen to the arrangements of the police. That''s what''s good for you." Jay looked at her, and his heart was heavy.

    He had been an undercover agent for so many years and never used a woman to achieve his goal; this time, he had to do so.

    Carmen turned a deaf ear to his words, just staring at him. A long timeter, she asked him, "Have you ever loved me?"

    Jay frowned gently and whispered, "I''m sorry."

    Carmen was like a t ball, falling on the chair with her arms around her shoulders, and she trembled gently.

    "Carmen, I hope you can work with the police, and you must quit drugs." He finally said that.

    Carmen bowed her head, and her shoulders twitched.

    It was only when Jay turned and left that she spoke.

    Her voice was low, and she was choking.

    "In fact..."<novelnext></novelnext>

    Jay stopped and looked at her.

    Carmen looked up, and he found that tears had hung on her cheek.

    "As long as you are safe, that is more important than anything." Said Carmen softly.

    Jay''s heart trembled for a moment, and he looked at her unbelievably.

    He thought she would hate him. Unexpectedly, after learning that he was undercover, she was still worried about his safety.

    "Your name must not be Alva, is it? I know you can''t tell me your real name. In my heart, you''re just my Alva." Carmen stared at him affectionately. "No matter what you are, no matter what your purpose is to get close to me, even if you don''t love me, Alva, I want to tell you I love you, you are the first man I fell in love with, and thest one."

    This sentence has been lingering around Jay, even after his return to New York, he lost his mind.

    Over the years, there had been a lot of women who volunteered to confess their love for him, but only Carmen made him hesitate. Of course, he was very clear about who he loved, and the reason why the shadow of Carmen was always lingering was that he had never felt so despicable.

    Especially before Lilith.

    She was such a pure girl, as impable as a white lotus. There were always beautiful things and kindness in her world, so she would be so desperate to find him in Florida.

    But she saw the scene.

    Jay felt that he had desecrated the feelings of both women at the same time.

    After he returned to New York, Jay moved away from the drug control center, and he even refused the invitation from the SWAT force. He just wanted to be an ordinary police officer and help solve trifles for the public.

    Unlike him, Lenard was transferred to the drug control center to take over Jay''s position.

    Usually, the two rarely meet, and they only talk about social matters and do not talk about work. Jay knew he was still in charge of Carmen''s case, but he kept his mouth silent and no longer asked him.

    Jay did not know how to exin his feelings to Lilith. He loved Lilith but felt guilty about Carmen. He did not dare to exin for fear that this kind of thing would be moreplicated after his exnation. He only hoped to go back to the old days with Lilith.

    Holding Lilith in his arms, he sighed, bowed his head, and kissed her hair.

    ****

    Irish escaped.

    After Leo had sent her downstairs from her home, she took a taxi back to her uncle''s house.

    In this way, she was not at the house in Midtown Manhattan after ten that night.

    She didn''t know why she did that.

    For fear?

    Or for escaping?

    That night she was in bed, and her cell phone was turned into vibration mode and put at the head of the bed. She was afraid that the phone would vibrate in the next second, and then there was the cold voice of Joseph. He told her that he had arrived in New York and told her to return to Midtown Manhattan immediately.

    It was an uneasy night.

    But everything went well.

 Chapter 708 708: Roy, You Were An Idiot!

    The next day, in addition to colleagues and friends calling, Irish did not receive a call from Joseph.

    Then on the third day, her life still remains quiet.

    The first thing Irish thought of was that maybe he was still out of New York and didn''te back.

    It was Thursday, and the day when she went back to work at the Runestone Group.

    Because of the idea that Joseph was still out of New York, so on the way to thepany, Irish was not frightened. She didn''t know when she had been a little afraid of Joseph.

    Only after, the closest people would know their own situation, just like her. Although she thought she would never be afraid of a man, even before Joseph, with a strong psychological quality, she was still assured of defeating him.

    But it was just her wishful thinking.

    On Thursday, close to the weekend, the Runestone Group was also more rxed. It was just that as soon as she got to the office and poured a ss of water to moisten her mouth, the Secretariat called and informed her to go to the big conference room for a meeting.

    She initially thought it was Roy''s meeting and replied lightly to the secretary, "I can''t attend the meeting. I''ll have an employee psychological assessment in five minutes."

    The secretary was nervous and told her in a low voice that it was not the chairman of the board of directors who held the meeting but the general manager.

    Irish was almost suffocated.

    "Joseph? He... he went back to New York?" She stuttered.

    The secretary answered her question, but when she heard it, she almost wanted to hit the wall. The secretary told her that he had returned from a business trip two days before and that Thursday''s meeting had been arranged on the day he returned.

    Irish asked. "Why didn''t you tell me earlier?"

    If she had told her earlier, she would have asked for a leave of absence that day. But, ording to Roy''s benevolence and kindness, she would certainly be permitted.

    The secretary paused, who didn''t expect her to say that. Then, after a while, she murmured, "Because you''reing to work today."

    Only then did Irish realize her mistake. After hanging up on the phone, she took a deep breath and desperately forced herself to calm down.

    However, her mind was full of questions.

    ording to the Secretariat, Joseph should have returned to New York that night, so he must have gone to Midtown Manhattan, but why didn''t he call her and get angry with her after he didn''t see her?

    What made her even more frightened was that he had been so quiet, which was different from his characteristics.

    But it was also like his characteristics.

    He always hid in the night like a leopard, staring calmly at his prey, and he seemed to prefer to jump on and bite it without warning.

    Irish inadvertently shivered.

    It was warm and windy outside, but she felt that there was a strange coldness in the room.

    In the next second, Irish quickly took out her mobile phone and dialed Roy without even thinking about it.

    Roy quickly answered the phone, and it could be heard that he was surprised. "Well... I''m not feeling well, so I''m not going to the meeting this morning." She hurriedly told a lie, hoping that it was still toote.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Roy listened to it and asked with concern, "What''s the matter? Do you need to see a doctor?"

    "Yes." Irish immediately said. "I have a terrible headache. I want to go to the hospital and get some medicine."

    "Oh, then go quickly." Roy was a very kind person, and the only advantage of this kind of person being a boss was that subordinates would not be so tired.

    Hearing that, Irish hung up the phone and grabbed the car keys, hurrying out of the office.

    But as soon as she got to the Hall, she heard the sound of high heels behind her, and someone was still shouting at her, "Dr. Irish..."

    Irish stopped and turned her head. She was one of the secretaries of the Secretariat, the girl in charge of the meeting. She was panting. Somehow in Irish''s heart raised an ominous foreboding.

    Sure enough, the young secretary ran to Irish and pressed her undting chest. She said, "Thank God! I''ve caught up with you, Dr. Irish. The general manager asks you to go to the conference room for the meeting."

    Irish straightened her spine and cleared her throat. "The chairman especially approves my leave. I''m going to the hospital. I have a headache."

    Unexpectedly, the secretary shook her head and said, "Well, you can''t. Mr. Dover said that you must attend the meeting."

    "But I''m sick. I''m going to the hospital." Irish frowned.

    The young secretary almost cried, "Dr. Irish, please don''t embarrass us. Mr. Dover canceled your application for leave in front of the chairman, and even the chairman had no objection."

    Irish was surprised. "When I was asking for leave, Joseph, Oh, no, the General Manager was there?"

    The secretary nodded heavily. "The chairman approved your leave, and when Mr. Dover knew it, he rejected it. The chairman also intended to let you go back to the meeting."

    Roy, you were an idiot!

    Were you led by the nose by a general manager? You didn''t even have the right to give employees a vacation? She scolded Roy in her mind.

    Irish resented and scolded, stamped her feet hard, and had to follow the secretary to go upstairs.

    The Runestone conference room was already full of senior staff.

    From the marketing department to the creative design nning department, all staff at the director level were all here. It seemed to be a briefing meeting. At the beginning of the year, the start of the new year, the battle began again.

    Irish was thest to arrive, and when the secretary pushed the door to invite her in, everyone in the conference room looked at her, including Joseph, who was sitting next to the chair, but he just nced at her casually and then moved his eyes away.

    When he fell on the secretary again, his deep eyes were draconian. "What time did you notify Dr. Irish?"

    The secretary looked up at Joseph''s eyes, she shivered and answered nervously, "At nine."

    Seeing that, Irish put the satchel on the conference table. As soon as Joseph opened his mouth, she said, "Don''t me her, I am not feeling well, and I dyed the time."

    Joseph''s eyebrows sank slightly.

    "I affected everyone''s time. I''m sorry." Irish''s eyes turned to the director''s presence but did not see Joseph.

    "Irish." It was Roy''s voice. "Sit down."

 Chapter 709 709: Demon’s Boss

    Irish chose an empty seat to sit down, but after sitting down, she regretted it because this angle was not good. She had to see Joseph on the opposite side because the nearest distance between the two points was in a straight line.

    It was worse than sitting next to him.

    Joseph dressed officially. Even the color match was very simple and formal. He wore a white shirt, a ck suit, and a dark red striped tie. The cufflinks were pure ck metal ones, emitting dark light with his watch.

    In fact, Irish was afraid of his dress, bewitching the hearts of the people, but people dared not approach.

    At this moment, she felt that her scalp was numb.

    He looked as quiet as ever, and she didn''t know what he was going to do next.

    At the meeting, she could not listen to a word. She felt as if she were on pins and needles and looked forward to the end of the meeting as soon as possible.

    Joseph did not deliberately embarrass her. He listened carefully to the reports of each department. He was as calm as water and would make up for a word or two if necessary, but it was obvious that his words were concise and correct.

    And like Irish, Roy was also feeling like sitting on needles.

    It was clear that the meeting was a torment for Roy.

    First of all, he could not understand what they were talking about. Second, he was really ufortable in this chair. He did not understand why Joseph was not tired at all after sitting so long.

    It was much more tiring than flying a ne.

    It was also clear that, although Roy was present at the meeting, his silence and attitude of making noments greatly weakened the authority of a chairman, and Joseph was always habitually asked for his advice.

    Though Joseph asked Roy''s opinion, it was only a superficial form because Roy nodded his head and agreed to everything, or he said, "It''s up to you."

    So, just in a meeting, thepany''s backbones knew exactly who was the real person in charge of the Runestone Group.

    Irish bowed her head, feeling bored. In the meeting book, she drew leaves and then began to draw people like the fat director on the opposite side, who Joseph had just reprimanded, and he was still constantly sweating. Her paintings were very ugly, but they were not uglier than the man yelling at this director. Irish then painted Joseph and used an arrow to point to Joseph�� Demon''s boss.

    In general, everyone has such experience.

    When you participate in a boring activity or attend a boring meeting, you will fill in some inexplicable things in your notebook. Maybe you don''t know what you are painting, and you just want to kill time. It alles from the fact that this event or meeting has nothing to do with you or it doesn''t have much to do with you.

    Irish had not been so leisurely at the meeting for many years. Thest time she exerted her "painting talent" on the notebook was when she first joined the working field. When she was new, her words were insignificant, so every meeting became a torment.

    Gradually, with the increase of her work experience, the deepening research in the field, and the frequent awards, she had be an indispensable role at the meeting. The notebook was no longer in a mess, and sometimes it was full of only the main points of the meeting.

    So, like that day, it was rare to be able to y her talents freely in the book.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish painted four pages.

    The first page contained locust leaves, willow leaves, and por leaves.

    On the second page, she painted people.

    Irish didn''t know drawing, but drawing was used to detect the psychological changes of characters, so it was a necessary ability as a psychological counselor. Therefore, she could paint after being influenced by those cases, but most of her drawings wereics.

    For example, the young secretary who had just informed her of the meeting was scolded by Joseph. Although she was still tirelessly remembering the meeting minutes, her frightened eyes were hard to ignore, so Irish drew a cartoon image simr to hers---she had a small head and slender fingers characterized by a pair of frightened eyes.

    There was a sentence on the side: Today, I was scolded by the demon boss, so I cursed him.

    And Irish''s opposite was the brand director. The man was dressed in a suit. Irish knew him. He was an active person, and he was excited every day. When he was talking about the brand, he could beparable to the marketing director, who was always talking about its performance.

    Irish once gave him a psychological test, and then he stopped taking psychological sses under all kinds of excuses. Irish had been toozy to report on him. Of course, Joseph did not know how arrogant he was in front of her.

    The man was a little proud because he had a proud performance, which she had to admit, but at the same time, she didn''t like him.

    So he was painted very respectfully, sitting straight. And he leaned in the direction of Joseph, with $$$ symbols in his two eyes, and there was a line of words around his head: I have to behave well in front of my boss.

    There were also normal people in her works, such as Daisy.

    Daisy was painted quietly by Irish without any malicious artistic processing, and there were no words on her head.

    This was Irish''s understanding of Daisy.

    This woman was as calm as she was, and she must be calm in her heart.

    The fat director was from the design department, and this department was as important as the technical research and development department. Of course, it was also the department that Joseph often scolded.

    Sometimes Irish wondered how great the psychological quality of these people should be. Working with Joseph every day would be like walking on a de at any time, and ordinary people would have been crazy.

    She thought the man was honest, but he had a tenacious heart.

    Therefore, when Irish was named in public by Joseph, she admired the good psychological quality of the fat director.

    Irish froze.

    Joseph''s tall body leaned back, and this time he looked directly at Irish. He "kindly" reminded her, "Dr. Irish, your work report."

 Chapter 710 710: You’ve Gone Too Far

    They were repetitive reminders. Though Joseph slowly spoke the first one, Irish could hear out the meaning of implicit warning.

    Irish did not expect herself to be named in public, and she was stunned for a few seconds.

    What was the work report?

    No one told her to prepare the work report.

    When she looked at Joseph, she felt he was deliberately trying to make things difficult.

    What shall she do?

    He expected to embarrass her in front of him, and it was not her intention to make a fool of herself in front of so many people.

    But how was she going to summarize the work report?

    In hesitation, Roy opened his mouth and spoke in a low voice, "Irish can submit the reportter."

    Irish felt it was the correct sentence Roy had said in the meeting.

    However, Joseph turned a deaf ear, and he was draconian. His slender fingers knocked twice on the conference table, and he said, "Don''t waste our time."

    Roy touched his nose awkwardly and looked at Irish with a look that he could not help.

    Irish knew that counting on Roy was impossible.

    After a deep breath, the left hand under the table clenched hard, and then after looking into Joseph''s serious eyes, Irish''s lip corner slightly rose. "The current work of our department went well."

    And then, she stopped.

    "Go on." Joseph was cold.

    Irish raised her chin and said, "It''s over."

    Joseph was not happy.

    Irish knew that she was pulling the beard from the tiger''s mouth. Although she was frightened and trembled, it was better than being embarrassed on the spot. She was just protecting herself. Finally, she added, "General manager has just told me not to waste everyone''s time. My summary is concise and very in line with your requirements."

    Roy could not helpughing, and when he saw that Joseph''s face was getting colder, he held back his smile and squeezed his eyes at Irish, urging her not to irritate Joseph.

    Irish thought she was not the kind of person who liked being a vitor.

    In fact, she was really afraid of Joseph.

    The hard days of a month on the ind were better than the torture he had brought to her when he returned to the ind.

    She was afraid of his frowning.

    Afraid of his seriousness.

    More afraid of his quiet appearance.

    At present, Joseph was sitting opposite, looking as cold as the sea in the middle of the night. She didn''t know how much danger was hidden in his calm ck eyes.

    She was afraid to go against him.

    She swore that she would never irritate him without being tired of living.

    But it didn''t mean that she had to lose face in front of everyone, did she?

    She was Irish, a woman who needed dignity and face.

    Joseph squinted slightly, and he was so serious that it made all the people worry about Irish.

    In fact, everyone was tacit about the rtionship between Joseph and Irish, but everyone also knew that Joseph was upright and fair at work. So at this moment, if he could even call his own woman''s name in public, he would not show mercy to others.

    Joseph stared at Irish for a long time and then slowly said, "I thought Dr. Irish had buried her head and worked hard to write the report."

    Irish was surprised to see everyone looking at her book. The first reaction was to lock the book right away.

    Joseph nced at the secretary.

    The young secretary immediately got up and walked towards Irish.

    Irish subconsciously pressed the book and shook her head, "This is not a summary of the work."

    The secretary looked at Joseph.<novelnext></novelnext>

    However, Joseph frowned and yelled coldly. "Bring it here."

    The secretary trembled and quickly pulled the book from Irish''s hand.

    Irish failed to protect the notebook, and she could only see the secretary obediently handing over the book to Joseph.

    Everyone was curious about what was in there.

    Joseph held the book in his hand and turned a page.

    Irish''s heart began to climb slowly.

    When he saw the second page, Irish clearly caught a touch of surprise in his eyes, and then he picked his eyebrows and fixed his eyes on Irish''s face with a meaningful look. And she heard the sound of the heart hitting her chest.

    Then she saw the secretary standing beside him, surprised and waving her hands, "General manage, this, this is not what I think."

    Irish''s heart almost popped out.

    She clearly saw Joseph''s lips tighten.

    She began to scold her for being so boring to do so.

    Joseph soon finished reading her book, put her book in the folder, and closed it. He said lightly to the frightened secretary, "Go back."

    The secretary returned to her position, shivering. And Irish found her fingers on the keyboard trembling.

    For a moment of chagrin, she felt as if she had implicated the girl.

    Then she would be the next person he would yell at.

    Irish clenched her fingers, prepared for a storm.

    Proud as he was, how could others be allowed to paint him like that?

    But Joseph was very calm.

    Unexpectedly, he raised his lips slightly. "Dr. Irish''s summary is not bad," he said. "Go on."

    Irish looked at him, stunned again.

    ****

    As soon as the meeting was over, Irish ran like a rocket, turning a blind eye to Daisy''s calling behind her.

    It was noon, so it was reasonable for her to leave thepany.

    Irish entered a Vietnamese restaurant as it was a new restaurant, so at lunchtime, the restaurant was quiet.

    As soon as she entered the door, she saw Jordan, and there was a girl sitting opposite him.

    When Jordan saw hering, he rushed up to the front and pulled her to her seat as if he had seen a savior. Before Irish reacted, Jordan put his arms around her shoulder, and his actions were very affectionate. He said to the girl, "My girlfriend is here. Are you willing to give up now?"

    What the hell?

    Irish was astonished.

    Before speaking, she saw the girl stand up with a hurtful look. "You are lying, don''t think finding a woman to impersonate your girlfriend can make me believe you!"

    Irish was stunned.

    Jordan was not happy. He hugged Irish, bowed his head, and kissed her lips without reminding her.

    "Well." As soon as Irish reacted, she subconsciously pressed against his chest.

    However, Jordan''s arm was so strong that it made her closer. Finally, he opened her lips and teeth and kissed her.

    Then the girl cried, pushing the chair away, "You''ve gone too far!"

    The girl ran out of the restaurant, crying.

    Irish also pushed Jordan away the next second, incredibly staring at him. "Jordan, are you crazy, or do you want to die?"

    As soon as Jordan changed his arrogant attitude, he made a sorry gesture at her and then sat down opposite her.

 Chapter 711 711: I’ll Face It Myself

    Irish also understood the situation. She was relieved and sat down, "You asked me toe over. And you take advantage of me, right?"

    At the meeting, she received a call from Jordan. It was not convenient to answer his call.

    She cut off the call and sent him three words: At the meeting.

    Jordan replied: I will treat you to lunch at noon today.

    The addresses were attached.

    Irish also wanted to meet Jordan to see how he had been during the time, so as soon as the meeting was over, she went straight out of the office. She didn''t expect to be used as a shield by him, this son of a bitch.

    Jordan obviously did not understand what she meant in her words. Irish had no choice but to exin it again in English. Jordan suddenly realized that he had waved his hand to Irish continuously. "I didn''t take advantage of you; she was too annoying."

    "Didn''t you?" Irish rolled her eyes. The young manughed in a shy manner.

    After ordering the meal, Irish couldn''t wait to ask, "What''s wrong with the girl? You don''t like her?"

    The girl was pretty.

    However, Jordan nodded unswervingly. Irish looked at him and was stunned. "You like her, and you drive her away?"

    Jordan was stunned when he heard it, blinked twice, and picked his eyebrows, "I don''t like her."

    "Why do you nod if you don''t like her?" Irish asked him.

    Jordan was even more puzzled, "You just asked me if I don''t like her? Then I nodded, meaning yes, I don''t like her."

    It suddenly urred to her that she had forgotten that Jordan''s way of thinking differed from the way of expression in America.

    "You just took advantage of me. You have to treat me to a great meal this time."

    When remembering the kiss, Irish was still nervous, and his strong posture was the same as that of Joseph.

    Unexpectedly, Jordan bowed his head and began to rummage through his bag.

    Irish looked at him.

    After a while, Jordan took out all the money in his pocket. "You see, it''s only more than three hundred dors. I''m going to refuel the car after the meal."

    Irish was stunned and patted the money he put on the table. "Didn''t you say that you treat me to lunch? Are you too poor, or if you were deliberately taking a little money out?"

    Jordan blinked andughed, "You should treat me to a meal instead."

    "No! You''re a man. You have to keep your word. What is it? Asking a woman to treat you to a meal? You don''t need to fuel the car. We can eat with that money." As Irish spoke, she reached out for the money.

    However, Jordan put all the money into his pocket and shouted, "I am poor."

    Irish looked at him angrily and gnashed her teeth. "Jordan, you are richer than me!"

    "But I don''t have the money now." Jordan tightly protected his pocket.

    Irish looked at him disdainfully. "I won''t believe you next time."

    "Don''t be so stingy." Jordan smiled. The food was served, and it tasted good.

    At least Jordan ate with relish.

    They ate and talked until Jordan asked where she had been more than a month ago, and Irish began to lose her appetite.

    "What''s the matter between you and my big brother? He asked.

    Irish gently shook her head and said nothing.

    Jordan stared at her. "He''s not good to you?"

    "He treated me fairly." Irish did not want to say these things. "Please eat quickly. I don''t have much time at noon."<novelnext></novelnext>

    "You are a shareholder in the Runestone Group, and you can bete." Jordan was obviously annoyed as he answered.

    Irish helplessly rolled her eyes. "Thisw is bullshit in the eyes of your big brother."

    Jordan shrugged his shoulders, and Irish did not know if he understood.

    "Wasn''t the woman earlier a good girl? Where did you know each other?" She changed the subject and talked about the girl who had just run away crying.

    Jordan looked irritable. "Bar. We met each other when I was singing. She was pestering me, and it was very annoying."

    "Did you go to the bar again to sing?"

    Irish was surprised.

    Jordan was nervous. "Don''t tell him."

    Irish knew whom he meant by "him."

    A long timeter, she sighed and said, "Jordan, in fact, you should go back to racing, that is your dream."

    Jordan was silent and ate with his head down.

    "Even if you can''t catch up with thepetition this year, you can return to that team and race next year," Irish said in a light tone.

    Jordan stopped moving and looked up at her, wanting to say something.

    Irish waited for him to speak.

    It was a long time before he said, "Actually, I''m going back to the team because I lost the bet."

    Irish remembered that she had made a bet with him.

    Perhaps Jordan wanted to express more meaning, so he simply exined in English, "On the day you were injured, I decided to go back to the team. We are all the same and dare not face the past. But you overcame it, and for me, you got an injury because you wanted to prove something. If I dare not face reality, I''m not a real man."

    "What are you afraid of?" Irish knew that there was still an obstacle in his heart.

    "I don''t know how to face my coach, it''s my fault."

    "People have to face the difficulty, don''t they?" Irish gentlyforted him, "Unless you can really forget the racing, really can hold the guitar in the bar every day, muddling through your lives. You can ask yourself, are you happy when you sing in the bar? Or is this just an excuse for you to run away from your ideals?"

    Jordan was silent for a while and then said to her, "If I want you to go with me to find the coach, do you think I''m not a man?"

    Irish smiled. "I''d be happy to see you return to the team, so I''m d to be with you."

    Jordan bowed his head and thought about it for a long time.

    "Come on, it''s my own business. I''ll face it myself." He added.

    Irish looked at him. "You''ve really decided?"

    Jordan nodded heavily.

    Irish reached out, "I hope you get back to the team, give me five!

    Jordanughed and lifted his hand.

    Then Irish said, "Jordan, so you should really treat the meal."

    "Why?" Jordan looked at her with alertness.

    "Because I came straight out of the conference room without my wallet." Irish motioned to him to see that she had brought nothing.

    Jordan protested. "You can''t lie to a boy to take his money away."

 Chapter 712 712: Did You See It?

    Irish figured out his mistake, "So you admit that you are a kid?"

    Jordan was so embarrassed that after a great while, he said, "I haven''t admitted it."

    "A man only takes so little money with him? You don''t have a card?" Seeing his empty hands with car keys beside them, she knew that he didn''t take a wallet.

    Jordan said, "I was in a hurry. Well, actually, you have so much."

    "Do I have so much?" Irish stared at him.

    "Okay. Let me check it." Jordan turned out to be an ountant. "As a psychoanalyst employed by the Runestone Group, you must have arge sry. Besides, you work for the mental institute. Your sry must be more than 50,000 dors per month, and then your annual ie must be more than 600,000 dors, except for a bonus. In addition, you work for a university. The sry there must be at least 20,000 dors, and then the annual one is 200,000 dors. As a result, your annual ie may be 1 million. See, you are so rich."

    Irish just looked at him without any words.

    "And then, as a woman with 1 million annual sries, you force me, a man with so little money, to pay for lunch?" Jordan pretended to be with exaggerated expressions.

    In the next second, Irish patted his head, which made Jordan shocked.

    "Buddy, you calcte my sry? Don''t you know the amount of the profit of the share you hold? Am I a woman with a 1 million annual sry? Maybe you can earn so much just in one day!"

    Jordan didn''t think that she was right. He just said, "Do not say that. There are great risks in the stock market. I can be poor at any time."

    "Well, if you can''t feed me, I will go right away," Irish said directly. She really didn''t take money with her.

    Jordan felt annoyed but helpless. "Miser!"

    Irish was not angry at his words. She felt it pleasant not to pay her.

    After lunch, Jordan went to pay the bill. And soon, he came back dly. Irish felt strange about it. Jordan told her that someone had paid for their lunch.

    Irish was more surprised. She asked the owner of the restaurant about it.

    The restaurant owner told her that someone paid for their lunch as they ordered.

    Irish asked who paid for it.

    The owner said after thinking for a while, "A young woman with uniforms. Oh, she said that she was called Daisy."

    Daisy!

    Irish felt amazed immediately. Why did shee to the restaurant?

    She remembered that Daisy called her when the meeting was finished. At that time, she didn''t pay attention to her. More importantly, Daisy must have had orders from Joseph. Actually, she ran because she was afraid of Joseph.

    So Daisy followed her?

    Oh my god! She was so dedicated!

    ****

    After lunch, Jordan left. Irish felt unhappy that she had toe back to work.

    What did Daisy mean by doing this?

    Irish walked to the foot of the building and stopped.

    Looking up at the high building in front of her, she saw the sunshine through the clouds. Splendid light and shadows fell on the ss, behind which she didn''t know how many profits had been made. She only knew that she didn''t want toe back to thepany at all.

    Other employees in this building walked past her and entered the building, and went back to their positions. They diverged into different ces, just like the flood.<novelnext></novelnext>

    As she came to the door of thepany, she just looked around just like a thief. Having found that there was no danger, she walked into her office quickly.

    She dipped the coffee and nned to start staff training soon, so she could not be avable until the duty was off. However, obviously, this idea was not practical since the training could notst so long.

    Thinking for a while, she decided to call Roy. Although he had no right to decide, he was at least the chairman of the board. She believed in him. She asked for a leave from him and apologized that she was really sick.

    It would be better if she could have approval for the leave tomorrow so that she could have longer holidays along with the weekend.

    She would rather spend her holidays traveling outside. It seemed that she tried her best to run away, but it was the only solution for her.

    As she grabbed the phone, someone knocked at the door.

    Daisy was there.

    Daisy pushed the door and came in.

    Irish hadn''t thought that she was there, so she was very surprised.

    Daisy walked forward and looked at her, "Irish, Joseph asked you to go to his office."

    Irish felt terrible immediately. She had no time to swallow the water. She deeply knew that something would finallye. Joseph would not let her go easily.

    Irish was clever. She stood up and looked at Daisy, "Anything else?"

    It would be enough for Daisy just to call Irish about the order from Joseph, so she came here not only for this.

    Daisy looked at Irish and smiled lightly, "As a psychoanalyst, you really know everything."

    "Sometimes I may be wrong, especially this year." There was implied meaning in her words.

    She didn''t know whether Daisy understood it or not; after all, Daisyughed. She asked, "Nice lunch?"

    "You deliberately let me know that you have paid for it. Of course, I had a nice lunch." Irish asked again, "It seems that I don''t need to pay back?"

    Daisy sighed, "Irish, we are all smart enough that there is no need to hide something. I think you should be distant from Joseph''s brother."

    Irish looked at her. She was clear, "Did you see it?"

    "He kissed you. It will be troublesome if Joseph knows it." Daisy said it directly.

    "Youe here for this. So actually, you haven''t reported it to Joseph?"

    Daisy nodded, "Sure. It is the first time for me to conceal something from Joseph."

    "Jordan is only a child." She was grateful for Daisy, but she also needed to exin.

    "I understand that you are clear. But it will not be so good for Joseph to know about this. On the one hand, Jordan is his brother. On the other hand, Jordan himself is an adult now."

    Irish nodded lightly. "Thank you for reminding me. I will take care."

    Daisy felt assured, and she asked again, "Are there any conflicts between you and Joseph?"

    Nobody knew what had happened to Joseph and Irish after Joseph went to Chicago.

    Even Daisy wasn''t clear about it.

 Chapter 713 713: I Am Sick

    She could obviously feel that Joseph became easily angry and cold. She arranged the relevant staff there ording to his order, and she guessed that Joseph had taken Irish to that ind.

    That ind was in debt from a diamond dealer who had no money to pay back his loan. Since then, the ind became Joseph''s private property, Joseph didn''t make it public, so few knew it.

    Daisy didn''t know what had happened to Irish. Did she really go out for fun or for other reasons?

    Irish was depressed as Daisy asked her. Finally, after a great while, she looked at her and said, "Nothing!"

    Daisy knew it would be hard for her to know something from her, so she just nodded lightly and urged her to go to Joseph''s office. In the end, she added, "You should make preparations for it. After the meeting, Joseph intended to ask you toe to his office, but you left first."

    Irish felt more stressed.

    ****

    Irish didn''t know how she "moved" to Joseph''s office.

    The door was tightly closed, but the window shades were open. From the gap in the window shades, it could be seen that Joseph was scolding someone. Inside the office was the director of the Technology and Development Department. Joseph looked very angry. Standing there, he knocked at the file on the table.

    ? The director seemed to argue something with him.

    Joseph was angrier and angrier. He mmed on the table with great strength.

    Standing outside the office, Irish trembled.

    And then she soon walked to the cubicle beside the secretary and asked her, "What happened?"

    The secretary was frightened to be scolded, so she just shook her head.

    "What''s up?" She just asked for it. Why did she behave like this?

    The secretary almost cried, "Daisy told me not to disclose anything about Mr. Dover outside."

    Irish didn''t know what to say. Actually, she just asked what happened.

    And then the secretary said, "Irish, could you please say something good for me? You drew that in your picture book. Actually, I didn''t think that way. How dare I curse Mr. Dover?"

    "What?"

    "You drew the picture, but I am afraid that Mr. Dover will me me." The secretary felt sad.

    Irish sighed and nodded weakly. Actually, it might be difficult for her to protect herself.

    Joseph scolded his staff for nearly ten minutes, which was a miracle for a man who valued time as important as life. Unfortunately, it also proved that the technology department had made severe mistakes.

    Irish felt more and more afraid. Finally, she decided to run away at once.

    And just then, the technology department director went out, feeling unhappy.

    The secretary pulled Irish and signed to the director''s back, "He must have been scolded."

    Irish felt more nervous. Thinking for a while, she said to the secretary, "If Joseph asks something about me, just tell him that you haven''t seen me."

    "What?"

    There was no time for Irish to exin further to her, so she just turned around and intended to go away right away.

    There was shoutinging from Joseph''s office, "Irish,e here quickly."

    Irish was immediately still. She even felt cold now.

    The secretary said with a low voice, "Follow him. Otherwise, it will be terrible."

    Irish knew it would be terrible, especially when she entered the office and looked into Joseph''s angry eyes.

    She was afraid that he would make her in a dilemma again.

    And then Joseph sat down and stared at her. He said coldly, "Come here."

    Irish nearly wanted to die.

    She moved to the front of the chair and sat down by the edge. It was lucky that Joseph didn''t order her to stand up coldly.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Two points." Joseph''s voice was down, "Firstly, recite Item No.103 and No.217 of the Corporation Management Manual."

    Irish felt suffocated, and after a while, she murmured, "What?"

    "Recite it," Joseph ordered her.

    There was only a "Corporation Management Manual" in her mind, but she didn''t know what those regtions were.

    She had to say, "I couldn''t...remember it."

    "Forgot it, or actually, you haven''t watched it?" Joseph was calm now. However, Irish would like him to shout at her.

    If he acted in this way, she couldn''t figure out his bottom line clearly.

    She cleared her throat and answered, "I reviewed it but forgot it."

    If she answered that she hadn''t reviewed it before, he would make her die. As a matter of fact, she didn''t watch it. Suddenly he threw her a file.

    Irish looked at it carefully. It was the Corporation Management Manual.

    "Read it," Joseph ordered her. Irish really wanted to throw the file into his face and then told him that she was also one of the shareholders of the Runestone Group. He shouldn''t regard her as a follower.

    But then she noted that even Roy had to follow him, so it would not be good for her to counter him.

    She''d better follow him; otherwise, it would be bad for her.

    Taking a deep breath, she felt better now.

    She opened the manual angrily and found Item No.103.

    Should there be so many regtions?

    "As per the Item No.103..."

    "Be sincere." Joseph frowned.

    Irish stared at him and gritted her teeth. She recited it again, "the Item No.103..."

    "Speak louder. Please." Joseph interrupted her again.

    Irish felt angrier. She wanted to vent her anger.

    She calmed down and read loudly, "As per the Item No.103, employees have an obligation to follow the orders from their directors, but they can also make statements to their own advice."

    "Read Item No.217," Joseph ordered.

    Irish turned the page and continued to read, "As per Item No.217, employees shall not do anything harming the image of the corporation and its superior leaders. Any practice of defaming others and disseminating rumors is regarded as viting the regtions and shall be punished ordingly. If the director is involved, he shall be punished, and the warrantor shall also be responsible."

    "Understood?" Joseph kept a calm voice.

    Irish closed the file, lowering her head and not talking.

    "Say something."

    "I understood." She felt as if she were a student again.

    Joseph adjusted his sitting pose and looked at her face. He looked at the pictures caught in his files and spoke, "So now state the mistakes you have made."

    "I..." Irish raised her head but was afraid of his severity. She restrained her anger and murmured, "I don''t think that I have made mistakes."

    Joseph became annoyed, "As a head of a department, you must ept the arrangement by the superior. It''s okay that you cannot be present at the meeting, but you should rify your reasons."

    "I asked for a leave from Roy. I...I am sick." Irish mentioned Roy anxiously.

    And then Joseph''s low shouting came, "Irish, you think I am a child, right?"

    Okay. She admitted that she thought it too simple.

    "Well," Joseph slowed down his voice and threw the pictures onto her, "You are gifted in drawing."

 Chapter 714 714: I Don’t Know How To Write It

    His image was in every picture. As he saw them, he wanted tough, though annoyed.

    His image was ugly in the painting. He made an akimbo and stretched his neck. His nose became that of a pig, and everyone in her picture pointed at Joseph and scolded him, "Bad boss!"

    She became so bold!

    Irish was also embarrassed. The point was that it was she who lost face, not him.

    She stretched to take the picture, nning to throw them into the shredder as he went out of the office.

    She had to admit that it was really childish to vent her anger by drawing, which didn''t conform to her image as others imagined.

    As she approached the papers, Joseph said, "Did I ask you to take them away?"

    Irish pulled her hands back.

    "Go back to your office and write the two items you have just read in your memory. A sincere and deep-meaning written self-criticism should be attached. Remember to write it by hand. Do not type it or ask for help from others. I can figure out your handwriting."

    "What?" Irish stood up suddenly. Write it by memory? Write it by hand? Most importantly, a written self-criticism was needed.

    What era was it now? Was self-criticism needed?

    "I don''t know how to write it." She couldn''t bear it anymore.

    Joseph was indifferent to her resistance. His tall figure leaned forward lightly and knocked at the table for emphasis. "Put them onto my table before you get off duty. Otherwise, your share bonus will be postponed with unlimited dates."

    "How does ite?" It was really cruel to her.

    Joseph said lightly, "I am your boss."

    Irish clenched her fists and stared at his face. She really hated him, so she just stared at him for several seconds and turned around angrily.

    "Did I allow you to go?" Joseph spoke idly.

    Irish suddenly stopped.

    Looking back, staring at Joseph, she became alert.

    She was like a reindeer chased by a lion to the edge of the cliff. The lion stopped chasing, but the reindeer had no way but to wander on the edge of the cliff, restless.

    In the case of no way forward and no way out, she had to keep an eye on the danger ahead with a pair of vignt eyes, aware of possible attacks anytime, anywhere.

    But Joseph was not in a hurry. He was more like an elegant and leisurely lion. He didn''t push her hard, and of course, was there any chance that the reindeer which had been forced to the edge of the cliff could escape?

    He got up and walked slowly in her direction.

    Irish only felt that her scalp was numb and tight for a while.

    The tall figure of the man was getting closer and closer, and the faint wooden breath rushed into her breath with the air. This good smell, which had always brought her safety, had be a nightmare. Every time he approached, it made her feel as if a ribbon had slipped gently across her neck, and the surface of the ribbon was smooth, and it was cool and soft when it fell, but it became tight when one was about to be intoxicated.

    Until it almost suffocated her to death.

    Irish subconsciously took a step back.

    However, Joseph passed by her and went to the window, quietly closing the shutters.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish immediately felt her heart begin to tighten.

    What was he doing?

    The shutters obscured the possible nces outside the office, so the office becamepletely closed.

    "Second." Joseph did not return to his chair. His tall figure casually leaned against the desk, his hands in his trousers pocket, much more leisurely than the look of seriousness just now.

    "When the boss hasn''t finished his words, his subordinates are obliged to wait."

    Irish was clear that the second thing would have nothing to do with business. She was avoiding him because he was bound to avenge.

    Joseph was not unaware of the vignce in her eyes, which had been watching him all the time.

    His lips rose vaguely, and he seemed to have a smile at the bottom of his eyes. But this smile seemed a little dangerous.

    He said indifference, "Irish, do you think that you''re in New York, and I can''t do anything to you?"

    Irish was standing in ce, and the pores of her whole body opened.

    "So, you''re not afraid to ignore me, right?" His voice was very light, and at first, it sounded love-like, gentle, and careful, but from the light tone, she felt there was a warning in it.

    Irish straightened her back and took a deep breath, she said, "We are in awful society, so you don''t think you really can do something to me."

    She wouldn''t be so stupid to be knocked out by him again. And at present she''s in thepany, she didn''t believe that he could do anything dangerous to her. If he really did, she would shout. At the worst, they could perish together, and the one who would lose face was not Irish alone.

    When he heard what she said, he smiled, and his smile was very light, such as a light cloud. When it floated, nobody understood whether he was angry or happy.

    He nodded gently and stared at her. "Well, a woman''s promise is unreliable."

    "I never admit to being a gentlewoman." She retorted.

    Joseph picked his eyebrows, "So, you have an objection to your original choice?".

    "I won''t fulfill such a ridiculous contract." However, Irish had a tendency to change her mind.

    The promise to him was expedient, and she would not be a lover. This is New York, and they were not on his ind. She didn''t have to be afraid of him.

    Joseph smiled instead of being angry. "Do you think it''s funny to be my lover?"

    "Yes." Irish raised her chin slightly. Though her tone was tough, she was ready for him to rush over, and she could run away.

    Joseph did not resort to violence against her; even his usually calm face had not changed, as if he had long expected her to turn back. And there was always a smile in his eyes.

    "Since you find it funny to be my lover." He slowly opened his mouth, adjusted his posture, and crossed his arms over his chest. "Then you can redecide to marry me."

    Irish smiled, too. "Joseph, when did you like to joke so much?"

    Joseph looked at her calmly and asked, "So, are you going to tear up the agreement?"

    "As I just said, I''m not a gentlewoman."

    "Okay." Joseph identally said the word.

 Chapter 715 715: Who Would Believe It?

    Irish was surprised but did not want to continue specting on his ideas. She lightly said, "So now you have nothing to ask me, right?"

    Joseph was silent.

    Seeing him like this, Irish turned to go away.

    As soon as her finger touched the doorknob, she listened to Joseph. "You''re not a gentlewoman, but you''re a smart woman. Smart people never want to mess with their future."

    Irish clung to the handle of the door with a stiff finger and looked back in surprise.

    What did he say?

    "Guess what will happen if you walk out of me like this?" Joseph asked an understated question.

    Irish let go of her hand and turned around, and stood still. "What do you mean?"

    Joseph smiled meaningfully, "Very simple. All I want is your obedience, otherwise, I will close the door for you, and you know, nobody will open the door for you."

    Irish frowned and looked at him.

    Joseph looked at her, then went back to his desk, took a document out of the lower drawer, and threw it on the table.

    Irish was suspicious.

    "You don''t make me go this way, you know."

    Irish didn''t know what he had taken out.

    On the tabletop was a ck folder in the same color as the table.

    She was hinted to open it.

    She reached out, picked up the papers, and opened them.

    Irish only saw one page and her face suddenly became pale.

    "You haven''t had time to read this assessment report yourself." Instead of questioning, Joseph said in a very certain tone.

    Irish stared at every word on the report, on which was Fredrick''s handwriting.

    This was her psychological evaluation report. In the psychological industry, Fredrick and Professor Tim were authoritative, especially Fredrick, who had been admitted by the procuratorate and became the best legal, psychological evaluator.

    Fredrick wrote her psychological symptoms on her psychological evaluation and set out in detail the process and means of treatment. Finally, the conclusion at the end of the page diagnosis was that she was initially suspected of having depersonalization symptoms, and its clinical manifestations were depression, memory confusion, and so on.

    Irish looked at the report unbelievably, staring at the words of "depersonalization."

    Yes, she never looked through the report carefully.

    To be exact, she didn''t even devote time to the evaluation report that Fredrick had written.

    It was reasonable that the psychological assessment reports of the cases were kept with the psychological counselor, just as the patient''s case should be kept in the hospital, and the assessment report could not be privatized until the application was passed or the condition was improved.

    But Fredrick was trying to let her know about her situation, and he didn''t say it. He just wrote it down and gave her the assessment report, probably in order not to undermine her self-esteem.

    Irish did not think that Fredrick had made a judgment. She thought, as he said, that further observation was needed. Unexpectedly, he had already stated the reasons for his psychological assessment of her.

    She had put it directly into her bag without looking at the evaluation.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Then she met Joseph, and then he took her to the ind.

    So, this assessment had been in the hands of Joseph!

    Irish threw the report on the table, staring at Joseph, "I am not sick at all. This is a misdiagnosis!"

    "Who would believe it?" Asked Joseph.

    Irish was surprised.

    After a long time, she gnashed and said, "Don''t forget, I am also an expert in the field. I can prove that my mental state and psychological condition are very good!"

    Joseph raised his lips as if he had heard a joke. "As you said, a sick person doesn''t know he''s sick."

    "I''m sober!" Irish red at him.

    "I have to admit, Fredrick has done a good thing this time. As far as I know, the first condition for people in your business is mental health, and even a small situation will affect your position in the field. Fredrick''s authority in the industry is clearly above you, and he is your mentor, so this assessment report has exined your problems in detail."

    "Mentors also make mistakes."

    "So, you''d better not make a mistake in front of me." Joseph suddenly said.

    Irish looked up at him.

    "Irish, I''m not bored of threatening your family. It''s an easy trick for you and me." Joseph seemed to smile, "To make you listen to me, this report is enough."

    Irish squinted. "What do you want to do?"

    Joseph reached his hand, and the long fingers brushed the edge of the document. He said, "Only an email will make you suspended as a shareholder and a psychological consultant of the Runestone Group. I think the industry and the media reporters are happy to gossip about you. Suppose the Runestone Group closes the door to you. Do you think the university that you are now taking office, the association, or any other mental institution will open the door for you?"

    Irish was surprised.

    "You''ve worked too hard and achieved today''s achievements. I think you will not be stupid enough to go against me?" Joseph''s attitude was gentle, but his words had a sense of coercion.

    The coldness came over her body. Irish heard the trembling voice of her heart, and her tone became unnatural. "Fredrick wille forward to rify the false report."

    "Would you think Fredrick would be suspected of sheltering if it were you?" Joseph is thoughtful. "Irish, don''t ruin the future of others in order to save yourself. This is not what you are good at."

    "Well, if you can, let the whole field know about it!" Irish retorted boldly. "No one will believe this. Don''t think that only Runestone will deal with the public rtions crisis!"

    Joseph raised his lips, "Hysteria is not your style, Irish, I do not have a professional background like you, but I can make no one believe what you say."

    Irish''s fingers were clenched, and the fingernail buckle hurt the palm.

    "Want to have a try?" Joseph''s tone was calm, and Irish hated his confidence.

    Irish really wanted to say. "If you have the ability, try it. Don''t think I''m afraid of you."

    However, this sentence could only be kept in her heart, and there was no way for her to speak it out.

    After all these years of employment, Irish was too aware of how important a psychological evaluation report was to employees, which was why psychological counselors also needed mentors. They also had to undergo a psychological evaluation so that they were ensured that they could take up their posts.

    If this psychological assessment report flew out, then she would lose her job. Oh, no, to be exact, she would lose her job forever and would never find a job again.

 Chapter 716 716: I Don’t Care What Happened

    Not to mention that the organization in the industry dared not ept her, even if she wanted to change careers, it was difficult. At present, employers are beginning to pay attention to the psychological development of employees, and nopany would risk hiring employees with psychological problems. Even if she knew how to defend herself, the report was here, and the employer would believe more in evidence than her defense.

    If she could stay in the field by luck, then there was only a long gap waiting for her, and no patient would believe her.

    And it was okay if she really did nothing, just relying on the shares from the Runestone Group. But if Joseph stayed in the Runestone for a day, it would be more difficult for her. He had the right to hold her dividends, then what would she do?! And at present, she would rely on her uncle and aunt?

    What should she do?

    After returning to New York, Irish thought about all the people and things that Joseph could threaten, and she dared to be so fearless only after she ruled out one by one, but it was her mistake to leave the psychological assessment report.

    She was not sure if once enraged, he would really send out the report, forcing her to have no way out.

    She can''t piss off such a man because she cannot watch herself be unemployed.

    No matter how far she ran, there was no guarantee that Joseph would not let her go.

    She never knew what he would do against her next.

    "Irish." Joseph called her name lightly and added, word for word, "It doesn''t matter to me whether you have a job or not."

    The meaning behind a sentence could not be more obvious.

    Irish''s fingers were about to break. Yes, he didn''t care if she had a job. For him, what he wanted to see was just looking at her in pain.

    Anger and desire to kill constantly came over her. It was an urgent burst of anger, burning her heart, but the opposite man''s eyes were so hell-bent on winning that her anger had no ce to vent.

    Indeed, if she were him, she would have been like that, and she would have been pressing on every stage.

    Finally, she pressed down her anger and then turned into endless sadness and helplessness.

    After a long time, she had to say, "Don''t announce the report."

    In a word, it meant that Irishpromised.

    She totally lost this unprepared battle.

    Joseph took the report and smiled lightly. Don''t worry, as long as you listen to me."

    "I can stay with you for a year, but I have one condition, too." Irish took a deep breath, which relieved her blues.

    Joseph raised his eyebrow slightly. "Do you have the chip to make terms with me?"

    "I don''t think the women you used to keep were free, did you?" Irish said in a cold voice, "At least you mark the price so that it can be called keeping a woman."

    Joseph looked at her, whose eyes were darkened. He said, "Okay, you fix the price."

    The indescribable sense of shame ran so fast that her bones were in pain.

    "No less than $30,000 pocket money a month, plus other expenses."

    When Joseph heard the words, he hummed and said to her, "Come here."

    Irish stood in ce and didn''t move.

    Joseph stared at her, and the darkness of his eyes showed great pressure.

    It was a long time before she came forward.

    He reached for her.

    Irish breathed a little faster and went around the desk.

    He reached out and pulled her, his arm putting forth his strength a little hard to bring her into his arms and sit on hisp.

    "You won the right to negotiate, but you fixed such a low price." He smiled and touched her pale cheek. "If you marry me, you''ll get more."<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish sneered. "Joseph, if I marry you, will you choose to divorce?"

    "No." He was straightforward.

    "So, a year is better than a lifetime." She looked into Joseph''s eyes.

    Joseph''s fingers trembled slightly, and after the dark light in his eyes went away, his tone cooled down. "Yes, maybe I will be tired of you after a year."

    The man''s words stung her heart.

    She knew that the reason why he gave two choices was to give himself a chance to leave at any time.

    "Can I go out now?" She asked in a cold voice.

    Joseph''s big hand fell on her back and patted her twice. "Remember, you can''t spend the night anywhere else without my permission."

    Irish bit her teeth hard. "Okay."

    Joseph raised his hand, pinched her chin, and smiled gently. "Can you make me believe it?"

    She didn''t struggle and looked into his eyes. "I''m not going to make life difficult for the money."

    Joseph stared at her for a long time and then let her go.

    She didn''t say anything. She got up and left his office without turning her head.

    ****

    In the night, the clouds covered the stars, falling the shadow of the haze.

    Roy ate dinner with Cassie, and he sent her back to the housing estate. She got out of the car in advance, and he went to the park.

    Under the flower tree, Cassie looked at the flowers above in a daze. Cassie had lived here at this timest year. They talked andughed as if they did not know what sorrow was.

    At that time, she had been preparing to enter the Runestone Group, and Irish was high-spirited.

    The beauty of life had never been so close.

    It was just that it walked past her. Her name was called, and the voice was very light and haggard.

    Cassie turned her head but found that it was Fredrick.

    He dresses casually and is no longer as energetic as he used to be.

    Walking up to her, standing in front of her, he stared at her and said, "Cassie,e back to me."

    Nothing could go back.

    That was what Cassie knew.

    Roy''s behavior, shameful as it was, tore her fantasies directly and let her face the bloody fact that she and Fredrick had long been a thing of the past.

    She shook her head gently and said she was sorry.

    Fredrick looked miserable and took her hand. "I don''t care what happened. Cassie, we have been together for so many years, and I can''t let you go."

    "This will always be a barrier between you and me, Fredrick. Let''s not deceive ourselves." Cassie''s voice was so light that she could not even hear herself clearly.

    "I..." Fredrick frowned.

    Cassie had a heartache, for him, for the love that had passed between them.

 Chapter 717 717: I Know That You Love Irish

    There was a sound of footsteps behind her.

    Her shoulder shook gently.

    Her shoulders suddenly warmed. A man''s coat was gently draped over her with cool air.

    Then her hand, which Fredrick had held, was pulled back by Roy, and he smiled and said, "Why is Fredrick here today? You''re just in time. I haven''t sent you an invitation."

    Fredrick was stunned, looking at Roy and then looked at Cassie.

    "Cassie." Roy put his hand on Cassie''s shoulder and whispered, "Haven''t you told Fredrick that you were going to marry your ex-boyfriend?"

    He deliberately emphasized the "ex-boyfriend."

    Fredrick looked angry. "Roy, you are too despicable."

    Roy, however, was not annoyed, and his eyes were on Cassie.

    Cassie had been silent for a long time, and then she said, "Yes, Fredrick, I''m going to marry him. The date of marriage has been fixed."

    "Are you kidding me?" Fredrick looked at her with an unbelievable look, and he pointed his finger at Roy, "he raped you, and you are going to marry him?"

    Roy waved away his hand and said, "Please pay attention to your words. To put it bluntly, what we have done follows our hearts."

    "You are such a..."

    "Fredrick," Cassie stepped in front of Roy, looking at Fredrick. Her eyes were shocked, and then they tended to calm, "Stop it, this is my decision.".

    "He forced you to do so? You don''t love him, Cassie, the person you love is me!" Fredrick reached for her shoulder.

    Fredrick was stunned.

    "Fredrick, what you have to admit is that when you broke up with me, you had no one for me for a long time. After all these years of separation between us, your love for me has run out." Cassie did not want to say that, but that was the deep thought in her heart. If it were not for the incident between Roy and her, she would rather run away from it for the rest of her life.

    "I think we have no fate at all. We all worked hard to get together and discuss our marriage, but we never decided to do that. In fact, we both know the reason very well. You have guilt for me, and that is because we have been together for so many years, and you have long been used to it. But guilt and habit are not love. You and I have problems, but I have been lying to myself that there is no problem between us.

    "No." Fredrick panicked for a while and didn''t know what to say to make up for it.

    Fredrick took a deep breath, and the fragrance of flowers in the air rushed into her nose but pierced her nerves.

    "I know that you love Irish." She said in a light voice.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Fredrick trembled all over and looked at her in astonishment.

    The night was frigid, and Cassie''s voice was very light. Once some words are said, it exposes everything.

    Sometimes in a rtionship, men and women are the same, used to using time as an excuse to turn a blind eye to what has happened because they both hope that with the passage of time, the urrences will gradually be forgotten and they will totally disappear, but it is often counterproductive. Once a trace of the urrence is left, this trace would expand, and finally, the more depressed thing and what you want to get is obvious.

    Cassie was not a fool. She did notice that when Fredrick had just returned, Irish always looked at Fredrick, although she hid it very well. But as her friend, she was also sensitive to a woman in love. And she, in fact, knew that Fredrick''s eyes would follow Irish from time to time. Her heart hurt like being pierced by a knife.

    One was her best friend, the other was her favorite man. Cassie thought from time to time that what if Irish really expressed her mind to her one day? Would she hate Irish? Would she break up with Irish? The question had been thought about for a while until she came up with an exact answer, that was, no matter what Irish did to her, even if she really told her that she really liked him and please fulfill our love, then she would not break up with Irish.

    She would rather Irishe and say that directly to her, and she would be lost but not resentful of her, for she knew that no one was right or wrong about feelings and that what mattered was only whether they suited or not.

    She hoped that Irish would be happy, that was all.

    However, Irish never told her, and she was not like the kind of woman who robbed her best friend''s boyfriend in other novels or TV dramas. She was always keeping a distance from Fredrick, which Cassie saw in her eyes. Then, when she was moved, she also had heartache for Irish. She knew how hard it was to fall in love with someone secretly, and Irish was really her best friend.

    She was also waiting. Maybe Fredrick would take the initiative to tell her. When she had broken up with him, she had thought Fredrick would go to Irish and tell his feelings for her, but he had not done that.

    But she clearly saw Fredrick be more and more silent.

    Even when they had decided to get married, she would have been still seeing from his face the indifference and destion behind the smile. She had known that, in fact, he had always been loving Irish.

    That day, in fact, Cassie''s words were what she had wanted to say for a long time, but she had no courage all the time. She had been deceiving herself, if possible, for the rest of her life.

    But Roy broke everything.

    She didn''t hate anyone, Fredrick or Roy.

    Until that day, the only person who hated, in the end, hurt only himself. Later, she also figured out that if she needed to marry, then, between Fredrick and Roy, it seemed that it was not so difficult to choose.

    Roy was bullshit, and Fredrick also cheated on her. If she really needed to marry one of them, the person she married seemed to be the same.

    ? Fredrick seemed a little flustered at first, but soon, his eyes were deeply helpless, and he could not say a word for a while.

    "Fredrick, I am very grateful that you have been with me for so many years. It is better to end here than to regret after marriage." Cassie was very painful, and she was weak.

    "Cassie, I��" Fredrick wanted to exin to her, but what could he exin?

    If she had not said that and if she had not seen through his mind, he might have tried to retain and exin it, but at present, Cassiepletely uncovered his mind.

 Chapter 718 718: I Will Help You Prepare

    He was ashamed and deeply helpless.

    Cassie bowed her head and gently clenched her fingers.

    Roy was a little out of tolerance beside her. He reached out over her shoulder and said, "Let''s go."

    Cassie raised her eyes, looked at Fredrick for a moment, and then left.

    The night wind blew.

    It messed up Fredrick''s hair.

    He could only watch Cassie go far and hold up his hand to catch the corner of her clothes raised by the wind.

    Into the housing building, Roy pressed the button of the elevator.

    While waiting for the elevator, Cassie could not help but ask him, "Why do you want to marry me?"

    Roy thought about it, then took her by the hand and looked at her. "Because at least you''re the one I''ve ever seen who I want to get married to."

    After Cassie listened to this, there was a kind of inexplicable feeling in the bottom of her heart. She couldn''t figure it out.

    ****

    In a blink of an eye, it was Friday again.

    After parking at the gate of the neighborhood, Irish paid to get out of the taxi. She deliberately avoided the traffic jam, so she ate dinner outside.

    She went into themunity. The night wind had a faint fragrance and mixed with Viburnum macrocephalum vor, soothing the fatigue of the day.

    She slowed down her pace.

    She just found that the spring flowers in themunity werepeting to bloom.

    The high quality of this district lies in its green belt. As soon as you entered themunity, it was like entering a garden. There were different flowers and trees to appreciate all year round. At present, there were fountains, the goose yellow flowers, the whiteness of Magnolia, and all kinds of spring flowers that she couldn''t name, climbing around beyond the rockery.

    The biggest benefit of the separate greening setting was that there was a corridor not for vehicles, and residents could breathe fresh air rather than exhaust gas as much as possible.

    Irish basically drove often. When she came back, she drove directly to the garage and then entered the elevator from the garage back to her home. So when she was in themunity, she was surprised to find that the flowers here were blooming.

    Suddenly, she felt as if she had not calmed down for a long time to enjoy the scenery.

    Passing through a flowering tree along the way, she did not know the name of it but felt that the fragrance was light and the flower was white as snow. When the night wind blew, the petals fell widely in the night sky, which was beautiful to make people intoxicated.

    Inadvertently, Irish thought of the days in Light Town.

    There was also a tree of viburnum macrocephalum, whose petals flew in the air.

    Under the flower tree, Joseph''s figure was tall and straight, and his slight lips seemed to be so intoxicating as the flower that she could not move her eyes.

    Joseph.

    Every time she thought of this name, her heart was like being pierced by a knife and

    blood spread out a little bit.

    Some owners walked, pushed baby carriages, or led dogs in the neighborhood.<novelnext></novelnext>

    On such a spring night, it seemed that people also becamefortable.

    At least, they all looked strange when they passed by Irish.

    Perhaps they had forgotten that some had chased her with rotten vegetable leaves and eggs.

    In this city, pressure elerates the pace of forgetting, and no one will remember what''s gone. Everyone is going on, and those who are useless and even harmful can be forgotten in that process.

    They would no longer remember who she was, even if they left her indelible harm.

    After entering the house, it was past nine o''clock.

    The moon was beautiful outside the window, full of splendor.

    The silver-like moonlight was as cool as water, sprinkling through the curtain into every corner of the room.

    Irish nestled on the sofa, listening to the clock beating, which showed the quietness in the room.

    Yes, everything was too quiet.

    It was so quiet that she could almost hear her breathing.

    On Friday, it was supposed to be lively, at least, when she came out of the office, all she saw were girls dressed up for dating or nightclubs. She was too old to stay up. She went to dinner with Cassie.

    She talked a lot with Cassie but didn''t talk about Joseph. Cassie also talked to her a lot but also did not talk about Fredrick alone. Later, Irish looked at Cassie and said, "If you really decide to marry Roy, then the wedding dress, I will help you prepare."

    Cassieughed. She found the proposal very strange.

    Irish told her that she tried the wedding dress in the Ministry of Administration, but she stopped when Joseph''s name was about to be blurted out. After a while, she said, "At that time, I felt that it was a very happy thing to let my best friend prepare the wedding dress."

    Cassie''s eyes were bright, staring at Irish.

    Irish took her hand and said from the bottom of her heart, "It''s good that you''re still by my side for so many years."

    Too many people will pass with time. Fortunately, Cassie apanied her.

    Cassie said nothing more at the time and then clenched her hand and whispered to her, "Then I want the most expensive wedding dress."

    Irish smiled and nodded hard.

    At present, she was in a quiet room, and she could only desperately think about her past happiness, and she would not be lonely.

    Joseph hadn''te overst night, and she had forgotten when she had fallen asleep.

    That day, she did not see him all day.

    Daisy was not in thepany. She knew that he should have been busy outside, and Daisy was bound to follow him.

    When she heard about the ident during the release of the new product of the new season, Leo''spany chose the same day tounch the new product, which robbed the chance of being the leading actor of the Runestone Group.

    Recently, the Runestone Group seemed to have begun to focus on phnthropic funds, and Leo''spany followed up in this area.

    It seems that Leo kept working against the Runestone Group.

    Irish sighed. The business couldn''t be judged to be right or wrong. She just wanted to be an ostrich, that was all.

 Chapter 719 719: She Developed Depersonalization Syndrome

    Not knowing when she fell asleep, Irish vaguely heard a movement downstairs cold.

    She woke up, turning on the light to see the time. It was 01:30 in the morning.

    She sat in bed for a while, and the voice downstairs seemed louder.

    Was it Joseph who came back?

    Thinking, she hurriedly got out of bed.

    Barefoot, she ran out of the bedroom. The moonlight stretched over the stairs, spinning and winding down.

    She pricked up her ears and reached for the night light switch downstairs.

    The yellow light dispelled the moonlight. No one was there.

    But very quickly, there was a sound of patting the door.

    Even the doorbell was omitted.

    She was nervous. She was slightly short of breath. She walked downstairs, went to the porch, looked at the door mirror, and opened the door.

    At the door was Joseph.

    He leaned against the door, his tall body dangling a little, his coat casually draped over his shoulders. He put one hand on the wall and saw her open the door. He looked at her for a moment, a little drunk. And his eyes were even deeper and harder to understand.

    He was drunk!

    As soon as the idea passed through Irish''s brain, alertness suddenly sprang up.

    Joseph stood outside for a while, then he came in. He staggered to the living room, threw his coat aside, and sat down on the sofa.

    The cool breeze came in.

    Only then did Irish think of closing the door.

    Thinking about it, she took a pair of men''s slippers out of the shoe rack and went to the sofa, and threw it in front of him. "Change your shoes. I just cleaned up tonight."

    Joseph lookedzily around him. The ground was so smooth that he could use it as a mirror. "Didn''t you call the cleaners?" he said with a smile.

    Irish rolled her eyes at him. "I don''t have to."

    Joseph looked at Irish through the light, and her hair was stained with a touch of goose yellow. Along with the eyebrows on the corners of her eyes, she looked very soft and warm. He could not help but reach out and try to hold her by the hand.

    But she took a step back and pointed to his leather shoes, and said, "Change your shoes quickly!"

    Joseph smiled instead of being angry. "Change it for me."

    "No way." Irish was rude.

    The young man was staring at her, "Really?"

    Irish swallowed her saliva. "Changing your shoes is what your wife does. I''m just your lover. I''m not responsible for your food and drink."

    "You mean just for sleeping?"

    Irish gnawed her teeth and said nothing.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Joseph smiled helplessly. Not forcing her. He began to change his own shoes.

    Maybe because of drunkenness, his actions were not very flexible.

    Irish just stood next to him with her arms folded and saw him wobbling for a long time without changing his shoes. She muttered, "Bring here a lot of troubles as soon as hees back. She yelled, "Don''t move."

    Stupid!

    He troubled her even in changing shoes.

    Joseph really did not move, happy to watch her change shoes for him.

    As he looked, his eyes grew deeper and deeper.

    She bowed her head as beautifully as a white lotus, and her neck was slender as if he could break it with a little force. He did notice that her chin was getting thinner and thinner and that he could clearly feel her thinness as he hugged her to sleep on the ind.

    His thoughts floated away. And it was set in the afternoon.

    It was when Irish was sent to the ind. He sorted her satchel, where he found a document.

    At first, Joseph did not care, thinking that it was a psychological evaluation report of her client or the Runestone''s employee, and nced at it casually. Unexpectedly, the name written on the case was Irish.

    He did not understand what the report meant by "depersonalization." He ordered Daisy to cancel all the work arrangements and went directly to Fredrick''s psychological organization, and since he had no appointment, the secretary stopped him at the door.

    Joseph did not bother to talk much and only said his name to the secretary. Then the secretary called Fredrick. After she put down the phone, she smiled at him, saying, "Dr. Fredrick asked you to wait five minutes, he will see you soon."

    Five minutes, for others, was in the twinkling of an eye.

    But for Joseph, five minutes was like five years. All he thought about was the word "depersonalization," and his eyebrows were full of seriousness.

    How long had it been since he needed to wait for others? The five minutes made him more irritable.

    Five minutester, someone came out of the treatment room, who should be Fredrick''s client. Soon, Fredrick also came out. After seeing him, he sighed and said, "Mr. Dover, pleasee in."

    Joseph put the report directly on Fredrick''s desk. There was no greeting. "What happened to her psychological report?"

    Fredrick did not expect him to ask about this matter. He was stunned for a moment and asked Joseph, "How could you have the report?"

    Of course, Joseph would not waste time exining how he got the report. He opened the report, pointed to the diagnosis, and asked him, "What''s going on?"

    Fredrick was silent for a while, then exined that Irish''s situation was very special. There seemed to be additional people and things in her memory, as well as some people and things missing. He gave her hypnotherapy, but the condition of treatment was very good. So, even he couldn''t know her condition exactly.

    Joseph found it strange that since he was not sure, how could he think she had the depersonalization?

    Fredrick was silent for a while, and he briefly exined what it was and said that many situations of Irish were a little simr to this situation, but he was not sure yet, so he could only ssify the condition as depersonalization, and he had to make further observations for Irish.

    "What does it mean? You mention her memory problem?" Asked Joseph.

    Fredrick thought, "In clinical experience, this kind of situation is not rare, but I doubt another reason. I think the situation of Irish seems to be that her memory has been tampered with."

    At that time, Joseph was stunned, and his face was stiff.

    "Of course, it is impossible to write this conclusion in the report. However, you should know that once a memory has been tampered with, it would be a disaster in the psychological counseling industry. This kind of thing has spread, and no one will ever trust the psychological counselor again. The most important thing in our industry is that the case should trust the consultant." Fredrick was worried.

    Only then did he really understand Fredrick''s hesitation and final decision to conclude.

 Chapter 720 720: I Want To Love You

    Then he offered to let Fredrick treat Irish as soon as possible.

    In fact, he had no good feelings for Fredrick, let alone trust him. He knew exactly what Fredrick wanted to do to Irish. But at present, Fredrick is her mentor of Irish, and he knows Irish best. Therefore, if possible, he would let Fredrick intervene to treat Irish.

    Unexpectedly, Fredrick was embarrassed. He told him that it had to be fully cooperated by Irish. Moreover, more importantly, Irish''s memory was like Pandora''s box. Once he opened it, a bad thing would take ce. So he did not dare to open it because he did not know what would happen.

    Joseph was puzzled and did not understand what he meant by what he called a bad thing.

    "Maybe you don''t understand that the human brain has a mechanism of self-protection, which controls the frequency of memory forgetting, but in fact, it is the embodiment of self-protection. Irish should have forgotten some things that the protection mechanism does not allow her to remember, but the subconscious will release the shadow of these things, affecting her. Think about it. Since it is a memory that is not allowed to be remembered, it must be painful, so I am afraid..."

    Joseph understood what Fredrick meant.

    But at the same time, he was also worried that the situation would haunt Irish.

    Fredrick shook his head and said, "At least I can guarantee that she is healthy now. She just has a memory problem, not a mental condition. You know, as her mentor, I will be responsible for her situation, but as a spokesman for this industry, I also have the right to protect the secrets of the industry. So, you can ignore these conclusions." His finger clicked at the end of the report.

    Joseph was more or less relieved.

    He admitted that his behavior was despicable.

    Fredrick only used conclusions that outsiders might see to maintain his status in the industry, while he used Fredrick''s handwriting to force Irish into submission.

    He knew very well that, ording to Irish''s professional background, she could know that she didn''t have depersonalization, but the report hade out that she would have to ede to his request not to destroy her authority.

    Perhaps she would ask Fredrick directly for an inquiry, but it didn''t matter, and he knew clearly that Fredrick would only talk to Irish. And that he would rify the truth.

    This was human nature.

    Looking at the woman in front of him, Joseph was slightly confused. What secret was hidden in her little head?

    Memory was tampered?

    These words sound strange to the outside world, but for Joseph...

    His pupils shrank, and when Irish got up, he regained his usual look.

    Getting up, his tall body was a little unstable.

    Irish had no choice but toe forward and help.

    After he was drunk, he was quite heavy.

    She was small, and she was even more unstable by his pressure. In this way, both of them fell on the sofa.

    Joseph pressed her.

    Her body was covered with the smell of his body and a faint smell of alcohol.

    "Well, you..."

    However, Joseph reached out. His slender fingers covered her eyebrows, gently rubbing. He stared at her and made a "hush" gesture.

    She shut up and stared at him with vignce.

    "How much do you hate me, huh?" Joseph sighed on top of her head. His voice was low, as mellow as a cello over her ears.

    Irish''s heart was lifted strikingly, and she bit her lips. "Joseph, I''m going to bed. I''m sleepy."<novelnext></novelnext>

    She should answer his question with reason, but somehow she could not say it, though she hated him at the thought of what he had done on the ind.

    Maybe it was toote at night. Or maybe, he was drunk.

    She admitted that she had a soft heart.

    Joseph did not seem to want to wait for her answer, and his rough thumb moved down her eyebrows. His handsome face pressed down close to her, and his thin lips seemed to sweep through her nose bridge and then gently touch her lips. He said in a low voice, "But no matter how much you hate me, you are mine."

    At the end of the speech, his kiss fell.

    Without the coldness she imagined, he identally gently touched her lips and teeth in drunkenness. He tempted her to open the teeth for him. His kiss gradually became deeper and more passionate, and finally, he became more greedy.

    Drunk men were dangerous and passionate.

    His breath was a little cold, mixed with alcohol, which made her forget to resist for a moment.

    By the time she reacted, his tongue had gone into her mouth for a long time.

    Irish felt her scalp tight and her hands against his thick chest, but even so, she could clearly feel his desire.

    That thing was standing up against her.

    And it made her belly hurt. Then, when the chest was slightly cold, Irish was panting. Inadvertently the scene of the night of Valentine''s urred to her. Her breathing was suddenly haste, and she began to struggle.

    Joseph was clearly stronger than her. The big hand wrapped her two wrists, whose strength was restrained, but it still seeded in mping her hand on her breast and fixing it to her head.

    His cheek pressed down, and he said gently beside her ear. "Don''t force me to be rude to you."

    The hot breath burned her, and her slender body twitched gently.

    Joseph raised his eyes, staring at her. The yellow light failed to light his eyes, which were still deep as night. His eyes were like a vast starry sky, ethereal and lonely. Clearly, he was drunk, but not too much.

    His breath swept through her nasal bones, and her skin was a little itchy.

    "I want to love you. I do, but I don''t know how I would trust you." His lips were close to hers.

    He always wanted to love her with all his heart, hug her with all his strength, and take care of her.

    Irish''s heart was pierced with pain.

    She didn''t know if it was because of his eyes or his words.

    Just as she hesitated, his lips fell again,

    gently tasting her slightly stretched lips, depicting her perfect lips and the tip of her cool tongue repeatedly. Her tongue was soft like a jelly, which palpitated him.

    Her silence saddened his heart. In the few days on the ind, he had also not been good at all.

    But at the same time, he was angry at her deceit and coldness. He was irritated that he had been a chess piece used by her to achieve her goal in life. He was even angrier at her indifference and vignce.

    She looked at him. His eyes were full of impatience and tension.

    Was this the woman he wanted to love with all his heart?

    He did not understand. He had paid so much, and why, in the end, could he not make her a little moved?

 Chapter 721 721: You Forgot Who You Are Now?

    She couldn''t wait to leave him and wished she had never met him.

    He longed to see her and could not help hurting her.

    That''s why he threw her on the ind for more than a month, and also he gave her only the choice of two ces to live when she returned to New York.

    Because he was selfish, he thought that no matter if she was on the ind or in Midtown Manhattan, at least he could find her, so she never left him.

    When he returned to New York, he couldn''t wait to see her.

    But when he thought of her eyes, he was irritable and impatient without reason.

    He knew that in this state, even if he saw her, the result was hurting her.

    He could not bear it and ordered Daisy to arrange his work to the fullest. He was as busy as a gyro and devoted himself to the business day and night as if he had returned to the days when he did not know her.

    In the evening, he would rather paralyze

    himself with alcohol and force himself not to go back to Midtown Manhattan to find her.

    But two dayster, her shadow was getting deeper and deeper in his mind. He was distracted at the meeting, and when he looked at the words in the document, he saw them like her.

    It seemed like she smiled like flowers in front of him, and she acted coquettishly before him and said, "Joseph, I miss you so much."

    Yes, she often told him that before. Or she even knew he was in a meeting, and she sent a message or voice message to him. He preferred receiving voice messages rather than text because he could listen to her delicate chocte-sticky voice repeatedly in boring business meetings.

    As soon as he heard the sound, his heart would fly away, and he could no longer stay in the office.

    Atst, he could not help but send her a text message telling her that he would return to New York at ten o''clock.

    But when he got back to Midtown Manhattan, she wasn''t home.

    He thought he would be furious or call her and order her toe back. He knew it was just a phone call that would make her return to him.

    However, he did not call her. Not even a trace of anger showed; on the contrary, he was unexpectedly relieved.

    Because he was sure that if she were there and what he saw were her resistance and impatience, then, without exception, he would continue to hurt her, just as it had been on the ind.

    He stayed all night quietly in the room to think about his rtionship with her.

    It''s not that he didn''t think about letting her go.

    At this age, everyone will still live their lives without anyone leaving.

    If he really let her go, was she really happy?

    But....

    He thought of her deceit again suddenly. Has she ever thought of him? Why should he be so cheap that he had to consider her feelings after she had teased him?

    Joseph tightened the woman in her arms, and the power of kissing suddenly turned heavy, causing her to hum.

    His heart also felt the pain, but his punishment increased. His big hand loosened her button, covering her soft body.

    If only harm could make them feel each other''s existence, then he was willing to hurt.

    How noble that love was in front of him, then how humble he was before love.

    He could work hard to get what he wanted, such as power, money, and status, but only in the face of love did he bow his proud head.

    He thought he was doing a good job, and in love, he would be as impable as his career, but reality hit him. The woman he was thinking about was missing another man. She told him calmly and firmly that she loved Adam.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Although Fredrick was an asshole, what he said was right. He was not as good as the man who had disappeared in Irish''s heart.

    Therefore, he began to hesitate though he had always done well in business.

    Because he was not god, he was just an ordinary person. He would be afraid and also shrink back.

    He could not justifiably give her the only condition and did everything he could to force her to submit. The only condition was asking her to marry him.

    He was capable of doing so, but he did not want to.

    Although he did not want to force her and wanted to take out the ring and put it directly in front of her, he gave each other a year.

    He gave the time to her.

    And himself.

    He did not want to force her but did not want to let go.

    He wanted to love her, but he couldn''t help but hate her.

    So, what would happen to them in theing year?

    It was said that time is the best medicine, so at this time, he was willing topromise on time, willing to let go of the power of control, just wanting to let time quietly change everything.

    Irish felt the man''s breath getting heavier and hotter, and his hands touched her body.

    His finger was a little cold, but his palm was hot. That was how he stimted her skin.

    When his face was buried in her chest, she could not help wriggling, and his stubble stung her.

    Her actions, on the other hand, led to his misunderstanding.

    He looked up, and his pupils shrunk slightly. Finally, he said in a low voice, "You forgot who you are now?"

    Irish''s body was stiff, and she would no longer resist.

    She knew that he was calm and self-reliant when he was awake, but when he was drunk, he must be uncertain.

    Her clenched fingers slowly loosened.

    Soon, his hands on her hand released and touched her body.

    Irish''s arms were powerless, and she fell. She heard him unstrapping, and then he opened her hand to his trousers.

    Under the palm of his hand, through the thin material, her hand was burned by his big thing.

    Across the underwear, it showed a huge outline.

    Her heart tightened, and her body began to tremble gently as if the blood was bowling.

    Their clothes were soon taken off. He didn''t take her back to his room. They were in the living room.

    She looked at the goose-yellow light overhead, reflecting the crystal splendor, which reflected her and his shadow. Their shadows intertwined together on the wall. The white was light, and the ck was the shadow.

    She was like a prostitute, being vented when he was drunk.

    When the man pressed down, his thick powerpletely defeated her meditation.

 Chapter 722 722: What Are You Talking About?

    Irish could not help gasping, trembling in a voice pleading, "Please...Be gentle."

    She thought he would ignore her plea; after all, he was drunk. Hurting her would be his most direct thought.

    But unexpectedly, Joseph slowed down the force and speed of entry. Irish felt that her body was filling up inch by inch.

    He bowed his head and gently bit her lips, which smelled of wine and wood.

    "So big..." She could not help panting.

    He put his big hand on her waist, held her high, and invaded her body slightly.

    Every time he reached a certain depth, Joseph stopped.

    Then slowly evacuate.

    And he will be entering gently and firmly. It was just that every time he entered, he went a little deeper than before.

    This kind of treatment could be called gentle torture.

    Within a few moments, Irish''s body was awakened by his strength.

    Her falling arms could not help but circle his neck.

    Her slender fingers almost got into his wide shoulders.

    Throughout the process, Joseph stared at her and looked at every slight change in her face.

    And he himself was also enjoying being circled.

    Until when he finally reached the end of her, he tried a little hard and entered the depths of her body.

    Irish hugged him and could not help shaking.

    For the feeling of being fully filled, she admitted that she could not give up. She called his name again and again in her heart, calling Joseph.

    Every time she shouted, her heart hurt once, and then she was lost in his elerating frequency.<novelnext></novelnext>

    ****

    On weekends, there were always palpitations.

    Lilith did not know why. This Friday, inexplicably, her heartbeat elerated. Clearly, her mobile phone was not ringing, and clearly, there was a lot of work on hand, but she still had a faint foreboding that she would see Jay when she got off work.

    She has not been in touch with Jay since they metst time.

    This silence was like a barrier in the air, blocking them.

    She tried to call Jay several times, but she didn''t know what to say when picking up her cell phone.

    Lilith did not know what she was waiting for. Maybe she was waiting for Jay to give her an exnation.

    An exnation that could relieve the rtionship between them.

    But when she got off work, she didn''t get any, but she got a call. She was surprised, "Mom?"

    After an hour of traffic jam, she arrived at Kelly''s clubhouse, unaware William was also there. Kelly ordered a ss of juice and came straight to the point.

    Lilith was indignant after hearing the words and looked at his parents unbelievably and said, "How can you go back on your word? Mom, you told Jay that as long as he left the drug operation team, you wouldn''t object to us being together, but you let me make a blind date today? Or are you two together forcing me to do so?"

    Kelly pressed her shoulder and forbade her to leave the table, and her face was calm and serious. "At that time, your uncle was not gone, and the Runestone Group was ours, but now? The only elder of the Lakes is your father. If we sit back and watch, the Runestone Group will have no ce for the Lake family sooner orter."

    "So you took me in?" Lilith looked at her parents, feeling cold.

    William heaved a deep sigh by the side, "Mom and Dad are also for your own good. Is it wrong to find a man matching you? In fact, we are not trading you for anything. Your mother and I really think that Jay is not suitable for you. You are a girl living in a rich family, and he is just a policeman. You see what you wear, eat, or even travel, which is not good? Can that little cop give you a life of food and clothing? You are still young and always feel love goes first, but Lilith, you need to know that marriage is not a joke, which is different from a rtionship. After a long time, you have to face the economic basis, right? Then you will find life difficult. You and he are from different worlds, and you are not fit to be together."

    "Yes, Lilith, we used to be young. You have to ept what we say. There are no parents who don''t think of their children. I admit you have feelings for Jay, and Jay is also good for you, but this is all just the beginning. You have to face reality, right? You said he dealt with the bad guys all day long, and what about you? Your career is elegant, and you have shares in Runestone Group, and you must have earned more than him. What do outsiders think of you? A man doesn''t want his woman to earn more than he does. He has more time to appear in public than at home. This kind of man is a conservative tradition in his bones. What he wants is a woman who can run a family for him, not a richdy. You can''t pay for a babysitter to do housework when you are married, right? Your dad''s right. You and he are in a different world. Being in a rtionship is okay, but you can''t get married."

    "Mom, how could you do that? When two people are together, they have to take care of each other. Even though I''m a richdy, we still have two eyes, a nose, and a mouth. Even if what you use is good, that is what you give me. No matter how good clothes I have, I can not change seven or eight sets a day; no matter how delicious the food is, I only have a mouth. To put it bluntly, you just want to use me for a business marriage to guard against my brother-inw. If you are really so worried, well, why do you ask me to date? Why don''t you give me to my brother-inw, and I''ll follow him, and you''ll have the same result?" Lilith was anxious and clenched her fist.

    "What are you talking about?" Kelly''s face was not happy, and she said in a low voice, "You''d better calm down. Even if you don''t like it, you''ll have to finish the date today."

 Chapter 723 723: Don’t You Get Up?

    "Lilith, the man whoes here today, has a chain store, and their stores are all over the country. His father is a famous figure in the industry. He is the only child of their family. Sooner orter, he has to inherit the family business. His age is appropriate for you, and he is four years older than you." William patiently exined.

    Lilith frowned and said, "In short, I won''t ept others."

    "If you really love Jay, you should let him go." Kelly made an unexpected remark.

    Lilith was puzzled.

    "Jay can give up even what he likes to do for you. Do you think he will regret it for a long time? If you are with him, he can only keeppromising and changing and finally be a person he hates; this is how you love him. If he were with another girl, he wouldn''t have that much pressure. He might still be able to do what he wants to do or even develop a good career. But now? He can only be a policeman in one ce. Ideal and ambition are thrown into the trash can. Lilith, do you think this is the love you want?

    "I..." Lilith opened her mouth.

    "Anyway, you think twice, but before you did, you had to finish it for me today." Kelly used the stick and the carrot.

    Lilith was about to speak when she heard a voiceing, a passionate voice.

    "I''m sorry to let you wait."

    Lilith looked up and first saw a middle-aged couple. The woman was graceful, and the man was gentle. Behind them was a man, a young man.

    Very tall and strong.

    When she looked up, he happened to see her.

    When they saw each other, Lilith spoke in astonishment and pointed to him, "Lenard?"

    And Lenard did not expect to see her, stunned, "Lilith? How could it be you?"

    ****

    When Irish woke up, the window outside was bright.

    The curtains could not cover the sunshine.

    The room was empty, and there was only residual temperature.

    And the muscr smell that remained in the air.

    On Saturday morning, she woke up with soreness all over her body. Then, just as she was about to get up, the door was pushed open.

    After taking a shower, Joseph''s strong upper body was still hung with water droplets, slowly moving down. He was wearing a wide bath towel.

    Irish thought he had already left, but unexpectedly he was still there, and she subconsciously froze in the quilt.

    When he saw her awake, he walked forward, sat directly by the bed, took the shirt he had put aside, and asked casually, "What are the ns for today?"

    Irish did not understand what he meant and thought about it and said, "Maybe I''ll eat dinner with Cassie."

    The weekend was for entertainment, but so far, she has not been able to have a good n for the weekend, so she made up.

    He didn''t avoid her. In front of her face, he put on clean trousers. He threw the shirt in his hand at will and said, "Give me a clean shirt."

    Irish could smell the wine on his shirt, too. When she thought of ignoring him, he saw her motionless and added, "I''m not in a hurry to go out today."

    As soon as she heard this, she got up at once.

    But as soon as she stood up, arge amount of thick liquid came out of her body, wetting her legs.

    Her face was whitened.

    Suddenly she remembered his behaviorst night.

    His heavy breath seemed to fall beside her ear again.

    He gave her asting passion from the living room to the bedroom. In drunkenness, hested longer than usual.<novelnext></novelnext>

    He sent her to the clouds, thennded and climbed back again several times.

    Until she could feel that he was getting bigger and bigger inside her body, his thickness was getting stronger and he seemed to possess huge power that was getting faster than usual.

    One wave at a time.

    It almost rocked her to pieces. This was not the first time she had had sex with him, and of course, she knew what he was going to do.

    So she could only beg him not to shoot his sperm into her body.

    But he pressed her tightly.

    Finally, he roared down and released the essence in the deepest part of her body.

    She could clearly feel his scorching heat, burning her deeply and burning her all the time.

    At that moment, her heart jumped like his.

    Joseph, who quickly released his desire, did not immediately evacuate. He hugged her for a long time and always maintained a posture.

    His handsome cheeks were buried deep in her neck, and the breath was still hot, along with the temperature of his cheeks.

    The temperature on his strong chest gradually calmed down.

    Her arm was still on his shoulder, feeling his tight muscles and sexy sweat, which slowly rxed after releasing all the essence.

    Then Joseph put up his arm and created a little space for her. His other big hand covered her cheek and gently rubbed. Finally, he bowed his head again and kissed her wet forehead.

    The thin lips moved down inch by inch, and finally, he kissed her lips deeply.

    His wild madness, in the end, returned to gentle lingering. He fully took care of the woman after intercourse.

    She was so sleepy and tired that she forgot when she had fallen asleep in the end.

    Joseph held his hands on the bed and circled her around him,ughing. "Don''t you get up?"

    Irish saw the prank in his eyes, gnawing her teeth. She pulled over the towel he had put on the bed, pushed him away, and covered herself to get out of bed.

    When she first stepped on the ground, her legs trembled and her heels softened, but she went into the cloakroom before his eyes.

    Joseph smiled lightly, and his eyes fell on the sheets and on arge area of wet sheets.

    After a while, Irish took a clean shirt, white, simple.

    It was handed to him.

    Instead of reaching for it, he stared at her calmly and said, "Put it on me."

    Irish looked into his eyes, snorting, "I need to charge extra money."

    Joseph was first stunned and thenughed, "How much is it?"

    "One thousand." She quoted the price directly.

    Joseph picked up his eyebrows. "Okay."

    "Pay first." She reached for him.

    "My wallet is downstairs. You can take the money directlyter." Joseph smiled instead of being angry.

    Irish red at him, went forward without saying a word, and put on his shirt for him.

 Chapter 724 724: I Will Take Care Of Myself

    Joseph enjoyed this beautiful moment with Irish, who was lying in his arms this time.

    She looked like a fairy, while the white shirt was as in as the petals of a lotus. Her skin was so delicate and as soft as silk. The sunshine poured on her long hair, and she was bathed in the sunlight, which made her look more beautiful.

    Joseph was pleased to see such a scene in the morning since he thought it was very cozy. However, he didn''t get up immediately; instead, he opened his eyes, waiting for the sun to rise. He hadn''t seen this beautiful woman wake up in the early morning, bathing in the sunlight.

    Yes, Irish was a beautiful yet charming woman.

    People always looked indolent when they woke up in the morning, but their indolent look was transient. However, Irish was different from those people since she looked floppy, but she also looked stubborn and undefeated. She was not a superficial woman; instead, she was thoughtful. Joseph was attracted to her.

    Staring at his eyes, Irish raised her hand and unbuttoned the button slowly. And soon Joseph soaked himself in her warmth. He could encircle her into his arms as long as he reached his hands. Joseph looked into her eyes and then did that as he thought in his mind.

    As she lowered her head to help him unbutton thest button, Joseph reached out and held her gently.

    The man''s wooden fragrance encircled her, mixed with her breath, and disturbed her mind. She lowered her head and tried to avoid his eyes, pushing him away. However, Joseph did not loosen his grip but tightened his arms.

    "Don''te to Cassie. She is busy," said Joseph with a faint smile.

    Indeed, it was just an excuse by Irish, so she did not reply to him as he finished his words. "I will take care of myself. I know how to arrange the time," Irish said a few secondster.

    "Wait for me for lunch," He uttered softly.

    Shocked, Irish looked at him.

    "I know a new restaurant. The food is pretty good," Joseph smiled at her. He paused for a while and then added as if he was afraid that she would escape again, "It is also your duty as a lover to apany me for a meal."

    After hearing his words, Irish''s heart was filled with unnamed emotion. She looked upward, staring at him, and then responded after a long while, "Okay."

    Joseph grinned, his hand sped around her head, and he kissed her forehead.

    ****

    It was a sunny day on the weekend. The fragrance of a flower floated in the air while the breeze sprayed into people''s faces.

    However, the temperature here varied greatly in a day. It was cold in the morning but getting hot at noon. And so, at night, the temperature dropped down again. The temperature changed greatly in spring. The spring in New York was always short, and it was characterized by arge temperature difference between day and night, even if the sun was always shining brightly.

    Someone knocked on the door outside, and when Lilith opened the door, she found that Lenard was standing outside. The cold air rushed into the room soon. Astonished, Lilith did not expect that Lenard woulde to her. Nevertheless, she invited him in after a few minutes since she froze for a while.

    Lilith acted abnormally and asked him to wait for a moment. A momentter, Lilith walked out from the cloakroom, and she had changed her pajamas and wore a casual suit.

    Lenard was looking at the pictures on the wall, and he showed great interest in those photos.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Handing him a cup of tea, Lilith invited him to sit on the couch.

    Lenard exchanged pleasantries with her and then added, "Please forgive my abrupt visit."

    Lilith shook her head slightly after hearing that and then asked, "Did something happen to Jay?"

    She didn''t get in contact with him these days and was unsure what had happened between them, but things were so weird. She cared about him, but she could not change this situation. Time changed things quietly, and it was just like things happened between the three of them.

    The blind date on Friday shocked Lilith greatly since she never expected that it would be Lenard who would date her. She only knew little things about Lenard, such as his identity as anti-drug police. But she didn''t expect that he was born into a notable family. Lilith knew the chain store, but she did not realize that the chain store was a family property of Lenard''s family. It was a famous store in America in which many goods entered.

    Butter, she left with Lenard first at his suggestion. Their parents were all pleased to see that since they knew each other, and all thought that Lilith may have fallen in love with him at first sight.

    However, as soon as they walked out of the restaurant, Lilith asked Lenard what was going on that day.

    Hesitant, Lenard finally exined to her that he had dreamed of being a policeman since his childhood, but he was the only son in his family, and it was inevitable that he had to inherit his family business. Therefore, he made a deal with his father since he was determined to realize his dream before inheriting his father''s business.

    Lenard''s father was a reasonable man, and he could understand what his son really wanted, so he agreed to his proposal since he thought that Lenard would be stronger after going through all these hardships. What''s more, he also hoped that Lenard could adapt to the tough environment in the business circle as soon as possible, and those experiences may be helpful for him.

    In all these years, Lenard worked diligently, and no one knew about his real family background at his police station.

    A momentter, Lenard told Lilith that he was going to resign. Lilith could see clearly the destion in his eyes when he said that.

    She did not talk too much with him that night, while Lenard also drove her back early.

    But Lilith didn''t expect that Lenard woulde to her tonight abruptly. Lilith was clear that it may be her parents who told Lenard her address.

    However, Lenard just smiled, shook her head slightly, and then continued, "In fact, I want to buy some clothes. Could you go with me?"

    Shocked, Lilith was silent for a while with her mouth open.

    Seeing this, Lenard hastily exined that it was his first time to be here. And he was busy with his work during the weekdays, so he wanted to go shopping on the weekend and buy some shirts. But he was new here and had few friends. It was impossible to ask Jay to go with him, and the only person he could remember was Lilith.

    It was not until then Lilith remembered that Lenard''s family settled down in Washington, and he also spent his childhood there. When he grew up and started working, he was appointed to Florida.

    As soon as Lenard finished his sentence, Lilith was about to call Jay, asking him if he was free. However, she turned hesitant when she was going to dial his number.

    Standing there motionlessly, Lenard was waiting for her reply. She nodded slightly a momentter.

 Chapter 725 725: Don’t Look At Me

    Cassie was astonished when Roy informed her that they would take a flight to Los Angeles in the afternoon. After keeping silent for a while, she turned to him and said, "Roy, why not inform me earlier?"

    Roy parked his car at the roadside and then exined to Cassie, "I am going to take you to rx after shopping for wedding supplies in Los Angeles."

    However, Cassie just kept silent and said nothing, trying to resist her rage.

    Seeing this, Roy held her hands and continued, "Or we could go shopping in Europe."

    "I am busy, and I don''t have a holiday." Cassie hastily replied indifferently.

    After hearing this, "I am your boss, and I will give you a three-day holiday."

    Shocked, Cassie opened her mouth and said to him, "Roy, I don''t care about where we will buy those things. It makes no sense to me. But you have to tell me in advance, right?"

    Roy raised his hands and then responded, "Okay, got it. I apologize to you. It is my fault. I should have negotiated with you."

    Cassie didn''t expect that he would confess his fault, so she stood in amazement.

    Putting down his hands, Roy gazed at her and grinned cheekily. "Well, where are we going to buy these supplies? Tell me where you want to go. I will arrange our schedule soon."

    "I want to go to a faraway ce," Cassie responded angrily.

    Thinking for a while, Roy responded, "A faraway ce? I have some suggestions for you. Of course, the best choice is to fly a ne to wherever you want to go."

    Cassie''s heart dropped since she was aware of the disappointment in his eyes when he said this.

    "Don''t take it seriously. It''s just a casual remark. I am not going anywhere," Cassie said in a low voice.

    She bore a grudge against Roy once before, but at the same time, she was clear that Roy loved his career so deeply, and he was willing to devote himself to this business.

    Runestone Group was a cage for him, and he longed to fly back to his sky eagerly.

    However, Roy shook his head and responded, "But we still have to prepare for the wedding supplies."

    "We could buy those items in New York," Cassie respondedmely.

    Roy finally gave in since Cassie was so determined.

    After a long while, Roy turned to her and said hesitantly," Cassie, I have something to ask you."

    Hearing this, Cassie looked into his eyes, waiting for him to continue.

    Roy looked serious, clenched her hands, and then asked, "Do you have any feelings for me?"

    Shocked, Cassie withdrew her hands and then replied briefly, "No."

    "Uh..." Roy was speechless, but he didn''t get angry. Instead, he looked so peaceful and took her hands again, kissing her gently. "It doesn''t matter. There is a long way for us to go. Maybe one day, you will learn to appreciate me if you can''t love me."

    Cassie looked at him and stayed silent. She could feel his hidden pain, yet Roy appeared peaceful before her eyes.

    His words might have moved her if he had never done those things to her.

    After that horrible night, Roy didn''t force her to have sex with him anymore. Moreover, he only behaved in a fit and proper way, so Cassie felt confused because she didn''t know how to respond.

    ****

    Irish walked from Wall Street to the Cosmos Mall for the whole morning, but she bought nothing and only did window shopping.<novelnext></novelnext>

    She had to admit that there were so many beautiful clothes and bags.

    All major brands hadunched new products which stimted women''s shopping desire.

    The biggest advantage of the high-grade store was that the store was not crowded, which was suitable for Irish to go shopping there alone.

    Irish tried on many clothes in a store where the clerks had high-grade professionalism. Although Irish created difficulties for them, the clerks kept smiling and even offered some suggestions for her.

    However, Irish bought nothing, and she finally heard theint from the clerk when she was in the fitting room. "You see? Even though she is pretty, she has to go shopping alone on weekends, and she even couldn''t afford to buy clothes for herself," A young clerk said in a querulous tone.

    "Are you crazy? How dare you make such ament to our customer behind her? She may lodge aint to you," persuaded another girl.

    Irish heard those words, but she didn''t get mad at them at all, and she even kept a peaceful mind instead.

    She handed the clothes to the clerks and then added, "I willeter if I don''t get the more suitable clothes."

    Although the clerks replied with a smile, Irish could read their minds, knowing that they thought she had just robbed them off.

    However, Irish said nothing but left with a soft smile.

    When she was about to take a rest in a coffee house, someone stopped her behind. When she turned back, she found that it was Lilith with a man standing behind him.

    Lilith was so pleased to see her while Irish looked up and down at the man standing there. Hesitant yet confused, Irish asked, "Excuse me, is this your friend?"

    Before Lilith could introduce himself, Lenard took the initiative to make a self-introduction, "Hello, Doctor Irish, I am Lenard, Lilith''s friend. She mentioned you before."

    Stepping forward, Irish reached out and greeted him.

    "Actually, he is also Jay''s colleague," Lilith instantly added.

    Looking at Lenard and then turning to Lilith, Irish was a little confused. "Are you here to go shopping with him?" Irish sounded questioning Lilith.

    Instead of making a response, Lenard just smiled but said nothing.

    Seeing this, Lilith hastily exined, "He wants to buy some clothes, but he is new here and is not familiar with this area, so I..." Although she tried to rify it to Irish, it still sounded weird.

    Irish had noment and just nodded slightly.

    "Let''s have lunch together," Lilith suggested.

    Taking a look at the time, Irish found that it was already eleven o''clock, but Joseph still didn''t call her. Hesitant, Irish finally replied, "Well, I have an appointment with others, so..."

    "Is it Joseph, my future brother-inw?" Lilith asked with a big smile.

    "Hey, Lilith, how are you!" Irish smiled and changed the topic while pinching her arm gently as a small punishment.

    "Okay, okay, I''d like to call him Mr. Dover," Lilith corrected herself reluctantly.

    "Don''t run wild here," Irish warned her. After all, Lenard was here, so it was natural for Irish to act decently.

    Lilith also understood her, so she stopped joking with her but then took a nce at Irish. "Didn''t you buy anything at all? It is not your style."

    "I can''t find something that I want," Irish responded.

    "Or did Mr. Dover deduct all of your sries?" Lilith teased her. After a small pause, she then continued, "Don''t look at me. I have no money. I can''t even afford the clothes in this mall. It is too expensive."

 Chapter 726 726: Do You Still Love Jay?

    They all knew that Joseph treated his employees very strictly, and they all knew that Irish, Joseph''s employed psychological consultant, was punished by him earlier.

    The spreading of this news resulted from Irish''s stubbornness since she refused to work with him.

    Joseph asked her to copy the employment charter. Still, Irish didn''t give it to him on time, so the finance department immediately received a notice of fine against Irish from Joseph.

    Since then, Irish has be a center of gossip inside thepany. Actually, Joseph was just punishing her as a warning for those who didn''t remain in their proper sphere.

    Indeed, that was why she stayed around all morning without buying clothes.

    Joseph deducted all of her sries. Joseph was a profiteer. Irish just opened his wallet, but he emptied her wallet.

    Therefore, when Irish heard the words from Lilith, she looked embarrassed and cleared her throat. "Don''t be so anxious. I won''t ask you," Irish quickly exined.

    A big smile crept on Lilith''s face, she kept joking while staring at Irish, "I just warned you in advance. Just in case, haha."

    Irish rolled her eyes at her and stayed speechless. However, out of the corner of her eyes, Irish saw that Lenard was staring at Lilith with a soft smile, and she felt so weird. But soon, Irish grinned at Lenard and said in a polite tone, "Lenard, I want to talk to Lilith alone. Would you mind that?"

    Lenard nodded with a smile and then walked away.

    As soon as Lenard vanished from her eyesight, Irish then clenched Lilith''s hands and asked with a frown, "What is going on?"

    "What do you mean?" Lilith asked confusedly.

    Hearing her answer, Irish pointed in the direction where Lenard was and then continued, "Why are you here to go shopping with another man on the weekend? Where is Jay?"

    "Irish, you may misunderstand. He has no friends in New York, so..." Lilith felt obliged to exin.

    "Do you really believe in what he said? He likes you. If you still love Jay, then you have to deal with this matter properly," Irish quickly cut Lilith''s words in a deep voice.

    After hearing this, Lilith grinned and said indifferently, "How could it be possible?"

    "It is easy to tell from his eyes. Those closely involved cannot see as clearly as those outside," Irish exined while poking Lilith''s head gently.

    Shocked, Lilith showed an awkward smile and then muttered, "But... But I still think it is impossible."

    "Okay, you better see it clearly. What happened between you and Jay? He stays at home today," Irish''s voice was wrapped with worries.

    Lilith kept silent without replying to her question.

    "Don''t keep silent. Tell me what happened."

    "Irish..." Lilith was at a loss for a word. A momentter, Lilith looked up and said in a shaky voice," In fact, I also don''t know what''s wrong with us. Everything changed when he got back from Florida. We always remained silent when we stayed with each other. And I also don''t know what to talk about with him."

    As soon as Irish heard her words, her heart was saddened.

    "But why?" Confused, Irish asked since she also couldn''t figure out what had happened to them.

    Lilith bit her lower lip, clenching Irish''s hands, and continued, "I feel that Jay is different from who he used to be. When I found him in Florida, he acted like a ruffian, holding a woman in his arms. Moreover, he even got a lot of tattoos on his arms. I..."<novelnext></novelnext>

    It was not until then Irish realized what had happened.

    Jay was a good, positive, kind boy and looked handsome in his police uniform. Irish was clear that many girls were attracted by his handsome look, including Lilith.

    However, Lilith was born in a totally different background than Jay. Her parents tried their best to prevent Lilith from getting hurt, so Lilith was like a flower cultivated in a greenhouse, and she always saw the beautiful things in this world. Therefore, she could not imagine what he looked like when he was an undercover officer.

    However, Irish knew that Jay must be quite different when he worked undercover. But Lilith happened to see that, so she must be shocked and couldn''t ept it.

    In other words, Lilith admired Jay before and looked at him. It was natural for her not to ept Jay being what he looked like now.

    Heaving a sigh, Irish touched her cheeks gently and said, "Lilith, I am sure you are clear about the nature of his work."

    Lilith nodded her head and replied, "I know that''s his work. But whenever I stay with him, I can''t control myself to remember the scene where the woman was lying in his arms. And I am even afraid of his tattoo."

    Irish was speechless.

    Different circumstances created different epting abilities. It was like a person who lived in a warm ce was forced to the North Pole.

    "Do you still love Jay?" Irish asked directly.

    Astonished, Lilith nodded and replied in a low voice, "Yes."

    Irish clenched her hands and said in a deep voice, "Lilith, you have to know if you really love him or how he looks in uniform."

    Lilith was totally shocked when she heard Irish''s words.

    After keeping silent for a few seconds, Irish continued, "Do you want to talk with Jay? It is not a big problem, and it is easy to solve. I will never be partial to him just because he is my brother. And know that he loves you so much. He left the anti-drug group because of you."

    "That''s what I am worried about. I don''t want him to regret making this decision because of me," Lilith frowned.

    "Do you think that his choice is a burden for you, right?" Irish looked into her eyes as if she had seen through her mind.

    After hearing this, Lilith gasped but said nothing.

    "Lilith, Jay is an adult but not a kid. He knows what he is doing. Everyone has to be responsible for their own choice. I think that he will never regret his choice. Of course, you may have your own opinions, but I just hope that you have to tell him if you feel it has be a burden for you. Do you understand?" Irish said softly.

    Lilith still kept silent but then nodded slightly after a long while. "I will talk with him."

    Irish was lost in her thoughts as Lilith left. Indeed, everyone was the same, and they would feel at ease when they were close to happiness. However, they always started to feel anxious when they were inundated with happiness. That''s the fate of human beings. No one wanted to lose their happiness, so they were restrained by themselves.

    What kind of love was sessful? Irish also lost her mind.

    Irish thought she would be with Joseph for the rest of her life, but now their rtionship had developed to such a perilous level as if nothing could change.

    Was it because they loved each other too much, or did they not love each other at all from the very beginning?

    Once, she also hesitated and tried to trust him. She told herself that Joseph loved her so deeply. However, whenever she was lying in his arms, Irish started to be scared of what he would do to her next.

 Chapter 727 727: Come And Pay For Me

    Time passed, and everything between them had changed and could never return.

    Irish felt so weird when she stayed with him.

    A sense of hunger drew her back from her thoughts. Irish touched her belly and then took a look at the time. It was already midnight, but Joseph still didn''t contact her and did not even send her a message.

    He really went too far. Irish thought silently.

    It was he who took the initiative to invite her for lunch, but now he didn''t contact her at all.

    Walking around, Irish passed by the store where she tried clothes a moment ago. And when she passed by, the clerks happened to look outside. After thinking for a while, she walked towards the store again.

    After stepping into the store, Irish picked out the clothes she had tried on earlier and then sent a message to Joseph, "I am in the International Financial Center and tried several dresses. I have no money. Come and pay for me."

    ****

    Two hours ago, at the Runestone Group meeting room.

    On that day, almost all the senior managers worked overtime. They were busy with the new products. Advertisement ofter packages and going to market proceeded step by step. However, a series of works made it stressful for everyone in the Runestone Group.

    Except for the marketing of the new products, Runestone Group has been hurried in production.

    Actually, Joseph never stopped being busy.

    After putting his bag down, he just drank some coffee and then walked into the meeting room. He was in international meetings the whole morning. After his meeting, the financial controller, sales director, head of the Creative Department, and director of the Design Department had been waiting for him for a long time, and now they began to report their work one by one.

    Joseph''s office was still full of people when it was nearly 12:30.

    The Marketing and Public Rtions Department director was also a capable and rash woman. She walked towards the office in high heels hurriedly.

    Daisy was saying something to someone, and at this time, the director walked forward, "Daisy, please help me to make an appointment with Joseph."

    Daisy didn''t raise her hand and just looked at the time, "About twenty minutester."

    "No, I need to meet him now. I have something important to negotiate with him."

    "Be, Toby is talking with Joseph. Sorry, I''m afraid that you have to wait." Daisy kept calm.

    Be was impatient. She seemed to be anxious, so she just walked to the office and knocked at the door.

    Daisy was so helpless.

    As she caught up with her, Be had walked into the office already.

    The report got interrupted.

    "I''m sorry. I have something urgent to deal with," Be said directly.

    Toby was a little unhappy, so he turned around, "Be, the first request will be met first. You should know that you have interrupted us and affected my work."

    "I''m sorry. I do it for the profit of the whole corporation. If you do think that I am not qualified to grab time with you, you need to be responsible for the loss." Be said impolitely.

    Actually, such tough personnel wasmon in the Runestone Group.

    It was impossible for one without making an effort or bountiful experience to be a department director. Nobody was easy to deal with, actually.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Talents tended to be haughty with a wired personality, so quarrels were not rare.

    As a sales manager, Toby was not such a person of words as Be. He had no words to say.

    Joseph looked at the time and found that it was nearly half twelve.

    He asked Toby to leave his files and let him go.

    As Toby went out, Joseph nced at Daisy and said to her, "You can go now."

    Daisy nodded calmly and added, "But Joseph, I need to remind you that it is already noon."

    Joseph knew it. Though his phone was beside him, he had to deal with these tough things.

    As Be sat down, his phone rang. He signed to Be and reminded her to wait for him for a second. He took up his phone and found a text message.

    It was from Irish. It read, "I am now in a mall. Come to pay for the clothes I am interested in."

    Actually, nobody dared to order him in such a voice. Only one woman dared to do it this way.

    As Joseph looked at these words, he couldn''t helpughing.

    "Joseph?" Be was surprised at hisughing.

    Joseph recovered himself and turned to his calm demeanor, "What happened?"

    Be knew that it was not polite to ask something personal, so she reported her work, "ording to some media, Key Group intends to open stores in Bright Mall. Their stores are across from those of Runestone Group, and Leo deliberately made it a rumor that their diamonds were better than our group''s in quality. This news will be highlighted in the newspaper next Monday when there will be a regr meeting for us with the media. And what should we do?"

    Joseph frowned and put his phone aside. He also forgot to reply to Irish.

    He hadn''t thought that Leo''s actions would be so hideous. More surprisingly, as a clever guy who was familiar with the morals of business, he would attack with his initiative and destroy the human rule of business. Actually, it was not his style.

    He only wanted to annoy him? Joseph believed that it would not be so simple, and Leo was not so childish. "It was none of our business. We will have no reply." He just said lightly.

    Be thought about it for a while, "But it will not be easy to deal with the media. Obviously, Key Group forces you to express your attitude clearly. It is said that Leo will have his personal interview next Monday."

    "Then I will congratte him." Joseph still kept calm, and he added, "You speak on behalf of me at the regr meeting. I will not say anything about this."

    Be nodded.

    ****

    Irish waited for Joseph for a long time.

    She was nearly still in the store. The clerks were hospitable, smiling as sweet as ice cream. Nevertheless, they were clear that those who returned were mostly rich.

    Customers should be respected. They dared not to be impolite to the customers.

    This potential customer had almost tried all the new arrivals in the store, but she just didn''t decide to pay for them.

    Clerks in an advanced mall had a strong sense of service awareness, and they were also clever. As this potential customer hesitated, clerks tried their best to make Irish feel at home. Several young clerks walked forward with suits.

 Chapter 728 728: My Time Is Precious

    One held a te, on which there was a decanter and a ss. The te was a high-end crocodile one, the decanter was an Italian homemade one, and a famous designer in Hungary designed the crystal ss.

    The second fellow also took a te on which there was a delicate ice bucket. And a bottle of red wine was put in the bucket. It was with a wooden plug and a beautiful bottleneck. He put down the te and took up the red wine, pouring it down into the decanter slowly. After it, he elegantly rubbed the mouth of the bottle with a white cloth.

    Although Irish had not had much taste in red wine, she knew that it must be expensive.

    It must be expensive with high-end essories.

    The third fellow held a te of fruits. They were cut and arranged elegantly. The forks were transparent in color and became more beautiful against the colorful light in the store.

    As all the red wine and fruits were put in front of her, Irish couldn''t just tell them that she needed to go elsewhere.

    How could she just do it this way?

    She needed to buy one more. She took a nce at the clothes on her hand and filtered them one by one. She tried her best to be elegant and calm, and then she spurted out, "Is there any discount?" Actually, she felt regretful to ask about it.

    In most cases, she would just go window shopping. After finding the one she liked, she would log in to the official website of these brands or just call someone in the original country to buy it for her. It would be easier to buy in the original country for the same clothes.

    But today, she couldn''t do it in this way.

    Irish clenched the phone. She hated Joseph!

    As she heard the clerk''s answer, she hated Joseph more.

    "Sorry. There is no discount." Irish kept one piece of clothing and a dress. They were all new arrivals for the spring collection, but they were also cheaperpared with others.

    "Lady, these two totally cost $34,500. How would you like to pay?" At the check-out, the voice of the staff was very soft.

    Of course, she would pay them with her debit card.

    As she heard the sound, she nearly kneeled down.

    35,400 USD was gone in this way.

    It was already one hourter when Joseph finally arrived.

    At that time, Irish was groveling on the table of a caf��. Beside her, there were two bags. Her coffee got cold already.

    Joseph sat down across from her and looked at her coffee. He called the waiter and asked him to change it into a cup of hot milk take-away.

    Irish heard his voice and kept still. Finally, she just buried her face into her arms.

    Joseph was sorry for it. He also liked her look, so he touched her head and said lightly, "Sorry. I''mte."<novelnext></novelnext>

    Joseph touched her head with his big hands.

    Irish raised her head suddenly and moved his hands. Then, she took up her phone and showed it to him, "Look at the time now!"

    It was already twenty to two.

    At this time, the waiter took the milk to her.

    Joseph paid for it and said to her lightly, "You can have it first, and then I will take you to have a meal."

    Irish stared at him, "My time is precious."

    "But you are on holiday today." Joseph was still cid.

    Irish grabbed these two bags and put them in front of him, "You misunderstood me. The fact is that my time has cost much more than usual. At usual times, I can earn 2,000 USD per hour if I deal with individual cases, but how about today? I have spent $34,500 because you''rete!"

    In an abnormal state, Irish could show indifference to money, for example, more than a month away from the prosperous city, or one day she was hijacked to Mars, or in the destruction of the earth. In short, as long as she lives in the crowd, her nature of loving money would be exposed.

    At present, five thousand dors was very important before her ie. After all, she had held several bright titles, but for Irish herself, the effect of transferring the money through her hands was like pushing her into a nuclear reflection zone, and it was still a disaster-type area. No less than experiencing the despair of a big explosion, what was always lingering in her head was the sight of money flying away with wings. The scene pierced her heart.

    Joseph''s eyes were always sharp. Not to mention Irish''sint, from her angry eyes, he could see her heart on the verge of copse.

    He was speechless, and his eyes fell on the two dark bags next to her and reached out. Without saying a word, Irish handed the bag to his hand. He took a look at it and smiled a little when he opened his mouth. "It''s a good thing to buy clothes and make yourself happy."

    Irish could not get used to the smile on his lips. She took the bag back and muttered, "The money is not yours; of course, you won''t feel bad."

    However, Joseph looked at his watch, got up, and picked up his coat. He said, "Come on, let''s eat first."

    Irish felt an internal injury. She didn''t know if he had heard the words she had just muttered, but she caught a glimpse of his different look and deduced that he had heard and pretended not to hear it.

    It was not a date. This lunch was toote, so the restaurant was very quiet.

    Joseph took her to a new restaurant. As he had said earlier, the food here was really delicious, waiters each like waiting for the master of the ves waited behind, but their backbones were still straight. This was the highest level of service, humiliated without losing the principle.

    They were creative dishes, and each could fully stimte Irish''s taste buds.

    Joseph ordered a few dishes, which should be the restaurant''s main dish. Not filling the table, only two or three dishes were served each time. Because the quantity of each dish was really exquisite and less, they made people finish just right away and keep eating, and then the waiters removed the empty te and continued to serve other dishes.

    Irish and Joseph were quiet when they ate.

 Chapter 729 729: Don’t You Like The Food Here?

    This is Joseph''s usual eating habit. Even in the past, when they ate at home, his words were very few. asionally he just responded and then listened to Irish''s chatter with a smile.

    In the past, she was a little dissatisfied with him. She didn''t like to say a lot of things, and she got a reaction from him, who nodded or shook his head, and then she always asked him, "What do you think?"

    Joseph would respond to her and say, "Okay."

    She asked again, "I said a lot of things, and you just said okay, huh?"

    Then, Joseph would add, "It''s enough that you feel good."

    That day they were truly silent. He did not speak, and Irish did not bother to speak. But she was still saddened by the passing of the money, and the food was not enough to save her heartbreak, so there was no mood for her to say anything more.

    More importantly, that day couldn''t be counted as a date.

    The sudden change in their rtionship was awkward, and there seemed to be something missing and something more in getting along with each other.

    Until the restaurant chef went up in person, slightly breaking the silence between the two.

    He asked Joseph for advice on the dishes, how he had tasted them, and if they needed improvement.

    Irish bowed her head and was always buried in the delicious food.

    In a restaurant like this, the level of the chef was higher than the restaurant manager, but the question was, why didn''t he ask the woman for advice first? This was the same as when two people showed up at luxury stores, and shop assistants were much more enthusiastic about men than women because bills were always handed to men when they checked out, so did women deserve to be ignored?

    Whilementing that men and women were born to be different, Joseph, on the opposite side, opened his mouth but asked her. "What do you think?"

    Irish looked up.

    Joseph stopped eating and looked at her.

    The chef smiled and looked very politely at Irish and asked, "Madam, are you satisfied with today''s food?"

    Irish wanted to make a long speech about the food for the chef with a standard smile. By the way, she reminded him what respect for women was, but when people really wanted to listen to her opinion, she couldn''t say anything. After thinking about it for a long time, she spoke out such a sentence. "It''s delicious."

    Well, she admitted she had no potential as a food critic.

    "Thank you." The chef said with respect.

    Joseph put down the cutlery and asked her, "Do you like the food in this restaurant?"

    His voice was bewitched as if he was concerned about her. But listening carefully, there was always a difference in his voice, so Irish could not catch too many emotions in his words, so she said, "Not bad."

    Joseph gently nodded, took the cloth, gracefully wiped the corners of his lips, and said to the chef, "Let the managere."

    "Okay." The chef hastily answered, leaving.

    Irish did not know what he asked the manager to do, but it was none of her business, and then she ignored him.

    Soon the restaurant manager came. Before she came forward, there was a very light fragrance. This fragrance and the smell of the restaurantplemented each other.

    And the sound of high heels was also very light.

    ? But it stimted Irish''s ears.

    She looked up in astonishment.

    She didn''t expect the restaurant manager to be a woman.

    The female manager wore the same uniform as every staff member in the restaurant, but the enthusiasm in her eyes was far more than that of every employee here.<novelnext></novelnext>

    After a few steps forward, she said pleasantly, "I didn''t expect Mr. Dover toe."

    Joseph only made a light smile as an answer.

    "Are you satisfied with today''s food?" The manager asked again.

    "Excellent." He was so grateful.

    The manager expanded her smile. "I didn''t expect you toe to the restaurant today for lunch. It happened that the restaurant collected a few new bottles of red wine these two days, both of which were in good years. I''ll have someone bring it to me and give it to you to try it out now."

    "No, thanks." Joseph refused calmly and politely. "I still have to bother you to apply for membership for thisdy, and the membership fee will be recorded in my name."

    Irish was stunned, stopped eating, then realized that this restaurant had a membership system.

    The manager was stunned at first, reacted, and then smiled again. "Is this... your girlfriend?"

    Joseph gently smiled, silent. He did not admit it but also did not deny the manager''s spection.

    "Well, I''ll go through the formalities for thisdy." The manager smiled and looked at Irish again. "Is it convenient to show your ID card?"

    Irish nced at her and answered unexpectedly, "I don''t need to be a member, thank you."

    The manager froze.

    Joseph did not expect her to refuse, and his eyebrows showed puzzlement.

    Irish insisted on her own decision. After the manager left, Joseph could not help asking her why. She was toozy to exin, saying that it was unnecessary and that the extra words were hidden in her heart.

    She knew that women''s emotions had always fluctuated so much that she saw the manager''s reaction was very disagreeable.

    That woman was too enthusiastic, and she strangely looked at Joseph.

    Convinced of her sixth sense, Irish could feel the mind of the female manager by intuition, not to mention her eyes, which revealed too much emotion. She looked at Joseph, in addition to worship, there was also an inherent love behind it.

    This made Irish extremely ufortable.

    There were so many restaurants in New York and many membership-based restaurants, why did she have to please him?

    Irish was sure that if that day she became a member here when she came here for dinner, she would see the figure of that woman. Provided, of course, that Joseph must be present.

    Irish knew what deadlock she and Joseph were in now, but she was afraid she couldn''t avoid it.

    Therefore, Irish was very honest in admitting that she was narrow-minded and still a vile person.

    "Don''t you like the food here? This is a ce where only members can get in." Joseph stated.

    Irish replied very faintly, "It''s not a big deal."

    Joseph sighed, "Are you in a bad mood?"

    "Seeing our identities, do I dare to be in a bad mood before you?" Irish asked, thinking about the female manager who had just been filled with enthusiasm.

    What had she been looking at?

    She wanted to dig out her eyes.

 Chapter 730 730: It’s Just A Dress

    As Joseph drove, he hadn''t drunk. He poured water into the cup, took a bite, put down the cup, and, gave it down, said lightly, "You said you like the food here."

    "I love a lot of food." She wiped her mouth.

    "And you say you are not in a mood?"

    Irish saw him staring at her, and she cleared her throat, "Why not? To wait for you all morning, I suffered a financial loss. Anyone else will be in a bad mood."

    She talked about one of the reasons for her mood swings.

    Joseph closed his lips. "Well, what did you buy? I''ll reimburse you."

    Just wait for him to say that.

    After listening to that, the depression she held suddenly unraveled, like a strong wind blowing away the clouds, suddenly, the bright sun shone high.

    "I have something I haven''t bought." Irish was insatiable. "You know several marketing strategies. You should also know that a lot of new products areing out at this time."

    Joseph raised his hand, his slender fingers against his forehead, and the corners of his eyes seemed to hide a smile.

    "ording to our rtionship now, shouldn''t your wallet be open for me?" Irish blurted out deliberately.

    Joseph put his hand down, and his eyes were full ofughter. His voice was pleasant. "Great!"

    Irish did not expect him to answer so simply, picking eyebrows, "I mean, from Wall Street to the International Financial Center, I saw many things."

    Joseph said calmly, "I am avable this afternoon."

    Irish looked at him suspiciously.

    He knocked on his watch with his finger and reminded her, "If you hesitate for a second, I may change my mind, or maybe business will suddenly hinder us."

    A fool could hear his voice-over.

    Irish got up without saying anything, carrying her bag.

    ****

    Lenard bought a lot of clothes. However, with Lilith''spany and selection, he was satisfied with everything. For this reason, he extended an invitation to Lilith to have dinner together.

    Lilith refused and said with a smile, "This is not a big deal, there is no need to treat me."

    Lenard insisted, however.

    "You''re Jay''s friend, so you are my friend. You really don''t have to be so polite." Lilith said from the bottom of her heart.

    Lenard quickly responded, "Since I have been regarded as a friend, but you declined my invitation, so what kind of friend are we?"

    Lilith left no other option, nodding to agree.

    The chosen restaurant had a good location, very close to the mall, so they did not need to go into a lot of trouble to find a parking space.

    When she finished ordering, Lenard handed one of the bags to Lilith.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "What is it?" Lilith was puzzled.

    Lenard smiled and told her to open it.

    Lilith thought he was mysterious and surprising. When she opened the bag and took out the thing inside, she found that it was a dress in a beautiful color with a simple cut, which was the main good of a brand store that had just passed through this spring.

    First, she was stunned, reacted quickly, and smiled, "Did you buy it for your girlfriend? It''s beautiful."

    "It''s for you," Lenard said unexpectedly.

    Lilith''s hand shook, surprised. Was it for her?

    Why did he want to give her a dress?

    "I saw you stare at this dress for a long time and thought you must like it, so I bought it for you." Lenard looked at her with a smile.

    Lilith was even more surprised. "But I didn''t see you go and buy it."

    "I went over and bought it while you were talking to Dr. Irish." Lenard whispered, "Am I right to buy it? The color suits you very well. You should look beautiful in it."

    He bought it right, and she did like the dress. Just now, she stood in front of the window of this shop for a long time. This skirt became the main hit and was rmended by the owner of the shop. At that time, she wanted to try it out, but that day she apanied Lenard to buy clothes. She couldn''t ask him to wait for her to try on the clothes, could she? Second, the price of this skirt was costly, and she had nced at the price tag, it was five digits. Compared to her sry, which was only four digits, she obviously won''t buy it.

    It was not that she could not afford the dress, after all, her identity was there, and it was easy for her to buy it, but it was not good for her to go to work in a dress beyond her sry, always afraid of being seen as a show-off by her colleagues.

    However, she didn''t expect Lenard to give her this dress. Although she liked it, she couldn''t have it.

    Folding the skirt and putting it back in the bag, she pushed it to Lenard and said lightly. "Thanks for your kindness, but I can''t take it."

    "You say we''re friends. It''smon for friends to give gifts." Lenard didn''t take the bag.

    "This gift is too valuable."

    Lenard smiled. "It''s just a dress."

    "Lenard, just buy me dinner." Lilith also insisted that she would not ept it.

    Lenard looked at her and sincerely said, "Lilith, you just think of it as my reward for you. You''ve helped me choose so many clothes."

    Lilith smiled back. "Anyway, you buy them yourself, Lenard. Don''t mention that. I really can''t ept the skirt. You''d better give it to your girlfriend."

    This made Lenard silent for a while.

    Lilith did not know if she had said the wrong thing, saw him, did not speak, looked up at him, and unexpectedly he was looking at her. She was startled; somehow, the bottom of her heart raised a trace of unfathomable foreboding. It was a very strange feeling.

    She kept her eyes down to avoid his stare.

    Lenard did not speak for a few minutes. He said with a serious but rxed tone. "I don''t have a girlfriend yet."

    The strange feeling in the bottom of her heart became more and more obvious, and Lilith felt something.

    "Oh, I''m sorry." She tried to make the atmosphere less strange, pointing to the clothes. "So... Why don''t you return it?"

 Chapter 731 731: You Are Extremely Beautiful

    Lenard smiled, shook his head, and simply stared at her more directly and boldly. "Lilith, in fact, you don''t have to draw a distance between us."

    His words revealed too much information.

    If Lilith could not hear the hidden meaning of it, she had lived in vain for so many years. Inadvertently thinking of what Irish had said, she was nervous. She simply did not beat around the bush and looked up at Lenard calmly.

    "Lenard, I know our parents have made a mistake. Of course, they want us to be together, but you also know my rtionship with Jay."

    Lenard smiled at her and nodded.

    "You know my rtionship with Jay, but you may not know many things. In fact, Jay and I are about to get married, and my mother has promised that as long as he can be transferred back to New York, she will agree to our marriage. Now you see, Jay has returned."

    Lenard was thinking. He paused briefly and said, "But why aren''t you married?"

    Lilith opened her mouth and said nothing.

    She wanted to say something straightforward, but if only it were just her imagination. Lenard didn''t say much. She was afraid she had misunderstood. Finally, after thinking about it for a long time, she said, "I think the blind dates are quite unreliable. Your parents must have forced you, right? Well, you can tell your parents about Jay and me, so they don''t me you."

    Lenard was silent for a moment, looked at Lilith, and said, "If I am serious about this blind date?"

    Lilith was stunned.

    ****

    Irish was no longer sad from the International Financial Center to Wall Street. On the contrary, her pace was very light.

    She was happy to try on clothes at a brand store for an hour and a half.

    During this hour and a half, Joseph had nothing to do but answer two phone calls. He sat on the sofa and read the magazine leisurely. Irish tried one by one, and he waited patiently.

    "How about this one?" Irish came out of the fitting room, stood in front of the mirror, and looked at Joseph in the mirror.

    Joseph put down the magazine in his hand and looked at Irish.

    She was in a small smoky pink dress, not so vulgar, not so dull. This color matched her skin and made her more clean and transparent.

    "It looks good," Joseph spoke his opinion.

    Irish carefully looked at herself and looked at the skirt she had tried before, which was red, like the maple leaves dyed in autumn, and the beautiful colors were equally unobtrusive.

    "What about this one I just tried on?" Irish picked up the skirt and looked at Joseph again.

    "You look beautiful in this, too," Joseph casually answered.

    "What about thest one?" She began to have an obstacle to choose from.

    Thest one was in ssic ck, more professional.

    "It''s also good." He answered.

    Irish frowned. "Why do you say good things about everything?"<novelnext></novelnext>

    Perfunctory, right?

    Joseph felt innocent and smiled, "You are extremely beautiful. Do you want me to say bad things to you?"

    The clerk next to him said with a smile, "Ma''am, you look beautiful, and you have a good figure. In fact, sir is right. You look beautiful in both dresses."

    Irish looked both sides, picking up one, and couldn''t put the other down.

    Joseph got up, put the magazine back where it was, went up to her, and smiled, "Which one do you like?"

    Irish was choosing, and when she saw him so rxed, somehow there was such a fire in her heart. Gnashing her teeth, she said, "Don''t urge me, be careful that I''ll take all these things."

    She thought he would go back to where he was and wait, but she heard him say, "If you like them, buy all of them."

    Irish was stunned, stared at him for a while, and said, "Are you still the Joseph I know?"

    This man all day long just thought about how to reduce her energy and money. Why did he suddenly be so generous today? There must be a conspiracy.

    Joseph did not say anything more, but he seemed to be amused by her words. The corners of his lips slightly raised, and he rubbed her head and then said to the clerk, "Wrap up all these things."

    The clerk''s mouth almost grinned to the root of his ear and hurriedly said, "Yes, sir, just wait for a moment."

    After the clerk took the clothes in her arms away, Irish grabbed Joseph''s sleeve and looked alert. "Are you going to deduct my sry or bonus again?"

    Joseph looked down at her hand that tightly held his sleeve. Then, he smiled, "You are trying to estimate what''s in the heart of the great person with the heart of the mean one."

    "Just in case there''s something wrong. I''ve always been a viin before your eyes." Irish was not confident.

    Joseph let her pull his sleeve like that. "Irish, when did you ever treat me like a gentleman?"

    "Have you ever been a gentleman to me?" She retorted and pouted her lips.

    Joseph slightly robbed her nose, "Of course, for example, now."

    "You have ulterior motives." Irish blurted out.

    Joseph was in a happy mood to tease her and replied, "Everyone knows I have ulterior motives for you. It seems that only you don''t know that."

    "You..."

    "Sir, the clothes have been wrapped." The clerk went up and interrupted Irish''s words. Looking at Joseph again, she made a "please" gesture. "Sir, you can check out now."

    Joseph looked deeply at Irish and did not say anything. He turned to check out. Irish bit her lips and followed. Soon, the bill came out. "Sir. Altogether it''s thirty thousand dors."

    Joseph handed in his bank card.

    This time, Irish heard the sound of swiping the card, and it hurt her heart, so she finally realized that she didn''t care whose wallet the money was taken out of. Joseph and Cassie actually judged her very well. She, in fact, was Grandet, a penny pincher.

    When she left the store, Irish stared at Joseph and said, "Don''t think I spent too much. Don''t forget our current rtionship. Only by doing so can I be worthy of the identity you gave me, or it will be a shame to be your mistress."

 Chapter 732 732: What Else Do You Like?

    Joseph did not react much after hearing that but nced at her, and the light in his eyes was calm and sirened as ever. Of course, when his lips were slightly closed, he looked a little serious. And from the perspective of his side face, she could not see whether he was happy or not.

    She admitted that she had said it intentionally. During this time, she had experienced far more than she had in the previous years, and she had to use "lover" to define the rtionship with him from their encounter to falling in love. Everything was like a big dream, a magnificent dream that made her gaunt.

    She remembered Adam, who had been in her dreams before, so true and natural as if dreams and reality had made two spaces. She shuttled through these two spaces. And one was life with Adam, and the other was with Joseph, sometimes, she would be in a trance, unable to tell what dreams were from reality.

    Just as now, her rtionship with Joseph has stumbled all the way to the present, so was it possible that she opened her eyes and found that originally Joseph was the one in the dream?

    She looked at the figure of the man in front of her. His whole back looked indifferent and remote when the light fell on his shoulder. Before, she would happily hook up his arms, eager to show off that he belonged to her, but at present, she found that she had lost even this courage.

    Joseph paused and waited for her toe forward. Irish only then sensed that she was stunned in ce. She reacted and stepped forward.

    There were not many people in the mall, and only two or three people were on each floor, making it quieter when she was with Joseph.

    "If you are my lover, I have to say that your attitude is too casual." It was Joseph who broke the silence. His voice was low, and he said that as he passed through her.

    Irish''s face turned to the disy window, looking at the splendor clothes inside, and said, "I don''t understand what you mean."

    Joseph stopped again.

    After seeing him stop, Irish stopped and stared at him at a distance of more than a meter.

    A couple was passing by and looking back curiously.

    It was as if everything was flowing around, and just her and him, still, like a freeze-frame picture in a movie.

    "Come here." Joseph opened his mouth.

    Irish did not know what he was going to do, went forward, stopped in front of him, and looked up at him. He vacated an arm, and she could not hear much emotion in his indifferent tone.

    "Take my arm."

    Irish looked at his arm and looked at him again.

    "At least, you should satisfy me on the surface. But, Irish, don''t forget it''s your choice."

    Joseph slightly added sharp words.

    Irish''s face froze, but soon, she took his arm, showed the most brilliant smile at him, and then, almost gnashing her teeth, said, "Can you go now?"

    Joseph raised his lip corner slightly, "You''d better have professional spirit."

    The word made Irish ufortable. Her fingers clenched to her shirt, and she said impatiently, "Did you make so many requests to your ex-girlfriend?"

    Joseph turned his head and stared at her, and his eyes sank a little.

    In the next second, she was pressed against the wall by Joseph.

    "What are you doing?" She was alert. "We''re in public!"<novelnext></novelnext>

    "You said we are in public. What do you think I can do to you?" Joseph''s big hand was on the wall, and his metal sleeve of the cuff refracted the crystal light on the top of his head, falling on his cheek of Irish like a ripple.

    He lowered his face, stopped near the tip of her nose, and said, "No one dares to be as unscrupulous as you are."

    Irish did not shy away from his eyes and looked into his eyes, "Is that what you want me to be, to be unscrupulous or obedient?"

    He didn''t answer.

    He closed his lips, staring at her, and the light in his pupil was dark where there was a little softness and a bit of impable authority.

    Irish felt that he was thinking and struggling with something.

    After a moment, he opened his mouth and identally said with a smile, "What else do you like?"

    Looking at his eyes, Irish turned her eyes thirty degrees and said indifferently. "I''m thinking, shall I wear a watch in the same series as you?"

    Joseph turned along her eyes, nced at the watch shop not far away, and then looked back at her cheek, and the lines on his lips softened a little.

    "Okay."

    ****

    "It''s a good time to snatch a little leisure from a busy life, right?"

    Under the tree shade of the university campus, the clear sun went through the leaves. The light and shadow fell on the white wooden chair. A little farther away, there was fragrance. The porcin white blooming petals wobbled in the sun.

    Irish bought two cups of milk tea and handed one of them to Cassie. She sat down in the chair and asked with a smile.

    In spring, the rich colors distinguished the seasons.

    Especially on campus, a heavy mind and realistic pressure would be lighter.

    This was originally a ce where literature and art were popr, and people in the environment would follow.

    Irish had just finished a psychoanalysis ss, and Cassie took a rare day off. ording to Irish, there was nothing better in the world than spending a day in their alma mater.

    So Cassie came.

    She drank a cup of milk tea, held the cup in her hand, looked at the students on thewn for a walk or reading a book, and eximed, "I don''t know why. Whenever Ie to my alma mater, I always think of "Gone with the Wind."

    Irish smiled and said, "I don''t think we''re old enough to look back."

    When she was a student, neither she nor Cassie was the kind of ssmates with textbooks in their arms. They were those who read at night in the study room when they would have an exam the next day.

    Irish felt that what books a person liked to read really determined hister character. Like Cassie, the most precious thing during college was Gone with the Wind. The pages of it were almost turned into pieces in her hand. Every time she turned the page, she had to be careful to be afraid of destruction, and when she read, she thought this was the narrative and helplessness of human nature. Cassie joined the school literature club with her enthusiasm for literature, but it was in line with the professional background of her journalism department.

 Chapter 733 733: I Ordered Your Wedding Dress

    Cassieughed, holding the milk tea, and shezily sat in the wooden chair and said in a soft tone, "These days, people live a day''s pressure that catches up with that of a year of the 70''s people''s life. See, this proportion is not half-life?" Then she looked at Irish, "If you really think life is easy, you do not have to work in school. Returning to the school is also seeking inner peace, right?"

    Irish leaned against the other side of the chair and looked at her in the light, "Life is not always satisfactory, so you have to find a way to live. Living to our age,pared with the young people in society, we are mature. Compared with people living a half-life, we only can sum up part of the truth of life before them. We are born as ascetic monks. From birth to death, we have only learned one thing in our lives, that is, how to ept reality rather than bing more and more realistic. When we learn that, we will close our eyes. "

    Cassie heard that and smiled. She looked behind Irish and said, "You see, Professor Lee. If you want to ask what the greatest ideal of his life is, he will say, "May world peace happen."

    Irish looked back. Professor Lee just passed thewn and was ready to go to ss with a textbook. She could not helpughing.

    Professor Lee devoted all his life to the school and worked tirelessly. He was the director of the old school. He could be described by his students all over the world. Among these students are Irish and Cassie

    Cassie was impressed by Professor Lee because of his ss. She told Irish that the professor preaching psychological public rtions was very funny. She was curious about him, so she went to his ss. He had a characteristic of teaching. He liked to get close to his ssmates, so he talked about his employment choices after graduation.

    Irish was reading a novel. Professor Lee named her and asked her, "What is your ideal? What are you going to do in the future?"

    Irish was thinking about the novel. In front of her eyes, there was a desert, and there were a few women in the desert talking about the problem of bathing. So she replied, "Well... Save the world."

    After she spoke out, there was a roar ofughter.

    Professor Lee also smiled and then looked at Cassie, who was also reading. Finally, the professor asked, "How about the ssmate next to you? What is your ideal?"

    Irish nudged Cassie.

    Cassie is intoxicated in the novel, and she doesn''t expect that the professor would suddenly name her, and she quickly answers, "My ideal is...saving Irish."

    There was another burst ofughter.

    Professor Lee was knowledgeable. He reacted quickly. "I think the ideals of these two students are exceptional. Irish is learning psychology, and the characteristic of psychological counselors is to save people''s hearts. What a lofty ideal it is that the world can be at peace when people''s hearts are peaceful. And the ssmate next to her, you should not be a ssmate of the department, are you? You can see that the rtionship between the two of you is good, and you should be good friends. Then, good friends are mutually helpful and understandable. Psychological counselors save the hearts of others, and you are a friend of counselors. Counselors would be confused, so as her friend, you are the spiritual savior of psychological counselors. The idea is higher!"

    Irish took the lead and pped her hands, and from then on, she and Cassie adored Professor Lee.

    "I''ll save you before you save me." When Professor Lee went far away, Irish took out the tabletputer from her bag. "I ordered your wedding dress for you. If you really want to marry, I will send it to you."

    As she spoke, she handed her the tabletputer. "This is a sample design, not a market model. I spent a lot of money looking for a designer."

    Cassie took a look. It was in very gentle lines. She raised her eyes. Suddenly she stopped speaking. After a while, she closed her lips and pointed at her watch, "I like your watch more than a wedding dress."

    She pulled over Irish''s hand, and her wrist sparkled.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "I saw this watch at the Basel Watch Fair. Its technology is world-ss, and it is with 160 diamonds iid, let me think about it." Cassie pretended to be thoughtful. "The price of this brand should be about 1.5 million."

    Then she was surprised and pointed to Irish. "You love money so much that you can''t buy it yourself. This watch is a gift given to you, or it is imitated."

    Irish drew back her hand and rolled her eyes. "Although I am greedy for money, it does not mean that my quality of life is declining."

    "Did he send it?" Cassie also knew that she put quality before quantity and could not wear fake goods on the streets.

    Irish reached out and knocked on the tabletputer. "I think you should focus on the wedding dress." Somehow, she always felt that Cassie was avoiding something.

    Cassie took a look at the design and thought, "Which is more expensive, my wedding dress or the watch in your hand?"

    Irish smiled brightly. "Honey, have you ever heard the saying, ''the gift is light, and the love is heavy''?"

    In fact, this wedding dress not only cost a lot of money but also spent a lot of her energy. After Joseph bought the same series of women''s watches as his wristwatch, she came to the wedding dress studio to discuss his wedding dress of Cassie.

    At that time, the shopkeeper was so enthusiastic that he looked at the two of them and said, "Is it the marriage of the two of you that is approaching? Congrattions."

    Irish did not know why, her neck was a little stiff. She did not think, shaking her head, and the word "no" had been spinning in her mouth, but she didn''t speak out.

    And Joseph also did not deny it, not knowing what he was thinking.

    The designer wanted to measure her size, but she refused and directly gave Cassie''s size to the designer. It could be seen that the designer''s eyes were a little hesitant, maybe strange that why she did not need to measure.

    Neither she nor Joseph exined anything. She did not know what he thought but knew that her mind was a mess. She stepped into the wedding shop and saw a wide variety of wedding dresses. She had something to look forward to.

    Maybe that was why she didn''t deny it.

    Women love fantasies; sometimes, a good fantasy can even support a woman''s life. Even if women endure too much pain, they will still believe in love. At that moment, Irish felt that she believed that because she was confused when she chose the style.

    She couldn''t help but ask Joseph, "Which style do you think looks good?" After asking, she felt strange.

    But Joseph maintained aplete calmness. He went forward, turned with her one by one, and finally, his slender fingersnded on one of them and gently clicked twice. He said, "This one."

 Chapter 734 734: Let Me Make Up My Mind

    When he gave his opinion, he was always firm, whether it was about her or others. He always spoke in a positive tone and a clear attitude, so people would unconsciously listen to his advice.

    Sometimes Irish would think he was too chauvinist andined to him that he should leave some room for others to think when he gave his opinion.

    He disagreed with her and replied, "Let me make up my mind," which means the other person has no idea. Is it necessary to leave room for thought?"

    Irish felt that he was right.

    People sometimes needed a spiritual leader to make their own decisions. Joseph had long been used to the position of spiritual leader, so he was so firm.

    After handing over the style to the designer, the designer smiled and said to her, "You are so happy. Your fiance has a good eye."

    Happy?

    She handed over happiness to Cassie.

    Aftering out of the studio, Joseph asked her, "Is the wedding dress for Cassie?"

    Irish nodded.

    He said nothing more.

    "I think this wedding dress looks better on you," Cassie said something from the bottom of her heart.

    Irish''s heart twitched. After a long time, she smiled, "When I get married, you can send me one."

    "When will you get married?" She asked curiously.

    Irish thought about it, afraid that Cassie would have to worry, and closed her lips. She said, "In short, after you."

    "You are mysterious." Cassieughed lightly.

    "But thank you very much for the gift." In fact, she was very moved, which pressed down her depression for many days. She took Irish''s hand and whispered, "I am so afraid of change now, really. Irish, do you think many things would change if a woman is married?"

    "What do you mean?"

    Cassie leaned aside. A light of uneasiness shed in her eyes, very shallow, and then it passed by. She seemed to be oppressing something. After a long time, she smiled and said, "For example, when we are all single, we often get together. When we have boyfriends, there will be fewer parties. Look at our ssmates. Do they have time to have a party? The only thing that proves they still exist is that they keep posting pictures of their children on Twitter and Facebook."

    Irish smiled and said, "As long as you think, after having a child, you really want to show the child''s growth to the world. As the saying goes, marrying a good woman can benefit three generations. After you marry, you are the one who benefits, to guide the family, not to be tired by the family. Apart from your husband and children, you should also have your own life and goals. Don''t revolve around in the kitchen all day long. A woman''s value can only be reflected after you are good at using her time to enrich herself. This is the growth of the new generation of women. "

    "I think you''ve taught too much in college, and your tone has be like that of Professor Lee." Cassie giggled.

    Irishughed, too.

    The faint fragrance of flowers was wafting.

    Afterughing, Irish looked at Cassie and whispered, "Some things should be certain to change. If you do everything you can to retain it, though it is left in hand, its quality also changes, but there''s also something that will not change. I think our friendship will not change."

    Cassie nodded her head heavily.<novelnext></novelnext>

    ****

    In the twinkling of an eye, it was the weekend, and it rained on this day.

    Into the night, the neon street outside the window was also washed by rainwater.

    Joseph was drinking, and soon after the social engagement began, the wine fragrance overflowed.

    The phone in his hand was ringing. Daisy was clear. That was Joseph''s private phone call.

    For Joseph''s new habit, Daisy also began to adapt. In the past, every time Joseph hade out to socialize, the mobile phone must have been put by Daisy, which was convenient for her to answer. If she could help with it, she would never disturb Joseph. If she could not cope with it, she would hand over the mobile phone to Joseph.

    At present, although Joseph''s mobile phone had always been with her, he had always carried his personal phone with him. No matter what social asion he was on, and no matter how drunk he was, the private phone must be in his hand, and the phone was set to vibrate, so it was easy to answer it at hand.

    Although, after returning from Chicago, his private mobile phone had not been too busy, Daisy saw that every time he went out to socialize, he would be used to keeping his mobile phone at hand.

    Needless to say, the only person who could call his cell phone was Irish.

    Joseph answered the phone.

    Daisy did not know what had happened to Irish and could not hear what she said on the phone. She only saw Joseph listening all the time. Finally, after she had finished, he said in a very faint voice, "Well, I get it."

    Daisy looked subconsciously at Joseph and found that when he answered the phone, the light in his eyes was as soft as the radians of his lips.

    After the call, he returned to the usual calmness. The softness in his eyes no longer exists, reced by the calmness of the business.

    He poured a ss of wine, got up, and said with slight apologies, "I''m sorry, I have something urgent to deal with for a while. I''ll punish myself for this ss of wine. I''ll make amends for it one by one, and I will host a great meal another day."

    After that, he finished thest drop of that cup.

    It was not good for the people to ask him to stay, and they rose up to toast.

    Finally, Joseph told Daisy to host these people for him.

    Daisy understood that it was a matter of Irish; otherwise, he would not have left in such a hurry, nodding and saying, "Rest assured, do I need to call the driver?"

    "I''ll drive myself." Joseph picked up his coat and car keys, said goodbye to everyone, and left.

    At the end of the corridor in the house of Midtown Manhattan.

    Irish sat on the viewing tform, looking up to count the stars. Under the view tform was the garden of themunity. The flower fragrance came to her with the wind.

    She forgot the password to the door, and because she often forgot to take her key, she decided to set the door as a password lock. She knew that one day she would not remember what the password was, and the day finally came. Unfortunately, after she had tried five times and was told the password was invalid, the password doorpletely locked itself, and she had to wait for the original fingerprint to reset the password.

    The original fingerprint attached to it was Joseph''s fingerprint because he was the house''s owner.

    She had to make the call to him.

 Chapter 735 735: I Can’t Open The Door

    Irish had never felt so thankful that she could see all the stars in the sky one day; otherwise, she would feel so lonely on a cold night.

    The number was never within the range of her working memory, so Irish was less sensitive to the number because she only focused on her own field. But as a psychoanalyst, she needed to have the same memory level in every field. She had to admit that she would not adopt the method rted to numbers since it was human nature to avoid one''s disadvantages.

    As a result, the numbers in her mind were everywhere when she was standing at the door for five or six minutes. She felt each one was the answer, and each one was not the answer, either.

    She forgot the password just because she mixed up her bank card and her credit card.

    If possible, she would rather not bother Joseph.

    As she thought that if she came to her uncle''s house, he would be angry, and then she just gave up this thought.

    She called him.

    After thinking for a while, she called his private phone number.

    He got it through, but there was someone talking surrounding him. Irish knew that he would be having dinner with his business partners, so she hesitated.

    Joseph just greeted and then he didn''t talk anymore, seemingly waiting for her response.

    Irish said after a long while, "I can''t open the door."

    And then she added, "I forgot the password since I made it wrong many times. It needs your fingerprint now."

    Her voice seemed to be weak.

    And then she felt unconfident.

    He replied coldly, "Okay. I see."

    Soon their conversation ended. Irish was in a daze and then recovered after a while. She clenched her phone, and she felt more helpless.

    Did he really know her situation?

    What did it mean?

    Did he mean to let her wait for him, or did he just know it, but he didn''t decide toe?

    Irish could not confirm his meaning. Considering that his voice was so cold, she just waited for a while. She woulde to her uncle''s house if he didn''te.

    She just counted the stars.

    There seemed to be gauze on these stars, dim and unobvious. Her view became a little vague.

    It was cold at night.

    She was on the high stage, so the strong wind made her hair messy. She also felt frightened.

    After a long time, there was a knocking sound on the stage.

    Irish thought someone was smoking on the stage, so she didn''t care about it.

    However, the footsteps got clear.

    The footsteps were strong and firm, more importantly, familiar to her.

    Irish was so surprised that suddenly a man''s suit was on her shoulder. Soon the smell of cigarettes and light wine twined together and surrounded her.

    The coat was warm, and just in this way, the coldness on a cold night was gone.

    Irish turned around. To her surprise, it was Joseph. She hadn''t thought that he would be back so quickly.

    Under the sky, he looked taller. Finally, the shadows fell in her direction and swallowed hers.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish suddenly felt that she had fallen in love with him again.

    Soon Irish thought the moonlight was so beautiful that she would love his look now.

    However, Joseph didn''t look happy. He just looked at her from a high position. His eyebrows twined together, and his voice sounded impolite.

    "Who asked you to wait here?"

    Irish was confused, and after a great while, she spurted out subconsciously, "If you don''te back, n to go to my uncle''s house."

    How dare she not wait here? Such a man who seemed to be peaceful but annoyed in nature would not let her be good if he just grabbed his shorings. At this time, although she would say something to make him unhappy, she was clear about what should be done and what not.

    What she should do was to try not to trespass his bottom line.

    As he heard it, he frowned and lifted up his voice, "Isn''t there a lounge in the Property Management Office?"

    Irish finally got him.

    Opening her mouth, she said after a while, "I think it will be good for me to spend the time counting the stars."

    Joseph was stupefied firstly and then helpless. He sighed, "Stand up now." His voice got slow.

    Receiving her call, he felt so happy actually.

    Her voice on the phone was weak and timid. She told him that she couldn''t open the door.

    On the way, he kept her words in mind. Her words were just like a warm stream flowing. As he hurriedly returned home, he felt his fingers on the steering wheel trembling. There seemed to be yellow light in front of him, covering her small figure.

    He liked it when she asked for help from him because it made him feel that she relied on him actually. This feeling satisfied him since he felt that she needed him.

    Even he thought about whether she would be anxious. Would she dully wait for him? As it rained and became cold, would she feel cold?

    As he thought of this, he just sped up.

    Her crying look was in his mind. He also thought she would run to him andin about why he was sote.

    However, as he was seeking her anxiously but didn''t find her, he felt down. And then he found her on the stage.

    She sat on her handbag. On the stage, there were small rain pools reflecting the beautiful moonlight.

    Even her small figure looked lonely.

    She raised her head to look at these stars. The wind blew over her hair, making her far away.

    His anxiousness soon became unhappiness.

    Without any reason, Joseph hated her. He hated her calmness and hated that she just sat there silently in the cold wind.

    But as he saw her, he didn''t feel nervous anymore.

    Actually, Joseph was trying not to admit one fact. The fact was that he came back so anxiously in case she would leave him without hering back.

    Seeing his angry expression, Irish didn''t retaliate but just stood up.

    As they strode over the barrier, Joseph felt sorry for her and held her arms.

    His hands were warm, making her cold arms through the clothes feel better.

    However, she just had been on the stage for so long that her feet became so numb. The barrier seemed so difficult for her to stride, and her feet didn''t follow her thoughts.

 Chapter 736 736: Why Did You Wear So Little?

    Joseph just held her up without any effort.

    Feeling surprised at it, she just held his neck subconsciously and attached her face to his chest.

    His smell and warmth got clear to her, making her feel warm and safe.

    At this moment, Irish felt touched and couldn''t say anything, as if she got choked.

    "Why did you wear so little?" Joseph''s voice was not happy.

    She just wore a blouse and a skirt. Her stockings were the only to resist the coldness.

    As he held her, he could feel her coldness.

    Irish finally recovered herself and put down her arms, saying lightly. "I can make it by myself."

    Joseph stopped and put her down immediately.

    The corridor was warmer, driving the coldness.

    She felt that her fingers got warm gradually. She didn''t know whether it was because of the temperature in the corridor or his.

    "Shouldn''t I pay attention to my look and dress? I dare not dress casually; otherwise, I will be fined." Irish murmured.

    Joseph just looked at her silently.

    Irish raised her head to see his reaction.

    She didn''t realize that he was looking at her with an unclear expression.

    She cleared her throat and felt embarrassed anyhow.

    "You are such an idiot!" He just stared at her for half a minute and criticized her impolitely. Each word was spurted out by making great efforts.

    And then he just turned around and left.

    Irish was confused, "Am I an idiot?"

    Who was the real idiot?

    Soon she followed Joseph, "Please stop criticizing me."

    Joseph didn''t pay attention to her words and just walked to the door directly. Noticing his silence, Irish felt angrier, "If you don''t threaten me with the excuse of putting fines on me, I will not just dress in that way."

    Joseph stopped at the door and snarled, "You''d better be naked tomorrow. Okay?"

    Irish stared at him angrily.

    Joseph didn''t want to say anything to her. He just put in the password, which turned out to be incorrect. She was correct that the door was locked by itself.

    "What''s the password?" She asked while looking at his face without any facial expressions.

    However, Joseph just took a nce at her without any answer.

    Irish knew she had no right to ask about it, so she didn''t talk anymore.

    It waspletely silent in the corridor.

    It was so silent that she could hear their breath clearly.

    They mixed and twined each other. She just waited for it and saw Joseph putting in his fingerprint. Finally, it opened, and the sound was so good on this lonely night.

    Irish could even smell the fragrance and warmth in the room.

    Joseph didn''t open the door; instead, he signed and ordered, "Your hand."

    Irish winked and asked stupidly, "My left hand or the right one?"

    "Either."

    "Okay..." Irish showed her left hand.

    Joseph held her hand and put her thumb on the scanning area, but then he stopped and thought about it for a while. He released her hands.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Irish felt strange about it. She wondered why but just saw him setting a new password quickly. Putting in the password twice, she heard the warning system close, and the door opened.

    Entering the home, Irish couldn''t help asking, "Why not just put in my fingerprint?"

    Joseph said as he changed his shoes, "You may forget whether the fingerprint is on your left hand or right hand, and if so, we cannot enter anymore."

    "Joseph. Do not try to criticize me in this way." Irish also changed her shoes and followed him into the living room. She put her coat aside, "I am just not sensitive to numbers. Okay?"

    "In case one day you forget it." Joseph drank some wine since he was thirsty. He entered the kitchen ind, poured some water into the ss, and drank it off.

    Actually, there was another private reason.

    He knew it would be childish, but he just did it that way.

    He had thought of changing the fingerprint into hers so that she didn''t need to wait outside if she forgot the password again next time, but soon he gave up this thought. He thought that if his fingerprint was still valid, then he was still needed if she forgot the password next time.

    He would rather that he hurried back to open the door for her than she just relies on herself.

    Maybe what mattered to Joseph most was his sense of existence to her.

    Putting the ss down, his stomach aches just like the knife was cutting over it. He knew he just drank the wine anxiously to leave more quickly.

    Irish followed him. The light in the kitchen ind was off, so his shadow was vague.

    "What if I forget the password again?" She asked anxiously.

    "You won''t forget it." Joseph''s voice was weak.

    Irish couldn''t get it.

    Joseph sighed, "There are six numbers all in all. The first three are numbers rted to your birthday, while the next three are rted to mine. So you just need to remember my birthday."

    Irish was surprised.

    After a while, she just answered simply and turned around to leave. She noticed his action suddenly.

    He seemed to press his stomach.

    Turning around, she looked at Joseph at the table against the moonlight outside the window. She hesitated and asked, "What''s wrong with you?"

    Joseph didn''t reply and just stood there nkly.

    Irish felt it strange, and then she thought he just didn''t want to answer her. She didn''t want to tter him, but then she thought she smelt the wine when she draped his coat. As she thought of this, she felt sorry for him.

    She walked forward and found that Joseph was putting his hands on his stomach.

    "Your stomach aches?" She couldn''t help asking.

    Joseph frowned and pushed her aside.

    "It doesn''t matter." He seemed to be impatient and just walked out of the kitchen.

    Irish stood there for a while and followed him.

    Joseph was not in the living room.

    Irish went directly to the second floor.

    Pushing the bedroom door, she found him lying on the bed. He closed his eyes and frowned.

    The dim yellow light divided Joseph''s face into two parts: bright and dark. As he found her in, he opened his eyes and put his hands on his stomach. Irish walked forward, "It''s true that your stomach aches. Why not just tell me?"

    Joseph sat up and leaned against the bed. He replied, "In case you will show off in front of me."

    "Seriously?" Irish stared at him and passed on a ss of warm water to him, "Drink it first, and then I will send you to the hospital."

    Joseph epted it and didn''t drink it soon but said lightly, "Just prepare some medicine for me. I don''t have to go to see the doctor."

    "Your stomach begins to ache already. Medicine is not enough." Seeing him frowning, Irish also felt hurt.

    She hated him!

 Chapter 737 737: Help Me

    She hated that he would just treat her in this way!

    "Okay. I will ask the doctor toe here." Irish turned around to call someone.

    At the next moment, her hands were pulled by Joseph.

    She stopped and returned.

    Joseph held the ss with one hand and her wrist with another hand, and then he released his fingers to hold her fingers tightly. He pulled her to his side with strength.

    "I am okay. I just need to take some medicine since I am clear about myself." His voice was soft and just fell on gently.

    Irish looked at him with a hesitant expression, but she had to give up. She released her hands and went out of the bedroom.

    Soon she came in with some medicine.

    Joseph just looked at her, leaning his head against the bed.

    The warm light fell on her clothes and made her look charming.

    For the time being, he felt it was so good to just look at her quietly.

    Irish felt shy by his gaze.

    She came forward and passed on the medicine to him.

    "Help me." His voice was idle.

    Irish''s fingers trembled due to excitement. She cleared her throat, "Do not ask for more."

    Joseph raised his hands and covered her waist, "I think I am entitled to do so."

    He could figure out her concern. Wasn''t she really concerned about him?

    As he thought about this, he felt not so much pain, and he even felt happy.

    Irish felt his palm so hot. Her heart began to beat quickly.

    However, his words could have been more pleasant.

    "Don''t worry. I will not let you die so quickly. Otherwise, who will give me money?" She sat down and fed him spoon by spoon.

    Joseph smiled and didn''t talk. He followed her order now.

    And soon after she finished her task, Irish prepared to stand up.

    Joseph circled her from behind.

    She was so surprised that she was still there.

    "Although I know that it is medicine, I still want to have one more ss." He smiled.

    The warm breath fell on her ears and made her earlobe hot.

    Irish pushed him away and said, "I think you are drunk." She came out.

    Am I drunk? Joseph thought.

    Joseph smiled lightly. He was awake, so he really cherished this kind of short-time tranquility.

    There was fragrance on his fingers.

    It was from her hair.

    After a while, Irish impolitely threw his pajamas on him.

    Joseph didn''t move.

    Irish stood there for a while. Then, seeing him motionless, she came forward and untied his necktie and changed the pajama for him.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "If one day I can''t deal with my life well, will you look after me just as today you do?" He asked idly.

    Irish just murmured, "You are famous and strong. Will you allow yourself to be in such a difficult position?"

    "I am older than you. Therefore, it will not be strange that I will be in such a difficult position one day."

    Irishughed, "Okay. If you pay enough money, I will look after you just like a nanny."

    Joseph smiled and touched her cheek.

    "It aches!" She shouted and pounded on him.

    He frowned.

    She stopped and felt embarrassed, "Sorry."

    She forgot that his stomach ached.

    Sheined and shouted, "Why do you drink so often? Are you not clear about yourself? You are weak, actually. You will finally eat the fruit!"

    She changed the pajamas for him and tried not to notice his figure. She stood up, but he pulled her.

    "What are you doing?"

    "What did you say just now?" He smiled lightly, "Am I weak?"

    She didn''t know what to say and just seemed to be unnatural. She pulled his hands away and said, "You can take a shower now. If you still feel ufortable, just tell me, and I will seek a doctor for you."

    And then she ran out of the bedroom.

    Joseph was shocked. Did she regard him as a monster?

    Irish was nestled on the sofa. Her cheek was still hot now, and her heart was beating quickly. What''s wrong with her? Why did she feel sorry for him?

    It was none of her business.

    So what if he was drunk? She did not need to care for him even if he drank so much.

    However, she did a lot for him.

    Irish buried her face into her knees and sighed, "Irish, you deserve it!"

    There was a light sound in the darkness.

    She raised her eyes and tried her best to find the source. Finally, she found his phone in his bag.

    After clicking, the screen was on. It was a short message reminder.

    Irish hesitated. Her mind was nk, but her fingers had the action. The message read, "Hello, Joseph. This is Becky. I have thought a lot since ourst meeting. Although you helped me not solely for me, I really appreciate your kind help, and I want to treat you. Is it convenient for me to treat you to tomorrow''s dinner?"

    Becky?

    Irish stared at the name on the screen for a long time. She knew it was a girl''s name, and she was a little familiar with this name.

    ****

    Her name was Becky, a beautiful name, and she must be a pretty yet graceful woman who was glowing beneath the dirt.

    Irish would be upset and even feel a sense of crisis if she was such a woman. This fear urred to herst time when she thought Joseph had left her alone in Los Angeles. Irish felt that she almost went crazy, so she rushed downstairs, trying to find him back. And now the feeling urred to her again.

    Irish believed that if Becky was a woman as she expected, she must have her own pride and would never express her real emotion to the one she loved. And instead, she would stand far until she attracted others'' attention. Therefore, if her number was saved in Joseph''s phone, it meant that this woman attracted Joseph''s attention sessfully. At least Joseph didn''t detest her, and he may fall in love with her soon.

    Irish felt uneasy. Irish was more afraid of the false affection bing true than the man''s false disy of affection.

    The fear was rooted in her heart, while the reason was simple. Becky was not as simple and innocent as they expected, and it was easy to tell from her sentences to Joseph that she was a rose with thorns.

    This woman didn''t have strong inner strength, but she pretended to be a powerful woman just as a rosebush pretended to be a real rose. Or perhaps she admired Joseph and loved him, but she was reluctant to have sex with him while, at the same time, Joseph hadn''t been attracted to herpletely. After considering it for a long time, this woman finally decided to take the initiative to contact Joseph since she had no other choice.

 Chapter 738 738: No Way

    From her message to Joseph, Irish could tell that Becky was such a woman. But Irish had to admit that she envied Becky so much and even wanted to call her to tell Becky she was not qualified to send such an intimate message to Joseph.

    Or she could rush to Joseph, throw the phone at him, and tell him that a woman had invited him for dinner. After that, Irish would not leave, and instead, she would wait there for his reply, observing Joseph''s expression so as to figure out his inner mind.

    It was natural for a woman to lose her mind on such an asion.

    However, Irish just stood there motionlessly, clenching the phone, and looked at the message for nearly two minutes. A momentter, she could almost recite every single word of the message. She seemed to see an enchanting woman lying in Joseph''s arms with a soft smile.

    There was a sound of water from the bathroom upstairs. It was Joseph who was taking a shower.

    After careful consideration, Irish left the message behind and then searched the information about Becky on the Inte, and soon she got some information about her.

    Becky did note from a notable family or have a prominent background; instead, she was an actress and model.

    After thinking for a while, Irish then reminded herself that she was the woman who apanied Joseph when he was drunk that night.

    At the thought of this, Irish''s heart dropped. It was her!

    Irish thought that Becky was just an entertainment woman, so she didn''t take it to heart, but now Irish found that she was also an actor, a popr star which shocked Irish since it was out of her expectation. What''s more, Irish also found that Becky would participate in a movie invested heavily while her best friend was Britney.

    There were rted links below. Hesitant, Irish still clicked the links when another name appeared in front of her eyes. It was May!

    Irish felt sick when she saw this name because this woman always appeared in some TV shows frequently, and she impressed Irish because of her coquettish look. But indeed, May was not a real enchanting woman. The actresses who cooperated with her were coquettish yet fascinating, such as Britney and Becky.

    ording to some rumors, May treasured Becky at the right moment.

    Irish hated May just as she disliked Becky. Irish could tell from Becky''s message that Joseph met her again after that night. It seemed that Joseph helped her solve some problems, but he said nothing to Irish. At least she couldn''t find anything wrong with his expression as well as his behavior.

    Irish closed the website indignantly and then cleared all the browsing history.

    Staring at the message, Irish was getting more and more annoyed. She was going to delete it directly but then declined her idea since she suddenly realized that Becky might be waiting for Joseph''s reply with great expectations.

    Irish cursed Becky in her mind. Although she looked innocent, Irish wanted to m her violently. ''Bitch!'' thought Irish in her mind. Irish set her jaw, squinting at the message, and then texted her back. "I am busy!" But soon, she changed the exmation mark into a full stop since it was Joseph''s style. He used to send messages in a rather cold yet indifferent tone, and exmation marks always revealed people''s indignation. Becky may be suspicious in that case.

    After she replied to the message, Irish stared at her nail for a while until she found that her nail was short and it was time for her to keep it longer.

    Irish was determined that if Becky kept contacting Joseph, she would scratch her face with her nail.

    Lying on the couch, she waited for several minutes.

    It was not until Joseph finished showering that Becky did not text back, which reassured Irish somehow.

    And then she deleted the message that Becky sent a moment ago. After that, Irish still felt uneasy, so she added Becky''s number to the cklist so that Joseph would not receive her message again.

    Everything seemed to be perfect since Irish destroyed all of the evidence.<novelnext></novelnext>

    After a while, she then put the phone back on the table as if nothing had happened.

    Irish was not an imprudent woman, and she knew she had control herself since she was not clear about the whole story, so she had to figure it out at first, or Irish knew that she would be in the wrong.

    In fact, she was also worried about her rtionship with Joseph, which made her embarrassed.

    Taking a deep breath, Irish choked back her grievances.

    The light was soft in the bedroom when she finished washing.

    Joseph was lying on the bed with his eyes closed while his wooden fragrance flowed in the air.

    Staring at him for a while quietly, Irish found that he had soothed his eyebrows, and it seemed that nothing was wrong with his stomach finally.

    She turned off the light, lying down beside him quietly, but Becky''s face upied her mind. ''What a troublesome woman!'' thought Irish.

    But soon Joseph moved slightly, and in the next second, she was held by his arms, which shocked Irish.

    "Turn to me," Joseph ordered in a deep yet low voice.

    Irish could feel his breath over her head, warm and soft. She felt so weird lying down closely with him.

    Irish did not move but straightened her back.

    Joseph tightened his arms and turned her around, forcing her to look into his eyes.

    "What are you going to do? Didn''t you have a stomachache? Have a good rest then," Irish snapped while trying to get rid of him.

    "Don''t move," Joseph uttered in a deep voice.

    Irish stopped struggling, lying there motionlessly as he expected.

    Seeing this, Joseph also loosened his grip and then encircled her into his arms again.

    Under the moonlight, Joseph could clearly see her smooth forehead and thick eyshes.

    Joseph was reluctant to sleep with her back on him since he had been ustomed to holding her in his arms while sleeping. However, it gave him a sense of warmth with her head against his chest.

    Joseph lived an empty life before, but the feeling vanished when he met Irish. Therefore, he liked to sleep with her together because it was reassuring. And it gradually became a habit of his which could not be changed ever again.

    His breath was mixed with his wooden fragrance, which was refreshing.

    Irish did not look up into his eyes, but she could also read his mind at the right moment.

 Chapter 739 739: Well, It Is Just A Joke

    She closed her eyes with her cheeks against his sturdy chest.

    Her ears were buzzing because of his sonorous heartbeat.

    It was a peaceful night, and both of them remained silent.

    They could hear each other''s heartbeat and feel each other''s breath.

    Joseph''s slender finger touched her eyebrows gently, then lowered his head, kissing her softly.

    Actually, when his lips touched her forehead, her nose twitched.

    In fact, Irish knew herself well.

    If Joseph treated Becky or any other woman in the same way as he did to her, she would be envious, and her heart would be broken.

    Therefore, Irish hated him because he was so cruel.

    Irish wanted to let him go, bury him in the deep of her heart because she didn''t want to feel so much pain.

    However, she couldn''t convince herself, and she failed every time she did it. His handsome look, his breath, as well as his voice impressed her deeply. Irish could not forget, so shecked the courage to leave him.

    Those days were like torture for her.

    It was a sunny day the next morning.

    The morning light prated from the curtain, falling on the floor.

    Irish was woken up by the rustle outside. It was seven o''clock in the morning.

    She still didn''t want to get up since she felt debilitated. Then, turning around, Irish found that Joseph had gotten up. She reached out and picked the hair on his pillow to feel his breath.

    The door was opened while Irish hastily put down her hands.

    It was Joseph, who was dressed in a suit.

    He stepped forward as he found that Irish was awake and then said, "I''m going out for a business trip these days. I have asked a housemaid toe here."

    Shocked, Irish looked at him motionlessly since he didn''t mention it to herst night.

    "There is no need to ask a housemaid to take care of me. I am going to my uncle''s house for a meal," Irish said with her cheeks against the soft pillow, which made her feel so pleased.

    "No way." Joseph declined her advice directly.

    Irish was so astonished and kept looking at him, waiting for his exnation.

    Joseph fastened thest button and continued, "You must stay here. I can''t let you get into the habit of not staying at home." Irish was speechless after hearing this.

    However, Joseph bent down and put his hands on her shoulders. Soon the wooden fragrance greeted her nose.

    Joseph smiled softly and said again," I wille back soon. Wait for me here."

    ''I don''t care about when you wille back,'' Irish thought to herself.

    However, it was not what she really thought, and instead, when she heard that he woulde back only two dayster, a smile crept over her face.

    "I got it," She answered casually, trying her best to control her cheerfulness.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Joseph said nothing again. He didn''t leave immediately but held her motionlessly for a while.

    Taking a nce at him, Irish found that he was staring at her with a sly smile.

    Following his eyes, she looked down and soon blushed. Irish reached out and covered herself in the quilt since she realized that Joseph was gazing at the love bite in her body.

    Joseph was amused by Irish and then stood up with a soft smile.

    He took out a card from his pocket then and said, "Here is a supplement card for you. You can go shopping and buy what you want with this card."

    Hesitant, Irish looked at him but then took over the card from him.

    It was a credit card. "Is there a limit to it?" Irish asked curiously.

    "No," Joseph answered briefly.

    "Oh, I see," Irish sounded happy while elongating her voice. A mistress usually had a supplementary card. But after a few seconds, Irish snorted slightly and asked again, "It is a supplementary card which means that you are clear about what I want to buy with this card?"

    Irish threw the card on the other side and asked, "Why not give me the principal card? You are not sincere enough."

    Joseph smiled softly and then replied, "It is because I can''t let you keep a man with my money."

    "Bullshit!" Irish was agitated and sat up abruptly.

    Seeing her behavior, Joseph couldn''t help smiling and said, "You said that I am a man who always thinks progressively and entrench at every step." He said while gazing at her.

    It was not until then Irish realized that the quilt had fallen down, so she slipped into the quilt as a snake, ring at him.

    Reaching out, Joseph rubbed her forehead gently as if she was a puppy.

    "Well, it is just a joke. I can give the principal card to you, but in that case, you have to afford the payment by yourself," Joseph responded mischievously.

    His words worked soon, and after hearing this, Irish hastily made a reply, "Well, I think it is a good choice to take this supplementary card now."

    Instead of being astonished about her reaction, Joseph kept smiling since he had expected what she was going to say already. He wore a big smile, and his eyes were also full of love.

    ****

    Lilith had some hard days during the period, and she couldn''t concentrate on her work, so it was unavoidable for her to be med by her boss. However, her leader didn''t shield her just because she was a member of the Lake family and even had higher demands on her.

    Her director once exined to her that it was because she was a part of the Lake family, so she had to work harder than anyone else, or people would ignore her capability but think that she was an outwardly attractive but worthless person.

    Lilith felt assured but also sad when she heard this.

    She felt sad because she was an employee with self-esteem, and she also tried to avoid making mistakes. But she also feltforted because her leaders from the identification department always meted out the proper awards and penalties. Joseph promoted those people, and they were Joseph''s trusted followers. It was an excellent group.

    Lilith''s phone still didn''t ring on the weekend. She was waiting for Jay to call her, but he didn''t.

    Lilith had been expecting his call for a few days, but at the same time, she was a little bit anxious since she was afraid Jay would bring her some bad news.

    Lilith trusted her gut feeling.

    It was sunny at the weekend. Lilith missed him so much.

    She felt she couldn''t wait anymore and then took over her phone. Looking at the shining sunlight outside, she made a call to him.

 Chapter 740 740: Don’t Leave Me

    The phone was connected soon while Jay''s voice sounded deep.

    Lilith felt that her heart was beating so fast, as if it was going to pop out. Lilith realized she missed him so badly when she heard his voice.

    "Are you busy today?" Lilith asked in a low voice.

    "No, I am not busy," Jay announced shortly.

    Lilith felt sad after getting such a reply from him. He was not busy, but he still didn''t call her. For many days, Lilith tried to convince her that he didn''t call her because he was busy with his work. But it seemed that she was wrong.

    "Well..." Lilith was speechless since she didn''t know how to invite him on a date.

    However, after keeping silent for a while, Jay said again, "Lilith, open the door, please."

    "What?" Lilith was shocked.

    "I am outside," Jay''s voice turned small.

    After hearing this, Lilith was so astonished that her eyes opened widely. In the next second, she rushed to the door and opened it. Jay was standing there in his police suit, which made him look handsome.

    She stood there agitatedly but didn''t know how to respond. "Why are you here?" She quickly asked. She should have held him tightly, but she didn''t.

    Jay also stared at her silently.

    In fact, he had been here for a long time, but he just stood there and didn''t knock on the door.

    "I have something to talk about with you," Jay said after a few seconds.

    "Get in first," Lilith asked him to get into the house, but a feeling of uneasiness urred to her.

    Jay walked to the couch and sat down directly, taking off his cap while Lilith handed him a cup of coffee. Staring at him, she asked, "Did youe from the police station?"

    Jay nodded and didn''t say anything. Lilith clenched her hands, rubbing anxiously since she felt that Jay was not as intimate with her as before.

    "Did you have breakfast? Wait for me for a moment, I am going to..."

    However, before she could finish her sentence, Jay interrupted her and said, "Lilith, I still have some work to do. I am here to have a talk with you and still have to go back to work."

    "Uh... Jay..." Lilith murmured and felt hard to breathe.

    Jay asked her to sit down, and she then sat down across from him. It seemed that he was questioning a convict.

    Looking at her, Jay moved his eyes but then continued, "Lilith, I remembered you said that you feel weird about our rtionship right now, right?"

    "Jay, don''t misunderstand me. I just...just..." Lilith mumbled.

    "Lilith, that is my duty," Jay said directly since he understood what she was going to say.

    Looking up, Lilith stared at him.

    "As for the woman you met..." Jay paused for a while, trying to make all things clear to her.

    Lilith trembled as she heard this. "Her name is Carmen. I stayed with her when I was undercover. Lilith, in fact, I know that you are eager to know what happened between us, right?" Jay continued in a soft tone.

    Lilith straightened her back, looking at him silently for quite a while, and then asked, "Yes, I want to know what happened between you when I saw that in Florida. You and she..." Lilith stopped at the moment and kept trembling.<novelnext></novelnext>

    "I am in a rtionship with her in Florida," Jay finally said directly.

    Lilith began to gasp after hearing this and bit her lips to control herself. "Well, did you..."

    "Yes, I had sex with her," Jay replied since he didn''t want to lie to her.

    Shocked, Lilith looked up abruptly, staring at him with a suspicious look. And soon, her eyes were filled with tears. A secondter, the tears trickled down her cheeks.

    Lilith felt like she was frozen.

    "I am sorry, Lilith. I haven''t contacted you for a long time, because I don''t know how to exin it to you. I don''t want to hurt you," Jay apologized. Lilith was like a flower in a greenhouse that was longing for a beautiful love. But Jay could feel that Lilith changed after he came back to Florida. So, therefore, he plucked up the courage to say that to her today.

    "You are an innocent girl. You always see the beautiful things in life. But I can''t lie to you because you are uncertain right now, so I have to tell you the truth," Jay continued.

    Lilith quivered and kept crying silently. She was unable to control her tears.

    Reaching out, she covered her face, but the tears still seeped from her fingers.

    Jay felt his heart broken as he saw Lilith''s grievance. Walking to her, he held her in his arms. "I am sorry, Lilith." He heated himself because he hurt Lilith so deeply.

    "I am not going to ask for your forgiveness. If you hate me, I..." Jay continued.

    "No, Jay. I don''t. I know that it''s your work. just..." She choked with sobs.

    "Lilith," Jay called her softly. He was devastated and then tightened his arms, kissed her forehead, and looked into her eyes, "Lilith, I think we need to call it quits."

    Obviously, Lilith was startled by his words. Looking up at him, she was trying to find out if he was joking.

    "Jay, what did you say just now?"

    "Lilith, our rtionship is not as beautiful as before in your heart, isn''t it?" Jay asked in reply, his eyes looking so deste.

    Lilith shook her head violently to show her attitude. She cherished him so much.

    Jay felt so painful, and he found it felt hard to breathe.

    Holding her face, he kissed her gently as if he was saying goodbye to her. And soon, he stood up and was going to leave.

    Startled, Lilith hastily rushed forward, held him, and said with tears, "Jay, don''t leave me. I am not going to break up with you."

    She felt so desperate at the moment.

    It was different from the silence a moment Jay''s words made her feel so scared. Lilith felt that the sky had fallen down, and she was so helpless yet scared, so she could only hold him tightly, not letting him leave.

    Jay stood there motionlessly, allowing Lilith to hold him behind, his hands hanging down. Gradually he clenched his hands into fists.

    His shirt was wet from Lilith''s tears.

    She tightened her arms as if she was trying to keep him with her life.

    "Jay, don''t leave me alone, please. Promise me you won''t leave me," begged Lilith with a shaky voice. She choked as a little kid and kept trembling.

 Chapter 741 741: You Can’t Give Her A Happy Life

    Jay felt so guilty since he was clear that it wasn''t her fault. Lilith did nothing wrong.

    It was also hard for Jay to be so cruel to Lilith. Her sobs disturbed his heart as a sharp knife pierced him. Jay felt so painful that he turned around, his eyes looking sorrowful.

    Lilith bore a glimmer of hope when she found that Jay finally turned around, so she loosened her grip for a little bit and then buried herself into his arms, with her cheeks against his chest.

    Raising his hand, Jay held her face and said in a husky voice, "Lilith, could you still ept me like this?"

    Staring at his eyes, Lilith quivered and opened her mouth, but soon tears came up again. She nodded and then replied, "Yes. I love you, Jay. I can''t live without you."

    Gazing at her for quite a long while, Jay''s eyes became firm gradually and then turned deep as the broad night sky. He touched her forehead to her thin lips gently yet slowly as if he was touching his treasure. Jay was in love with her every inch of skin indeed, but at the right moment, Jay was like saying goodbye to her.

    Lilith looked into his eyes, trying her best to read his mind. However, she failed every time since tears always blurred her eyes. She blinked but still couldn''t see his face very clearly.

    "Jay, you said that we will get married as soon as you finish your task. You promised me," Lilith murmured in a choky voice.

    Jay lowered his head and then kissed her forehead.

    They kept the posture for quite a long while, and then Jay loosened his grip. Staring at Lilith, Jay looked hesitant yet painful, but finally, he said in a shaky but resolute voice, "I am so sorry, Lilith."

    As soon as he finished his sentence, Jay pushed her away and turned to leave, ignoring Lilith, who cried out in anguish at parting.

    Jay was unable to ask for her forgiveness because he was clear about how cruel he was.

    Before Jay was about to talk about marriage to Lilith''s mother, her mother went to him first.

    Jay was going to perform a task, and he didn''t expect that Kelly woulde to him.

    They went to a coffee house while Kelly handed him an envelope, which was filled with stuff.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Confused, Jay took it over, but Kelly asked him to open it.

    His face nched as he opened it.

    "Don''t misunderstand me. I didn''t mean to humiliate you," Kelly started. She was a smart woman, and she could read Jay''s mind. After a small pause, Kelly continued, "I know you did much for Lilith, and you even quit your favorite job, so it is just a small gift for you to show my appreciation."

    Jay was clear that Kelly might bring him a piece of bad news. If she really agreed with Lilith to get married to him, she would note to him today alone.

    Therefore, Jay returned the envelope to her and said, "I am not going to take your money. You can talk whatever you want to talk."

    After hearing this, Kelly decided to go straight to the point, "You may have learned something about the Lake family through Irish. Great changes have taken ce in our family, and the backbone of our family passed away, and then Joseph now runs thepany. Although Roy is designated as the chairman, in fact, he doesn''t have any power, which means that he can''t participate in some important decisions. Some skeleton staff in Runestone Group are Joseph''s trusted followers since most of them are promoted by him. They were loyal to Joseph as if the army had to be loyal to their leader. I don''t care about the rtionship between Joseph and your sister, let alone expect him to take into ount our feelings. When Joseph started to rectify the board of directors, I knew that our family''s position at Runestone Group was in jeopardy."

    Jay also heard of it. Henry''s death shocked the public, and it was big news inmercial circles since Henry died suddenly.

    Jay heard this news in Florida, and he only worried about his sister Irish and Lilith at that time. But he also knew that Lilith would be protected by her parents. However, though Irish bore a grudge against Henry, it was an indelible fact that Henry was her natural father. She must be upset; after all, she lost her father.

    Jay knew Irish well. If she really didn''t care about Henry, she would ignore all this and would never feel sad about Henry''s death.

    Kelly stared at Jay as she finished her words, but then she added, "I know you are a good man. Honestly, I have decided to let Lilith marry you when you return. But I didn''t expect such a misfortune to ur to my family. You are a man with strong responsibility, and I really admire you because of your achievement at such a young age. But I still have to express my worries. You are a good policeman, but it doesn''t mean you could be a good husband. What do you think?"

    "You think I can''t give Lilith a happy life?" Jay asked directly in a polite tone.

    "Happiness means too much. Some people will feel happy for a delicious meal, and some people regard a healthy body as their happiness, while the happiness of others needs a material guarantee. Lilith belongs to thetter." After a small pause, Kelly heaved a sigh and continued, "Perhaps you may think I am not a qualified mother. But you have to trust me that I am the one who knows my daughter best. I know what kind of life she wants, so I have to make this decision for her for the sake of her future life. Please understand me."

    "Actually, Lilith is like a flower in a greenhouse, and we always protect her. That is her life. Let me be more specific. Lilith has been living a luxurious life since she was born, and all the schools she attended were aristocratic. Her ssmates alle from notable families, so the world and things she interacts with are different from those of ordinary people. We also feel pleased since Lilith remained a kind-hearted child and didn''t be a materialist. But she also has to pay for it since she has never seen the deformed side of this world. We are very strict with her. You are her first boyfriend since she is not allowed to fall in love with others during her school years. And she never went out for a drink with others. We hired some good physical exercise teachers and beauticians to help her keep a slim figure and maintain her skin because we want to cultivate her physical and internal beauty. We all hope she can be a brilliant woman. Although she studied under a work-study program in college, she''s not short of money. Do you think it is the same for a girl from a rich family and a poor girl to study in a work-study program? Absolutely, it is not the same case. It is just a habit of Lilith, and she is also worried that her ssmates would think she is a person good for nothing."

 Chapter 742 742: I Have Made My Choice

    Jay listened to Kelly silently without saying even a single word.

    "Jay, you can''t give her a happy life, especially at the right moment. Compared with you, I would like to believe that Lenard is more likely to bring her happiness," added Kelly.

    "Lenard?" Jay was shocked yet confused.

    "I know he is your good friend. I am sure you still don''t know much about Lenard''s family," Kelly enthusiastically dered. Jay was getting more and more confused after hearing that. Seeing this, Kelly then told the real background of Lenard''s family. "He will resign half a yearter, and then he will take charge of his family business. Lilith needs such a man to protect her and to guarantee her future life," Kelly continued.

    Jay felt that his head was buzzing.

    "The most important thing is that Lilith lives a dangerous and unsettled life with you. I heard that the leader of the drug trafficker is still not caught. I am Lilith''s mother, and I gave her life, so I don''t hope for her to live in danger. Jay, perhaps you can give my daughter happiness, but you are unable to ensure her safety. I can''t let Lilith risk her life to be with you.

    What''s more, I am sure you are reluctant to quit your present job. You are an ambitious young man. Although you could quit your career for Lilith now, are you sure you will not regret it in the future?" Kelly asked him, staring directly into his eyes.

    "Of course, I am not going to regret my decision now that I have made my choice," replied Jay firmly.

    However, Kelly shook her head slightly and then continued, "Jay, let her go if you love her. She needs a stable life but not a life filled with dangers."

    "You are not Lilith. How could you make a decision for her like this?" Jay murmured in a low voice.

    "I am sure that Lilith changed her mind after she came back from Florida. She has never been to such a hazardous ce since she always likes to travel to peaceful ces. Although I don''t know what she experienced in Florida, I know that she must have been shocked at the environment where she stayed. And it might be totally different from what you described to her once before because she had never been to such an environment. It is impossible for her to ept it. She always admires policemen and likes to watch police and bandit movies. She thinks it is a cool job. But I know that your work is not as easy as she expects. You should be clear about the danger of your work, right? Kelly said meaningfully.

    Jay began to gasp with a frown as he heard this.

    "You live in a totally different environment from Lilith. You have been in police schools for years, and you often deal with people from different strata. You have seen the beautiful things in this world but have also experienced some evil things. But there is only sunshine in Lilith''s world. I heard that those bad guys in Florida took her hostage. Do you know why she didn''t get scared? It isn''t because she is brave enough, it''s just because she has never expected this to happen to her. What''s more, you and Irish were also there at that time, which encouraged her somehow. Jay, I am sure that if a bad guy points a gun at you and Lilith someday, you will try your best to shoot him down while Lilith tries to persuade him to be a good man. That''s the difference between you. Do you understand me now?" Kelly exerted herself to express her idea to him.

    As soon as she finished her words, Kelly handed the envelope to Jay and then continued, "Jay, please forgive me. You have to understand that I am Lilith''s mother, and I just want to protect my daughter from any troubles. However, you could also pursue your dream without any regrets."

    After hearing this, Jay kept silent and just put the envelope back on the desk and then left without saying anything.

    There was a wall blocking him and Lilith, and it was an unavoidable fact.

    Jay could feel that Lilith had something to talk to him about, but she was hesitant.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Just as Kelly said that Lilith had seen something, she shouldn''t have to see. She also experienced something she had never expected before. Jay felt so guilty about Lilith''s fear and worries.

    What''s more, he was more afraid to mention anything that had something to do with Carmen.

    Jay felt that he was unable to enter Lilith''s pure world anymore. But he also dared not to invite her to enter his world because it may hurt her.

    Everything changed these days gradually. Jay was willing yet unable to change anything since he also felt so helpless.

    Of course, there were some carefree people, such as Mary and Steven, since they didn''t know what had happened.

    Steven insisted on going to the martial arts hall and would always buy some fruits and vegetables when he returned home. Mary repeatedly told him where to buy those foods cheaply, while Steven often replied with a soft smile. They lived a cid but warm life.

    ****

    Time passed, and things also changed.

    Irish stayed at home on the weekend and would go to school to teach students lessons on weekdays. Henry left his diary to her, in which Henry recorded many things rted to Irish''s mother, and Irish always read it in her spare time. She was moved but soon forced herself to stop reading. However, she would still read the diary in her spare time; after all, she could learn many things from her mother.

    Jordan also had some problems getting back to the motorcade. Although his coach asked him back, a young man on the team disliked Jordan because he thought Jordan brought them many troubles.

    It was important for a motorcade team to be united. And only in this way can they be invincible. The coach also felt vexatious about this situation, and he exerted himself to be the intermediator.

    Jordan poured out his troubles to Irish at the weekend, but his brother drove him out. Joseph hoped Jordan would work at the diamond mine to practice himself.

    It was also bad news for Jordan, and he felt doubly penalized. Irish had never heard that, and she knew Jordan had negotiated with Joseph about this privately.

    Irish couldn''t understand it since Joseph always hoped Jordan would stay in New York. But now, why did he want him to work at the diamond mine, which was far away from here? Joseph was also clear that Jordan was not interested in business, let alone working at such a remote ce.

    However, Jordan had no other idea but begged Irish to persuade Joseph to change his mind. Jordan thought that Joseph could do nothing to him as long as he entered the motorcade again.

 Chapter 743 743: Will He Be Angry?

    In fact, Irish wanted to tell Jordan about her awkward rtionship with Joseph. Joseph couldn''t listen to her as Joseph was a man who would not change his mind easily as long as he had made his decision. It was rted to Jordan''s future, so Joseph must be resolute about his decision.

    However, Jordan looked so upset with a frown which touched Irish somehow. She was a soft-hearted woman, so she had no choice but to promise Jordan.

    At night on Monday, Irish only needed to give her students half a day''s ss. She went to the supermarket and bought some food for a meal. When she was about to leave after she paid the bill, she happened to see someone familiar.

    Taking a closer look, Irish found that it was Leo.

    Irish was shocked. ''Why is he there?'' thought Irish to herself.

    When she was about to greet him, a woman walked over to him, holding his arms with a big smile, and said in an affectionate, sweet voice, "I am going to make steak for you tonight, okay?" The woman turned over, pointing at the container, and said, "Wow, the steak looks so good. I am going to buy it."

    Irish could only see Leo''s side face, but it was clear that he looked so impatient. Finally, he withdrew his arms and said indifferently, "We can eat it at the restaurant if you want to eat. There is no need for you to cook personally."

    "Leo, I want to cook it for you personally. I would like to do everything for you," The woman replied in a soft tone as if she didn''t perceive Leo''s impatience.

    However, Leo ignored her words directly and was going to leave. But soon, he was stopped by the woman who stared at him and kept saying in a soft tone. "Leo, you have promised my father. Don''t forget that."

    Although Leo was reluctant to stay with her, he forced himself to give up his idea to leave.

    Irish hastily circumvented from the other side and then took a quick glimpse at the woman.

    Astonished, Irish found that she was the woman who sailed to the ind and even kept an ambiguous rtionship with Joseph.

    Her name was Rosy. But why was she there with Leo? It confused Irish.

    But soon, Irish remembered the day when Leo hung up the phone impatiently. Was this woman looking for Leo in New York?

    But why did she keep a close rtionship with Joseph?

    At the thought of this, Irish felt sick, and she then walked away quickly.

    ****

    It was a day for Roy''s parents to meet Cassie''s parents. They had never met before, and Roy was worried that his parents would talk nonsense to Cassie''s parents. Roy knew his mother well since she was born into a notable family, so she was ignorant.

    However, Shirley promised him that she would not say anything else to Cassie''s parents except for something rted to their wedding. Their wedding wasing soon, and it was time for their parents to meet each other.

    Roy agreed with his mother. It was Roy who had been talking to Cassie''s parents about their wedding for so long. But recently, Cassie''s mother asked him about his parents'' opinion, while Roy replied that he was in charge of his own marriage. But after careful consideration, Roy felt that it was a tradition for both parents to meet before their wedding, so he arranged for today''s meeting.

    But Roy didn''t take them to the private club where Shirley usually ate there, because he was afraid that Cassie''s parents would not feel at ease. Therefore, he booked a restaurant called Godear.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Shirley was different from how she usually behaved and chatted without stopping. What''s more, she was also dressed elegantly but inly. It seemed that she assured Roy what she had promised earlier.

    They chatted pleasantly with each other while Shirley also listened to them with a soft smile, and she also acted as an understanding mother. Moreover, Shirley was generous andvished Cassie with a rich betrothal gift.

    Indeed, Cassie''s parents did not care about how much of a betrothal gift they would give to Cassie since they only hoped that Cassie could live a happy life with Roy.

    However, as they finished the meal, Shirley said that she hoped Cassie and Roy could live with them for some time after their wedding. After hearing that, Cassie''s parents looked so astonished yet embarrassed. Roy also perceived that, so he hastily said, "Mom, we are adults now and we need to live our own lives."

    Shirley stared at them and replied with a grin, "Roy, don''t worry. I am not asking you to live with us for the rest of your life. Cassie will be a part of our family as soon as she marries you. And there are some family rules she has to learn and she also needs to get familiar with other people in our family. Don''t worry, I will teach her what to do."

    Before Roy could say something, Shirley turned to Cassie and asked, "What do you think, Cassie?"

    Cassie had been silent for some time, and she only briefly replied after hearing Shirley''s words. "That''s fine."

    Shirley kept smiling as she got the answer from Cassie, while Roy was shocked and kept gazing at her.

    When their parents all left, Roy couldn''t help but ask, "Cassie, why didn''t you refuse my mom''s request? Do you really want to live with them?"

    Looking up at him, Cassie''s eyes flickered, but soon the light faded. She lowered down and said nothing, but Roy soon understood what she was thinking. "Cassie, you don''t want to get married to me, so you don''t care about our married life at all, right?"

    Cassie turned over, looking outside without reply, while Roy clenched the steering wheel and kept silent.

    But soon, he grinned, encircled Cassie into his arms, and said, "Cassie, let''s live abroad when you are pregnant. We could have a few babies."

    Shocked, Cassie looked at him since she didn''t expect he would say this.

    Roy kept a soft smile and felt happy to be with her. "Cassie, I am content to marry you. You are my wife even if you are reluctant. No one could know what would happen in the future. But believe that everything will get better," Roy persuaded her.

    Although Cassie felt ufortable to hear this, she didn''t push him away." Whatever," Cassie said after a long while.

    ****

    Irish didn''t know if Joseph woulde back on Monday. She nestled on the couch and recalled the scene in the supermarket. In fact, she was eager to call Leo and asked something about the woman since she wanted to figure out her rtionship with Joseph and Leo. But she was worried that Rosy would still be with him and that it might not be convenient for Leo to answer her phone. Moreover, she also promised Jordan that she would help him, which also made her distracted.

    ''How can I talk about that with Joseph? Will he be angry?'' thought Irish.

    But soon, the entertainment news attracted her attention. It was reported that the sex goodness Becky dated a rich businessman at a hotel. And the paparazzi found that the man was the CEO of the Runestone Group, Joseph.

 Chapter 744 744: Digging Information

    Irish had hardly paid attention to rumors about celebrities since Britney became well-known. Instead, she tended to avoid the news about Britney while watching TV.

    She hated those gossip due to Britney.

    All those pop news appearing on TV, the inte, and newsstands were rted to hype. Exploitation was themon means to be famous.

    It was amon case for a less well-known star to be a celebrity by making use of superstars. However, a more amazing case was that a less well-known star had rtionships with businessmen or politicians to win the public''s concern and attention.

    Megan was a sessful producer and majored in Communications, so she was very clear about the rules to be a celebrity by the advantage of others. With her help, Britney became increasingly famous, and now it was Becky''s turn.

    Irish hated the pop news, and she was really annoyed to see all of this.

    The "Dream Lover" on TV was really disgusting.

    Dream lover?

    Howe?

    Irish thought that the broker really did a lot to make advertisements for those celebrities.

    However, this news did note without any clues.

    Several photos were shown in the report.

    Two were Becky. One was shot in the underground parking lot when she got off from the car, while the other showed that she had entered the elevator. The number she pressed was clearly shown: 22.

    The main focus of another photo changed into a man.

    The man''s car was also in the underground parking lot.

    Although only his back was shot, his tall figure could not be cheating. Irish could easily know that it was Joseph.

    The fourth photo was the key, demonstrating that the sourcing confirmed the rtionship between Joseph and Becky.

    It showed that a man and a girl were standing at the room''s door.

    Although the angle was not upright and the photo was a little vague, it could be seen clearly.

    In the photo, Becky was standing outside the room, and Joseph opened the door for her. However, from the side view, he only wore the bathrobe, which opened lightly, and his hair was a little wet.

    This scene was shot immediately. From the photo, anybody could figure out what would happen next, and no wonder that it would be disclosed as a rumor.

    The room number was also shown. In the beginning, it was a letter, and behind the letter was a number.

    Irish checked it on the inte immediately. She had a clear idea of those hotels Joseph often ordered during his business trip. One did prefer to set the letter as a way of naming rooms, and the rooms on these floors were quite expensive, while numbers counted other average rooms.

    Irish found the official website soon, but she needed help finding some specific information about the room naming rules. After thinking for a while, she grabbed the phone directly and dialed the number on the official website.

    Soon the call got through, and its voice was sweet and polite.

    The only thing on Irish''s mind was the photo, so she just asked directly, "Hello, could you please tell me which floor it is that is named by letter?"

    The staff hesitated and answered, "Sorry,dy, have you checked in?"

    Irish stopped and continued, "I just want to know some information about this."

    "I''m really sorry. I can''t tell you about this."<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Irish ended the call. She felt very regretful.

    Such a hotel protected the privacy of its customers in a perfect way, especially for those who ordered the floors named by letter. The staff here would not readily disclose the information.

    So what should she do?

    Irish knew it would be in vain, but she just searched for information with great effort. Actually, she was clear that 22 was the floor Joseph was on; instead that she just also checked in there identally.

    Thest photo showed it.

    The basic information she could get was that Becky came to the hotel Joseph was in and even into his room while Joseph had just finished his shower.

    Irish didn''t know what she was figuring out. Actually, so clear information was shown to her, but she was still stubborn.

    There was no certain information about the rtionship between the 22nd floor and the room Joseph was in.

    It was simply that mostizens who would like to sneer or show their selfie could not afford to check into such a hotel, and those who could afford it had no time to do it. They even had no time to pay attention to the pop news on the inte.

    Irish was certain that Joseph now didn''t know that he was the heated topic since he didn''t have time to watch TV or pay attention to those rumors. The Public Rtions Department dealt with the problematic things and then reported these to Daisy. Only very troublesome matters would be reported to Joseph.

    Soon some information about other movies or actors appeared.

    Social media was just like this. It aroused a heated topic, andter it created a new topic. Several dayster, it wouldin about why there were so many negativements.

    Actually, it was its fault.

    Irish was absent-minded. She felt disappointed that she didn''t find any useful information on the inte, so she decided to have another try to call the staff, but she needed to think of a good excuse.

    She waited for half an hour deliberately.

    The clerk at the reception was always the busiest. Half an hour was enough for her to forget Irish''s sound.

    Half an hour was so long for her now.

    Irish immediately called when it was time.

    She behaved politely.

    Irish cleared her throat, "Hello, there seems to be problems with my Wi-Fi, but I cannot find the service station on my floor."

    "Which room are you in?" She called by her phone, so the staff could not get her location.

    Irish thought for a while and said a number casually. She acted anxious and angry, "Why do you have such bad service awareness? I have gone through 21 floors, but I couldn''t find someone to help. You should be responsible for it."

    The staff was polite. She first apologized and then said, "Lady, ording to your room number, you are on the 22nd floor, and you should also call the service there."

    "Ah, thank you. I''m really sorry." Irish ended the conversation immediately. So Joseph''s room was really on the 22nd floor.

    Irish''s fingers trembled.

    Her phone slipped suddenly.

    The tablet shifted into Eco Mode, and its screen got dark. Irish''s pale face was shown on the screen.

    She didn''t know what she wanted to prove.

 Chapter 745 745: Was She His Mistress?

    She tried her best to figure out the rtionship between the 22nd floor and Joseph''s room to prove that Joseph had an affair with Becky. Or to prove that they were innocent?

    Or she just wanted to shift her attention to something else?

    Irish thought that she was ill.

    She needed an alien to save her heart or just dig her broken heart and then change it into a golden one. In this way, she needed no charge or energy as long as it was clicked to work.

    In this way, she had no sense of ache.

    She lit the tablet by clicking and saw thements and negotiation.

    She suddenly felt that Joseph should belong to all women, and he became their dream lover.

    The rumors won more and more concern.

    Joseph didn''t rify it and there was no response from Becky. Becky''s team didn''t clearly state while being interviewed by reporters, and such a vague attitude made manyizens confused.

    Within one hour, the rtionship diagram was out.

    Joseph was the center and surrounding him, there were several women.

    Britney, Ruby, Becky, and even Irish were signed on the diagram.

    It was just like a that rified all kinds of rtionships.

    Britney and Becky were the "Rumor Girls" Joseph, while Ruby was named Joseph''s former wife. As for Irish, their rtionship was a littleplicated, and several titles were listed beside her.

    "Main characters of the charming photo", "Wife''s sister", and "Lover"....

    Even someizens replied in the rtionship diagram that the owner of the diagram made it wrong and that maybe Irish had be Joseph''s fianc��e.

    Then endless guessing andughing came out.

    Some boring people even made an investigation and the subject was which kind of woman could be together with a young and handsome man, just like Joseph.

    Somemented that Becky was the best choice. She was regarded as a dream lover. As a businessman, Joseph just needed such a quiet and gentle woman.

    However, Britney''s fans didn''t agree. They thought that Britney was more beautiful than Becky and fit Joseph more.

    Becky and Britney won support from their own fans.

    Irish and Ruby became less important in their eyes and most talks were regarding Becky and Britney.

    Some people still didn''t choose these; instead, theymented that Ruby fitted Joseph more as the Lake''s daughter.

    There were more and morements.

    Later someone began to talk about Irish. Theymented that Irish should not be disregarded in that she was the only woman who had been shot to have sex with Joseph, while there was no direct proof about Britney and Becky''s rtionship with Joseph.

    Thisizen''sment sparked a heated topic again.

    Many followed their talk.

    "Irish is the most beautiful. If I were Joseph, I would also have chosen her."

    "Irish is really charming..."

    "Irish is also from a rich family, okay!"

    "Joseph should be with a rich girl, instead of an actress."

    "You are all idiots. Irish is the real girlfriend, and actually, their rtionship has been confirmed."

    "Oh my god, the other day, I saw him hanging out with a girl who looked like Irish."

    "Oh, no, I have been mad about him for a long time. Does he really have a girlfriend? Oh, my heart is broken..."

    "Do not look down upon an actress. Becky is the most beautiful. Who is Irish? Joseph just pretends to be with her. Okay?"<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "Yeah, it''s said that Irish majors in Psychology. Who would like to be with a woman like this?"

    "There must be many women beside him. I prefer that he is with a star, instead of with an average woman. Does Irish major in psychology? Isn''t it the case that there is a camera with him? So please do not get together, okay?"

    "Does anyone want to rece Irish?"

    "If only Joseph were with me!"

    Irish got annoyed when she saw thesements.

    Why did they just criticize her?

    Did she offend them?

    They had no connection with her. Why did they defame her? Why did they scold her look and figure? Why did they hurt her?

    During this battle, Becky won. It had to be admitted that Becky had more fans than her and they just praised Becky so much.

    Irish thought that it must be abnormal.

    Damn it!

    How disgusting it was!

    He was such a popr man.

    Irish was so angry that she nearly wanted to break the tablet.

    She hated Joseph and Becky!

    After viewing the report, she finally knew that Joseph went to an award ceremony at a film festival. He was invited as an important person, and Becky also won much attention during this festival.

    Someone pointed out that Becky made a big sacrifice for the honor.

    Irish''s fists clenched tightly. She knew it was normal for Joseph to attend such a grand activity since the jewelry field connected with fashion and entertainment naturally. However, Irish was so pissed after learning about it.

    She even longed for picking Becky out of the photo and making her face ugly. She had warned Becky not to be so close to Joseph. Becky really had a bad memory.

    She hated this woman.

    ****

    As Lilith cried and called to Irish, she said, "What should I do? Jay wants to break up with me."

    At that time, Irish was in the office, and the patient in front of her also cried sadly. This patient had a negative value on the whole world; she just lived with terror every day. He came to Irish to tell her that now many people meant to kill him.

    And the diagnosis Irish gave was that he had too much pressure, which was not rare at all.

    Regarding this kind of individual case, Irish would not shut down her phone. Moreover, the rumor between Joseph and Becky made her less dedicated. She opened her phone, and she didn''t know what she was waiting for.

    Maybe she was waiting for Joseph''s call.

    She was certain that she hated him, but she still kept an eye on Joseph.

    Sometimes she kept thinking if Joseph gave up being with her, would she be less frustrated?

    What was their rtionship?

    Was she his mistress?

    Joseph has been milder to her since they came back to New York. She always thought that Joseph did it deliberately. Such a strong-willed man like him would not be so calm when he heard that his child had been killed before birth. It was so strange. He would even choke her in his anger.

    What was Joseph thinking about?

    Irish had no idea about it.

    Joseph said that he would be back two dayster, but there was no news from him since it was Tuesday now.

 Chapter 746 746: Does Jay Change His Mind?

    Before, she would call him right now or send him a text message. Now she could only look at her phone and do nothing.

    Before, he would call her and ask whether he would be back and when. If something were dyed, he would call her and keep her informed, but now he would not do it anymore.

    Something seemed changed and seemed no change.

    As Lilith put it, they two got unfamiliar with each other.

    And just at this time, the patient cried.

    Lilith also called her. She also wept.

    For the time being, there was sobbing around her.

    Irish had no other way. She just held the phone and called Christy in tofort the patient. She came out of the room hurriedly.

    In the corridor, Lilith''s crying sounded clear and miserable.

    Irish asked about the reason. Lilith couldn''t exin it well while crying. She just said, "Does Jay change his mind? Does he break up with me for not loving me anymore? Irish, please help me. I don''t want to lose Jay."

    Did Jay change his mind?

    Irish didn''t think so.

    She knew her cousin well. Jay would be thest to betray his lover one day.

    Irish knew his ex-girlfriend, and at that time, Irish opposed it. She didn''t like that girl because she thought she was not a girl who would like to be with Jay for a lifetime.

    Jay was kind to her and tried his best to satisfy her, but she was not so and often quarreled with Jay. However, Jay didn''t offer to break up with her, and in the end, that girl threw him off.

    Lilith was lovelier than his ex-girlfriend. Would Jay abandon her? It was impossible.

    Irish had tofort Lilith and tell her not to think too much.

    However, Lilith mentioned "Carmen", which made Irish feel strange. Then, knowing the basic situation, she told Lilith that she would ask more from Jay.

    After the call, Irish called Jay immediately.

    Jay was at work, and it was a little noisy on the call. She asked directly, "Who is Carmen?"

    Keeping silent for a while, he said, "Did Lilith call you?"

    Irish sighed. It seemed that Lilith didn''t cheat her. She said, "It''s lucky that Lilith called me directly. If she acts as Cassie, I will feel more worried."

    Jay said, "Please help me tofort her."

    Irish could figure out that there were problems with their rtionship. She asked why they broke up and whether it had something to do with Carmen. Jay didn''t answer her and just stopped talking.

    In the end, he said, "No need to bother you."

    Not having gained useful information from Jay, Irish called Lilith again. Lilith was still crying, and she felt so sorry for her.

    She asked, "Do you love Jay?"

    Lilith answered with certainty, "Yes, of course."

    Irish had to say, "If you still love him, please just tell him unless you can prove that he doesn''t love you any longer."

    Lilith said while crying, "I don''t believe that he doesn''t love me."

    Irish said, "So you should do something. Go ahead."

    Finally, Lilith felt better. Putting the phone down, Irish sighed.

    Love was really torturous.

    It would make the coward brave and the brave coward. Lilith was the former, while Irish became thetter.

    ****

    Finally, Lilith took great courage to find Jay in the Police Office.

    As she arrived there, Jay was back from outside. He hadn''t thought that she woulde to his work, so he felt surprised.

    Soon he pulled her into the office.

    Lilith embraced him before Jay spoke, and she just held his arms tightly.

    Jay put his hands down. He felt terrible and asked, "Why do youe here?"<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Lilith''s face was attached to his bosom. She said with a choke, "Let''s get together. Okay?"

    Jay also felt hurt.

    He saw Lilith''s withered face. She got thinner and didn''t pay attention to her look as usual. He hated himself that he hurt her so much.

    "Lilith..." He called her with a light voice, "Please go back first. I''m now on my duty."

    "Will you find me after work as usual?" Lilith stared at him with a pitiful look.

    Jay kept silent.

    Lilith felt more sorrowful.

    She was totally put into the darkness and couldn''t see the edge and hope.

    "Jay." Her voice was trembling. She pulled his clothes like a deserted child. She tried her best to resist her tears, "I will listen to you. Do not leave me. I love you, and I can''t leave you."

    Jay felt so choked that he couldn''t say anything.

    He really wanted to promise it, nod and hold her tightly, but he couldn''t make it.

    He felt so helpless.

    This sense of helplessness exhausted him, and he had no strength to counter it.

    He opened his mouth and couldn''t say anything.

    Someone knocked at the door, and someone pushed in, "Jay..."

    He stopped when he saw the scene in the office.

    Jay stood still while Lilith cried.

    The police felt very embarrassed. He cleared his throat and apologized, and then he left the room.

    Lilith didn''t care whether she would beughed at or not. She just thought that if Jay could turn around, they would be as happy as usual.

    She still held him tightly.

    "Jay, it doesn''t matter if you have no time to find me. Please just call me. Please call me after work. Let''s have dinner together."

    Jay didn''t want to push her, but he had to do so.

    "Lilith, I..."

    "Sir, I''m sorry that I need to interrupt you." The inquirer didn''t go away, and he just pushed the door again anxiously and reported.

    Jay turned around, "What happened?"

    "There is some problem with Carmen. It is suggested that you should deal with it."

    Jay frowned.

    Lilith stared at his face. Carmen was just like a knife in her heart. There was a little voice within her heart: Please do not go away...

    However, Jay soon turned around and looked at her, "You can go first. I will find you."

    Then he put the cap on his head and walked out of the office anxiously.

    Lilith felt so disappointed when she just saw Jay''s back. She clenched her fists and followed him.

    Out of the office, she found that Jay had been in the car. However, she was determined to follow him and just drove her car behind.

    ****

    How to pay back your boyfriend who betrayed you?

    Irish talked about this topic with Cassie as they were still students.

    Cassie kept the promise that she would leave him immediately, while Irish replied that she would make him pay. Irish said she would use up his money.

    Cassie answered, "Money will bring no happiness."

    Irish said again, "I will bury a bomb in his house."

    Cassie replied, "It is hard to buy a bomb. Do you want to research it by yourself?"

 Chapter 747 747: You Are Not Yourself Any Longer

    Irish said in the end, "I will make his bed sheet dirty."

    Cassie had to thumb at her, "You are not yourself any longer."

    Irish said angrily, "He betrayed me first, so I don''t need to save face for him."

    Since then, she has experienced a lot and be more mature, but one thing didn''t change: If others treated her well, she would also be good to them, but if it were not the same case, she would make the other payback immediately.

    She admitted that she was a woman who would like to pay back.

    For now, burying a bomb and making his bed sheet dirty was not applicable. The former was too adventurous, and thetter had no threat. The first piece of advice could be adopted, and of course, she would not let Becky gain honor through this rumor.

    Dream lover?

    As for those who questioned her position, she would let them know how to make a dream lover mad.

    ****

    After finishing his work, Joseph felt a severe headache and he leaned against the sofa to rest.

    His private phone was put beside him. He could easily grasp it and dial the only phone number to hear her voice. And then he would say, "Sorry. I need to deal with my own things for one day, and I will be back tomorrow."

    However, he couldn''t just make it.

    He was afraid she would reply "Okay" to him coldly.

    The lounge was really quiet. The thick ss protected it from outside noise, and the only voice he could hear was the sound of his watch.

    The sound was as lonely as a melody.

    He couldn''t stop thinking that maybe the watch was also thinking of hispany-the another one on Irish''s wrist.

    Daisy knocked at the door and came in.

    She reported the sales report of new arrivals and the whole market. And then she said, "Joseph, we received a call from the Public Rtions Department that now reporters wanted to know something about Becky, so they wondered how to make a statement at the regr meeting."

    Joseph couldn''t understand, "Something about Becky?"

    Daisy thought she had no time to view this gossip, so she just passed the tablet to Joseph. Joseph didn''t hand it over but just viewed the photos and said lightly, "As a master of Communications at Yale University, should she ask me such a simple question?"

    Daisy kept calm. She clicked the pages and showed him thements, "The director is so careful because it is rted to Irish."

    Joseph paid attention to these photos finally. He took the tablet over and looked at thesements one by one. Some werepliments, while some were scolding. Most of them belonged to thetter. It could be known that someone spent a lot of money on it.

    Daisy inquired, "So?"

    As Joseph was to reply, his phone belled. It was a reminder from the credit card center of the bank. This reminder will be given when the payment is exceeded. $200,000, and truly it showed that a sum of $500,000 payment had been made just now.

    ****

    Once, Joseph gave Irish the bank card and told her proudly, "You can buy everything with this card." He had to admit that sometimes men''s vanity was much greater than that of women. For example, when he handed over his bank card to her and told her to spend it casually, it greatly satisfied the dignity of a strong man.

    Of course, Irish also had her own dignity. When she decided to break up with him, she returned the bank card back to him, from which her resolution.

    This time, when Joseph handed her the supplementary card, something changed.

    She was right that when his rtionship with her had been rejudged, the material things he gave her, like money or bank cards, seemed to change, and he could no longer be proud as he was because, in her heart, he was no longer her boyfriend.

    p����d��-��?�ͨ���.�㨮�� No matter who he was before her, boyfriend or sugar daddy, even if the same bank card was handed over to her, the feelings she felt also changed.

    Irish was a woman who could make a man feel proud.

    If she had liked something in the past, she would always tell him around the bush or tter. When he bought it for her, she would hug him happily, ttering him with all the good words, and let him fully feel the pride and dignity in front of his own woman.

    But she was extremely sober, and she would not blindly ask for everything. How many times did she want to go shopping and buy clothes? All she had bought were all the men''s clothes or things he could use. She was greedy for money, but he was fond of her greed. She would return him with gifts with her own money. What she bought for him was far more expensive than what she used.

    Then he would have no choice but to tell her that she didn''t have to buy anything for him.

    She smiled and ttered him, answering, "I did it because you are nice to me, and you bought me so many things."

    With the character of Irish, Joseph could not give up.

    But that day, when Joseph saw a payment of 500 thousand dors in his ount, what could be seen from his eyes was a bit of a grievance.

    Daisy did not know what had happened to Joseph, seeing him staring at the mobile phone screen, and his eyes were obviously tired, but his lip corners were very soft.

    Joseph did not look at Daisy''s expression and asked lightly, "Is there a lot of this kind ofment?"

    "Other posts have attracted a lot of attention at the moment." Daisy did not know what he was thinking and truthfully reported, "The reporters almost clogged the phone lines of the public rtions department today."

    When she said that, she saw Joseph look at the mobile phone again, and she could not help wondering, "Mr..."

    Joseph raised his hand to suspend her report.

    Opening the message box, there were a few more payments, a total of about 600 thousand dors for cash.

    The corners of his lips could not help but rise.

    Daisy was appalled at the sight of the situation. Obviously, it was annoying gossip news, how could he be happy instead?

    "Daisy." Joseph handed her the tablet. "Look for the page that scolded her the most."

    Daisy was surprised, took it, and thought about it. "Becky has a lot of fans. In general, there are not many people scolding her."

 Chapter 748 748: You Can Take A Look At It

    p����d�� ��?�ͨ�1,�㨰�� Joseph frowned slightly and looked at Daisy with a little harsh in his eyes, and his tone fell down. "Daisy, I think it''s time for you to get married."

    Daisy was stunned, quickly reading out his meaning from his serious eyes, and she hurriedly apologized, bowed her head to open a few pages, and handed them to Joseph. "Mr. Dover,ments on these three pages attack greatly on Dr. Irish. You can take a look at it."

    It was she who had just been careless. How could she think that Joseph was asking about Becky?

    He took over, and this time he looked carefully and opened it page by page without feeling that it was a waste of time.

    It was a terrible scolding because Britney White and Becky had fans to protect them, so even if they were scolded, naturally, someone would jump out to retort back, but Irish was different. She was not a star, not awork celebrity, so when her psychological counselor''s identity was exposed, she became a monster in the eyes ofizens. When Britney and Becky''s fans quarreled, they would not forget to scold Irish.

    Some people scolded Irish for not knowing herself, some scolded her for pretending to be pure and lofty, and in fact, she was a bitch. And others said that her whole body was fake, her features were stic, and she didn''t even deserve to lift Becky''s shoes.

    The highest online appeal was that Becky was the most suitable woman around him.

    Handing the tablet to Daisy, Joseph sat against the chair and closed his eyes. Daisy always stood by, quietly waiting for his order.

    Although Joseph closed his eyes, he was not calm.

    He didn''t have to think about it. He knew Irish was so angry, or she wouldn''t swipe his card to vent her anger.

    So, what was the real reason for her anger?

    First, personal attack.

    Joseph knew her. Irish was a messy person. She was the same as other women, fond of dressing and putting on makeup. She was confident of her appearance before him, and that little face had be her proudest capital. Sometimes she would nestle in his arms and say, "Joseph, you must take good care of your face. I am born beautiful, and I don''t want to be told that I am with an uncle after ten years."

    She had great confidence in her appearance, so on her makeup table, skin care products were always more than makeup. Her skin was good, so without makeup, she was extremely beautiful. She could not stand her face being painted as a color te. Whenever she saw a woman with heavy makeup, she would tell him, "When you don''t love me anymore, you can not find this kind of woman. Her face is full of lead, painted inside and outside threeyers of foundation. Her pores should be dirty. You would get lead poisoning when you kiss her."

    Under Irish''s tireless indoctrination every day, he at present seemed a little scared to see a woman in makeup.

    Although Irish did not waste her time painting her eyebrows, she spent most of her time choosing clothes. That was why every time he went out with her, he could drink a cup of coffee, read the newspaper and wait, and as soon as she got into the cloakroom, she had a choice disorder.

    But whenever she came out of the cloakroom, it brightened his eyes.

    So, he liked to buy clothes for her, and sometimes when he saw beautiful women''s clothes by which window he drove through, he always thought about what Irish would look like in them, so he would buy them.

    Whenever she wore a new dress, Irishughed and asked, "Do you like to see me look beautiful?"

    He wouldugh. She was the least modest woman he had ever seen.

    But in fact, he did like her pretty look.

    So Irish would certainly blow up when she saw thesements, especially those that attacked her appearance and belittled her look under Becky.

    Compared with the first inference, Joseph was still looking forward to the second.

    Irish was jealous because of a very simple reason, she would swipe the card to vent her anger, and this was what a jealous woman would do, although Irish''s revenge was far stronger than the ordinary woman''s.

    Joseph did not know whether the former reason made her angrier than thetter or whether thetter had the upper hand. In short, she was angry.

    As far as he knew her, the matter was not over.

    It was a long time before he spoke. "Inform the Public Rtions Department that the regr meeting will be held as usual. The ident is dealt with as a general one. There is no need for a positive response for the time being."

    Daisy was stunned for a moment. She didn''t understand what had happened to Joseph and Irish. She was treated in such a way, but he didn''t help.

    But she never disobeyed her boss''s orders, nodded, and went out to call.

    Joseph opened his eyes.

    Becky dide to him, and he didn''t expect her to find his ce.

    After the awards ceremony, he rejected the host''s dinner invitation and left because of other social events. He returned to the hotel in the early hours of the morning. As soon as he took a bath, the doorbell rang.

    When he opened the door, he saw that it was Becky who had won the prize at the film festival.

    She came to thank him for his helpst time.

    Since it was toote, Joseph had no intention of inviting her into the room but responded lightly to her that there had been no need to thank her and tried to send her away in a few words.

    But Becky said something puzzling to him, "Mr. Dover, you replied that you don''t have time tonight. I know it''s bothersome toe to you, but I really want to treat you to dinner. Do you have time tomorrow night?"

    Women had a hint in every invitation. If it were just a simple feast of thanks, the time would never be set, only in the evening. What had Joseph not seen? Of course, he could understand the hidden meaning of her words, but what puzzled him was, when did he reply to her?

    But his expression was always calm, and he responded quietly. "I''m sorry, I don''t have time. It would help if you went back early to rest. It''s sote. Good night."

 Chapter 749 749: Wanna Get Rid Of It?

    He closed the door, but he didn''t know reporters would film this scene.

    When he went back to his room, Joseph''s heart could not be calmed down.

    The reason why he was not calm was not because of Becky''s invitation but his reply to her.

    He roughly figured out such a line: She should have called him quietly, no, she should have sent a message or something; otherwise, she would have known it had not been him on the phone. He did not know the message, but it must have been an invitation to dinner. It couldn''t be on a private mobile phone because the number was not released to the public, so the message had been sent to his phone for work. The night before, he had put the phone in his briefcase and then brought it back to Midtown Manhattan.

    Did Irish see the text message? And then reply in his tone?

    Joseph''s heart jumped agitation inexplicably as the spray patted on the rock, smashing out of ten thousand feet of water flowers.

    He thought, in fact, she still cared.

    He wanted her to call and ask him about Becky, even in an aggressive tone. In this way, at least he knew she was really jealous, not just defending her pride. But to that day, the cell phone had not rung.

    It was not that he did not want to call to ask, but that he really wanted to know where her bottom line was.

    Perhaps, the matter of Becky was not a bad thing as long as appropriate.

    ****

    As the car went all the way through the busy area, the policeman who was driving said to Jay. "Is there a car that follows you? Wanna get rid of it?"

    Jay had seen it for a long time, and after a while of silence, he said lightly, "Don''t worry about it."

    In this way, the car got on the highway all the way south and finally stopped at the New York Assisted Rehabilitation Center.

    Lilith, who had been following Jay''s car, did not think about where he could go but wanted not to let him go to see Carmen because she had a hunch that if Jay had left that day, then she and Jay would really be separated.

    Seeing Jay''s car stop, she stopped at once. When she opened the door, she was surprised to find that it was in rehab.

    Jay got out of the car and didn''t go in immediately but stood there, waiting for her.

    Lilith stepped up, not knowing, out of fear, under consciousness, she held Jay''s sleeve tight.

    She felt as if she could not stop Jay.

    The policeman who was driving froze at the sight of the scene.

    And Jay just turned to look at Lilith, helpless. A long timeter, his voice is very light, "Go back."

    Lilith shook her head hard.

    She didn''t know what she was insisting on.

    Soon, a person ran out of rehab and seeing Jay was like seeing a savior. He strode forward and shook hands with Jay. "Finally, you''re here. Come here and have a look."

    Jay did not say anything, and he went inside the rehab.

    Lilith trembled in her heart and followed him.

    It was her first visit to such a ce, just as she had gone to the drug control center to find Jay for the first time.

    All who lived in it were drug addicts, who were also segregated ording to the number of years they had taken drugs.

    Unexpectedly, the second time she saw the woman between her and Jay would be in this situation.

    Unlike the brilliance seen for the first time, Carmen in the ward seemed to have drawn the whole body of blood out. The whole person was blue and white, and her head was scattered. She had lost a lot of weight, and her cheeks were concave, and her wrists were blue and purple.

    When she came in with Jay, Carmen was breaking free from the staff, bumping into the wall. Blood on her forehead flowed, and she cried out, begged, curled up, bit and hit people like a crazy woman, and then begged the staff to let her smoke just a little.

    Lilith stood at the ward door, and her feet couldn''t move; she had been pinched.

    Was it a drug addiction?

    She had seen it on TV, but it was clear that the scene, in reality, shocked and panicked her even more.

    She thought, was Carmen going to die? How did a life wither like this?

    When Carmen bumped into him, and she cried loudly, Jay rushed in, grabbed her, and yelled, "Carmen, you must cooperate with the staff, or you will be a dead-alive person in this life!"

    The blood on Carmen''s forehead spread to the eyelids, and she looked really terrible, at least making Lilith lose the courage to move forward.

    When Carmen saw Jay, she was calm for a second or two, but it looked more like a shock, and then the pain of a drug addiction swept her. She pushed Jay away, and the strength made Jay stagger.

    But instead of hurting anyone again, she rushed to the wall, trembling all over her body and covering her head with all her might.

    Jay stepped forward. "You''re hurt."

    "Don''te over here!" Carmen was hysterical.

    Other staff also advised him not toe forward and let him just persuade.

    Jay looked at her and sighed. "Carmen, you took the drug for years. I know you can''t stand it when your drug addiction reurs, but only you can help yourself at this time."

    "I don''t want to see you!" Carmen always covered her head, and even pulled off and wrapped herself in a sheet, and shouted, "I don''t want you to see me like this. You go."

    Jay suddenly froze.

    And Lilith outside the door froze, and her heart fell into the boundless darkness.

    The pain in her mouth was indescribable as that in her heart.

    Although she did not know what it was like to be addicted to drugs, she could see that Carmen had been tortured, but when she met Jay, she did not want him to see her like this. She could imagine how much she loved Jay.

    Lilith watched Jay walk to Carmen, squat down, and reach out to touch her.

    Carmen curled up even more. In this scene, Lilith''s heartache is indescribable.

 Chapter 750 750: Who Have You Offended?

    Jay in the room was no longer able to take into ount Lilith''s thoughts. On the one hand, he really felt guilty about Carmen, and on the other hand, Carmen was an important criminal. If she could quit drugs sessfully, then the police would be able to persuade her to be a tainted witness, so he needed to care about her.

    "Carmen, you need to see a doctor now."

    Carmen shook her head.

    Jay had no choice but to reach down and pull down the sheet.

    Carmen clung to the sheet. Jay reached out, released one of her fingers, and yelled over her head. "Carmen!"

    She looked up suddenly, her whole pale face trembling. A long timeter, she said with a shaking voice, "Alva. Am I ugly?"

    There was a depression in his eyes, "No."

    "I call you Alva. It''s nice of you to reply." She sucked her nose hard, trembled and raised her hand, tried to touch his face but stopped, and then hugged and clenched her body, and the whole face became twisted.

    "Carmen, you need to wake up." Jay saw that her addiction had broken out again and quickly tightened her.

    But Carmen suddenly seemed crazy to push Jay away again, her eyes disordered, as if she had changed. Jay did not manage to pull at her. She quickly rushed to the door of the ward.

    Jay was surprised, "Lilith!"

    Lilith, who was upset, didn''t expect Carmen woulde to her. But, before her reaction came, her shoulder was caught by Carmen. Her pale face was close to her, as close as Lilith could feel the smell of death on her body.

    "I beg you, please give me some white powder and let me smoke a little." Carmen''s pupils could not focus, and fingers were dug into Lilith''s shoulder.

    Lilith screamed with pain.

    The next second Jay rushed over, pulled at Carmen and made them apart, and pushed Lilith hard, far away with the other hand.

    Lilith staggered and held her hand against the wall in time so that she would not fall.

    In this way, she watched Carmen shout and fall into Jay''s arms. She grabbed her hair, cried, and screamed.

    "Carmen, wake up!" Jay clenched her wrist to stop her from hurting herself again.

    Carmen begged Jay with all her strength and burst into tears. "Alva, I beg you, either give me white powder or kill me. I beg you, I can''t stand it, I can''t stand it anymore!"

    Lilith looked at the scene, and her heart was in pain.

    For Jay holding Carmen, she was painful, and also for Carmen''s drug addiction attack.

    She never knew that drugs were so terrible that they tortured someone like this. She was alive and even thought of death.

    In order to control her, Jay had to hold her tightly in his arms, lower his voice, and say, "I will not let you die, Carmen. I will apany you. You must seed in detoxification."

    Lilith looked at the scene for a moment, and tears fell down.

    She turned and left.

    ****

    In just one night, the wind vane of thework changed, and the explosion of a message left Becky at a loss, not knowing what to do.

    The rapid spread of thework was the fastest and most convenient.

    Most of themunication channels were blown up by the headlines.

    Becky, in the makeup room, threw the mobile phone to the makeup table, angry, and she directly lost her temper before her assistant, "How can there be such negative news? nder! This is nder! I''m going to sue these people!"

    The screen of her mobile phone was still on, which clearly showed: The Homeboy Goddess was A B-girl! Since eight o''clock in the evening, the news had exploded on the Inte with the rapid spread of toxic information.

    Before the little assistant spoke, the door of the dressing room was pushed open. It was Britney. With a face of displeasure after the dismissal of the other staff, she looked at Becky, angry, "What happened to you? Didn''t all the previous things get resolved? Now not to mention you are being dug up, I''m involved! Who have you offended?"

    The news spread widely because the former bar or clubhouse owners admitted that Becky had indeed been there to make money with wine. As for Britney, it was because people in some high-end ces revealed that she would introduce some dignitaries to Becky, and even the prices of them to attend the banquet were revealed.

    There was also something more clear about the price of Britney and Becky for a one-night stand.

    Seeing her angry, Becky quickly exined, "I''d like to see what happened. I don''t know. I didn''t offend anyone."

    "I don''t care if you really don''t know or not; anyway, handle it quickly. Don''t get me involved, and I remind you that thepany already knows about it, and you''d better think about how to get thepany to solve it!" Britney left with anger.

    Staring quietly at the report on the mobile phone, Becky''s teeth tickled with anger.

    ****

    Irish was idle, nestling on the sofa all night, eating potato chips while enjoying the shock of the home theater.

    Looking at the scene on the screen and listening to the high-quality sound, she felt what was called life.

    Under the sofa, there were several bags of clothes, jewelry, shoes, etc., and there were some bills in the bag.

    When 08:30 fell, Irish quickly switched to the state of television and pulled out the program that had made her angry the night before, and this time, the content of the revtions was quite satisfactory.

    The word of B-girl and the news that Becky had been so disabled by a rich businessman that she quietly sought the help of a psychiatrist was popr. Everyone was talking about who the rich businessman was. For a while, the image of the homeboy goddess was in jeopardy.

    Irish, on the couch,ughed back and thought. She took the chips into her mouth, took out the mobile phone, and quickly sent a message to a string of strange numbers, "To the announcer, the rich businessman is the general manager of the Runestone group, I added you 300,000 dors."

    Soon, the reply came, "It''s not good, is it? He is not easy to offend, and what if he wants to find me? I''ll go to jail."

    Irish chewed the potato chips and replied, "Rest assured, I''ll handle it if something happens. Besides, your IP address can''t be exposed. Nothing will happen. I will give you 600,000 dors. How about that?"

    After a long time, she got a reply, "Deal."

 Chapter 751 751: Two Bitches

    It was 1.1 million, arge sum of money. In order to take vengeance on Becky, she had to take some measures at such a critical moment. For example, she decided to cope with Joseph as well as Becky with Joseph''s money. Both of them kept silent to the rumors, and Irish was eager to know how long they could keep silent.

    Irish felt that she had made a false step.

    She thought that Joseph was going on a business trip, but he didn''t expect that he would go to attend the film festival award ceremony, and many famous stars were also there.

    She watched the rey of the ceremony. Although Joseph declined their request to walk down the aisle with those actresses, the audience greeted him with rapturous apuse when he showed up. Irish had no idea who the director was who gave Britney a close-up shot when Joseph showed up. Irish was annoyed by Britney''s expression in her eyes, exuding tenderness and love as if Joseph was her boyfriend.

    Of course, the director had to give Britney a close-up shot because she got a very important award while Joseph was the award presenter.

    Dressed in a silver-gray evening dress with a fishtail, Britney walked to the stage in high heels elegantly. Her slim figure was well lined up, which made her look so beautiful. However, Irish felt like this woman was a thorn in her flesh.

    Britney took over the trophy while Joseph''s deep voice was heard at the next second. "Congrattions!" uttered Joseph. Britney replied with a smile, and then she began to deliver her eptance speech. As she finished her sentences, Britney turned to Joseph and said in an effectively sweet voice in public, "Mr. Dover, can I give you a hug?"

    The audience kicked up a fuss after hearing that.

    But Joseph looked peaceful without any mood change, so it was hard to tell if he granted Britney''s request. Generally speaking, it was not polite for a gentleman to decline ady''s request before the public.

    Joseph reached out while Britney stepped forward to hug him.

    The audience rejoiced, and they began to apud. Becky also received an award. Many neers would join the entertainment circle every day, and then they would win support from the public, such as Becky. At least she showed up on the stage several times in this ceremony, attracting people''s attention. To people''s surprise, she wore different dresses every time she came to the stage. The media reported that the dresses were sponsored by some celebrities, and the cheapest dress was worth 200 million, let alone the jewels she was wearing.

    When Becky came to the stage for thest time, thepere began to make somepliments of the ornaments. And thepere even asked Becky if she was aware that the public regarded her as a goddess.

    A soft smile crept over Becky''s face. "In fact, I didn''t know that. I am always busy with my work and seldom have time to surf the Inte. But I am still appreciated for that," said Becky.

    After hearing this, Irish tried her best to control her rage. She wanted to break herputer into pieces, but she tried her best to control her anger since she knew that no one wouldpensate for herputer. Irish felt that Becky was such a hypocritical woman, and she felt disgusted about Becky''s affected smile.

    Thepere started to acim Becky''s dresses, but Becky still replied with humble words and expressed that she hoped to be sponsored by Runestone Group. "But I am not sure if Mr. Dover will select me as his spokesperson."

    The audience gave another enthusiastic apuse. And soon, the camera turned to Joseph, who just smiled faintly there.

    Becky kept smiling, and then she pretended to me the host for not giving her an opportunity to be on stage with Joseph. Shocked, the host asked her why she wanted to be on stage with Joseph. With a soft smile, Becky replied skillfully so that the audience could not tell if she was telling a joke. "It is because I am jealous since Mr. Dover gave me a hug to Britney."

    The audience apuded cheerfully after hearing this. However, Joseph, sitting in the first row off the stage, still kept a faint smile without a mood change.

    Irish felt angry about that as if she had seen through Joseph''s mind. He must tread on air at the moment.

    So Irish thought she had done something stupid.

    The ceremony schedule must have been arranged earlier, which meant that Becky had known his schedule before sending him the message. However, Irish replied to Becky without informing Joseph. They met with each other the next day even if Irish declined Becky''s invitation pretending to be Joseph secretly. As expected, Joseph met Becky just the next day.

    Irish then realized that she could not stop Joseph from meeting Becky at all. It was beyond her capability.

    "Bitch! Two bitches!" thought Irish to herself.

    Joseph was a sessful businessman who used to have several women throwing themselves in his arms, while Becky was a woman who was eager to be intimate with Joseph intentionally. It seemed that they were perfectly matched, but Irish felt so indignant. She was about to take revenge on them.

    Irish didn''t want to figure out the source of her irritation, and it was clear that Becky irritated her.

    Irish was aware of the inkling from the ceremony.

    Although Becky and Britney were on pretty good terms, there was also a conflict of interest between them since they were all in the entertainment circle. Therefore, they could get along with each other peacefully, and they alsopeted with each other privately.

    Generally speaking, the stars are afraid of gossip, but they can''t develop without it because they need to take advantage of it to promote their poprity. Obviously, Becky had learned from Britney because she knew well how to use gossip to keep her poprity. Britney took the initiative to give Joseph a hug because she was clear that those entertainment journalists would report it wantonly.

    Britney knew that it was impossible for her to be reconciled with Joseph. But he was a man with high social status, so she could take advantage of it. Before that, people had been specting about their rtionships for a long time. So if Britney took the initiative to get close to Joseph, people would gossip about their rtionship.

    It would be big news if Britney gave him a hug. That was her real purpose. However, she didn''t expect that Becky would be her stumbling block.

 Chapter 752 752: The Hyped Controversy

    Irish was sure that Britney also felt astonished about Becky''s behavior. Becky attracted people''s attention sessfully by taking advantage of Joseph. It was natural that Britney would not let that happen.

    Irish figured it out, so she spent some money to help Becky and hyped up her rumor about Joseph. Of course, it was a piece of negative news.

    When Irish found the hotel manager through someone well-informed, she found that a group of people hade there, trying to discover Becky''s past since people must be interested in that. But they all failed because they didn''t pay enough money. Just as the old saying goes, money makes the mare go.

    Therefore, Irish bought off the boss and the members of all the clubs. Of course, it was impossible for her to bribe some senior leaders since most of them came from notable families, and they would certainly not do such a thing for Irish because they were afraid that it might have a bad effect on their careers. What''s more, if Irish really wanted to buy them off, she had to spend millions because Irish could understand that they were risking their lives and their future. In that case, Irish needed to afford them arge sum of money to guarantee their future life.

    However, it was beyond her capability. That was why Irish only bribed the ordinary staff of the clubs, except for the staff in the nightclub where Becky served as a barmaid there.

    The manager of the nightclub asked for arge sum of money since he was clear about what kind of risk he had to face to disclose the secret between the famous stars and rich businessmen. That was why Irish was willing to pay him so much money.

    Besides, Irish also needed a middleman, which meant that she needed a web celebrity to help her. However, it was not an ordinary person, and instead, the man''s identity was very mysterious. The person liked to reveal the privacy of others, and his screen name was "ping-pong ball."

    No one knew his real name, let alone his sex, age, and background. But Irish didn''t care about that, and what she really cared about was that people paid great interest in the news he revealed. Irish wanted to teach Becky a lesson, so she had to pass on a message to this mysterious man. Of course, the money wasn''t paid to him because she didn''t care about money at all.

    What he really needed was startling information.

    So Irish spent a lot of money on those well-informed people to get some secrets. And then she attracted the attention of "ping-pong ball" with those secrets, and then she deliberately disclosed some information about Becky and Joseph. In this way, "ping-pong ball" was taken advantage of by Irish imperceptibly.

    Just as Irish expected, there was a lot of negative news about Becky. However, Irish didn''t worry that people would figure out the truth because she withdrew the money from Joseph''s bank card that he had given her earlier. Irish even didn''t care that Joseph would investigate this matter because she knew that it was easy for him to find out the truth when she withdrew arge sum of money from his bank card. Indeed, Irish intended to let Joseph know that she had manipted everything behind.

    The next day.

    The web celebrity "ping-pong ball" did reveal the truth through his Facebook, pointing out that the man Becky dated was Joseph, the manager of the Runestone Group. And he even disclosed the specific time as well as some photos of their date. He described her as a material girl in sharp words and pointed out that Becky took the initiative to devote her body to Joseph''s fun, even if she knew that it was impossible for Joseph to marry her. Joseph also was regarded as an irresponsible man since he had an affair with Britney before.

    Anxious, Daisy took theputer to Joseph and said," Mr. Dover, if you still don''t respond to this news, I am afraid that you may get in more trouble."

    Taking a nce at the news, Joseph kept peaceful without a mood change.

    "Mr. Dover, shall we make some investigations about "ping-pong ball" since he disclosed so much false news?"

    There must be a maniptor behind "ping-pong ball," or he dared not be inhibited from disclosing Joseph''s news. Joseph looked through the news and then replied indifferently, "Just wait and see."

    Shocked, Daisy didn''t understand why he stayed so calm, ''Isn''t he afraid that Irish would misunderstand him? Does he really have an affair with Becky? Thought Daisy to herself. Hesitant, Daisy was also not sure about that, and even she was aware that something had happened between Joseph and Irish since they had a weird rtionship. But Daisy knew little about his private life because she was just Joseph''s assistant.

    However, Daisy didn''t hope that Joseph would have an affair with Becky because Daisy felt that Irish and Joseph were perfectly matched.

    "Mr. Dover, I think we''d better take some steps?"

    After hearing this, Joseph still remained calm and replied, even without raising his head, "I am sure someone is much more anxious than us."

    "What do you mean?" asked Daisy. "Well, Mr. Dover, what shall we do now?" added Daisy.

    "Wait," replied Joseph briefly.

    Daisy waspletely confused since she couldn''t read Joseph''s mind.

    ****

    All the people in thepany were clear about the rtionship between Roy and Cassie, and it was also not a secret that they were getting married.

    Now they worked at the samepany while Roy was Cassie''s superior. People envied them but also blessed them too.

    Compared with Joseph, Roy was less busy than him, although he was the chairman of the Runestone Group. He''ll call Daisy as soon as he finishes his work, and then they will go for dinner together before driving her back.

    Cassie also got used to getting Roy''s phone call at 6:00 pm daily. It was sunny, and Cassie went to the restaurant with her colleagues for lunch. Arge area of white orchids was nted outside the restaurant, but the snowy petals began to wither while some tender leaves thrived. Cassie couldn''t help but sigh that summer wasing soon. She didn''t react until her colleague called her.

    Walking into the restaurant, Cassie felt hungry since she had worked for the whole morning. Cassie enjoyed the meal while the food here also tasted very delicious.

    It was a new restaurant since many courses were innovated. It was said that the boss of this restaurant was a rich second generation. Many celebrities came here, so it became well-known quickly in a short span of time.

    When they almost finished the meal, footsteps were heard, and it was getting closer.

    "Miss Lin?" A woman''s voice was heard.

    Cassie was eating, and she didn''t expect someone to call her. Shocked, she raised her head and found a woman dressed elegantly standing in front of her with a smile. It was Lynn.

    Astonished, Cassie looked at her with her mouth opened slightly. "Nice to meet you, Mrs. Siewert," Cassie greeted her.

 Chapter 753 753: I Am Not Going To Give Up

    Staring at Cassie, Lynn kept smiling and replied softly, "You still remember me."

    In fact, it was easy for Cassie to recognize Lynn, who presented at some luxurious jewelry club as she came back from abroad. What''s more, Cassie would never forget her because of Roy.

    Cassie acted elegantly and then said, "I heard that you bought the diamond from Vera Club that bid back from Ennd, so all of the staff in Runestone Group knows you well."

    Lynn grinned and then responded. "Perhaps you still didn''t know that I also bought a bracelet that you identified."

    "Really? I am so appreciative." Although startled, Cassie smiled soon.

    Staring at Cassie, Lynn replied, "You don''t have to be appreciative. I just wonder why Roy loves you so much and why he is attracted to you."

    Shocked again, Cassie didn''t expect her to say something like this.

    "Can I have a talk with you?" asked Lynn.

    Cassie was about to decline her request since she felt that Lynn hade to look for trouble, but soon Lynn added, "Now that youe to my restaurant for a meal, I am sure you didn''t care to spend some time talking with you. I''ll treat you to this meal." Lynn said and then asked the banquet manager.

    The manager remained respectful as he found that Lynn was there. Lynn ordered him to spare the payment for the meal while the manager did it right away. It was only then that Cassie realized that Lynn was the boss of this restaurant.

    Cassie felt bad having a conversation with Lynn because she seldom contacted those girls from rich families. She thought that those rich girls were all spoiled. But Irish was an exception since Cassie thought that Irish was the poor Cindere in a rich family.

    Lynn looked elegant, but in fact, she was capable and astute. Lynn was different from other rich girls who just squandered their family''s money. Lynn ran thepany herself, and it could tell that she was a capable woman.

    Obviously, Lynn was regarded as her rival in love.

    She went to the anteroom, and as soon as she sat down, Lynn said directly without any hesitation.

    "Miss Lin, I am a candid person, so I''d like to be frank with you. I like Roy."

    Keeping silent for a little while, Cassie put her thoughts together and then replied softly, "You shouldn''t tell me but Roy."

    "I am sure Roy knows that, but he still selected you. I don''t understand why he loves you so much," said Lynn. In fact, Lynn came to Roy again and found that he was so humorous, but she couldn''t figure out why Roy ignored her family background and her beauty.

    Since then, Lynn spent much time getting more information about him, and to her surprise, she found that Roy even devoted himself to charity which touched her heart again. Although Roy looked like a yboy, he was passionate yet warm. That was why Lynn was deeply attracted to this man.

    After that, Lynn met Roy several times with the help of her family. Gradually, Lynn realized that she hadpletely fallen in love with Roy. However, Roy faded from her eyesight suddenly. Anxiously, Lynn began to call him, invite him for a meal and tell him that she loved him so much.

    Unfortunately, Roy told her that he was going to get married soon.

    To Lynn''s surprise, Roy''s intended wife was Cassie, who came from an ordinary family. What''s more, Cassie was his ex-girlfriend, which confused Lynn, because she couldn''t understand why he would be reconciled with Cassie. They lived in different worlds, and they were not well-matched at all.

    Therefore, Lynn decided not to give in because she tried to find out why Roy would fall in love with Cassie.

    Taking a sip of the coffee, Cassie looked up at Lynn and said sincerely, "Indeed, I am also confused. I don''t know why he would be attracted to me."

    Lynn was a pretty yet elegant girl from a notable family. She was well-educated and even managed her ownpany. Generally speaking, such a capable and beautiful woman would attract most men. And even Cassie felt that Lynn was a person who was worth making friends with her.

    Startled, Lynn grinned after a while and then replied, "I will think you are showing off deliberately if you don''t stay calm without any mood change."

    But what was happiness? Cassie was so confused.

    Was it happiness to get married to a man who was not avable to another woman?

    Heaving a sigh, Cassie softly lowered her head, "I am sorry for that. That is the only thing I can say."

    Putting down the coffee, Lynn stared at Cassie and said again. "Actually, I really want to give you arge sum of money and ask you to leave Roy as others do."

    "No, I can''t leave him," responded Cassie with a faint smile.

    Roy put a chain around her throat, and as long as Cassie walked away from him, he could suffocate her to death. Cassie was clear that Roy was a desperate man, and she dared not piss him off.

    However, Lynn misunderstood what she meant. Lynn paused for a while after hearing that and then continued, "I am not going to give up. You know that my father often cooperates with the Runestone Group. Now Roy is the chairman of Runestone Group, I wille to him with the aid of my father. I have to tell you that I will meet him even if he gets married to you. I don''t care if you would curse me. I still believe that he may change his mind someday."

    Cassie was shocked because she didn''t expect Lynn would say that, so she smiled faintly and said, "If it is my fate, then I could do nothing but ept."

    Startled again, Lynn gazed at Cassie.

    Cassie stood up and was about to leave. She took some banknotes out of her wallet and put them on the table. "Mrs. Siewert, I like the food here, but I have to pay the bill, or I will be embarrassed toe here for a meal," said Cassie softly.

    Lynn still remained astonished because she felt that Cassie was different from other girls.

    ****

    Joseph finally finished his work, and when he was about to take some rest, Daisy handed over theputer and showed him another startling piece of news.

    Joseph and Becky became the target of everybody''s criticism because "ping-pong ball" deimed that Becky had suffered from depression because of Joseph, and he even said that Becky even tried tomit suicide herself. "Ping-pong ball" published an article on Facebook and asked Joseph to respond to this issue. He even pointed out that he had evidence that Becky was receiving psychotherapy from Irish.

    Therefore, under the pressure of the public, Becky cleared that it was not the truth but only rumors. What''s more, Becky also gave an interview with reporters, denying that she suffered from depression. For a while, it caught people''s eyes.

    Daisy stared at Joseph worriedly and waited for his decision. However, Joseph just kept silent for a while as he finished reading the news. He handed over theputer back to Daisy, stepping to the window of the anteroom with something clenched in his hands.

    Daisy clearly saw that his personal cell phone was used to contact Irish.

 Chapter 754 754: Is She Innocent?

    There was a soft light in the lounge, and some were on Joseph''s hair as if stars were shining. As he dialed the number, his eyebrows even became soft by the light, seeming innocent and gentle.

    Looking from Daisy''s perspective, Joseph didn''t dial the number immediately. It seemed that he was thinking of something. After half a minute, he turned around and saw Daisy''s shocked expression.

    He gave the specific order, "Notify the Public Rtions Department that I will be at the regr meeting."

    Daisy was surprised, and soon she knew what he was doing, so she just said with worry, "Joseph, there will be troubles with you if you rify it by yourself."

    Joseph''s smile seemed to be meaningful. He said, "Someone has pushed me to do so."

    Daisy didn''t understand him at first, and then she realized as she saw his smile, "So you mean Irish..."

    Joseph didn''t make it so clear, so he just smiled lightly and walked to the windows to call someone.

    Distant from him, she couldn''t hear what Joseph was talking about, but she knew clearly that the only contact person in his private phone was also the only one to make him rxed.

    Joseph dialed the number, but the other side didn''t get it through. Gradually he became a little bit impatient.

    As he dialed it again, he became more serious.

    Luckily, it got through, and just a "hello" came from the call.

    Joseph almost spurted out for one moment. He wanted to ask what she was doing and why she didn''t pick it up for the first time. He wanted to tell her that he was at the airport now and would arrive in New York within two hours. He also wanted to tell her that he would have a meeting as he went back, but he would have dinner with her.

    Or he just wanted to ask her lightly, "Honey, are you jealous now? It is not as the report said..."

    As he had been waiting for so many days and finally saw the rumors on the inte, he couldn''t wait to take up the phone and hear her voice. He wanted to tell her that he was willing to rify the rumor.

    He thought that she would be as anxious as him. At least when the rumors burst out, she should ask him angrily.

    However, her voice was so idle that it was like cold water pouring onto him, which made Joseph hard to say anything.

    Irish just made a greeting and didn''t talk anymore. There was short-time silence between them.

    Irish''s indifference made him disappointed. He began questioning that she did so many things not out of jealousy but out of annoyance at so many rumors.

    That Joseph was afraid of most, so he kept waiting.

    After a while, he said lightly with seriousness, "I have enough of it. Just stop doing it."

    Irish was not mild at all, "Have they stopped scolding me?"

    His guess was true.

    Joseph finally fell intoplete darkness. He wanted to walk out, but it was in vain.

    "Is it because I let you do anything you like that you are not afraid of anything now?"

    His voice was not happy at all.

    They didn''t know why their way of talking had changed. What they thought and what they acted was totally different. Just at that moment, he would like tofort her and adjust their rtionship into the mostfortable situation, but they didn''t know why as they talked, the atmosphere changed.

    And the effect also got different.

    "Joseph, you let Becky do anything she likes, actually." Her voice was still cold, but also with other emotions.

    As he heard this, he didn''t know whether he should be angry or happy. Anyway, it wasplicated. He slowed down his voice forpromise orfort, "What are you talking about?"

    If Irish was beside him, he could see her gentle eyebrows and eyes and would not think that she was questioning or scolding. If Joseph was really beside Irish at this moment, he could also see her angry and jealous expressions and would not think that she was cold or indifferent.

    Sometimes the radio wave was just like the inte that exaggerated one''s subjective guessing. They couldn''t see others'' expressions, and they were good at hiding their real thoughts by voice, and then misunderstanding appeared.

    Irish also felt annoyed when she received the call from Joseph. However, she resisted her desire to shout and cry. Her fingers even trembled because of Joseph''s attitude.

    She thought he wanted to exin by the call, so she just walked out of the office room as she heard the shaking of her phone, regardless of her individual case. Now when she pressed the key, she felt so wronged, and she tried her best not to be suffocated. After a while, she could only say "Hello."

    However, what had he actually done? Stop doing it? These are exactly the words he said.

    So, did he feel sorry for Becky?

    "Why not let them stop, and you just scolded me?" Seeing the buildings outside the window, Irish felt it vague, but she didn''t make her voice down, "It''s okay for you to be with Becky. It''s none of my business. Is it so difficult for me to spend one year quietly? Why do you disturb my life? You and Becky are on the same side, and you both never consider others. You both dare do anything you like to be more outstanding, regardless of others'' thoughts."

    Her words were like a sword.

    Joseph kept silent. After a while, he said coldly, "None of your business?"

    "Just because of you, I have been abused by the gossip. Is it none of my business?" Irish was so angry.

    Joseph was silent again. After a while, he said, "I thought..."

    He just said this and didn''t say anything.

    Irish just waited for him. Seeing there was no response from him, she just said, "If you call to ask me not to punish Becky, please just stop it. Making her not peaceful is just my purpose."

    "It''s enough!" His voice was a little serious.

    "It''s not enough for me!" She was angrier when she heard his words.

    Joseph raised his voice, "So what do you want to do? Announce her mentality report? It will be bad for you to make up a fake report if found out one day. Besides, you need to confirm that the media is the one that created this gossip. Becky is also innocent."

    "What? Is she innocent? Am I not so? I think you feel sorry for Becky."

    "Irish!"

    "Joseph, you are not entitled to do so!" Irish hung up the call.

 Chapter 755 755: Fredrick And Leo’s Encounter

    She directly shut the phone down as Joseph called her again.

    The tears welled up in her eyes suddenly.

    Did he protect Becky?

    Why did he just do so?

    Becky!

    She hated Becky!

    It was in the VIP room of the airport.

    Joseph put his phone down withplicated feelings.

    His unfinished words in the call were, "I thought you have done so many things with so much money to force me to rify the rtionship between Becky and me."

    However, Irish''s aggressive attitude shocked him so much that he expressed his feelings without consideration.

    It was time to be onboard.

    Daisy walked forward and asked lightly, "Joseph, are you still going for the regr meeting with the media?"

    Looking at Joseph''s frowned eyebrows, she was concerned about him.

    Joseph was silent and didn''t reply. Daisy just waited for him without any pushing.

    After a while, Joseph said suddenly, "Maybe I am too self-sentimental."

    Daisy was a little surprised. She never thought that he would just say such a statement. Of course, a sessful man in business would never say something like this.

    She looked down and found that he still clenched the phone tightly. It seemed that he tried his best to repress his anger, and just then, Daisy figured it out.

    "Maybe Irish also think in this way." She said it surprisingly.

    This time Joseph was amazed.

    He looked at Daisy with doubtful expressions, and then heughed with self-mockery, "Does she?" He seemed to ask Daisy or himself.

    Daisy smiled, "Doesn''t she? If she is confident, she will not make you angry."

    Joseph felt surprised to hear Daisy''s words.

    "Sometimes women don''t say what they think, but they will not let it slide. The one on the spot can''t figure it out, but the person can see it clearly. Whether true or not, they just long for an exnation from the other side." Daisy said lightly.

    Joseph''s figure got still, and soon an air of joy vividly appeared in his eyes.

    ****

    As Leo came out of the meeting room, his assistant told him a man had been waiting for him for some time.

    He went to the lounge.

    As he pushed in, Fredrick raised his head to look at him.

    He smiled as he saw Leo. He pointed at the cup and said, "I think coffee is better than tea."

    Leoughed and sat down immediately. Then, he ordered, "Two cups of coffee from abroad."

    Fredrick raised his eyebrows and said, "I am picky about my coffee taste."

    "It won''t let you down." Leoughed.

    Leo and Fredrick''s connection was not idental; more precisely, it was doomed.

    It was at an academic seminar.

    Leo took no interest in the academy, but identally he took a business trip abroad, and when he got past his Alma Mater, he went into it and met the seminar. Fredrick was invited as a guest for this seminar rted to psychology.

    At that time, he was waiting for the client, so he just spent time listening to this. He thought it was excellent, and he also found out that the students there were passionate about psychology research, so he donated a sum of funds for the long-term psychology seminars.

    His Alma Mater really thanked him for his donation, and Fredrick also made an appointment with him for Leo''s support on that project as he was invited as the long-term guest on the psychology seminars.

    They had a good time chatting with each other.

    Initially, the academy surrounded their topic, so Leo couldn''t get his point immediately.

    When he saw the photos in Fredrick''s wallet, he couldn''t move his eyes from this.

    There was a photo of three people in Fredrick''s wallet, two girls and a man. The man was Fredrick, while the two girls looked young and beautiful. The girl at the side was so charming and drew all his attention.

    At least Leo was really attracted to her.

    He couldn''t stop asking who they were.

    Fredrick introduced them to him, smiling. The girl beside him was called Cassie, his girlfriend, and the girl beside Cassie was his student and mentee, also Cassie''s best friend.

    Leo looked at Irish. He fell in love with her at first sight.

    So, next, he kept talking about Irish, and Fredrick also liked to talk about Irish.

    Leo knew a lot about Irish from Fredrick. Of course, they were all about scandals, as she was still a student.

    Irish was known as a sleep lover, and she was oftente for sses at 8 a.m. or just slept in the sses. Luckily, Fredricks'' sses were in the afternoon, and they were not public, so it was impossible for Irish to take a nap among so few students. As they were lessons for the major, everyone was just absorbed in these lessons, and they were afraid that they would miss the main content of the exam.

    A special case was never exclusive. Once, Irish ran into trouble.

    As she headed for Fredrick''s lessons, she bumped into a tree and got it damaged. At that time, she was studying for a master''s degree abroad, and it could be figured out how much a tree in graduate school cost, so the authority got annoyed.

    Fredrick arrived there since Irish was his student, only to find that Irish stayed in the car. Fredrick thought that she had gotten injured, but when he got clear, he found out that she was asleep.

    The authorities wanted to find out the reason. Fredrick''s lessons were in the afternoon, and generally, students who had sses in the afternoon would not get out at noon; instead, they would just eat something casually. Why did Irish drive back? Did she have so much time?

    Finally, it was found out that she didn''t have sses in the morning.

    Where had she gone in the morning? When he asked, her roommates were not willing to share some information.

    "And then?" At that time, Leo took a great interest in this story, so he just asked Fredrick.

    Fredrick told him with a smile that Irish had joined the Climbing Club. She returned to school so anxiously that she hadn''t been asleep for even one minute.

    Fredrick made a guarantee for him as her mentor, and he just looked at Irish, bending on the desk to sleep without ming her.

    And then Fredrick finally knew why Irish''s roommates hadn''t betrayed her, and it was because Irish took something to bribe them.

    As Leo heard this, heughed loudly. He thought that Irish was so cute, and he even thought that he had been deeply in love with her before meeting her.

    From that day on, Leo began to know more about Irish in various ways.

    He eximed how lucky they were when he knew she was the Lake family''s daughter.

 Chapter 756 756: Let’s Go There Tonight

    The one who was engaged with him was Rosy. Although the engagement was not so formal, it was a mutual promise by their elders, after all. Leo didn''t like Rosy, and he preferred to look at Irish''s photo instead of facing Rosy.

    The photo was from her school''s contact book. It was an ID photo. In this photo, Irish didn''t wear makeup with long hair. She looked so clean.

    When Leo was pushed again to contact Rosy, he suddenly had an idea.

    He appeared in front of Irish by making up a story of having a blind date with her.

    Leo also asked for more emphasis on his early engagement with Irish from his father, and his father said it was only a joke by that time. However, Leo cared about it a lot, and he went to Irish''s uncle and aunt to reiterate the early engagement.

    He thought it was so simple. He just wanted to get close to Irish and be with her. However, he never thought that Joseph was earlier than him.

    It was not Leo''s original thought to be friends with his beloved one, and it was also not the case that he finally made friends with a psychologist.

    Once, Leo invited Fredrick as a psychological consultant in Key Group, but Fredrick hesitated, and there was no conclusion.

    The secretary served two cups of coffee for them. The aroma of coffee covered the sweetness of the tea.

    "As for tea, the Runestone Group is better than the Key Group, but for coffee, the Key Group is the winner." Leo invited Fredrick to have a taste of it with a smile, "It is the best-quality coffee bean chosen by me. Have a taste."

    A man with a good taste for coffee could easily grasp the taste. Fredrick sipped it and nodded, "Yes, it is excellent."

    Leo was clever. Sipping his coffee, he just leaned against the sofa and released his tie, smiling, "It seems that you are determined."

    One would note to the other without any reason. Fredrick tended not to get close to a corporation. Finally, he came to the Key Group, proving he had considered a lot.

    Fredrick was a frank person. Putting down the cup, he looked at Leo and said, "I hope my work will not be confined. To be honest, my target is Roy."

    "I will not interfere with your work. I only request your good performance." Leoughed and added, "Roy is the chairman of the Runestone Group. To some extent, my goal is simr to yours, but I need to remind you that Joseph is beside Roy, and Irish is beside Joseph."

    Fredrick licked his lips and just said, "It''s my business."

    "Fine. Your courage is appreciated."

    "In addition, the sry I requested is not low at all." Fredrick smiled lightly.

    Leo leaned forward lightly and said word by word, "Talents are more precious than money."

    Fredrickughed loudly and shook hands with him, "Deal."

    Leo alsoughed and shook hands with him.

    ****

    When Adam called her, Irish was in a daze, looking at the mentality report. The sudden voice of the phone frightened her.

    The first thought was that Joseph called her.

    Thinking of his voice on the call, Irish felt annoyed again. She just grabbed up the phone and said with fury, "What''s up?" Adam felt shocked.

    After two or three seconds, he said, "I... want to have dinner with you."

    It was not Joseph''s voice.

    Irish felt surprised, too.

    Adam made a greeting with her and then said, "This is Adam. Irish, can you hear me?"

    Irish nearly forgot about him, and after a while, she said with regret, "Sorry. I mistook you for another."

    "For Joseph?" Adam asked with augh. This name made Irish ufortable. She changed the topic, "Anything important?"

    Adam felt that she wanted to change the topic, so he just followed her, "Are you free? Let''s have dinner together. I have been on a business trip during this period, so I just forgot the taste of the dishes here."

    Irish figured out that it had been a long time since theirst meeting. She thought he had given up on her, so he didn''t call her for such a long time.

    "I..." Irish felt that all the excuses had been used up to refuse him, so she just said directly, "Sorry. I have an appointment already,"

    "Never mind. How about tomorrow? Or the day after tomorrow?" Adam sounded calm.

    Irish felt more headache, "Adam, I have made it clear."

    "I see. I thought that we could be friends." Adam smiled.

    Irish sighed, "That''s right. But I don''t have time, really. It is not convenient tonight, tomorrow is, either. I''m really sorry about it."

    Adamughed with embarrassment, "Why not just have dinner together by the name of friends?"

    Irish was silent.

    Adam was also silent.

    After a while, he said lightly, "Okay, let''s put itter."

    Irish finally felt released, and she said sorry again.

    Putting the phone down, she was just like a tired bird. She had no interest in watching any reports, so she just viewed the website. Becky kept making her voice while Joseph kept silent and didn''t rify anything.

    Irish felt angrier.

    Why could she only be faced with one man?

    She and Joseph were not in a normal rtionship. He had no obligation to be loyal to her, and she had the right to be with others. She would not make it easy.

    She just took up the phone and dialed the same number. Soon Adam got it through.

    She stared at the screen and looked at Becky''s bothersome smile and Joseph''s side face. Finally, she just snarled, "Adam, a good restaurant suddenly urs to my mind. It''s

    near Lotus Park. Let''s go there tonight."

    ****

    The wind swept down the rain into the night, patting the leaves. Branches in the wind and rain like teeth and ws, and the shadow fluttered all over the ground.

    When Irish and Adam had finished dinner, the rain stopped, and only the cool night wind came up, mixed with the smell of rain and dust.

    When she got to the parking ce, Irish saw a ce of broken white orchids, some of which were crushed into the mud by the wheels. Somehow, her heart hurt. She looked at the white ground and suddenly remembered the flowers of a tree when she had been in Light Town.

    Adam insisted on taking her home. Irish was in a bad mood. From eating to getting in the car, most of her was silent. Adam tried to get some messages from her mouth many times to try tofort her, but she just smiled at him asionally.

 Chapter 757 757: You Want To Betray Me

    When the car arrived in the district, they encountered a car. The people inside did not get out of the car, but in Adam''s car''s passing, Irish saw the car around through the windshield.

    It was a Runestone car.

    The driver of the Runestone was driving, and Daisy sat in the copilot. Irish''s heart seemed to be gently knocked on by the hammer. The indescribable feeling was winding and clear, and her heart was a little flustered, and her breath began to rush.

    Did he just get back from the airport?

    Obviously, Daisy also saw Irish.

    Through the windshield, Irish still saw Daisy''s stunned expression.

    But Adam did not know Daisy, the car just passed by. One went into themunity, and another left the district.

    When the car was parked, Adam suggested sending her upstairs. Usually, Irish would never agree to his proposal, but she inadvertently remembered the Runestone car shadow and Daisy''s look. She meditated for a moment and then agreed.

    When pressing the elevator, Irish''s fingers trembled a little, and there seemed to be a faint wood fragrance in the elevator, which smelled good.

    Opening the door, Irish stepped into the door, and the room had a masculine breath. His breath, with a faint smell of tobo, mixed with familiar airflow.

    She turned a blind eye on purpose, looked at Adam, and raised her voice. "Thank you for dinner tonight. I purchased tea a while ago. I gave you some as a gift."

    Adam smiled and said, "It is enough that you ask me for a cup of tea."

    Irish slightly raised her lips, but her ears quickly captured the closer footsteps in the gloom, calm and familiar. Before she could get back to him, the porch light was on.

    He wasn''t surprised, but Adam was scared to jump. He followed the light to see, but she found that there was a tall figure at the gate. The crystal light on the top of his head uniformly covered him so that every contour line of his face was bright, but only the eyes, the deep and dark eyes, were without every light.

    And Irish also turned to look, and her heart inadvertently flipped and quickly returned to calmness.

    It was him who came back.

    Indeed, it was not long before he hade back, and he hadn''t changed into his pajamas. He wore a white shirt and ck suit trousers very sinctly, and the color was clear at a nce, but the calm look made people have to savor him carefully.

    But soon, Joseph raised his lips slightly up. It was an iconic smile. He walked forward, ncing at Adam''s face, and his eyes fell on Irish''s face. His tone was also light and soft.

    "We have a guest?"

    Although Adam was regarded as a guest in his mouth, Joseph did not wee the guests at all. His strong body directly blocked the door, his hands in his pockets, seemingly leisurely and elegant. He seeded in forcing Adam not to enter the door.

    Irish became an outsider and watched him coldly.

    She admitted that she was despicable at that moment.

    Adam quickly pressed back the surprise in his eyes. He looked at Joseph with a smile and reached out. "Hello."

    "You are Irish''s guest. As usual, you should be invited toe in and sit down, but I have just got off the ne and want to have an early rest at this time, so I am sorry. I will invite you back some other day." Joseph did not reach out to shake hands with him, still standing in the light, smiling. He gently said that, which sounded very polite with apologies, but something meaningful was hidden.

    Adam was not stupid. He read out his words but also read the fact that he told himself that the two were now in a rtionship.

    Even if Joseph did not say that Adam could guess from the casual way he dressed. Although the man in front of him was dressed formally, the buttons at the neckline of the shirt were open, revealing a little chest, and the sleeves of the shirt were pulled up, revealing his arms, and there was still a faint trace of wearing a watch on his wrist, but there was no watch, indicating that he had taken it off.

    Which man would be so casual when he went to a woman''s house? What was more, it was Joseph. So this was where he lived.

    Adam withdrew his hand, and his smile looked a little embarrassed. He looked at Irish, but he saw that Irish''s eyes were bright and calm. He suddenly realized that no wonder she would agree to him going upstairs. Originally she was trying to let him give uppletely.

    "Irish, it''s gettingte, you... Take an early rest, too." Adam said this sentence when the voice was a little unnatural, although he was smiling, there was a sense of frustration in his eyes.

    Irish gently closed her lips and opened, "I''m sorry."

    Adam tried to squeeze out a smile but said nothing. He looked at Joseph, nodded to him, and Joseph also slightly nodded, then Adam left.

    Closing the door, Irish bowed her head to change her slippers. She did not speak and went into the living room.

    Joseph squinted slightly and followed.

    After throwing the bag on the sofa, Irish turned a blind eye to the man sitting on the sofa and turned to go.

    "Sit down," Joseph ordered without changing his face.

    His voice was heavy as if he was suppressing theing of a storm.

    Irish looked at him coldly, did not retort, and sat down opposite him.

    "Who allowed you to go out and have dinner with a man alone?" Joseph began to ask.

    Irish raised her eyes and said in a very faint tone, "There seems to be no such rule you made, is there?"

    Joseph''s face changed. "I asked for your loyalty, too."

    "Loyalty?" Irish smiled suddenly and did not go on.

    The smile on her face hurt Joseph deeply, and the tone of displeasure and cynicism became more and more disagreeable. "Or are you suddenly in love with your duty now? I thought you said that he was just one of your clients."

    "Joseph, I just had dinner with him. What''s wrong with you?" Irish''s tone was sharp, and she wanted to debate with him.

    Joseph''s fist clenched quietly, and the green tendons on the back of his hand protruded. Then, staring at her, he said word for word. "How dare you, you want to betray me. Do you have self-knowledge?"

    Irish used to have at least some scruples about this man when she met him, but that day, her behavior of bringing the man home, in the eyes of Steven, was undoubtedly challenging his authority, and she had an affair in front of him!

    Irish also said rudely, "Between you and me, is it necessary we must be loyal to each other?" She thought loyalty was mutual. He wanted her loyalty, so what about himself?

 Chapter 758 758: His Name Is Not Adam

    This sentence was her usation of his behavior, but when he heard it, he was furious and patted the coffee table with a "p," and the vase on the coffee table was shaking by force. If the p hit on Irish, the consequences could be imagined.

    "Irish, I''ve been trying to be blind again and again, and I believe you have the bottom line in your heart, and I tolerate your deception once and again, and it was me who also believes in our feelings! I don''t speak, but it doesn''t mean I don''t know anything! Is he your client? Don''t you really think I know who he is? Isn''t he the one with the same name as Adam, your ex-boyfriend? You keep your ears on. He''s Adam, indeed. He''s just a civil servant with rock climbing technology. Do you really think he is Adam falling from the mountain?"

    Irish was stunned and did not expect Joseph to say that so suddenly, let alone that he would know something about Adam.

    "Just for such a man, you hid it from me and made a blind date with him, and then you met him again and again behind my back, first at thepany and now at home. This is what I see, and what about the things I do not see!" It was not that he had never lost his temper with her, but for the first time, he trembled like that day. What was more, his voice could almost lift the roof, which was very different from the silence of being angry he was.

    He got up, sped the back of Irish with his big hand, forcing her to look him in the eye, and the anger sprang up clearly between his pupils, not so deep and iprehensible. They were both apparently angry.

    "What do you think he is? He can send you upstairs tonight, and his mind will be clear! Irish, don''t tell me you don''t know what he''s trying to do to you! By the way, do you really think there are so many coincidences in the world? You think you have a good rtionship with him. You think he has too much inmon with Adam, but in fact, he has already checked and deliberately approached you to say so. When you were in Nepal, he was still taking the civil service examination in the country. The day you climbed the rock happened to be the day of the civil service exam. How could he appear in Nepal?"

    Joseph pressed down his face, and the tip of his nose was closed to hers. "Even his name is fake. His name is not Adam at all. The name on his ID card is Anthony!"

    Irish froze, she did not know these things at all, and the man in front of her obviously found out everything, but he always kept silent.

    Why would this man named Anthony deliberately approach her? Why had he said his name to be Adam the first time they had met? Had he changed his name long ago, or when he had seen her, he changed it? If it had been the case of thetter, then it could only be said that he had known her for a long time and intentionally met her using Adam''s name. Why?

    Just thinking, Irish''s face was pinched by Joseph, whose fingers still had a faint smell of tobo but no longer without bewitched tenderness. The pain made her frown.

    "Look at your face. It''s so beautiful that a man can''t help butmit a crime." Joseph increased his force, eager to crush the tiny face against his palm. The anger in his eyes became fierce, and every bone seemed to be shouting anger. He said word by word, "It''s a pity. You are a beautiful woman with a malicious heart! Irish, you rely on my indulgence to you, repeatedly hide from me and lie to me, repeatedly use my feelings for you. How dare you!"

    The strong pain piercing her face made Irish eager to get rid of Joseph. She pushed him away, got up, red at Joseph, and yelled, "Yes, I lied to you to go on a blind date with Adam. I lied to you that he was just my client. I admire your ability to check people. What are you doing now? Telling me that he''s just evil, right? But Joseph, haven''t you ever lied to me? You want my loyalty, what about you? Have you ever been loyal? Do you talk to me about feelings? Why? Who can do better than you when ites to cheating?"

    Staring at her, his first thought was that she was talking about Becky. He tried hard to get the fire down and exined, "Becky dide to the hotel to see me, but��"

    "Enough!" Irish interrupted, and she was angry, "I don''t need to listen to your affair. Who do you like, it has nothing to do with me."

    The burning anger suddenly rose, and it was difficult for him to press it down again. He grappled with her, "Who do I like is my own business, huh? Do you have a conscience? On the contrary, it is you, again and again, who y with my feelings, and you dared to kill my child as well! Irish, I wish I could strangle you to death whenever I think of you doing such a vicious act!"

    With thest one''s angry roar, the big hand threw her body on the sofa, and the cold corner of the tea table hit her shoulder. The pain spread, and her tears streamed down with the pain in her heart.

    She did not get up at once, and the mixture of physical and psychological pain made her voice hysterical.

    "That''s enough!" Tears gathered all over Irish''s eyes, and soon one by one, freely fell from her eyes as she couldn''t bear the weight anymore. "Joseph, how long do you still want to act? You have portrayed yourself as a so-called love saint to achieve your goals. Do you really think you are a loving saint? Yes, I lied to you about Adam, but what is itpared to your deception? Have you remembered what you said in the hospital just before my dad''s bed? You didn''t forget it so soon, did you? You said it clearly, you didn''t love me at all, and at that moment, I realized that love could be faked! You just put me as a chess piece from the beginning to the end. You yed a good lover to me, but it was just a y acted by you! Now that your goal has been achieved, you can grab the Runestone Group. And here you are talking to me about feelings? How I wish I could turn back the time and wish our paths had never crossed. Even if you want to do something against the Lake family and have ulterior motives, why should I be your chess piece? I am not the only woman in the Lake family. Why should I suffer like this? Joseph, you know, from the day I know your real face, I think you are disgusting every time I am with you, and youe close to me! Your hypocrisy and your fake love had stepped on my feelings to achieve what you call sess! Aren''t you ashamed to ask me to be loyal to you? Do you deserve it?"

    asionally missing content, please report errors in time.

 Chapter 759 759: It’s Just A Misunderstanding

    This time Joseph suddenly froze, and he stood there like a piece of wood, the anger in his eyes had turned stagnant, and his brain buzzed for a moment. He never expected that what he had said besides Henry''s deathbed would be heard by her.

    After a while, Joseph stared at her before he spoke, but his voice had be exhausted. "So, did you kill my child because you heard that?"

    "Yes!" Irish cried even harder, sobbed, and angrily looked into his eyes even though her answer was a pure lie. "Why should I give birth to a child whose father is like you? You don''t deserve it! I tell you, I won''t give you a child in this life! You really want kids, don''t you? Do you really want children, or do you want them to keep them as your chess pieces so that you can swallow the Runestone Grouppletely? No way! I won''t allow you to use my children as your chess pieces. If you want to have children, I won''t obey your will. I already had a contraceptive injection when I underwent surgery, so no matter how hard you try, you won''t have children with me!"

    After crying, Irish struggled to get up from the ground and ran out of the house without looking back.

    Joseph suddenly deted like a used tire and fell against the sofa. A long timeter, he quickly moved, suddenly got up, picked up his coat in one hand, and grabbed the keys to chase after her.

    ****

    Irish didn''t drive away; her car was still parked in the underground parking lot. She quietly stayed there. She should have taken a taxi, making it more difficult for Joseph to find her.

    She didn''t bring her bag and a mobile phone when she ran out.

    Looking at the road, Joseph quickly called all his friends who knew Irish, and he failed to know where Irish went.

    Finally, Joseph had to make a phone call to Irish''s uncle.

    Steven''szy voice sounded, and his eyes were still on Irish. He thought for a while and said, "Irish is here. Come here."

    Joseph was relieved. He turned the steering wheel, heading for Steven''s house.

    Steven had made tea and waited for him.

    As soon as Joseph entered the door, Steven waved to him. "Come here, sit down."

    Joseph also had no n to drink tea; he went into the living room and looked around, but he hadn''t seen Irish''s figure.

    Steven noticed his reaction and exined, "Irish and her aunt went out."

    Went out? It was sote. He thought.

    "I didn''t ask where they''re heading. The two were so silent."

    "I''ll find them." He couldn''t sit down for a moment.

    Unexpectedly, Steven stopped him. "Where will you look for them at night? Don''t worry, they''ll be back in a minute. We just wait here."

    He had to do it.

    The tea with aroma was enough to meet theing sleepless night. Anyway, he was doomed to be sleepless. Joseph had no interest in tasting the tea, but his brain was bothered by Irish''s crying face full of tears and herint.

    Joseph never believed in "coincidence." The reason why Irish had been able to hear what he had said besides Henry''s deathbed was all nned by that old man. He suddenly realized the unfinished words that Henry had asked him the moment before hisst breath because he had realized the consequences of his paranoia and temptation.

    In fact, trouble had risen.

    Steven added some hot tea to him, and he was also a clear-sighted man. He could see that Joseph was sitting on pins and needles and quietly said, "When Irish entered the door, her eyes were red, and she didn''t even bring a bag. It was her aunt who went out to pay for the taxi."

    Aware of Steven''s worries, Joseph closed his lips and tried to exin but could not do anything about it.

    But Steven opened his mouth, and this time he asked bluntly, "Is something wrong between you and Irish?"

    "Uncle, it''s just a misunderstanding."

    Steven looked at him and asked, "Is it really just a misunderstanding?"

    Joseph was a smart man who naturally knew what Steven referred to. Even if he did not like to watch the news, Becky''s thing was known in the city, so it was not difficult for him to know this matter.

    Sighed, Joseph put down the teacup that had been held in his hand. There was still a trace of temperature on his palm, like Irish''s, gentle and fierce temperature.

    "It''s really just a misunderstanding. I have nothing to do with that actress."

    Steven, after listening to him, said nothing, nodded his head, and he was relieved.

    As Irish had always grown up around him, so in Steven''s heart, Irish was no different from his daughter, and because of this, he tended to be a father to her. That was, he was almost picky about his future son-inw. No matter how good Joseph was, he was not worthy of his admiration. But to be fair, Joseph was indeed superior to other men, especially on the day Henry Lake was buried, Joseph''s efforts looking for Irish were folded before Steven''s eyes, so he epted him.

    That day, Steven knew that once a man like Joseph was willing to exin, it showed that there was nothing to hide in his heart. Rumors were rumors, and Steven still had his own criteria for judging.

    "Joseph." Steven took a sip of his tea, put down the teacup, and said, "I don''t want anything rich in my life. I just want my family to be healthy and my children to be happy. Irish, well, has lost her mother since she was a child, and she has also suffered a lot. So, thest thing I want to protect is her. I hope you can treat her well and give her happiness. As long as she is happy, I can assure my sister that I handed her daughter to the right man."

    Joseph added some hot tea to Steven and whispered, "Uncle, rest assured I will take care of her."

    He didn''t say many oaths, nor too muchmitment, just saying "rest assured" alone was enough to relieve Steven.

    "You told us before Irish was upset about her father''s death, and now what''s going on with her?" Steven asked him a sudden question.

    He knew that Joseph had found a ce to let Irish rx and learned from Joseph''s mouth that her mood was unhappy. During that time, in fact, he was distraught. Irish was a psychiatrist, and he also knew more or less how terrible a fact it should be once she suffered from depression. He was afraid that Irish would never say anything to them and got depressed. Although Irish returnedter and said she was okay, Steven also wanted to ask Joseph if Irish had no problem.

 Chapter 760 760: Irish Childhood

    Joseph assured Steven, said that Irish hade out of sadness. Steven finally put away his worries. He knew that the heart was fragile and the human body could have good treatment, but it would be very troublesome if the heart were sick.

    At this time, Joseph remembered Fredrick''s words and asked Steven quietly. "Has there ever been anything unpleasant about Irish''s childhood?"

    Steven thought about it. "I think you already know about Adam."

    "What about before Adam?" After getting the psychological evaluation report, Joseph checked some things about Irish, and he could not find out what had happened to her childhood days. Apart from the case of Adam, for some time, he did think that what Fredrick was referring to was Adam because that matter greatly impacted Irish. Butter, the more he thought, the more wrong it was. Irish remembered Adam''s matter, so there was barely any reason to affect her memory again. Was there anything else she didn''t want to remember?

    Steven hesitated for a moment. "Before Adam?"

    He murmured unexpectedly, his eyes dodged.

    "What happened?" Joseph saw that something was wrong with him.

    Steven immediately covered it up and whispered, "Oh, in fact, it''s nothing. That is, Irish was lost once when she was very young, but she was soon found back. But, at that time, she was also frightened. Children with no adults around would always have no sense of security."

    After saying this, he made up a question in a hurry. "What happened? Why did you suddenly ask?"

    Joseph smiled and said everything was good. "I just think Irishck a sense of security, which may have something to do with it. By the way, how did she get lost?"

    Steven picked up the teacup and drank. "It''s just that adults are careless, and you know that our generation takes care of their children freely, unlike your generation, which is good at caring for the children."

    "Does Irish know about this?"

    "She is so young. It''s just that she was scared then, and it wasn''t a good thing, so we wouldn''t take the initiative to bring it up. Well, it wasn''t much of a big deal." Steven said with a smile.

    Joseph saw that Steven did not want to discuss it, so he gave up and chatted with him about other topics. Joseph once again led the topic to Irish but never asked why she had been lost. He just smiled and said, "Sometimes I get angry with Irish. Was she very naughty when she was a child?"

    However, all parents like to recall their children''s childhood, especially when they grow up. Steven was no exception. When he heard this, he put down his cups and couldn''t wait to say, "She is a girl, climbing trees and houses all day long, and likes to catch bugs to scare the children around her. Neighbors didn''tin more about this."

    Joseph also smiled because he could absolutely imagine the scene.

    "Few girls were as naughty as she was, catching bugs and scaring children?"

    "It was nothing new. In the second grade of Primary School, she got a small snake, and we didn''t know where she got that. She secretly brought the snake to school and then intimidated a girl who was eating snacks during recess. At that time, the girl was so frightened that she kept the same posture during ss. Later, the teacher found something wrong and quickly called an ambnce. When we were called to the hospital, we didn''t know until we got there. Irish''s ssmate was really scared. It drove her to lose her sense of security, she was scared out of her soul, and it took a few weeks for the child to regain her consciousness." The mischief of children used to be a headache for him, but Steven, at present, had a sense of pride.

    Although Joseph and Irish had been together for so long, he knew very little about her childhood. On the one hand, he rarely had the opportunity to sit down and chat with Steven or Mary. On the other hand, Irish rarely mentioned her childhood, and he was afraid that he would remind her of her unpleasant memories, so he did not ask.

    So, that day, he was interested to hear Steven about Irish''s stories as a child.

    Steven only used the simplest words to depict the memories of the past, but Joseph''s mind could follow Steven''s words and quickly thought about Irish''s mischievous appearance. Yes, he did not think Irish was quiet and obedient when she was a child, and a girl like her must have been recalcitrant when she was a child.

    Therefore, after hearing Steven say that Irish took the snake to scare her ssmates out of her soul, he was stunned for a while and then could not helpughing. She was only in the second grade of primary school. How could this girl be so brave?

    "How did the school punish her?" Every child, in the eyes of parents, was very precious. Of course, Irish''s family was still special. Although she was Rachael''s only child, she could not be Lake''s only child.

    Steven was even more proud to hear that. "Punish? The girl is a genius. How can the school be willing to punish her?"

    Joseph sighed that she had made such a big mistake with no punishment.

    "You don''t know, that girl, well, although very naughty, in the school she was really loved by the teacher. She is good at studying and smart. For every exam, she ranks first in the whole grade. In the first grade, she is the ss monitor. Every time she gets first at the handicraftpetition and sports meeting, she is the one who brightens the school. When the school asked her about it, sheined first, saying that the girl ssmate always bullied other students because of her height and robbed other students of snacks to eat. Irish couldn''t stand to watch, so she decided to teach her a lesson. She spoke with tears. When the school principal looked at her crying like this, she was reluctant to punish her, and the school suppressed it."

    Joseph felt that Irish''s deadliest weapon was torn. It was not that he had never seen her cry. On the contrary, she rarely cried and even said that there were only a few tears in front of him. Many times it was clear that there were tears in her eyes, but she still stubbornly held them back. But after the tears really came down, it was worse than killing him.

    And next, Steven''s words also agreed with Joseph''s idea, he said, "Irish has been good-looking since childhood. It is even more painful when she cries, so she was not punished."

 Chapter 761 761: Her Charming Photo

    Joseph could not helpughing, said. "She is so beautiful now that I can imagine how adorable she was as a child."

    "Now? Well, she is not as good as when she was a kid. She changed in the opposite direction. She was much prettier when she was a kid. Her hair was curled like a doll. Wait, I''ll show you her childhood photo album. "Steven gave full y to the positive enthusiasm, got up, and walked to the drawers. While tumbling, heughed and said, "You should be d to be with Irish. She has had so many pursuers since childhood, receiving countless love letters from childhood, and boys took the initiative to block the door of our house. Hey, I got it."

    It was a thick photo album, and the cover was pretty old. It was a film photo album, but there was no dust on it, so it could be seen that it was often read.

    Steven handed the photo album to Joseph, who took it and opened it gently. Sure enough, some had already yellowed, but they were neatly inserted in transparent stic sheets.

    The first page must have been a baby photo. From the first and the second one, when she was 100 days old, the little angel in the photo had changed differently, so it was true that the child looked different every growing day.

    Seeing a picture of naked Irish crawling, Joseph''s lip corners unconsciously raised. This girl usually was self-appreciated. If she knew that someone was looking at her childhood naked picture, she would be crazy at a certain point.

    Thetter photos were not put ording to her age, so Joseph could see her different appearance at different ages. There was a picture of her about thirteen or fourteen years old, which was very simr to her present appearance, and when she was a little younger, it was true that at first nce, there was still a difference from her present appearance.

    Steven was proud to speak the story behind every photo like a narrator.

    Because of the photos, they left a trace of memories, which became precious.

    As Steven said, Irish really looked like a doll when she was a child, mainly because the children''s ck eyes were muchrger before they grew up, so she looked even more exquisite and lovely, but somehow, the more Joseph looked at her photos of childhood, the weirder he felt.

    It was weird. He didn''t know.

    As if a kind of memory was about to break out from the ground, Steven was still chattering, and Joseph was also looking through them one by one. Then, suddenly, he stopped looking at one of the photos, stunned. He pointed to one of the photos and could not help but ask Steven, "How old was she in this picture?"

    Steven nced at it, hesitated a little, but quickly smiled and said, "Oh, it was when she was just four years old."

    Joseph''s fingers pressed on this photo. In the photo was a little girl, wearing a light-colored flower skirt, wearing a petite and beautiful little princess hat, but she was climbing the tree. Maybe she saw someone shooting her, making faces at the camera. Her hair was not as dense as ck satin as it was at present. It was a deep xen color, thin and curled, looking lovely and pitiful.

    "Hey, actually, when she was a kid, she was a typical chit of a girl." Steven did not seem to want to exin the picture too much, reaching out to turn it over.

    But he was stopped by Joseph, who smiled calmly and politely. "This picture is charming. Can you give it to me?" He found that Irish was the only one in the picture between the ages of four and five.

    "Well..." Steven was a little hesitant but quickly pressed down hesitation. He smiled and said, "Irish is concerned about her face-saving. She would be angry if she knew you took such an embarrassing picture away."

    Joseph took out the photo directly, smiled, took out her wallet, and put it in, "she won''t take the initiative to go through my wallet."

    Steven saw the situation, he had to agree.

    At this time, there were footsteps outside. Steven put away the photo album and said, "Maybe they have returned."

    Just words had been said, the door was opened. The first who came in was Mary. Perhaps she did not expect Joseph to stay here, she was stunned for a while. Joseph got up and said hello respectfully, but his eyes quickly fell on the woman behind her.

    And Irish followed Mary behind the door. As soon as she looked up to see Joseph, the original tired little face suddenly changed, and she did not say a word, about to turn around to leave.

    With his long legs and big hands, he strode forward and hugged Irish at once. He would never let her go again.

    "Let me go!" Irish pushed and shoved him hard, and his behavior made her blush, ashamed and angry.

    But Joseph said nothing, did not let her go, so tightly hugging her in his arms, let her struggle and beat him. He put his two strong arms around her.

    Finally, Irish was tired, panting, and resentful, "I will not go back with you, no way!"

    "It''s sote, uncle and aunt must rest, too. Do you want to disturb their rest?" Joseph spoke in a low tone, no longer as cold and cruel as before. On the contrary, it was full of gentle indulgence.

    "It was you, not me, who disturbed them." Irish red at him, lowering her voice and almost gnashing her teeth. "Joseph, what kind of tricks do you want to y? What do you want to do at my uncle''s house?"

    There was a hidden vignce in herint. Joseph could naturally hear it, but he said, "Irish, I just want to take you back."

    He was still thinking about what she looked like when she was a child, making him feel pity for her.

    "You..."

    "Irish, it''s all right. When two people are together, how can they not quarrel?" Now that Joseph hase on his own initiative, go back with him and stop making a temper like a child." It was Mary''s voice. Although she looked a little unhappy, she still said a fair word.

    Irish bit her lips to death.

    Joseph hugged her all the time and lowered his voice in her ear. "Listen to me. If you continue to lose your temper, your uncle and aunt get worried."

    Irish looked up at him and rolled her eyes to him.

    Joseph, however, did not get angry butughed. He turned to Steven and Mary and apologized, tugged at Irish, and left.

    It took Mary a few seconds to react. She ran out quickly and shouted at Joseph through the courtyard door, "Be careful with her arm."

 Chapter 762 762: What’s The Use Of Being In A Hurry?

    After getting into the car, Joseph first checked her arm, but Irish dodged it.

    He sighed and whispered, "What happened to your arm?"

    Irish waspletely silent and twisted her head to one side.

    Joseph reached out to untie her button to check, but she patted his hand and red at him, "Don''t touch me!"

    She was sharp as a hedgehog with thorns all over her body.

    Joseph suddenly remembered that she had fallen on the sofa. His heart was tight, and naturally, he med himself for not being gentle, thinking more about whether she had been hurt or not. But Irish refused and looked cold, and he did not dare to act for fear that she would be hurt by ident again, so he had to give up.

    Reaching out, he interlocked her hand, though she was reluctant.

    He whispered softly, "It was my fault, no, I did everything wrong. Irish, will you forgive me?"

    Irish closed her lips, did not speak, and her eyes kept looking away. She did not look at him.

    Joseph sighed heavily and sent her fingers to his lips. "Well, what do you want me to do topensate you?"

    The stubble on his chin hurt her a little, and she took the opportunity to pull her hand and replied coldly, "You don''t need to."

    "Why?" Joseph had never been annoyed, patient, but sincere, "Irish, you have to believe in me."

    "Believe in you?" Irish seemed to hear a fantasy and shook her head with a sneer. "Why do you want me to believe in you?"

    "Since you heard that in the hospital, you should understand my mind. I never wanted to use you for anything." Joseph stared at her.

    Irish squinted slightly. "If you are more sincere, I will believe it. I will doubt if I misheard it at that time. Unfortunately, Joseph, you really told my father that you really did not love me at all. I will remember this sentence all my life!"

    After listening to this, Joseph''s brain ran quickly and made a message arrangement. Finally, he made a clear line. ording to her characteristics, after hearing his words, she had left. But thetter words had been clearly not heard. And Henry also knew about Irish''s characteristics, after all, he was her father, so he had been so sorry to tell him that he had arranged for Irish to eavesdrop on them.

    So at present, even if he jumped into the ocean, he could not clear her suspicions. He knew Irish; even if he exined, he could not deny what she had heard then.

    It was human nature. At that moment, no one would doubt that his uttered words that he didn''t love her would be fatal pain for Irish.

    When ites to that, God severely punished him by letting his original n unfold before Irish''s ears.

    Irish finally added, "Joseph, the more you exin, the more you hide, so no matter what you say or do, I won''t believe in you."

    Joseph sighed deeply and helplessly.

    ****

    And after Joseph and Irish''s departure, Mary began to chatter, "You didn''t ask them what was going on with them?"

    Steven packed up the tea set and slowly said, "Nothing. It must be Irish who lost her temper when she saw the gossip. Isn''t itmon for girls to be jealous of that and piqued quarrel? Don''t worry."

    Mary sighed, went into the bathroom, twisted a wet towel, and came out, wiping her face and talking to Steven. "It''s not what I worry about. I just think it''s strange since Irish came back from Chicago. In the past, she always talked about Joseph, and now she seldom talks about him. We don''t know what''s wrong with these two people. And there''s something I haven''t had time to tell you. Irish''s arm has been dislocated. I just took Irish to Jacob''s clinic."

    "Ah? Dislocated?" Steven was surprised. "Is it serious? She''s fine now?"

    "Jacob is an old master. You don''t have to worry about that. Irish''s arm is all right." Mary sighed and said, "You should care about why her arm dislocated."

    "What did she say?"

    Mary sped the towel and sat on the sofa. "She said, to avoid a red light, the taxi driver braked suddenly, so she hit her shoulder on the door, and that was the result."

    "Oh." Steven nodded.

    Mary was unhappy. "Oh? Do you believe what she said? Irish has liked climbing trees since childhood. When she fell from a high ce, she did not even make her arms dislocated. How could a sudden hit the door dislocate her arm? I think this matter must have something to do with Joseph. Maybe he hit Irish!"

    Stevenughed at it. "You think all day long. How could Joseph hit Irish?"

    "Anyway, I can''t believe her arm would be dislocated after hitting the door." Mary curled her lips.

    Besides, Steven also packed up the tea set and said, "Look at you. You are eager for them to reconcile, right? Don''t think about it, you also saw just now Joseph hase here. If he really hits Irish, can Irish stand it? Perhaps she hit the door, and a force injured her arm. I opened a martial arts hall. This kind of situation happens a lot."

    As he spoke, he carried the tea set into the kitchen.

    Mary thought about it, put the towel back in the bathroom, and followed him into the kitchen. Steven was washing every teacup finely, all of which were old objects, so he was careful.

    "Well, you didn''t ask Joseph anything?"

    "What do you mean?" Steven was puzzled.

    Mary rolled her eyes at him, "Idiot, are you? You should ask him when they get married! He promised to me before, but right now, they''re not married yet, and you''re not in a hurry?"

    "What''s the use of being in a hurry? After all, it''s all about the children. How can you be so urgent?"

    Mary put her arms around her chest. "After all, ours is a girl, although, at present, it is nothing, as a parent, I am ufortable. What will things look like if she gets pregnant and they haven''t married yet? People will talk about it, and rumors fly. So if the man does not mention marriage one day, our daughter will suffer an extra humiliation."

    Steven stopped the movement and sighed heavily after a moment of silence.

 Chapter 763 763: Can I Be Your Girlfriend When I Grow Up?

    It waste at night, and everything was quiet.

    There was a wind, and a sound of leaves falling on the window, making a slight "snap" sound.

    After taking a shower, Joseph went back to his bedroom.

    The bedroom lights were dark. It was pale goose yellow, covering ayer of glowing warmth.

    Irishy on the bed early to rest. She turned her back in his direction, closed her eyes, and her hair was scattered on the pillow. After washing, she looked a little pale, close to the white sheet, and only her ck hair was clear.

    Joseph paused and looked at the scene in front of him. Somehow, his heart poured out of strange warmth, and it quickly prated into his veins. For the first time, he felt that beauty was by his side, and even though she had once turned away, she had never left him after all.

    He made his steps light. Irish''s eyshes shook gently when the bed swayed slightly but soon disappeared like ripples and regained peace.

    When Joseph knew she was not asleep, he leaned against his head and gently hugged her from behind. She struggled, and his arm used his strength to constantly force her to stay inside his arms.

    Irish struggled, but gave up, opted to close her eyes, and did not look at him.

    Joseph took the opportunity to look at her shoulder. The skin which had bumped into the coffee table at present was a little bruised, but there was no broken skin and bleeding. He was more or less relieved but still felt guilty for his rudeness.

    "Turn around and sleep." He bowed his head and coaxed her gently.

    Irish was motionless and closed her eyes tightly.

    When Joseph knew that her stubbornness wasing up again, he was amused and irritated, and he whispered, "It would be hard for you to sleep like this, and you press your heart."

    "You don''t have to be hypocritical!" Irish was cold.

    The faint light spread over her little shoulder, looking thin and powerless, and she pressed the bruises. Joseph looked into her eyes, thought about it, and simply turned over andid face to face with her.

    Sure enough, Irish found him lying over and turned her back to him angrily.

    This time Joseph didn''t tease her, he just reached out and hugged her from behind and circled her into his arms.

    She was firmly cuddled in his arms, her back against his chest, and she could even feel his heartbeat, matching her heartbeat firmly and forcefully.

    Irish hated the feeling and tried to pull a long distance, but his arms were strong, clinging to her waist and always ordering her to stick to him.

    She closed her eyes again, tried not to think of anything, and wanted to fall asleep as soon as possible. As a matter of fact, she was really tired after a long night.

    In this way, the twoy together in such a position neither of them spoke.

    The bedroom was quiet.

    Only the hands of the clock were beating in the box, making it quieter between them.

    A long timeter, Joseph stood up slightly and looked at her side''s facial lines through the warm light in the room. His eyes were gentle and affectionate, and he opened his mouth. His voice was soft and mellow.

    "If you don''t want children, we can stop for the time being."

    His sudden remark surprised Irish, and although her eyes were closed, there was a slight tremor between her eyebrows.

    Joseph bowed his head and pestered gently in her ear. "So don''t take any more medicine or injections. It''s not good for you. Irish, I can beg you, cherish your body."

    Irish''s body was stiff.

    Joseph no longer said anything, putting his arm around her.

    From struggle to tension to helplessly giving up resistance, she finally looked like a quiet animal in his arms. Yet, during the whole process, Joseph never let her go.

    Irish was indeed tired, and gradually her eyebrows were rxed.

    But Joseph was sleepless, although, outside the window, there were bright moon and stars. His sleepiness disappeared without a trace.

    He sensed that the woman in her arms was breathing smoothly. Knowing that she had fallen asleep, his hands raised, and his slender fingers caressed her face, her smooth forehead, and her bent eyebrows.

    As time passed, he forgot the eyebrows and eyes in his memory.

    It turned out that God was the real master of creation and transformation. He and she once met and then separated. Each of them saw too many scenes, and after a circle, she finally returned to his arms.

    He should associate them with her, but he could not believe it because their fates were unspeakable.

    The delicate voice in his memory came back to his mind, and the strange feeling became clearer and clearer. Finally, the memory broke out from the shell, which he had hidden in the old time box and had not been opened, for he believed that the child''s words were nothing more than an unintentional remark.

    He remembered her tearful appearance.

    Little as her, she curled up in the alley, and she said she was afraid.

    He waspassionate and took her hand out of the longne. The unintentional conversation broke through the time box and wandered in his ears.

    "Brother, are you my boyfriend?"

    "Boyfriend?"

    "A sister said that boyfriend will take care of his girlfriend, so brother, you are my boyfriend, I am your girlfriend, and you can take care of me."

    "But... You look very young."

    "Can I be your girlfriend when I grow up?"

    "Well..."

    "Brother. You promise me, please."

    "All right, I promise you, when you grow up, you''ll be my girlfriend, okay?"

    "Then you have made a promise. He remembered that he did promise the little girl to be his girlfriend when she grew up.

    Later, she said her feet hurt and cried that her little flower skirt would get dirty. His heart was soft because he had no sister, and he did not know what would happen if a sister acted cute to him, but he admitted that her tearful appearance made him not be able to refuse, and although she was like a little troublemaker, he did not hesitate to carry her all the way.

    The little girl in his memory, as beautiful as a doll,y quietly on his back, asking him, "Brother, can you help me find my mother?"

 Chapter 764 764: Did She Think He Was Familiar?

    She looked lovely in a small dress, and the lovely look was fixed in the photo, and the picture was collected in his wallet.

    At present, the girl in the flower dress had grown up, and her delicate eyebrows became beautiful. Steven was right, at present, Irish was not as like a doll as she was when she was a child, but he cherished her beauty as a woman.

    Joseph''s eyes fixed on her cheek instantly, and she had been so eager to be his girlfriend. At present, she was in his arms. After their separation at the age of four, she must have forgotten him after all these years, just as he would never have thought that the little girl who had broken into his heart was the one in front of him.

    He could not help but hook his lips and put his arms around her.

    She was always so naughty that she would inadvertently break into his world and walk into his heart.

    As when she was a child, she squatted pitifully in the corner as if waiting for him to appear, and at this time a year ago, her drunken appearance caught his eyes deeply, and then she bumped into his arms and irresponsibly stirred his dusty heart.

    It was not until at present that Joseph really understood what he had done at the time. He thought he was a self-made man and had seen so many women who took the initiative to seduce him. There was no one whom he really wanted to take away except for her. Somehow he knew her very well, and it turned out that the feeling had long been deep in his childhood.

    What about her?

    Did she think he was familiar?

    Or, that day, when she murmured "brother" in fever, he expected that she was calling him.

    Really?

    Could he have that expectation?

    Joseph''s fingers froze.

    Little as her, she was looking forward to asking him if he could help her find her mother. He had promised her, but he broke it.

    From then on, he did not easily promise.

    He didn''t help her find her mother because he fought with the adults, but he was just a child, his arm couldn''t twist their thighs, so he had to yell at her to run away.

    Her little figure disappeared into the night sky, but her cry echoed in his ears. Atst, the group of adults caught up, and he was forcibly taken away.

    Once the good memories are mixed with pain, then the memory theory should be hidden, so he chose to forget and no longer deliberately remembered that.

    "Irish, I''m sorry." Joseph''s eyebrows tightened painfully, he bowed his head and kissed her lips lightly.

    It was a good thing to forget, just for her and him.

    He looked at her, clear that what he had to do from now on was to love and take care of her wholeheartedly, for he knew very well that even if her memory was really rted to the past and how painful it was, he hoped that she would never remember it.

    Even if she never remembered that he was the little boy who carried her through the longne, even if she forgot his promise as a child.

    None of these matters because he had to protect some people, and he did not want her to know, touch, and look into them.

    Forever, silent, and traceless.

    ****

    Lilith came to the drug treatment center, and Jay didn''t know that.

    Still, in that room, she saw Carmen.

    More haggard than she had seenst time. Carmen was skinny, and her appearance made people worried at first nce.

    Once upon a time, Lilith had hoped that Carmen could not resist the attack of drug addiction, especially when she remembered Jay holding her, she had preferred to see Carmen die soon and no longer exist in the world.

    She was ashamed of the evil idea but looked forward to it so much.

    At present, when she saw Carmen hit the wall again, and her whole body twitched, she thought it might be a relief that Carmen could die at this time.

    The staff rushed into the room and subdued Carmen with all hands and feet.

    Carmen made a sad roar like a trapped beast.

    This kind ofpulsory detoxification was cruel. If she could survive, it would be sessful, and if she could not, it would be hell.

    Lilith''s heart trembled, and when she saw that he could not bear it behind the scenes, she rushed forward and pushed one of them away, and roared, "That''s enough, even if you force her to have detoxification, you have to use appropriate ways and means, right? She''s a human being, not an animal. You scratched her arm!"

    Sure enough, one of Carmen''s arms was bleeding.

    The staff member pushed away by Lilith eximed impatiently, "Why are you visiting at this time? Get out of here. Her addiction is on!"

    Lilith was pushed out of the door.

    With a bang, the iron door was closed, and she could only look through the railing inside.

    Suddenly, not knowing where the strength was, Carmen rushed to the iron railing. In front of her, Carmen shouted, "I beg you, please kill me."

    This made Lilith feel heartbroken.

    Lilith did not know how long this crying was, in short, when everything quieted down, Lilith''s ear still reverberated with the words of Carmen. It could be seen that she was bent on dying. Life was not as good as dead, even if she was an outsider, she seemed to be able to feel the same way.

    Lilith never left. In fact, she always wanted to know how a woman like Carmen could love Jay.

    No one she hade into contact with had been like her since childhood.

    When the drug addiction broke out, Carmen was tied up. The staff feared Carmen would hurt someone, so they had to do so. When she returned to normal, the rope was untied. When Lilith went in again, Carmen crouched quietly in the corner and covered her face with her hair.

    Lilith came up to see her. She didn''t know when she held a photo. It was Jay''s photo. Carmen destroyed a lot of things, only this photo was intact.

    When she heard the movement, Carmen turned her head and looked at Lilith for a long time.

    Lilith did not speak and then sat down next to her.

    "I''ve seen you in Florida." Carmen said lightly, "Thest time you came with him, I finally realized what you looked like when you were at the airport."

 Chapter 765 765: There Is A Law In This World

    Lilith did not speak, a long timeter, she took the picture in her hand. In the photo, Jay was in a ruffian appearance, smoking, smiling, not knowing what he was looking at. This was a captured photo.

    "I''m sorry." Carmen apologized to her. "I''m a drug dealer, but I never wanted to be a third woman."

    Lilith shook her head gently, and she wanted to say it was all right, but she could not say it.

    "You have to take care of it." After a long time, Lilith gently said.

    Carmen took the picture back from her hand and stared at Jay in the photo. Lilith could see clearly that the look in her eyes was gentle and affectionate, so soft.

    "I know. He wants me to be a stain witness."

    Lilith nodded heavily. "You know, there are many good things in the world. You''re still so young to start over. Just cooperate with the police."

    Carmen looked at her with a faint smile, "But I still love him. What can I do?"

    Lilith froze.

    "I''ve been waiting since I saw youst time. I know you''lle again because you love him, too." Carmen leaned against the wall and seemed tired, but the words were full of weight.

    "In fact, you should have killed me and should have done so."

    Lilith shook her head, how could she?

    "If it had been me, I would have killed you, so you wouldn''t have a chance to rob him again," Carmen murmured.

    Lilith whispered, "There is aw in this world."

    "What if there is aw? Since ancient times, women have been selfish for love, and there will be means. If it has been found, it will be called unscrupulous means." Carmen smiled gently.

    "All I know is that if you love someone, you have to try to think for each other, and you should make each other happy." Lilith disagreed with her. "Just as you say you love him, then if you really love him, you should be a stain witness."

    "I could have done this for him." Carmen looked at her. "But I can''t stand another woman around him. Since you say you love someone, you will achieve his dream. Well, if you can leave him, I''ll promise to be a stain witness."

    Lilith froze because she didn''t expect her to say that.

    "Not willing to do that? Some words are just easy to say, how can it really be that simple? Let''s just say it, as long as I live in this world one day, you and he will never be happy, and I will not make you happy."

    Lilith clenched her fist. "You are selfish."

    "Yes, I am selfish because I love him."

    Lilith stared at her, unable to speak for a long time.

    ****

    Professor Tim focused on the new subject, and in the words of the staff of the Linkus, he had be a typical anchor. Only after the matter was done would hee out.

    But Irish could not imagine Professor Tim''s "great things", and she had no time to learn about the new subject. So after arriving at the Linkus, she held a morning meeting as the team leader.

    At the end of the meeting, Cheska still ignored her, and ir was still like an idiot. For a long time, he could only hold out a sentence. As usual, Professor Tim could still quarrel with Cheska during the meeting, but she currently presided over the meeting. Hence, she tried to bear it when she avoided using power for personal gain.

    When she returned to the office, Irish mmed the papers on her desk and sat in a chair.

    Christy hurriedly went up to help with the scattered documents and looked carefully at her face, fearing that she would be offended by ident. Even she felt that Irish was not in a good mood these days. And she had just been angered by Cheska, and at present, her whole face looked pale.

    The phone rang on the table. Christy was startled and answered quickly.

    When the other party finished, she said, please wait for a while, and then handed the phone to Irish. She cautiously said, "A man named Adam looked for you."

    Adam?

    Irish thought about it, answered the phone, and when Christy went out, she gave a faint greeting.

    The man had a soft voice. "Did he embarrass youst night?"

    Irish was silent.

    Not knowing what happened to her over there, he was worried and asked, "He embarrassed you?"

    "If I say he embarrassed me, what can you do?" Irish identally threw out this sentence.

    The other side was stunned.

    "Can you still take me away?"

    "Irish, what''s wrong with you?" The other side obviously found it strange.

    Irish clenched her fist.

    The other side quickly added, "Of course, if you agree, I''ll do it. I like you. I''ve never hidden that."

    "Do you like me?" Irishughed, "The most annoying thing in my life is that people cheat me. You say you like me, so I ask you, you use which name to like me? Adam? Or your name Anthony?"

    The man froze over there again, and it took a long time for him to stutter. "How do you, how do you know that?"

    "It''s not hard to look into someone these days, is it? Not to mention a big living man!" Irish bit her teeth and took a hard line. "Even if you don''t call me today, I''ll find you out!" Tell me, why did you approach me under the guise of Adam? What are your intentions to get close to me?"

    "I... My name has been Adam for a long time."

    "I will correct your statement. You changed your name only a year ago. You used to be called Anthony!" Irish''s voice was sharp, impolite, "Then I would like to know, is this a coincidence or intentional?"

    "I��"

    "Don''t you want to confess to me?" Irish said with a cold face, "For those who deceive me, I have never had much patience!"

    After a long time, the man said, "Irish, you first have to trust me. I really have no n to harm you. Don''t get me wrong. Well, let''s have lunch together. I''ll tell you more about it."

    "No way. I won''t see you again. You either say it right now or never!" Irish''s tone turned cold, and she refused his invitation very decisively.

 Chapter 766 766: Do Not Call Me Or Meet Me

    Irish was frank, and it was usual for her to behave sharply. Of course, she tended to be impatient with some people or something unimportant to her. This call was just an example. The requests put forward by Anthony made Irish more and more unhappy, so she just behaved less politely.

    Anthony figured out her impatience, so he exined immediately and emphasized that he was not malicious. He was afraid that she would hang it up impatiently, so he just told her the truth.

    "Irish, it''s my fault to cheat you regarding the fake name. I decided to change my name one year ago after knowing you had returned from abroad."

    "Why?" Irish was very cold.

    "I have liked you since a long time ago," Anthony said hriously, toning up his voice.

    Irish was in a daze for the time being.

    "Irish, you know how one feels when he likes someone so much? I have had this feeling so painful. You know what? I have known you for a long time. Six years ago, you climbed so many top mountains, which made you more and more famous in the climbing circle. At that time, I viewed some reports on you, and I couldn''t just move my eyes off you. I entered the group chat anonymously to get information about you daily. I even ran to your school to visit you. I think you are the one I want to find and can be with forever. However, one day you said that you had a boyfriend called Adam. He was also good at climbing. I felt disappointed that you talked happily about him. One day six years ago, you made an appointment with the met friends to climb a high mountain in Columbia. Knowing that it was a mountain I also wanted to conquer, I signed up for it. Maybe you didn''t notice me at all since you were only d that Adam would also go there. I finally knew that you two had gone there one day earlier, and something unlucky had happened to him when I arrived. My parents discovered that I went climbing identally, so they urged me to return. In this way, I followed their order, but I didn''t get out of the group chat. I hoped that I could gain some information from you at any time, but you just disappeared as if this sport had nothing to do with you anymore. It was not until one year ago that you showed up in the group chat and told us that you were going toe back. And then you left."

    Irish remembered it. At that time, she had been active in a group chat, where many talents in climbing were amassed. After her mother''s death, she was in pain and hatred daily. Although she was abroad, she would feel annoyed by the news about the Lakes. She could only feel rxed in that group chat.

    She could talk about anything and chat with those guys with the same hobby about the climate, geography, and the tools to use for climbing.

    As for Anthony, she didn''t know him at all since not everyone was online at any time, restricted by the time difference. Some even used nicknames. There were fixed chatters, so they knew each other gradually.

    She hasn''t entered the group chat since Adam''s death. She was afraid and terrified.

    She was afraid of others'' sympathy andfort and also afraid that she would feel sad while talking about climbing.

    As she wasing back, she had great courage to join the group again. To her surprise, some were still there, so she just told them her decision and left again.

    She never thought the man on the call would notice it.

    "I never thought that you woulde back, and finally, I knew something about you after a long time. I was excited that you were in New York and knew I would not lose this opportunity to meet you. However, approaching you was difficult, and there were rumors about you. I didn''t care about those rumors, but I was just thinking about how to meet you. Finally, I took advantage of all kinds of rtionships to connect with you and appeared in front of you as a guy having a blind date with you. I know that there must be many followers behind you, so I just thought of Adam. I changed the name on my ID card and met you by the name of Adam. In this way, you could pay attention to me."

    Irish clenched the phone and didn''t know what to say.

    "Irish, please trust me. I really..."

    "Do you know Adam or not? Any connection with him?" Irish interrupted Anthony without any sympathy.

    Anthony sighed, "If possible, I really hope I can connect with him. In that case, you will not refuse me so directly."

    "You have no connection with him?"

    "You mentioned him. I also wanted to know him one day, who was so unforgettable for you." Anthony said sadly.

    Irish felt more disappointed.

    As she knew that Anthony used Adam''s name, she had been expecting that she could gain more information about Adam from Anthony. However, Anthony was just Anthony. ording to his description, she couldn''t imagine what his purpose was.

    "Do not call me or meet me," Irish said.

    "Irish, am I defeated? Six years ago, Adam defeated me, and now again by Joseph?" Anthony said anxiously.

    "Yes," Irish said directly.

    Anthony never thought that she would be so direct, so she was just in a daze, and after a while, he murmured, "Sorry. I shouldn''t cheat you. I..."

    p����d��-��?�ͨ�|���㨮�� "Never mind. The reason is very simple. I can''t just be in love with you, so please do not waste time on me and try to find a good one. "Irish hung it up directly.

    Her forehead ached.

    Irish pressed it with great strength. She felt so tired.

    Adam''s disappearance was just like a bomb in the deep water. Although those who knew it said that he was dead, Irish would like to believe that he was just gone. He would not go for it if she didn''t head for the mountain with great passion.

    So, she hoped that Adam was still alive and would appear in front of her one day, and then she would have an opportunity to apologize.

    It seemed that Anthony had no connection with Adam. If he really did, Joseph would not only disclose the information that Anthony borrowed Adam''s name. Now that Joseph had an investigation on Anthony, he must have got all the useful information.

 Chapter 767 767: You Born To Be A Leader

    Joseph was busy with the decision on the Spring-Autumn new arrivals after returning, and the corporation had been in turmoil from the end of the year to the beginning. Adjustments had been made within and out of the corporation, and the board of directors went through great changes. The Key Group also bumped into the Runestone Group many times, so winning the battle in the Spring-Autumn finally made it easier for the Runestone Group.

    ording to the feedback from the market, the volume of the Runestone Group''s Spring-Autumn new arrivals exceeded that of the Key Group by 2%, which proved that the Runestone Group won the battle. The Key Group also admitted that it had been settled in the Bright Mall. Joseph figured out Leo''s ambition through it.

    Later he knew why Leo had been in close connection with Rosy. It was possible for him to make use of Rosy so that the Key Group could be settled in the Bright Mall one day and equal to the Runestone Group in the global market.

    Leo''s behavior showed that he nned to have a battle with Joseph regarding new Autumn-Winter arrivals.

    Joseph had been in meetings with the directors from the Marketing Department, Design Department, and Public Rtions Department since he came back to the Runestone Group for the arrangements of Autumn-Winter new arrivals. As for the new Autumn-Winter arrivals this year, a new spokesperson was invited, and the main focus was the perfect harmony between Chinese embroidery and jewelry.

    Actually, Joseph''s true purpose in going to Light Townst year was to upgrade the cultural idea of Chinese embroidery by connecting its reserved connotation and brightness. The scene raised the idea of adding viburnum macrocephalus when it identally ran into Irish''s bosom.

    That scene was so beautiful.

    p����d��-��?�ͨ�|���㨮�� Large and white viburnum macrocephalus ran into her bosom with little petals falling down beside her��such a quiet and beautiful scenery.

    After the meeting, Joseph intended to take a nap. At this time, Daisy knocked at the door and came in, passing on the files in her hand, "Joseph, this is the workflow for today''s regr meeting with the media. It needs your approval."

    Usually, the workflow for the regr meeting was fixed and needed no extra approval; however, the regr meeting this time was rted to rumors about Becky and Joseph. If there was no rification from the Runestone Group''s side, there would be more fake news outside. Becky had been in discussion due to a non-public Mentality Report. Some media even stated with certainty that Becky had had an abortion for Joseph, which was the main cause of her psychological illness.

    This kind of rumor was really harmful to Joseph''s image and also to the corporation''s, so Daisy could understand Joseph''s decision to rify it by himself, but she thought that Joseph did it for Irish instead of for Becky.

    Joseph took it over. The workflow had no problem, so he just took up the speech draft, frowning.

    Daisy immediately exined, "The Public Rtions Department director wrote this. Adjustments can be made if it is not okay for you." Joseph didn''t look at it anymore and put it aside, "No need."

    Daisy didn''t understand whether there was no need for adjustments or for a speech draft. She intended to ask, but at this time, Roy came in, so she had to leave. Roy looked casual today,paratively.

    There was a suit on his upper body without a shirt but just a simple white T-shirt. He also wore Jeans, which were not in harmony with his status as a chairman of the Runestone Group.

    Obviously, Joseph was not satisfied with Roy''s casual look, so he just frowned lightly. Finally, however, he didn''tment on his dress and just said, "Your position was not so easy for your father, actually."

    He made a cup of coffee for Roy and signed him to sit down.

    Roy sensed his air of scolding, but he just smiled and sat down on the sofa directly. He looked at the sky outside the window. Of course, he knew there was no ne downtown, but the noise of taking off andnding hanging around him was still there.

    He looked back at Joseph, who sat down across from him, and smiled, "There is no need for me to be stressed since you are here."

    "Is it sarcasm?" Joseph sipped the coffee and said lightly.

    Roy took over the cup, "I hope so."

    Joseph didn''t say anything.

    "One question here." Roy took a nce at him.

    Joseph put down the cup and leaned against the sofa, looking at him and waiting for his question.

    "If you have a sister, whom I like so much, will you let her be with me?" Roy asked with a seeming smile.

    Joseph thought of it for a while and smiled, "No."

    "Why?" Roy raised his eyebrow.

    Joseph put his left leg onto his right one, looking elegant. He said impolitely, "You are a yboy."

    Roy felt doubtful, "What a pity! Do you look at me in this way?"

    "You establish this image by yourself, not by others''ments," Joseph said lightly.

    "If I have a sister, I will set a high standard for her pursuers. You are out."

    Roy stared at Joseph, smiling.

    Joseph totally understood his meaning, so he just added slowly, "I am unlike you."

    "I thought so before, but not now."

    "I will deal with the rumor in a good way." Joseph grasped the point.

    Roy looked at him, knowing that talking to a smart one would not cost time, so he just nodded, "I hope you can make it."

    "If you had attended today''s meeting, you would not have gone to my office room."

    Joseph pointed at the desk, "I will be there at today''s regr meeting with the media."

    Royughed, "That''s good. I think you look good on the camera."

    "Thank you."

    Roy emptied the cup. As he put down the cup, he was thinking. Compared with freedom just now, he seemed to be more serious.

    "What do you want to say?" Joseph asked directly as he saw it.

    Roy was so casual but said sincerely, "The reason why I came to the position was that I doubted that you had something to do with my father''s death."

    As Joseph heard it, he didn''t appear angry or surprised but just nodded lightly and asked, "So how about now?"

    "Actually, I haven''t found any doubtful points until now."

    "You can carry on."

    Roy looked at him, smiling, "How about admitting it by yourself to save time?" Joseph alsoughed, "What was my motive? Otherwise, you will not believe it."

    Roy leaned behind, "Maybe you are so clever, or maybe you are truly innocent; anyway, I haven''t found any clues besides your obvious ambition. At least the old shareholders were cleared by you."

    "Managers are never kind," Joseph said lightly. "We all know that bad one should be out. Managing an enterprise is the same case. We should keep the good ones while cutting the bad ones and recing them with fresh brains. It is a long-term strategy for a corporation''s running."

    "That''s why you are fit for business." Roy added sincerely, "Although I am the oldest offspring of the Lake family, to be honest, I am not fit for this position. Take the firing happening the other day as an example, I knew that he made mistakes, but I just couldn''t make the decision without any hesitation. You are born to be a leader, while I can''t make it."

 Chapter 768 768: Just Say It

    Joseph didn''t speak, looking at him.

    "Joseph, I believe that you have nothing to do with my father''s death. I am not good at managing, so I hope that you can take responsibility. I will be out." Roy looked at him sincerely.

    Joseph was not surprised at his decision, so he just thought for a while and said, "It''s known that you are in this position to make the Lakes satisfied. If you are out, how do you exin it to them?"

    "Unless they want to force me to death. I have ways to persuade them." Roy shrugged.

    "Aren''t you afraid that I will take the Runestone Group?" Joseph asked.

    Roy leaned forward and stared at Joseph, "So you must keep one promise."

    "Just say it."

    "I will be out of the Runestone Group and give you the whole responsibility of running. I will not interfere with you on any management method or decision, but you should guarantee to keep the shares of Lakes equal with your family and the Lakes'' rights and interests."

    Joseph smiled and promised, "Sure, I will keep it."

    "Done." Roy sent his hands out. Joseph shook hands with him.

    ****

    As Jay went back, Lenard came to him.

    Jay heard that Lenard met with Lilith to have a blind date. Kelly told him this news, and he finally had an idea about Lenard''s family.

    His rtionship with Lilith became more difficult due to thest time''s meeting. He knew that Lilith met Carmen by herself through the staff in the facility. Jay knew that it would be hard for him and Lilith toe back to the former rtionship.

    He didn''t know how to make an effort in a rtionship, though he clearly knew who he loved.

    Sometimes love was just like a car without a motor, which would not start regardless of careful maintenance.

    He remembered that Irish had said that love would not be pure anymore if there were more consideration.

    Yes, it would not be pure.

    However, as he saw Lenard, he was so annoyed.

    Seeing Jay''s cold expression, Lenard put his cap aside and asked, "Can I have a seat?"

    Since they were in the police office, they needed to do things by the regtions, so Jay had to calm down and say lightly, "Sit down."

    Lenard sat down across from him and said, after thinking for a while, "Jay, we need to have a talk."

    Seeing the record handed over by Lenard, Jay just answered simply.

    "Carmen''s case has been passed to me, but she doesn''t cooperate with me, so the process goes slowly. You are clear that those undercovers sent by the police school are still beside those drug dealers, so they are in possible danger if this case is dyed. It is suggested that you should contact Carmen and persuade her to be a tainted witness." Lenard said seriously.

    Jay took a nce at him with a light voice, "You will leave office within half a year. It''s enough for you."

    "Jay." Lenard sighed heavily, "I didn''t mean to cheat you. I..."

    "I will follow the orders and try to persuade Carmen." Jay wasn''t willing to talk more obviously, so he just interrupted Lenard.

    Lenard felt assured and nodded, "Thank you."

    "It''s my duty."

    Lenard didn''t talk anymore.

    Just in this way, there was short-time silence.

    "Secondly." Lenard hesitated.

    Jay put down the record and stared at him.

    Lenard also looked at him, "You must know that Lilith has had a blind date with me. Actually, today I also want to tell you that I like Lilith. I will pursue her from today on. I know that she is your girlfriend, and it is inappropriate for me to grab her with you, but one''s love cannot be controlled. I willpete with you in a fair way. I will just do it no matter whether you hate me or not."

    Jay closed the record, "Are you done? Please just go out. I am busy."

    "I would rather that you hit me. I..."

    "Do you really think that I dare not to hit you?" Jay stood up suddenly and grabbed up Lenard''s cor, hitting on his face with a fist.

    Lenard was hit directly without hitting back and just sat on the floor. He rubbed on his mouth. Jay''s attack was so strong that Lenard''s mouth skin came off.

    "Now that you have broken up with Lilith, it''s better for her to be with me." Lenard stood up and patted off the dust. He took up the cap and put it on his head, "I really think that I can make her safer. But, of course, this sense of safety has nothing to do with money. At least she will not marry a policeman who may be in danger every day. Jay, admit it or not, you are doomed to be an excellent policeman. Nobody can rece you."

    Jay''s fury disappeared. He tried his best to repress his anger. He walked to the door and opened it, saying with a still, cold voice, "Get out."

    Lenard finished his tasks, so he just left without more words.

    Jay closed the door and sat back in the chair with tight fists.

    ****

    It was in the Runestone Group. Today''s regr meeting with the media was more boisterous than ever.

    The regr meeting with the media was held at 3 p.m. timely. However, the hall was filled with reporters when it was nearly 2 p.m. Some even had no seats, so they were just in the alley.

    Outside the office building, those media who were not invited also sent their reporters. They were just surrounded by each other.

    When it was 3 p.m., the director of the Public Rtions Department went on the stage with a standard smile, and for the time being, all those reporters pressed the shutter. They were afraid of missing any subtle information, so they didn''t let their camera go off.

    Of course, no matter how beautiful and brilliant her smile was, their focus was not on the director. They were really cautious about Joseph''s attendance.

    After the director went on the stage, Daisy pushed the door, and Joseph came out. Soon the audience focused on him.

    There was a meeting after the simple dinner, so Joseph just finished the meeting and arrived at the hall. As a result, his dress didn''t look so distant.

    He wore a smoky gray shirt with a pair of simple ck pants. He didn''t wear a coat or a tie or some decorations with business vor. The only golden decoration was the watch on his wrist and the belt fastener on his waist, looking low-key and reserved.

    It could be felt that he went for this meeting after another. Such a busy man appeared in front of so much media. His handsome look and tall figure made him a target for them. To get close to him, some even went forward and pushed the chairs down.

    The director reminded them to be quiet through the microphone, while reporters just couldn''t wait to follow the procedures and put forward questions. The noise was louder than that of the director.

    The director got anxious, but Daisy was still calm. She got familiar with such a scene, so she just called the guards. Those guards were trained formally. They made a road and guarded Joseph against those reporters.

 Chapter 769 769: His Public Confession - 1

    It was like a rampart was built, smashing out of the tempestuous wave, but there was still a tendency that the city would be submerged.

    "Dear friends, please sit back," persuaded the director of the public rtions department since she was afraid that the reporter''s regr meeting would be screwed up. She was responsible for this meeting, so she had to make sure that this meeting would proceed smoothly.

    However, those reporters ignored her sentences and behaved agitatedly.

    The director looked a little embarrassed, especially when she was aware that Joseph had taken a glimpse at her with his cold eyes. The cold sweat began to run from her forehead. Then, when she was about to say something, Joseph stepped onto the stage abruptly, so she hastily walked away.

    Seeing this, the reporters were getting more excited.

    It was full of noise, and the camera''s shutter sound floated. Joseph stayed calm, stood there motionlessly, and stared at them silently. His craggy face was serious under the light.

    The reporters were curious about his silence, and they all stopped asking questions. Looking at each other, those reporters were so confused.

    The noisy scene finally calmed down. Joseph took over the microphone and said, "Everybody, I am sure that you all have learned from Director Amy that I will be presented today, so I will answer all of your questions. Don''t be so anxious."

    His voice sounded more and more maic through the microphone, just like the cello yed in the wilderness, which was dulcet. People present wereforted by him, and they were getting quiet as he required.

    Be heaved a sigh of relief. She took a nce at Joseph and found that she admired him so much. Joseph was a brilliant business leader, and he was able to cope with any problems in any circumstances.

    The reporters finally kept silent, waiting for Joseph to continue. Seeing this, Joseph asked the guards to leave and ordered Daisy to dismiss all of them.

    His friendly behavior touched those reporters, and they began to whisper about that. Obviously, they felt relieved about his kind behavior.

    They started asking questions, as Joseph expected. However, now that he had promised to present at this meeting, he was clear that he had to make a positive response instead of talking nonsense.

    Therefore, when a reporter asked him if he would reply to their questions directly, he nodded his head firmly.

    After hearing this, people were getting more cheerful.

    "I am here to rify some rumors so as to keep the enterprise image of Runestone Group," added Joseph with a peaceful look.

    His words assured the reporters that it was their duty to figure out the truth. But they knew that most the people would only make some polite form to answer their questions. Therefore, the reporters always remained appreciative of them, while at the same time, they also hated their dubious attitude. They were appreciative because the enterprises would give those reporters orientation of information, but they were also indignant about the dubious attitude since the responsible persons of the enterprises would always deliver a form speech.

    But it was different this time since Becky caught people''s eyes, and she also made a statement to rify the rumors. She was all wet with tears in the press conference and dered that it was just gossip but not the truth.

    But her statement was treated with reserve because the reporters were clear that it might be a trick of Becky. Therefore, they all looked forward to Joseph''s presence. It was the main focus of those media.

    "Mr. Dover, there''s been a lot of talk about you and Becky, and all the information came from a person called "ping-pong ball." Do you know something about this web celebrity?" asked a reporter.

    The first question was not harsh, and perhaps the reporter was moved by Joseph''s kind words.

    "I am sorry. I am not well-informed about that information and know nothing about web celebrities. In other words, I am an idiot of Network information," replied Joseph calmly.<novelsnext>please visit </novelsnext>

    The journalists burst outughing at his self-mockery.

    "Mr. Dover, it is said that Becky showed up at your hotel at night when the ceremony was held. Would you mind exining that? I also got some photos to prove it," said another journalist. Although his question was incisive, his voice was rather kind.

    Joseph smiled softly and then replied skillfully, "Well, but you have to understand that the two photos you got only proved that Becky and I all got into the hotel at different times, but we didn''t show up in the same picture which means that you could not prove that we entered the hotel one after another at the same time."

    Joseph sessfully avoided the trap of this question. After hearing the words, the man looked embarrassed.

    "But you could not deny that Becky did show up at the hotel where you stayed that night, right?" continued the reporter.

    "Yes, you are right. But we just met outside the room," responded Joseph.

    "It is said by "ping-pong ball" that you kept an ambiguous rtionship with Becky. Mr. Dover, is it true?"

    Putting his hands on the tform, Joseph smiled faintly. He looked peaceful and then replied as the reporter finished his words, "Generally speaking, rumors spread at a rapid speed. But what is the rumor? The garbled news is called rumors. It spreads fast because there is no need to investigate its authenticity. My answer is very simple for this question. I didn''t keep an ambiguous rtionship with Becky before, and I would never keep such a dubious rtionship with her."

    ****

    Irish finished the psychological counseling of a customer, and when she was about to read Henry''s diary, she happened to receive a call from Cassie. The telephone ringing startled her and stirred the air in the room.

    It was noon, and people usually felt sleepy at this time, including Irish. But she was awakened by the sudden ringing.

    "I am so surprised. You call me at the working hours. It is not your style," Irish joked with Cassie.

    "Are you busy right now?" Cassie asked quickly.

    She was a little mysterious.

    "I am taking a nap."

    "Well, I have a piece of startling news for you. I am sure it will freshen your mind."

    "What kind of news?" Irish casually inquired.

    "Turn on yourputer or TV right now. Hurry up," Cassie urged her.

    "Cassie, you are so weird. What are you going to tell me?" Irish asked while on theputer.

    "Runestone Group is holding a regr press conference today. Watch it right now." Cassie hung up the phone as soon as she finished her sentence.

 Chapter 770 770: His Public Confession - 2

    ''Why should I keep an eye on it?!'' thought Irish to herself. But she still clicked the website link.

    Irish thought that it would be Be who used to hold this meeting. She would ept the interview with a smile to everyone presented. However, to her surprise, it was Joseph who was epting the interview there today.

    Shocked, Irish was frozen because she didn''t know why he would present the conference personally. As far as she was concerned, Be used to be the spokesman of Runestone Group, and Joseph had never presented at such a conference.

    When she still remained hesitant, a reporter started his question. "Mr. Dover, I heard that "ping-pong ball" disclosed that you kept an ambiguous rtionship with Becky before. Could you exin it to us?"

    Irish felt that her heart dropped when she heard this. It was not the press conference as usual since those journalists asked such harsh questions. Obviously, they onlyid their attention on his rtionship with Becky.

    ''Is he crazy? Why would he attend this conference today?'' Irish wondered in her mind.

    Irish gazed at theputer screen.

    Joseph was answering the reporter''s question forthrightly, and he said that he had nothing to do with Becky.

    He was not a man who used to exin to others.

    Irish sat on the couch stiffly, but gradually she turned to be nervous as if she was at the site of the conference.

    The reporters got agitated again as they heard his words.

    "But "ping-pong ball" has collected enough evidence. If you really have nothing to do with Becky, then why would "ping-pong ball" keep insisting that you have an affair with Becky?"

    Irish''s heart was beating so fast as she heard the sentence from the reporter. She gazed at Joseph motionless, waiting for his reply.

    The light was soft in the conference room, shining on Joseph''s sharp nose, which made him look more attractive.

    He smiled softly and moved his eyes from those reporters as if he was looking for someone among the crowd. But soon, Irish looked into his eyes through the screen, and then Irish realized that it was because he was focused on the camera lens.

    After a small pause, he then replied with a sly smile, "It is because someone is ying tricks on me."

    The people inside the conference room were astonished yet confused since they could not figure out what he meant. Irish couldn''t help but tremble abruptly since she felt that Joseph was talking about her. She felt like her heart was almost jumping out of her chest. Indeed, after Irish heard the rumors about Joseph and Becky, she was so indignant that she finally decided to take some steps, or in other words, she was determined to take revenge. She could not ignore her rage, so she tried to convince herself that she had done all this because she had to vent her irritation. Irish hated to be attacked by those harshments on the website since she did nothing wrong.

    Irish would not lie down under such treatment. ''Why should I take all the unfair treatment for the bitch? Thought Irish at the very beginning. However, when she calmed down, she was lost in thought.

    Actually, Irish''s only purpose was to force Joseph to rify all those rumors since she wanted to hear the truth from him. Irish hoped he could tell her that he never kept an ambiguous rtionship with Becky and he didn''t love that woman at all. Women were always sensitive, including Irish. After experiencing the copse of the trust with Joseph, Irish grew sensitive. She hoped Joseph would rify all this in front of her, but she was afraid that he would be disingenuous. Therefore, Irish was hesitant but still with expectations at the moment.

    "Mr. Dover, now that you said you have nothing to do with Becky, then why would she show up at your hotel?" another reporter asked.

    "The sponsor arranged the hotel where I stayed that night, so it was not strange even if she stayed at the same hotel with me. I met her for once before she just greeted me only out of politeness," exined Joseph indifferently.

    "Did she really just greet you out of politeness, or you tried to date with each other alone?" another reporter kept asking.

    Although Irish was not clear about the background of this reporter, she felt that his question was an extraordinary one.<novelsnext>please visit </novelsnext>

    Of course, Irish knew that Joseph would definitely deny that, but she was eager to know what he would answer.

    Just as she expected, Joseph faintly smiled as he heard this.

    "Date with Becky alone? Why should I date a strange woman but not my girlfriend? I am afraid that I don''t have so much time wasting on others," Joseph responded calmly.

    His words were like a bomb exploding in the stillke. In the next second, all of the people present there were shocked and began to whisper to each other.

    Irish, who was wondering how he would answer this question, was almost frozen as she heard that. Her head was buzzing, and her mind went nk abruptly.

    ''What did he say just now?'' Irish kept wondering.

    However, the reporters were the people who got the point immediately, while others still stayed astonished. His answer led the conference in another direction. The reporters'' excited expressions made it easy to tell that Joseph had finally regained the initiative.

    "Mr. Dover, you said that you have a girlfriend?"

    "Yes."

    "Is it the first time for you to admit that you have a girlfriend?"

    "Yes,"

    "Is Becky your girlfriend?"

    "No."

    "Then it must be Britney."

    "How could it be possible," Joseph smiled faintly.

    "Well, then, Mr. Dover, would you mind disclosing some information about your girlfriend to us?"

    Irish gazed at the screen silently and felt that her heart had almost stopped beating because she couldn''t figure out what he was going to do.

    Joseph stood there with a soft smile and looked handsome. "I am afraid that I am not qualified to do that," Joseph said in a soft tone.

    "Why?" asked the reporter.

    "It is because I did something wrong, and she hasn''t forgiven me until now," Joseph responded softly.

    "Is it because of the rumors with Becky?"

    "Of course not. I said something against my will, and it upset her a lot," Joseph replied directly and sincerely. "So by taking this chance, I want to apologize to her," added Joseph.

 Chapter 771 771: His Public Confession - 3

    The reporters were excited as they heard Joseph''s words. It was unusual for Joseph to express his feelings before the public since he was such a brilliant yet arrogant man, but now he even apologized to a woman before so many people.

    "Mr. Dover, what if she doesn''t forgive you? Will you give up then?"

    "No, I will never give up. She is an important part of my life. And I will do anything for her as long as she epts me," replied Joseph sincerely. After pausing for a while, he then continued, "I have to admit that I did something and hurt her, so I could understand her, and I know she must bear a grudge against me."

    Startled, Irish felt that she couldn''t even breathe.

    She gazed at Joseph, staring at his sincere and firm eyes while his words kept lingering in her mind. Those words fell in the deep of her heart and were rooted there.

    Those reporters were getting curious, and finally, one of them said, "Mr. Dover, please just give us a little information."

    "Mr. Dover, now that you said your beloved woman is neither Becky nor Britney, why don''t you give us some information?" another reporter echoed.

    However, Joseph just kept smiling over there softly.

    Daisy stood there, looking at them silently, but she could see through Joseph''s mind. It was not the truth that Joseph wasn''t qualified to tell those reporters. Indeed, Joseph expressed his real feelings to Irish by taking this chance, and he hoped that she could understand him.

    They tricked the journalists, and they all focused on how to explore more startling news about his girlfriend.

    Seeing this, Joseph knew that it was time for him to say something. "Three people are involved in the affair. But I have told you that my girlfriend is not Becky or Britney. That is what I can tell you. And I am sure it is easy for you to find the answer now," said Joseph with a smile.

    "The third person is..." the reporter recalled.

    "Wow, it is Irish!" another journalist eximed

    "Yes, it must be Irish, the second daughter of the Lake family.

    "I also heard that she is the psychologist of Runestone Group."

    They discussed with each other, trying to ensure their conjecture. "Mr. Dover, is it Irish?" asked a reporter.

    Instead of making an instant response, Joseph just kept smiling as if he had tacitly approved.

    "But some of your embarrassing photos with Irish were dragged up earlier..." another reporter mumbled.

    "Don''t you think it is natural for the lovers who are passionately in love to be intimate with each other?" said Joseph again. His words sounded meaningful since he revealed that he was in passionate love with Irish at the right moment, while at the same time, he also admitted that Irish was his only girlfriend.

    The reporters were incisive enough to figure out what he wanted to express, so they all pointed their cameras at him.

    "Mr. Dover, now that you have made your rtionship public, when will you get married? Will you marry her?"<novelsnext>please visit </novelsnext>

    Joseph kept a soft smile and replied, "I will inform you as soon as we set the wedding date."

    Irish stood up with her eyes widened while her head was buzzing. It was a mess in her head as if hundreds of hemp ropes were twisting together, and she was unable to put it in order.

    The question time was almost over. Joseph began to exchange conventional greetings with those journalists, but Irish couldn''t hear clearly what he was talking about since she kept recalling what he had said a moment ago.

    An unnamed feeling lingered in her heart, and she spent the afternoon in a muddle. All she knew was that half an hour after the conference, the news about them was all over the website. The rumors were gone while Irish turned to be the focus and attracted people''s attention.

    His behavior of confessing his love and apologizing to Irish as well as his behavior of taking the initiative to mention the wedding date, set off the glorious image of Irish. People began to think that even Joseph, a business talent, had to ask for Irish''s forgiveness.

    Therefore, the harshments to Irish went in another direction. People were envious of their sweet love, and some people even helped Joseph ask for Irish''s forgiveness.

    Of course, there were still some young girls who said that their hearts almost broke as they learned that Joseph already had a girlfriend.

    An hour ago, Irish was the object of the attack, but now she has turned into a goddess. People no longer thought that Becky was the mistress of Joseph as well.

    Irish''s phone started ringing endlessly because arge group of journalists began to contact her, trying to find information. Shocked, Irish turned off her phone as well as theputer, and she even asked Christy to arrange more work for her the next day.

    Christy was surprised and asked Irish after handing a pile of documents to her. "Joseph has wooed you before the public, I woulde to him if I were you."

    Irish wanted to beat her as she heard this since she was at a loss at the moment. "Christy, stop joking, or you will be fired at once," Irish threatened her.

    Christy ran away swiftly.

    But soon, the phone in the office started ringing. Her friends began to extend greetings to her while Irish was stunned because she didn''t know how to cope with their questions. A momentter, Mary also gave her a call.

    "I feel weird since you both act abnormally. It turns out that something really happened between you. What''s wrong with you? Tell me," said Mary directly.

    But Irish couldn''t tell her the truth but only told Mary that Joseph had said something which irritated her. Although Mary was uncertain as to what to believe, she could do nothing since Irish assured her that she could cope with it.

    Someone knocked on the door as soon as she hung up the phone.

    "Come in," said Irish impatiently.

    It was Cheska who walked in with a coy smile and said, "Christy just got the wrong file. That''s my patient''s record."

    Irish took a glimpse at it and found that Christy did make a mistake. She handed the file to Cheska while she took it over. Cheska stepped out, but she added as she went to the door, "Irish, I would get married to Joseph if I were you. You are born to be a lucky dog, and you are blessed by God. We are always driven into a corner by people like you."

    She mmed out as she finished her sentence, and it was easy for Irish to tell that Cheska was so angry.

 Chapter 772 772: Are You Not Feeling Well?

    Time never has a timeline, but in Irish''s eyes, it has. So time is artificially divided into segments, some of which she used to do things, some of which she used to eat, drink and have fun, and some to be used for forgetfulness.

    But after meeting Joseph, she took out some of her time for missing, and then she was hurt. Only then did she find that she loved so hard that she was hurt and bruised all over her body. Therefore, she gave up the missing time, not wanting to continue to struggle to live.

    It took a year.

    The past year was so fleeting, and she was like grabbing a handful of quicksand, and it quickly flew between her fingers. If there was no timeline in the hospital, then more than a year of memories were full of flower vor. In theing year, Irish had long been ready for it to ept the double torture and test from the body and mind.

    However, Irish never expected Joseph to apologize to her publicly. At that time, the wholework was booming. She could only cut off all theworks, hide alone in the office, and avoid all the sounds she may hear.

    However, theputer that was cut off the still showed great magic, constantly calling her.

    Irish had tried, but she rested assured.

    After waiting for more than an hour, she couldn''t help checking the things on the.

    Scanning the web page casually, the horror not only did not calm down, but it intensified and even became a piece of blockbuster entertainment news. What made Irish even angrier was that many boringizens had made a selection of "The most imaginative and sessful men among women," and Joseph had topped the list, bing the first choice for many women to fall in love with, even with sexual impulses.

    Thement area blew up.

    It could be seen that most of thementers were women. For Irish, who could get Joseph''s favor, there was envy and jealousy in words, and others directly asked Irish, did you have pressure when having sex with such a handsome man?

    Of course, there were also men, who hadmented with one voice that Joseph was blessed and owned such a stunner in this life, and she was also a beautiful person as the first choice for many men.

    Britney and Becky were silent and did not respond, so Irish could not see any news of the statement on the Inte. Although she felt strange about the spreading of exaggerated and deformed news, there were still posts that made her feel elusive and depressed.

    Some people thought that Becky didn''t only want to greet Joseph, and it was clear that she wanted to take the initiative to send herself to him, and then she exposed their revtions to the media. With the help of the hands of the media, she could market the news. Unexpectedly that day, Joseph made a resounding rification, saying that Becky was shameless and wanted to take advantage of him, and the means were really inferior.

    This speech attracted a lot of echoes.

    Of course, it was impossible to say whether these conciliators really agreed with him or whether they came to vent their indignation on Becky.

    No one knew whether things in the entertainment circle were true or false, so why should they be taken seriously? Irish had a headache, and this time shepletely turned off theputer, as much as possible devoted to the work.

    When she was about to get off work, Christy knocked on the office door and protruded her head. "Dr. Irish, we are getting off work. There''s a discount at MNGO''s shop at 8: 00 this evening. Are you avable?"

    Ordinarily, Irish would have followed, even if she did not go shopping, she would leave work at 6:15 PM, but that day she hesitated abnormally for a long time and told Christy to go first.

    Seeing that she looked a little pale, Christy asked with concern, "Are you not feeling well? Or I''ll apany you to the emergency."

    "It''s okay. I just haven''t finished reading some files in my hand." Irish just wanted to be alone for a while at that time.<novelsnext>please visit </novelsnext>

    Christy was stunned when she heard this. After looking at the time, she was sure it was after work and asked, "You want to work overtime?"

    Everyone knew that Irish never worked overtime. At first, Professor Tim tried to do her work overtime, and then she asked and raised the overtime pay five times as much, so scared that Professor Tim never dared to have the idea again.

    What was going on that night? Irish did not speak but nodded slightly. Christy turned her eyes and smiled, and said, "Oh, I see, you''ll have to wait, Mr. Dover. All right, I got it. I will not disturb you. Bye."

    Christy''s "Joseph" messed up the spring water in Irish''s heart again.

    When she left, Irish''s heart waspletely stirred up.

    The text in the file ran like a long foot, and her eyes were always unable to focus on specific words, and everything was in a mess.

    Her heart could not be quiet and beat badly.

    Unlike in the past, Irish knew what she was avoiding.

    It was not a lot of news.

    It was not the situation of being chased by reporters.

    It was just him, Joseph.

    His name, as if no matter under any circumstances, the thought could rm her original calm heart.

    As time went by, the sound of footsteps outside turned less.

    Irish rummaged through the files over and over again, quietly waiting for the passage of time.

    When thest sunset outside the window dragged the residual red tail, it was devoured by night. Everything was quiet, and it could be seen that there was one working overtime.

    But Irish''s heart was more and more flustered with the passage of time.

    She knew the reason for her escape was that she didn''t know how to face Joseph after he officially admitted his rtionship with her in front of many media outlets.

    For a while, Irish resented Joseph. He could rify, but why did he do so? He thought that if he did so, she would easily forgive him.

    Although she thought so, her heart could never return to the normal beating frequency.

    There will always be a kind of throbbing when the person is in the city. Irish called this throbbing "city throbbing," especially when you are in silence and outside the thick ss window is neon. When you are busy at night, when you are only one step away from the hustle and bustle of the night, there will always be inexplicable restlessness in your heart.

 Chapter 773 773: What A Nuisance

    Irish once had this restlessness. When she returned home a year ago, when she first joined the night scene of New York so closely, her heart suddenly throbbed as if in the sea of people or under a neon light, there was an encounter in the darkness. Then she followed Cassie to the bar and got drunk, but she could still feel the unusual throbbing when she was drunk.

    And that night, the window outside was getting darker, and the chest throbbing was bing increasingly obvious.

    Her mind was engraved with the shadow of a man, tall and straight, standing under the streetlight, the goose-yellow light gently sprinkling his thick hair, his eyes as deep and ck as his hair. He stood there quietly, but behind him was a steady stream of cars, setting off his growing quietness and transcendence.

    Irish knew that the shadow in her head was Joseph.

    When the hour hand pointed to eight o''clock in the evening, the telephone rang suddenly, startling Irish.

    Subconsciously she picked up the phone. A quiet environment always made a misleading feeling, like a voice in her ear.

    It was deep and intoxicating, which left the listener for a moment lost.

    "Not off work yet?"

    Irish thought it was toote to hang up the phone at this time. She drove away the sudden lostness and med all her mistakes on a damn night. She said without thinking. "I''m at a friend''s house."

    There was a faint smile, reminding her, "Irish, I''m calling yourndline," Only then did Irish realize that her face was flushed and hot, embarrassed. Joseph did not care about her lies and asked, "Can you go now?"

    His voice ovepped with his smile, stirring her heart. She took a deep breath, sped her slightly trembling finger, and replied, "I have to workte. There''s a lot of information I haven''t seen."

    She didn''t know if he was at thepany or had gone to Midtown Manhattan. In short, she could avoid it for a minute.

    After a moment of silence over there, he said, "Okay."

    She put down the phone, but the string in her heart tightened.

    She was likely walking staggeringly on the horizontal steel wire in the moonlight, cold. In the end, there was a hazy sea of roses. She could not predict how long it would really take to reach the sea of flowers, but she could feel her feet and body swaying from side to side.

    Irish wanted to hide in the office all night or even for the rest of her life if possible.

    But at nine o''clock, the building guard came up, and when he saw the lights on, he knocked on the door and came in. He knew Irish. Oh, even if he didn''t know her before, he probably knew her now.

    He smiled and said, "Dr. Irish, are you still working overtime? Don''t worry, the reporters outside the building are scattered, and you can go home. It''s toote."

    Irish''sst hideout was mercilessly searched, and she looked at the guard and nodded, even a patrolling man knew the news about her, and where could she hide away?

    Irish was helpless, simply packed things, and left the building.

    Just out of the building, there was a slow night wind across, kissing her cheeks warm. It was the taste of early summer.

    She raised her eyes and inadvertently met a man not far away.

    His car was parked steadily in a conspicuous position, with a dark, luxurious streamline in the moonlight. And the owner sat in the car, across the window, quietly looking in her direction.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    He was still wearing the shirt that he attended the regr meeting with the reporter, gray, simple, and clean. He still didn''t wear anything, no tie, no band clip, just more casual than the day, and two buttons on the chest were unlocked. He looked veryzy.

    When he saw hering out, there was a touch of softness in his calm eyes, and the radians of his lips were much softer.

    But Irish did not expect him to wait downstairs, and the moment she collided with his eyes, her heart hit her chest hard. Her legs were numbed, and she almost stumbled to the ground.

    The whole man stood in ce like a piece of wood, looking at Joseph from a distance as if staring at a strange man who had just emerged from the seam of the ground.

    Joseph seemed to be amused by the way she looked, and the radians of his lips rose.

    He reached out as if to open the door for her.

    The string in Irish''s heart finally broke. When she saw that he was about to get off, somehow, she turned her heel in that direction, turned her eyes and bowed her head, and walked quickly in the opposite direction.

    The woman''s obvious escape dismayed Joseph for a moment. He smiled helplessly, started the car without saying a word, and followed slowly in her direction.

    ****

    In Midtown Manhattan, it was more lively at night, especially on an early summer night. The appropriate temperature made it a great ce for young people to date, eat, or go shopping.

    At first, Irish walked forward with her head down. When she saw the traffic lights, she nced back. Unexpectedly, she caught a glimpse of a car following her slowly, not close and not far away.

    She was puzzled.

    She didn''t expect him to have fun with her that night as if he was walking in a car.

    What a nuisance!

    Taking advantage of the green light, Irish followed the crowd across the street.

    However, it was also convenient for Joseph''s car to follow up.

    No matter how fast her pace was, it could not be faster than the four wheels. It could catch up with her no matter how slow the wheel was.

    As a result, there was a very interesting scene.

    Irish walked straight, and a car dangled leisurely on the side of the auxiliary road. From time to time, he would keep up with her. When she saw it, she would speed up her pace, and then the car would speed up a little.

    In Midtown Manhattan, where it was so congested at night, Joseph''s driving was really offensive, and the vehicles in the back made sirens from time to time.

    Some of the pedestrians around saw that frequently turned back, and one after another followed them with their eyes.

    This way, Irish felt more like they were exposed to the spotlight and had nowhere to hide.

 Chapter 774 774: Let’s Talk About It

    After all, Joseph was a mature man, and he was not like those saucy boys. He found that there were so many protests, so he slowly closed the street, and Irish happened to be walking against the side of the road. Joseph was riding on the steering wheel in one hand, slightly close to the copilot''s seat, and facing Irish through the window. "Get in the car, will you?"

    In a patient and persuasive tone. In the past, Irish would have been moved to tears, and she would have felt how touching it would be for such a person who was so busy every day to forget to eat, regardless of the eyes of passersby, enduring the protest of the car behind her with a whistle as arouse, and following her slowly in order to please her, just to make her happy.

    She would not hesitate to get into the car, then put her arms around his neck, give him a kiss on the cheek, said tteringly, Joseph, you were such a woman, crazy man.

    But at present, did she still have the courage?

    No, she had nothing.

    She gave all her courage to a brief but hard time, and at present, she left nothing, so she had no courage.

    The night wind brushed gently.

    With the smell of night.

    Irish took a deep breath and deliberately ignored the car shadow and his voice.

    As soon as she moved, she walked directly towards a crowded ce.

    Therge area was a pedestrian street, and the car could not go up. She was lost in the crowd, and Joseph could only look at her back, helpless. He stepped on the gas and turned into the small street.

    She nced subconsciously at the car shadow as she passed through the crowd, thinking that he would have gone.

    A man as proud as he was, could he yield again and again? Was it possible?

    She hummed coldly and headed for the bar street.

    Bar street was divided into two.

    On one side was the old street where there was shouting everywhere, and the lights of a bar were brilliant, and although there were more pedestrians at this time, it was not a weekend. Only a few drinking guests sat in these bars on the street. Therefore, as long as the people outside the bar saw passersby, they were as positive as bees seeing pollen, and they wanted to pull them in by way of pedestrians.

    After a few times, Irish was tired of that, and she directly walked down the street to avoid the staff who pulled the guests.

    Before she took a few steps, she felt strange around her.

    Turning her head and she was stunned.

    Joseph''s car came out of nowhere, kept up with her in silence, and drove slowly again.

    Like a deep-sea fish, wanton leisurely.

    Irish was annoyed by such a silent move, and the next second, the car around her stopped steadily.

    "What are you doing with me?" Joseph leaned over and still coaxed in the tone of persuasion. "Go home."

    Because of the angle, Irish could only see his slightly lifting chin. Frowning, she said in a not-very-polite tone, "Joseph, is it still necessary for me to listen to you now?"

    "Let''s talk about it."

    "There''s nothing to talk about."

    Joseph directly got out of the car, bypassed the front of the car steadily in front of her, and said in apromised voice, "Then go to dinner, you haven''t had dinner yet."<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "I''m not hungry. Don''t follow me." She didn''t want to eat either.

    Curious eyes around them kept hovering around them, making Irish nervous. This afternoon thework was bubbling with noise, and she was always paranoid, always feeling that she had been recognized.

    This feeling was terrible.

    She had long said that she hated being exposed to her life in front of others and that she did not want her world to be exiled in the spotlight. It was terrible.

    After telling the warning, Irish left Joseph straight across the street and walked into the path from the garden into ane.

    The street lights stretched out.

    Her back was elongated and slowly diluted by the light of the night and the streetlights.

    Joseph stood in ce and watched her walk far away until she was almost in the midst of pedestrians, his eyes never drew back, deep and far away.

    He ignored those eyes, thought about it, and directly parked his car by the side of the road.

    ****

    When was thest time she drank brazenly in a bar, Irish couldn''t remember.

    This is a PUB whose owner was a young American, so the environment and music were full of passionate noise. Irish could never ept such enthusiasm unless she was particrly high with her friends.

    She summed up that she was old, and her heart load could no longer keep up with the fast pace of the music.

    That night, however, she strangely wanted to hide in the noise and the lights, for only when she came here and the dim lights swept through every indulgent cheek did she feelfortable and not feel lonely. Here, all were lonely souls.

    The winemaker standing behind the bar was also a young American, speaking fast, yet with a strong voice, "How''s Lilc?"

    Irish''s ears were full of fast music rhythm. She looked at the smiling man in front of her. "What do you say?"

    "This cocktailes from the famous French film Lc, mainly made of strawberry wine and whipped cream, so the color is light pink, and many female customers like it very much."

    Irish knew about the French film, Lc, which interpreted the meaning of "the bud of love" in the film. Obviously, it did not fit the scene. She shook her head. "No, I don''t like pink wine."

    When she said that, the rest of the eyes inadvertently swept past, quickly, through the noisy crowd and quietly shook when she saw the man sitting on the scattered tform.

    The evil influence lingered on, and that was probably what it meant.

    Handsome men were always popr. Soon, the bar staff took the initiative to order for him.

    Irish could see clearly through the wandering lights, and a girl with passionate red hair was at his service.

    "Then a Blue moon is also good. Piano wine, Violet sweet wine, and lemon juice." The bartender introduced patiently, with a small white tooth refracting a clean luster in the light as the smile rose. "This ss of wine has another meaning, Prfit mour."

    When Irish was studying abroad, the girl who shared the room with her was French, so she more or less learned a little bit of French. Prfit mour means plete love" in French. The moral of this ss of wine was very good, but Irish felt ironic that night.

    The bartender saw that she was lonely and silent, thought about it, and suddenly made a finger snap. "Since you don''t like the first two, please wait."

 Chapter 775 775: The Alcohol Was Very Light

    Irish did not know what kind of wine he was going to make, so she looked at him curiously.

    The bartender moved quickly, and soon a very strange cocktail was put in front of her.

    She was amazed that the wine showed the same color as the aurora in the gloom, and it was magnificent and dreamy.

    "Uror Jungle-juice." The bartender smiled and introduced it.

    Aurora cocktail.

    "It''s beautiful." Irish took a sip, and it was with the taste of lemonade and a hint of flowers.

    "It has the smell of roses." She was amazed.

    "It''s a rose Mojito cocktail, and it''s a traditional Cuban cocktail."

    Irish liked this wine, which was gorgeous, almost desperate gorgeous.

    The bartender saw her satisfaction and smiled gently. "Have fun." Then he was busy greeting the other guests.

    There were not many people sitting at the bar, including her, and there were only three. She was sitting in the innermost position, and a woman was about two meters away from her. Wearing very few clothes, in front of her was a ss of Martini, and Irish could see that she was not in the mood for drinking.

    Sitting at the outermost was a man, but he had been drinking. Perhaps there was something in his mind.

    All the others were sitting on the tform or sofa, dating each other, oring in groups. In short, when they came to such ces, the lively people were more lively, and the lonely people were more lonely.

    With the light, Irish saw Joseph order a ss of wine, and the coldness of the ice spread over the ss, and the brown liquid gradually melted into the ice.

    Somehow, when she picked up her ss and took a sip of the wine, her stomach suddenly ached.

    Forcing herself no longer to take into ount her situation, Irish was drinking a small sip.

    Soon, the staff brought some cheese sandwiches, which were cut into exquisite and convenient sizes, and ced them on the same delicate dish.

    "I didn''t order it." Irish raised her head and drank the cocktails at once.

    "The gentleman sitting over there ordered it for you, and he prepaid your expenses for tonight." The staff said.

    Along the direction of the staff, Irish turned her head. Not far away, he picked up the ss and signaled to her with a faint smile on his lips.

    He chose a good position, not too close to her but not far away, to ensure that his sight fell on her.

    "Please take your time." The staff considered the scene the mostmon encounter between men and women. She nced at Irish and left.

    Irish was buried again at the bar. She was self-abused to fighting with her stomach, and she didn''t want it to go back. If someone spent money, why didn''t she eat?

    She enjoyed the sandwiches slowly.

    The taste was not thick, and the cheese was very fragrant.

    She gently shook the copper bell in front of her. Even in loud music, the bell was crisp into the ear.

    The bartender came over and stood up in front of her.

    "The uror Jungle-juice, ten." Irish ate sandwiches in a few mouthfuls.

    The bartender picked up his eyebrows, "One by one?"

    "No, altogether."

    The bartender nced at her in surprise but said nothing and did so.

    Ten cocktails lined up in front of Irish.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Her eyes were suddenly lit up by dreamy auroras, and her delicate face fell into the beauty of the intertwined night and aurora. A faint blue, purple, bright gold and white fell on her nose''s bones, reflecting more straight lines.

    She took the first ss, took a sip, frowned, and called the bartender.

    "You''ve lost your ingredients." Less than that before, it was not so strong, so he might reduce alcohol, so it was like a drink.

    The Bartender erected his shoulders, "The gentleman ordered."

    It was the gentleman again.

    Irish knew who was the "gentleman" he called without looking back.

    She continued to drink without saying anything.

    But she could not always be happy in such an environment where she should have enjoyed herself. But he sat so quietly opposite her, and it was strange that as long as she raised her eyes a little, the rest of the corner of her eyes could sweep in his direction.

    It was the kind of feeling that she went into the game hall and was ready to y hot but was supervised by her parents.

    So, the rest of her eyesight would still sweep at him under the light.

    However, she could see that there was already a woman around Joseph.

    She frowned. It was the woman sitting next to her, dressed in nightclub style, who was pestering Joseph enthusiastically.

    It was sickening.

    Irish forced herself to turn a blind eye and drink one drink after another.

    After a while, the woman returned and sat in her original position. Judging from the impulse to drink, it could be that Joseph had rejected her.

    Irish hummed coldly, a ss of wine against her forehead, looking at the woman not far away through the bewildered light.

    The woman also sensed that she was looking at her, turned her eyes against her, and then moved away. Again, she probably found Irish inexplicable.

    Irish smiled andzily took two sses of wine and sat over.

    The woman did not expect her toe, startled, and looked at her.

    "This is for you." Irish pushed one of the cocktails before her, bewitching with a faint smile between her lips and teeth.

    The woman was puzzled and stared at her, perhaps looking at her intentions.

    "Beautiful women should go with the most beautiful chicken tails, not too exciting spirits." Irish smiled and pushed the Martini away in front of her.

    The woman looked at her, said thank you for a long timeter, took the cocktail, and sipped.

    "The alcohol was very light." She uttered leisurely.

    Irish leaned closer to her and chuckled. "Women will be happier in soberness."

    "What do you mean?"

    Irish closed her lips, put her arms around her shoulder, took a cocktail in one hand, swallowed it, and looked at her with a smile.

    At close range, the woman looked at the perfect facial shape of Irish, and her skin was like white ceramics, without any defects. Irish gazed with her, her arms moving down and her cheeks getting closer to the woman''s face, almost affixed to hers.

    The woman did not know what she would do, and her whole body was tight.

    "My house is nearby. Would you like toe home with me for a drink?" Irish''s lips curved into a smile, but her hands pressed against the woman''s waist, and she walked down unkindly.

 Chapter 776 776: She’s Mine

    The woman was also a veteran of love, and she suddenly understood.

    She pushed Irish away, disgusted and got up, and cursed a fierce "You are sick!" Then she escaped and left.

    Irish closed their lips and drank up the cocktail in her hand with a smile.

    She was about to go back to her position. The light suddenly went dark, and a man blocked her light.

    She looked up. It was a handsome young foreigner who made a straightforward invitation.

    "How about I go with you if she doesn''t want to? Or are youing with me?" He sat next to her, smiling at her, with light surging in his eyes.

    Irish understood the meaning of his ambiguous words. No one would hide their intention in the bar on such a night. Straightforwardness and quickness were the code of conduct of nightclub people.

    "Do you prefer her and me toe with you?" Irish was not annoyed. It was no surprise that she was used to such asions.

    The handsome guy from a foreign country smiled and said, "Unfortunately, she was scared away by you."

    Irish knocked on the bar, and the bartender brought all the rest of the wine. She took a ss and shook the ss enchantingly. Her eyes first fell on his face, and she picked up her eyebrow, "You are very handsome."

    The handsome man raised his lips.

    However, she turned around, tantly speaking in the direction of Joseph. "Unfortunately, you''re not as good as he is."

    The handsome guy was stunned. Along with her eyes, he saw that he also saw Joseph.

    In the dark, through the light and shadow, he was leisurely andzily sipping wine, and his eyes were always fixed on Irish, and he did not move his eyes when he saw her turn around.

    The handsome man smiled and said, "Well, I admit I''m not as handsome as he is, but the man can''t be judged by looks."

    Irish smiled and looked up and down at him. "You mean, your skill is good?"

    "Don''t you just try it tonight?" The handsome man approached her andughed badly.

    Irish did not avoid his close face but smiled and resented the smell of men''s perfume on him. After a sip of wine, she said slowly. "How do I know if you''re big or not?"

    As soon as the handsome man heard that, his eyes brightened, and he felt that he was sure that night, closer to her and almost biting her ears. "You''ll be absolutely satisfied."

    "How can you know that I''d be happy?" said Irish with a smile, pushing him away slightly, "The man."

    "Which man?"

    "The man you just saw." Irish hooked her lips, "I know his size. If you want to take me away, Okay, first ask if his thing is bigger than yours. If yours is bigger than his, I will go with you."

    The handsome guy did not expect her to say this, first stunned, quickly reacted, smiled more purposefully, and pressed down his head, "I didn''t expect you to be so hot, okay, wait for me."

    When he said that, he also walked towards Joseph.

    Irish continued to drink, just as the music was ying the slow one. Dancers on the dance floor were tired and returned to their respective positions to drink. If the handsome foreign man asked exactly Joseph, she did not know, but along with the light music, her deliberately extended ears heard Joseph''s voice ambiguously.

    Low and majestic.

    "Get out of here."<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    She should have heard right.

    There was no noise behind, let alone the rm caused by the fight.

    And the handsome man did note to harass her again, and he may have been driven away by Joseph''s words.

    Yes, wasn''t it possible for a man like Joseph to have time topare his size with him?

    After that, some men came forward to talk to her and ridiculed her.

    All this, Joseph saw before his eyes. He sat there all the time, not going forward, nor to leave. He paid the bill in full for what she wanted to eat and drink. No matter how noisy the scene, no matter how dim the lights were, his eyes were always looking at her, not leaving for a moment.

    On the one hand, he would not really allow the men to take advantage of her, and on the other hand, he was sure that Irish''s temper would definitely disgrace the chasers.

    And he didn''t leave because she reminded him of the first time he ran into her in a bar. He liked to look at her from this angle, to watch her drinkzily, and to watch her deliberately indulge in front of him.

    Joseph liked to indulge her in person, like indulging a child.

    It was different from this timest year.

    The first time he had seen her in the light, his chest had tumbled with the most primitive emotional attention of men to women. She had attracted his attention, and it was a pure seduce from a woman to men.

    And at present, she was his, and he had more responsibility than his natural possession.

    Joseph gently sipped the wine and quietly sent away the woman who kept talking to each other, and his eyes entangled with Irish''s back. He thought of what she had looked like when she was a child. With tears, she called him "brother."

    Someone came forward and talked to her.

    It was a man.

    Joseph looked up at the time, drank the wine in the cup, put down the cup, got up, and went to Irish.

    Even if the bartender had reduced the amount of alcohol as ordered, he couldn''t prevent her from ordering and drinking. And she ordered two more dozen so that the whole bar was almost full of aurora borealis. At first, nce, as if it were set with a long string of night lights.

    The bartender was surprised, and no matter what he thought, she really didn''t spend her money, so she didn''t care about it.

    Irish was a little drunk, but only a little bit drunk.

    There was a middle-aged man in front of her, thinking himself smart and elegant, and it was a nuisance for her to talk with. She was about to send him off when she saw someone quietly take over the ss in the hand of the middle-aged man and put it down.

    Her ears were covered with music, and there was a familiar voice.

    "I''m sorry, she can''t drink this ss of wine."

    The cello was on the side.

    Irish slightly raised his eyes, looking at Joseph, who finally stepped forward. The middle-aged man looked suspiciously at her and said, "She..."

    "She''s mine." The three words were said in a low voice, but they weighed.

 Chapter 777 777: Do You Still Believe Him?

    People came here to get drunk, to be happy, and no one would take the initiative to find trouble. The middle-aged man also seemed to be a bar veteran, saw that and walked away.

    Irish did not avoid him this time. She squeezed out augh from her throat, like sarcasm, "Is this a time for a most popr man and a most popr woman?"

    Joseph was not annoyed, reached down and grabbed her cup, it was taken away from her, and sat down beside her.

    In this way, he seeded in blocking the subsequent chasers.

    "Irish, it''s almost time to go back." He whispered, his eyes deep and faint, like stars.

    Irish stared at him and raised her lips.

    "If youe to a ce like this, at least you must learn to be as slippery as those men."

    Joseph reached out, gently pinched her chin with his fingers, and looked at her. "You are drunk."

    She pushed away his hand, ignored what he had said, and got up and tried to sit away from him.

    But she had been seated in the high chair for a long time, and her feet were a little numb, so she reeled.

    Soon, her waist warmed up.

    It was he who fastened to hold her waist and pressed her to his chest.

    "You have lost your temper, too. Don''t be angry." He persuaded her and said in a low voice.

    Irish pushed him away again, who did not need his help and moved the other chair to sit down. Joseph looked at her, helplessly sighed, and followed.

    She bowed her head, and her fingers were on the edge of the ss, sneering. "I almost forgot, you don''t need a slick tongue at all. You''re Joseph, I''m Irish. As long as you give me orders, I have to obey you, don''t I"

    He didn''t say anything but stared at her.

    Irish drank the alcohol.

    After a long time, he raised his hand.

    His big hand gently covered her head, and then gently rubbed her face along her hair, and said with a soft, serious voice.

    "Irish, I''ve never thought of you as a simple lover."

    "Really?" Irish satirized, "So, soulmate? Did you say that in front of the media?"

    "Can''t I?"

    "You desecrated the word." She whispered.

    "It''s best to describe you to me."

    "You are indeed a prominent leader, and you are well suited to speak in front of people." She smiled, but there was a pain in her heart.

    Joseph''s big hand wrapped around her back head, slightly forcing her toe near him, and he also pressed down his face, looking at her for a moment, "Do you think I need to make a show?"

    Irish looked into his eyes. His eyes were deep, in which the light was like fireworks.

    However, the fireworks were easy to cool down.

    Joseph slightly straightened up, pulled her hand to his chest, and covered it.

    His heart, through his chest, hit her palm.

    "I''ve been putting you here all the time." Joseph''s big hand pressed her hand against his chest, "You are the only one who took this position. No one had ever been here."

    Irish''s palm was shocked with pain.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    And the pain rolled through her heart like the rock had crushed her. Her breath was a little difficult.

    She pulled back her hand and turned her eyes a long timeter. She didn''t sneer but said softly, "But Joseph, I don''t know how to believe in you anymore."

    ****

    "So, do you still believe him?" In the restaurant, Cassie solemnly asked Irish, who was sitting opposite.

    Irish''s hand paused, and then she did not answer. Instead, she gently looked down, chewing the vegetable, feeling it was not tasteful.

    Cassie sighed, "Or I ask you in this way. How can Joseph make you trust him again?"

    Irish stopped, biting her lips, and then gently shook her head after thinking for a while. "To be honest, I really don''t know."

    On Thursday, no matter how much Irish rejected the arrival of the day, it methodically came.

    Irish came to thepany at nine o''clock.

    Sure enough, as soon as she entered thepany, she got the girls'' attention at the front desk, and she turned a blind eye to it. Clearly, it was not her fault, why should she put on the ostrich posture in front of people?

    All the way, she straightened up her ridge and automatically shielded many of the eyes that fell on her.

    When she was about to enter the office, a passing employee saw her and asked mysteriously, "Dr. Irish, are you making up with the manager?"

    Irish was startled.

    After leaving the bar, he took her back to Midtown Manhattan, andst night, he didn''t go back to the courtyard.

    Slightly drunk, after saying that in the bar, she stopped saying a word, and when she got home, she didn''t say anything. She was too tired. And Joseph was also silent. When he got home, he hugged her silently, and kisses fell silently.

    Irish did not struggle but closed her eyes tightly and obeyed his intentions.

    It was as if they were ying a mime.

    Joseph carried her into the bedroom in silence, took off her clothes in silence, and then pressed her in silence.

    Throughout the process, Irish clenched her lips.

    The man obstructed her sight, but the gasp that fell in her ear became more and more apparent.

    She felt the power of the men on her body was bing more exciting and enthusiastic.

    In the end, she never dared to look him in the eye.

    She knew how hot his eyesight should be over her head.

    She was also afraid to look. Afraid that, at a nce, her heart was gone.

    When Irish was to wake up, the color of the sky was bright, and the man who was with herst night was gone. The temperature beside was cool. He had gone to thepany two or more hours ago.

    Until Irish stayed in the Runestone all morning, she did not see Joseph, and she did not know whether he came to thepany or the factory or was busy in the office. In short, she was never able to ask him.

    Towards noon, Cassie called her and asked her if she would like to have lunch together. They would eat outside.

    Irish left the office without even thinking.

    There were a lot ofments on the Inte. As her good friend, Irish could not bear to let Cassie be thest person to know the truth. Therefore, there was no need for Cassie to ask, Irish told Cassie all about what had happened in this period of time.

    Cassie asked her out to know what had happened. When she heard Irish describe what had happened in the hospital andter on the ind and her rtionship with Joseph at present, Cassie''s heart was full of heartache for Irish.

 Chapter 778 778: I Didn’t Manage To Keep Our Child

    She did not expect Joseph to trap Irish on the small ind, nor did she expect so much to happen between Irish and Joseph, so Cassie really wanted to know her decision after Irish finally had described her mind.

    "If you were me, would you still believe him?" Irish asked back.

    Cassie thought, "Putting myself into your situation, and I maybe like you. I can''t make the truest and most direct judgment of a man like Joseph."

    Irish sighed.

    "At that time, all the staff knew that Henry''s rtionship with Joseph had deteriorated before he fell ill, and he even cut his power so that it could be understood when he spoke angrily in front of him. Moreover, it was not likely for him to act when he spoke openly in front of the media yesterday." Cassie helped her analyze it, and when she opened her mouth, she immediately said, "I know you want to say that a person like him who has been brave enough to move forward on the road to sess, and you think that anyone is used as a chess piece in front of him, I understand how you feel, but..."

    She turned gently and tentatively said, "You still love him now, don''t you?"

    Irish''s eyes trembled gently, and after a long time, she said with a bitter smile, "I think I''m weak."

    This was also a direct admission.

    "Then let''s see if it works." Cassie took her by the hand and said, "Since you have a deal for a year, you can''t leave him this year, can you? He can''t allow you a chance to turn back, so try to trust him for a year."

    Irish looked at Cassie in astonishment. "What do you mean, try to believe him again?"

    "You''re smart, and now you are confused for a while. I know how you hooked up with Joseph before, and I know how you managed to lure him."

    "Cassie..." Irish was helpless.

    "I just want to say, at that time, you dare to do that,pletely believing that he could take the bait, so what now?" Cassie stared at her as if she were staring at a piece of mud that could not be used to build the wall. "You have to stay with him whether you believe him or not, so why don''t you believe him? Also, God gave you such a beautiful face, which is actually well-intentioned. Since you can not forget him and still love him, then with your strength, can you let Joseph bepletely dedicated to you? Even if he used you, you wouldn''t use the time staying with him to catch his heart?"

    "I used to think I had this ability, but now, there are too many false things, and the fake look real, and the fake look so true. I think my psychology knowledge haspsed. I can not judge now or even dare to judge what is true and what is false."

    Cassie nodded her head gently. "I feel the same way, so I feel that sometimes it doesn''t matter if it''s true or false."

    "It doesn''t matter if it''s true or not. Then what''s important?" Irish asked back.

    Cassie meditated. "It''s most important to feel happy, even if you deceive yourself."

    Irish looked at her. "If you say this, I don''t know if I want to congratte you on getting out of the haze or if you''re going to get worse."

    "Don''t say anything that curses me. I''m fine." Cassie took a sip of her milk tea. "I''m just telling you the truth of life. Oh, no, it''s the rtionship truth. I''ve been in love longer than you, and I always have more experience than you. I mean, the day passes away no matter if you cry or smile, then why don''t you choose tough all day? You have to stay with Joseph for a year, so why do you have to choose the way you abuse yourself this year? Why don''t you forget and listen to whatever he says, you can pander to what he does, make him happy, and make your life easier. Isn''t that good?"

    "Are you painful enough to understand, or did you learn the way of Roy?" As soon as May day approached, her wedding with Roy began to count down, and Irish was a little sad because the best man and bridesmaid had been decided, who was Joseph and her.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    As Cassie''s best friend, Irish couldn''t refuse to be a bridesmaid; she had to be a bridesmaid, and people worldwide would associate her with Joseph.

    Cassie smiled slightly, covering up the boredom in her heart. Even if she changed a man, she wouldn''t tell Irish the truth that night, not let Irish avenge her, but simply rx her.

    Roy was her eldest brother, so how could she bear to make Irish''s life worse?

    Suddenly shifted the topic and said, "Irish, I am seriously advising you. Sometimes emotional things need not be taken so seriously, and do not be so stubborn."

    "Do you think it feels good to let a person keep drilling in my heart?" Irish took the chopsticks, and after a long time, she loosened. The trace of the edge of the chopstick printed her palm.

    "In fact, what I am most afraid of is... If I really do that, then I believe you, and I can no longer live without him. It is not the body that cannot be separated from, but the heart. I''m afraid I''ll love him and go crazy."

    Irish''s voice was very low, very weak, "So now, I would rather believe that he is false than dare to imagine that he is true."

    "Why?" Cassie was surprised. "If you can''t leave, don''t leave."

    Irish quietly looked at the cooled food on the table and didn''t look at Cassie.

    Gradually, her eyes revealed a trace of destion, a long timeter, she gently said, "I hate his deceit, but I can''t help but forgive, at the same time, I can not let go of my feelings for him. It is better to hate myself than to hate him, and even if his feelings are true, I can never get rid of the despair."

    Cassie trembled in her heart. "What happened?

    Irish finally looked up at her sadly. "The doctor said I was in danger of getting pregnant."

    "What?"

    "And I didn''t manage to keep our child." After that, her voice choked, and she took a deep breath and pressed down the sadness.

    Cassie stared at her all of a sudden. "What? You were pregnant?"

    Irish nodded and looked pale.

    "How did this happen? Does he know?"

    "It was because I lied to him that it was because I deliberately didn''t want the child, and then he took me to the ind in anger." Irish slowly told Cassie what had happened in Chicago.

 Chapter 779 779: Is He Seriously Hurt?

    Cassie listened to her with red eyes. Soon, tears fell down. She clenched her hand, hardly, "Irish, you are an idiot. Do you still remember I am your friend? You didn''t tell me what had happened. You..."

    She was more in pain than she had just been hurting.

    Irish said nothing more but bowed her head and clenched her lips.

    She did not want to involve Cassie in crying for her, but this truth had been hidden for a long time, and Irish thought the scar had been cured. As soon as she shared it, she still felt the pain.

    It was when the atmosphere was low that the cell phone at the table rang. The bell hurried, breaking the sad atmosphere that haunted the two.

    Irish sniffled her nose hard, adjusted her breath, and picked up her cell phone to connect. Unexpectedly, as soon as she heard the first two words, she suddenly got up. "What?"

    p����d��`no��?1`��o�� ****

    The members of the G4 motorcade lived in a hotel near the suburbs of New York because it was near thepetition terrain. It was just a trial match in New York, and the finals would be held in Washington, which would be held a monthter.

    Irish was about to take a look at the trial match, but she was trapped in trouble, so she declined Jordan''s invitation politely. She knew that Jordan would definitely go there to watch the game. Irish was clear that Jordan was eager to go back to the motorcade if there was a possibility since he had missed the chance to take part in this trial match this time. Of course, Irish also learned that G4 achieved rtively good results as second ce during thepetition.

    However, Jordan couldn''t be set at ease because he was afraid that Joseph would ask him to go back to another foreign country someday. Indeed, Irish was also worried about that.

    Irish didn''t hope Joseph would arrange for his younger brother since she thought that Jordan was already an adult and he was able to choose his life path. She hoped Jordan would pursue his dream as he wished.

    However, Irish once heard Joseph mention to others on the phone asionally that he was going to buy another house abroad, so Irish thought if Joseph really bought a house for Jordan abroad, he might hope Jordan could take up residence there. However, Irish could do nothing. Although she understood that if Jordan could go back to G4 and participate in the finals as a formal racing driver, he might not be forced to go abroad immediately because she believed that Joseph was not going to ruin his brother''s future. However, she still didn''t figure out a way to help Jordan, and something happened. Leo gave her a call and asked her to offer help as a psychological consultation expert.

    Luckily, it didn''t take too much time for Irish to drive from the downtown area to the hotel.

    Irish heard that G4 was here to adjust their entry n for the next round game in Washington, but when she arrived, she found that it was cheerless there.

    Leo''s car was stopped beside the brushwood. Leo got out of the car and greeted Irish.

    "How''s the team member? Is he seriously hurt?" asked Irish anxiously.

    Heaving a sigh, Leo took out his cigarette and sucked on it. After a moment''s silence, Leo finally said, "Jordan almost killed him."

    "Tell me what happened!" Irish was astonished while Leo told her the whole story.

    Jordan was eager to go back to the motorcade, and he came to meet coach Horry, but Horry was hesitant because Jordan was his apprentice. Although he broke his legs because of Jordan, the ties ofradeship still existed. However, a few members of the motorcade were reluctant to ept Jordan. Mike, a young member of the motorcade, was strongly opposed because he witnessed that the coach''s legs were broken, and since then, he bore a grudge against Jordan.<novelsnext>�Ѧ���d�� `n?��?| ��om</novelsnext>

    That was why he opposed Joseph going back to their team, and he even dered that if Joseph took part in their team, he would leave the group with others. There were four members who agreed with Mike, and they also said that in that case, they would leave with Mike as well. But if they all left, it was unnecessary for their team to attend the finals in Washington.

    It was a deadlock indeed, and finally, the contradictions erupted.

    Jordan bought a motorcycle and modified it personally because he wanted to indicate that he was qualified to return to their group.

    However, Mike smashed his motorcycle with four people, which irritated Jordan. He couldn''t control his rage and then had a fight with them. Jordan was clear that Mike was the ringleader, so he beat him violently. If it wasn''t for Horry, Mike might have been strangled by Jordan with his belt.

    Jordan gave Leo a call earlier the day, told him that he had modified his new motor race, and asked him to have a look. And Leo happened to see Jordan fight with Mike there.

    The four people who Jordan beat insisted on calling the police, but Leo feared that Jordan would be arrested. Horry, instead, thought that Jordan might have a mental problem because Jordan showed a propensity for violence. Leo knew that Jordan wanted to return to G4, so he promised Horry that Jordan was just irritated by Mike and there was no mental problem. To persuade Horry, Leo called Irish to be an attestor.

    Startled, Irish kept silent for quite a while after she heard this. "Jordan and I were attacked by a group of people at a bar once, but he fled as soon as possible that night, so I never expected that he would be good at fighting," said Irish.

    Leo sucked his cigarette and then smiled. "Unlike other team members, Jordan is not a formal member of G4, so he couldn''t be a sponsor, which means he has to buy a motorcycle and modify it personally. He cherishes his racing motor, but Mike smashes it. It is natural that he would go crazy," Leo exined casually.

    "Where is he?" Irish quickly asked.

    Leo pouted his mouth and added, "Go, meet Horry first. He is worried about Jordan."

    Irish nodded slightly and then stared at him motionless.

    "What are you looking for?" Leo was confused.

    "Why didn''t you smoke before?"

    Leo rolled his eyes at Irish, distinguished the cigarette, and put his hands on her shoulders, turning her around. "Well, I am not going to smoke in front of you, okay?

    Irish was about to ask him who the woman she met in the supermarket several days ago, but after a moment''s hesitation, Irish decided to leave it behind because Jordan got in trouble at that very moment.

    Horry was the initiator of G4. Just as Jordan described, Horry was tall with whiskers, his voice loud and clear. But to Irish''s surprise, Horry did not sit on the wheel. Instead, he had artificial limbs.

    Perhaps, Horry was also aware of Irish''s astonishment, so he exined to her that as long as the team coach won''t sit in the wheelchair, the whole team would have their will to fight. Therefore, he had to install artificial limbs and lead his team members to fight in the game.

 Chapter 780 780: Where Did You Get The Money?

    Taking this time, Irish talked many things about Jordan with Horry since she wanted to tell him that Jordan longed to return to G4 eagerly. What was more important was that Irish analyzed Jordan''s mental state from a psychological aspect to remove Horry''s worries. Irish was sure that if Jordan had taken part in the trial match, they might have achieved a better result. However, Horry just smiled and said that Irish might be too confident.

    However, Irish exined that just as the old saying goes that well-grounded moments of the initiative came after careful preparation. Jordan suffered from a bitter blow, but now he stood up again, which meant that he was well prepared to face any challenges, and he was qualified to seed.

    "Horry, it is you who led him from an amateur to a professional racing driver. Are you suspicious about his capability now?" asked Irish. After a small pause, she continued, "I am sure that if the world champion is going to be on your team, then it must be Jordan."

    It was not apliment to Jordan but the reality. Irish was clear that Jordan seeded at a young age and was admired by people, but he also suffered from a bitter blow. His experience was different from his peers, so Irish believed that Jordanid a solid foundation for his future sess. Now he was ready, and he just needed a chance.

    "But you have to know that as a coach of the team, I have to harmonize the rtionship between our team and the sponsor, but some members of our team oppose Jordan joining us. And even if I want to be partial to him, I have to consider other members'' feelings. If there is a problem in our team, then the sponsor may make trouble for us. I can''t let it happen, and I can''t afford to put the team at risk," replied Horry.

    After considering it for a while, Irish then asked, "Are those four men seriously injured?"

    "No, they are not seriously injured, but Mike''s right leg, as well as the left arm, are broken," Horry sighs heavily.

    "Mike is the team leader of the match in Washington, right?" asked Irish.

    "What do you mean, Doctor Irish?"

    Irish grinned and then exined, "Mike is seriously injured, but only a month is left. I am afraid that Mike could not participate in the finals at all. Then why don''t you give Jordan a chance?"

    Shocked, Horry didn''t expect that Irish would say that.

    "Investors always focus on what they could gain from it. In other words, they don''t care who the racing driver is as long as he can profit from them. So it is easy for you to convince them. But the only way to solve the internal contradictions is to let Jordan show his real capability," added Irish.

    However, Horry was silent as he heard this while Irish also stopped talking. She knew nothing about this game, so she was not qualified enough to make somements before an expert. What she could do was tell him the truth, and Irish believed that Horry was reasonable yet smart enough.

    After a long while, Horry then said, "There is another reason not to let him return to my team."

    Staring at him, Irish waited for his exnation.

    After heaving a sigh, Horry shook his head and then said, "Jordan even didn''t know that. Jordan got into some trouble in the informal game, and it was his brother who got him out of the trouble. Indeed, those people were from the gangdom. If it weren''t for Jordan''s brother, I am afraid we would have gotten into more trouble. But his brother came to me after that."

    "Joseph came to you?" Irish felt so surprised while Horry nodded slightly.

    Irish was absorbed in her thought. ''Why would hee to Horry after that? Why did he say that?'' thought Irish to herself. But soon, she was enlightened. "Joseph put forward some conditions, right?"

    "Jordan''s brother has wealth and influence, and it is easy for him to get in trouble for G4. In that case, we could nevere to the fore. And he said that he would not hinder the development of G4, but the premise is that I couldn''t ept Jordan as a member of G4. That is why I didn''t contact Jordan."<novelsnext>�Ѧ���d�� `n?��?| ��om</novelsnext>

    After hearing this, Irish was startled.

    "I know what you are worrying about. But this problem needs to be solved urgently. You have a team leader anyway," Irish exined after a small pause.

    Horry couldn''t help but heave a sigh.

    Irish thought Jordan would be seriously injured, but when she met him, she found that there were just bruises on his face.

    He stayed in a room with Leo where the spare parts of the racing motor were scattered all over the room. Jordan sat on the chair with a bottle of beer in his hand. He looked a little embarrassed when Irish entered the room and began to drink beer silently.

    Irish walked to Jordan and sat down beside him, staring at him. Seeing this, Jordan turned back at her since he felt ashamed to be so reckless.

    "I didn''t expect you to be so imprudent someday. It is said that by hanging around with gangsters, one must be a gangster. And now it seems true," said Irish with a smile.

    Leo looked at her and then said, "Irish, is it a veiled abuse? It is not your style."

    "I am not going to makements behind you, but both of you are good at pretending to be weak," Jordan mentioned while taking a sip of the beer.

    "No, your brother would never do that," Irish said while hitting him with her elbow since she understood that Jordan wasining about her and his brother.

    "Do you think my brother would do this personally?" Jordan snorted indifferently.

    It was easy to see that Joseph pushed his younger brother too hard during this period, or Jordan would not be so irritated. Instead of getting angry, Irish grinned and continued, "I mean, you are so young and aggressive."

    Jordan ignored Irish and then turned to Leo. "Did you ask her tough at me?"

    "Horry is stubborn yet traditional, so I have to ask for her help since Irish is a psychologist," Leo replied with a big smile.

    Reaching out, Irish spun Jordan around, forcing him to look at her. She stared at Jordan as if he was a rare animal. "Jordan, it seems that you are rich. But as far as I am concerned, your brother keeps the share dividend for you. So where did you get money to buy and modify this racing motorcycle?"

    Irish was clear that buying this advanced racing car had to cost arge sum of money, but he oftenined of being hard up before Irish. Jordan did not reply to her but lowered his head. Irish soon turned to Leo while Leo hastily exined, "It has nothing to do with me. I also learned this today."

    "I didn''t steal money or rob anybody, but why do you care so much?" Jordan got rid of her hands over his head.

    "Your band is dismissed, and you are able to earn so much money." Irish gazed at him and then added as if she remembered something, "Jordan, did you..."

 Chapter 781 781: See You Tomorrow

    But before she could finish her words, Jordan covered her mouth and said harshly, "Irish, don''t be such an incisive woman on any asion."

    Obviously, he knew what Irish was going to say, while Leo was also enlightened immediately by his abnormal reaction.

    "Are you crazy?" Leo almost shouted a few secondster. Irish pushed Jordan away, looking at him impatiently.

    Jordan got another bottle of beer and took a few sips of beer. "I just want to buy a racing car. I have made enough money. I promise I will never do that again. Don''t worry," Jordan shrugged his shoulders.

    "Jordan, promise me that you will never do that again in your whole life," Irish said and put her hands over his shoulders.

    "Okay, okay. I assure you that. If I can''t return to G4, I will go abroad, and I will never be a racing driver," Jordan replied helplessly while his face went pale.

    Irish was worried about him and could not bear to me him anymore. "Will you sponsor him if he could attend this match?" Irish''s eyes fell on Leo.

    "No problem, as long as he could take part in the game," Leo answered immediately.

    After hearing this, Jordan''s annoyance vanished, and he then acted like a spoiled kid who held Irish''s arms intimately and asked, "What do you mean? Is Horry going to ask me back to his team?"

    Reaching out, Irish pinched his ears while Jordan hastily begged for mercy.

    "Listen to me, Jordan. I almost fell down halfway up a hill in order to inspire you, so you better try to make a good showing," said Irish while she didn''t loosen her grip.

    "Ouch!" Jordan wailed loudly.

    "Why didn''t you remember that Mike would get hurt when you strangled him with a belt? You will be a dead duck if your brother gets to know this." Irish said a little angrily and loosened her grip.

    Jordan rubbed his ears but said nothing.

    "Mike is seriously injured, but G4 needs a team leader, and they could not take part in the game if they don''t have enough people, so Horry is having a meeting with his team members," exined Irish.

    "It means..." Jordan''s eyes flickered with light as he heard this.

    "You could attend the finals in Washington, barring idents," said Irish word by word.

    "Are you serious?" Jordan stood up abruptly while staring at Irish.

    However, something suddenly urred to Leo, who had been keeping silent for quite a while. "Jordan, did you hurt Mike deliberately?"

    But Jordan shook his head to deny his opinion.

    Irish also believed that Jordan was not such a person, but it might be another case for Joseph if he was the person involved. They chatted there but were soon interrupted by someone''s harsh voice. "Jordan, don''t daydream here. Do you think you could return to G4 so easily?"

    They looked back and found a man sitting in a wheelchair, wrapped in bandages over his body. And the other four people who were not seriously injured stood beside him. Irish knew that it must be Mike. And it was not until then Irish realized how obtrusive Jordan was.

    Jordan got irritated immediately as he heard this. He red at Mike and almost shouted at him, "How dare you talk to me like this? Do you still want to get beat up?"

    Seeing this, Leo stepped to Jordan and tried to keep him calm.

    "Shut up!" shouted Horry. He then turned to Jordan and said seriously, "Mike is right. You have to show your capability to us if you really want to join us."<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "Horry, I am well-prepared! Trust me." Jordan said sincerely.

    "Mike is unable to take part in the finals in Washington next month, so if you want to rece him, you have to be faster than him. He is the holder of our team record. I will give you a test, and you have to exceed Mike, which means that you have to finish within one minute and twenty seconds if you want to return to G4," Horry continued.

    ''Oh, my God! One minute and twenty seconds!'' Irish thought to herself since she knew it was a great challenge for Jordan.

    However, Jordan just threw the beer and sneered. "One minute and twenty seconds? It is no wonder that you only got second ce in the trial match."

    "Jordan, what are you talking about?" Horry said angrily. He turned to Jordan and then added, "I know you were faster than Mike two years ago, but I don''t know even if you could keep up with the same record year years ago."

    Jordan stared at Horry and replied without hesitation. "Okay, I will ept the test."

    Horry nodded and then said, "I will meet you at the racing area tomorrow afternoon. And I will also prepare the car for you."

    "Okay, see you tomorrow then," Jordan calmly replied.

    Irish also got excited since she thought that Jordan would definitely seed as long as he got a chance. Her phone rang suddenly. Taking out the phone, she walked over to answer the phone. It was Daisy.

    "Doctor Irish, where are you?" Daisy asked in a low voice, and it was easy to tell that it was not convenient for her to answer the phone.

    "What''s wrong?" Irish was confused in reply, and she did not tell Daisy where she was.

    "Come back to thepany as soon as possible. Mr. Dover will hold a meeting this afternoon. All the shareholders are waiting for you," Daisy urged her a little anxiously.

    Hearing this, Irish felt her head buzzing. "I can''t go back right now. There is no need to wait for me," Irish blurted out.

    "I am calling you secretly. Doctor Irish, Mr. Dover looked so angry," warned Daisy.

    It was not until then Irish realized that she had no other choice but to go back.

    When she hung up the phone, she found that there were several unread messages from Cassie, who asked her to go back to thepany as soon as possible.

    Irish was also worried since she was afraid that Joseph might get mad at her. He often did official business ording to official principles, but now all of the shareholders were waiting for her. At the thought of this, Irish walked to Leo and Jordan, telling them that she was about to leave.

    When she had just got out of the vi, Jordan rushed out and asked her, "Hey, will youe tomorrow?"

    "I am not sure," responded Irish without looking back.

    Jordan stood there, staring at her red car, tearing away and mumbling, "But I hope you cane tomorrow."

    It was already 5:30 pm when Irish got back to the office. And they would be off work in half an hour. It took her a long time to drive back because of traffic congestion.

    She walked gingerly into thepany while the receptionist soon told her that Joseph was looking for her angrily.

    "Is the meeting over?" asked Irish in a low voice. She was about to return home if the meeting was over, but to her disappointment, the young girl knew nothing about the meeting since she was just a receptionist. Daisy happened to get out of the elevator, and she rushed to Irish. "You are finally back. Go to the meeting room now. Joseph is waiting for you there."

    Irish felt that there were butterflies in her stomach as she got this news.

 Chapter 782 782: What Would You Like To Drink?

    Irish thought that Joseph would be in the conference room. She pushed to open the door and saw a roomful of expressionless shareholders, and then, she sat down calmly, thinking that she was not afraid of Joseph''s unpleasant face. Actually, she attended the board meeting, which she did not want to attend at all.

    She was a shareholder in the Runestone, but this shareholder status was imposed on her, which had nothing to do with her prejudice against the Lake family, but she herself felt that the so-called shareholder status was like a yoke that made her feel an invisible burden.

    She was aware that life was too short to do the job she liked.

    Unexpectedly, Joseph was not in the conference room, and she had asked the secretary of the administrative office. The secretary said that the shareholders'' meeting had beenpleted as early as two hours ago. Irish was speechless, and she could only knock on the door of the general manager''s office.

    Joseph was in the small living room of the office. Seeing Irish came and motioned her toe and sit.

    Irish saw the director of marketing and public rtions director were there, slightly stunned.

    Joseph said lightly to her that he was discussing the release of the new autumn product, "Isabel, you listen to it, too." The eyes of the two directors fell on her.

    Irish''s cheeks were a little hot.

    Even when they were good, he wouldn''t call her so sweetly in front of his subordinates. He was called by Dr. Irish during his working hours and even called her by surname, which meant that she had made any mistakes.

    In fact, she wanted to remind Joseph that she came to work in the Runestone because she epted the role of a corporate psychological consultant and came here for a week or two rather than having admitted that she was a shareholder in the group. Whether the new product was released, when and in what form it had nothing to do with her, and she was not interested in these business decisions at all.

    But thinking about herself and that she needed to ask something for the man, she sat on the sofa and listened to them talk.

    Directors were also involved in selfless work arrangements, and the director of the public rtions department reviewed the final selection of thetest product spokesman with Joseph. With a thick pile of relevant information on hand, the operation of new products in autumn was orderly manner. Because of the application for product design patents, thetest style of new products in autumn has been bing a topic of expectation and discussion.

    All publicity should be in line with the marketw and sales operation, so the opinion of the marketing director should not be underestimated. Judging from the working process discussed by the three, it should have been going on for a long time.

    It could be seen that Joseph attached great importance to the new autumn product, and every request and suggestion he put forward was extremely demanding, but it was not difficult to see his request for quality.

    Irish listened to them with her head in the cloud, especially rted to the operation of the market, channels, dealer agents, counter-unified image management, and so on. She thought she was hearing Dutch.

    She was distracted, and her mind was not on the new product, but her eyes wandered back and forth on the faces of the three men.

    The earnest face was the most beautiful expression of human beings, whether for men or women.

    Irish knew that the Runestone Group, from the early operation to the marketing and then to thepletion of theter stage, had such an elite team, strong and professional, among which the marketing department and public rtions department director were the best and the person who personally built this professional team is Joseph. He was the spiritual leader of the team but also the mainstay of the whole group.

    So the way he was in his work was really attractive.

    Once Joseph entered the status of working, he could forget anything. Irish could see the wild nature of the wolf in his eyes. It was a shining, firm, and decisive look, which seemed to be the first time that Irish had seen through his eyes so clearly.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Joseph did not notice that Irish had been distracted. After a long discussion with the marketing director, he subconsciously picked up the coffee cup before thinking of Irish. He put down the cup and fixed eyes on her, very soft.

    "What would you like to drink?"

    Irish actually came to the office to wait for a scolding. As long as he mentioned her failure to attend the meeting as early as possible, her heart could not be put down all the time. It was like hearing a joke--- there was a man whose upstairs neighbor came homete every day. Every time his neighbor came home, he took off one shoe, threw it to one side, and then threw the other, so the man could hear "bang" twice every night, which upset him greatly. Atst, he could not help it, and he took the opportunity to protest with his upstairs neighbor, saying that he was disturbing the people and that the upstairs neighbor apologized sincerely. Another night, the upstairs neighbor came back, took off a shoe, and suddenly remembered the warning downstairs. He carefully put the other shoe aside without making a sound. The man downstairs heard a "pop" and waited to hear the next one. He could not bear to knock on the floor and said, "I think you''d better throw the second shoe, or I can''t sleep."

    Irish''s psychology waspletely in line with the psychology of the protagonist of the story. In the past, when he was not satisfied with her work attitude and habits, he would criticize her coldly. She had long been used to his harshness. That day, even Daisy said that his face was very unpleasant, but until now, he was still pleasant, so Irish felt nervous.

    p����d��`no��?1`��o�� She would rather he hurriedly scold her so that she could rx.

    "Isabel?" Joseph saw her stunned and called her.

    The two directors looked at her, too. Irish quickly came to her attention and thought, "Oh. Coffee is fine."

    Joseph looked up at the time, murmured a little, and pressed the phone button, "Prepare a snack and a ss of warm lemonade toe in."

    Irish was surprised.

    Soon, the secretary brought them in, and Joseph signaled to put them in front of Irish.

    When the secretary went out, Joseph looked at her and said, "Don''t drink coffee at this time, or you won''t be able to sleep again at night. Have a snack first, and I''ll take you to dinnerter."

    The first half of the sentence was an order, and the second half of the sentence was like an indulgence.

    He said it so naturally that he didn''t care that two subordinates were inside the office.

    Irish sensitively caught the meaningfulness in the eyes of the two directors.

    She didn''t talk and had a snack with her head down.

    Joseph told her and went on with his work, and even though she had finished her snack, he didn''t pay attention to her.

    When Irish had consciousness again, she opened her eyes, and then she was surprised to find that she had been asleep.

    She was still in Joseph''s office, lying on arge sofa with a pillow. Two directors did not hear the sound, and the empty cups on the tea table were taken away and cleaned up.

 Chapter 783 783: Say It

    The night was quiet.

    Not far from thending window, the street lit a long string of red lights, and from his office, she could always see the city''s prosperity under the night sky.

    Irish sat up, only to find that she was covered with a man''s coat, and picked it up. It was the coat that Joseph was wearing that day, and his smell was all over her body.

    When did Irish fall asleep? She was ignorant.

    The eyes swept on the pillow that had just been pillowed. This pillow was in the lounge. Did he give it to her?

    There was a sound in the air, she protruded her head to look at him.

    He was on the phone and talked about business. It was unclear what kind of schedule she heard because his voice was low, like having a fear of disturbing her.

    She looked at the time, it was after nine o''clock in the evening.

    He was still working.

    It was just that Joseph seemed to have a different demagoguery in the night.

    The way he answered the phone was charming, with a tall body leaning slightly against the back of his chair, holding his cell phone in one hand and gently rubbing his forehead in the other. He looked a little tired after working all day, but the tone was still decisive and unambiguous.

    Just finishing thest phone call, he put down the phone, and the ringtone rang again.

    Joseph quickly connected to the phone and looked at her side again, only to find that she was awake and was sitting on the sofa looking his way.

    He smiled.

    The corners of his lips rose slightly, and across each other''s distance, the smile at the tip of his eyes and eyebrows circled dreamlike tenderness against the background of the night.

    Irish hurriedly moved her eyes away and bowed her head to wear her shoes.

    And Joseph did not deliberately lower his voice this time. After exining the work with the normal volume, he got up and came to her side.

    The lights in the office were dim, and there were only ground lights and neon lights outside the window.

    When he came over, she had put on her shoes.

    "Are you hungry?" he sat down with her and said with a smile.

    Irish looked at him, and her brain was running fast.

    This man was a little abnormal. First, she didn''t attend the meeting, and then she fell asleep in his office, and he told her to listen to the new product in front of his subordinates, but she didn''t and fell asleep.

    But the man was still whispering to her, asking if she was hungry.

    This was very abnormal.

    Seeing her staring at him in a blink of an instant, Joseph smiled and rubbed her head with his hands raised. "Are you silly? I''m asking you something."

    Irish reacted and shunned his hand.

    She cleared her throat and squeezed a voice out of her throat. "Can I give some personal advice before you scold me?"

    Joseph heard that, and his eyebrows were obviously confused.

    Irish said without waiting for him to answer, "I remember you were finalizing the final spokesman. And you can use anyone, but you can''t use Britney or Becky."

    Seeing that he wasughing in his eyes, she immediately exined, "I am one of the board members, you admit, and I have a right to speak."

    Joseph smiled widely, "Of course."

    "Well. Do you agree?" Irish looked at him suspiciously.

    When it came to business decisions, she knew that Joseph had never been rejected. What did he mean? He didn''t me her.

    Joseph did not immediately give her an answer, but he unexpectedly approached her. She did not react for a moment, and it was the temperature of his breath that tickled her ears.

    "Jealous?"

    A little teasing, with an obvious desire.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Irish quickly shed to one side, staring at him through the dim light, "I''m not that bored, I just put forward rational advice."

    Joseph did not approach, leaning against the sofa, smiling at her, "Becky was considered a mental patient, and up to now, the media still focuses on her. Of course, the Runestone Group will avoid suspicion at this time, so what about Britney? What''s the reason that you don''t want to use her?"

    "What''s the reason you want to use white ice?" Irish asked back.

    Joseph''s lips curved into a smile. "Her image is good, and she is popr."

    "You forgot to say one more thing." Irish had pink eyes and coldly said. "She''s in good shape, too."

    Joseph looked at her with a smile.

    "I think you know that best." Irish was a little angry.

    Joseph asked, "What do you mean I know best?"

    "She''s the one who''s been with you for the longest time." Irish smiled. "Do you think I have to learn from her?"

    Joseph looked at her with insight. "It looks like you know a lot."

    "So many women have fallen in love with you."

    Joseph''s eyes werezy, and when he saw her like a hedgehog. He leaned against the sofa. "Come here."

    Why would he call her to go over there, and she had to listen to him?

    Irish sat still.

    He smiled, patting the sofa. "Come here. I have something important to tell you."

    "I can hear everything here."

    Joseph sighed, "I''ve been busy from morning to night, and now I''m running out of strength to talk. Come here."

    Irish looked at him and saw that his eyebrows seemed tired, but she also felt that he was not lying, so she slowly advanced forward. He shook his head and sat next to her.

    Trouble.

    Irish directly got up and sat down next to him.

    "Say it."

    Joseph leaned against the sofa and looked at her.

    Irish saw him silent for a long time, turned her head, and stared at him. After seeing that the corners of his lips obviously aroused a bad smile, she suddenly reacted. As soon as she got up, Joseph quickly grabbed her and sped her into his arms.

    "Let me go!" She knew she shouldn''t trust him. She didn''t have the strength. She couldn''t break free from his arm.

    Joseph sped her waist, buried her cheek in her hair, and smiled beside her ear. "If you admit you''re jealous, I''ll let you go."

    "Stop it and let me go." She turned her back to him, pulled it again and again, and felt something through the thin cloth, and his breath became heavy, and she blushed, and her heart jumped. "Joseph, am I jealous of that stupid thing?"

    Joseph stared at her side face and did not speak.

    She was so ufortable. He was staring at her. And then she quickly pulled off the subject. "Are you going to scold me next? Be in a hurry."

    "Why should you be scolded?"

    Irish was upset by the breath he had left behind and shunned a little. "Aren''t you waiting for me to have a meeting?"

    "That''s what it was." Joseph was clear.

    "What did you mean?"

    She turned her head in surprise and looked into his eyes along his strong chest. Did the man turn good, or was he stimted by some kind of thrill? He thought this was a little thing? Then why did he have a bad face? Daisy couldn''t lie.

    The two were very close.

 Chapter 784 784: I’ll Let You Go If You Admit You’re Jealous

    The light in the room became dimmer and dimmer again.

    From Joseph''s point of view, there was a beauty that could not be said. There was a thin fog in her eyes. She was very cute, and for a time, there was a kind of full love filling his chest.

    He could not help but bow his head, and his thin lips covered her little mouth.

    Irish froze, and by the time she reacted, his kiss was already on her. She hurriedly pushed him away, moved her face aside, and breathed a little urgently. "Is everything all right? I''m going home. I''m tired."

    He still sped her, bowed his head, kissed her, and his breath swept along her side face.

    The breathing of the two was tangled, and she could hear his aggravated breathing.

    "I won''t force you to attend the general meeting. I''ll tell you afterwards, of course, what important decisions thepany has made." He said in a low voice in her ears.

    Joseph''s words made Irish more confused. Listening to Daisy''s call earlier, the man wanted to kill her.

    "You haven''t answered your phone. I''m worried about what happened to you." Joseph''s lips pressed gently on her ears as if to tell his concern and as if to attach emotionally to her.

    She felt that her breath was covered by his breath, and that was the strong breath of men. His apathy may be cruel, but his tenderness was crueler than his apathy and mercilessly hurt her heart. And she began to shrink.

    She hated herself like this.

    Even when she did not see him, she would be so convinced of her apathy and resentment, but after seeing him, even if she looked at him so far away, her heart could not be controlled, let alone be so gentle with each other.

    She scolded herself for her contempt!

    The feeling of suffering from the contradiction of forgiveness and unease drove her mad.

    "I''m fine." Irish shrank and tried to avoid his lips as much as possible.

    Joseph seemed to deliberately tease her. She shunned, and his lips fell down, and he gnawed down her neck.

    She had to turn around and put her hands on his strong chest to avoid it. "Joseph!"

    Joseph''s eyes became darker and brighter in the gloom, he smiled and said, "I''ll let you go if you admit you''re jealous."

    "Why should I say that?" Irish felt sore in her arms.

    "Well, I say."

    She was puzzled and stared at him. "I''ll be jealous." Joseph stared at her, and his eyes were like a torch, "Every time a man approaches you, I will be jealous. Isabel, I admit that I am going crazy with jealousy, Fredrick, Leo, Adam, and Anthony, who pretends to be Adam, and so on."

    His eyes were hot, and she looked flushed in his eyes. But he refused her to avoid them.

    "And." He added a sentence.

    Irish had to look him in the eyes.

    His eyes, however, seemed to have contracted a trace of pain, and his lips were close to her, and he pronounced a name in a low voice. "And Jordan, I don''t want him to see you."

    Irish trembled all over, and she did not react, Joseph''s kisspletely fell down.

    Between the lips, there was a power of tenderness.

    Then his breath came to her face.

    When his tongue was twisted with hers, Irish suddenly reacted and pushed him away, yelling unpleasantly. "You are mad, he is your brother!"

    When Joseph saw her unhappy, he whispered, "All right, just think of me as a crazy man." He was obedient.

    Irish looked at him for a long time before she was a little relieved. Although he was not angry, he was, after all, a man who was used to it. By his age, everything had been set for a long time. In many cases, he had to allow others to adapt, not to adapt to others without limitation.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Thinking of what Cassie said, in fact, she was right. It was the best way to let it go without knowing what to do. What''s more, she asked for him.

    It could be seen that Joseph tried his best to maintain peace between them. When he saw her eyebrows loosen, he sighed and took her hand. "Isabel, I will be very busy this time."

    She could hear that he was clearly exining his condition to her, with a slight tremble in her heart, and she said "Okay" without saying anything more.

    Joseph circled her shoulder and said gently, "I''ll take you to dinner."

    Irish allowed him to pull her hand up and saw him put on his coat, and she said, "Tomorrow afternoon, I''d like to take leave."

    Joseph stopped and looked at her. "What''s wrong?"

    "I have something to do." She could not say anything about Jordan. Let alone what he had just said to her. He would have to be furious if he knew about Jordan''s matter.

    Joseph''s eyes fell on her. "Is it serious? Can I help you?"

    "No, I can handle it alone." She was frightened.

    But fortunately, Joseph did not seem to see the tension she had been running through. He thought a little bit and nodded, "Okay, call me if you have anything to do."

    It was rare.

    That day, Joseph was easy to negotiate to the extreme.

    "You..." She hesitated.

    He wasughing, "What''s up?"

    "Why didn''t I hear you deducting my bonus?"

    Joseph heard that his lips rose a little, rubbed her head hard, "Buckle your money, so next time my wallet won''t suffer. The gain is not worth the loss. Let''s go to dinner."

    He took her hand.

    She looked down at his hand, and her heart was mixed with many feelings.

    However, he went hand in hand with her.

    ****

    Friday was always exciting. What just made Irish nervous was the test at two o''clock in the afternoon.

    At noon, she and Cassie were going to eat in the staff restaurant. Roy bought Cassie a car. It was pink, as lovely as a peach. And Irish borrowed it.

    That day, Irish didn''t drive. She wanted to finish lunch and hurried to get there, so she could only borrow Cassie''s car.

    "Why can''t you drive his car?"

    "No, no. I can''t." Irish informed her of all that had happened yesterday and of all that had happened to Jordan.

    Cassie was surprised, "You''ve done so much, and he''s not angry?"

    Irish also nodded and asked Cassie, "Do you think he has a n for me?"

    Cassie shook her head.

    After lunch, Irish drove all the way to the racecourse in a pink car. The temperature of the afternoon became hot. She exited the car, and the hot air heated her up. As soon as she stood still, she heard Leo shouting at her side, "Irish, this way, hurry up!"

    Looking at him under the sun, Irish found him dressed leisurely. He stood on the track waving at her while Jordan was checking the car. When he saw hering, he felt happy and waved to her too.

 Chapter 785 785: You Curse Him?

    This was the first time she had seen Jordan so happy since she had met him, and his mouth was almost grinning to the root of his ear.

    "I thought you couldn''te," Jordan said, in a very standard Englishnguage, of course, the tone was still strange.

    "Your elder brother, the Emperor, agreed with my leave. This is my first time looking at the racing car so closely, so how much is this car?" Irish said, turning around to look it up and down. No one answered her question.

    She looked up and saw his face was a little unnatural, thinking,ughing, and she said, "Don''t worry, I didn''t tell your brother about the test you''re doing today."

    "Of course, he doesn''t know," Jordan said. "He hasn''te home these days."

    Irish knew what he said, and her face was inadvertently red.

    Leo sneered beside him, "He is not afraid to die in exhaustion?"

    "You curse him?" Irish retorted.

    "I don''t need to do that." He was straightforward.

    Irish rolled her eyes at him. It would have been fine if he didn''t say that to her.

    Soon, Horry walked towards them with his teammates, and Michael was still in a wheelchair, pushed toward their way, and the bruises on his neck did not seem to be much lighter after the whole night. Irish swallowed her saliva, at the scariest moment, she was still very grateful to God for keeping Michael alive; otherwise, Jordan would have been bitten by Joseph.

    Several of the teammates were Jordan''s friends, and they came forward to cheer him up. Michael sneered and mocked after seeing him. "You''d better get angry, but don''t drive the coach''s car directly to the tree."

    On hearing that, Jordan did not show any weakness and retorted back. "Don''t worry, I will kill you first before I crash into a tree!"

    Leo was afraid that the argument between the two people would intensify again, so he came forward to meddle.

    Horry seemed helpless, and even the outsider, Irish, could see it clearly. He was a good coach but not necessarily a qualified team manager. Facing a hateful confrontation and disputes between his team members, it was clear that he did not have strong authority to stop them.

    Irish suddenly thought of Joseph.

    The Runestone Group was like abat team in his hands. All he had to do was strategically run the team. The hugepany worked freely in his hands. She had to say that he had audable team management ability.

    Of course, this ability could also be reflected incisively and vividly in another man in front of her, that is, Leo; otherwise, how could he challenge Joseph in public?

    When she went to BRIGHT Group, she saw Leo''s gship store, which was chosen with pure intention and face-to-face with the Runestone Group gship store.

    Leo made it clear that he was fighting with Joseph, which was the main purpose of the business world. Of course, meeting him under this background was somewhat strange, but Leo also didn''t talk about business. Irish was still grateful that he did not treat her as a Runestone shareholder.

    Horry stepped forward and asked if Jordan was ready.

    Bay said that everything was okay.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Horry nodded.

    Everyone retreated outside the racetrack.

    Irish looked at Jordan in a racing car wearing a uniform and helmet. She really wanted to take a picture of the scene and pass it on to Joseph and then tell him, ''have you ever seen your brother so happy?'' He was so confident, and his young face brimmed with the desire and pursuit of extreme speed, and this was a kind of passion that she had not seen for a long time. It was the pursuit of dreams, the pursuit of life forward bravely.

    Joseph, people did not have to stand in a high position in business, and sess had a lot of definitions, and the simplest happiness was the greatest sess.

    When Jordan focused in front of the car, those eyes were as focused as Joseph''s.

    This was the first time Irish had watched the car racing so closely; although it was just a test, Jordan had to finish the test in a very short time, but looking at his side face, looking at the concentration in his eyes, her heart jumped frantically for a while.

    Through Jordan, she seemed to see Joseph. What would Joseph look like at this age, like Jordan? Did he have his own hobbies? Has he ever worked hard for his dreams? Or was he just interested in business?

    She suddenly felt warm on her shoulders.

    When she looked back, Leo slung his arm around her shoulder.

    Leo''s eyes fell on Jordan in the racing car, and he didn''t look at her. It was like he had read out her inner mind and said, "Every man who likes to drive a sports car has the heart of a racing car."

    Irish was stunned and suddenly thought of the two sports cars parked in Joseph''s garage.

    She seldom saw him drive sports cars, most of the time, he was picked up by special cars, and he drove his own business car, which she thought was nothing more than the toys of rich people.

    "Jordan was forced to learn how to swim because Joseph threw him directly into the water. Jordan yed with a racing car as Joseph taught him, and he even gave Jordan a sports car. Joseph bought that sports car with the first bucket of gold, and he was usually unwilling to drive. However, when he saw that Jordan liked it, he sent his favorite car without saying a word."

    Irish opened her eyes and looked at Leo. "You mean Joseph likes racing?"

    "It didn''t ur to you?" Leo smiled and said, "People with a wolf nature like him like racing cars."

    "But now..."

    Leo shrugged his shoulders.

    "Sometimes, a man can only do what he can do, not what he wants to do. Compared to him, Jordan is lucky."

    Irish got it.

    As the eldest brother, Joseph yed the role of father for Jordan. He had to care for his brother and save his family''s business. His brother was so young that he couldn''t help him, so he could only be mature as soon as possible to take on the responsibility of his family. Therefore, no matter how many dreams he had, he could only struggle in the business field.

    "But I don''t understand it." Irish sighed, "If so, he should understand what it is like to be deprived of his dream, and why should he stop Jordan? It reminds me of a saying you cut off my wings, and now let me fly. When he taught Jordan racing, why did he not let him join the car racing?

 Chapter 786 786: I’ll Take The Challenge

    Leo thought, "Maybe he''s afraid that something will happen to him. If Joseph opposed Jordan racing from the beginning, then it was impossible that he didn''t know Jordan entered a team. Until something happened two years ago."

    Was it really that simple?

    "You also have wolf nature." Irish, a short word.

    Leo looked at her and said, "Joseph forced out my wolf nature."

    She was stunned.

    "At least he gets you first." He added.

    Irish red at him.

    As they talked, Horry pinched the watch and patted the door.

    Jordan gave him an okay gesture and then his eyes fell on Irish''s face.

    Irish clenched her fist and cheered him.

    Jordan slightly closed his lips and smiled.

    The loud sound of the engine was deafening, which was the sound making blood boil, and the sound that men wanted to conquer most in their nature.

    When Horry''s gesture fell, Jordan''s racing car sprinted like a rocket. Faster than normal.

    Irish eximed in her heart, eager to shake her g and shout. The engine sounded loud.

    Horry stood in front of the monitor, his face was focused on the screen, and the number of seconds in his hand was constantly changing.

    Irish''s had been squeezed up.

    She hoped that Jordan would surpass and be safe at the same time. On this side of the track, it was dead quiet.

    Irish heard her heart pounding.

    Leo, on the other hand, seemed a little nervous, and the fingers around her shoulder had been sping hard. Soon, Irish heard the engine of the car.

    It was getting closer and closer. Irish''s breathing increased, her eyes red bigger and wider, and the tension in her heart quickly climbed to excitement.

    She saw the car shadow, the G4 iconic blue-green, like lightning in the night sky, with a charming luster.

    She could feel the ground shaking!

    Finally, the car roared through their ears.

    And Horry pinched his watch''s fingers and suddenly stopped.

    Irish could not help cheering, she had a hunch that the speed of the racing car must be fast.

    The car came with a beautiful drift, turned its head, and stopped slowly next to them.

    When Jordan got off the car and shook his head after taking off his helmet, Irish seemed to see Joseph''s look so suddenly in him.

    "Horry." Jordan put his helmet under his arm and trotted forward. His eyes were bright, but he was a little nervous.

    Everyone looked at Horry, too.

    Michael, in his wheelchair, swallowed his saliva, too.

    Horry looked at the time of the final stop on the watch, and his face showed a clear surprise.

    "Wow! How is that possible?" He murmured. Irish''s heart almost popped out of her throat, why? Was he not as fast as Michael?

    And Jordan also changed his face. Leo opened, "Horry, is it faster or slower?"

    Horry looked up at Leo and turned his eyes to Jordan. "You''re 0.2 seconds faster than you had two years ago."

    Jordan''s eyes brightened.

    "One minute." Horry strode forward and pped his big hand on the shoulder. "Boy, you drove for a minute!"<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    One minute!

    Irish was stunned. Oh, my God, he dumped Michael for 20 seconds!

    The next second was the exhration of Jordan himself.

    The teammates who were close to him were also very happy and congratted one after another.

    "Horry, so he can represent G4, right?" Irish was also excited.

    Horry smiled and looked at Jordan. "This boy has the stubbornness of ten cows, and he can''t be pulled back."

    These words represented his eptance.

    Jordan was so happy that he rushed to the car and kissed the door.

    Irish was also happy about it.

    Michael and the other four yers, especially Michael, looked ugly with cold eyes.

    Horry, seeing Michael''s displeasure, stepped forward and sighed, "Michael, I hope you can ept it. He''s really faster than you."

    "It will convince me unless he has the ability to get into my car," Michael said word for word.

    "What do you mean," Jordan said, looking up at Michael.

    Mike sneered. "You have to have a car in the race. It''ll allow you to drive my car, but only if you have the ability to convince me."

    "Michael." Horry cried helplessly by the side.

    Leo disagreed and stared at the back of Jordan and said, "I''ll take charge of your racing car, Jordan, don''t be bothered by others'' words."

    "It''s nice to have a rich friend." Michael sneered and said, "Jordan, two years ago, you relied on your brother to get out of trouble, and two yearster, you had to rely on someone else to provide you with a car."

    Of course, Jordan could not be stimted. He bit his teeth, "If I had the ability to drive your car, what would you do?"

    "Then I will send it to you!" Michael made an oath.

    Jordan squinted slightly. "Well, I''ll take the challenge."

    Leo frowned and pulled him aside. "Jordan, you have won. There is no need to waste your time."

    Jordan shook his head. "No, I''m going to do this."

    Horry stepped forward and said, "Let him finish the challenge; otherwise, he will never make people shut up."

    Irish agreed with Horry that people''s psychology was so strange, no matter what, if you can''t be perfectly justifiable, you would always be criticized, no matter how good you would be in the future.

    Jordan looked at Michael. "What do you want?"

    Michael looked at him without expression, did not speak, and pushed one of his teammates to speak. His face was bruised, and he pointed to the high-rise building not far away. "This morning, I put Michael''s helmet at the top, Jordan, if you have the ability, you must get it within the given time."

    The crowd looked at it in the right direction.

    It was an abandoned high-rise steel frame originally used to build a giant bungee jumping frame, but the project was halted because of ack of funds, leaving the shelf standing in the wind for so many years.

    The giant steel frame was as high as twentyyers and rusty as it was seen closer.

    "In ten minutes." Michael smiled and said,

    "If you can get my helmet and bring it to me, I''ll get convinced. You''ll be the boss. And I will say nothing more. But I won''t ept you if you don''t finish the task, even if you get back to the team. I don''t think the other teammates will ept either."

    "Hey, Michael, you''re too much, aren''t you? That building is so tall that there are no auxiliary tools at all. You let Jordan climb up and down in ten minutes? This is an impossible task at all." A member of the team standing behind Jordan blurted out.

    "Yes, I think you did it on purpose." Another teammate said, "The steel frame is so high, and there is no protection below. If he falls from it by mistake, it will be fatal and cause death. Michael, I think you just want Jordan''s life, right?"

    "Racing is a dangerous profession. What we''ve been ying is taking risks. You don''t realize it, do you?" A teammate who protected Michael talked coldly.

 Chapter 787 787: I Must Go Now

    Jordan looked at the giant steel frame nearby and frowned.

    Leo showed disagreement.

    For a while, the two teams quarreled, and Horry was unable to stop them.

    Irish didn''t say any words, and she looked intently at the giant steel frame. Her eyes did not move, slightly squinting, and every foot on the steel frame began to be clear.

    "All right, I''ll take it!" Jordan quickly gambled.

    Michaelughed even colder. "I''m not responsible for your life and death!"

    Jordan sneered at him. "Remember, I''m going to smash your helmet."

    "All right."

    Jordan put the helmet into Leo''s hand and turned around.

    However, Leo pulled him back, "Are you crazy?"

    "I must go now!" Jordan said firmly.

    Jordan lowered his voice, "I will climb up even if I may fall down!"

    "You..."

    "I can take it." A light voice interrupted their conversation, and others heard it too.

    Jordan and Leo turned back and found it was from Irish.

    Irish looked into their eyes and reiterated, "I can take that helmet, and it will not take ten minutes."

    They were surprised.

    Jordan understood her purpose, so he just said, "No, no need for you to do that."

    Leo disagreed with it, too, "This challenge is ridiculous! You two do not need to pay attention to them."

    Irish said, "Sometimes a challenge will make others realize their mistake."

    "It is my business..."

    "Shut up," Irish shouted.

    Michael shook his hand, smiling, "It is a high building with two dozen floors without a rope or any protection. It is hard for you to make it, so what if you make it? It is still uneptable as Jordan didn''t do it but you."

    Irish replied calmly, "As you let your partner put it there, this challenge is for a team. Unless you put it by yourself, you are entitled to ask him to do it alone."

    Michael was lost for words.

    "How about you put it alone again, or let me do it for Jordan?"

    Michael felt ashamed. He was shocked by her words, and he could only say, "Okay, as long as you can make it, I will be convinced."

    "Okay!"

    "No!" Jordan and Leo opposed it firmly.

    Leo pulled her, "It''s too dangerous. You can''t do it!"

    Jordan frowned, "Don''t take it for me."

    "So, who can climb up within ten minutes," Irish questioned them.

    Leo and Jordan were embarrassed for the time being.

    "It''s okay. I have many years of experience, and I have received professional training. I have observed the building, which has supporting points. It''s not so difficult."

    "However, it has no rope or any protection. If you fall down..."

    "Could you please say something good for me?" Irish interrupted him, "You are really unprofessional. Rope and protection are not so necessary for climbing. When climbing bes a means of living, everything can be the tools."

    Leo was anxious, "Are you really okay?"

    "Stop being talkative. You''re not evenparable to Joseph."

    Leo pouted his lips, feeling defeated.

    Seeing that Jordan still wanted to say something, Irish said, "You better choke back your words. I need to do it now. I promise that it''s okay for me, or you two can just be my protectors."<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Jordan smiled hard.

    Irish didn''t say anything and just walked to Michael, "You''d better remember what you have said."

    "Within ten minutes!" Michael emphasized.

    Irish sneered and looked at Jordan, "Where''re your clothes?"

    Jordan couldn''t understand.

    "My dress is not fit for climbing. Please lend me your jeans and T-shirt." He still wore a race suit, so his own clothes were still avable.

    Jordan got it, so he took her to the dressing room soon.

    After a while, Irish came out.

    Jordan was tall, so his jeans were too long for her. She cut it short and used a belt to tighten the waist part. She also wore arge white T-shirt, looking like a hippie.

    She wore a ponytail, looking pretty.

    Jordan looked at Irish. He couldn''t move his eyes off her.

    Leo walked forward. He was really concerned, so he just pulled her, "Irish, it''s really dangerous."

    "No worries. I have observed it quietly. It''s easy to climb it." Irish smiled at the sunshine, "You know I cherish my life, so it must be safe if I''m focused."

    "But..." Leo nced at the tower near him and touched it, "See, there is rust on it. What if the parts get loose?"

    "Believe in me." Irish patted his hand and looked up at the building. A climbing route was outlined quickly in her mind. Others arrived there and stood under the building.

    "Irish." Irish was to climb, but Leo stopped her.

    She turned around.

    Leo was silent, and he just embraced her tightly from behind.

    "I''m okay." Irish patted his back.

    Jordan stood beside her and stared at Irish. He looked at the building again and clenched his fists. As Irish pushed Leo away lightly, he couldn''t stop pulling her arms and frowning, "No, you can''t do it."

    "Jordan!"

    Jordan looked at Michael. His eyes were as cold as a monster. He said angrily, "I will throw you out like a sponge after she fails."

    Michael smiled, satisfied.

    Irish threw Jordan''s hands away, "Are you crazy? Throw him like a sponge? Remember your words then!" And then she looked at Michael, "Just set the time and watch me!"

    Soon she climbed up the steel tower, regardless of Jordan and Leo''s disagreement.

    Jordan stomped anxiously.

    The sunshine in the afternoon was so strong.

    The light fell on the steel tower, shining fabulously.

    Irish climbed up along the route in her mind by taking advantage of every supporting point between every angle and a turning point. These were excellent for her.

    She climbed rapidly and fast. Her small figure stood there, ponytail flying in the wind.

    Everyone looked at Irish, shocked.

    Michael was stunned looking at her moving fast.

    He looked up and stared at her with big eyes. He had never thought that she was so good at climbing.

    Irish was correct. After conquering so many mountains, this seeminglyrge but not dangerous building was just a piece of cake for her. She soon climbed to the top and found Michael''s helmet. She signed to the people below.

    Jordan and Leo were afraid that her small figure would fall from high.

    Jordan got anxious. He shouted, "Be careful."

    Of course, Irish couldn''t hear him with such a long distance and strong wind. She straddled the steel shelf and put the helmet on her head. She began to return back along the previous route. This time she got quicker.

    Her shadow was clearer.

    As she finallynded, Jordan walked forward and embraced Irish, excited, and then he lowered down and kissed her lips.

 Chapter 788 788: Do You Forgive Him?

    Such a young boy with a race suit kissed such a beautiful woman, which became a spotlight under the sunshine. Although there were many people surrounding them, these two became the focus.

    It was such a sudden scene that all the team members were shocked. In their eyes, Jordan behaved coolly. Such a cool guy would not have done it in public.

    Soon Jordan''s good team members began to whistle and jeer.

    Leo stood there still and looked at the scene, shocked. He frowned tightly and began to pull Jordan, and at this time, he had released Irish already.

    "Oh, my god. You made it!" Jordan''s eyes shone like crystal. He held Irish''s shoulders as if he had seen an alien.

    His face was so close to her that she could breathe in his smell. Unlike Joseph''s calm and mature personality, Jordan was young and brave.

    Irish looked at Jordan calmly. His kiss was still hot for her with his smell. Unlike his excited facial expressions, she was very calm, so she just answered slowly, "Yes, I made it."

    And then she took the helmet out and handed it over to Jordan.

    Jordan was so d that he didn''t notice the changes in Irish''s facial expressions, so he just walked in front of Michael and threw it up, sneering, "See? Look at the time now."

    Actually, everyone was checking the time for Irish.

    It took six and a half minutes.

    It could be seen that Irish was really good at climbing.

    Michael was not happy at all. He gritted his teeth and clenched his fists. Jordan''spanions shouted, "Hey, Michael, are you regretful? Are you a true man?"

    Jordan stared at him, sneering.

    Michael stared at Jordan first, but he had to nod with a disappointed expression, "Okay. Jordan, I give in to you. From today on, I will not oppose you. My motorcycle belongs to you now."

    Jordanughed and threw the helmet in his hand away, which bumped into the edge of the steel shelf.

    Michael lowered his head, embarrassed.

    Horry appeared and announced that Jordan had joined the team again,

    Hispanions cheered and raised Jordan up. They all felt so happy that he coulde back again.

    Jordan''s young face was filled with smiles. His eyes shined like stars. They justughed and talked. At the moment when he was raised up, he turned to Irish''s side and waved hands to her.

    Standing in front of the high building. Irish didn''t move. She didn''t pay back Jordan''s enthusiasm and just tried her best to smile.

    Among the crowd, Leo was always silent.

    He walked beside Irish and didn''t say anything.

    Irish was also silent.

    After a while, Irish said with a light voice, which could be covered by the shouting not far away. "I have regarded him as a child all the time. It seems that I''m wrong."

    "A child?" Leo turned around. Seeing her serious expression, he realized her meaning and just smiled, "Jordan has had sex before. Do you still think that he is a child? Irish, he is 21 years old. He is a man now."

    Irish couldn''t breathe normally, so she just nodded, "I see."

    Because of Joseph, she regarded Jordan as a little brother and even his own brother. She treated him as Jay, but he was younger than Jay. He was as uninhibited as those who she had always met in school, so she just thought that he was a child.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    He grew up in Joseph''spany.

    From the perspective of psychology, Jordan was likely to transfer his attachment to his mother to Irish.

    So, when he treated her in that wayst time, she felt surprised and shocked. She persuaded herself that maybe he had problems expressing her feelings with a child''s mentality.

    However, this time she obviously felt Jordan''s passion.

    As he kissed her, there was a man''s power.

    Irish couldn''t neglect this power or let Jordan have this kind of feelings all the time, so she needed to think of a good solution, regardless of his mentality.

    Leo sighed, "Jordan is very sensitive. You know what to do?"

    "If it is rted to one''s feelings, I am not ustomed to making ways for others. I will deal with it by myself." Irish''s heart beat quickly.

    "Like for me?"

    Irish turned around and looked at him," Isn''t it good? At least I will not cheat your feelings. Just in this way, I can be your friend."

    Leo didn''t know what to say and just smiled.

    "Why do you smile?"

    Leo turned around and stared at her, "Jordan looks like Joseph so much. In other words, his expression, actions, and even mood are so alike."

    "What do you want to say?" Irish asked.

    Leo approached her and lowered her voice, "Commonly, it is not the only man who will be fickle. Women tend to do so. At least men will not love two women simultaneously, but women will. Joseph and Jordan are brothers. One is younger, while the other is mature. Can you clear your mind?"

    "What do you think is the biggest feature of a sessful man?" Irish didn''t answer and just asked him.

    Leo raised his eyebrows.

    "If put in a good way, it is positive. If not, it is powerful. If Joseph knows that his brother likes me, what will he do?" Irish said word by word.

    "Can he control your mind?" Leo sneered.

    Irish closed her mouth lightly. "No, but I can''t control it if he upies me."

    Leo looked at her, "He has done something to hurt you, and you still love him?"

    "Yes, I can''t control it," Irish answered straightly.

    Leo calmed himself down, "Do you forgive him?"

    "No, I love him. I can''t control myself, but I also couldn''t forgive him so easily. Leo, I can''t read my heart, and I am at a loss for what to do," said Irish with a faint smile. "Perhaps it is the case right now. But I know how to cope with Jordan," Irish continued.

    Staring at her, Leo felt regret somehow, and the light in his eyes faded gradually. "If I were Joseph, I would also send Jordan abroad as soon as possible. Whether he is a strong enemy for Joseph or not, he is Joseph''s brother, and it is embarrassing to deal with it," Leo remarked.

    Irish trembled slightly as she heard this from Leo. ''Did Joseph already notice something was wrong?'' thought Irish to herself. And she suddenly remembered the words Joseph said to herst night. He said that he could not bear the way Jordan looked at her. At the thought of this, an unknown feeling urred to Irish. She looked up, but only to find the rising dust after the car galloped. Her heart dropped when she saw that.

 Chapter 789 789: Do You Have A Date?

    "Leo..." she mumbled while Leo turned to her with his confused eyes.

    "The car looks like..." Irish said hesitantly, but she didn''t finish her sentences because she felt that it was Joseph''s car and it was too absurd.

    "What are you talking about?" asked Leo.

    "Nothing," replied Irish in a shaky voice. ''Perhaps it is just my illusion,'' Irish thought.

    Heaving a sigh, Leo stared at her side face, but an unnamed feeling rose in the deep of his heart because he was clear who was looking at Irish from afar.

    But Leo didn''t tell her out of his selfish motives.

    Leo couldn''t be with Irish, so he didn''t hope Joseph would also be with Irish. However, Leo''s eyebrows knitted into a frown as he remembered something. He didn''t expect that Jordan would kiss Irish, or he would definitely warn Irish. Worries began to multiply in his heart.

    Irish didn''t attend the party celebrating Jordan''s return to G4. She made an excuse and told Jordan that she did not do very well. After hearing this, Jordan insisted on driving her back, but Irish declined his suggestion. "I am just tired. Don''t worry about me. You are the leading role of this party. You can''t leave," Irish said calmly.

    Jordan''s eyes faded as Irish left. Leo also sensed that, so he stepped forward to console him. "I will be here with you. Cheer up!"

    But Jordan didn''t react to Leo''s words.

    It was Friday night, a lonely night. Joseph didn''t give a call to Irish for the whole afternoon and night. Irish had a simple meal and stayed at home. It was not until 8:00 pm Irish made a call to Cassie, asking her if she needed her help for theing wedding. They chatted with each other, but Cassie never mentioned anything about Roy, while Irish also avoided mentioning Joseph. "Fredrick came to me a few days ago," said Cassie in a low voice.

    However, Irish didn''t feel surprised but said. "He is the psychological consultant of Key Group."

    "Yes, He told me that."

    "What else did he tell you?" Irish queried.

    "Nothing. I am going to get married soon. Fredrick is going to be a stranger to me," Cassie replied softly.

    "Cassie, listen to me. I don''t mean that Roy is not a good man. But I am so confused about why you decided to marry him suddenly."

    "Irish, I am too tired to deal with these worries. I just found a man who could love me and care about me." Saying this, Cassie couldn''t help but burst outughing and continued, "Irish, talk about yourself. Do you still muddle along just like me?"

    However, Irish was confused about what she meant. Cassie turned to be curious about Irish''s recent life. "Irish, I heard something about you asionally in mypany."

    "Wow, Cassie, it seems that you are not busy with your work enough."

    "Of course not. It is because the news about you is too attractive," replied Cassie with a smile.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "Okay, then let''s talk about it." Irish was waiting for Cassie to continue.

    Irish slept at Joseph''s office, and she happened to be seen by the receptionist who was responsible for serving coffee to Joseph every day.

    When she got in, she found that Irish had fallen asleep on the couch, but Joseph just turned a blind eye to it, which shocked her somehow since it was well-known that Joseph was strict with his staff. Moreover, Joseph was discussing some issues with the public rtions department director in a low voice.

    When the young receptionist got into the office for thest time to serve coffee for them, she surprisingly found that Irish had changed her position.

    Obviously, she had slept soundly, and she was lying on the couch, draped in Joseph''s coat, with her head on Joseph''sp. But Joseph was still discussing things with his subordinates.

    The young girl was almost frozen as if she had discovered a dark secret. Soon the staff in thepany got to know this.

    After hearing this, Irish remained motionless since she could not imagine the scene. She tried her best to recall what happened there but only to remember that she held a pillow in her arms when she woke up. Therefore, it must be Joseph who took it from the meeting room when he finished the discussion.

    Irish suddenly suffered from a sense of suppression in her chest.

    "Irish, you always try to persuade me before. But this time, you have to listen to me," said Cassie. She turned serious when she said this. "It is not bad to muddle along sometimes. Don''t try to figure out Joseph''s purpose for being with you. At least he got along with you because of love. And there is also no need for you to care if he is sincere with you because at least he did things for your own good. I know what you are worrying about. But the doctor only told you that you are not fit to get pregnant. He never told you that you were unable to get pregnant. Don''t think too much. Medical science is developing so fast."

    Irish recalled what Cassie had said after she hung up. And to her surprise, Irish found that now Cassie had kept a normal state of mind to life. Her telephone ring brought her out of her stupor. It was Jordan. Hesitating for a minute, Irish turned her phone silent and put it down then.

    But obviously, Jordan was not going to give up while Irish just turned up the TV. Finally, the phone stopped ringing. Joseph didn''te to her on Friday night, and Irish spent a peaceful yet a little lonely night.

    On Saturday morning, when Irish was still in her sound sleep, her phone rang. Reaching out, she picked up her telephone. And soon, Jordan''s voice was heard on the other side of the phone. "Irish, I will practice at the autodrome. Will youe today?" asked Jordan in a tentative voice.

    Irish immediately woke up as she heard Jordan''s voice. "Jordan, don''t try to take up my weekend," said Irish, trying to decline Jordan''s invitation.

    "Why? Do you have a date?" asked Jordan.

    "Of course, I need to date your brother." Irish had no choice but to tell a lie.

    Jordan was silent as he heard this. Noticing his silence, Irish continued, "Jordan, I know you want to stay in New York and don''t want to go abroad. Then try to focus on practicing. You have to remember that whether I go or not will not affect you. Do you understand me?"

    "You don''t care about me anymore," replied Jordan.

    "No, you are wrong. Your brother and I care about you." Irish was about to tell him they were family, but she held back her sentence.

    Jordan hung up the phone without saying anything. Shocked, Irish shook her head helplessly and then fell asleep again.

 Chapter 790 790: Let’s Talk About It Tomorrow

    She went shopping with Cassie as she got up. Irish wanted to ask Lilith out since she was also worried about Lilith and Jay. However, Lilith was busy, and she had to decline Irish''s invitation. After hesitating for a while, Irish made a call to Roy, trying to get some news about Lilith and Jay from him, but she failed since Roy refused to tell her anything. Irish had no choice but to call Jay, but before she could ask him, Jay said he was in the anti-drug center and then hung up the phone.

    Irish somehow felt a little frustrated while Cassieforted her that things would improve. They stayed at the shopping mall until they finished dinner there. It was nearly 9:00 o''clock when Irish got back home.

    Joseph still didn''t call her or even send her a message. Irish was not clear if he woulde to her tonight because she knew that Joseph was always busy with his work. And now they remained in such an embarrassing rtionship with each other, so there was no need for him to tell her if he woulde to her or not.

    Leaning on the couch, Irish turned on the TV but felt bored, so she went to theputer room. Irish felt so pleased to see the startling news on the website.

    She didn''t publish Becky''s psychological report, and people were curious about it. Although Becky''s agency dered that it was a piece of fake news, Irish knew that Beck was still trapped in trouble.

    Irish had to admit that she was sly because even if she knew that the rumors about Becky would stop as long as she published the psychological report, she didn''t do that. Although it was she who caused the trouble, it didn''t mean that she would like to resolve it.

    The news about Becky''s reminded Irish of Britney and Joseph''s words. She was curious to know if Joseph really hoped Britney would be the endorser. Thinking of this, Irish gradually felt annoyed and turned off theputer. Looking up at the clock, she found it was already 11:00 pm when she happened to hear footsteps outside the door. A sense of nervousness urred to her. ''Is Joseph back?'' Irish thought to herself. She suddenly remembered the galloping car yesterday, but she still tried to convince herself that it was not Joseph.

    Stepping out, Irish found that Joseph dide back.

    He had just changed his shoes, and he happened to see Irish going downstairs in her white night skirt. She wore her hair loose with a cute hairpin.

    She looked so adorable, but obviously, it was not her style. ''Why is she dressed like this? Who does she want to show? Joseph wondered with a frown.

    Irish put down her hairpin as she found that Joseph gazed at it motionless. She bought it in the shopping mall with Cassie since she felt it was in a special color.

    Throwing his coat on the couch, Joseph was about to go upstairs.

    "Why aren''t you asleep yet?" asked Joseph casually when he walked by.

    Irish didn''t reply since she felt it was just a conventional greeting.

    Walking a few steps, Joseph looked back but found that Irish still stood there without moving. Hesitant, he stepped back to her.

    Reaching out, Joseph held her waist. "Are you angry with me?" asked Joseph in a low voice.

    Irish couldn''t convince her to ept him just as before, but she still felt familiar with his warm chest and his breath. She kept silent with her thin lips beamed into a line.

    She was worried that a storm woulde after this peaceful moment. Seeing she still kept silent, Joseph held her face, staring at her for quite a while. Irish''s heart beat so fast under his gaze, so she avoided looking into his eyes. Finally, Joseph tightened his arms and heaved a sigh. "Honey, I was so busy with my work until midnight yesterday, so I didn''t get back," exined Joseph.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Irish felt like crying as she heard his exnation.

    "It''s gettingte. It''s time to go to bed," Joseph urged her. He kissed her cheek gently and then went upstairs. Irish knew that he was going to take a shower.

    His warmth around her gradually faded as he walked away, but Irish had an unknown foreboding. But she was unable to figure out what was wrong. She also went upstairs after thinking for a while. Joseph was lying on the bed when she got in the room. It was easy to tell that he was really tired since he was lying there with his eyes closed. Irish gently went over,y down, and then reached out to turn off the light.

    As soon as shey down, Joseph got close to her with his warm chest against her back. Shocked, Irish was stiff.

    He held her waist, allowing her to sleep with her back to him, and then tightened his arms. A few minutester, Irish was disturbed by his hot breath, so she moved slightly. "Honey, I am too tired, so you better not move again," Joseph whispered in his husky yet deep voice.

    Hearing this, Irish dared not to move again.

    Joseph changed his position and buried his face in her neck. Irish felt itchy as his sharp nose touched her neck. She could hear his sound breath, which mixed with hers. She was sleepless somehow and wondered what he was busy with these days. Perhaps he was busy with his work, but he may also have dealt with his private affairs. However, Irish dared not to think too much about this issue because she was afraid that she would lose her sleep for the whole night. Joseph also sensed that, so he tightened his arms again and asked," You want me tonight?"

    Irish felt that her heart twisted into a knot, her mouth parched, and her tongue scorched. "No," replied Irish briefly. He had never asked for her opinion every time he wanted to have sex with her before.

    "Then why don''t you sleep yet?"

    "I was already asleep," Irish mumbled.

    Joseph burst into softughter as he heard this. Hesitant, she turned to his face to face. Seeing this, Joseph gently held her head, his chin on her head.

    It was peaceful. A few secondster, Irish finally asked, "What are you doing these days?"

    "Let''s talk about it tomorrow. Irish, I am really tired. I want to sleep right now." Joseph replied in a low voice with his eyes closed. Irish said nothing and also closed her eyes, trying to prevent herself from thinking over it.

    The clock ticked, and both of them breathed soundly. However, the doorbell suddenly interrupted this peaceful moment. Startled, Irish sat up abruptly, but Joseph had fallen asleep.

    Irish hastily went downstairs and opened the door. It was Jordan standing outside.

    "Where is my brother?" Jordan asked irritably.

 Chapter 791 791: You Really Want To Quarrel With Me?

    It was already early summer, but Jordan came back with coldness. As Irish opened the door, she had a coat on her. She couldn''t help coughing when Jordan came in angrily.

    Although she wasn''t clear about what had happened, she felt it was not good. She could clearly feel the anger in Jordan''s eyes, ming fabulously.

    Seeing Jordan rushing in hurriedly, Irish pulled him and lowered her voice, "It''ste now. You''d better have a talk with your brother tomorrow."

    Jordan took a nce at the bedroom on the floor, saying angrily, "I need to have a talk with him now!" And then he threw Irish away and went upstairs.

    Irish hurriedly stopped him and patiently persuaded him, "Do not do it this way. You''d better have a rest now. It may make a noise."

    "Go away!" Jordan snarled. Irish didn''t like it, so she just leaned on the stairs and said, frowning, "Joseph is tired now. Could you please be more considerate?"

    "He must be so since he bothers to make others unhappy." Jordan was so annoyed.

    "Jordan..."

    "I have enough of you." A light but menacing voice came from the second floor.

    Irish raised her head and saw Joseph wearing his pajamas and looking at them. As he saw Jordan, he was disappointed.

    Irish felt stressed about it.

    She kept praying, "Do not quarrel. Do not quarrel."

    Unlike the separate courtyard or arge vi, it was downtown. If two men quarreled, their neighbor wouldin about it.

    Irish had experienced their debate. They debated with louder voices, which was a nightmare for her. Tonight, she was also worried about it.

    However, Jordan was so annoyed that the quarrel was unavoidable.

    Seeing Joseph leave the bedroom, he pushed Irish away and climbed onto the floor. Close to Joseph, he clenched his hands, "Why did you let Horry abolish my qualification for thepetition?"

    As Irish heard it, she felt so stressed. She should have thought it since racing was the only reason for Jordan to question Joseph so hurriedly.

    Unlike Jordan''s anger, Joseph looked peaceful.

    After Jordan''s shouting, Joseph just took a nce at him, "Just have a talk tomorrow. Now go back to sleep."

    Jordan would not listen to him.

    "I will note back without rification." He turned out not to be easygoing.

    Joseph was also unhappy, "I would like to reiterate it again. Let''s talk tomorrow."

    Feeling Joseph''s bad mood, Irish knew that he was unhappy, so she just went upstairs and persuaded, "Jordan, listen to Joseph. He''s really tired. It''s before dawn now. Could you please wait for more time?"

    Jordan suddenly pointed at Joseph, feeling angry, "You ask him, do I have more time?"

    Irish couldn''t understand, looking at Joseph.

    Joseph didn''t exin more and just said lightly. "You can just do what you want. Irish, go back to the bedroom." And then he just pushed her in.

    Jordan didn''t want him to have a rest, so he just pulled the doorknob and mmed the door quickly. He stared angrily at Joseph, "You are very clear about why I just act this way. Do you think that I want it? You are the first to make me unhappy!"

    Joseph didn''t talk anymore and just closed his lips tightly.

    Irish feared that Joseph would hit Jordan, so she just walked forward, looking at Jordan, "Do not argue anymore, okay? How about staying in the guest''s bedroom for one night? You two can have a talkter when the day breaks. Okay?"<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Joseph was silent. He agreed. But Jordan just sneered, "Irish, I am the victim!" He stared at Joseph, "Are you afraid that Irish will know what you have done? You dare do something to damage your brother, what else are you concerned about?"

    Joseph gave up the thought of having a rest. He just crossed his hands, seeming unhappy, "You really want to quarrel with me?"

    Irish figured out Joseph''s exhaustion. She also felt sorry for him.

    Jordan was very angry, "Yes, if I don''t express my true feelings now, I will be on the ne to go abroad. It is a one-way journey!"

    Irish was really shocked by him and just looked at Joseph, surprised.

    She thought he just had such an idea and would disregard it after a long time, or maybe he really doubted Jordan. They were brothers. Did he really want to be separated?

    She remembered how Joseph responded when he knew Jordan would return to New York. His happiness could be figured out easily.

    However, Joseph really did it, and the effect was obvious.

    Howe?

    Joseph tried his best to keep calm, "I have arranged everything for you abroad, and you are even the owner of the house. I hope that you can make achievements."

    "You hope? Should I do everything you want me to do? Have you ever asked me what I like to do?" Jordan felt hurt, "You just want me to be what you like, but have you thought of my feelings? I love motorcycle racing, and I hope that I can make a living from this. Is it so difficult for you? I tried my best to return to the team again, but you forced Horry to cancel my qualification by using the rtionship with the sponsor. Why? Are you entitled to decide my life? Or do you want to highlight your sess by intervening with others?"

    Irish felt frightened by it.

    He had some actions towards his brother. She believed that Jordan would not exaggerate it.

    The fact was that Joseph had the capability to do it, and he could intervene in others'' life, even for a lifetime fate.

    Joseph restrained his anger and then said firmly, "Irish, find a set of clothes for me."

    Irish dared not to say more, so she just did it as requested.

    The clothes in the closet for Joseph were mostly business suits or casual suits. She thought of it for a while and quit the thought of taking a business suit for Joseph but found a light sweater and a pair of long gray pants. It would make him milder.

    He really looked milder, but it was only her imagination.

    He looked superficially peaceful, which made others more afraid.

    He fastened his pants and looked at Jordan, saying word by word, "Go back to your house."

    Irish looked at Joseph. She wondered whether he woulde back to the house with Jordan.

    Jordan said, "Sure." And then he went downstairs. Joseph seemed to be unhappier.

    As he was to go, Irish pulled him suddenly.

    She did it subconsciously because she felt uncertain suddenly. She was not clear why she pulled Joseph. Did she mean to persuade her not to quarrel? Obviously, it was impractical.

    Or did she persuade Joseph not to go? Would Jordan stop quarreling with him? Obviously, Jordan was the aggressive one, Joseph''s behavior was also mighty, though.

    Joseph took a nce at the hands, grabbed his arm, and then looked at her, "Go back to our room and have a rest."

    "Joseph..." She called his name weakly.

 Chapter 792 792: We Are Family

    Joseph felt warm suddenly. He held her hand, kissing her forehead. His voice was soft but firm, "Listen to me. Just have a rest. Do not follow me."

    And then he released her and went downstairs.

    After a little while, the door of the hallway was opened and closed again. All the quarrels and noise disappeared as they went away.

    The room was quiet again.

    Irish stood on the second floor alone.

    There was still egg-yellow light surrounding her, and then she heard the sound of the clock beating.

    It was so quiet.

    There was the buzz around her, instead. All in her mind were Jordan''s sharp scolding and Joseph''s cold expressions. They left, and there was only quietness left. What about Hampton?

    Irish felt more anxious. She changed her clothes, regardless of Joseph''s warning.

    ****

    After crossing the boisterous Madison Avenue, other streets were tranquil.

    Except for the vehicles, there were still few people. The night was quiet against the mixture of moonlight and neon light, hiding subtle uneasiness. Several red lights made Irish far away from Joseph.

    Finally, she arrived in Hampton. She entered the underground garage with her finger, and she found that Joseph''s car had been stopped there, as dark as a soul.

    She stopped her car and ran into the elevator.

    Just several seconds passed, but she felt as if the scene had been a century ago.

    As the door opened, she heard a big sound of pping and Joseph''s scolding, "Shit! You dare to pay attention to her?"

    At this time, there was a light warning from the elevator.

    Irish felt shocked by this scolding.

    In the living room and beside the sofa, Joseph stood in the direction back to Irish while Jordan stood by her side view. He covered half of his face, staring at Joseph angrily.

    As they heard the sound, they all looked towards her direction.

    As there was a warning from the elevator and the door was too close, Irish recovered herself and walked out of the elevator by pressing the key. Her feet became heavy suddenly.

    They two had never thought that she woulde, and Jordan was so embarrassed that he didn''t know what to do. Joseph also felt surprised that she finally came. He restrained his anger and kept silent.

    Irish''s breath became rapid. Joseph''s shouting was still hanging around her. He knew everything.

    He didn''t express his feelings because he endured them silently. Jordan was his brother, after all.

    Irish knew that she had to make something clear today. She walked to them step by step, trying to think of the best solution. Although her mind was nk, she had to force herself to think of it.

    If she hadn''t thought too much, she would have pushed Jordan away as he kissed her today and scolded her not to do this again.

    The reason why she hadn''t done it was that Jordan was Joseph''s brother.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    The moment when Jordan ran to Midtown Manhattan, she understood that Jordan and Joseph all wanted to have a debate on this topic without her presence. Otherwise, Jordan would have said something unpleasant, and Joseph would warn him not to have this kind of thought anymore.

    They both made efforts to have a talk without her presence. Joseph had his pride, and Jordan valued his dignity. It was no good for her to be here; otherwise, they would not have been so shocked by her showing up.

    Her appearance meant she was the reason for their quarrel. What could she do?

    She couldn''t let Joseph be angrier than Jordan, nor could she let Jordan hate Joseph more. Joseph kept her not present because he felt shame. One was his brother, and the other was his girlfriend. No man could bear it when his brother fell in love with his girlfriend.

    Jordan was young and aggressive. Although he was embarrassed, Irish believed that he would counterattack with his personality. What would he say when he was angry?

    He must say something to annoy Joseph. Whether his feelings were still vague or he had clear ideas in his mind, he would roar to Joseph directly and say, "Yes, I like her! Will you kill me?"

    Did Joseph have such an ability?

    No. He could hit Jordan, but he couldn''t kill him.

    The result would be that their rtionship got worse. The misunderstanding arose because a woman would be hard to get rid of.

    Jordan was in a rebellion period. He dared to do anything, and even something insincere.

    Irish got it, so she couldn''t just let Jordan shout out like "I like her" or something. Once such kind of words was spurted out, the reason for their quarrel would change. Everything couldn''t get back. She couldn''t be a "dangerous beauty."

    She must impede it before Jordan expresses it, and then Jordan''s dignity could be saved, and Joseph would not have many unreasonable behaviors.

    Her guessing was true.

    As Jordan saw her showing up in the Hampton, he guessed that she must have seen and heard it. His heart beat quickly, and his eyes were filled with disobedience and stubbornness. He stared at Joseph angrily and said suddenly, "I..."

    "Jordan!" Irish toned up suddenly to interrupt him.

    "You are old enough. Could you please not make your brother annoyed?"

    Jordan looked at her, feeling hurt.

    Irish didn''t look at him but walked to Joseph''s side, pulling his arm. Seeing him frowning, she covered his eyebrows lightly, "Look. You hit Jordan even for such a little thing. He is your brother. You love him, right?"

    Irish''s surprising action made Joseph lose. Her soft fingers touched his eyebrow like the fireworks lighting him up. He was not as serious as before, and he felt warm.

    He found that he hadn''t felt so warm from her.

    "You really misunderstood me." Irish pulled his arms and lowered her head lightly. She raised her head again and sighed lightly, "Jordan thought it unfair to me. He noticed that we two had a bad rtionship before, so he thought that you were bad to me. You know, your brother is aggressive, so it''s you who spoils him."

    Her voice was as soft as sweet spring water. He stared at her and clenched her hands, feeling uneasy.

    "Jordan is kind to me. It''s because of that..." Irish stopped here.

    Joseph stared at her, waiting for her answer. There was a shyness in her eyes and eyebrows. His heart beat quickly.

    She raised her eyes and licked her lips, "It is because I am already his sister-inw in his mind. We are family?"

 Chapter 793 793: Blaming His Brother

    Joseph was doubtful about it.

    Irish looked back to Jordan and asked lightly, "Am I right?" She was clear about Jordan''s personality.

    Dare he grabs her with his brother? Irish could be certain that Jordan dared not to do it.

    Having been along with Jordan for a long time, she could clearly feel that Jordan cared for Joseph very much. He respected his brother and alsoined about him. She could understand this kind of state of mind. The more he cared for him, the more he valued everything rted to them.

    Per Jordan''s personality, he was the kind of person who would just give up silently while knowing that they both fell in love with the same girl if there was no contradiction.

    However, Jordan hated Joseph now, so it was true that he dared not to grab Irish, but it didn''t mean that he wouldn''t say something to make Joseph furious.

    Irish did it to tell him that she belonged to his brother. She also helped him out of such an embarrassing situation.

    Not everything should be done sopletely. She did it to help him, not destroy him.

    Jordan did as she imagined. He just closed his lips lightly, neither admitting nor denying.

    Maybe he was unclear about his mind, either.

    Irish thought it was good. At least when he was not clear, any decision would not be made by others or by him under pressure.

    Irish believed that Joseph would not believe her words. If her words were real, Jordan''s behavior was immoral.

    She believed that Joseph knew why she said that. She did it not only for Jordan''s dignity but only for their dangerous rtionship.

    The atmosphere got quiet again.

    After a while, Jordan said with a lower voice, "If you are really, for my goodness, please let me race my motorcycle."

    His attitude became milder.

    Joseph didn''t shout to him, looking at him, "No. You must go abroad. You can do everything when you go abroad, but racing motorcycles are forbidden."

    "Why do you oppose it?" Jordan became angrier.

    Joseph just lifted up his voice, unhappy," "Race motorcycle? Was it not enough for you to make your coach lose two legs two years ago, and now you want his life? Jordan, you should be more reserved. Do not let me do everything for you, okay?"

    "You just look down upon me!"

    "Yes, do you want my respect? If you are really able, you will not make idents happen on the one surrounding you."<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "You..."

    "Okay. Okay. Could you please have a good talk?" Irish was even mad. She avoided a topic, but another tricky one appeared. She really doubted whether they both were father and son. They seemed not to be brothers, actually.

    Joseph''s words obviously hurt Jordan. Heughed loudly with hatred and embarrassment. It was the first time Irish saw Jordanughing so loudly. She felt frightened.

    He pointed at Joseph, saying word by word, "Are you entitled to say this? Haven''t you made idents happen to the ones surrounding you? Leo regarded you as his best friend, but how about you? You never took friendship into consideration. Between jewelry and friendship, you choose the former. You even almost killed Leo! Do you think that Jenny''s death has nothing to do with you? Let''s talk about me!"

    Jordan patted his chest and even crept, "Joseph, I am your brother, but you only cherish your own interests. Why do I be like this? You made it happen! When I was young, I respected you. Wherever you went, I would follow you. I showed off to the whole world that I had a perfect brother. I felt so proud of you. However, what did you do to me? Where were you when I was kidnapped? You were only concerned about your diamond mines instead of me. You made me know in despair that the brotherhood was just a joke!"

    Jordan had been kidnapped, and it was like a thunder in the ear burst, and then hearing it, Irish was dumbfounded.

    Joseph and Jordan were each other''s only rtives in the world. From this point of view, the rtionship between these two people should be attached to each other, and they should care for each other. But the degree of irregrity between these two people could easily be felt by outsiders. Irish once thought about the reason and was convinced there must be a reason. Otherwise, Jordan would never be so revolting against Joseph.

    Of course, the reason thought by Irish was very simple but also very reasonable. She knew Joseph''s character, facing his brother, the only rtive in the world, who yed not only the role of the eldest brother but also the role of father. Well, of course, he had a lot of burdens on him, for example, what road to take and how to develop in the future.

    Once he had made up his mind, he was bound to do everything himself to pave the way for Jordan, as could be seen from the universities and majors he attended.

    Irish felt that Joseph loved his brother deeply and loved him to the extreme, and always regarded him as a child, so no matter how old he was, Joseph had to interfere in his life, which, in his eyes, was for the good of his brother.

    He was, first and foremost, a man of ideas and pursuits, who had something he wanted to do, but it was obvious that Joseph''s interference was contrary to his ideals, and it was normal for Jordan toin about Joseph.

    Irish had always believed that it was Joseph who had a problem with how he cared about Jordan, so it caused many problems.

    But today, she really knew that Jordan hated Joseph and had other feelings.

    What exactly happened?

    Why had Jordan been kidnapped? Who had kidnapped him? What kind of request did the kidnapper make to Joseph? And what did Joseph do at the time?

    For rich children or rtives who were kidnapped and then ckmailed, Joseph was not the first or thest. Interests gave people motivation and evil thoughts, so it was unsurprising that some people focused on Joseph.

    It could be reckoned that Joseph had not been kidnapped by people when he was a child because even then, Joseph was at school, and the kidnappers were not motivated to kidnap Jordan. Since Jordan mentioned the mine, that must be in the business circle, at least when people knew his identity as the person in charge of mining.

    And what about Leo?

    Irish knew the fiercepetition between the two men in South Africa and also knew what Leo did to Joseph. The reason why Leo fought back in South Africa and the reason why the rtionship between the two men had be so subtle must have been something Joseph had done to Leo before.

 Chapter 794 794: Things Were Getting Worse

    So, what on earth was it?

    Irish only felt puzzled, and it might not be clear to find the clues.

    The consequences of the matter could only be seen in the quarrel, and it was not possible to know the cause.

    Joseph''s face was unpleasant. From Irish''s point of view, she did not know whether it was the light or something, his face was almost iron green, and his thin lips tightly closed into a sharp line.

    The pressure in the room was too low for Irish to breathe.

    She looked into Joseph''s eyes while Joseph stared at Jordan, whose eyes were vaguely unhappy, cold, and depressed as if they were floating clouds above the wide sea, which were about to rain.

    At this time, Irish instead hoped that Joseph could say something and retort Jordan''s words because once he refuted, he would exin so that she could at least know a corner of the situation.

    But she knew clearly that Joseph had never been good at exining anything and that he was sometimes so grumpy that the more he was misunderstood, the more unwilling he was to exin anything too much.

    So, when he spoke again, his voice was dim and cold, too, as Irish had expected.

    "I don''t want to waste my breath saying the same thing," he said. "Since you can''t sleep, pack your bags because there are only 12 hours left before you board the ne."

    Things were getting worse, Irish thought.

    Joseph was a sessful businessman, but as a guardian, he was a failure because even if his starting point was good, it was futile not to find a good way tomunicate and implement.

    Therefore, Jordan would certainly resist, especially since he had just returned to the team.

    Sure enough, Jordan replied coldly, "No way, this time I will never listen to you to go back."

    "What are you talking about?" Joseph''s face was cold, and the green tendons of his forehead were protruding.

    "Unless you want to watch me die!" Jordan said.

    Irish took a deep breath. "Jordan, can you shut up? Could your brother do that?"

    Unexpectedly, before Jordan''s answer, Joseph was angry, and the anger in his eyes was no longer suppressed and almost burned. "I''d rather watch you kill yourself than go to the racecourse to collect your body!"

    Jordan''s eyes were suddenly stunned.

    Irish''s brain buzzed. They went too far.

    But she knew that Jordan had just threatened Joseph, and the most annoying thing about Joseph was to be threatened, not to mention he was Jordan.

    Unable to question Joseph why he spoke so much, she had to persuade Jordan not to be angry.

    But he was really hurt by Joseph''s words, gnashing his teeth. "Well, then you have to have me on the ne. I''m sure you can see the news that the diamond tycoon''s brothermitted suicide before the nended! You broke my ns, what other value do I have in this world? But there is one thing you have to remember, if I do not die, I will work for my dream, even if you cut off the investment channel, even if Horry does not allow me topete, I will not give up the racing in my life!"

    At the end of the conversation, he turned around and left.

    "Come back!" Joseph roared.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Irish feared that things were serious and hurriedly stopped Joseph so that he would not go after him.

    And Joseph happened to be in anger. Seeing here forward to stop, he was angry and yelled, "Irish, which side are you taking? Get out of the way!"

    "What if you chase him back? Do you want to keep arguing? He won''t obey your arrangements at all, and you won''tpromise with him. Why don''t you two calm down first?" Irish stood before him, looked up at him, and her voice was sincere.

    At this time, if there must be a rational person, it could only be her.

    As for Joseph and Jordan, it was obvious that they were crazy.

    Joseph stared at Irish, cold, without the faint floating softness, and from the authority shown by his tall and strong figure, he was serious and alienated.

    Jordan still did not look back, and Joseph, although there was still anger in his eyes, he did not chase out.

    A long timeter, he sat stiffly on the sofa, wondering, and his eyebrows clung together. He remained silent, and after a long time, he drew a box of cigarettes from the coffee table, opened it, and took out a cigarette.

    And a crisp sound of the lighter came out. And it shook the restless and quiet air in the room.

    The cigarette was lit.

    Scarlet cigarette butts made smoke, green and white, which confused Irish''s eyes.

    Soon, the wood fragrance on his body was reced by tobo vor, deste and burnout.

    Yes, he was tired when he returned to Midtown Manhattan, and at present, he may be even more tired.

    Irish froze in ce, only to find that her knees could not move and bent gently to move. It seemed that it was rusty. For a while, she didn''t know how to face Joseph.

    Or, she needed to say something.

    Her mouth moved, but she didn''t spit out a word.

    Joseph puffed smoke, and she could not see his eyes clearly under the smoke.

    Finally, he silently finished a cigarette and pressed the cigarette end hard in the ashtray. Irish stared at the cigarette butts that had been knocked out under his fingertips, almost crushed. She trembled in her heart, and she saw that he was sulking.

    Irish thought about it for a long time and felt that she could not just stay there. She wanted to tell him that it was toote and they should go to bed, but obviously, this sentence was nonsense. ording to Joseph''s current mood, he was afraid that he could not sleep.

    She moved his step and sat down opposite him.

    There was a moment''s fatigue in the knee, and she had been standing for a long time.

    "Two years ago, Jordan made the effort to let Horry lose both legs, and he no longer touched the car. I believe that the two years for Jordan were a torment. He was not a child, and this was a blow to him. As his brother, you were against him, it was reasonable. But even Horry encouraged him to return to the team, and only you opposed him. I think there must be something else."

    He sat there like a stone in the center of the sea, silent and cold. Irish didn''t urge him, sat on the opposite side of him, and felt a little coldness on her knee.

 Chapter 795 795: Have You Really Love Me?

    This room was too big.

    After a long time, he uttered, "The reason is simple. He''s not suitable."

    Irish frowned gently.

    "By the way, what qualification do you have to encourage him to go racing?" This time Joseph set his eyes on her, unhappiness hidden in questioning and critical.

    Irish was stunned.

    Her heart, however, hurt as if a knife had gently scratched across it.

    What he just said was asking her what qualifications she have?

    "Unless you exin why, I don''t think I did it wrong." Irish pressed down the pain in her heart and gently spat out this sentence.

    "Jordan was very suitable for racing cars. He loves racing cars. You are depriving him of his freedom of life by doing so." Adults always tried to pave the way to make their children take fewer detours, but it turned out that no matter how much they said and did, it was better for the child to try it.

    She said in a soft voice; however, it was powerless.

    "I''ve already said why!" Joseph slightly raised his tone and looked harshly.

    She thought, even if the rtionship between them was so bad, at least he could open up to her about this situation tonight.

    Or was she too self-righteous?

    He was right. She was not qualified.

    So, she was even less qualified to know what he really thought, right?

    She took a deep breath, got up, and said lightly. "I''m sorry, I''m nosy." At the end of the conversation, she picked up the car keys and sped the palm of her hand, which hurt her.

    When Joseph saw that his eyebrows were frowning increasingly, he grabbed her and said, "Have I let you go?" He was tired at first, and he was already haggard in such a fuss, and now she was leaving? Was she going to leave him?

    "Have a good rest." Irish saw that his eyes were bing increasingly obvious, knowing that she could not ask out anything tonight, and she was returning to Midtown Manhattan. She knew that the man who could bear it again would not have a better temper under the condition of physical and mental fatigue.

    "You haven''t answered me yet. What are you running from?" Joseph thought of all kinds of things that day and saw her go again, and the displeasure was even more like a fire.

    "What do I have to run from? It is you who runs away from the problem." Irish said helplessly.

    Joseph stared at her, looking at her face, and said patiently, "Is that true what you just said?"

    Which words?

    She froze.

    Joseph suddenly smiled and sneered.

    "Irish, I''m so stupid. I''m so stupid to believe your words." He said, pinching her chin. "You were just trying to help him."

    Irish suddenly realized and frowned. "Joseph, what are you talking about?"

    "Do you want to marry me?" Joseph squinted and asked word by word.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Irish was stunned.

    Joseph stared at her for a long time. "Do you want to marry me?" He asked again.

    Irish was a little helpless by him, leaving her face aside. "I''m tired. Let me go back to rest, or I''ll go upstairs and have a rest."

    "So, if you say something against your will, you just don''t want Jordan to get hurt, do you?" Joseph''s heart was a mess. His brother''s leave and Irish''s insincerity made him irritable.

    Irish looked at him unbelievably. "What exactly are you trying to say?"

    Joseph reached out, wrapped around the back of her head, the tip of her nose almost affixed to her, his eyes ached, "You, have you ever had sex with him?"

    Irish only felt ag in breathing. "What?"

    His eyes were even colder, and he repeatedly asked, "Answer me, have you ever had sex with Jordan?"

    Irish waspletely stunned.

    She felt so much pain. How could he think of her like that?

    And her silence aroused Joseph''s anger. He suddenly stopped and sped her. His eyes were red, and his eyes were cold and sorrowful. He said to her, "Irish, he is my brother, he is my brother!"

    Irish finally had resistance. With all her strength to push him away, she shouted at him, "Joseph, are you crazy?"

    Joseph stumbled, and the whole man fell on the sofa and stared at her like a wolf. "You think I really believe what you just said? Irish, I''d like to know why he is infatuated with you?" That was why he really felt depressed. He would rather it be someone else than his own brother.

    "So you think it was me who seduced him?" Asked Irish with a cold heart.

    "You didn''t?" Joseph asked, "Otherwise, how could he listen to you so much? How can he kiss you in public?"

    Jealousy can drive a person crazy, no matter how rational a man can sometimes be, but it can also make a gentleman, say, son of a bitch, make a wrong judgment.

    Irish''s concern was like a double-edged sword. If Joseph was not so tired and not so haggard, he might think about it, but Irish''s persuasion for Jordan made Joseph jealous.

    Irish trembled all over.

    "Honey." Joseph, like a deted ball, tiredly called her name, unable to speak out, "What do you want me to do to you?" He wanted to convince himself to believe her, that her heart was still in favor of him, but because the other side was Jordan, he began to hesitate.

    Irish was startled by his look, and her breath became hasty.

    Joseph got up, came up to her step by step, and stood still.

    "Are you getting back at me? Just because I said I didn''t love you in front of your father, you can ignore my feelings for you, kill my child, and now take advantage of Jordan to get back at me, right?" He looked at her sadly. His eyes were red, "Don''t you know what I''ve been doing for you for so long? I want to take my heart out and put it in front of you as long as you tell me that I want your heart. But what about you? You just heard such a sentence andpletely negated everything. I thought you would forgive me if I tried to do it. I thought we could go back to the old days when I took out my heart. But I was wrong, you have no heart at all. How could you fool me again and again?"

    Irish stared into his eyes, and the coldness of his eyes seemed to be a farewell, causing her to ache bitterly.

    When she opened her mouth, she could not say a word.

    Joseph reached the back of her head again, and his hand clenched into a fist, knuckling. He looked at her and said word for word, "Ask yourself, have you really loved me? Even if it''s just a little bit. Even if it''s just a pity. You don''t know what I have been through over the years, suppressing the pain when your father grabbed everything from my family."

 Chapter 796 796: Are You Getting Back At Me?

    "I..." Her lips trembled gently, and she spat out only one word with all her strength.

    "Honey." Joseph looked at her sadly, heavy words came from his mouth. "I really don''t know what to do to you. I''m tired. I''m really tired."

    After that, he slowly lowered his arm.

    Turning around, he picked up the car keys and left the living room.

    The elevator door opened, he stepped in, and the elevator door closed slowly, covering his lonely back.

    Irish seemed to have been pumped, and the whole person fell to the ground.

    She lifted her eyes and cried.

    ****

    At the Runestone shareholders'' meeting, Roy announced that he would entrust thepany''s whole operation to Joseph, which everyone knows. Finally, Roy was idle, but the Lake family was badly nervous.

    Except for Ruby.

    She was focused only on Emery, and she had never been concerned about the matter of the Lake family.

    As the wedding period approached, Roy brought Cassie home. After all, he had to live with Shirley for a period of time after the marriage, so he would bring her back just to get her to adapt to this life as soon as possible.

    Cassie was always estranged from Shirley for Irish''s sake.

    Shirley, on the other hand, was reluctant to admit that Cassie was about to be the Lake''s eldest daughter-inw, and secretly she would have demeaned some of her behavior.

    But that night, she was no longer picky about Cassie at dinner but mainly targeted Roy. In addition, Shirley, William, and Kelly also came.

    William was so annoyed at Roy''s decision to hand the right to Joseph, and he was not allowed to leave the Runestone Group.

    And Roy exined that he was really not suitable to stay in the Runestone, and he had been in prison, and told them that he had returned to the airline and returned to work after the marriage.

    Angry, William said, "You don''t care about your father, either?"

    "But there is no evidence that it was Joseph who killed my father." Roy was seeking the truth.

    Cassie, who sat with her head down and ate silently, felt stunned. Only then did she know that they were suspicious that Joseph caused Henry Lake''s death.

    How was this possible?

    Shirley was unhappy to hear that. "How do you know if you don''t check it?"

    "Mom, I really don''t see anything wrong." Roy is in pain.

    "You..."

    "Roy." This time Kelly opened her mouth, and her voice was always light. "After all, the group is your father''s painstaking efforts, and it is not appropriate for you to give up. It is not about the cause of your father''s death. More importantly, you are Lake''s eldest sessor. You have to take on this important task."<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "Yes, your aunt is right. You can''t let it go." William hurriedly said.

    Roy made a surrender, "I sincerely ask you to let go of me, I really cannot bear it."

    "Roy!" Shirley was angry and reached out and patted him hard. "When you return to the group, we have an agreement. Don''t cross the river and tear down the bridge. I warn you. I can repent at any time!"

    Roy was helpless, putting down the knife, and said, "Mom, what do you mean now?"

    "You think everything''s all right now, don''t you? Roy, can you hide it from me?" Shirley directly said, "I''m telling you, if you don''t go back to work, you two will not get married!"

    With a bang, Cassie''s knife in her hand fell to the ground.

    "Are you still a little cultured? Do you eat at home like that, too?" Shirley immediately vented her anger on Cassie.

    "I''m sorry." Cassie bit her lower lip hard and bent over to pick it up.

    "Mom, what are you doing?" Roy quickly picked up the knife for her, ordered the servant to change for her, and took Cassie''s hand under the table. He turned to Shirley, "Our marriage had been settled. Even if you don''t want to admit that the wedding date has been announced to the public, do you want all the guests tough at us?"

    Roy''s words made Shirley embarrassed. She was choked with her mouth open and breath sharp. Her heart beat quickly, and after a great while, she felt wronged, crying.

    "I got it. You promised me toe back to Runestone, which was not for me, but for her. Are you still my son? Have you ever considered me? You are the only hope for the Lakes, but you just want to be a captain? You should focus on the Runestone Group, but now you have given up on it. Haven''t you figured out Joseph''s ambition? You just let go of the Runestone Group!"

    Shirley just shouted, and she didn''t care what others would say. Her words hurt others, and Cassie became the victim. In Shirley''s eyes, Cassie was the one to be med.

    Shirley''s shouting and crying made Cassie embarrassed. Holding the knife passed by Roy, she didn''t want to eat anymore. She even had the impulse to leave but just couldn''t make it.

    Why didn''t she leave?

    She couldn''t find out the reason, and finally, she concluded: She didn''t want to make Roy unhappy.

    The reason why she didn''t want to make Roy unhappy was simple. He had something unbeneficial to her. She was afraid that Shirley would be unhappier if she just left and Roy would act in an unreasonable way.

    Was that so? She asked herself. She could just think of it that way.

    Roy became helpless and angry. He wanted tofort Shirley, but he thought her words were annoying. He looked at Cassie subconsciously. She just lowered her head with long eyshes covering her eyes, clenching her knife tightly. She didn''t eat anything and just closed her mouth. Looking at her from his angle, she looked wronged and lovely.

    Shirley kept sobbing. Roy sighed. "Mom, do not behave that way."

    "You ask me not to behave this way? You..."

    "Calm down. Please." William stopped them and looked at Roy, "Your mother does it for your good. You should have taken the Lakes into consideration. Your mother''s words make sense. If you just leave, Runestone Group will be in Joseph''s control."

    "He promised that he would not change the ratio of Lake''s share in the Group." Roy reasoned out.

    However, William wouldn''t believe it, "It''s so easy for you to believe other people''s words. Joseph has so much experience in management. Do you really think that he can have such great sess through fairpetition? You are wrong if you really think that way. In the business field, cheating ismon, and whether trust exists depends on the interests. You think that he will keep his promise, but the fact may be that he will betray you one day. The final sessor will get the power, while nobody cares how they make it, and the sessor himself will not tell his story, either."

    Roy shook his head, "Joseph will not be like that."

 Chapter 797 797: Do Not Leave Me Tonight

    "Do you really know who he is? Is it necessary for him to protect Lake''s interests? To pay back to us? Do not be silly. Okay? Nobody thinks of paying back others. If he really doesn''t have ambition, he will not ask for Ruby''s share. Aren''t you clear about his thoughts?" William was really annoyed.

    Roy couldn''t stand it. He put down his knife and cleaned his mouth with the tissue, saying firmly, "Mom, Uncle, I am determined now, and I will not change my mind whatever you say. I''m sorry if I just cannot live up to your expectations. I''m clear about what I can do and what I cannot. Struggling in the business field is not suitable for me, so what''s the purpose of forcing me to be there? Joseph makes every decision, and I cannot fire him. He has paved the way for the Runestone Group, and if he decides to leave, the Group will have no support. In addition, I will not be in thepany, but I am still the president. It has no difference. I don''t want to just focus on Joseph''s behavior every day."

    "Roy!"

    "Mom." Roy interrupted Shirley''s crying and said sincerely, "If you really love me, please just let me do anything that I like. Life is short. I just want to do something I like with the time that I have. It''s simple. We really have to go now. I''m sorry."

    He stood up quickly, pulled Cassie, and they were to leave.

    Cassie was relieved. She felt thankful to Roy by now. She signed to say goodbye and left with Roy, taking her bag.

    Roy didn''t want to send Cassie to her home, but he decided to go back to his house.

    Leaving Shirley''s house, Roy got in his car, but he didn''t start his car right away. He leaned on the seat, looking a little tired. Cassie didn''t ask him any questions, but she could figure out his helplessness and struggle.

    After a while, he said in a low voice, "Cassie, could you please stay there with me?"

    Cassie took a nce at his side face.

    She couldn''t grasp his feelings. His voice was low and light, seeming to inquire.

    She agreed.

    Seeing her nod, he drove home.

    After thest incident, Roy''s house was a forbidden area for her. Although Cassie had agreed that she would be with Roy and marry him, she felt nervous every time Roy wanted to take her to his house after dinner. Roy was clear about that, so he didn''t force her.

    However, tonight Roy took her back home. Standing there, she felt stressed. The scene urred to her mind. She sat on the sofa and didn''t say anything.

    Roy poured a cup of water for her. As he passed it on to her, Cassie raised her head and stared at him, showing an air of terror. Roy was just concerned that she would be thirsty, but he got it when he saw her expression. He made a forced smile and put the cup down on the table.

    He sat down. She felt more nervous. Roy didn''t do anything to her. He nestled on the sofa and asked after a while, "Do you think I''m wrong?"

    Of course.

    Cassie nearly spurted it out.

    There were many ways to get someone, but he chose the least rightful one.

    Roy stared at her side and smiled lightly, "I mean the decision to leave the Runestone Group ande back to be a captain."

    Cassie felt embarrassed that she misunderstood Roy. She didn''t get Roy''s idea at the very beginning.

    "It is really good that you can do something you like." After a while, she answered him.

    Roy leaned and pulled her hands lightly. "I''m so sorry that you were med by my Mom today."

    Cassie was surprised that he said that.

    She felt more stressed.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Seeing her speechless, Roy asked lightly, "Are you angry now?"

    She shook her head.

    "We only live there shortly after our marriage. There will be rare opportunities for you and my Mom to have quarrels." Roy held her hands, saying with a soft voice.

    Cassie was not ustomed to that, but she felt happier as she heard his promise. To be honest, she was afraid to get along with Shirley. Obviously, Shirley didn''t like her at all.

    Roy smiled and sped her fingers, "If I insist on this, she will not force me. One is my Mom, and the other is my fianc��e. I need to make the atmosphere harmonious."

    Cassie suddenly felt hot since his palm warmed hers.

    Roy looked at her against the light. Her side view looked gentle and beautiful. He felt it hard to resist his love for her.

    He couldn''t help sitting straight and clenching her hands, "Do you still hate me?"

    The man''s breath approached her. His strong chest was attached to her arm. She felt hotter.

    Did she hate him?

    Yes.

    But why did she have no strength to hate him?

    She had no idea about it.

    She was only clear that she was the real ostrich. She could persuade Irish to let nature take its course, but actually, she wasn''t clear about her mind. The reason why she wanted to let nature take its course was that she couldn''t find the most suitable road.

    She couldfort others but not herself.

    Cassie lowered her head and said after a while, "Is the answer so important to you?"

    Roy was relieved. To be honest, he was afraid that Cassie said "Yes". If it were so, he would be at a loss. Her look was lovely now.

    He couldn''t help stretching his hand.

    As his hand touched her face, she trembled, and he felt that. He moved his hand down to her neck, massaging it lightly.

    Cassie didn''t move, but he could feel her pressure.

    Her look on that night urred to his mind. On therge sheet, her small figure was just like a shrimp.

    He got close to her. His lips touched her face, which was a little cold, while his lips were hot.

    "Cassie. Do not leave me tonight." His voice was low and hoarse.

    Cassie clenched her hands into a fist, but soon she loosened her grip with her mouth opened slightly. She looked down, and her fear was sheltered under her thick eysh. Cassie kept silent, her lips trembling.

    Roy kissed her thin lips gently while Cassie didn''t dodge. Seeing this, Roy felt that a stream of heat flew through his heart, and Adam''s apple bobbed in his throat. In the next second, Roy held Cassie with his strong arms, stepping to the bedroom directly.

 Chapter 798 798: Go With Me

    A famous writer once said that people would be humble enough as long as they fall in love with someone. Irish recalled these words and mumbled that they could never go back to those sweet days. Tears trickled down her cheeks.

    Irish often woke up at midnight, and she would always find that her cheeks were cold. She then realized that tears trickled down to the pillow.

    Joseph never came to her as he finished his wordsst time, and he even didn''t call her or send her a message. His wooden fragrance faded in the room gradually.

    Irish didn''t cry after that night. She went to work at the psychological center, gave her patient treatment, and taught her students at the University. What''s more, she even went to Runestone Group for work. She lived her life in a fixed routine, but she never met Joseph again.

    But once she ate at the staff restaurant, Irish coincidentally heard from a young girl that she saw a young and pretty girl in Joseph''s office when she went to deliver the papers to Joseph. And it seemed that the girl kept a close rtionship with Joseph since Joseph talked to her in a very gentle yet soft tone.

    But before the girl could finish her sentence, she saw Irish sitting there, and soon she stopped, walking away immediately with an embarrassed smile.

    Irish sat there, chewed carefully, and swallowed slowly. Although those young girls walked away, they still gave a funny look as if Irish was a deserted wife.

    Irish lowered her head but felt those sardonic eyes break her heart. She ate slowly, trying to relieve her pain.

    And then she finished the food, got up, put back the te, and then walked out of the hall. Irish always found that her cheeks were wet with tears every midnight when she woke up. She had dreams each night that disturbed her heart. Joseph would show in her dream, and he stood at the end of the stone-pavedne, staring at her with a ck umbre in hand. She also had a dream in which Joseph held her and said in a soft tone that he loved her so much. There was also a little boy in her dream who stepped on Irish with antern. However, Irish was shocked when she found that the boy''s voice sounded like Joseph''s. "Go with me," said the boy while reaching out his hands.

    The dream was shadowy, and the real world was so peaceful that Irish felt flustered.

    Irish remembered a sentence once she had read in a book. It is said that love is notplicated since it is just a matter between two people. But Joseph clearly told her that he was tired, while Irish didn''t understand what he meant. Did it mean he wanted to break up with her? Or perhaps there was no need for them to break up since they kept a weird rtionship with each other. Otherwise, how could it be possible that he treated another girl so gently?

    The mocking words that Irish heard at the staff restaurant lingered in her mind, and a pretty young girl would frequently appear in her mind. The girl leaned in Joseph''s arms which belonged to Irish once before. But now Joseph didn''t belong to her anymore.

    ''I am so stupid. He''s always been a man surrounded by women,'' Irish thought to herself.

    He could find a woman he liked. Joseph didn''te to their room, so Irish was alone there without his fragrance lingering in the air.

    Irish was not clear if Jordan stayed in G4 or if he had been forced to go abroad by his brother. Indeed, it was not difficult for her to get news about Jordan as long as she gave a call to him. But she didn''t. Irish paid great attention to the news about Jordan on the Inte. But there was no news saying that Jordan hadmitted suicide. Irish was willing to believe that it was Joseph who finally changed his mind.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    It was two weekster when Irish met Joseph again. It was Thursday when Irish needed to work at Runestone Group, and Labor Day wasing soon. When the Department of Administration notified Irish to attend a meeting, she was making a psychological assessment report for the first quarter of the Runestone staff. The secretary told her that Mr. Dover wanted to read this report.

    The report yed an important role in the employees'' promotion or the employees'' resignation. It can be seen that there will be major personnel adjustments after Labor Day. At this time, every year, the assessment report was delivered to thepany''s highest executive. Irish was startled when she heard Joseph''s name abruptly. She finished the report, printed it, and then walked to the meeting room after heaving a sigh.

    Many senior leaders were sitting there, but Joseph still hadn''t arrived. It was until then Irish knew that he had a business trip these days, and he had just got off the ne an hour ago, and now he should be on the way back to thepany.

    A few minutester, Irish heard footsteps outside the door, and her heart raced uncontrobly.

    The secretary hastily opened the door while Joseph walked in with Daisy following behind. He looked worn out after a long journey.

    "I am sorry. There was a traffic jam on the way back. Let''s begin," said Joseph as he sat down. His gaze swept rapidly around the room, but he didn''t spare a look at Irish.

    Irish should have sat close to him since she was also a shareholder as well as the psychological consultant of Runestone Group. However, she chose a ce far away from him, and she even couldn''t see clearly in Joseph''s eyes.

    But soon, Irish made a self-mockery.

    ''What could I see in his eyes even if I sat close to him? Nothing.'' Irish thought in her mind.

    The deep feelings between lovers could change quickly, and Irish was used to it since the same thing also urred to her patient. The air-conditioner began to work since it was getting hot. Joseph was dressed in a handmade ck shirt which made him look refreshed. However, he wore a saturnine expression.

    Something suddenly urred to Irish, and she looked at his wristband out of the subconscious but only to find that he didn''t wear cufflinks today.

    Irish once bought cufflinks as a gift for him, and he told her it was his favorite, so Joseph always wore the cufflinks. Many people in thepany were concerned about his life, especially those young girls. Irish didn''t prepare clothes for Joseph when he stayed at her house for the first time, and when he went to work the next day, many people began to discuss where he had stayedst night since they were aware that Joseph didn''t change his clothes. That was why Joseph put many clothes at her house.

    When people found that Joseph frequently wore the same cufflinks, they wondered why he always wore them. But now it may have been thrown into the trash can by him.

 Chapter 799 799: You Can’t Believe It, Huh?

    It was just a regr meeting for a work report. Labor Day wasing, and the director of each department began to make a work report to Joseph. The new product was going to beunched, and the marketing department was fighting a fierce battle while the public rtion department proposed to improve the publicity n for new products, which required the marketing department to provide some data.

    "Indeed, our department could only provide the keywords for design," said the director of the marketing department.

    The director of the public rtion department furrowed his eyebrows as he heard this. "You have to understand that the keywords are still from our department. How could we start our work if you are reluctant to cooperate with us?"

    The director of the marketing department then turned to Joseph and said, "Mr. Dover, it is not appropriate for me to release any information about our new product."

    After hearing this, Joseph turned to Be and said, "Be, the design principle, as well as the blueprint, could not be released now."

    "Mr. Dover, our department is working under great pressure. All the media outlets focused on our new product, but I know nothing about the product," said Be, who tried to change his mind.

    "I will ask Daisy to give you publicity material," Joseph replied shortly.

    Be had no other choice but heaved a sigh.

    Irish just kept silent in her seat, but she was confused about Joseph''s attitude toward the new product of this quarter. Generally speaking, the public rtion department should have propagated the new design principle as well as the blueprint of the product. But why is it this time it bes strictly confidential?

    But it had nothing to do with her, and Joseph was the only decision-maker.

    Roy wasn''t present today. It seemed that he had asked Joseph to take charge of the Runestone Group for himpletely. Roy was busy with hising wedding.

    ''What should I do at Cassie''s wedding since I keep such an embarrassing rtionship with Joseph?'' Irish wondered and was lost in her thoughts.

    "Doctor Irish, I need your psychological report for this quarter as well as the psychological intervention n for next quarter," said Joseph abruptly.

    She was still absorbed in her thoughts, so she didn''t react immediately until someone patted her shoulder to remind her. She looked up but happened to look into his eyes. Her heart began to beat quickly.

    "I have finished them," Irish was a bit embarrassed. But Joseph''s eyes still looked cold.

    When Irish was about to hand the files to the secretary who could help her hand it to him, Joseph instantly snapped, "Hand it to my office this afternoon."

    Shocked, Irish looked at him, but soon, he then added, "Hand it on by yourself."

    Startled, Irish nodded since she felt that he looked so serious.

    Cassie took leave to prepare for the wedding. At noon, only Irish was left alone. For two weeks, she was just guessing that Joseph might be at thepany, but that day she confirmed that he was there. So as soon as lunchtime arrived, she went into the elevator and went out to eat.

    She found psychology both boring and tiresome.

    Yes, she hated herself like this.

    She just didn''t expect to get out of the elevator while the other elevator was open in front of Irish.

    Joseph came out and stopped at the elevator entrance.

    Irish stopped, and her heart jumped.

    But the next minute, she understood why Joseph was standing at the elevator entrance.

    Soon, from the elevator, a girl came out.

    Perhaps it was a bit crowded in the elevator, so she came out with a wrinkled face andined to Joseph. She looked sweet and delicate. Because Irish was away from them, she could not hear what the girl specifically said, but she clearly saw that Joseph looked at the girl''s lips with a smile, and his side face was gentle and affectionate.

    Irish stood stiffly, leaving the crowd around her downstairs to hit her on the shoulder. She looked from the crowd at Joseph''s tall figure from afar, and the girl snuggled up to his side.

    The two of them went into the door with talk andughter, and there was a great deal of sunshine at the door, shrouded in the figure of the two.

    That girl was Rosy.

    She was affectionate with Joseph, and they were like a couple in love.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Irish would never forget her.

    Her heart was cold, and her fingertips were numb. She bowed her head and sped her fingers hard, only to find that her whole hand was trembling.

    She was overthinking. She thought he was waiting for her.

    She muddled to the door, only to see Joseph''s car drive away.

    She stood in the dazzling sun, but there was a gust of cold wind creeping into her bones.

    Irish, what did you want? I thought you didn''t trust him. Weren''t you hesitating about him? Well, he had gone at present, and another woman was around him. Could you put it down?

    Irish kept asking herself, but her heart was really in pain.

    Her fingernails dug into her palm, and Rosy looked delicately sweet inside her head.

    She admitted that she could not stand Joseph being good to other women.

    She couldn''t stand it at all.

    Even if she just thought about it, it hurt like a knife gouging her heart. A big hand took her hand.

    Irish suddenly reacted and looked back, but it was Leo.

    She tried to ask him why he came but could not speak out, and her throat was choked.

    Leo bowed his head and let her open her palm. Her palms were bleeding, and the edges of her nails were stained red with blood.

    He looked up at Irish, and his eyes were full of pity for her, reached out to wipe away the tears on her cheek and whispered, "Look at you, you hurt yourself, and finally, you couldn''t help crying."

    Yeah, she hurt herself.

    Then, she cried.

    ****

    The lunch location was near Manhattan Mall, and it was convenient for them to return to work. Irish did not eat much, taking a few mouthfuls.

    Leo also did not ask her to eat more.

    "I heard about Jordan. He''s still on the team. Joseph hasn''t sent him abroad, but I don''t know if he can participate in the race!" Leo told her.

    Irish breathed and took a sigh of relief when she heard the news.

    Thinking of the quarrel that night, she asked Leo about Jordan''s kidnapping.

    "At the age of 15, Jordan was kidnapped, and the kidnappers asked for a ransom of $300 million from Joseph, and he was asked to cede mining rights to one of the drilling mines in South Africa; otherwise, the kidnappers would tear up the ticket," Leo told her.

    Irish''s heart was raised, "And then?"

    "Joseph, who was in South Africa then, ignored the kidnappers'' request." Leo''s tone changed.

    Irish was stupefied, how was it possible?

    "You can''t believe it, huh?" Leo took a sip of his red wine and chuckled. "But that was what Joseph did at that time. He told the kidnappers that he would not take out a penny, let alone give up the mining right to drill. As for Jordan, he said that if they wanted, they could kill him."

    "Is there a misunderstanding? Or did Joseph call the police? Or just to dy time?" It was Irish''s first thought.

 Chapter 800 800: I Didn’t Say It

    Leo looked at her. "You misunderstood that he was affectionate and righteous. As I said, he is a heartless man. Call the police? Is he willing to waste his time on the police? As a matter of fact, he does not care about Jordan''s life."

    Irish could not believe it. She admitted that Joseph was strict with Jordan, but she absolutely did not believe that he was heartless to Jordan and even didn''t care about Jordan''s life.

    "But isn''t Jordan all right now?"

    "He managed to escape." Leo''s mood was slightly excited. "At that time, Jordan was kidnapped in Laos, where drug traffickers often rioted in order to fight for territory. The kidnappers didn''t get any penny, so they decided to kill Jordan. When the kidnappers finally decided to do that, there was rioting in the area, and the rioters robbed and smashed them. Before they could escape, the kidnappers were killed, and Jordan pretended to be dead before he escaped the disaster."

    It would be what kind of violence Irish did not know and could not imagine. Perhaps this kind of scene Jay would feelmon, but she had only seen it on TV.

    She couldn''t tell Leo that maybe Joseph had hidden something. Because, at present, everything was settled, Jordan was kidnapped, and Joseph did not pay the ransom. Jordan really hated Joseph.

    "What about you?" she looked at him and asked.

    "Although I did not understand the market before, and I studied economics, my mind has never been on this. On the contrary, Joseph has studied economics very well. He has always urately predicted and controlled the financial trend and economicws. When he was a student, he made a forecast for the future of a stock bank, saying that within two years, the bank would inevitably switch to short-term investment. Wealth management products that require high returns and quick return to cash to stabilize bank lending rates at America''srgest banks were bound to break out of the financial crisis. At that time, the person in charge of the bank scoffed at his remarks, but it was in less than two years, the person in charge personally came to the school to invite him. He flew abroad nine times to hire him as a corporate financial adviser at a high sry when he had just earned the title of Ph.D. in economics." Leo calmly said, "Joseph refused the invitation and devoted himself to the Runestone, and I went back to mypany. My first encounter with him in the business was a fiasco, and his method was too inhumane and tough, so mypany lost more than 500 million. It was I who believed in him too much and thought he could still pay attention to our friends in the business field from then on. I knew that Joseph was a person who didn''t care about feelings. Jenny, Jordan, and I are not important to him; the only important thing to him is his interests."

    It was inevitable that old and new grudges werebined with hatred.

    "It was him who taught me what unfolding means, taught me shopping malls as the battlefield, for the benefit of the purpose I can y all kinds of means, and use all kinds of feelings." Leo''s eyes were sad. "So, all the time, I am worried that you would get hurt."

    Irish''s breathing was a little unsmooth, and she felt pain like her heart was pressed heavily with a rock.

    She did not speak, slowly drinking watermelon juice, and suddenly felt very cold and bitter.

    A long timeter, she spoke in a very low voice. "I saw it. He was with Rosy."

    Leo was not surprised, nor did he speak, but he hummed gently.

    "I don''t understand. What exactly is their rtionship? I saw her still with you before." She seemed like a ghost and then became silent.

    Leo sipped the remaining wine in his ss and put down the ss, and said, "Rosy, if she wants, she can be with any man."

    "What do you mean?" Irish''s heartbeat seemed to stop.

    Leo looked at her and smiled gently. "People will no longer fall in love with each other like a few years before, and in a more and more realistic society, their feelings will be cheap and vulnerable, especially for girls from rich families such as Rosy. You have to believe that her view of love will definitely be mixed with interests."

    Irish looked down. Sorrow suddenly hit her.

    Yes, she couldn''t see clearly. Leo saw her silently, reached out, gently took her hand, and said, "What about you? Do you still have to put your heart on him?"<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Irish slowly pulled her hand from his hand and said in a light tone, but that exhausted all her strength. "No love in this world is not riddled with holes."

    *****

    At three o''clock in the afternoon, Irish called the Secretariat and asked if Joseph had returned from lunch. The secretary told her that he had returned to the office. She went into the elevator with a psychological evaluation report and a grave mood.

    She knocked into the office, and Joseph was talking on the phone, seeing hering, and motioned her to sit down.

    She went up and found that Joseph had changed a shirt. Unfortunately, what he wore was not the one from the morning meeting. It was also ck, but it was a little different in style and a little different exposed a lot of information.

    He changed his shirt.

    Why did he change his shirt? Did he need to change his shirt if it was just a meal?

    Irish''s heart was depressed. She felt out of breath for a time, and it was not easy to take a breath. She felt the pain in her heart. Putting the papers neatly on the table, she turned to go.

    Behind her, suddenly, Joseph''s voice sounded, followed by his deep voice. "Why is there only an evaluation report?"

    Irish stopped and turned her head, and looked at him.

    He was looking through the papers, the paper ttered in his slender fingers, his eyebrows frowned so deep when he saw her not replying, looking up at her. "What about the n for the next quarter?"

    Irish''s brain was suddenly stagnant, and it took a long time for her to say. "Don''t you just want the first quarter''s evaluation report?"

    Joseph looked more and more serious and simply closed the document. "At the meeting, you told me that you hadpleted the evaluation report and the n."

    Irish tried to rack her brains and didn''t remember saying that at the meeting and remembered saying that at the meeting and refuting, "I didn''t say it."

    She remembered that the secretary told her that Joseph only needed the first quarter report, but after she said that, Irish vaguely remembered that she had mentioned the topic of the n.

    Joseph no longer made a sound, and the whole person leaned against the back of the chair while looking at her.

    "You didn''t ask me to make a n for the next quarter." Irish felt that he was trying to find her trouble.

    "How long will it take?" Joseph suddenly asked lightly.

    Irish was confused. What did he mean when he asked how long?

 Chapter 801 801: Let’s Depart From Each Other

    Joseph noticed Irish''s surprised expression. He was not angry about it, but he still kept cold. His voice was as peaceful as theke.

    "How long will it take to make a report for the next season?" He repeated it again.

    Irish finally recovered herself. She thought about it for a while, "About five days."

    "Too long." He said calmly. Irish felt frustrated that his mood was just like a boss to his employee. "I need to work for the Institute, and I also have lessons at the university. I need more time to finish the work you have assigned to me."

    Joseph kept silent. He seemed to think of something. He didn''t actually focus on her face.

    Several secondster, he spoke. Irish had thought that he would ask something at work; instead, he asked, "What''s wrong with your hand?"

    Irish was surprised at his question. She raised her head and found out that he was focused on her hand. She dropped her hands naturally, which made it easy for him to figure out her palm was covered with a ster. She covered it with another hand, and thus Joseph couldn''t view it clearly. She replied with a low voice, "No issues."

    Joseph didn''t ask about it more and just put the ck file on the table into the drawer, "Please give me the n as soon as possible."

    They talked about work again.

    Irish knew that their conversation had stopped here, so she just nodded and took a deep breath. She raised her head to look at him while he took out a file and opened it. It seemed that he didn''t want to talk anymore.

    She felt hurt, as if something was bumping on her heart. Her mind told her that she couldn''t bear any pain anymore.

    The light in the room made the outline of his face clearer, which corresponded with Leo''sments on him: He was a cruel man.

    "Anything else?" Joseph raised his head and focused on her face.

    Irish realized that she had been standing there for a long time, so she was just upset. She felt so terrible, so she just turned around.

    The distance between them was short, but they seemed so far from each other.

    Looking at the door, she was closer and closer to it, but the man''s breath was far away from her. She felt desperate and even estranged.

    Stopping at the door, she held the doorknob. The metal was so cold. She felt so depressed that she didn''t pull the door immediately but thought of something for a while. And then she said weakly. "Joseph, let''s depart from each other. Our rtionship can''t be maintained anymore."

    She couldn''t bear hisint earlier, saying, "I''m tired." How could he leave her alone because he was tired? She only wanted a result, so just let them have a resolute ending.

    He didn''t give her the expected result, so she let him go.

    Why did she expect something from him? Her announcement for departure was made out because he pushed her. Or she just wanted to know his n? It was really confusing.

    Finally, she told him her thoughts, and she painfully praised herself: No matter what kind of man Joseph is, he is really excellent. Irish, are you sure that you can make him happy being beside him?

    Now that you are confused, why do you justg him behind? She scolded herself.

    Joseph kept silent.

    Irish waited for a while, and then she just turned around to look at him. He was also looking at her coldly.

    She waited for his answer. After a while, Joseph answered simply, "Okay."<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    His answer was just like a knife cutting her heart. There would be no connection between them anymore.

    Her palm ached again.

    As put by someone, the injured part should be bandaged with beautiful decorations. Actually, the fact of getting injured would not change, and it aches no matter how beautiful the bandage was.

    She should have given up since she tried her best to pursue a result, and now he gave her a certain answer. They both agreed to depart from each other, so they could just be like that, and there would be no connection anymore.

    Wasn''t that good?

    Yes, sure.

    "I will give the n to Daisy directly." Irish''s voice was low, and then she just opened the door and walked out.

    Joseph didn''t stop her as usual. He was really a man who kept his promise, so he would not call her back.

    The door behind Irish closed quietly. A book favored by Cassie urred to her mind suddenly. In that book, the main female character told the main male character that they couldn''t be back anymore.

    The statement of "We can''t be back anymore" still hung over Irish''s mind, which was just like Joseph''s statement of, "I''m tired." It was simple, but it hurt Irish the most.

    Her tears fell down spontaneously.

    ****

    It was Friday. The Coming of Labor Day made the weekend less exciting. The clerks just worked hard or spent the workdays in vain since they also needed to work even during the weekend. As a result, Friday was like Wednesday for them.

    There were so many files on her desk. So many colleagues'' files needed checking, and she had no time to make a n for the next season.

    When it was time to be off in the afternoon, the secretary in the Administration Department knocked at the door. She came in and gave her a notification. Irish opened it, and as she saw it, she looked at the secretary, "Seriously? I will not work on weekends, at least not here."

    The secretary was in a dilemma, "Irish, it is a notification from Daisy."

    From Daisy? It meant that it was Joseph who gave the order.

    Irish tried her best to calm down. It was not that she didn''t want to work overtime but that every second in the Runestone Group was a disaster for her. But now, the rtionship between her and Joseph was not as good as before, so it would be unreasonable for her to object to working on weekends. She had to nod since so many files were waiting for her to check.

    "Daisy also mentioned that you needed to arrive at the airport earlier on May 2nd. Is it okay to arrange to pick you up at 8 a.m.?"

    Irish felt so confused. "To the airport? I have no ns for any business trip recently."

    The secretary opened a file and read, "From May 2nd to 5th, you need to take a business trip to Jiangsu, China, with Mr. Dover."

    Irish felt surprised. She took it over and found that the secretary was telling the truth.

    "Why do you just notify me instead of discussing it with me?" She closed the file.

    The secretary was in a dilemma, "Irish, we are only responsible for the notification."

 Chapter 802 802: Roy And Cassie’s Wedding - 1

    Irish knew that it would be in vain to spend time discussing it with her, so she just opened the file again after the secretary left and checked the schedule carefully. The ne departure will be at 9:30 a.m. After the journey, they would arrive at the Hilton Hotel in Suzhou, and then they would drive to the Light Town in Kunshan. On May 5th, they woulde back to New York.

    Specific rules were outlined, and specific timelines and addresses were marked.

    Why does Joseph want to go to Suzhou? To the Light Town again?

    What will he do there?

    The key question was: Why did he ask her to apany him?

    After thinking for a while, she couldn''t pretend that she had epted his order. After a while, she decided to call the General Manager''s office. It got through, but only the secretary picked it up.

    The secretary told her that Joseph had a business activity tonight, so he had left thepany already. Irish also asked about Daisy, but the secretary answered that Daisy also had gone.

    Irish had to call Joseph.

    Nobody replied on the phone.

    Smacking her lips, she fiddled with her own phone and stared at Joseph''s private phone number on the contact list. She called after taking a deep breath.

    Soon it got through.

    He didn''t say anything, but she heard the noise. He must have been at dinner.

    "Hmmm..." Irish hesitated and licked her lips, "I have something to ask."

    His voice was low, "Yes?"

    Holding the file and looking at the "Light Town" destination on the paper, she felt choked. After having adjusted her breath, she said, "Can I refuse to go with you on a business trip?"

    No." Joseph said firmly.

    "But it is a holiday for me," Irish added.

    Actually, she was afraid of being alone with him. She was afraid that she would just say to him, "Joseph, let''s start again. I don''t want you to love someone else."

    She was so na?ve.

    She couldn''t forget the fact that she had fallen in love with such a man.

    She had the impulse to hold him and cry in his bosom even when she only heard his voice. Love was so scary that it made everyone be mad, including her.

    Joseph''s voice was low, "No."

    Irish felt angry and spurted it out, "Why me?"

    Joseph kept silent. "Firstly, you need to give your n for the next season during your business trip. Secondly, you are one of the shareholders. It''s your right and your obligation to participate in the activities for new arrivals."

    "I.." Irish didn''t know what to say.

    "Any questions?" Joseph''s voice was light.

    Any questions? She had to be careful during the sensitive period.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    To be honest, she really had questions. First, she wanted to ask him whether he would join in Roy''s wedding ceremony as his groomsman.

    She finally didn''t ask. She had no courage to do it.

    ****

    On the Labor Day holiday, there was a light heat.

    The wedding was held on a grandwn. Rich guests gathered here, and red wines were airlifted to New York. And the Hungarian violin orchestra was invited. Exquisite unified crystal tableware and rarevender roses in full blossomplemented the main white color of the wedding venue.

    Above thewn, people are in suits and long dresses. Distinguished guests shuttled through all kinds of food and wine, and they were greeting and courteous. For others, this might be one of the many weddings they have attended, and in today''s society, the wedding scene has be an important asion for people tomunicate with each other.

    For Irish, the meaning waspletely different. She would never forget this early summer, this May, because, on this day, her best friend Cassie was finally going to marry.

    In the mirror, Cassie wore a white wedding dress, and at this moment, she was dazzlingly beautiful.

    After being taken a picture with tears in her eyes, Cassie''s parents went out to help greet the guests, and the bride''s room was full of Cassie''s girlfriends. A round and precious pearl was carefully ced between her hair and mutually echoed the wedding dress Irish gave her.

    Looking at Cassie in the mirror, Irish''s eyes were slightly wet when she lifted her eyes.

    Cassie didn''t speak, and she gently grasped Irish''s hand and smiled with tears. She said, "It''s good to see you get married."

    Cassie turned around, looked at Irish in the white bridesmaid dress, and said from the bottom of her heart, "Irish, if I watched you enter the wedding auditorium, I think I would cry at that moment."

    Irish could not help but put her arms around her and said beside her ears, "Cassie, you must be very happy."

    The better your best friend, the less she talked at that time. Those blessings prepared finally disappeared, and thousands of words only gathered into this sentence: "You must be happy."

    In a word, it was a friend''s most sincere and heartfelt expectation.

    Cassie nodded hard, letting her go a long timeter. She looked at her, "Irish, this is also my blessing to you, but you intend to send out the blessing at your wedding, I have to rack my brains to think of something else."

    Irish''s eyes were as clear as crystal, but after hearing this, she tried to squeeze out a smile and said nothing. Cassie said, "I just saw Joseph. He is so handsome. I can''t wait to see you two standing together now. It must be the most beautiful scenery."

    Irish closed her lips, but her heart turned upside down.

    Cassie held her by the hand, clenched, whispering. "Irish, people say that a couple of other people''s best men and bridesmaids will get married soon. Today you are my bridesmaid, and Joseph is Roy''s best man. I think you will get married soon. Well, I''m going to get you a wedding dress soon. Well, I''ll prepare it for you as soon as the wedding is over."

    Cassie''s words, like ten thousand feet of dust spread in Irish''s heart, wrapped it with pain. Irish was silent momentarily, then looked up at Cassie, "We have broken up."

    Cassie was slightly stunned but soon closed her lips. "All right, stop it. I see, you can''t break up."

    Irish''s throat was clogged, and she shook her head. "No, we really broke up. He agreed."

    Cassie was really stunned this time, and it took a long time for her to ask. "Why?"

    Why?

    Even Irish herself could not say exactly what it was for, perhaps this sentence could be asked to Joseph, but he could not give the answer. Love itself was illogical, so there was not so much why.

    But sometimes, the love was deep and shallow, somehow, and the two of them came to the end of the road.

 Chapter 803 803: Roy And Cassie’s Wedding - 2

    A group of girls broke in and interrupted the conversation.

    Lilith, who, like the girls of otherpanies, was dressed in a white dress, looked like jasmine, smelling light and fragrant. She went forward and hugged Cassie, praising her beauty.

    Irish looked at Lilith and thought of Jay, thinking in her heart that, in fact, love was really a tiresome thing.

    A group of people gathered next to the bride to take a picture; someoneughed and said, "Dr. Irish, Joseph is always so handsome today. Don''t you go out and find him? I can see a lot of people out there sticking to him."

    Cassie looked at Irish.

    However, Irish gently closed her lips, put her arm around Cassie, and told them. "I belong to the bride today."

    The crowdughed.

    Cassieughed and reached out and patted Irish''s arm, but in her eyes, there was worry about her.

    "Cassie, fortunately, you are married to Dr. Irish''s brother. If you change to another man and see Dr. Irish dressed so beautifully today, maybe he will shift his love to her." A girl was loose-lipped.

    After hearing this, Irish felt a little embarrassed. She thought of Fredrick. She remembered that Cassie had asked her. "Do you like Fredrick?"

    Cassie saw her embarrassment, thenughed, "Irish is beautiful. I like you more than a man. Men can be robbed by her, and the man who can be robbed does not deserve to be cherished by me. All I have to do is keep our friendship forever."

    Lilith smiled gently. "Is this called a good best friend of mine? But I have the greatest confidence in my sister. She doesn''t want to rob a man of a good friend."

    Others agreed, "And Mr. Dover is always in the way, and who has a chance to get close to Dr. Irish."

    They wereughing again.

    When the ceremony was about to begin, Cassie pulled Irish aside and whispered, "I don''t care if you two break up or not. You must catch it when I throw flowers in my hand, or I''ll be unhappy."

    Irish felt warm, but she retorted, "You think I am a basket? The premise is that you have to shoot it correctly."

    "Don''t worry, I''ll fight for your happiness," Cassie whispered.

    Irish could not helpughing.

    She apanied Cassie to thest to go out, and when she reached the door, Irish could not help asking, "You are really in love with Roy, aren''t you?"

    Cassie stopped for a moment, silent for a while, and then looked at her, slightly smiled, "In fact, he is a good man."

    Irish stared at her eyes and nodded gently.

    The ceremony was not very cumbersome, but it was solemn enough to make one want to cry.

    Cassie''s father and mother cried, moved.

    Irish, as a bridesmaid, did not care about her feelings when she personally participated in the ceremony. Besides her was Joseph. As all the girls said, he was handsome, and his tall and straight figure attracted the attention of many women.

    Irish thought it would be awkward to see him that day after the day they had broken up, they never met again and never contacted each other, just like a normal couple who broke up, each returning to the track of the past.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    But unexpectedly, Joseph was generous and still gentle to her, even Cassie could not help but ask her in a low voice, "Irish, have you two really broken up? It looks like he is normal. Are you kidding me?"

    She was beyond dispute. They really broke up.

    When the bridesmaid and best man left the stage, Joseph extended his hand to Irish, and his lips were with a shallow smile. He looked at her, and his deep pupils were mapped by the gentle light of thewn, looking warm and gentle, causing Irish to have the illusion for a moment. That day they had said the breakup was a dream and had not happened at all.

    She could not help but give her hand.

    The smile on Joseph''s lips expanded, stopped, and sped her slender fingers.

    Irish clearly felt the hot eyes of the women in the venue, like needles piercing her back.

    When it was the groom''s turn to speak, Roy looked a little excited. His fingers trembled when he took the microphone. Cassie saw that scene, and somehow she smiled.

    Irish was also amused, but the bottom of her heart was moved. She thought Roy would certainly be good to Cassie.

    Joseph suddenly said, "He''s too nervous."

    Irish did not expect him to say that, so she turned her head and looked at him and found that his side face seemed to have a faint smile, and the corners of his lips were slightly hooked, and for a moment, she was confused. Was she too self-contained? She thought that a breakup could exhaust each other''s energy, but Joseph was still talking andughing. Was this rtionship nothing to him, or was his ability to adjust himself very strong? Or was it that he was open-minded, and they could be friends?

    She knew clearly that she could not be friends with him.

    Roy''s voice came out of the microphone, deep with a little vibrato, and he cleared his throat. "Thank you foring. Well. What I want to say is, from today on, I have a wife, I will be good to you. I will be loyal to my wife Cassie all my life!

    This was straightforward, causing everyone present tough.

    She looked at Cassie again. First of all, Cassie was surprised. She certainly didn''t expect Roy, who had always been chic, to say such words at this time, but soon, she blushed.

    The crowd cheered and asked them to kiss.

    Roy turned his head and rushed up to her. "Priest, can I kiss my wife now?"

    The Priestughed.

    Roy did not care so much, strode forward, reached for Cassie, bowed his head, and kissed down.

    The petals floated down in the air, like a petal rain, beautiful and dreamy.

    In this way, Cassie marries Roy and bes Mrs. Lake.

    When the bride threw the flowers, everyoneughed at Joseph and Irish. Finally, some people shouted, "Our President''s wife, you must see it clearly. The flowers must be thrown into Dr. Irish''s hands so that our manager will take the wedding leave, and then we can rx for a few days."

    Everyoneughed.

    Lilith opened her mouth and said, "Don''t worry, singledies. Let my sister solve her life-long affairs first. Don''t rob it away."

    Irish was embarrassed and flushed, eager to cover Lilith''s mouth.

 Chapter 804 804: I Will Never Get Married

    People would always boo and hoot at the wedding ceremony and they often joked with each other as long as they didn''t vite the principle. Irish felt at a loss since she was held to the center of the stage. Those unmarried young girls all rushed to Irish. Seeing this, she turned to Joseph out of the subconscious. However, Joseph neither stepped forward to help her out of a predicament nor told them they had broken up. He just stared at her, bathing under the sunlight, his eyes flickering with lights. He wore a faint smile, meaningful and difficult to see clearly.

    Cassie held a bunch of flowers, running her eyes over the crowd since they tried to find out where Irish was. Roy took over the microphone and then said to Lilith. "Lilith, don''t stand motionless there. Go and stand along with Irish. She is a lucky girl today. I hope you can be as lucky as her and find your Mr. Right as soon as possible."

    Lilith''s face flushed, and she rolled her eyes at Roy.

    It seemed that there were many unmarried girls.

    A crowd attended Irish, but an unnamed feeling urred to her. ''I will never get married. The bride''s flower should be given to other girls.'' Irish thought in her mind, but she didn''t say anything.

    "Please get ready. I am going to throw my flowers," said Cassie abruptly. Anxiousness urred to Irish somehow as she heard this from Cassie because she felt that she was unable to catch the flowers.

    Things always changed frequently, just as the rtionship between Irish and Joseph did. When Joseph asked her if she would like to be with him in Lantern Town, Irish was sure that she loved this man so much and that she would never fall in love with others. She was even looking forward to marrying him someday. Although Joseph was always busy with his work, she didn''t care about that. She was willing to wait for him every night. She would like to take a walk with him every single day and snuggle up to him on cold days.

    Irish believed that she would be with him for her whole life, but now they have broken up. Joseph brought her sweetness but also caused pain to her. Irish felt heartbroken, but he just smiled faintly. That was why Irish felt that she didn''t deserve Cassie''s flower. Cassie began to count backward, and finally, she threw up the flowers. It was a bunch of roses with purple silk ribbon. All of them held their breath, staring at the flowers, and were ready to catch it, including Irish. She could even feel the fresh fragrance of the roses floating in the air. Her heart was pumping. Although she felt that it was impossible for her to get the lucky roses, she still didn''t give up.

    And she hoped that she could get it. Soon the flower was falling towards Irish, and she was getting more nervous. When the silk ribbon swept over her face, Irish reached out her hands subconsciously. However, it just flew over her head, and she didn''t catch it. The hope faded gradually. ''I know what will happen.'' thought Irish with disappointment.

    But soon, the people present started making a sound of surprise. Irish was confused since she didn''t know what had happened, so she looked back to find out what had happened, but soon she also widened her eyes with astonishment.

    The flower finally fell into Joseph''s arms which shocked the people there.

    Obviously, Joseph was also startled since he didn''t expect it. He wore an embarrassed smile and lowered his head.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Roy was pleased to see that, and he turned to Joseph and said loudly, "Joseph, this is your fate. God also hopes you get married earlier. It was my first time seeing a man catch the bride''s flower."

    Cassie grinned as she heard this, while Irish just stood there motionless, staring at the rose in Joseph''s hand. ''If he gets married to another girl someday, will I be dead to all feelings? No, it will definitely drive me crazy. God must be joking with me, or why would Joseph catch the bride''s flower?'' Irish was absorbed in her thought.

    "I know many colleagues came here. Everybody, it is your time to take revenge. Go ahead and snatch the bride''s flower. Hurry up," joked Roy.

    Those young girls all rushed to Joseph as soon as Roy finished his words, while others also joined in the battle. They rushed forward while Irish, who stood in the center of the crowd, was inevitably pushed to Joseph and couldn''t stand firm. And soon, she fell into Joseph''s arms and soon fell down to the ground but was held by Joseph. Irish felt that Joseph''s wooden fragrance surrounded her, and at that moment, he held her waist. She felt so embarrassed, and when she was about to step aside, she found that it was out of her control since they were getting so excited to hear her. They all tried their best to get the bride''s flower from Joseph, forcing Irish to get closer to Joseph.

    Indeed, Joseph had loosened his grip as Irish stood up, but he found that those people rushed forward again, so he held her waist without any hesitation, trying to prevent her from being hurt. This way, Irish could not move away from his arms, with her face against his chest. And she could feel his warmth clearly.

    A momentter, Joseph burst intoughter and persuaded them to stop grabbing. Irish could hear hisughter clearly since she was so close to his chest. Her nose twitched instantly, and she couldn''t help but hold his waist.

    ''Joseph, Joseph...'' Irish read his name silently in her mind. Itsted nearly five minutes, and finally, people spread out and walked away. It was not until then Joseph loosened his grip over her head, but his hand on her waist didn''t move away. "Are you okay? Does your ankle get hurt?" he softly asked.

    Irish was in a pair of high heels today, so she couldn''t stand firmly when people rushed to her.

    Irish dared not look into his eyes, so she looked down and shook her head slightly since she didn''t get hurt.

    "Go sit over there," Joseph added softly. Irish was about to refuse, but she couldn''t persuade herself to do that since she was infatuated with his warmth and his breath. Therefore, she nodded slightly while Joseph held her to the resting area. They sat under the white floret umbre with rose petals scattered on the ground. Irish was dressed in a white robe, making her look so pretty and refreshing.

 Chapter 805 805: I Have Fallen In Love With A Girl

    Joseph also sat beside her, and Irish''s heartbeat began to elerate.

    Irish trembled slightly at the moment when Joseph stooped down and touched her ankle. She moved away and stopped him. "I am fine," said Irish.

    Joseph was taken aback by her words and then stood up. "I just want to check if you were hurt."

    "I didn''t get hurt. I am fine. Really," Irish answered briefly. She bit her lower lip as she finished her sentence.

    Joseph stiffened his back and gazed at her while Irish still avoided looking into his eyes. They kept silent for a few minutes until Joseph finally stood up.

    "Irish, not everyone could tolerate you like this," Joseph murmured coldly.

    Irish trembled slightly as she heard that, and when she looked up, she found that Joseph had walked away.

    The wedding ceremony also finished, and the melodious sound of the violin sounded.

    Many other famous bands havee here to y at night, and that was why many young people chose to stay here since they were looking forward to participating in the dancing party at night.

    People were divided into several groups, including many staff from Runestone Group who were here just for fun. And for other people, this wedding provided a good chance for them to get to know many celebrities. Joseph sat in a quiet corner with a ss of wine in hand as he finished greeting his business partners who were present today. He listened to the soft music, but his eyes followed Irish, who was not far away from him.

    She was chatting with other girls there, also with a ss of wine in hand. Her white teeth glistened with light when she grinned.

    Joseph felt that he was drunk, or why would he want to hold her in his arms? However, there was also an aching emptiness inside his heart. Joseph wanted to figure out why he would love this woman so deeply.

    Irish was not as gentle as other women, although she was beautiful. She was selfish, but she often acted like a spoiled child before him. Joseph also hated her stubbornness as well as her apartness. Joseph was also confused about why he loved her so much. However, he knew that if he came to Roy and asked him why he loved Cassie so much, Roy was also unable to give him an answer. There was no reason to love someone. He just fell in love with her at first sight. Irish also lost her mind in this melodious music, and she recalled the days spent with Joseph in Hong Kong and South Africa.

    The melody was finished, and someone took over the microphone before the pianist could continue. His voice sounded unfamiliar to Irish, so she didn''t pay attention to him. However, she found that Lilith was at a loss and stared at the man, so Irish also looked up and then found she had met this man before.

    He exchanged conventional greetings and wished Roy and Cassie a happy wedding. And then he continued abruptly. "I have fallen in love with a girl, so I hope everyone here can be a witness for me."

    He walked to Lilith as he finished his words, and it was not until then Irish remembered that he was Lenard, the man she had met in the shopping mall before.

    All the audience focused on the side.

    Feeling strange, Irish made way for them with the ss in her hand, and others also just did it.

    It was not strange for Lenard to join in the wedding since his family had some connection with the Lakes. Except for this, he had a clear subject. He came for Lilith.

    He didn''t show up as a policeman but wore suits like others. He walked to Lilith and stood there, taking out a delicate jewelry box. He opened it quietly and just kneed down with one leg in front of everyone, lifting it up to Lilith.

    There was a diamond ring in the box. It was pink, as big as a pigeon egg.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Since she had been staying in the Runestone Group for a long time, she knew a lot. The pink diamond was rare, especially with the size of a pigeon egg. It must have been valuable, and the value kept rising.

    "Lilith, please just be with me. At first sight of you, I know that you are the girl I want to find. I love you. Could you please marry me?" Lenard looked at her with deep feelings in his eyes.

    Lilith hadn''t thought that he would do this way, so she was just in a daze with her eyes open.

    This scene made Kelly and William joyful, so they just walked forward.

    As the host from Roy''s side, Shirley sniffed. She didn''t think it was amazing at all.

    Lenard''s kneeling down was so romantic for others, but for Irish, it was just like a moral kidnapping, so she just frowned.

    Lilith was timid, so she just recovered herself after a great while. She said at once, "Lenard, just stand up." She felt stressed in front of so many audiences.

    Lenard was determined to get her, so he just looked at her, "I am not forcing you to marry me. I just hope that you can give me an opportunity and let me take care of you. Okay?"

    "I��" Lilith was at a loss.

    The surrounding people were so keen that they cheered and shouted that she should agree.

    Kelly walked forward and lowered her voice, "Is Lenard worse than Jay? You should forget him for your brighter future. What can he bring to you if he is still a policeman? Can you just let him abandon his dream?"

    Lilith closed her lips tightly and sped her fingers together.

    Lenard kept kneeling, pushing others to be excited for them. The beautiful and romantic wedding ce became a wonderful one for proposing.

    Irish didn''t persuade her to say "Yes" immediately as others did. She suddenly felt nervous about their feelings.

    Everyone would say God determined fate.

    She had thought that Cassie would marry Fredrick one day, but finally, Cassie married Roy, whom she just knew less than one year ago. She had sent best wishes to Lilith and Jay''s rtionship, but today the man who proposed to Lilith was not Jay.

    There was nothing that would not change.

    Maybe love was just testing, and only those who had experienced every pain and suffering could understand its true meaning.

    As Lilith''s rtive, she really wanted to persuade Lilith not to promise him. She was not satisfied with Lenard at all, but how could she just intervene in others'' life?

 Chapter 806 806: Are You Familiar With The Pattern?

    Just in this way, she saw Lilith nodding lightly. Lenard stood up excitedly and hugged her up, making circles happily.

    Lilith was not so excited. Irish guessed that maybe Jay and Lilith wouldn''te back from the old memories they had spent together. Everyone had his own pursuits and pride.

    Lenard put the ring onto Lilith''s ring finger. The light of the ring shone. Seeing this, Irish felt a little sad and dreary.

    As she raised her eyes, she saw Joseph who was with aplicated expression. She moved her eyes away and just saw a lonely figure leaving quietly.

    It was Jay.

    *

    Irish left before the end of Cassie''s marriage. On the one hand, Roy was always with Cassie, and he even intervened in their conversations. On the other hand, the next day, Irish needed to take a business trip. Although she was unwilling, it was a doomed trip, so she could only follow the order.

    As it was darker, the party began. Irish left.

    As she left, Joseph saw her figure while drinking and chatting, and then he called Daisy.

    Irish didn''t drive her car, so when she was out, she just stood beside the road and waited for an empty taxi. There was no empty car, so she just took a walk so that she could get the wine aroma dispersed.

    A car just stopped in front of her.

    Irish stopped. She figured out that it was Joseph''s car. Her heart beat quickly. Soon the window was down, and it was Daisy.

    Daisy went off and opened the door, "Irish. It''s toote to take a taxi. Just get in."

    Irish licked her lips, "No need."

    "Irish, you know I need to finish my task. Please do not make me in a dilemma." Daisy said, smiling.

    Joseph''s figure urred to Irish''s mind. She felt nervous, so she just nodded and got in.

    Daisy started the car and drove towards the direction of Midtown Manhattan.

    Looking at the backward tree shadows out of the window, Irish leaned on the seat, on which there was Joseph''s smell. It was just like a dream for her. She thought of Lilith again, so she just sighed and said, "Daisy, please get me to the Brooklyn Police Station."

    Daisy nced at her in the mirror and nodded lightly, then she moved the steering wheel and turned around.

    It was quieter as it got darker.

    As Irish knocked at the door, Jay was analyzing a case by checking files. There was a deep gully between her eyebrows. As he heard the knocking, he saw from the window that it was Irish, so he just stood up and opened the door for her.

    Irish closed the door as she came in. She didn''t say anything and just sat across from him.

    She would not interrupt his work if she didn''t know that Jay also went to the wedding. He was unfamiliar with Roy, so he did not need to go there. He went there, which proved that he only wanted to see someone. Obviously, Jay should have seen Lenard proposing. His figure was so lonely that Irish got worried.

    "What''s wrong? It seems that you are looking at a rare animal." Jay looked a little tired, but he still yed a joke and made coffee for her.

    Irish sighed, "You give up, Lilith, right?"

    Jay also made a cup of coffee for himself, sitting on the chair unhappily. After a while, he said, "Love is not always correct. We are in two different worlds."

    "Do you give up?" She asked repeatedly.

    Jay put down the cup and looked up at her, "Yes. I gave up. If you want to persuade me, just let it go. Something will nevere back to the original."

    Irish took a sip and said, "In fact, I am not entitled to persuade you. You are not alone."<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Jay just looked at her.

    Irish didn''t say more, and just yed with the ss, murmuring, "Maybe we haven''t lost our feelings, but ourselves."

    Jay frowned. His hands began to tremble.

    "If Lilith really gets married to Lenard, are you happy with that?" She asked.

    Jay was certain, "No. I still love her."

    "How about Carmen?"

    "I never loved her. I am sure about it."

    Irish finally realized that the biggest pain was that lovers could never get together.

    The phone on the table rang, disrupting the cold atmosphere. Jay picked up the phone and just listened to it. He got stricter. After putting the phone down, he stood up and wore the cap.

    Irish knew that there must have been something serious, so she just asked, "What''s wrong?"

    "A strange suicide case urred in the Garden Community."

    When Irish heard it, she said immediately, "I want to go with you."

    ****

    The Policeman went there quickly. The legal, medical expert and legal administrative officers were busy with the case. Irish followed Jay into the warning line and went upstairs with the status of a psychologist invited by the Police Station.

    The dead were found in a one-bedroom-one-parlor and found by thendlord. ording to thendlord, the dead had lived there two years ago. The rental fee was given once a season. He came there to collect the rental fee for the next season.

    However, nobody opened the door for him, so he just opened the door with his prepared key and found out that the tenant was dead.

    Jay ordered someone to make a record for thendlord and surrounding neighbors while he entered the bedroom with a mask and gloves on. The dead leaned against the wall with blood on his whole body.

    "Are you sure that hemitted suicide?" He crouched down and asked the legal, medical expert.

    He doubted it because the dead had been positioned with his hands behind his back. It was obvious that someone had killed him.

    The legal, medical expert kept silent, "I am also doubting. His motive tomit suicide and way ofmitting suicide is so strange, but after checking just now, I have found out that there are no other injuries except for the fatal cut on the neck, and there is no trace of struggle."

    Irish followed Jay. She didn''t see the dead on the floor but just looked around. The light on her head was yellow and red, light and vague. There were many papers on the wall on which there were patterns. The photo of the dead was hung on the wall, looking clean.

    "Jay." She stared at one of the patterns and called Jay lightly.

    Jay walked forward.

    She pointed out, "Are you familiar with the pattern?"

    Jay focused on it. It was a pattern of totems portrayed with a light pencil line. It looked like a pattern of a butterfly.

    The pattern appeared again!

    Jay couldn''t forget this pattern. The criminal in the dismemberment case also left this pattern on the wall. He tried his best to find it out at that time, but there was no clue. That case and the pattern were all stopped for investigation.

 Chapter 807 807: The God City

    Irish and Jay still couldn''t figure out what this design represented, so Irish reached out and took over the small piece of paper, and a line of words written in red ink heaved insight.

    "He flooded the city of God and punished all men with his wings. I am guilty, so I am willing to go with him," Jay read it. But as soon as he finished, Jay turned to Irish with confused eyes and asked, "Why did this sentence appear again?"

    After hearing that, Irish also tried to recall it and felt that it sounded familiar. A momentter, she finally remembered that she had seen this sentence before and that the criminal had curved it, but Irish only paid great attention to the graffiti at that time and only took a glimpse at this sentence.

    "Why is this happening? Did these two people know each other before?" Irish couldn''t help but furrow her eyebrows.

    The legal examiner finally stood up and shook his head. "It''s so weird. It doesn''t look like suicide, but I can''t find other evidence to prove it is a homicide."

    Irish stepped forward, squatted down, and looked at the victim.

    The legal examiner didn''t know what Irish was going to do but only stood there with great astonishment. Obviously, he must be startled by Irish''s braveness since most of the girls would like to try to avoid such a scene because they may feel sick. However, unlike other girls, Irish acted so abnormally.

    Irish looked up and gave the examiner a sign not to interrupt her.

    The victim''s face was pale, as if he was a paper man with his eyes open. And his neck was badly mutted, and his clothes, as well as the ground, were covered with dry blood. Irish gazed at him for a long time and felt so weird. His eyes were fixed on the direction. Seeing this, Irish looked down at his eyes and found that he stared at the line of words before he died.

    Soon the policemen found out the victim''s identity.

    His name was Albinson from Minnesota who has worked at a Network technologypany. He lost his parents in his childhood and broke up with his girlfriend two months ago. Albinson was an introverted man and never got in touch with his neighbors.

    It seemed that he was an ordinary office worker before his death and had nothing to do with the criminal who made suicide. But why did both of them write the same sentence before their death, and there was even the same graffiti? Irish and Jay couldn''t figure it out. Irish drew her eyes back and gazed at Albinson''s eyes again, which looked so peaceful. Irish squinted, looked at his mouth, and then said abruptly. "He is smiling."

    Shocked, Jay hastily squatted down.

    "Look, his lips curved in a smile." Irish finally found out why she felt so weird.

    Staring at him for a while, Jay was also aware of that.

    "But why was he still smiling before death?" Jay asked confusedly

    Irish kept silent and didn''t reply to Jay. She looked carefully at the ropes over Albinson''s body and then looked around. "I think that he killed himself," Irish muttered in a low voice.

    "Why?" Jay was startled by Irish''s words.

    "There is no sign of fighting in the room which means that he stayed alone here until he died. Through the words of his neighbors as well as his job, it is not difficult to know that he is not a man good at getting along with others. He always lived alone, but there were no consoles, televisions, or books to kiss his free time, which indicates that he lived a boring life. But what could he do after work every day?" Irish analyzed and then pointed at the wall and continued, "The only thing he could do is write graffiti. I am not sure if he is really interested in it, but it is so strange that he writes graffiti to kiss the time every night. The light is dim in this room, and people may feel ufortable in such a dreary environment. And most people couldn''t bear such dim light. What''s more, we could see the ropes over his body. He could wrap himself easily, and the knot was right at his wrist. His eyes were peaceful with a smile, and it is easy to tell that death is actually a relief to him."

    The legal examiner nodded slightly, pointed at the victim''s neck, and said, "But I can''t understand why there is a wound on his neck."<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "I think he cut his neck with a knife and then wrapped himself," Irish answered calmly.

    They all stared at Irish with great astonishment.

    "He enjoyed the process of death," exined Irish.

    "But why did he wrap himself with ropes?" Taking a look at the wall, Irish heaved a sign and said, "Through his mental state and living environment, I guess that he felt that he is guilty, so he decided to kill himself. And during the process of his death, he may think that he can wash away his sins as long as he drains his blood."

    Saying this, something suddenly urred to Irish, but soon it vanished, and she failed to catch it.

    Jay trusted Irish, so he called his men over there and asked them to conduct a full investigation into the rtionship of the dead and tried to get in contact with his family, especially his ex-girlfriend.

    This case interrupted Irish''s n. She was here to have a talk with Jay, but now Jay was busy with his work, so the only thing she could do was to give him some advice.

    Irish recalled the sentence over and over again on the way home.

    ''What did he mean God''s city? What kind of city was it then? Did he have wings?'' Irish asked herself several questions.

    The taxi driver was a nanomole. He couldn''t help but ask Irish when he was aware that Irish frowned, her eyebrows into a knot, "Hey girl, you look so sad. What''s wrong? Anyway, things will get better."

    Americans were always optimistic. Irish adjusted her posture and was shocked by the driver''s words. She didn''t intend to talk to the driver but changed her mind finally since she needed to pour forth her bad emotions. "I have a question. Do you know what the God city is?" She asked lightly.

    "The God city? Which God do you mean? Christian, Jehovah, or Sakyamuni?" The driver asked in reply.

    Irish was getting even more confused after hearing this since she had no answer about it, and then she asked another question, "Then do you know why people have wings?"

    The driver showed a strange look at Irish. He stopped for a while and then responded, "Then I am sure he must be Birdy."

    Irish was startled by his answer and then kept silent for a while since she had an idea how to respond.

    "Oh, I get it. It''s an angel," said the driver abruptly.

    "Angel?"

    "Yes. A man with wings is an angel."

    The driver burst outughing as he said.

 Chapter 808 808: Do You Hear Me?

    However, after hearing this, Irish is lost in her thoughts.

    Irish turned on theputer as soon as she returned home and began searching for something about angels. The driver was right, and the man with swings was an angel that also had something to do with God. However, she failed to get some useful information.

    Thinking for a while, Irish typed that sentence, trying to get some information but failed again. But anyway, now she was clear that it was rted to Christians, she had no other choice but to look through the information on the website. A few minutester, Irish was fascinated by a sentence that read the flood flooded the world; sulfur burned out bones; the power of judgment was about to return while all sins finally died out.

    Irish stared at the screen since she felt that it sounded familiar with the sentence which she saw at the victim''s house.

    What did the flood and sulfur mean? Irish looked at these two words, and soon, a light that she failed to catch earlier the day urred to her again. She got up, rushed to the living room, and emptied everything from the drawer. Finally, she took out a painting that she had bought in South Africa. Irish still remembered the smile of the shop owner when she bought this painting there. It was a grocery store, but she was only interested in this painting. Irish remembered that it was a painting about God destroying this world.

    Irish felt it sounded funny since she only knew that God built this world.

    Standing there, Irish looked carefully at the painting.

    The painting seemed very deste, which adopted a deep color. The flood rolled up like a mat, and a man stood over the flood with his hand rising slightly. He looked into the distance with a heavy look. Irish felt that he was God. He built this world and then destroyed it, so he must feel frustrated.

    A boat was floating over the flood, carrying a man and some animals. The man was looking back at God.

    It must be Noah''s ark. Irish was enlightened.

    On the other side of the picture was a raging fire, causing people to die.

    The flood mixed with the fire had deep meanings. Although Irish was not a Christian, she also heard the story about Noah''s ark.

    She put down the painting and was lost in her thoughts. She recalled the sentence on the wall and read it again and over again. ''He flooded the city of God. If God''s city means man''s world, then it should be God who destroyed it. It sounded inconsistent. There must be something I am not clear about. And the idea that God destroyed the world may not be what people suppose.'' thought Irish to herself.

    And then a word jumped out in Irish''s mind. It was the Bible! She had a bible at home. It was a gift from Pea in Light Town. She put this Bible on the bookshelf but never read it for once. A momentter, she finally found it. It was a small but exquisite bible. The earliest record of God destroying the world happened in Genesis, which was well-known to people, including Irish.

    She walked back to theputer and began to search on the Inte again while browsing the Bible at the same time. She felt her eyes strained after looking over for a long while, and finally, she learned that God had destroyed the world three times in total.

    The first generation was the flood destroyed the world, the seventh grandson of Adam, Enoch, and when the ark waspleted, the flood came; the second generation, the generation of the Lord Jesus, was the first generation of the Lord Jesus, and Paul witnessed in 1 Corinthians the resurrection of the Lord, no more than 500 at most, and the third is present.

    Irish frowned when seeing this. Was it the so-called moment of judgment? She had seen this in the apocalypse.

    In the middle of the Bible, at 13:24, Jesus said to the people, "Try your best to enter the narrow door, and I tell you that many people will want to go in the future, but they will not."

    Irish did not understand what the narrow door was but also understood that it was a checkpoint that could avoid the pain of death.

    In the Bible, Irish also saw the names of some angels, which were hard to remember, but there was a sentence that made her open, saying he had the power given by God to punish the world in the name of God.

    This was also mentioned in the apocalypse. Of course, Irish did not have so much energy to read the whole Bible and searched the Bible for apocalypse on the Inte. Only then was she surprised to find that flood and sulfur were used before and after the death of God. There were angels under God, one of whom had a very special ability and was an angel specially designed by God to punish the wicked.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    The angel, who was in charge of despair and looked like a butterfly, was the most dangerous of all the betrayal angels. When Noah''s Ark was made, he had appeared once, destroying everything in the world with floods!

    Irish opened her eyes wide, with a thick Bible under the palm of her hand. She quickly turned to the corresponding chapter and breathed. This angel was indeed recorded in the Bible, its name was Sierra, desperate angel, the most representative-fallen angel.

    Evil angel.

    Irish heard Jay mention it.

    Her heart was cold, she quickly called Jay, and the first sentence was, "I think I knew the direction of your investigation, this matter, or with fallen angels, the important thing was that your previous thinking was wrong, fallen angels may not be a person, but the title of an organization, there should be several people together to form a "fallen angel."

    Jay was surprised and let her say the details.

    Irish told Jay the information she had found and sent him all the pages of the Bible, the paintings bought in South Africa, and the information about God, exining that what he had seen before and after was not a totem but a portrait of God.

    Jay received it quickly.

    Finally, Irish asked Jay, "Have you figured it out? Once you start working on this case, you take it back to the drug dealer."

    After a long time, Jay was silent and pretended to be rxed, "I can''t let people pay taxes in vain, can I?"

    Irish sighed and did not say any more.

    ****

    When the day was just under light, it began to rain outside the window, and the rain crackled on the ss, telling the vitality of nature.

    Irish was not woken up by the rain but by the ringtone of her cell phone.

    She slept, a little confused, still half asleep and half awake. When she heard the phone ring, she reached out and touched it. Half her face was buried in the pillow, and her phone was stuck to her ear.

    "These two days, it has cooled down, bring two more thick clothes."

    Such as the beautiful voice of the cello rippling in her ear, familiar and pleasant.

    "Mm-hmm." She was so sleepy that she elongated her voice from her nasal cavity.

    "Do you hear me?" She was patient over there.

    Irish was annoyed by the quarrel, and for a while, she turned over in a dream, holding a pillow in her arms and vaguely saying, "Oh, Joseph. Don''t bother me to sleep. I''m so sleepy. Help me clean up."

 Chapter 809 809: A Private Jet

    There was silence on that side.

    Irish muttered, "I also want to eat a sandwich."

    Then, her fingers loosened, her phone slipped from her ear, and she slept again.

    At the lounge of the Runestone Group, five o''clock in the morning.

    Joseph, who had just shaved his beard, stood in front of the mirror, holding his mobile phone in his hand. Later, he bowed his head and stared at the "baby" nickname on the phone. He smiled helplessly.

    Putting his phone down, he quickly cleaned the shaving water, wiped his face, put on his shirt, and went out of the lounge to press thendline. "Daisy, immediately arrange for the driver to pick me up at thepany."

    Daisy was stunned. "Now?"

    "Yes, now."

    ****

    At 7:30 in the morning, Daisy rang the doorbell.

    Irish was washing, jumping to open the door, and saw Daisy holding breakfast in her hand, eximing, "Oh, my God, I love you so much."

    Daisy smiled, entered the door, handed her breakfast, and said, "Well."

    Irish took a look at it, and it was a sandwich. She dreamed of eating a sandwichst night. She couldn''t help admiring Daisy. Daisy said nothing but suggested carrying her suitcase down first. She waited for her in the car.

    Irish agreed.

    At eight o''clock, she went downstairs on time. The car was parked in the underground parking lot.

    It was during office hours that underground vehicles went away one by one, only that one, as quiet as a soul.

    Daisy waved at her.

    Irish took a few steps and got into the car.

    Joseph was not in the car, but his smell was still there, with a light wooden fragrance and a good smell of shaving water.

    Irish knew that he could note to pick her up, but somehow, there was a little loss.

    The car went all the way to Capital International Airport. At this time, the airport was a little congested on the highway. Irish looked at the time and was a little frightened. She kept asking Daisy, could we still have time?

    She was thinking of checking in luggage, changing boarding passes and security checks, and so on.

    Irish smiled and told her that she could make it.

    With Daisy''s guarantee, Irish more or less rest assured that she was on time to go downstairs, afraid of being caught by Joseph in case of missing the ne.

    Finally arriving at the airport, the car did not stop ording to the normal departure rules. But from the special entrance, it went directly into the apron, and Irish was surprised, watching the car along the way without no one stopping. Her heart was almost out.

    When she was going to ask Daisy what was going on, the car stopped steadily.

    Daisy got out of the car and opened the door for her.

    Not far from the bus was a ne without any air signs.

    "Here. A private jet?" She was stunned.

    Daisy smiled and said, "Yes."

    Irish took a breath, and it was not easy to apply for a private ne to stop at the airport at Capital International Airport, was it?<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "Does it belong to thepany or the person?" In fact, what she wanted to ask was whether the ne belonged to Joseph.

    Daisy replied, "It''s under the name of the Runestone Group."

    Oh my!

    It turned out the Runestone Group had its own private jet.

    I knew he would not take a civil aviation ne every time he went out of town, and every time he got to the airport, he was afraid of missing the ne, Irish thought.

    When she was annoyed that she had not taken advantage of it before, another car came over and stopped not far from the ne. Daisy said when she saw the situation, "Let''s board the ne."

    Irish nodded and looked at the car. After the door opened, Joseph came down from inside and nced at Irish. He did not say anything. The cabin door opened, and two staff members came down, one of whom came forward and sent a small suitcase to Joseph.

    Irish looked curious and did not know what was in the box.

    But she saw that the staff took out a handcuff and directly put it on Joseph''s wrist and the box together. Irish was stunned at first, and quickly understood, presumably in the suitcase there were priceless things.

    The cabin with the humanized design was mainly afortable recliner and wide sofa made from Iranian carpets, dazzling Hungarian hand-blown utensils, superior calf leather bar, as well as arge lounge, and the room was a widened double, which had a bathroom.

    Eight crew were in the cabin, four men and four women, men at about 1.8 meters and women at about 1.7 meters. They were in suits or professional skirts, not as rigid as airport uniforms.

    Joseph was on a wide sofa. That day he dressed a little more easily, not as formally as in thepany, but he should have been in a leisurely state because of the handcuffs at his wrists.

    There was aputer in front of him and a ss of red wine on the side, and the ice in it obscured the rity of the ss.

    Irish was arranged opposite Joseph, and his unsmiling face could be seen as soon as her eyes were raised. She was a little ufortable. He had been the one in her dreams these days, and it was very ufortable.

    With nothing to do, she stared at the box and guessed for a long time, thinking that there must have been arge diamond.

    Joseph quietly looked at her look, sensed her curiosity, and kindly exined, "There is something wrong with the design of the new product. We need to work with more professional people."

    "It''s..." Irish hesitated.

    "Design drawings and new main product." Joseph did not hide.

    Irish dawned on them.

    There was no wonder Joseph attached so much importance, not to mention how valuable the main product would be, just say that the design of the new product was very crucial. Once it was exposed or obtained by others, it would be a disaster.

    Though as a small piece of paper, the value and benefits involved were difficult to estimate.

    Her curiosity was satisfied, and soon, the atmosphere was a little depressing.

    With no topic, there was only quietness. Oh no, there was a roar of ne taxiing, but it was all the more embarrassing.

    Irish then said that she went to the restroom to sleep.

    Unexpectedly, Joseph answered lightly. "The private aircraft flew less than two hours, and there was no need to make up for sleep."

    Irish remembered that there was no airport and did not know where the ne could stop. But when she heard him say it was less than two hours, she thought that it meant she needed to sit there, staring at him for two hours.

    When the ne rushed into the sky, Joseph added, "The time is enough for you to write the beginning of a n."

    Irish was stunned and quickly reacted. "I don''t have aptop."

    "I''ve told you what you need to do before I leave." Joseph''s fingers on hisptop stopped and said in a light voice.

 Chapter 810 810: It Looks Like A Palace

    After hearing this, Irish pouted and leaned backward. "It is a pleasant trip to Light Town. Why should I take myptop there? I am not going to work there but to enjoy the trip."

    "I am afraid that you might be as disengaged as you expect," Joseph answered peacefully. He gazed at hisptop and didn''t move his eyes.

    Irish burst outughing and said, "Oh, then you have to ask the captain to fly back to New York so that I can get myptop at home."

    Joseph raised his eyebrows, taking a glimpse at Irish, and then put hisptop to her. "It is not necessary to do that. You can use myptop," said Joseph.

    Shocked, Irish gazed at hisptop and turned to him with her lips beamed into a thin line. Joseph was aware of her rage and then added, "You better keep working on the report now, or I am afraid that perhaps you don''t have time to enjoy the beautiful scenery there. You might be guilty if the employee''s promotion is dyed because of you. Am sure you are reasonable and smart enough to understand what I am talking about."

    Of course, Irish knew that he meant her bonus.

    It was the first time Joseph threatened her with the bonus. Irish could not refute him since she was clear that Joseph was always a man who would not change his mind easily. Therefore, she had no choice but began to work with hisptop reluctantly.

    Joseph closed his eyes to refresh his spirit. The light shadowed his sharp nose while his face looked so handsome. Irish happened to see this when she looked up. She was so angry that she clicked hard on the keyboard. Joseph also heard the noises, so he opened his eyes, taking a look at her but then closed his eyes again without saying anything.

    Time passed so fast that Irish was really absorbed in her work. Joseph''s voice suddenly sounded when she was writing the report, "We will arrive soon. Get ready."

    Irish suddenly felt so appreciated. Thanks to thisptop, she had no idea how to get along with Joseph while on the ne.

    She didn''t know where their private jet stopped but found that there was arge open space when she got off the ne. And there was a shade of grass nearby.

    Four cars were waiting for them already. Several men in suits stood there respectfully. A man who looked like a leader also waited there, and he hastily stepped to Joseph when they got off the ne. "Mr. Dover, I am so d to see you. Mr. Torben is waiting for you," said the man while reaching out his hands.

    "I am sorry. The air traffic control dys me," Joseph exined.

    "Mr. Dover, I am so happy that you are here. Do you need to take a rest, or shall we go to the restaurant right now?" asked the man in a rather polite tone.

    "Go to the restaurant now. Mr. Torben is waiting for us," Joseph said casually.

    The middle-aged man nodded and then responded hastily. "Well, okay. Let''s go right now. Oh, Mr. Dover, some other boss of this exhibition also came here since they knew you would arrive today. Would you mind that?"

    "Of course not. Wee them," Joseph sauntered.

    The man was relieved by Joseph''s words while Joseph turned around to Irish, waving at her. "Come on."

    Irish had no other choice but to step to him.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    ''This is secretary general Mr. Greekn," Joseph introduced the man to her.

    Shocked, Irish didn''t expect that the man should be a government official. Reaching out, Irish greeted him, "Nice to meet you, Mr. Greekn."

    "You must be the second daughter of the Lake family. I know you are a capable woman. It''s my pleasure to meet you," Mr. Greekn answered kindly.

    Irish felt that he was a good-tempered man and was so pleased about hispliment.

    "Thanks, Mr. Greekn," Irish responded with a smile.

    The man burst outughing and then said, "I have known Mr. Dover for years, but you are the first woman who he took the initiative to introduce to us, so I am sure you are a brilliant woman."

    Irish grinned and then turned to Joseph out of consciousness, but he just smiled faintly and turned to Daisy, asking her to drive Irish back to the hotel first.

    "Mr. Dover, why not invite her to go with us?" Mr. Greekn suggested.

    "She doesn''t like to engage in such a social activity. What''s more, she got up early this morning, and I think she needs to take some rest," Joseph exined, even without asking Irish''s opinion.

    Mr. Greekn looked a little bit disappointed after hearing this.

    Seeing this, Irish turned to Greekn and replied in a rather polite tone, "Thank you, Mr. Greekn. But Mr. Dover is right. I am not used to engaging in such a social activity. I am going to take some rest in the hotel."

    Irish felt a little bit cold as she got off the ne, and she was eager to go back to the hotel to take a shower, lying in bed. It must be cosie.

    Therefore, Irish felt appreciated, although Irish was not clear why he declined Mr. Greekn''s invitation to her. Anyway, she was grateful. Seeing this, Greekn had to say goodbye to Irish. The four cars started and galloped at full speed. It was not until then Irish realized that the other cars were full of bodyguards to protect Joseph.

    Irish thought that it would take some time to get to the hotel, but when she was still in a daze, Daisy patted her gently and told her that they had arrived. It was the first time for Irish to get to Suzhou, although she had traveled to many other ces. She was greatly shocked by the hotel when she got out of the car. ''It looks really like a pce,'' thought Irish to herself.

    She looked around carefully and found that, surrounded by a staggered city wall, this was a hotel situated in this ancient city.

    Each city had its characteristics, while Suzhou was endowed with a graceful vor. Many wooden bridges weremon to be seen here, and the stream ran quietly under the bridge. The rockery pool, swing promenade as well as gallery pavilions are a traditionalyout of Suzhou.

    Irish thought that it should be andscape but not a hotel. A momentter, Irish was led to a room. Through theyout of the room as well as the careful service of the private housekeeper, it could easily be told that Joseph was demanding his life.

 Chapter 811 811: Did He Call Her?

    The housekeeper took the suitcase to the room while Daisy tipped him. "Are you satisfied with this room?" Daisy casually asked.

    "Of course," Irish sounded cheerful. She liked the big bed as well as the scenery out of the window since she could have a panoramic view of the garden. The night scene might be more beautiful.

    "Is there anything else you need?" Daisy''s voice came again.

    Irish trembled slightly and heaved a sigh. "I need to buy some clothes. It is colder here than in New York. But it is May. The weather is abnormal."

    "Could you arrange a car for me?" Daisy asked the housekeeper.

    "Of course," the man nodded respectfully.

    "Are you going right now?" Daisy turned to Irish and asked.

    Irishzily sat on the sofa, "Yes, or I am afraid that it will get colder at night."

    The housekeeper nodded and walked out.

    "Daisy, do you know why the government officials would be here this time?" Irish finally asked.

    Daisy sat down and smiled softly. "It is because the economic development of the city could not be separated from the introduction of the project. Runestone Group would introduce embroidery to the new product this time. The government''s positive response is also an encouragement to traditional culture."

    Irish leaned on the couch with her hands holding her head and continued, "Then Joseph must get many profits from it, isn''t it?"

    "He is a businessman. You are clear about that, aren''t you?" Daisy blurted out with a sly smile.

    Irish didn''t reply to her but smiled.

    Joseph always focused on what he could gain.

    "Oh, I still have something to ask you." Irish continued while letting her hair down.

    Daisy stared at her, waiting for her to continue.

    "Is Britney the endorser for the new product?" Irish queried, but her voice carried jealousy.

    "No, Mr. Dover didn''t agree with that," Daisy''s answer was clever, hinting at Irish''s jealousy.

    "Why? She is pretty," Irish''s lips pursed into a thin line. But in fact, Irish was happy to hear that because she thought that Joseph would let Britney be the endorser since he said that she was a beautiful woman who was suitable for it.

    Those words lingered in Irish''s mind for several days, making her frustrated.

    "I don''t know the reason. Perhaps it is because there is too much bad news about Britney recently," Daisy concealed her thoughts. But a few secondster, she then added, "Do you think so?"

    Irish was smart, and she knew Daisy was deriding her, so her face blushed immediately. She cleared her throat, trying to calm down, and said, "He keeps a close rtionship with Britney, so it is normal that their fans would attack each other. That''s why Joseph would get into trouble."

    "Yes, so Mr. Dover didn''t employ her this time," Daisy dered.

    Joseph''s decision warmed Irish, but soon she began to persuade herself to stand her ground since it was she who took the initiative to break with Joseph.

    The housekeeper took some thick clothes into the room when they were talking there. "Madam, you have so many thick clothes in your suitcase. Do you still go out shopping?"

    Confused, Irish looked at the clothes in his hands. She was sure that she didn''t pick up those thick clothes at all.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Daisy stepped forward and asked her what had happened since she found that Irish looked so weird. But soon, Irish was enlightened, and she stared at Daisy with a sly smile.

    Daisy felt so confused since she didn''t know what Irish was wondering. "Why do you look at me like this?"

    Irish patted her shoulder so hard that Daisy almost fell to the ground.

    "It was no wonder that Joseph said you are a capable assistant, Daisy. You are so considerate," Irish smiled widely.

    Daisy was even more confused by her words and asked, "Why do you say that?"

    "Did you put my clothes into my suitcase?" Irish still anticipated. It was Daisy who helped her suitcase into the car this morning, so she might have put those clothes into the suitcase for her.

    Daisy blinked, "What?"

    "And as for the sandwich in the morning, you know what, I miss it so much. You are so considerate. When I dreamed yesterday, I wanted to eat it so much. And this morning, you brought it for me." Irish thumbed at her. "You are really a good assistant."

    Daisy finally got her and just smiled, "Ah, Irish, I haven''t done these for you."

    Irish also winked, "But who?"

    "It''s Joseph." Daisyughed.

    Irish felt so surprised, "Really?"

    "I thought you knew it." Daisy smiled lightly, "At about 5 o''clock in the morning, Joseph called the driver, and at that time, I was also there. I saw Joseph go back to Midtown Manhattan and go downstairs after twenty minutes. And then he asked the driver to take him to find a store selling sandwiches. It took him half an hour. At the very beginning, he wanted to buy it directly, but he was afraid that it might taste worse after the long waiting time, so he asked me toe to the store one hourter. You know what, he had a video meeting in the morning, so he just came back to thepany hurriedly."

    Irish felt clearly as if she had realized something.

    Some scenes urred to her mind suddenly. It seemed that someone had told her that the weather had changed in Suzhou. At that time, she was not awake, and she felt that Joseph was lying beside her. She thought that he was waking her up.

    Did he call her?

    She was not awake at all at that time.

    Did she ask him to pack something for her?

    Oh my god! She eximed inside her head.

    Daisy thought of it for a moment and then said, "Actually, Joseph is a principled man who values work, but you are the only one who can make him nervous."

    Irish didn''t pay attention to what Daisy saidter. Looking at the thick clothes in her bosom, she imagined the scene where Joseph packed these for her. She didn''t know it at all when he came back this morning.

    She was not dreaming. She did ask him to help her and told him that she wanted to eat a sandwich.

    Someone knocked at the door. It was the steward who took a suitcase with him. He asked Daisy, "It is Joseph''s suitcase. Where should I put it?"

    Daisy arranged for the steward to put it into the dressing room. Irish held Daisy suddenly, "I share one room with Joseph?"

    Daisy was startled and stared at her, saying, "Of course. Joseph just booked a presidential suite here."

 Chapter 812 812: Will They Earn Something?

    The lunch was very delicate.

    Generally speaking, there were few dishes on each te in New York. The more luxurious the restaurant was, the fewer the dishes were. However, in Suzhou, the dishes were all delicious. Irish was fond of eating dim sum, all kinds of dim sum in every region. As long as they tasted good, she would not refuse them.

    Joseph couldn''te back since he had a business entertainment meeting tonight, which left much free time for Irish to go sightseeing. The view from the Hilton Hotel was attractive enough for Irish, let alone therge Suzhou city.

    Daisy became her ymate, responsible for Irish''s entertainment.

    Irish wanted to enjoy the whole view of Suzhou city, so she just chose a casual cafeteria in the hotel. She found a good location where she could overlook the view of the garden in the hotel.

    After finishing lunch, they drove to Huqiu Pagoda first. Standing in front of the pagoda, Irish experienced different Buddha cultures. Buddhism was so popr in South China, which was beyond Irish''s imagination.

    She prayed in front of these buddhas. She couldn''t describe the specific wish, just hoping that her parents could go to heaven.

    Going down from the Huqiu Pagoda, Daisy asked where she wanted to go.

    After thinking for a while, she said, "A poem in the Tang dynasty described a famous temple called Hanshan Temple. I really wanted to go there to feel tranquil and peaceful."

    Daisy drove there without hesitation.

    At night, they ate all kinds of things on the street, selling delicious snacks. Irish ate so much that the food couldn''t be digested timely, so she was finding restrooms all the time.

    Daisy felt regretful. Looking at Irish, who was still seeking delicious food, she sighed, "If Joseph knows that I am taking you here, he must be angry."

    "Will he deduct your sry?" Irish asked without much strength.

    Daisy thought about it for a while, "No."

    Joseph treated different people in different ways. As she thought of the money deducted by Joseph without hesitation, she felt so hurt and angry.

    "What about others?" She asked again.

    Daisy thought momentarily, "There are some who have been deducted regarding sry, but if they vite the working principle, they will be fired directly."

    Irish felt that she was like the role in the drama, which had been treated unfairly once andter asked everyone whether they had been treated like that.

    Suddenly Daisy''s phone rang, and when Daisy picked it up, she turned serious.

    Irish bent down and clutched her belly, looking at Daisy with her head tilted. It must be a phone call from Joseph.

    Her guessing was true. Daisy answered with respect, "Yes, Joseph. I am apanying Irish. Okay. Please be assured that I will send her back to the hotel for dinner."

    Hanging the phone, Irish said quickly, "You should tell him the truth that we are on the street selling delicious food."

    "I dare not say that."

    Irish smiled, "So, are you also afraid of him?"

    "Also?" Daisy smiled, "It seems that you are also the same."

    Irish sighed and didn''t say anything.

    "Let''s go."

    "I haven''t tasted all of them."

    "If you don''te back to the hotel for dinner, Joseph will know it." Daisy shook her head, "The menu for dinner has been arranged already. It''s okay if you can just go there and leave a record."

    Looking at the shop signs before her, Irish just murmured, "So troublesome."<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "How about your stomach?" Daisy asked with concern.

    Irish smiled again and held her shoulder, "Don''t worry. I will not let you be a scapegoat. You know what, sometimes stomach ache is a kind of psychological suggestion. If you tell yourself that you are okay, it will be fine."

    "Really?"

    "Of course. Physiology can be affected by psychology. Trust me." Irish shook her head and said with an air of pity, "What a pity! You are so busy that you have no time for psychological training. No issues. I can do a separate one for you when it''s free."

    As she heard it, Daisy felt stressed and said hurriedly, "No, it feels terrible."

    Irish couldn''t stopughing and touched her face, "If I were a man, I would have liked you."

    Daisy felt shy, "I think you are also funny."

    Irishughed.

    Aftering back to the hotel, Irish was led to a gallery. She heard the sound of ying violoncello and violin, which coordinated with each other. It''s a kind of European style.

    At night, the gallery yed a suitable role.

    The light mixed with the garden view. There were few people with light murmuring and sses clinking.

    Unlike those on the boisterous street, people here hid their uprightness and wildness with their advanced suits.

    Irish had never thought that she would meet Joseph here. She had thought that he would stay with those administrative staff for the whole day, but obviously, he had no intention of having dinner with her since there were three people across from him. They all dressed formally. It seemed that they were discussing something officially.

    She found that Joseph had changed his clothes into a deep leaden shirt. His tie, cufflink, and belt were all formal. She found out that the cufflink was the one she gave to him.

    Her heart beat quickly suddenly.

    Joseph saw theming in together, but he just took a nce. It seemed that he took a nce at a stranger, and then he looked back to the table, shaking the ss lightly and talking happily with them.

    Irish wasn''t willing to make a greeting, so she just turned around to the desk across from her. Daisy walked forward. Nobody would know what she had said, and Joseph just nodded lightly.

    Daisy walked to her and sat down, ordering her to start the dinner.

    Looking at these delicate dishes, Irish couldn''t have them anymore.

    "Who are they?" Irish asked.

    Daisy didn''t eat much before, so she just had some hurriedly. "They are all distributors. Actually, there are many distributors who want to cooperate with the Runestone Group, so they just arrived there since they heard the news that Joseph would be there."

    They just wanted to share the benefits.

    "Will they earn something?" Irish just asked.

    Daisy figured out her meaning, so she just smiled and didn''t answer.

    "They must have gone to many parties before," Irish said.

    Daisy sipped some water, "Before, Joseph took the clients to those ces to explore a new market, but now he is entitled to choose some formal ces and has hardly been there. He has hardly been there since he knew you."

    "You are saying something good for him."

    "I never imagined that Joseph cares for a woman so much."

 Chapter 813 813: What’s Wrong With Her?

    Irish felt touched again and just sighed lightly. She took a nce at Joseph, who was not far from her. The people across from him kept talking, but he just listened with a smile, seeming absent-minded.

    "Do you know we have broken up?" Irish said lightly.

    Daisy felt surprised and shook her head, "Joseph hasn''t mentioned it."

    Irish bit the sucker and didn''t say anything.

    The atmosphere was very quiet. Even a talkative man would be elegant here, so Irish just had dinner quietly.

    She just couldn''t control her eyes, and she wanted to look at Joseph at any time. Several times she met his eyes, and then she looked back immediately. Her heart beat quickly.

    As she was to finish her dessert, Irish took a nce at Joseph again, but she saw a figure suddenly.

    It was a woman''s figure who warded off her view.

    The woman sat beside Joseph with great passion while Joseph poured a ss of wine for her.

    Irish felt hurt.

    It was Rosy.

    So, she was not the only woman who came with Joseph here.

    Her throat was a little tight, and she looked down. Rosy''s pretty look was always spinning around in her head.

    "Daisy." She spoke with difficulty.

    Daisy stopped and looked at her. "Are you sure that the presidential suite is for me?" At the end of the conversation, she got up and left.

    Daisy was stunned, thinking, ''what was wrong with her? She had been just fine, but suddenly she had a mood swing?'' Daisy looked around.

    Irish did not stop when passing by Joseph, but Rosy saw her, and she called her softly behind Irish, "Oh, Irish?"

    Without looking at Rosy, she went straight out of the restaurant.

    Rosy was stunned. "Joseph, why does she ignore me? Is she fine?"

    His eyes were always looking in the direction of Irish''s fading back, not responding.

    Back in the room, she first saw the man''s shirt, which was put on the sofa. It was the one that had been put in the morning. He changed his clothes and went back to the room.

    Irish didn''t call the housekeeper to clean up. She picked up the shirt and tightened it with her arms, where a light fragrance was still on. Her eyes were a bit of a pain, and it was a little bit of perfume, so it would make her feel that it was not a mistake to put up a break-up.

    But there was no other than his body fragrance, oh no, and the bathing shower that they had used together was light. Did she still have to stay in this room?

    Rosy was there. She didn''t know. Maybe this presidential set was originally what Joseph wanted to live with Rosy.

    Or, Joseph would note back at all tonight.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Irish felt her breathing was not smooth. She put down his shirt, adjusted her breath, and then said to herself, "Irish, you have broken up with him, and do not forget you took the initiative to bring it out."

    ****

    At 12:30, Joseph dragged his tired body back to the hotel room.

    The room was quiet, even the lights were quiet, delicate, and soft.

    From the video conference in the morning, the socializing with the municipal party leader after getting off the ne, to thete meeting with the distributor, the time was like an hourss, so he had not been idle for a minute.

    Pulling off his tie, he went into the bedroom.

    In the huge bedroom, he did not see Irish''s figure.

    His first idea was that she had changed rooms or left the hotel quietly.

    Frowning tightly, he went toward the big bed and removed the quilt. He was relieved.

    Irish fell asleep, and the petite figure was lying on the bed. The quilt was pressed on her, and the pillow was pressed against the quilt. This bed was veryrge, and she was small and young, so the quilt and pillow hid her, and she emerged in it.

    Joseph could not helpughing, helpless, and he shook his head with his soft eyes.

    He didn''t wake her, just sat on the side. He lifted the quilt off a corner so that she could breathe smoothly. For a while, he was a little worried. If he was backter, she was going to be suffocated by herself in sleep.

    Her face was flushed in a deep sleep and reminded him of the baby. It was right, and in his eyes, she was more like a child that had not grown up.

    She was the same as the child who made a slight coquettish at him, he could not resist it, and no matter what had happened, his anger and tiredness would fade away.

    Joseph admitted that he had done iniquity in hisst life and that he could not help but miss her in this life. No matter how unreasonable she was, no matter how enraged he was, and when the night was deep, he could not help thinking of her.

    For two weeks, he was going crazy about missing her.

    Except for his business trip not in New York, he would go back to Midtown Manhattan in the middle of the night and look at her, who had all kinds of sleeping positions. He was amused. He really wanted to wake her up and ask how she could sleep without him by her side.

    He could not help hugging her for a nap and leaving at dawn. In fact, he was afraid of her words, "Joseph, let''s end it." Because whether he wanted to admit it or not, he read her mind in her eyes and tone, and she really wanted to break up with him.

    She looked beautiful as a bridesmaid, but he thought it would be more beautiful if she became a bride. When the crowd pushed her into his arms, for a moment, he really wanted to say, "Irish, marry me."

    He didn''t know what he was hesitating, and perhaps trust was really the biggest obstacle to each other.

    But one thing he admitted was that he missed her, and he wanted to see her every minute.

    So, he arranged everything that she followed on this business trip, even if she just yed every day, as long as he could see her.

    He didn''t want her to show up, so he refused to take her to the party, and he knew that she had no patience with the business. At the end of the socializing, he thought there was time to hang out with her, but some distributors came, who had set the meeting ce at the bar. But he had refused and reset the ce at the hotel. Then he called Daisy and ordered her to take Irish back to the hotel to eat. The reason why he did that was that he wanted to see her.

 Chapter 814 814: Can You Give It To Me?

    He was always unable to pay attention to what they were saying, and the figure not far away would always catch his eye.

    Did she only eat desserts that night? She didn''t eat the main food and even eat dishes.

    Was it because Rosy showed up?

    But Rosy''s presence was beyond his control, but he''s a little selfish. If she really cared about Adam, did it mean there was hope for the two of them?

    The rtionship was not what he was good at. He could be strategic in the business battle, but the only thing he couldn''t do was ensure that a rtionshipsted forever. This part of the road and journey was a new thing to him, and he was equivalent to a blind man who touched the stone to cross the river, wobbling in the swift river. It was not that he did not understand the truth of letting go, but he could not let it go, always thinking that she belonged to him, no matter how earth-shaking it may be, she always belonged to him.

    With a faint light, Joseph gazed at Irish in sleep, gently putting his fingers at her eyebrows and caressing her long, neat eyshes. Love was fair, so he couldn''t stop others from admiring and peeping at her, but love was selfish, so he couldn''t stand the tenderness in other men''s eyes.

    He forgot that Jordan had grown up and thought he was a child. At first, he was worried about Jordan''s rejection of her, but gradually, Jordan, who had always been disobedient to her, and what he saw was that Jordan''s eyes would always follow her.

    He was bewildered in love, but it did not mean that he was dumb in everything. Jordan was too young and unfamiliar with the world, so he could not hide his emotions.

    Therefore, he made the decision to let Jordan return home.

    But she helped him get into the team.

    On that day, he watched Jordan kiss her with his own eye.

    Joseph''s heart suddenly felt pain, like being run over by wheels.

    One was his favorite woman, the other was his own brother. He knew that it had nothing to do with Irish, but he hated her. What was wrong with her, and why was it, Jordan?

    He was suddenly scared. Jordan came over to him one day and said, "Brother, I''m in love with Irish. Can you give her to me?"

    It was like the day when he had told him happily that year, "brother, I like your sports car so much. Can you give it to me? I swear I will take good care of it."

    It was the sports car he had seen for a long time, and it was a sports car that he could afford which made him have to be in mine day and night. Because Jordan was his own brother, he handed over the keys to Jordan''s hand without saying a word.

    But for a woman, could he make it? No.

    For other women, he could, but only Irish, he couldn''t.

    So, he was angry and impetuous and asked the sentence: "Did you have any rtionship with him that night?"

    This sentence was an asshole because even he knew very well that she could not have sex with Jordan, but it was because Jordan was his brother that he was particrly angry.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Joseph pulled back his hand, what was he going to do? He would feel happy because he was too lost in her, and although she acted cute to him. He could do nothing about it, but he couldn''t help it. What if he let go?

    Could the wound really heal?

    On the ss table on the side, the indicator light of theputer was still on.

    Joseph took it over and touched the screen.

    Before she went to bed, she was in a hurry for a n. She probably was so sleepy that she put theputer aside.

    Joseph looked at every n she had drawn up, which had not yet beenpleted, but each was beautifully drawn up in detail. The n was preceded by a simple backtracking of the previous quarter, with a paragraph that looked like a summary but also a mood expression.

    Joseph''s eyes were hit hard, and they were rippling with feeling.

    He closed theputer, looked down, and kissed her forehead with a light kiss.

    He was not the only one who was not good at feelings.

    The next day, the weather in Suzhou changed even more outrageously, and it rained a little in the morning. The green willow in front of the window was wet. Joseph went out early in the morning, and when Irish woke up, she found that the other side was still warm, and his breath was left on the pillow; although it was light, it proved that he had slept next to her thest night.

    Daisy also worked as a tour guide that day, pulling her to see Suzhou gardens, driving first to Guanqian Street, eating something and then visiting the park, and casually visiting the Suzhou Museum, eating a few authentic dishes on Shantang Street.

    The day passed, and the night view of Shantang Street was really good. No wonder Emperor Qianlong was attached to the south of the Yangtze River, and no wonder Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty had to die in the south of the Yangtze River.

    After experiencing a day of cold wind, she had a fever when she got back to the hotel at night. Joseph spent two whole days socializing, which made it easier for her to use hisptop toplete her n as soon as possible. After writing two or three pages, her heart was still blocked, and Rosy''s shadow dangled around in front of her eyes like a nightmare. She got up and took a shower impatiently and thought of going to bed early.

    In a daze, she had some dreams. She dreamed nervously of trying on the wedding dress, seeing Joseph walking in a suit to her, holding her hand to the red carpet, and saying to her, "Thank you foring to me as Rosy''s bridesmaid."

    She cried in her dream. And tears were like a gurgling stream of water from a broken water valve, wetting her clothes.

    In the gloom, someone was kissing her. Her eyes were open, and the corners of her eyes were wet with tears, but the man overhead became clearer. Did he have to torture her like this? She was awake. How could she still dream of him?

    But the man''s kiss fell again, more and more intense, so she could not breathe.

    She waspletely awake, only to find that it was really Joseph, and the masculinity was mixed with a faint smell of alcohol, indicating his drunkenness.

 Chapter 815 815: Can We Still Trust Each Other?

    Irish was not fearful but felt resentful.

    She felt exhausted and began to hate Joseph. If he had never shown up in her life and if she had never met him, Irish wouldn''t be broken-hearted like this.

    They had broken with each other, and they should break all ties, but why did he start to get a rise out of her again? And he even took Irish to Suzhou. It took her a long time to calm down, but Irish started to worry about Daisy''s words. However, when they arrived in Suzhou, Joseph was busy with his business affairs and couldn''t be seen for the whole day. Although Irish was clear that Joseph must be dealing with his business, she couldn''t help but wonder if he stayed with Rosy at the right moment.

    It was Joseph who bothered Irish''s life.

    ''He said that he was tired and pped out to deal with these things with me. But what is he doing right now? Why did he take me here?'' Irish thought in her mind.

    Irish exhausted her ability to push Joseph away as he bent down at her, with her tearful eyes staring at him. "Don''te beside me! Get away from me," shouted Irish.

    Joseph did drink some alcohol at night, but he waspletely drunk. He threw away his cold face but changed into another person as the strong drink began to creep up into his head. Reaching out, Joseph gripped her hands, and his face lowered down.

    Seeing this, Irish hastily turned aside, avoiding his kiss. "Joseph, what are you going to do?" Irish choked.

    "I am going to fuck you!" replied Joseph without any hesitation.

    Irish gasped after hearing this, and she was also startled by Joseph since he rarely acted so agitatedly. He had never said such rude words to Irish, but now he acted abnormally, with his red eyes gazing at Irish as if a fierce beast.

    "Joseph, we have broken up. Go and find Rosy," Irish growled while beating his chest. However, she failed to push him away, and instead, Joseph kept his body unmoved.

    "Broken up? Irish, I had never agreed to break up with you. I am not going to let you go. I will tie you for the rest of your life wherever you go!" said Joseph while gripping her arms. He was so irritated that his handsome face was screwed.

    Irish couldn''t help but burst into tears. "Are you really drunk, or do you pretend not to know? You agreed to break up with me when I mentioned it that day! But now, why are you still holding me?"

    Joseph gritted his teeth and shivered, lowering his head and taking a bit at her lips.

    "Ouch!" Irish shouted at him.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Joseph loosened his grip but still pressed against her on the bed. "Irish, I am not drunk. And I also remembered what happened that day. You said that you wanted to end our rtionship, and I agreed because I wanted to end the ridiculous agreement between us. But I never said that I was going to break up with you. You are still my girlfriend! You are mine. Are you going to get rid of me? No way!"

    "Joseph! You are a dick!" It was not until then Irish realized that she was fooled by him.

    Joseph also roared at her with rage, "Yes, I am a dick. It was because I felt that I was going to lose you. Do you think I have had a good time these two weeks? No, I feel that I have fallen into a dark ravine. But why are you so cold? Didn''t you miss me? Do you still love me or not anymore? If you said you don''t love me anymore, then why didn''t you move out of my room? Why did you sleep here these two days? Why were you unhappy when you met Rosy here? And why do you act like a spoiled kid, as usual, before me? Why are you crying?" Joseph asked a series of questions that were all offensive. Although Irish wanted to return fire, she mumbled and finally cried her eyes out. She missed his warm chest as well as his wooden fragrance.

    "You can''t treat me like this. You are so cruel," Irish stammered with sobs.

    Joseph grabbed her clothes and said, while staring into her eyes, "No, you are wrong. I can treat you like this because you are my woman. Irish, you are the one who is cruel. You didn''t even give me a chance, and you can''t feel my love for you," Joseph murmured sincerely.

    Joseph kissed her again when she was about to say something. She couldn''t move but sobbed like a poor kid, as if she was pouring her grievance to him. Seeing this, Joseph held her tightly, and then his hand slipped into her clothes. Gradually, both of them had physiological reactions. Irish was exhausted by Joseph''s enthusiasm. Tears kept trickling down her cheeks, but she also held him. Her rational mind was dashed into pieces when he entered her body.

    Even if they both pretended to be indifferent, they had never forgotten each other''s breath. They both missed each other every day, but they suppressed the misery deep in their hearts.

    Joseph held her in his arms and kissed her hair which was wet from her tears. His lips touched Irish''s hot cheek, and he said in a low voice, "I really miss you. It almost drove me crazy." He wanted to hold her, kiss her and allow her to act in a pettishly charming manner. He didn''t care about anything as long as she stayed with him.

    An unnamed feeling urred to Irish again, and she was unable to control her tears. Their cheeks clung together so they could feel each other.

    "Irish, why is it so hard for us to be with each other?" mumbled Joseph in a low and frustrated voice.

    "Can we still trust each other? Can we?" Irish asked in a shaky voice.

    "You are right. It is hard for us to trust each other. But I still miss you every day. I can''t imagine what I would do when you stay with another man someday. I can''t bear that. I am sure I will kill them away if that happens someday," Joseph blurted out sorrowfully.

    "Joseph, kill me then. I really want to get rid of all this bullshit! It makes me feel so painful," Irish responded while sobbing.

    She felt uneasy, and the pain suffocated her. Gradually, tears blurred her eyes.

 Chapter 816 816: Won’t You Admit It Yet?

    Joseph felt so anguished when he saw her tearful eyes. He lowered his head, kissing Irish''s eyes. He also hoped she would get out of this if it were possible. Irish was intoxicated with his kiss and was reluctant to loosen her grip.

    Gradually, his body was ardent again, and he hoped to get tangled with her body. If there was a way to remember each other, then it must be this beautiful moment when their bodies were intertwined with each other. At least, when they separated, they could still remember their warmth. That was enough!

    Irish always believed that people woulde over through many hardships and then find a way to go. And that time, they must be enlightened. It was our more or less dumb sense of what life honestly and deeply meant.

    However, she couldn''t expect what the future might be with Joseph, and it seemed that their rtionship hade to an end. Perhaps Joseph was also at a loss since he may also not know how to deal with their rtionship. Should they continue or just let it go? There were no answers.

    Therefore, he was so enthusiasticst night. He looked so crazy, as if he was moaning over their faded trust in each other.

    They went to the Light Town the next day. It was heard from Daisy that they came with the designer, who was specially invited to discuss some problems with embroidery specialists. Irish knew that the embroidery specialist must be the man who they hade to visitst time.

    Irish woke up in Joseph''s arms in the morning. He didn''t go out early as usual but touched her gently when she opened her eyes. Irish looked into his eyes silently and suddenly understood that both of them were exhausted by their love. Indeed, Joseph was as perplexed as Irish, but he was trying to go through these hard times in a mild way until they got used to each other again.

    Although he didn''t need to get out immediately, he answered many phone calls for his business. He was always busy with business. Irish turned around and felt a little bit cold since the warmth gradually faded.

    Joseph held her as he finished the phone call. His thin lips touched her shoulders and warmed her little by little.

    "Irish, we can''t separate from each other. Won''t you admit it yet? I know you want my heart. Am I right?" Joseph questioned, with his hands slipping down.

    Irish felt her heart was broken, but her body got seething again.

    Joseph muted his phone and then pressed against her body to upy her body once again. Sometimes adults were not as considerate as people expected. The way that they used to solve problems was simple, just as the children usually did. Joseph and Irish were no exception. They decided to curve each other with their bodies since mutual trust was hard for them.

    "Irish? Irish, are you okay?" Daisy asked who had called Irish''s name several times but didn''t get a response. Seeing this, she waved her hands, and it was not until then Irish came to herself.

    "I am going to take you back to the hotel. Mr. Dover would go to the embroidery workshop directly." Daisy said softly.

    "Em, I get it," Irish said in a shaky voice.

    "Are you fine? "You don''t look good," Daisy asked, staring at her worriedly.

    Irish shook her head slightly and then looked outside the window.

    It was rainy on the way from Suzhou to Light Town. The shadows of the trees swayed in the rainwater while the window of the car was blurred by vapor. Irish opened the window slightly, and the cold breeze soon got to the car, which refreshed her mind.

    Joseph''s question still lingered in her mind. Joseph asked her why it was so difficult for them to be with each other, and Irish recalled his question but only felt painful.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    In fact, Joseph was clear that they may encounter many hardships if they decided to be with each other, so he poured out his rage and entered her body again and against night. Both of them were unsure if they should trust each other again. Joseph was in the first car with the designer. It was easy to tell that they were discussing their business. Several cars followed back, in which many bodyguards were there. Irish sat idly and kept looking at the scene outside.

    It took them only forty minutes from Suzhou to Light Town. The scenery was became more and more familiar to Irish gradually.

    "We almost arrived," thought Irish. It was at this ce that they fell in love with each other. Someone came to greet them as they got out of the car. The ck umbre looked like a mushroom which reminded Irish of the night when she had dinner with Joseph herest time. It was also raining that day, and Joseph asked someone to pick them up.

    As soon as Joseph got out of the car, the bodyguard hastily held up an umbre for him, preventing him from being wet. Joseph stepped to Irish''s car while. Irish didn''t get out of the car but winded down the window.

    "It is cold. Stay inside and don''t go shopping outside. Tomorrow will be a sunny day," Joseph said softly.

    After hearing this, Irish looked into his eyes which were as ck as the umbre. She nodded slightly without saying anything. Joseph stared at her face and smiled faintly. A momentter, Joseph reached out, touched her hair, turned around, and walked away.

    The ck mushroom also disappeared as Joseph left. The car was moving slowly.

    Irish looked at the grey tile and white wall outside and sighed with emotion.

    Light Town was a ce where she wanted to heal but also a ce where she got her true love. It was raining for the asion, but now it was not just buildings that got wet by the rain.

    "Daisy, let''s stop here," said Irish softly.

    "But we''re almost arriving..." Daisy murmured.

    "I want to take a walk in Light Town," Irish interrupted Daisy.

    Taking a glimpse outside, Daisy continued, "But it is raining. Irish, it is better to listen to Mr. Dover''s suggestion."

    "Don''t worry. I have been through such weather once in this town," said Irish with a smile.

    "Okay. Then I will apany you." Daisy finallypromised.

    "Daisy, you put the luggage back at the hotel first. I think Joseph has to engage in his social activities tonight. You cane to me as you arrange everything. We can have dinner in the town," said Irish while declining her suggestion politely.

    Hearing this, Daisy nodded since Irish insisted on it and handed her an umbre.

    Irish came here because of the scene in the dream. The long te-paved street was cleaned like a mirror under the scouring of the rain, reflecting light.

 Chapter 817 817: Do Not Be Anxious

    The shouting of a man with a bamboo hat hung out at the end of the alley. Someone passed through with an umbre, and Suzhou''s typical storytelling and bad singing were also spread in the alley. A girl walking in the rain with toes sang a soft song, and when she passed through, there was the sweet smell of Osmanthus.

    She didn''t see this scene again; this time, all the people in the alley just walked hurriedly. It rained, which made her feel cold and lonely.

    Irish just walked into the alley after getting off. Her beautiful figure drew others'' attention.

    She just stopped at this time.

    The scene of meeting Joseph in the alley urred to her mind.

    He was just at the front of the long alley while she was at the end of it. A lot of people passed through them, while they just stood there silently, and they saw each other easily.

    His tall figure just stood there, which was so unforgettable for her.

    At that time, she was determined to love him forever. Irish took a deep breath, and soon the cold air went into her bosom.

    Her high heel stroked against the stone road, making a clear sound. The sound seemed lonely in the alley with few people. Why did it feel lonely to love someone? Why did the pain still exist even when he was with her? The long alley also felt lonely in the rain. It was just like what she had dreamed.

    She seemed to see a nervous girl crouching at the corner of the alley. A boy passed and stopped in front of the girl.

    Did the boy really exist?

    If he hadn''t existed, why did she feel so familiar? Why did she feel pain when she was there? Just because of Joseph?

    She felt tired of it suddenly.

    Irish nned to go back to the hotel and let Daisy note again, so she just came back to the hotel by taking a taxi.

    Daisy was so considerate that she put hot water for her into the bathtub in advance and asked the staff in the hotel to throw plenty of dry flowers in the bathtub. The dry

    flowers were soaked with hot water, blooming one by one. They were as beautiful as white snow.

    She was in the same room as Joseph. Daisy arranged everything for her and left for the time being. She also ordered the chef to make some delicious food for Irish and send it to her room.

    Irish rememberedst night when her heart beat quickly. Actually, she didn''t know how she could be faced with them.

    She ate something and just watched a movie on herptop. The rain outside the windows was heavier, knocking at the window. Irish turned around to look out of the window, absent-minded.

    Her phone rang, and Irish finally recovered herself. She took it up and found that it was from her aunt.

    Irish adjusted her mood and picked it up.

    "Irish, where are you?" Mary''s sound was low.

    Irish told a lie to her.

    Mary just cried before Irish finished her words, which frightened Irish. She had no sadness again and just felt nervous suddenly. "Aunt, what happened? Do not cry." She felt anxious.

    Mary just cried sadly, continuously saying, "Irish, something unlucky happened��."

    Irish felt awful.

    ****

    Daisy intended to see whether Irish had had something, and she heard the sound of heavy knocking, which frightened Daisy, and she found it was Irish.

    Irish''s hair was still wet. Her face was so pale that Daisy felt afraid. Irish just said, "Daisy, I need to go back to New York urgently."

    Daisy was frightened by her look, and she found her hand holding her arms, trembling. She didn''t ask more and just nodded, "Okay, I will call Joseph right now."<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Irish released her hand and clenched her trembling fingers, murmuring, "The phone can''t get through..." Just in the room, she called Joseph by his business phone number and even private phone number, but she was notified that she couldn''t get through.

    Daisy was also anxious. It could be understood that the signal might be weak because of the rain, but Irish did not look good. How could she find Joseph?

    "Do not be anxious. I will tryter." Daisyforted her and called Joseph again. Irish nodded, but her lips trembled.

    Daisy felt more stressed, so she just called Joseph again and again. It didn''t work at all.

    "Daisy, please book a ticket for me." Irish walked forward.

    Daisy was afraid that something unlucky might happen, so she just nodded after thinking for a while and contacting the airlinepany. She was told that all the tickets were sold out, and the earliest fight was at 7 o''clock tomorrow morning.

    Other transportation seemed to be inconvenient at this time.

    Irish just sat beside the phone.

    "If the situation is really difficult, we need to contact Joseph as soon as possible, and you cane back to New York by taking a private ne. This is the quickest way." Daisy kept calm.

    Irish nodded.

    Daisy continued to call Joseph, but it still didn''t work.

    "He should be in the ancient town? I''m going to find him." Irish stood up.

    "Let me be with you."

    Irish pinched Daisy''s palm and shook her head, "No, you just wait here. You can arrange the private ne if hees back, and I wille back soon if I can''t find him."

    Daisy nodded.

    Irish rushed out of the room immediately.

    As she came into the ancient town, the rain got heavier. The rain over the river made it dim and hid the shadow of boats. There were few people, while some stores were still open with fewer visitors.

    It became cloudy. As she passed the eaves, the birds were frightened by her hurried steps, and they just flew in the rain with great difficulty.

    As she stepped into the water Lotus, her pants got wet. She just ignored it and ran to the store in her memory. Joseph should be there.

    She remembered the way, so she just went into the store.

    However, the door was closed.

    Irish bumped into the door with great strength. The processsted for over one minute, and finally, someone ran to the door. The door was open.

    It was a young staff member looking at Irish with an umbre with great caution.

    "Who are you looking for?"

    "I...I want to see Joseph, the one who discussed business with your manager about two hours ago." Irish became speechless.

    The young staff thought for a while and finally got her, "Oh, you mean the Sir with a tall figure and well-dressed, right?"

    This description was not so clear, but she thought that it might be Joseph, so she just nodded, "Is he still inside?" And then she was just to rush in.

    The young staff stopped her, "Sorry. He has gone, and his followers also left."

 Chapter 818 818: His Love Changed

    "What?" Irish''s heart beat quickly, "Where does he go?"

    The young staff was confused by her question, and he just scratched his head, "I have no idea."

    Irish felt stressed, and she just asked after a while, "Your boss must be there. Let me ask him." And then she just rushed in regardless of this young staff.

    "Hey..." The young child might not have realized that she had such an action. It was impossible to stop her, so he just chased her.

    Within the courtyard, the tree was still there, and the flourishing leaves trembled in the wind and rain, waiting for the strong sweet smell. Irish had no time to think of it, and she just wanted to find Joseph, so she just rushed into the chamber where some Chinese girls were embroidering. They just raised their heads to look at her, and obviously, they got surprised by the intruder.

    The young man soon ran into the room and closed his umbre. He walked forward, seeming not in a good mood, "Actually, we are not open since it is a rainy day today. It is impolite to rush into a room without permission."

    Irish would not be so rude if it were at the usual time, but today she just hung around like an aimless spirit regardless of the young man''sints. She didn''t find the boss but found a room inside, so she just wanted to enter.

    "Hey..." The young man pulled her and frowned, "Our boss is not here. He just left with that group of people. This room is our boss''s bedroom. I will call the police if you barge in."

    Irish recovered from being reasonable and tried her best to resist her trembling sound. She made an apology for it and asked again, "Do you know where your boss goes?"

    The young man was angry about her actions. Seeing her anxious expression and trembling fingers, he felt softhearted and just sighed. His mood shifted better. "We just work for our boss. How do we know his schedule?"

    Irish gambled in this store. On the way from the hotel to the ancient town, she thought that Joseph could be found as long as she arrived in this store, so she just tried her best to run forward.

    However, she hadn''t thought that she couldn''t reach him, so she was helpless for the time being. Where should she go to find him?

    Where did he go?

    Seeing her nervous, the young man hesitated and just said, "You can just call him."

    Irish shook her head, "I couldn''t get through to his phone."

    The young man just nodded.

    "Ah, how about calling you, boss?" Irish grasped a sense of hope again.

    However, the young man just shook his head, "Our boss hates being interrupted while on business. What''s more, he doesn''t like to bring his phone, so the phone is just a decoration for him. He just put it in the store."

    Thest hope became in vain, and Irish soon felt tired.

    The young man just looked at her, feeling pitiful for her, so he just thought of it for a while, "I heard that they mentioned the technology issues. Maybe they encountered some problems. I can give you some other stores'' addresses, and you can find them individually. Maybe they are visiting other veterans in embroidery."

    Irish felt excited and just nodded, "Okay. Sure. Thanks."

    So, the young man gave her the addresses of other stores and told her how to get there.

    ****

    In New York.

    An eye-catching forum on luxurious brands was held in New York. The Lily Club, under the umbre of Key Group, built the name "The Most Beautiful Jewelry" for its new arrivals in Spring, and the signing ceremony was held in the VIP hall of the Lily Club. Leo attended the ceremony and signed with the corporation''s CEO.

    Vincent also attended the ceremony since his channel��Bright Group, would be the most important one for advertising.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    At the ceremony, Lily Club showed some rare original diamonds excavated from mines in South Africa to the media and publicly stated that this original diamond would go to the market in a new form.

    The media reported it. This original diamond yed a significant role in Lily Club, and it could be sensed that it would draw everyone''s attention as it entered the market.

    Except for the spokesman working for Key Group, Britney and Becky''s appearance also attracted much attention. Britney just smiled sweetly in front of the camera and shone the light, while Becky tried her best to show her best image to the media.

    "Do you want to take advantage of Key Group to get her out of trouble?" After finishing the meal, Britney walked forward to chat with Leo, and Leo just asked her that way.

    Britney took a nce at Becky, who was beside many men, sneering, "I will not attend the meeting with her if the media can just keep it true. I am also involved because of her rumor."

    Leo shook the ss lightly, "You mean the thing that you can not be an endorser for the Runestone Group?"

    "Actually, the deal is almost done!" Britney spat out.

    Leo kept casual, "As I know, the deal is not done yet. Does Joseph promise you?"

    Britney just winked.

    "Say what you want to say." Leo sneered.

    Britney took a ss of wine in her hand and raised her head to look at him, "I thought he would just take it into deep consideration."

    It sounded like a joke for Leo, "His love changed. It is Irish now, so do you think he will consider it deeply?"

    "It was Becky who was rumored to get involved with him. Why should I be affected?" Britney was annoyed.

    Sitting on the secure hand of the sofa idly, Leo smiled at a beautiful woman not far away. He lifted up his ss, natural and alienated, which made the woman blush. The woman also dipped a mouth of wine and motioned to him. Leo just smiled

    and drank his wine.

    The woman smiled sweetly and made a mouth sign lightly. "Wait for you."

    Leo didn''t reply to her and just grinned.

    Britney took a nce at them. She didn''t say much and just continued, "I am the biggest victim."

    "You must y a role in making the case worse." Leo looked back at her, seeming to smile, and his voice carried sarcasm.

    Britney was a little embarrassed.

    "It sounds like you are the one who wants to get out of the trouble, but I''m sorry that Key Group is not entitled to do so."

    Looking at him, Britney was not angry, and she just said suddenly, "Of course, you will say that since there are nomon interests between us."

    Leo just raised his eyebrows.

    "I know you want to fight against Joseph, and I can be on your side. "Britney tried to persuade him.

    Leo raised the empty cup, and soon someone came up to change his ss for a new one. He sipped the red wine and said calmly, "I think you''re driven crazy by Joseph."

 Chapter 819 819: Was It Hard To Find Someone?

    "In all these years, he has never had a fixed date. I thought I would still have a chance. After all, I am the woman who stays for the longest time with him. I don''t hesitate to use Britney to get close to him, by the way, I can get his attention again, but Joseph''s heart is too ruthless, and he has never taken me seriously." Britney sounded lonely, but her voice was wrapped with hatred.

    Leo got up. "To tell you the truth, I''m not interested in listening to the history of your rtionship with Joseph. As for in what kind of way you want to return to Joseph, that''s your business. I just want to remind you to be careful. Do you think Joseph won''t notice your n? He is too smart to get fooled. He seems to always treat you as an outsider and never his lover."

    "I''ve been with Joseph for three years, and I''ve loved him for so many years. You know, once a woman falls in love with a man, she can do anything." Britney firmly uttered.

    Leo was impatient and simply put the cup aside. "For the sake of your support for me today, I would like to remind you that it is best to help your sister out of her difficulties first. The way is very simple. If you let Becky go to find Irish, she can deal with you clearly, and there is a way to calm this matter down, but as far as I know about Irish, her temper is very strange. It''s hard to convince her."

    Seeing him leaving, Britney sneered. "What are you worried about? Being afraid I''ll know yourst card?"

    "Do you have the ability to do that?" Leo stopped and asked.

    Britney came up to him and smiled. "For three years, I apanied him for three years, and even if I didn''t get along with him day and night, I still knew some of his habits. Do you think I don''t have this ability?" But Britney gently touched his chest, smiled, and turned away.

    Leo froze slightly.

    Fredrick came up with a ss, looked at Britney''s back, took a sip of his wine, and asked, "She''s going to fight Joseph?"

    "It''s really humiliating to be refused by the Runestone Group." Leo spat out.

    Fredrick smiled, said nothing, took a ss of wine, and handed it to Leo.

    Leo took it over thoughtfully and said, "Although the Runestone Group did not publicize to the outside world, Roy didpletely hand his power to Joseph, coupled with his 2% share of the Runestone stake, now he can sit on an equal footing with the Lake family."

    "Roy ran away, but the status as the eldest son of the Lake family and as the Runestone Group chairman couldn''t be deprived." Fredrick calmly mentioned.

    Leo looked at him. "In this case, you can''t transcend Joseph to achieve his goal. Joseph can block you. You can''t remove Roy."

    Fredrick coldly sneered, "Then get rid of Joseph first."

    "It''s a big project." Leo was not surprised, and his tone was very weak, "If you want to eliminate Joseph, at first, you need to split the people around him."

    Fredrick was silent for a while, raised his eyes again, and there was a bright and dark sh of light. "You mean, Irish?"

    Leo smiled gently and toasted a ss to him. "If you want to remove Roy, you have to kick out Joseph, and if you want to make Joseph defeated, Irish is the key."

    Fredrick thought about it, looked up, and drank the remaining wine.

    ****

    It rained heavier, sshing thousands of drops of water on the gray tile and then flowing down the edge of the tile.

    Irish walked along the turquoisene like a wandering soul, and the gloomy sky swallowed up her shadow. In the long alley, she was the only one wandering, her umbre swaying in the wind and rain. She stepped on a small puddle, and her shoes were soaked when the drops sshed.

    There was no time to take care of it. Her heel flushed, her wet trousers clung to her calf, and the cold went straight into her bone.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Finally, Irish could no longer walk, stopped in front of a closed shop, took her umbre, and curled up under the eaves that could shelter herself from the rain. Her fingers were too cold to bend, and she lost consciousness, and the address on the paper, which had been clenched by her hand, was blown away by the wind.

    Irish watched the paper with the address on it fluttering in the wind and rain, and then it was hit by the rain on the bluestone not far away, like a bird that could no longer fly and finally drowned in flood.

    For more than two hours, she asked the owners of the shops ording to the address, one by one, and some of them had never seen Joseph at all, and only one said he had been here but had gone.

    She always seemed to be a stepte, always unable to catch up with Joseph''s pace.

    Later, Irish began to walk along the ancient town, eager to knock from door to door. As long as the shop opened, she went forward to ask if they had seen Joseph.

    How could they have seen him?

    Everyone looked at her with inexplicable eyes.

    The little eaves covered the rainy sky on one side, and the wet and cold wind wet her cheeks, clothes, and hair. Irish experienced a process from anxiety to madness to despair, and finally, she only had the strength to watch rainwater sshing on the ground.

    Shivering, she pulled out her cell phone.

    The signal was madly weak.

    Only 5% of the battery was left. She dared not easily use the Inte because as long as she clicked on the web page, the mobile phone would soon be drained, and her only hope now was that positioning could still y some role.

    Her aunt''s cry kept hitting her head, making her heart pain. Until now, she had only seen her aunt cry so hard once when her mother died, and her aunt''s cry at that time dragged people into feeling the pain too.

    Irish''s tears just fell down, she was unable to control them.

    Joseph, where were you?

    Deep despair shrouded her, like a dense stic bag that strangled her and sucked away the air, and her breath became harder and harder.

    Was it hard to find someone?

    It was not hard.

    As long as you had his address, or knew his phone number, or knew the situation of his family or friends, even in any way you could find the person you were looking for.

    But what if none of these work? You couldn''t get through to him. His family or the people around him didn''t know where he was going. You never knew where he would be next second or where he was going. Could you still find him?

    Irish finally realized that finding someone in this world was not easy.

    When mobile phones became furnishings, when the Inte was no longer avable, when this person did not leave any information, then he could disappear without a trace in the huge world.

    She wanted to find Joseph, and the idea from the beginning was strong, but to thest, it was a helpless despair. This journey was very short, but Irish was tortured painfully.

 Chapter 820 820: It’s My Fault

    At this time, when there was no one over the long street, she really realized that she could not find Joseph.

    His words reverberated in her earst night.

    He asked painfully, ''was it that difficult for us to be together?''

    He said he missed her so much and missed her madly.

    She was now crazy.

    In the cold air, she curled up tightly to keep the warmth. She could no longer walk and could no longer get up.

    In this way, there was only the sound of rain, bearing a monotonous sound by the ear.

    Not knowing for how long, as if it exhausted Irish''s strength, vaguely, there was a hasty sound of footsteps, breaking the silence.

    Then, there was a familiar voice. Low and slightly anxious. "Irish."

    Irish''s thin shoulder gently trembled, and she mistakenly thought it must have been her imagination. She raised her face buried deep between the knees and looked through the sound.

    A big ck umbre obscured the rain.

    The man under the umbre with a handsome face looked worried. Seeing her, the anxiousness at the bottom of his eyes turned into relief, and then an obvious heartache appeared.

    His trousers were wet from the rainwater as well as his leather shoes and even his coat.

    He must have walked in a hurry or even ran; otherwise, his chest would not have fluctuated in a hurry.

    The whole man was like a wood carving, and she only had the strength to stare at him under the umbre, like a dream. She was frantically looking at him, and he finally came to her.

    Her appearance hurt Joseph.

    He trotted up to her, holding an umbre in one hand, circling her in a narrow space.

    He lifted his hand and gently wiped away her tears. He hadn''t had time to recover, leaned over her cold hand with pity, and lowered, "Irish, here I am."

    Yes, he finally came.

    He finally found her.

    When Daisy finally went through to his mobile phone and informed him about Irish''s situation, he wasted no time and returned to the ancient town. He could not sit in the hotel waiting, watching the rain outside, thinking of her small figure shuttle in the embroidery shop to find him. He was heart-wrenched by the thought of her.

    She was following in his footsteps, looking for him, and he followed in her footsteps and came back to find her.

    He was driven by fear of missing her in the street.

    He could only ask door to door, one street after another, to look for her. Finally, in this longne, he saw a familiar figure.

    Small, she curled up under a narrow eave, and the small space could only allow her petite figure.

    Joseph''s anxious heart finally fell to the ground.

    But in a trance, it was like a reversal of time.

    He seemed to have returned to his childhood.

    The night in his memory was still deep and unforgettable.

    He walked in the longne with themp, and the little Irish inadvertently broke into his sight. Although he was young then, he couldn''t resist helping her as she looked smaller, curled up in the alley, and her shoulders trembled gently.

    He stretched out his hand at her and promised to take her away.

    The little girl smiled, and her eyes were full of trust in him.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Did she ever remember meeting him when she was very young? Had she ever remembered that he had an early crush on her smile?

    It was like a past life repeating again.

    Joseph found her again in the exact ce they first met, and she was as helpless and trembling as she had been when she was a child.

    The soft voice that came to Irish''s earspletely awakened her.

    Her pupils were focused, and the man''s pitiful face reflected into her eyes and crashed into her heart. She suddenly got up and beat him like crazy the next second, and the solidified tears were running like a river drowning her sorrows.

    "Joseph, where have you been? How could you keep me from finding you like crazy? How can you do this? You clearly told me before that as long as I want to find you, I can find you! You also said that as long as I stood where I was, you could find me. What took you so long? How did you find me?!"

    Hours of anxiety, mania, helplessness, despair, and fear collided with each other when he saw him, prompting Irish to beat him hysterically and yell at him.

    Joseph''s heart followed her action, and the next second he held her tightly into his bosom. He kept saying, "It''s my fault, it''s my fault."

    Uncontroble, she sped him on the shoulder, beat him, and bit his shoulder.

    Joseph let her beat and bite him, let her vent, and his eyebrow was frowning with heartache. He hugged her in his arms.

    Her cold body made him deeply me himself.

    ****

    It was night when they got back to the hotel.

    A cup of hot milk was put on the bedside. In the goose yellow light, it quietly gave out the sweetness.

    After a hot bath, Irish was wrapped in a quilt. She sat on the bed with her long undried hair, and her face was the same color as the quilt. It was pale, and her lips trembled gently.

    Her eyes were dull and fixed, looking out of the window in a direction, but the rainwater blurred her sight.

    Feeling a gust of cold, she tightened the quilt for a long time and remembered her aunt''s crying words again.

    "Irish, what should I do? What should I do? Your uncle had lung cancer, and the doctor said the situation was very bad. I didn''t dare tell your uncle. I didn''t tell him the truth. I told him that he was infected with tuberculosis, and the doctor asked him to stay in the hospital for treatment."

    Irish trembled and felt even colder without reason.

    Her uncle''s health had always been very good, why did he have lung cancer? She couldn''t believe it. The doctor must have made a mistake.

    Thinking about it, tears fell from her eyes again, sliding down her lips, and tasted extremely bitter.

    Joseph, who simply took a shower, saw that as he came out from the shower room. He felt a severe heartache, took a dry towel to wipe her long hair, and whispered. "I already know your uncle''s illness. You drink milk first, and I will arrange a ne back to New York."

    Irish pursed her lips but cried.

    She broke his heart. He put down the towel, kissed her on the forehead, and gently persuaded her, "Don''t worry, I''ll find the best doctor to check uncle''s illness again."

    Irish''s tears fell on the back of their hands.

    "Don''t be afraid, I''m here." Joseph hugged her, wiped her tears, and said, "I''ll make a phone call."

    As soon as he got up, his hand was pulled by Irish.

    He looked back at her with soft eyes.

    Irish looked at him, tears rustling, and her beautiful little face became charming and more pitiful. She looked at him through the fog of tears for a long time, and finally, her lips trembled.

    "Joseph, what you said still counts?" Her voice choked, "Does it count if I marry you?"

 Chapter 821 821: You Want To Marry Me?

    Joseph gave her two options. One was to be his girlfriend for one year, while the other was to be his wife for the rest of her life. Irish chose the former since they didn''t have mutual trust at that time. She would like to stay with him for one year. She was willing to use such a despicable identity to extinguish their passion.

    Irish thought that time would pass quickly. It took a year for them to get to know each other to break up.

    In fact, she was ready for this day. Their rtionship had gone through many hardships, which induced the fluctuation in mood. She just hoped to get through this year peacefully.

    However, she was unable to control her emotions, although she was a psychologist and a capable woman in business.

    Pain overwhelmed her. Both of them couldn''t get rid of torture and suffering. Sometimes Irish was so confused since she couldn''t figure out whether people led this world or this world led people to step forward. Her Aunt Mary''s call disturbed her heart. Desperate, Irish was in confusion.

    They all didn''t expect such misfortune to ur to her Uncle Steven. However, at least Mary could seek help and pour out her worries to Irish and Jay. What about Irish? Who can she talk to? It seemed that Joseph was the only person she could seek help from.

    Aunt Mary said to her word by word in a shaky voice. She said that the doctor told her there were only a few months of living time left for him, while her Uncle Steven also suspected that he was seriously ill. And Steven said he could not die in peace if he really had a serious disease. He didn''t worry about his son, Jay, because he was a real man. The only person he worried about was Irish, who had gone through many hardships since her childhood, so Steven hoped she could get married to Joseph as soon as possible.

    Irish''s head was buzzing after she heard that, and she couldn''t utter even a single word.

    Mary finally burst out crying as she finished her words. "Irish, please. Your Uncle Steven is seriously ill. I am so afraid he would leave me alone. Please get married to Joseph as soon as possible. Please fulfill his wish. We are already middle-aged, and the only wish is to see you start a family soon," said Mary with heavy sobs.

    "I am going back right now," Irish barely utters a word.

    However, Mary told her that she could not change anything if she went back now, but Steven would feel anxious inwardly without saying anything. "Indeed, Steven has talked with me about this many times. He cares about you so much. If you feel that Joseph is the right person, then don''t hesitate anymore. There''s no difference between getting married early orter. Irish, please."

    Mary''s words lingered in her mind when Irish was frantically looking for him in the heavy rain. Her Uncle Steven suffered from lung cancer.

    When she was finally tired of running and was unable to move, Irish recalled her Aunt Mary''s words over and over again. She told Irish that Steven hoped she would get married to Joseph.

    It was like an incantation, stimting her brain until Joseph found her and took her back to the hotel.

    Her Aunt Mary''s sentence kept lingering in her mind when his wooden fragrance surrounded her. Irish thought for a long time and was finally determined that she had to fulfill her Uncle Steven''s wish. But it meant that she had to get married to Joseph.

    But it was on the tip of her tongue to say that. When Joseph stepped to her after taking a shower, Irish felt like crying. She was agonizing for her Uncle Steven as well as their fragile rtionship. Hesitated, she finally said to him. Irish held his arms, and he lowered his head. She felt that her heart stopped beating and the air was frozen. Joseph didn''t expect her to be so bold. He looked at Irish''s eyes which were blurred with tears. Her pupil was like ck onyx, but she looked helpless and desperate. Joseph was shocked but also felt grieved for her.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    It sounded so weird to take the initiative to mention this to Irish, and he was reluctant to mention those unpleasant memories in the past. But Joseph had to admit that when Irish talked this to him, his heart trembled. But then excitement came. It was like a torrent patting the rocks, arousing waves on the calm surface of the sea.

    Joseph controlled his emotion, sat down beside Irish, and looked into her eyes. Reaching out, he wiped her tears gently.

    "You want to marry me?" asked Joseph in a low voice.

    Although he was agitated, he tried to calm down. When she cried in thene, asking him why he came to her sote, Joseph only held her tight without saying anything, allowing Irish to beat his chest and bite his shoulder. Her tears, as well as the rainwater, wet his shirt. At that moment, Joseph thought that Irish still loved him.

    He was so confident from that moment on until he brought her back to the hotel.

    Even when Joseph was taking a shower, he kept recalling the scene when Irish cried her eyes at the sight of him. His heart beat so fast because it was clear that his beloved woman was in this room with him. She was not lost.

    She sought his help when she was desperate, indicating that Irish always kept him in her heart no matter her purpose. However, Joseph understood her well. Irish was a stubborn woman who was concerned about face-saving. Therefore, even if she needed him, Irish would never take the initiative to tell him that she wanted to marry him.

    That was why Joseph had to ask her why.

    Wrapped in a quilt, Irish kept silent. Her head lowered. A momentter, she looked up.

    "Yes," Irish murmured in a shaky voice. After a small pause, Irish continued, "Uncle Steven''s condition took a sharp turn for the worse. I can''t let him leave with regret."

    Joseph stared at her with his thin lips beaming into a line but said nothing.

    "But..." Irish bit her lips as if she had made a great decision. "We could pretend to get married."

    Hearing this, Joseph changed his countenance while his eyebrows furrowed. "What?"

    "Just like you and Ruby," exined Irish.

    There was no doubt that Irish loved him very much.

 Chapter 822 822: Does She Really Hate Me So Much?

    Irish felt that Joseph was the man who loved her deeply in this world when he finally found her and held her in his arms, saying that it was his fault all over again. She didn''t care if they trusted each other, and she could not control her deep love for him. And it was at that moment Irish realized that she couldn''t leave him at all. It was just like he said that we couldn''t live without each other. But what she could give him now was to warm him with her body because she had nothing. But even if she would like to take the risk, Irish was not sure if Joseph would agree.

    Joseph pinched her chin, looking into her eyes with his eyebrows knitted. "So our marriage is just a tool for you?" Josepht said in a rather cold voice.

    Gazing at him, Irish replied, "You did the same thing before, didn''t you?"

    "That is because I didn''t meet the true love," Joseph responded with harsh eyes staring at her. Irish''s heart twitched as she heard this.

    Her tearful eyes stung his eyes, so Joseph loosened his grip and lowered his voice. "I am not going to do this. It''s so absurd."

    Irish clenched her hands like a dead duck. She kept silent for a long time since she didn''t know how to respond. A few minutester, she said in a husky voice, "Please, please?"

    Joseph''s eyebrow was knitted into a knot. He got up and said angrily, "We either don''t get married, or we really get married. I am not going to pretend to marry you."

    Irish red at him; her eyes trembled slightly.

    "No one could help you with this. Uncle Steven must think it is natural for you to get married to me. Even if you ask another man to pretend to marry you, I am sure Uncle Steven may be doubtful about that. And then he might be more worried about you," Joseph continued. It was no wonder that he was a capable businessman since he always had clear thinking. Although he was indignant, he was clear about where her soft spot was.

    Irish clearly understood it, and that was why she asked Joseph to get married to her. That was the only way her Uncle Steven would believe her. It was impossible for her to tell her Uncle Steven that she would get married to another man.

    Joseph looked down at her and added, "I can understand that you want to get married to me for your uncle. But we have to be a legal couple."

    "No... I can''t," Irish spat in a shaky voice.

    Hearing this, Joseph clenched his hands into fists and then raised his voice, "Then go and get help from others."

    "Joseph, you can''t push me so hard!"

    "Why can''t I?"

    "Because I..." Irish suddenly broke off in mid-sentence.

    "Because what?" Joseph was a bit annoyed.

    Irish buried her head in a quilt, her shoulders trembling slightly.

    Joseph calmed down and sat back beside her. "Irish, what are you going to talk about with me?"

    ''Does she really hate me so much? But it contradicts what she acted in thene earlier today,'' Joseph thought to himself.

    Hesitated, Irish then looked up, her eyes filled with tears.

    Seeing this, Joseph felt so sorrowful. He couldn''t help but hold her in his arms. "Irish, is it so difficult to marry me? I don''t think we can''t be with each other anymore." Joseph said softly.

    Irish leaned on his shoulders, shaking her head slightly, and muttered, "Joseph, it is really impossible for us to be together."<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Joseph held her arms, looking into her eyes, and then said sincerely. "But it is just what you think."

    Irish raised her head slightly, staring at his Adam''s apple but dared not look into his eyes.

    "Joseph, the doctor said that perhaps I don''t have a chance to be a mother in my lifetime. You like children, right? Can you bear that your wife couldn''t have a baby with you? Can you bear to start a family with me? Can you bear the ironic remarks of others? We can''t keep our rtionship, although we love each other. Children are also a significant tie to maintaining a family. Our rtionship may change someday since we can''t have a baby," Irish finally decided to be honest with him.

    After hearing this, Joseph felt like being struck by lightning. He was almost frozen, sitting there still in astonishment like a chump.

    "So..." Irish tried her best to calm down but still felt dizzy. Finally, she uncovered the truth that caused a big scar between them, bleeding with blood and painful memories. "So, we can''t get married. It is not suitable for us to be together."

    Irish just expressed herst words hard, and her voice disappeared in the cold air.

    Joseph beside her just sat there without any words, with the figure upright and mouth closed. His silent look frightened others, but the tight eyebrows showed hisplicated mind.

    The atmosphere got so cold and strange.

    In this way, they didn''t talk anymore, as if the cold air had frozen them.

    Irish just leaned her face on the quilt, but her heart hurt severely. She hadn''t thought about how to hide this thing and just hoped it would be dyed even for one day.

    To be honest, she was just afraid of being disliked.

    When Cindere met the Prince, she tried to act like a princess with a beautiful dress, delicate pumpkin cart, and shining crystal shoes. Actually, this story didn''t intend to tell people that a poor girl could be a princess one day, it just proved what a perfect match meant.

    The Prince could only be with the Princess, so Cindere must act like a princess. Otherwise, if she just appeared with a dirty face and ragged clothes, the Prince won''t fall in love with her at first sight.

    See, even the fairy tale told people that only if they did their best that they could meet the best man. Princess got this idea and hid her dignity with a delicate dress and unique crystal shoes, so she finally married the Prince.

    However, in fact, these Cindere girls pursued by the Prince wouldn''t take the Prince to visit her cheap house and just wanted to show her best side.

    Irish had thought that she was a princess, and actually, she was just a Cindere girl. The only difference was that she had a delicate dress and shoes, but her own condition couldn''t empower her to be with the Prince forever.

    He was sessful. How could he just ept such a faulty woman? Even if he could ept for the time being, how about the future? When he saw other children running and ying and heard others talking about children, wouldn''t he be regretful?

    Irish dared not to take this adventure, so she just postponed it and just wanted to enjoy his care, but finally, this day came and just came in this way.

    Joseph liked children. Otherwise, he wouldn''t be silent and just frown.

    Time just passed second by second.

    Irish could see the conclusion.

 Chapter 823 823: Let’s Get Married

    She and Joseph would just depart from each other at this moment.

    It was she who was so determined, but why was her heart in pain?

    After a great while, Joseph''s words interrupted the tedious atmosphere. His voice sounded low and tired, "What will be the cause?"

    Irish''s fingers trembled lightly, but she didn''t raise her head, "It will cause an abortion."

    Joseph''s bosom got bumped, and he just turned around to stare at Irish, feeling terrible.

    "It is my retribution." Irish raised her face lightly and took a nce at his clothes.

    She could obviously feel the sharpness in his eyes that she couldn''t bear.

    "If I can just have the baby, it won''t go in this way."

    It was already terrible, so it shouldn''t be worse. The result was the same, so it was not important regarding the reason. It was not important for her and less important for Joseph, who only valued the result.

    Was it necessary for her to make everything clear?

    "Let''s get married," Joseph said suddenly.

    Irish looked at him with surprise. She knew that the so-called marriage was not the fake marriage she wanted.

    "Nowadays, medical science is very advanced. There is no need for us to be so negative." Joseph stared at her. Unlike her surprised appearance, he turned to be peaceful.

    "We can ask help from the best doctor, or maybe we can have a test-tube baby, or we can adopt a child, and it''s okay if we have no child in the future."

    Irish looked at him. She couldn''t believe it and just murmured, "No... You are mad."

    "If you dare not to marry me just because of this, then I can tell you specifically that I won''t allow you to deny our rtionship with this excuse. I don''t care whether you will give birth to a child for me. I only want you." Joseph''s attitude was certain.

    Irish never thought that he would say that. She thought that he would just leave after expressing the reason, and he would not mention this topic anymore since he was a businessman who was so clear about his interests.

    Why did he just say that?

    "Joseph, now that you know the reason, why do you just insist on getting married? Yes, now maybe you don''t care about it, but how about the future? Everyone will just say something bad behind you and joke that we can''t bear a child. You don''t have to do that, and it''s not worth it!"

    "Then you tell me what is worth?" Joseph stared at her and frowned lightly, "Is it worth it to marry a woman who can bear a child? Irish, you know what, it is not the marriage I want. It''s true that I want to have a child, but it will not affect anything without a child. There are many women who can bear a child for me, but they are not the ones I really want to marry."

    Irish nearly wanted to cry, and she just took a deep breath, "I once had a case. A couple finally got married with a good rtionship. During the first year, they had no child, and they were not influenced at all. When it was the second year, they still had no child, and they discovered that the wife had a problem. The man said that he didn''t care. When it was in the third year, they still had no child, and the surrounding people got anxious. The manforted his wife by saying that it didn''t matter. In the fourth year, the wife proposed that they could find a surrogate mother, and the husband agreed. A young girl was chosen to be the one. In the fifth year, a child was born, and the child only liked his surrogate mother, while the husband finally became the young girl''s husband."

    Joseph looked at her helplessly, "I admit that anything can be reasonable in this world, but I want to tell you, Irish, you are my only wife. I won''t do those things, and I have no time to find a surrogate mother. I only ept our child. If we can not have our child, I will not allow our child to be born by another woman. Understand?"

    Irish closed her mouth tightly and just shook her head. The more convincing he showed, the less confident she was.

    Joseph was furious, so he just stood up, seeming a little annoyed, "Irish, what are you thinking about? It is simple. Why do you just make itplicated?"<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "I..." How could she just ignore this? Was it a simple thing? No, it was so difficult. She was afraid as time passed by.

    Time was the cruelest, and it could undermine all kinds of sweetness. The cold fact was only left.

    Joseph took a deep breath and signed to her not to say anything.

    "Okay, I will let you make a choice."

    Irish raised her eyes.

    Joseph finally resisted his anger and turned to be peaceful, "Marry me, or leave me."

    "If you choose to marry me, let''s get registered in the office and hold a wedding. Irish, you know what, if you choose to leave me, I won''t find you anymore, and we will not connect with each other forever. I will marry Rosy immediately." Joseph''s attitude was firm.

    What?

    Irish looked at him with surprise, and soon the great pain came over.

    "Irish, if the marriage has nothing to do with love, then it will be easy for me to marry anyone." Joseph kept cold.

    Irish was shocked.

    She knew that they were Joseph''s true words. As per his personality, if they just separated from each other, then it was a real end.

    The phone rang, and it was Joseph''s... He picked it up immediately.

    After a while, he said lightly, "Okay, I see. Let''s do it tomorrow morning."

    The conversation ended.

    "Because of the bad weather, the ne can''t fly today, and if we choose to leave here, it will be in danger, so let''se back to New York tomorrow morning."

    Irish smacked her lips and nodded lightly.

    "Irish, actually, dignity is not the most important." Joseph put down his phone and sighed, "Please take it into good consideration. Choose me, or just insist on protecting your so-called dignity. It''s up to you. I will just respect your choice."

    Then he walked out of the room. As he closed the door, Irish just cried.

    ****

    Cassie never thought that Roy would fly an airne by himself and take her to this French town where they had quarrels before. Roy just ran to her house as a rascal and forced her to watch a live erotic film.

    There was no airport in the town, so they just drove there.

 Chapter 824 824: Hand In Your Future To Me

    Afternding at the airport, Cassie didn''t move. As all the passengers left, Roy left the room for captains and picked her up in the first-ss cabin.

    Cassie just looked at her, thinking he looked more handsome in uniforms.

    "Let''s go." Roy waved hands to her, and the smile appeared again.

    He hadn''t smiled in this way since he entered the Runestone Group. Today his smile was so bright that Cassie thought she had seen Roy, who she had met for the first time. Now he left the Runestone Group and became a captain again. No wonder the smile was so sincere.

    She gave out her hands, and Roy just clenched them.

    Roy chose France as the ce for their honeymoon journey since hispany adjusted his airline, and he mainly flew around France.

    At dusk, Roy drove to the town. Life was easy here. Aftering back to the hotel and having a rest, Roy took her out to have dinner.

    The restaurant was familiar to Cassie. She had been here.

    It was one yearter when they were here again.

    Coming here, everything urred to her mind. One year ago, she went there to study as a staff in the Runestone Group in this restaurant. She had quarrels with Roy one year ago, and she came here again and spent the honeymoon journey with Roy.

    It was so hard to predict everything in advance.

    Actually, God arranged the road for everyone, but they didn''t know it at all. Roy was also familiar with it. It was unlike in New York, where good restaurants always required ordering in advance, so he didn''t order ahead of time and just took Cassie there.

    However, many people were in the restaurant, and even the band got excited.

    Roy asked to book the whole restaurant with extra money, but the boss was in a dilemma and said that if it were usual, there would be no issues, but today someone got married, so it would not be so suitable.

    Roy didn''t force him but asked what Cassie thought of it. He would choose another restaurant if she hated that there were so many people.

    The bridegroom was kissing the bride not far away from them. The youngsters were shouting and cheering. Obviously, the ceremony was finished in the afternoon, and then it was time for dancing over the night.

    Cassie shook her head. Looking at the crowd, she said, "It is so lucky that we can witness such a beautiful wedding. There is no need to change to another restaurant. Just be there."

    Roy respected her totally, so he agreed.

    Cassie didn''t care what he ordered, and she mainly focused on the new couple. She could understand some French, but she couldn''t speak. From theirughing speech, she knew that the couple was the first love of each other, and today they got married.

    First Love.

    First love was beautiful.

    People put all the expectations and trials on first love, which was often just like bright and sweet sugar. When they open it, they can feel light lemon sweetness. It was the most natural love with no other aims.

    For the first love, they would only express themselves like the other. Like was love at that time.

    Cassie thought of Fredrick suddenly. Fredrick was her first love, and she was also Fredrick''s first love.

    During thest several years, the most important person in her life was Fredrick, except for her parents. He carried her expectation and hope for the future and happiness.

    However, thest one who was beside her was Roy, who had known her for only one year.

    There was no uracy or wrong in love, but whether two were suitable or not mattered.

    She could clearly remember the words Fredrick said while pursuing. He said, "Cassie, I love you. Please just hand in your future to me."

    She suddenly felt warm on her shoulder, and she found that Roy held her.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Looking at his face, Cassie was a little confused. Marriage was so sudden for her, and even today, she nearly forgot the fact that she had married him.

    "Cassie." Roy embraced her and murmured in a low voice, "I will love you for the rest of my life."

    Cassie''s heart beat abnormally in this way.

    ****

    The rain didn''t stop.

    When it was already 10 a.m., the rain was still heavy.

    Joseph didn''te back, and he only took a phone. The key, wallet, and his private phone were still on the table.

    Irish didn''t know where he went and what he did. She was just immersed in deep thinking. Her tears nearly got dry, and Joseph''s words hung in her mind.

    Later she called Jay.

    On the phone, Jay''s voice sounded unhappy, so she just asked something about her uncle''s illness. Jay just sighed and said, "Doctor advises him not to have surgery again since the cancer cell multiplies quickly, and it will be very dangerous. The only way is the mixture of chemotherapy and rest."

    Irish said that no matter how much it cost, treatment was necessary.

    After a while, Jay kept silent, saying, "Actually, I have discussed it with my mother, and we agreed to give up the chemotherapy."

    Irish scolded Jay. She didn''t agree with that.

    Jay let her calm down and just said, "Now my father doesn''t know anything about his illness, and the whole family cheats him that it is just tuberculosis, so he will not question why he coughs and gets a high fever. I understand your feeling, and at the very beginning, I also had the same thought as you, but you can never imagine the pain of doing chemotherapy. It hurts not only a man''s body but his mentality. It will be better for my father to spend hisst three months being happy than doing chemotherapy. It is not an issue of money, but the issue of whether we can bear the pain of seeing him being suffered."

    As she hung up, she totally broke down.

    She understood Jay''s words and his choice.

    In this world, there are a lot of things to hide, a lot of lies need to be covered up in a very beautiful way, and a lot of decisions have to be made in mind.

    This is life. The more you experience, the more you endure.

    The doorbell rang.

    Irish opened the door. That was Daisy, and she brought snacks. "Although it is easy to gain weight after ten o''clock, I think you should eat something. You didn''t eat much at dinner." Daisy said as she put down the food. She looked up and saw her red and swollen eyes, startled.

    In her impression, Irish had always been full of energy. Even if there were sad things, she did not see her tears.

    "I already know about your uncle. Before Mr. Dover came to you, he had called back to New York to acknowledge the situation. I was also ordered to find the best Doctor." Daisy said.

    Irish nodded gently. "Thank you, Daisy."

    "I''m just doing what I''ve been told. The one who can ept your thanks is Mr. Dover." Daisy saw that she was in a sickly mood and tentatively said something.

    Irish was silent.

    Daisy understood and also knew why Joseph had gone out with a gloomy face.

    "Come on, eat something." Daisy put the snacks in front of her one by one on a te delivered by the hotel.

 Chapter 825 825: Love Hysteria

    Irish did not move but looked at the pastry, which looked familiar. Daisy naturally found out her doubts, then smiled, "They are bought from your favorite shop, and Mr. Dover always said that you like to eat that cake, so he specially ordered me to buy it. My trousers are still wet, and you have to eat something. Mr. Dover is still upstairs in the meeting, so he can''t eat."

    Irish''s throat was blocked, and she took the wet tissue to wipe her hand and took out a snack from the te into her mouth. After just a bit, the familiar taste quickly pulled her back to the memory. In the picture, there was also pattering rain, she and Joseph sat in the restaurant, and he smiled at her, who was gobbling with gently indulging eyes.

    Thinking about it, her nasal cavity began to sour, and tears came out again.

    This really surprised Daisy, and she quickly took the tissue to wipe her tears,

    "What''s the matter? Don''t cry."

    What she had to admit was that Irish''s tears broke her heart, let alone a man.

    Because they were both women, plus the both of them were very close these days, and the friendship between women was easy to establish, the string that had always been stretched in Irish''s heart had finally broken.

    "Daisy." She hugged Daisy in tears.

    Daisy''s heart was also pulled a little, and she quickly caressed her back, not knowing how tofort her.

    "Joseph said he would marry Rosy. Daisy, you tell me, will he really marry her? Will he?" No matter how rational a woman was, at one point, she could not stand. When the hard shell faded, in fact, the nature of a woman was the same. Sometimes, they would be like children, helpless.

    In addition, Daisy was Joseph''s assistant. Whether for reasons of position or time, Daisy was a person who knew Joseph very well, so this was also an important reason why Irish was open to her.

    But Irish''s words still scared Daisy. She was stunned and said, "Mr. Dover wants to marry Rosy?"

    Irish''s tears were like beads.

    Daisy released her, looking anxious. "No way, how can he marry Rosy? Did he say that himself?"

    Irish took the tissue and pressed her eyes hard. She didn''t answer Daisy''s words. She had been trying to resist her tears. She never knew she would be so vulnerable. As long as she thought that Joseph would marry another woman, her heart hurt as if ten thousand horses had trampled on her, and her tears could not help but flow.

    Daisy was worried enough but still patiently waiting for her to adjust her mood.

    When Irish finally pressed down her tears, she crumpled the tissue into a ball and threw it away. Then, when her voice did not sound so trembling, she said, "Joseph gave me two choices, either marry him or leave him."

    She believed that Daisy was a wise woman and that she would understand without knowing the causes and consequences.

    And Daisy really understood suddenly.

    "First of all, I''m sure he doesn''t have feelings for Rosy."

    Irish looked down.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "I know Rosy was in Suzhou, but the general manager did not schedule her itinerary," Daisy told her everything she knew. "Rosy is really close to him these days. I heard that Vincent intended to involve Rosy in managing BRIGHT Group, so I think she often goes to Runestone Group for this reason."

    Irish believed Daisy''s words. Sometimes it was strange that the more she cared about a person, the more she questioned him, like Joseph. If he said this from his mouth, would she believe it?

    She hesitated, for all women were the same. Jealousy deceives all reason. But this was from Daisy''s mouth, and she was an outsider, usually careful, so Irish chose to believe her.

    "Second." Daisy hesitated.

    Irish looked at her and waited for her to speak.

    Daisy looked a little embarrassed but cleared her throat and said, "If he always makes this offer, then ording to his character, I think once you choose to leave him, he will definitely marry Rosy."

    Irish''s heart trembled, and she knew it would be like that. But though that was from Daisy''s mouth, it was still difficult for her to breathe.

    "Marrying Rosy is apletebination of interests."

    Irish nodded gently.

    "Irish, you''ve always been a smart woman, and you should know that once he marries Rosy, it''s a business marriage. For a man of his rank, it''s not hard to do that. And we''re used to it." Daisy whispered.

    How could Daisy not understand this truth?

    "So, do you want to let go?" Daisy grabbed her by the hand and looked at her. "You are a psychological counselor. I think youe into contact with a lot more emotional cases than ordinary people, but you are in a rtionship and can''t see a lot of things. You really need to ask yourself, do you really want to let him go? Really don''t want to be with him? You don''t feel heartache when you watch him hug another woman, marry another woman, or watch him pass you by holding another woman''s hand in the street one day?"

    Irish was hurt every time she took a breath.

    "In fact, he is always very difficult to get along with. He is tough and hard. He is not used to exining anything to people, especially before you. He may not want to talk about many things, he is afraid you will get worried, or it is because of male chauvinism. I have been around him for many years, so byparison, I know him better than many women." Daisy seldom jokes, "Take the previous two weeks, for example, I think you have quarreled. He has been living in the office lounge, but the next day I can always see less fuel in his car. Let''s guess where he would drive in the middle of the night."

    Irish was surprised, but soon, she thought of a possibility, but she was not sure.

    In fact, during that time, she also felt something wrong in her sleep. She would often dream of him and then feel real warmth from his arms. Was he really there those times?

    "I''ve seen too many women all these years, a lot was crazy for him, and they have done a lot of stupid things for him. He has so many things that fascinate women, so though those women are rational, they be crazy when they meet him." Daisy smiled gently, "Now it''s your turn, and you are no longer the Irish I used to know, capable and decisive. Now you arepletely in love with the gains and losses. By the way, what do you call this? I remember you saying a word when you trained employees, which aligned with your current state of mind."

    Irish closed her lips and spoke out after a long time. "Love hysteria, in short, men and women in love always feel happy when they are close to happiness, and suffer gains and losses when happiness goes on."

    Daisy nodded. "So, you are happy because Mr. Dover always has you in his heart. In his heart, you are different from any woman, so you are tortured crazy by him, and he is also tortured crazy by you. In the past, he would never change his principles because of one woman, just like the choices he gave you. I think he''d be impatient for a long time if you were someone else."

 Chapter 826 826: Quite Cruel

    "You may never know that his personal phone was never left with me. As long as he went out or socialized, even in the office, the private phone was in the nearest position at his hand. When he went on a business trip a while ago, he turned on the mode of crazy working overtime, driving everyone under his hand almost crazy. But one night, he was so tired that he fell asleep on the sofa, and when I sent the papers, I found that he had been holding his personal phone in his hand and his wallet, which was opened to put on his bosom."

    "Wallet?" Irish was puzzled. She had opened his wallet and found nothing in it.

    "Maybe there are important photos or something?" Daisy said, "I''m just an assistant. I dare not touch the boss''s things."

    Irish couldn''t think of any pictures in it.

    "Oh, by the way, the general manager sponsored the F1 racingpetition held in Chicago. Do you know about it?" Daisy was rare to say tonight.

    Irish was stunned again, shaking her head, but quickly reacted to it, "Because of Jordan?"

    "He ordered me to send a sponsorship with a lot of money for the event." Daisy thought about it and said, "In fact, the reason why the general manager is always opposed to his brother racing cars is very simple, that is, he is afraid of something happening to him. This time, he sponsored the fee and made a special request that all theponents in his brother''s car must be top quality and have the best safety performance."

    Irish really hadn''t heard of it.

    "Irish, I think you have changed him." Daisy hit the nail on her head. "In the past, he had always been against his brother and paved all the roads for him, but this time it made me feel that he had begun to learn to respect his brother''s choice. You know, it''s not easy to change a proud man."

    Irish''s heartbeat was fast.

    A long timeter, Irish asked, "Do you know about Jordan''s kidnapping?"

    "I know." Daisy was hungry after all and picked up a snack.

    Irish suddenly seemed excited. "So why didn''t Joseph go to save Jordan at that time?"

    Daisy paused and sighed. "It was not that he did not save Jordan, but that he was not allowed at the time. The diamond mine, which the manager charged, was developed with other groups then. If he hadn''t kept it, the other party would have had a killing idea for losing huge profits. You''ve been to South Africa, and you know what''s going on there. If he didn''t save Jordan, he might be dead, but if he saved them, both of them would die. So, the manager had to stabilize the kidnappers first and then secretly figure out a way. A group of locals had been eyeing drilling and mining for a long time. As the saying goes, tigers couldn''t fight against local snakes. Those people were locals. If they were not handled at a time, they would continue to kidnap and ckmail endlessly in the future."

    Daisy said that the situation was roughly the same as Irish had once thought, and she also felt that Joseph would not cause Jordan''s life to be at risk, and there must be something unknown about it. As for South Africa, she knew that interests were paramount there and thew was not strict, so human life was as cheap as ants. But Daisy''sst sentence alerted Irish.

    A bold conjecture arose.

    "The violence that killed the kidnappers was not an ident, was it?" How could Jordan pretend to be dead and escape if it was an ident?

    Daisy just smiled and put a snack into her mouth. "So sometimes the general manager is..." She thought about it and found an exact word, "quite cruel."

    There was no answer, but it was better than the answer.

    Irish was shocked and suddenly understood.

    "You have to figure out what''s going on right now." Daisy reminded her.

    Irish silently took snacks, slowly eating, feeling no taste.

    "If I were you, I might not have the courage to love Joseph. He is too good to obtain." Daisy smiled and said, "But you are different. You are much better than many women. What is important is that he has you in his heart. Think about it. If you marry him, you''ll worry. If you don''t marry him, you''ll suffer. Worry is at least promising, but the pain is only pain."

    This sentence reverberated around Irish for a long time.

    ****<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Jay went to the rehab center again.

    This time, Carmen''s drug addiction did not rpse, honestly sitting in the chair, looking quietly at the wall.

    After waiting for a long time, Jay pushed a piece of paper with a God pattern in front of her and knocked on the table. "You can only cooperate with the police now, at least you can save your life."

    Carmen nced at the pattern, stopped talking, and put away the joy of seeing Jay. After hearing Jay''s words, she asked unexpectedly, "Why hasn''t that girle for a long time?"

    Jay was slightly stunned and soon understood that she was referring to Lilith.

    The name caused his heart pain.

    He took a deep breath before he pressed it down a little.

    "You broke up with her? Or did she break up with you?" Asked Carmen again.

    Jay frowned. "I''m talking to you about falling angels now."

    Carmen just looked at Jay''s face. "It looks like you did break up."

    Jay looked a little impatient.

    "Do you love me?" Carmen looked at him.

    Jay took a deep breath, pressed down his irritability, and said, "Carmen, I''m sorry, I don''t love you."

    "Then."

    "I love her." Jay knew what she wanted to ask and said bluntly, "I feel guilty about you because you are good to me, and try to protect me, so I hope you can be sessful with the detoxification process. Now your situation is better, I am at ease, but I hope you can cooperate with the police. Do not do pointless silence resistance; even if you escape, falling angels won''t let you go. He won''t believe you anymore."

    Carmen closed her eyes, and she was in pain.

    After a long time, she slowly opened her eyes, "You are right, this is indeed the pattern of God, and the evil angel has never been a person. Instead, it is an organization, a deeply connected and powerful organization."

    Jay saw her speak, picked up the pattern, and asked, "Is this the pattern representing the evil angel? Is it a unified symbol?"

    Carmen shook her head. "No, God is just one of them."

    "Who?"

    "I don''t know."

    Jay frowned more tightly. "How could you not know?"

    Carmen clenched her fist. "All I know is that this man is dead. He is the most powerful of the evil angels. He was once in charge. But I really don''t know what this man''s name is, what he looks like, and what kind of career he usually does."

    Jay looked at her. She seemed not to tell a lie.

 Chapter 827 827: Will He Leave With Us?

    In that case, they lost the clue. As they finally figured out the meaning of the pattern, the man who held it was dead.

    "Is there anyone who keeps a close rtionship with him?" Jay asked since he remembered the man whomitted suicide.

    Carmen shook her head as she thought for a while Jay was lost in his thoughts after getting an answer from Carmen.

    "But I heard that he is so weird," added Carmen suddenly.

    "What do you mean?"

    "He killed people without shedding!" Carmen replied briefly since it was just hearsay. "It is said that he is different from Killer, who always kills people with his gun. But the man with this pattern could make those people who he hatedmit suicide," Carmen continued.

    Jay trembled slightly as he heard this. ''Commit suicide?'' he wondered.

    "Did that happen before?" asked Jay.

    Carmen nodded and then said, "But their group disguised the fact. I heard that twenty years ago, some peoplemitted suicide. And ten years ago, ten peoplemitted suicide together. But now that it could be disguised, it means that this is rted to this man."

    Jay gave a start of astonishment as he heard the words, but soon he straightened his back since he was overwhelmed by rage. He was determined to find out the truth and to take sanction for thosewbreakers.

    "Listen to me. Don''t keep tracing on this matter. You are risking your life," Carmen said worriedly. However, Jay just clenched his teeth.

    "I just got to know a small part of his matter. It is easy to tell that it must be a big gang. We are not clear on what kind of secret they hold. So please stop here!" Carmen persuaded him.

    Jay stood up and then responded, "Well, I will report to my superior."

    "Alva!" Carmen stopped him when Jay was going to leave.

    Jay turned back and looked at her.

    "Do you think I told you all this just because I want to save my life? You are wrong! I am doing this for your own good," Carmen spat out.

    Jay kept silent and stared at her for a long while.

    ****

    In Light Town.

    It was raining worse than ever and was patterning against the window.

    Irish drifted off into a fitful sleep by the raining sound.

    She was running in her dream, trying to find out the person in the mist. A second ago, she saw Joseph stand before her, but he disappeared soon. Irish felt so flurried and kept finding him.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    But soon, her Uncle Steven appeared in her dream. It seemed that she was in the hospital, and when she arrived there, her Aunt Marry was crying bitterly. Irish turned back when she saw that the doctor was covering her Uncle Steven''s face with a white sheet. Seeing this, Irish was near the point of breakdown and wailed there.

    But soon, she entered another dreand. The little boy showed up again. He held her hands tightly, but when Irish looked up, trying to see his face clearly, she found that the light blurred his face. The footsteps of those baddies sounded. The little boy pushed her and said, "Go. Run away here!"

    Irish was so frightened and looked back at him and found that the little boy was fighting there with those baddies. She was so scared that she started running forward. However, it was so dark that she couldn''t see clearly the road ahead. Suddenly she hit someone and then was held by him.

    Irish screamed in fright since she could clearly see the scar on the man''s face under the dim moonlight. The man looked so malicious and told her she could never run away.

    Irish gave a start of fright. She was still dazed, but it was not clear if she was awake. She saw Joseph again. Reaching out. Irish tried to catch him but failed every time.

    She started to cry and called his name again and again.

    Irish was awaking in tears, and the pillow was wet by her tears while her hair stuck to her cheeks. She felt a little ufortable because of the sticky feeling.

    There was a crack between the thick curtain, and the light prated from it. The rain also stopped. It seemed that it was sunny outside. Irish was so exhausted as she woke up from the nightmare. Turning around, Irish found that she was lying there alone.

    But the faint wooden fragrance still floated in the air. Irish was unsure if Joseph hade backst night or had just left in the early morning. Her throat was dry, and she could utter no word. Nevertheless, she could vaguely remember the dream. She had been looking for Joseph in her dream for almost the whole night. ''But who was the man with a scar?'' Irish wondered silently.

    She kept having the same dream many times and could even remember the details of the dream. It was so weird and didn''t look like a virtual dream.

    Perhaps Fredrick was right. Her mind must have had a secret, but she just couldn''t remember it. However, she dared not to open Pandora''s box out of her subconscious. More precisely, she dared not to do that because her cerebrum prevented her from doing that. Her phone rang abruptly when she was still lost in her thoughts, startling her suddenly. A few secondster, she then got through the phone.

    It was Daisy, and her cheerful voice passed from the other end of the phone. "Irish, we will take off an hourter. Pack up your luggage now. The ne is ready. Oh, Mr. Dover is still busy with his business, so just leave his luggage there."

    Irish clenched the phone and asked, "Will he leave with us?"

    "He didn''t tell me if he would leave with us. He just told me to go back to New York with you," Daisy answered.

    Irish was overwhelmed by frustration, and she stood there nkly as she hung up the phone. Joseph would not go back with her.

    Somehow, Irish felt so perplexed but also felt uneasy.

    There were not too many items she needed to pack up, but she was at a loss as to where to start first. And she even forgot that she could ask for help from the hotel butler.

    She was absent-minded, and everything was a mess. Standing there, Irish was trembling slightly. She tried her best to calm down and put her clothes into the luggage box. When she was about to leave, she saw Joseph''s cell phone, car key, and wallet on the desk. It seemed that he hade backst night since his coat was thrown casually on the couch with two cufflinks lying beside him.

    Irish fell down and sat on the ground, staring at the cufflinks, which were a gift she had presented to him. It carried her deep love for him. But now Joseph was not going to leave with her. Was it because he was annoyed since she didn''t give him an answer? Was he in such a hurry to get an answer from her?

    Irish stared at the wallet with watery eyes. It was a small ck wallet that reminded her of Daisy''s words. "I saw him hold his private cell phone in his handst night when I was going to send papers to him. What''s more, he even put the wallet against his chest. I am so confused," Daisy''s voice is still vivid in her mind.

    But why did he put the wallet against his chest?

 Chapter 828 828: Where Is He Now?

    Irish trembled slightly, took over the wallet, and opened it slowly.

    In the next second, her tears were shed, falling on the photos in his wallet. It was Irish''s photo of her childhood.

    She remembered clearly that this photo was in the album of her Uncle Steven''s house. And it was the only one.

    Irish covered her mouth in astonishment. ''When he took this photo? Why did he put it into his wallet?'' Irish kept wondering.

    And gradually, there was a picture in her mind. It was midnight when Joseph finished his work, leaning on the couch to take a break. He took out his wallet, opened it, and stared at the photo for a long time until he fell asleep with the wallet against his chest.

    At the thought of this, Irish felt so painful.

    Although she was not clear why he took this photo into his wallet, Irish was moved.

    He never mentioned it to her, and she always got to know it from others.

    This photo was like thest draw that broke her down. Irish was unable to control herself, not cry. She suffered from misery, and she even felt the pain of impending parting. It was at this moment Irish realized that she had finally lost him as well as her courage to love. It was so horrible.

    In the past, no matter how decisive Irish was, she would tell herself that Joseph wouldn''t leave her because he had told her before that he would always stand there waiting for her, even if she was lost. Perhaps it was this sentence that made her fear for nothing. But it was different this time since Joseph was determined to give up their rtionship.

    The scene that Joseph turned away lingered in her mind. Irish knew he would never return to her, even if she wailed. The endless desperation was like a knife, cutting off her throat and making it impossible for her to breathe.

    The words Joseph said to her before started emerging in her mind. He asked her if she was going to leave him and asked her why it was so difficult for them to be with each other. And he even asked her why she was unwilling to get married to him. Once before, Joseph said that Irish was his beloved woman in the media. Irish remembered all these words, especially when Joseph told her that he didn''t care who he was going to marry in the future if Irish left him because he thought the marriage was skilful-skamble without true love.

    Irish''s hand was trembling, clenched the wallet while tears shed down her cheeks, dripping to her lips. It tasted bitter.

    Gradually, Daisy''s words also urred to her. Daisy told Irish that if Joseph made such a decision, he would never change his mind, which meant that if Irish was determined to leave him, he would definitely get married to Rosy. "He always keeps his private phone in his pocket wherever he goes. If you decide to marry him, you may feel worried, but you will suffer from endless pain if you decide to leave him. There is a possibility to get rid of your worries, but there is no way to get rid of the pain," Daisy mentioned to herst night.

    Irish was frozen and kept recalling the sentence. Finally, she started to gasp, and her face went pale.

    In fact, she never thought Joseph would leave her someday, and that was why she felt so painful at the right moment. The scene where Rosy leaned in Joseph''s arms hurt her. It was so horrible to recall the scene. Irish was sure that she would go crazy on the day when Joseph got married to another woman. Thinking about this, Irish stood up, staggered to take out her phone, and then dialed Joseph''s number. However, the phone on the desk rings.

    It was not until then Irish realized that she had dialed his private phone. When she was going to hang up, she happened to look at his phone screen. Joseph saved her name as "honey." Irish also saw that before, but she didn''t care too much about that at that time since she felt it was just an appetion. However, after going through all these hardships, Joseph would never call her that name again. Irish bit her lips and dialed the other number of him. But he hung up each time which frightened Irish. She had no other choice but to dial again and again.

    However, she failed again.

    "Joseph..." Irish mumbled.

    A few secondster, Irish made a call to Daisy.

    Daisy quickly put it through. "Have you packed it yet? You..."<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "What about him? Where is he?" Irish interrupted Daisy''s words and asked in tears.

    Daisy was stunned. It took a long time for her to react, "What?"

    "Joseph, where is he? Where is he now?" Irish was in a hurry.

    Daisy was frightened by her voice. "He should still be in the conference room on the 17th floor."

    Before Daisy finished, Irish cut off the phone.

    ****

    In the Hotel, on the 17th floor, in the conference room.

    Joseph had been working all night plus an early morning meeting, except for a short nap in the room at two o''clock in the morning, and all the rest of the time was spent in the conference room.

    Last night the topic was focused on the technical breach.

    No one would have thought that in this small Light Town, in the hotel conference room near the ancient town, there were the top designers in the world, in addition to the master of embroidery.

    Before two o''clock in the morning, the technical discussion ended. After sending away the designer and embroidery master, he slept for about two hours and then went to the conference room for a video conference.

    Working with Joseph for a long time, everyone was used to it. The important members of the technical department and the marketing department were all gathered in the video conference, each dressed neatly, but Joseph was tired to see it, and his eyes were covered with redness. His tie was untied, and his shirt buttons were loosened, exposing his skin.

    In summer, the sun appeared early. Rainwater had gone, and there was a faint light outside the window skimming in.

    The video showed the signing ceremony of Leo''s famous luxury brand and the rare main diamond shining in the limelight.

    Joseph didn''t watch the video, got up, and covered the shutters.

    The faint light was sopletely blocked his heart was sad at this moment and more fretful.

    The video was over, and the staff in the meeting were silent.

    Joseph paced back and forth before hisputer but did not sit down. His hand was on the back of the chair, and then he asked, "What do you think of this matter?"

    They were not afraid to answer Joseph''s question but felt that their boss seemed a little impatient early in the morning, pacing back and forth.

    In fact, they wanted to remind their boss that they were now in a videoconferencing; his pace around like this really made them dizzy.

 Chapter 829 829: Joseph, Don’t Go Away

    Although Joseph was a little absent-minded, he was still at work, in a meeting, and waiting for the answers. His men did not dare to guess his mind, so they said their views individually. A momentter, Joseph sat back in his chair, and his subordinates were reporting, and he was listening.

    After the people in the marketing department finished reporting, he said lightly. "As far as I know, this main diamond has been collected by Lily Club for nearly a decade. Although Leo has announced it to the public at present, the most important thing to focus on is their design and marketing departments."

    The director of the marketing department immediately reported, "After the news, I also asked the people under my department to keep an eye on it, but there was no movement in the marketing department of theirpany."

    "Well." Joseph seems seriously thinking.

    "General Manager, maybe it''s just a piece of fake news from him?" The other subordinate said.

    "I''m sure they have ns," He mentioned. "He''s not going to waste time," Joseph added.

    "Then we''ll have to let the PR department monitor them."

    Joseph nodded.

    At the end of the videoconference, several long-awaited designers and the master of the embroiderer came in, and they just slept for a short period of time, and after a brief rest, they returned to the meeting for discussion.

    By this time, the sun shone brightly, passing through the window.

    The sun popped out of the horizon, and the golden light and shadow shrouded the whole town.

    The hotel''s thick, toughened ss blocked all the noise, separating the serious silence in the hotel and the crowded noise outside.

    Joseph once again was absorbed in the technology to solve the problem.

    When the problem was solved one by one, Daisy called him.

    Joseph put it through.

    Daisy reported to him that Irish had got up and she had informed her to pack.

    Joseph was silent.

    Daisy did not end the call at once but asked softlyter, "Mr. Dover, are you really not going back to New York?"

    Joseph frowned, and then he told her lightly. "She hasn''t slept well. Take care of her on the way back."

    Daisy also understood what he meant and said okay, and she didn''t ask much.

    Joseph put aside the phone.

    Joseph seemed to be distracted, and even the embroidery master could see something was wrong, he was uttering his own opinion and stopped, looking at Joseph, "Joseph, what do you think?"

    He was the embroidery shop owner, who had dealt with Joseph several times, and in his impression, Joseph was very serious about work.

    But that day, Joseph was a little unusual. He seemed to be listening to everyone, but his mind flew away.

    Joseph saw everyone''s eyes on him, which surprised him that he had been taken aback, and he reacted.

    "Please continue." Calming down his mind, he tried to stabilize his mood.

    At the same time, Joseph was secretly ming himself, and these people in front of him had given up their sleep toe here for a meeting to do a good job. As an organizer, he was constantly distracted, which was really not good.

    But the more he thought about it, the more he could not control his mind.

    As time passed, the brighter the window became, the more out of control his mind became.

    The design in front of him was gradually gone.

    And that became Irish''s appearance in the quiltst night.

    The lights were still open, and even the curtains were not closed.

    The rain hit the ss crazily, and it was a bit deafening.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    He saw the scene when he returned to the room.

    He drew the curtain and dimmed the light.

    Only to find that she slept very restlessly, and the pillow was a little wet. With a faint light, he found tears in the corners of her eyes.

    His heart seemed to be cut piece by piece by a blunt knife, and the pain was everywhere.

    He reached out and wiped her tears.

    She took his hand and wriggled her lips.

    He bent over to hear what she said. But unexpectedly, he heard her voice, small and helpless, murmuring, "Joseph, don''t go away."

    Because of such words, there is currently a mess in his mind.

    "Mr. Manager?" Someone called him.

    Joseph frowned and hurriedly reacted and put away his irritability.

    "Are you alright?" The designer was worried.

    Joseph put his hand on his forehead and motioned that they should continue.

    He tried to concentrate on his work and, over and over again, pressed down Irish''s vivid voice that reverberated in his ears, saying, "Joseph, don''t go away." A terrible feeling that left him at a loss, which made him uneasy.

    The phone on the desk was ringing. He nced at it, and it was Irish. His heart shrank for a moment, hesitated for a while, and refused to answer it.

    What was he afraid of?

    Afraid that she would defend that useless dignity, and then told him, "I think twice, and I will leave you."

    By that time, he wasn''t confident enough. While sleeping, he heard her saying clearly before him, "Joseph, don''t go away."

    The cell phone rang again.

    Joseph was more and more upset and again refused to answer it.

    He was afraid of himself, and as long as he heard her voice, he would not hesitate to apany her back to New York.

    Human impulse was terrible, and he had seeded in resisting the impulse to listen to other people before. But when he met Irish, it seemedmon for him to lose control. It was too bad.

    This time, he really wanted to bet.

    For this kind of repeated emotion, there must be an end.

    He admitted that he felt pity for her, but it would not mean that she would always be indulged.

    "Are you too tired? Would you like to take a break?" A sudden rmendation afloat as the master embroiderer looked at him.

    They all faced Joseph, and it was natural for them to see how serious the redness was in his eyes.

    Joseph waved his hand and apologized to everyone again. This time, he put all his thoughts into the work discussion.

    But it didn''tst long.

    Just when he finally could concentrate on the work, he heard the conference room door being pushed open.

    It surprised everyone in the conference room.

    One after another looked back.

    Joseph also looked up, and his eyes fell on the panting woman, and there was a slight concussion, but he soon returned to calmness.

 Chapter 830 830: You Can’t Marry Rosy

    The elevator in the morning had always been busy, and the hotel was no exception. However, at this time, the hotel guests took the elevator downstairs for breakfast, so Irish did not wait for the elevator and directly ran to the 17th floor by the stairs.

    It was just that when she opened the conference room door, she did not expect so many people to sit there, except for an old man dressed in traditional style, and all the others were dressed in suits.

    However, her words could not be stopped the moment after pushing the door.

    "Joseph, I don''t want you to marry Rosy!"

    The sound was loud, and the word was clear.

    Everyone in the conference room looked at each other.

    What they saw was a woman in a sleeping dress who had just pushed the door in. Her eyes are red and swollen, her face is pale, her shawl draped at her shoulders, and she is barefoot.

    If they had not seen Irish, they would have mistaken her for a crazy woman that was making trouble.

    But what did she mean?

    When they looked at each other, something that surprised them even more happened.

    Joseph got up and went to her; his face was very calm.

    They held their breath, and although they were here just his business partners, they also found that he was a difficult person to serve at work, especially since he did not like to be disturbed.

    At such an important meeting, this woman broke in with disheveled clothes, and any man would feel embarrassed, not to mention Joseph. It was possible for him to get angry.

    The embroidery shop owner also remembered the woman at the door then. Joseph had brought her to his shop. He remembered it very well. First, looking at her, the woman was really beautiful, and her face would be unforgettable at a nce. Second, the woman was waiting for Joseph. He felt she could let a workaholic man stop his work momentarily. It could be seen that she upied a very heavy position in his heart. Third, he recalled the white orchid screen. This little woman seemed to like it, but she didn''t buy it then. He thought it was just an episode, but soon Joseph ordered the screen and asked him to embroider a line of words on it.

    He still remembered that line. ''It was not toote to meet you. Because it was too beautiful to forget.''

    That was why the owner started worrying about the little woman in front of him. She broke in, and she seemed to be spoiled by the man.

    Irish standing at the door, and have no way to look at all of them.

    She watched him rise and pace towards her.

    The strong figure obscured those eyes that were curious or worried.

    Joseph looked at her with no clear expressions. He was not angry, and he also didn''t drive her out but just asked, "Who should I marry?"

    Irish cried before him.

    Her tears just fell down like transparent beads, making her view dim.

    She spoke with a choke, "I want you to marry me."

    All the people in the meeting room were surprised.

    Joseph didn''t appear to be emotional but just looked at her feet. He frowned, "Can you just change your habit of finding me with naked feet?"

    Irish lowered her head and looked at her feet. Her tears fell on her feet.

    She was just as embarrassed as she was in Hongkong.

    At the next moment, she was suddenly held up by Joseph.

    The moment when she was attached to his bosom, Irish couldn''t help holding his neck tightly.

    "Let''s stop here. Proceed with the design as we have discussed and keep in contact." Joseph turned around and said that with Irish in his bosom.

    Irish just listened to his words. She was buried deep into his bosom, feeling his strong heart beating.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Irish didn''t know how she came back to the room.

    She could only remember that she was totally exhausted when she said, "I want you to marry me."

    She passed out. She was totally like a mollusk, and she even had no strength to lift up her hands.

    Joseph held her into the elevator.

    During that period, someone came in. They all looked shocked.

    She only remembered her face buried into his bosom, feeling Joseph''s hands wrapping tighter. Coming back to the room, Joseph put her on the sofa.

    Looking at the suitcase with scattering clothes on the floor, Joseph just sighed helplessly and began to pack the clothes for her.

    Irish didn''t know what he was thinking about. Seeing him silent, she felt stressed.

    Joseph didn''t pay attention to her, he was just busy packing and walking around her repeatedly.

    Finally, he walked to her, pinched her chin, and frowned, "You didn''t wash your face?"

    Irish nodded lightly.

    He released his hands, walked to the bathroom, and came out with a wet towel, wiping her face.

    It was so cold.

    However, it could ease the pain in her eyes.

    As the towel was taken away, Irish wanted to hold him, but she could only touch his clothes.

    She saw him take out the clothes she usually wore, just put them aside and lift up the suitcase. Irish''s heart was sour.

    She was nestled into the corner of the sofa, like a child waiting for her parents to save her. Looking at Joseph''s back, she murmured after a great while, "Joseph. You... You can''t just marry Rosy."

    She was still worried about that.

    "Did you brush your teeth?" Joseph didn''t pay attention to her question and asked about another topic instead.

    Irish smacked her lips. She didn''t brush her teeth, but she didn''t care. "Joseph, you can''t marry Rosy." She said shortly.

    "Take a shower."

    Irish pinched her palm with her fingers, "So would you like to go with me?"

    "Shut up. Take a shower."

    Seeing him closing his mouth with a serious expression, she could only listen to him and take a shower.

    She didn''t know whether her decision waste or not. She was only afraid that he kept so silent just because he decided to marry Rosy.

    After Irish entered the bathroom, Joseph was finally relieved.

    Actually, when she barged into the meeting room and ran to tell him that she didn''t want him to marry Rosy, Joseph was already relieved.

    All his stress, anxiety, and nervousness disappeared.

    Actually, he didn''t know why he had just said something about Rosy. Maybe it was because he found out that Irish was not so kind to Rosy. He was so afraid of thinking that if Irish really chose to leave him, would he marry Rosyter?

 Chapter 831 831: Do Not Stop Me

    Could he refuse to find her and never mind whether she was in good condition or not?

    Even one day, when he knew that she would marry someone, would he note to destroy it?

    It was a gambling without any other routes of retreat.

    Luckily, he won.

    As Irish finished her shower, she found that Joseph had also taken a shower and got changed into clean clothes. Although he seemed to be tired still, he looked in high spirits after shaving his mustache.

    The suitcases were also packed.

    Her suitcase and his suitcase were all packed.

    Her heart beat quickly.

    She turned around to look at the table. His wallet and phone were also packed. So that meant.

    So that meant that he would go with her?

    "Why are you still there? Change your clothes. We have no time, and we can only have breakfast in the car." Joseph spat out.

    Irish took a nce at him and changed her clothes

    Looking at her back, Joseph became soft.

    After a while, she came out and held her pajamas, murmuring, "This should also be put into the suitcase."

    Joseph extended his hands to her.

    She passed the pajama to him, and he just took over and got it folded, putting it into his suitcase.

    His action totally moved Irish.

    They drove to Suzhou.

    This time there were no other colleagues except for Daisy.

    Joseph was in the same car with Irish while Daisy sat in the copilot seat.

    The expensive diamond was arranged at a private ce and designed delicately.

    Just in this way, they started their journey without any burden.

    There were no guards beside them.

    Irish ate something simple in the car while the man beside her remained silent. She couldn''t get his thoughts, but his behavior made her less nervous.

    The ne was still there. It seemed that it had waited for them for a long time.

    They all got on the ne. When the ne took off, Irish was suddenly stressed.

    Joseph held her cold fingers and held her over, murmuring, "Just take a nap."

    Irish leaned herself on his bosom softly.

    His clean smellforted her, and his low and soft voice drove the soaring anxiety and nervousness away in a mysterious way.

    Maybe she was tired, so she soon fell asleep when her face was attached to his bosom.

    And then she was deeply asleep.

    ****

    When Shirley came to Ruby''s home to send something for her, Ruby was not there, while only Emery was left. As she opened the door, they both got embarrassed.

    Ruby hadn''t appeared in front of the Lakes since she moved out. At usual times she hardly visited Shirley and just called her.

    When Shirley mentioned her rtionship with Emery, Ruby would hang up immediately.

    Ruby didn''t attend Roy''s wedding, either. Actually, everyone could get the reason.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Ruby''s affair was known to everybody. As the chairman, Roy''s wedding was also a banquet for businessmen, so it would not be so appropriate for Roby to appear.

    Ruby considered it, and Shirley could understand it.

    Shirley was worried about Ruby since she was her daughter. She couldn''t stand that her daughter would live so awkwardly.

    Just on this day, she came to Ruby''s house with the excuse of sending something to her. Actually, she wanted to have a good talk with them. As she intended to go, Kelly wanted to talk about the issue of the old house of the Lakes. Originally, she wanted to talk about this issue at Roy''s wedding with Irish, but Irish was cold and said that she only wanted to rent it out.

    William disagreed with Irish''s idea, while Kelly meant to buy the house from Irish, so she was here to discuss it with Shirley.

    She got from Shirley that she nned to meet Ruby. Seeing her serious expression, Kelly was afraid that they would have a quarrel, so she just came there with her.

    As Emery opened the door for her, she still wore her pajamas. This scene made Shirley unhappy and angry, so she just pushed Emery away and came in.

    Kelly also followed.

    Emery got frightened and followed Shirley immediately.

    It was a duplex house. It could be seen that the design took a lot of time and money.

    It was Shirley''s first timeing here. Before, she wanted to visit here, but she felt unsatisfied with Emery. Looking around the house, Shirley went to the second floor.

    Emery was anxious, so she just rushed into her front, "Ruby is not here. She has gone to the supermarket."

    Shirley looked at her, doubtful and regretful, "Do not appear in front of me. You know what? You are really a disappointment."

    Emery felt wronged.

    Shirley intended to go upstairs, but Emery stopped her again, "Please."

    "Do not stop me." She pushed Emery away and went upstairs.

    Emery was anxious.

    Shirley entered the bedroom, and just within one minute, she screamed. Emery felt sorry that Shirley just went upstairs immediately, while Kelly didn''t know what had happened, so she also followed.

    Everything in the bedroom was so clear.

    There was arge bed, light purple. The things put on the head of the bed were disgusting.

    Shirley hadn''t seen these things before, but she also knew that they were all sex toys.

    Kelly hadn''t realized that their bedroom would be like this, and she also thought of their rtionship, she suddenly felt ufortable.

    Shirley was totally mad. She felt so embarrassed to see these things.

    "You. You." She pointed at Emery angrily with her fingers trembling.

    "Sorry, we...." Emery didn''t know how to exin. They were nothing if they were put in the room of a couple. However, her rtionship with Emery was not so good and eptable.

    She couldn''t exin, and she didn''t know how to exin, either.

    "Son of a bitch!" Shirley was angry, so she just pped her.

    Emery''s face got swollen immediately.

    Kelly was frightened and pulled Shirley quickly.

    Shirley waspletely annoyed. She began to point at Emery and scold her, "You made it! How dare you? Don''t you feel ashamed?"

    Emery covered her face with tears, "Aunt Shirley..."

    "Aunt? Shut up!" Shirley couldn''te forward with Kelly pulling her, and she could only roar to Emery, "Please just go away! You know what, Ruby gave out 2% of her share because of you. You brought bad luck to the whole Lake family!"

    Emery cried sadly, and she dared not resist anymore.

    Kelly persuaded Shirley, "Okay. Don''t you feel ashamed toe here and argue with her?"

 Chapter 832 832: I Can’t Believe It

    "Feel ashamed?" Why do I need to feel ashamed?" This one should feel ashamed. Not me!" Shirley cried and scolded Emery, "Why did you choose my daughter? If Ruby hadn''t met you, she must have had a happy life. How about now? She dares not to show up nore back to her home. She hadn''t even taken part in her brother''s wedding!"

    "I��"

    "I have enough of you! I would havee to find you earlier if Ruby''s brother''s wedding hadn''t urred. Now the wedding has finished, so I am afraid of nothing! You suck!" Shirley was just in her fury that her eyes were like two bells, and she even wanted to kill Emery.

    "Just give it an end today. Please leave Ruby immediately, and you are not allowed to interrupt her anymore."

    Emery cried and shook her head, "No! I can''t leave Ruby."

    Shirley was so angry after hearing her answer.

    "I...I really love Ruby. Please, please do not let me leave her. I will die without her." Emery cried, looking pitiful.

    Shirley even wanted to vomit when she heard it.

    Do you love her? Don''t you feel ashamed when you say that? Do you love her that way and let her be med andughed at by others? You love her, and you make her homeless? Is that love? I think you are trying to avenge her!" Shirley just scolded Emery heavily.

    "I warn you to leave Ruby immediately! Before, I didn''t pay attention to your rtionship, but it doesn''t mean that I can ept it. If you don''t leave, I will not be polite to you anymore."

    Emery cried.

    "Okay, Okay. Just stop. You can''t only me Emery." Kelly came forward, stopping her sister.

    "What do you mean? Are you trying to say that it is me who urges Ruby to be with her?"

    Kelly felt a sudden headache, "I mean, you need to have a good talk with Ruby. It will make no sense to argue here."

    Shirley stared at Emery, "I will nevere here again! When Rubyes back, tell her toe back to me!"

    Emery sobbed.

    Shirley couldn''t stand seeing her crying, so she just turned to leave angrily.

    Kelly didn''t follow her, instead, she came to Emery and said lightly, "Don''t cry. Just let Rubye back to the Lake house. It''s better to work it out."

    There were still tears in her eyes. Emery just raised her tearful eyes to look at Kelly.

    Kelly smiled lightly and said in a low voice. "Emery, you can''t just hate Shirley. Ruby did give up 2% of the share for you, and now you can see the difficult situation of the Lakes. Inside and outside surroundings were filled with wild wolves. It is even possible for Ruby to be exploited again."

    Emery looked at her, "What do you mean?"

    Kellyughed more happily, but she still kept a peaceful voice, "Ruby can do anything for you, and it seems that you can also be like this. If one wants another not to begged by her, she can only make it by death."

    Emery was shocked.

    Kelly took a nce at her. She didn''t say anything more and just turned around to leave.

    Emery copsed.

    ****

    As Irish got off the ne, she rushed out so quickly that she even forgot to take her luggage.

    Joseph knew that she was anxious, so he just helped with her luggage after confirming that the car had just arrived at the airport. In the car, Irish felt nervous, looking at the buildings outside the window.

    Joseph sat beside her and clenched her hands.

    "Don''t worry. We are near."

    He just clenched Irish''s hands, and he seemed to send soothing warmth to calm her down.

    She felt a little morefortable.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    The car was heading into the hospital.

    As she got off, she was so frightened to see the hospital''s name that she nearly sat on the floor.

    Joseph held her soft body steadily.

    The hospital was even famous throughout the whole United States, gathering many famous experts and doctors. However, Irish thought that she didn''t want to step in here for the rest of her life. Cancer is a popr illness in this hospital.

    However, her uncle, who raised her up, stays here for a time as one of the patients.

    Walking forward, she was supported by Joseph''s strength. As she stepped into the elevator, everything in Irish''s mind was her uncle''s look, her aunt''s look, and even Jay''s look.

    They soon came to the Pneumology Department, and they heard coughing from every ward. Irish got anxious, and as she was to step into the ward, she was pulled by Joseph immediately.

    She turned around.

    Joseph passed on a mask to her, "Take it."

    Irish nodded, her hands trembled, and it was so hard for her to take it.

    "Irish, do not be like that. Your uncle doesn''t know his illness yet, and he will be doubtful if you behave anxiously." Josephforted her calmly and put the mask on for her.

    His smell was just like a life-saving straw. Irish couldn''t help clenching his clothes and just said helplessly. "I''m so afraid."

    Joseph didn''t want to pressure her anymore and just held her hands, saying with a low voice, "Do not be afraid. I am here for you."

    It was a great motivation for Irish.

    In the corridor, there was a strong smell of liquid medicine and even patients shouting.

    Irish almost cried while walking gradually.

    Knowing that her uncle was arranged to a separate ward, she just walked along the corridor and finally went to the end.

    As she was at the door of the ward, she heard her uncle singing songs, and some even cheered for him.

    She was amazed, and she even stopped her action from opening the door.

    Her uncle was singing a folk song with a loud voice, which was no different from the scene when he was at home. Irish was surprised, and just then, her uncle began coughing, and then the following tunes were notplete again.

    Her aunt said anxiously, "Stop! Stop! Have a rest, okay?"

    "I can''t believe it. I am good at it." Her uncle sounded anxious and began to sing it again.

    Standing outside of the ward, Irish felt pain.

    Joseph, holding her all the time, said in a low voice, "Go on."

    She took a deep breath and tried her best to resist her sadness.

    She pushed the door and came in.

    "Uncle," Irish shouted.

    "Wow, you two came! Wee." When her uncle saw theming in, he was immediately excited. He signed to let them sit, and then he just said, "No, Joseph, please take Irish back home."

    Irish felt nervous and walked forward, "Why do you want to drive me out?"

    "This is the Pneumology Department and was filled with bacteria. Go back home quickly!" Steven frowned.

    Irish was annoyed, and she took off her mask. "Let me stay here to apany you!"

 Chapter 833 833: It’s My Fault

    Steven felt helpless, "Okay, just let it be."

    "Uncle." Joseph walked forward and sat beside Irish, holding her arm, "Just let her be here for a while."

    Mary hastily said, "Yes, she will not stay longer at home if you drive her away so soon."

    Steven rolled his eyes, and finally, he made apromise, "Okay. You are spoiled by Joseph, I guess I can''t stop you."

    Irish was lost for words.

    "Why are your eyes so red? You cried?" Steven looked into Irish''s eyes.

    Irish immediately moved her eyes away. "No, I just had a bad sleepst night."

    Steven''s eyes flew to Joseph, sighing, "Joseph. Is that because you only care about your work?"

    "I will not do it again," Joseph promised lightly. "I will take care of Irish in the future."

    Irish looked at Joseph subconsciously.

    Mary took a nce at them and then picked up a fruit, "Irish, have you eaten something?"

    Irish nodded.

    Looking at Steven, Irish pulled his hands, "I only hope that you cane out here soon."

    Steven smiled, "It is all because of the air. I hardly have a cold. That day I had a bad cold, and then I began coughing. Before, I thought that it was a simple cold, and when your aunt was unsure, she took me to the hospital near our home, but nothing was clear. She then brought me to this famous hospital. I wondered whether I had a bad illness, which the doctor didn''t want to tell me, so I just got an examination. It turned out to be tuberculosis."

    Irish can''t bear to look into her Uncle Steven''s eyes. If possible, she also wanted it to be just tuberculosis.

    It seemed that her aunt hid the truth; otherwise, Steven would not be in a good mood to sing songs.

    "Do not have such a thought. Tuberculosis is easy to deal with." She tried her best to squeeze a smile andfort him.

    "I have been here for several days, and these days, the doctor just gave me some medicine to diminish inmmation. I still don''t feel well." Stevenined.

    Mary said, "Do you think it is just a cold? Even a cold needs some time for treatment, and actually, yours is tuberculosis, for which treatment time is needed."

    "You just want to make me embarrassed." Steven smiled and then looked at Joseph, "The doctor you sent came here and made me assured that I have no need to worry about. Really thank you for your support and arrangement."

    Irish lowered her head. Looking at Joseph''s hands, she felt touched. It must be he who ordered the doctor. She had to admit that she really needed his strong support, so she just pulled his hands and interlocked her fingers with him.

    Joseph smiled lightly, "Irish and I are getting married soon, and we are family. It''s my pleasure to do these for you."

    Irish''s heart was beating quickly.

    Mary and Steven got excited again, "What? Getting married?"

    Irish bit her lips and looked at Joseph. On the way, she was anxious, and just at this moment, she got calm and relieved. He wouldn''t marry Rosy, right?<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Mary turned Irish''s face to her. "Are you really getting married?"

    Irish didn''t know how to answer.

    Joseph looked at her, smiling.

    She observed Joseph''s look, and she just nodded lightly.

    Steven was so happy to hear the news that heughed loudly, "Great! It seems that my illness has brought good luck to you. I will not feel bad even if I have had some incurable illness."

    "Uncle. Stop saying that. It''s unfair to you." Irish got anxious.

    Mary patted Steven''s shoulder, "See, stop saying that."

    "Well, it''s my fault. It''s my fault," Steven said with a big smile. But suddenly, he coughed heavily since his breath came in short gasps. Seeing this, Irish hastily took some water for him while Steven then took a sip and asked, "Now I am looking forward to attending your wedding. Have you set a date for your wedding?"

    Irish trembled as she heard this since she suddenly realized that she had never discussed the wedding date with Joseph. Everything happened so quickly.

    Irish turned to Joseph, who still remained calm. "The twelfth of this month," Joseph responded calmly.

    Shocked, Irish looked at him in astonishment because the wedding wasing soon, in a few days.

    Steven was also startled but then smiled and said, "In this month? It ising soon. It seems that there is not too much time for you to prepare. It is time-consuming to have a decent wedding."

    Stunned, Irish could not utter a single word because she had just learned that Joseph had set a date for their wedding this month, which meant that she would marry him a few dayster.

    "Indeed, I have discussed this with Irish before, but some emergency dyed the wedding at that time. We decided to get married on the twelfth of this month during our trip. For me, it is the right time to hold our wedding, or I am afraid that it would be dyed again to next year because I am always busy with my work for the nexting half year," Joseph smoothly exined.

    Mary patted Steven and then said, "Yes, it sounds reasonable. That is a good day too."

    Steven grinned and then responded, "Mary, don''te here frequently these days. Go and help them to prepare for the wedding. I am fine. I will take care of myself."

    "Uncle, don''t say that. You must take good care of yourself, and Aunt Mary must be with you. My wedding ising soon. I hope you wille to my wedding in good health."

    "Irish, don''t worry. I just have a cough. I will get better soon," Steven smiled.

    After hearing this, Joseph started to persuade him, "Uncle Steven and Aunt Mary, I will take care of everything. Don''t worry about our wedding. I can hire people to do the task. I think it is better for Aunt Mary to stay here and care for you." Joseph said while turning to Steven.

    Steven burst out into his joyousughter and felt relieved by Joseph''s words.

    After a small pause, Joseph then continued, "But Aunt Mary, I still need to ask you something. I am unfamiliar with wedding traditions, such as the betrothal presents. I know little about it because my parents died earlier, and no one teaches me about it."

    Irish felt sad when she heard this because she knew that Joseph had lost his parents as a child. And he rarely mentioned his parents before others.

    Mary patted him and then said, "Joseph, there is nothing to worry about. We don''t care about that as long as you take care of Irish."

    "But I care. I have to follow up the tradition," Joseph insisted while holding Irish into his arms.

 Chapter 834 834: Do You Think Our Wedding Is Too Hasty?

    Mary walked them out of the inpatient building. They could see many patients taking a walk in the garden of the hospital while others were basking in the sun in a wheelchair. They all looked pale and were in blues. Irish could feel the smell of death when she passed by.

    Irish stopped Mary and gave her a hug. The doctor told them to wait and observe Steven''s condition.

    Mary looked up at Joseph, who stayed calm. A momentter, she then said, "The doctor said that perhaps Steven could ept an operation. But Joseph invited some famous experts to have a consultation. But they all thought that Steven had lost the chance to ept the operation since the cancer cell was transferred into another lung. The only way was to ept chemotherapy as well as some traditional Chinese treatment. However, the expert also told them that it was impossible for him to heal up. They could only try to reduce his pain." Mary wiped her tears as she said.

    Irish also suffered from grievance as she heard this, and she felt it hard to breathe.

    "Isn''t there any way to save my uncle''s life?" asked Irish in a shaky voice.

    For a long time, Irish pinned her hope on Joseph because she thought Joseph was equal to anything. But she was clear that she just wanted to find a spiritual bast.

    Staring at her pale face, Joseph held her in his arms silently.

    Irish felt dizzy and then asked in a husky voice, "We could invite the world''s best experts to treat him."

    Mary was shocked and kept silent while Joseph held her face gently. "Irish, I have faxed the pathological report to those experts all over the world. But the diagnosis is the same."

    After hearing this, Irish just felt her head buzzing.

    "Irish, Jay, and I don''t want him to suffer more. I have seen those patients who epted chemotherapy in the hospital. They all looked in so much pain. Now, your Uncle is still unaware of his condition, so he is in a good state of mind. But if he is taken to the chemotherapy room, then he must get to know what happened. And at that time, if he couldn''t remain in a good mental state, it would get worse, and he could only lead a life of unmitigated misery," said Mary.

    Irish felt chilly and trembled slightly.

    After a small pause, she then added, "There is a Department of Medical Research in the college where I teach. And I remember that the doctors are specialized in cellr transntation."

    Joseph stared at her for a while and felt sorry for her since he understood that Irish must be anguished.

    "Irish," Joseph called her name softly.

    "Irish, I also heard that. But this technology couldn''t apply to all cryotherapy, such as lung cancer," Mary added anxiously.

    Joseph heaved a sigh and then said softly. "Irish, Trust me. I would like to do anything to help our Uncle."

    Irish said nothing but nodded slightly.

    "Now, you have set your wedding day. That is a big issue for your Uncle. He has been looking forward to attending your wedding for a long time," Mary continued.

    "Irish, everything will get better. Don''t worry," persuaded Joseph.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Irish insisted on picking up some clothes for her Aunt Mary the next day. Joseph followed her suggestion and drove her back to Mary''s house.

    They remained silent in the car, with light music ying.

    Sitting in the copilot position, Irish looked outside, but Joseph drove slowly because of the bad road condition. However, Irish waspletely absorbed in her thoughts. She recalled the days she had spent with her Uncle and aunt. And she also remembered her Uncle Steven telling her not to be frightened when her mother died. He said that he would protect her. It also reminded Irish of the scene when Irish told her Uncle Steven that she had applied for a foreign college and was enrolled sessfully. Although Uncle Steven was worried about Irish, who needed to stay abroad alone, he was happy to hear that news. But now her Uncle still was seriously ill.

    Irish was in so much pain, but she could do nothing. Irish began to worry that she would be unable to smile on the wedding day. The car stopped slowly since it was a red light ahead.

    Joseph turned to Irish, who still leaned against the window. It tugged at his heartstrings. Reaching out, Joseph held her shoulders. It was not until then Irish withdrew from her thoughts and looked into his eyes.

    "Irish, there is nothing that could not go through in this world. The most important thing for you right now is to take a good rest tonight because you look so terrible. Do you understand?" Joseph reminded her.

    Taking a deep breath, Irish nodded slightly, although she was clear that perhaps she was unable to get sleep tonight. Joseph rubbed her hair and then kept driving.

    Irish didn''t move her eyes this time but stared at his hands on the steering wheel. His hands were broad and warm, bringing her hope and courage.

    Irish remembered the wedding that wasing soon a few dayster and recalled the delicate rtionship between people.

    Although Irish and Joseph almost broke up with each other just a few days ago, they decided to get married now. It was her destiny to get to know Joseph.

    From the moment when she ran into his arms that night in the bar, God had arranged their destiny to get to know each other.

    And then they fell in love with each other. However, they quarreled over and over again because of their personality differences and different standards of conduct.

    Irish thought that she had lost the chance to be with each other, but indeed she thought that he loved her. The man was different from the woman. Irish couldn''t figure out what he was thinking, but she knew what she wanted. Although Irish dared not to cling to his love for her, she was unable to part with him.

    It was not until when Joseph told her that he was going to get married to Rosy, Irish then realized no matter how sad she was, she enjoyed his care greedily. So she couldn''t bear Joseph to marry another woman. And Irish even thought that no one deserved his love since she couldn''t be with him.

    However, Irish didn''t expect things to change so fast.

    Joseph was also aware she was looking at him. "What are you looking for?" Joseph inquired with a soft smile.

    Irish came back to reality, her mouth opened slightly. Hesitated, Irish finally asked, "Do you think our wedding is too hasty?"

    The wedding was only a week away.

 Chapter 835 835: You Beat A Woman?

    ?

    Irish didn''t know why he selected this day to hold their wedding. "Aunt Mary is right. Now that we have decided to get married, then it makes no difference which day to hold the wedding," Joseph''s soft voice came.

    "But Aunt said that after you told her the wedding date," Irish responded anxiously.

    Joseph was amused by Irish''s reaction and then continued, "Irish, I also want to get married as soon as possible." He said and then glimpsed at her, adding, "Although it is a little bit hasty. It is the weekend, and it is convenient, so don''t worry. I will prepare everything. Just do what you ought to do. Leave all these to me. I can handle it."

    After hearing this, Irish pouted her mouth and said, "But I can''t just sit back and leave all these to you."

    Joseph kept silent for a while since he knew what she was worried about. "Don''t think too much. Let nature take its course,"forted Joseph.

    Irish could not tell if he referred to what happened to her Uncle Steven or if he referred to their marriage.

    "Then what do I need to do?" She asked. She still thought she had to do something for their wedding.

    However, after she finished her sentence, Joseph held her hands and kissed them gently with a smile. "Yes, there are two things that need your help. You have to think about who we must invite to attend our wedding, and you can give me a list. And I will inform them and send them an invitation card."

    Irish was tickled by his beard, so she withdrew her hand and mumbled, "You look like my boss right now."

    "Don''t be narrow-minded," joked Joseph.

    "I am not," Irish pouted her lips while rolling her eyes at him. "Well, what about the second thing?" she continued.

    The road ahead was now cleared, and Joseph began to speed up, and the buildings on both sides passed quickly.

    "The second thing is even easier. Just love me all your life."

    Irish''s heart quickly lifted with speed. She moved her eyesight away and said, "I didn''t marry you because I loved you. If it hadn''t been for my Uncle''s illness, I wouldn''t have married you."

    People always do something outrageous at the most urgent moment.

    Yesterday morning, for example, she rushed into the conference room barefoot and told him not to marry Rosy.

    It was a humiliating scene. There were others in the conference room who must have thought she was proposing to him.

    The man in front of her, well, made her more embarrassed. And she thought that if she said so, he would be happy or have other more intense behavior. At the same time, his mood was the same as his behavior, calm and steady, as if he had already expected it.

    She hated his calmness!

    Now that she had lost her face, why couldn''t she win him verbally?

    When he heard that, he was not angry but gave her a knock on the head, which made her cry. Then she hit him with a loudint. "You beat a woman?!"

    Joseph couldn''t help but smile and said, "Is that a big shame for you to marry me? Ever since you proposed to me, you have been angry right?"

    "Joseph!" Irish widened her eyes and said, "Who proposed to you?"

    "Yesterday morning, you, in front of everyone in the conference room." Joseph''s tone was rxed.

    Irish was in a hurry to save herself. "That''s not a proposal, never!"

    "Oh? What is it then if it''s not a proposal?" Joseph winked at her.

    Irish''s face was blushing, and she even felt like she was proposing, so she couldn''t me others for misunderstanding her act. Licking her lips, she gnashed her teeth and said, "I''m not getting married because I love you. It''s not because of love." She pouted like a child.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Joseph, however, rarely had a good temper and nodded. "Okay, I get it."

    "You knew it already? I don''t love you, is it okay with you?"

    Joseph raised his lips, "It is the first time in my life that a woman has proposed to me, and the sense of achievement was overwhelming."

    Irish blushed, and the next moment she beat him.

    He couldn''t get out of his way, and he could just make room for her to hold her in. "Little girl, I''m driving. Are you going to murder your husband?"

    Irish stopped moving, and her heart thumped and let him hold her intimately.

    Seeing her silence, Joseph clenched her hand.

    "Are you in a better mood now?" He asked.

    Only then did Irish understand his good intentions, and her nose was sour?

    On the way to her Aunt''s house, Joseph''s cell phone kept ringing. At first, he did not answer, then one after another rang, and he had no option but to pick up the call.

    Irish told him to return to work first, and he was a little worried about her, but because of his busy work schedule, he had to go and told her that she should get a good night''s sleep, and he woulde to her as soon as he finished his work.

    Knowing that the fall season''s new product was imminent, Irish nodded and asked him not to be distracted by her.

    Joseph drove away. Irish entered the door, and the room was very quiet. No longer did his Uncle sing a song, and his Aunt spoke in a loud voice and let him stop for a while. The often lively home suddenly became cold, which really made Irish sad.

    Jay called her and chatted briefly. He said he''d be in the hospital that night and advised her to rx. She was relieved, but at the same time, she was afraid that Jay''s behavior would lead to her Uncle''s doubt. Jay suddenly noticed her reluctance, he hastily assured her, "Things will be alright. My dad likes being surrounded by people. I''ll y chess with him."

    There was a burst of tension in Irish''s heart.

    Yes, Uncle, that man had always been lively. She sadly thought.

    Usually, in the martial arts hall, he pretended to be serious, but when at home, he was like an old child. The more ferocious her Aunt was to him, the more he giggled.

    She took a simple shower, took two changed clothes for her Aunt, and packed the bag before she felt that she was out of strength.

    In the early days of May, it was cloudy and sunny.

    Outside the window, there was a spring, but she did not know whether, in the next second, it would change the temperature.

    It was simr to her. Thest second, she was happy, the next second, she was sad.

    Although Irish was tired, her brain was abnormally clear. She couldn''t sleep, and when she closed her eyes, she was afraid. The mobile phone was in her pocket, and she was afraid of the phone call from the hospital.

    The setting sun was dragging its tail, a little sinking in the sky.

    Thest light converged, leaving only a near-red shadow.

    Someone knocked at the door.

 Chapter 836 836: Why Are You Stealing My Birth Certificate?

    ?

    Irish was a little frightened, and she got up to open the door and found that it was Daisy.

    "Mr. Dover told me to deliver you a meal." Daisy shook the box in her hand, exquisite and very delicate. It was takeout, but she had thought she hade to visit her with two boxes of gifts.

    "He was afraid that you would lose your appetite and specially ordered for you in the Neo-ssic restaurant," Daisy added When she entered the room.

    Irish looked at the beautifully packed box and sighed gently. "The arrangement is too extravagant."

    She knew the Neo-ssic restaurant and had the privilege of going to it once. The word "Privilege" was used because the restaurant was only allowing people to enter after a special booking process, and nine out of ten diners at the restaurant were diplomats or multinational executives, and ordinary people may not have heard of it. The location of the restaurant was not too far from her uncle''s house.

    Even if someone gets to the door, they can''t see any signs, and there are 1940s cars parked in front of the door all year round. When she entered the courtyard once, she noticed all the people who came were full of a strong political atmosphere.

    Listening to the dinners, the sofas were from Lincoln''s house, and the sofas were very old. At that time, the waiter had told her that many politically influential people had all sat in that position.

    The Neo-ssic meant NEW capitalist, and the status of the chef should not be underestimated. They were the chefs of the former dignitaries. Their taste varied from person to person, but Irish thought it was not bad.

    She naturally understood the truth that good American food was often hidden in unknown ces. But the restaurant only epted credit cards because the price was high.

    The dishes were put neatly by Daisy. Irish did not know how Joseph did it without reservation, and it was not difficult for him to do so. She asked Daisy to sit down and eat together with her, but Daisy shook her head and said, "I still have to go back to thepany. I have a meeting to attend."

    Irish felt sorry, but Daisy smiled and said nothing,forted, and quickly left.

    The phone was shaking in her pocket at the time of the meal.

    Irish took out a look, and it was a message from Joseph. "Do you have a meal"

    She assumed he was at the meeting by this time, and it wasn''t convenient for him to call her. He has spared time to ask her.

    Irish felt warm, wanting to send back a message to him, but she withdrew her attempt; instead, she sent a voice message to him, "I''m eating, it''s very delicious."

    And then she received a message from, "That''s good to hear from you."

    Irish looked at these words, and her eyes were tearful.

    At night, Irishy on the bed, dumbfounded, looking at the heamp for a long time.

    The silence inside the room was greater than that in Midtown Manhattan.

    It was so quiet that she panicked. She looked at her cell phone, thinking that Joseph should still be at thepany. She looked at the screen, but there were only previous text messages and no more news. She felt a little lost and helpless for a while.

    She''d like to call him and tell him, ''Mr. Dover, will youe back with me? I''m in a panic.''

    But she resisted.

    Until that time, he hadn''te back. She was afraid he was in a lot of trouble.

    Depressed, she took a diary from the satchel. It was left by Henry Lake.

    She opened it and looked at the powerful handwriting, reminiscing about what he looked like when he wrote these words. The cruelest thing in the world was being alone.

    Those who love each other are separated from each other, and the nostalgia of words has be the most painful punishment.

    Irish turned to thest few pages, and on the pages, the feeling expressed by Henry was pleasant: Rachael is still so beautiful as I first saw her. I know she forgave me, so every night, shees to my dream. Oh, no, it''s more like a reality. As long as I open my eyes, I can see her sitting beside me, smiling at me. I''ve put her in my arms, and she''s in my chest, and her long hair, like satin, clean and soft. My breath was her faint scent, and she said to me, "Henry, we can always be together." The woman I love, please wait for me.

    Irish looked at it with sadness and closed the diary. She realized that hate-filled someone''s heart when they were betrayed, and they loved that person seriously, and an unreleased feeling of expectation added more pain. She once hated Henry, but when the night was quiet, only she knew exactly how much she wanted her father''s love.

    The time he had gone, who could rece her pain of losing a loved one?<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    She thought of her uncle.

    In fact, her uncle was the only person she had. He seemed to be happy and easygoing, but anyone could see that he was such a rough man, but he always put her Aunt first in his mind. Not as much as any other man, he did not say vengeance in the face of her father''s betrayal, and he always was honest and a good husband to her Aunt. She read the clearest truth from her uncle, simplicity is a blessing.

    But such a good man, why would he suffer such a thing?

    She began not to believe in the cycle of heaven. If there was a God, why not those who were evil suffer?

    She cried as painful emotions filled her head.

    ****

    After being extremely tired, she could only rest.

    Irish slept soundly.

    She almost had no dream, and she was too tired.

    She felt itchy on her forehead like someone was kissing her.

    She took her hand to scratch the itching forehead, and she murmured and turned over.

    Someone made a lightugh sound, and she heard it.

    Then, the kiss, along the bridge of her nose, gently fell on her lips.

    The feeling of being disturbed was bad, and the sleeping Irish turned over again as a protest.

    But the man''s big hand caressed her patiently, and he said in a pleasant voice. "Where''s your original birth certificate?"

    Original birth certificate?

    Irish''s sleeping mind was foggy, she hummed and ignored his words.

    "Irish..." A deep voice was calling her.

    She opened her eyes, but half-asleep, her pupils were still blurred.

    "Where''s your original birth certificate?" The man smiled lightly.

    "Cab." She said casually and fell asleep again.

    There was a sound of footsteps leaving.

    Then, Irish began to dream, dream that someonees in to rummage through her original birth certificate. He was a stranger, she shouted at him, "Why are you stealing my birth certificate?"

    Without talking, the man picked up the certificate and ran away.

    She chased after him and shouted, "You are a thief, why did you steal my original birth certificate? Can you give it back to me and I''ll give you money?"

    And the shouting woke her up. The sunshine was in the room, and it was warm gold.

    It was dawn, and she waspletely awake.

    Wait, did someone really ask about her original birth certificate near her ear? Why did she feel it was like a dream and also a reality?

 Chapter 837 837: You Are Peculiar

    ?

    Human beings'' dreams were mysterious and subtle, which was valuable. There was a superstitious statement that a dream signified that one''s soul hung out when one fell asleep, and the dream was the journey of the soul. In such a scientific era, it was just a joke, but the magic of dreams couldn''t be ignored.

    The most interesting and obvious feature was the connection between dreams and reality. Most of the time, the human dream continued into reality, and it was a subconscious imagination. Put simply, when humans are half asleep and half awake and connected with the things or people in reality, for example, someone calls them and asks them to do something, they only have short-term memory. When they fell asleep again, this kind of memory was reced by their dream, while the dream would have something to do with the words or the order.

    It was just likepensation. Human dreams remind them to finish something and tell them in the form of a dream.

    As a result, when Irish woke up from the dream, although confused for the time being, she could judge immediately that someone must have asked something about the original birth certificate.

    As a researcher on dreams, it was normal for her to tell the connection between dreams and reality right now.

    However, Irish got frightened immediately.

    It seemed that someone made greeting her, and Joseph would be the only one to call her by such an intimate nickname.

    However, the question was that the door in her uncle''s home was not locked with a password but with a normal key. How could Josephe in since he had no key here?

    Or she just made a mistake?

    Or a thief came in?

    Irish felt more and more terrible. She had gone through it, which frightened her a lot.

    She sat up immediately.

    She walked out of the bedroom carefully.

    Irish searched for something very carefully and walked around to find someone quickly, but there was nobody.

    She felt more nervous.

    If it was Joseph, he would not leave without making a sound.

    She just stepped onto the floor barefoot. Every step she made was so careful. Finally, she walked to the bedroom of her uncle and aunt, but the scene in front of her made her frustrated.

    The drawer in the bedroom was open, and all the things in the drawer were put on the table. It seemed that someone must have searched for it. It urred to Irish''s mind that her aunt might have put something expensive in the drawer. Maybe cash was stolen just like herst time experience.

    Something horrible must have happened. She wanted to rush forward, but she was afraid that it might ruin the spot, so she just crouched there and took the phone from the head of the bed and dialed a phone number.

    Soon it got through.

    "Hey, Jay." She lowered her voice.

    "Irish?" Jay felt a little bit surprised, "What''s up?"

    Irish said immediately. "Something has been stolen. Come back here soon."

    "What?" Jay was shocked, "Stolen? What happened?"

    "The drawer in the bedroom waspletely ransacked. I don''t know whether something has been stolen or not, so I want you toe back quickly."

    "Do not be anxious. I need to make it clear. Were you at home when the thief came in? Are you sure that the thief has left? Is the situation dangerous?"

    "I haven''t seen the thief. I wish that he could be there. I will kill him." And then, Irish''s phone in her hand was grabbed by someone, and she screamed out. She turned around and finally saw the man behind him.

    Jay got frightened and roared at the other end, "Irish?"

    "Jay." Joseph spoke with a peaceful voice and looked at Irish helplessly, "It''s Okay. No issues."

    Jay heard Joseph''s voice and felt relieved. He asked, "What''s wrong?"

    "She just yed a joke with you," Joseph answered.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Jay was speechless, "Good for her."

    After the call, Joseph hung up the phone and stared at her, seeming to smile or not.

    "How can you scare me?" She was ring at him.

    He entered the bedroom with her surprised look and packed everything up. He closed the drawer and then took a nce at Irish, seeming unhappy, "Wear your shoes quickly."

    Irish lowered her head and noticed that her feet were on the floor, so she just ran away at the fastest speed.

    After taking her shoes, Joseph showed up in the kitchen, "Brush your teeth and have something."

    He acted as her father.

    Irish resisted her doubt and began brushing her teeth.

    Having everything done, she entered the dining room. The breakfast was so bountiful that she knew he hadn''t made them.

    "Is there anyone here?" She asked deliberately.

    Joseph smiled lightly, "You are peculiar. You will feel happier since there are many choices for you."

    Irish just stared at him.

    "Why not use your knife?"

    Irish didn''t eat and just leaned forward with her arms on the table. "Joseph, how did youe in?"

    Joseph leisurely nced at her. "I got the keys from Aunt Mary when I sent the breakfast to the hospital."

    "Did you send the breakfast to the hospital?" Irish''s mind was fixed on him sessfully.

    Joseph poured a cup of milk for her and said, "The meal in the hospital is usually without much nutrition."

    Irish heard it. She felt moved yet sad.

    She felt moved because he was so considerate, and she also felt sad that she didn''t think of that as their family member.

    "Thank you." She said sincerely.

    Joseph took a nce at her and smiled lightly, "You are wee."

    Irish felt shy.

    She just ate her breakfast.

    In a short break, she took a nce at Joseph. He wore a white shirt, simple and clean. The sunshine was so bright that he looked like being in the light shadow, with elegance and leisure.

    Irish thought of the wedding on the 12th of May. Her heart beat quickly. She was going to marry him. She was going to marry him, a man near her.

    It was just like a dream. After marrying him, she could be with him legally and announce to everyone that Joseph was her husband, and nobody could grab him.

    It seemed that marriage could be convenient for her to have Joseph.

    This feeling was so good.

    From the very beginning, she longed for it, but she didn''t feel confident that he would give up other women just for her.

    And now they were faced with marriage suddenly. It was a great breakthrough.

 Chapter 838 838: Getting A Marriage Certificate

    ?

    He said himself that he would not divorce her as long as they got married.

    "What are you thinking about?" Seeing her in a daze taking the ss, Joseph couldn''t help asking.

    Irish turned away her look, regretful.

    Irish, could you please be calmer?

    It was not the first day for them to be with each other.

    Seeing him coaxing her, she tried to be calm, "Oh, nothing."

    Joseph felt relieved since she didn''t seem to be sad.

    Irish kept thinking of something else.

    Oh dear, she forgot an important thing since the topic was transferred to him.

    "Oh, Joseph, did you ask me something about the original birth certificate this morning?"

    Joseph sipped the coffee and said slowly, "I didn''t."

    "You didn''t?" Irish lifted up her voice, "It''s impossible!" She couldn''tprehend it.

    Now that there was no thief, then she couldn''t be wrong.

    Joseph asked her, "Why do I need that?"

    Irish was speechless, and after a great while, she said, "What are you searching for?"

    It was a sudden question.

    Joseph put down his cup with a slow tone, "This morning, I sent the breakfast to you, and you just asked me to find your phone. I didn''t find your phone in the bedroom but in the kitchen. And then I heard you call someone and say that you intend to kill me."

    Irish felt so shocked that she opened her mouth.

    What was he talking about?

    "But I..." She murmured.

    Joseph looked at her, "What?"

    "Nothing. Maybe I just made a mistake." Irish didn''t want to think further, so she just kept eating.

    Joseph looked at her with a smile in his eyes.

    "Be quick. Let''s go somewhere."

    "Where?"

    "You will know it." Joseph closed his lips.

    "I need to go to the hospital."

    "We can make it. I will send you after finishing the task."

    Irish raised her eyebrows and looked at him, "Sounds mysterious?"

    ****

    As it was still 9am. The sunshine got stronger. The weather was pleasant in May when the weather often changed. The temperature in May was so cozy, and the sunshine wasfortable and warm. There was always a light flower aroma in the air.

    Joseph drove and took her to the destination.

    After getting off, Irish noticed that Joseph had taken her to the Civil Affairs Bureau.

    "What are we going to do?" She asked casually.

    Joseph was amused by her and held her shoulder, seeming casual, "Let''s get inside."

    Irish followed without a clear idea. At this time, a man and a woman walked out. They were like enemies and quarreled with each other. Later the man said impatiently, "I have enough of you. Do not talk too much. We are apart already."

    The woman felt angry and pointed at the man, "I feel regretful that I married you."

    The man was also annoyed and just said, "Okay. It''s close. Don''t need to bother with each other."

    The staff yelled, "Stop quarreling here. Next."

    The man left angrily.

    The woman was crying.

    At this time, it happened that Irish passed by her, and she grabbed Irish, which made Irish startled.

    "I''ve gone through this, little girl, remind you that marriage is not so easy!" The woman was still gravely crying.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Irish swallowed her saliva nervously.

    Joseph quietly pulled Irish back into his arms and whispered, "Let''s go."

    Irish nodded gently, and as she walked forward, she could not help looking back at the woman.

    Joseph sighed and reached for her arm.

    Irish was pulled by Joseph. When they went to the marriage registration office, she looked at the counter with two big eyes and looked at the clear sign "marriage."

    Suddenly, she grasped Joseph''s sleeve in hesitation and said, "Is your friend going to marry? Where''s the man? Do I know him?"

    "Why do you have so many words?" Joseph ran his fingers through her hair.

    Irish red at him. "Can''t I?"

    After a while, Joseph pulled Irish to the registration gate.

    A young little girl, after looking up and watching Joseph, her eyes brightened, and the whole person was briskly up.

    "Sir. You two?"

    This question was superfluous.

    Joseph nodded and said yes.

    Irish was scared, and she stared at him.

    The little girl''s eyes were always on Joseph''s face. "Do you take all the certificates?" she said with a soft smile.

    Irish had no time to grasp how bright the little girl''s eyes were, and when she saw the material he was holding, his identity card, and other materials from the briefcase, she was staring at him.

    Wait?!!!

    It seemed that her certificate of birth was in it.

    "These materials enough?" He put all the papers in front of the little girl.

    The little girl listened to a man''s low voice, and she became kinder. She took the document without a trace. The name Joseph was a little familiar to her.

    "The material is enough."

    "Thank you." Joseph was polite.

    "You''re wee. This is our job. Congrattions to both of you in advance." The little girl then cast her eyes on Irish''s face and was a little puzzled when she saw her face.

    "You both must fill out the form first."

    And one of the papers was eagerly ced in front of Joseph.

    Joseph took the pen.

    Irish only then reacted and suddenly took the certificate before the girl, which scared the little girl, "Lady, you..."

    Irish ignored her and flipped through the papers to find that her materials were in.

    Irish was stunned.

    Joseph took the material from her hand, handed it to the little girl, and put a pen into Irish''s hand. "Fill it out quickly, and there are new people behind you to go through the same process. It is not good to dy others."

    Irish was urged by him that she was confused again. She picked up the pen, looked at the form, and wrote her name on it. Then she reacted and reached for Joseph''s hand.

    "Hey, what''s going on? You''re going to talk to me first."

    "Talk what? What do you want to know?" Joseph pretended to be confused, "Come on, I''ll talk to youter."

    What did he mean?

    "That''s what you asked me this morning, right?" Irish asked.

    Joseph resisted hisugh and persuaded her, "Irish, let''s talk about itter."

    Irish was confused.

    The little girl looked at the scene, and it was strange. Why did it look like the man cheated on the woman? She couldn''t help but ask Irish, "Ma''am, you are alright?"

    "I''m sorry, wait a minute." Irish got up.

    She just reached out the material, and he held down her hand. Then, he asked the little girl, "Can we put the material here first?"

    "Yes, you can." The little girl was calm again.

    "Thank you." Joseph smiled and immediately pulled up Irish''s hand and left the registration gate for a while.

 Chapter 839 839: That’s Too Fast

    ?

    In a ce where no one was there, Irish just said, "Joseph, why didn''t you tell me that we will get married this morning?"

    Joseph sighed, "You are wrong, it is just a registration process."

    "Yes, it is our marriage registration, but I was thest to know."

    She shouldn''t be med for reacting oddly because she didn''t expect Joseph to really take her certificate. What was more, although she knew they needed to register their marriage, she didn''t expect it to be so soon. They just got back from Suzhou yesterday, and a lot of things haven''t been discussed yet.

    "Alright." Josephpromised, "So can we go in now?"

    "That''s too fast." Irish pursed her lips lightly.

    Joseph couldn''t help saying with a smile. "Dr. Irish, We have a deal. We''re going to register and get married."

    "I know, I''m not taking back my words."

    "That''s it, that''s it." Joseph''s smile was at the bottom of his eyes, gentle. "We have to register before the wedding, don''t we?"

    "I know. But I used to think it was a day or two before the wedding." She was embarrassed.

    When Joseph saw her lowering her face, his love was getting intense inside his heart, and he took her hand and gently sped her fingers. "Is it not good to be my wife today?"

    Irish''s heart beat so fast that it seemed to pop out of her throat.

    She looked up at him but was scorched by the temperature at the bottom of his eyes.

    She bowed her head, and her cheeks turned red, only to hear her eardrum thumping with her heartbeat.

    "Don''t look at me like that."

    Joseph deliberately approached her. "Why?"

    "Don''t stare at me like that, or I will agree to register our marriage." She thought his eyes were so hot and scary, and she put her hand over her eyes, and the rosy clouds spread from her cheek down to her neck.

    "Well, I didn''t look at you right now." He was also in a good mood.

    Irish pulled him, "You almost hit the wall."

    "So I''ve got to open my eyes." He smiled, and he just held her. He said, "Let''s register first."

    "Hey, you bring me down here." Many people were looking at them around, and Irish was embarrassed.

    Joseph said, "You''re now blushing."

    "If you say such a thing again, I will really take back my words. I can raise my value in a few more days."

    Irish was hugged in his arms and could only lift her hand and beat his chest.

    Joseph thought, "I don''t mind giving you money, so it can be seen as your price."

    As soon as Irish heard it, her eyes brightened and immediately hooked upon his neck. "Really? How much more do you want to give me?"

    "Details can be talked aboutter." Joseph held her in his arms.

    "Well. Double it."

    "Okay. You''re the boss."

    "Twice as much."

    "Sure." Joseph''s voice was indulging.

    "No, three times."

    "Got it."

    When the two sat back at the registration gate, the little girl smiled at them and took out the material. "Do you both have decided right now?"

    "Yes." Joseph did not wait for Irish to answer and said directly on her behalf.

    Irish looked at him and tried tough, but she had to bear it.

    The little girl smiled and sighed that a good man was taken up.

    "Are you voluntarily getting married?" Due to the procedure, the little girl symbolically asked. But in her mind, she thought that he looked so handsome, whose woman in the right state of mind was not willing to be his wife?

    He nodded, and Irish''s palm was a little sweat, which was held by him. <novelsnext></novelsnext>

    She nodded gently, too.

    Irish felt a buzz in her brain.

    On that day, Irish officially married Joseph.

    ****

    The night in Europe.

    In the hotel''s specially arranged honeymoon suite where therge bed was ced, the man and woman entangled their naked bodies.

    The night wind was also charming. The floor-to-ceiling window of the ring-shaped visual radian was above the cloud, and the moon and the stars were bright.

    There was an unstoppable groaning voice of a woman.

    It was unbearable but also intoxicating.

    For a long time, there was a low roar from a man and a woman''s name on his breath. "Cassie, I love you."

    Everything calmed down after a long time.

    The bed was quiet for a while.

    Later, there was movement.

    Cassiey there tiredly, and her hair was soaked with sweat.

    Roy got up, gently caressing her with his big hand, and wiped the fine sweat on her forehead. He bowed his head contentedly and kissed her face.

    "Stop it. I''m going to take a shower." Cassie was blushing; until now, she was afraid to face his body.

    Roy held her, giggling, "What''s the hurry? Let me hold you for a while."

    "I''m covered with sweat." She gently pushed him away, thinking about it, and her legs were soft.

    Roy smiled triumphantly.

    He smiled so much that Cassie blushed and turned her back on him.

    Roy also tried to tease her when his cell phone rang.

    At this time, Cassie quickly left his arms, pulled over the sleeping robe scattered on the carpet, and took a bath.

    In the shower room.

    The heat came up.

    Cassie reached out and mopped away the fog on the mirror, showing a clear face.

    Her face, flushed with passion, looked like a blossom at first nce.

    Cassie was startled by what she looked like.

    Since when had she felt that it had be a very normal thing to sleep with Roy?

    Roy, with his body temperature, his breath, his taste, bit by bit, went into her heart and constantly drilled in. She began to think as if the bnce in her heart began to tilt to the side of Roy.

    Wasn''t it true that a woman''s sense of belonging?

    Would she be psychologically dependent on him after she married Roy?

    She did not know, and she was not clear about the psychology of people, but for this kind of thing, was it also difficult to ask Irish?

    It took a while for Cassie to get out of the bathroom.

    When she returned to the room, Roy smiled at her.

    She looked at him and said, "Why are youughing?"

    Roy turned over and got up, and nothing was worn. Cassie took a look, and the face was red, and the eyes were set aside, which made Roy have a goodugh.

    "Which do you listen to first, the good news or bad ?" Asked Roy.

    Cassie kept her head down and rubbed her hair with a dry towel. "Bitter first and then sweet."

 Chapter 840 840: We Have A Deal

    ?

    "Your attitude towards life is correct." Roy praised her.

    "The bad news is that we''re going to finish our honeymoon early."

    Cassie made an indifferent "Oh." That was not bad news, was it?

    "That''s it?"

    "Yes."

    "What is the good news?"

    Royzily leaned against the bedhead and said, "The good news is, your best friend, my sister, will be married on the 12th."

    "What?" The surprising bomb suddenly exploded, Cassie looked up, whose head hit Roy''s body. In a hurry, she threw the robe to him quickly. "Put it on first!"

    Roy was smiling, "What''s the matter? Nervous?"

    "Don''t show off!" Cassie stared at him with a red face.

    Roy casually put on the robe and put his arms behind his head.

    Cassie quickly asked, "With Joseph?"

    "Of course, then who else?" Roy felt her question was funny.

    "Many people want to marry Irish," Cassie pouted her lips. Indeed, she was happy for Irish and felt relieved. After a small pause, she then added," But why did they suddenly decide to hold the wedding? Irish didn''t mention it to me a few days ago when I went shopping with her."

    However, Roy was also not clear about it, so he responded after thinking for a while, "It is natural for them to hold the wedding since they love each other deeply, just like us."

    Cassie flushed and said, "Roy, don''t joke with me, or I am not going to talk with you."

    "Okay, okay," Roy said with a big smile and put on a robe slowly. He stepped to Cassie, sat down beside her, and held her in his arms. "Cassie, you are still bashful in front of me."

    "We are talking about Irish''s wedding. Well, now that you don''t want to talk about this with me, then I am going to go out to shop," Cassie said, who was about to go.

    Seeing this, Roy hastily stopped her and said, "Honey, don''t leave me here." It gave her goosebumps as she heard this.

    "Are they really going to get married soon?" Cassie asked again.

    "Yes, sure. Joseph has given me a call and told me that they had gotten the marriage certificate," Roy responded, running his fingers to her hair.

    "Wow, that''s really unbelievable!"

    "The wedding will be held on the twelfth of this month?"

    "Yes."

    "It ising soon."

    "Yes, so I am afraid that you must prepare a gift for Irish," Roy reminded her.

    "Yes, of course. I will buy a wedding dress for her. We have a deal."

    After hearing this, Roy heaved a sigh and said, "But I think perhaps Joseph wants to pick a wedding dress for his wife personally. Don''t let your friend''s love blind your eyes."

    "Well, then, do you know women are always jealous? I have known her for more than ten years, but now she is going to get married. And our friend''s love is interrupted. The reason why I am going to get a wedding dress for her is that I want to remind her that husband is an important part of life, but friendship is much more valuable," Cassie replied while rolling her eyes at him.

    "Okay, I think I have learned a lesson from you today," Roy said with a soft smile. He held Cassie with his head resting on her shoulders. His breath tickled Cassie, so she shrunk her neck."

    "Roy... I have something to discuss with you," Cassie said hesitantly.

    "What?"

    "Well... Can you give me those photos now?"

    Roy just stared at her silently.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "I have got married to you. You can''t keep those photos now," Cassie exined.

    He smiled, kissed her cheeks gently, and replied, "I will give it to you as soon as we have a baby."

    "Roy! You are a liar!"

    ****

    Irish still remained muddle-headed as she got back to the car. She felt that her head was buzzing while the young girl''s words in the marriage registration office still lingered in her mind.

    "What are you thinking?" Joseph asked who was aware that Irish was expressionless.

    Irish looked back at Joseph with her mouth opened slightly, and she could not utter a single word. Seeing this, Joseph was about to start the car, but as soon as he started the engine, Irish stopped him suddenly, so he mmed the brakes.

    "I want to take a look at the marriage certificate," Irish said while reaching out her hands.

    "Didn''t you take a look at it a moment ago?" Joseph replied slowly.

    "But I didn''t see it clearly. You take it into your bag in a hurry," Irishined.

    "Why do you want to take a look at it now?" Joseph was confused.

    "Take it out. It belongs to us. And I just want to take a look at it. There is no reason."

    Seeing this, Joseph tried his best to hold back his smile and kept joking with her, "But it is me who paid for the service fee."

    "You...." Irish was speechless. She took out her wallet and handed it to Joseph. "Can I take a look right now?"

    Joseph was amused by her and responded, "Okay. Then take a look at it." He took out the marriage certificate, shook it before her, and returned it to his bag.

    "Joseph! I didn''t even see them clearly!"

    Irish didn''t expect he would be perverse.

    "But it is none of my business since you have poor eyesight," Joseph replied with a smile. He then started the car again as he finished his sentence.

    "Give my wallet back!" Irish said.

    "But you have given it to me just now, so it belongs to me," Joseph joked with her.

    "But I didn''t see the marriage certificate clearly, and I am not satisfied with your service, so you have to give my money back."

    "Irish, you are really an astute woman." Joseph couldn''t help but burst intoughter.

    "But you told me you just want to glimpse it, and I showed it to you, so it is impossible for me to give your money back."

    ''What an unscrupulous merchant!'' thought Irish to herself.

    "Irish, I will keep our marriage certificate, and you are not allowed to take it," Joseph suddenly said.

    "But why?"

    "In case that..." Joseph stopped in the middle sentence.

    "In case what?" But soon, she realized that Joseph was worried that she would want to divorce him someday. Irish suddenly felt that he acted like a small kid because even if she wanted to divorce him someday, they needed to negotiate with each other.

    "Generally speaking, it is a wife in a family who keeps those important certificates, such as the passport, bank card as well as marriage certificate," Irish continued.

    "But you are not an ordinary woman," Joseph replied immediately.

    "What do you mean, Joseph?" Irish looked displeased to hear this.

    "I am sorry. That''s my fault for saying this," Joseph coaxed her patiently.

    "You are really rebarbative," Irish said with her mouth pouted.

 Chapter 841 841: How Much Will It Cost?

    ?

    Joseph drove the car slowly and coaxed her softly.

    "Are you really angry with me?"

    "I don''t want to talk to you now."

    "Please don''t, Irish. Remember that I am your husband now!"

    It sounded weird to call him husband since they just called each other "honey" in their daily life. But it was also natural for them to change the appetion now that they were a legal couple.

    Although Irish felt it was weird to change the appetion, she was happy about that.

    "Joseph, it is you who stole my Household Register. Don''t you feel ashamed?" Irish mumbled.

    "Irish, I am saving your face."

    "What?" Irish didn''t understand what he meant.

    The car stopped slowly since the red light was on.

    "It is you who asked me to take your Household Register."

    "Joseph, you are really thick-skinned. When did I ask you to take it?"

    "I am serious. You''ve been talking about taking your House Register this morning. I asked you why and you told me that you want to get the marriage certificate with me. I have to satisfy your wish," Joseph replied.

    Irish waspletely shocked by his sentence since she didn''t expect Joseph would act so shamelessly. "Joseph, you are really good at confusing the truth and falsehood. Who took the initiative to ask for registration? Who..."

    But before she could finish her sentence, Joseph got close to her and kissed her lips. It was an expression of his deep love, and when Irish was surrounded by his wooden fragrance, she felt like crying because this warm feeling brought her back to the days when they had just got to know each other.

    Irish silently read his name and curved it in her heart. But at the same time, an unnamed uneasiness urred to her again since she was afraid that she was unable to have a baby with him.

    ''Stop thinking about this. Stop!'' Irish thought to herself and fed herself to stop thinking about this issue.

    They only parted when they were startled by the sudden whistle of the cars behind them. The green light was on. Joseph rubbed her hair gently and started the car while Irish looked outside the window with a flushed face. Her heart was beating so quickly because of his affectionate kiss.

    "Where do you want to live after the wedding?" Joseph asked suddenly.

    Startled, Irish looked back at him in astonishment, and her mouth opened slightly.

    Joseph took a glimpse at her and grinned.

    "Do you want to live with me or still live in Midtown Manhattan?" he asked again.

    ''We are a legal couple from this day on, and we are starting a family. Should I live with him?'' Irishbwondered.

    "Well, I think we should ask for Jordan''s opinion," Irish said after thinking for a while.

    As he heard this, Joseph had no mood swings but replied a few secondster, "He is busy with cycle racing these days, and he hasn''t been back to Hampton for a few days."

    Irish was about to ask Joseph why he finally changed his mind and decided to support Jordan about his cycle racing, but she stopped since she felt it was not a good time to ask him such a question.

    "I don''t care where I am going to live," Irish responded.

    "Well, then go back to Hampton with me." Joseph made the decision for her.

    "But will Jordan be unhappy?" Irish was still worried.

    "No, he won''t. Indeed, the house in Midtown Manhattan belongs to him, and I think it is better for him to move back to his house. It is convenient for him to practice racing. Moreover, you are my wife now, so it is natural for you to live with me."

    "Oh, I know. There is an old saying that goes, where the needle goes, the thread follows," Irish replied with a soft smile.

    Reaching out, Joseph gently pinched her cheeks and said, "I have to ept the truth that I have married a little tigress."<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "Joseph, stopughing at me!"

    ****

    In the hospital.

    Steven was so agitated after Irish handed the marriage certificate to him. He held it in his hands, looking at it carefully like a treasure. But soon, Mary took it from his hands and gazed at it for a long time. Soon tears filled her eyes. "If only Rachel could see your marriage certificate." She mumbled.

    Irish was sad to hear this since Mary''s words reminded her of her mother.

    "Mom, don''t cry. It is a joyous event," Jay persuaded.

    "Yes, you are right," Mary answered, wiping her tears. Then, turning to Joseph and Irish, she put the marriage certificate in her bag and then said, "You are careless. It is better that I will keep your marriage certificate for you, or I am afraid you will lose it someday."

    Irish couldn''t help but roll her eyes as she heard this from her Aunt Mary.

    ''How could she say the same words as Joseph?'' Irish wondered.

    Irish couldn''t helpining.

    "Aunt, do you really think our marriage is unreliable?"

    Mary was not embarrassed at her uprightness, and she just smiled, "Your marriage is reliable, but not you."

    Everyone at presentughed.

    "Aunt." Irish couldn''t say anything.

    Was she her aunt still?

    Afterughing, Steven asked, "Where will you live when you get married?"

    Joseph told him that they would live in Hampton.

    Irish smiled lightly and deliberately said, "Or he can move to the Lakes."

    Joseph listened to her words, feeling surprised, so he just said, "Do not be silly." Why should he move to her house? It was he who married her.

    Irish couldn''t helpughing.

    "Hey, from today on, Joseph is your husband. Do not tease him." Mary said immediately.

    Irish was just kidding.

    She returned back to the bed and pulled Steven''s hands, "Uncle, you must have a good rest. It''s your job to give a speech at my wedding."

    Steven was so d to hear that, and he just nodded.

    Seeing this scene, Irish felt so sad.

    After sitting for a while, Joseph counted firstly the number of guests invited from the side of Steven and Mary. Next, they talked about someprehensive requests for the wedding. As busy Jay was, he would give his hands since Irish was his cousin.

    Jay was responsible for the cigarettes, cake, and cold dishes before the buffet.

    Irish just sniffed and said, "Look at you. How much will it cost?"

    Jay raised his hands andined, "I am just a policeman with a fixed sry. Unlike you, you are rich, and now you''ve married a richer man. Capital wins. Do not just stare at my wallet."

    Josephughed, saying, "Irish, you are so strict with your cousin." And then he looked at Jay, "You don''t have to prepare these."

    "Regarding wine and flowers, I suppose you will provide the best with air shipment, so I will just prepare the left; otherwise, my cousin will just scold me."

 Chapter 842 842: Why Are You Still Here?

    ?

    Joseph was happy with his sincere attitude.

    Irish understood it. She scolded Jay and told Joseph, "I think there is no need for cigarettes."

    Joseph also thought that. Firstly, how many hotels have iterated that they were no-smoking areas? Furthermore, he didn''t want to make his wedding venue filled with smoke.

    Jay patted his hands, "Okay, a sum of money has been saved. Considering your identity, I must have prepared many high-end cigarettes."

    Joseph lowered himself and smiled beside Irish''s ears, "You two are really cousins."

    Irish couldn''t helpughing.

    After Joseph and Irish left the ward, Jay just sat down and poured himself a ss of water. Then, as he finished it, he just wiped his mouth clean and said, "Okay, now you can get rxed."

    Mary said, "One day, when you marry a woman, that would be the time I can really be rxed." She didn''t finish her intentional words. Actually, she knew before long that Jay had broken up with Lilith.

    From the very beginning, Mary felt it was unsuitable for them to be together. Except for the fact that Lilith was from the Lakes, they both were not financially matched. Others might long to marry a rich woman, but Mary and Steven were not these kinds since they were low-key and didn''t want to think of a short-cut way to seed.

    Later Lilith did something to make Mary change her mind, but what mattered? They both were just not with good luck. She considered introducing a good girl to Jay one day and hoped that he could live a peaceful life.

    Jay smiled forcefully, "Then you need to think of other ways."

    Steven was embarrassed to hear that, so he just cleared his throat, "Your cousin and your cousin-inw have left, and you can leave now. There is so much work with you."

    Jay was about to say something, and suddenly someone knocked at the door, and someone pushed in.

    It was the physician in charge.

    He asked directly, "Are you, Steven? Why are you still here? I notified you yesterday that you can get discharged."

    Jay looked at Steven and Mary suspiciously.

    Mary got not so cozy about his look, so she just said, "He just keeps coughing. How can he be discharged?"

    "Yes, I still cough." Steven pretended to cough immediately.

    The doctor felt helpless, so he just walked in, "Steven, we have expressed to you that the illness you have is tuberculosis. Now you only need to have medicine to decrease inmmation and relieve cough. You do not need to be in the hospital."

    "It''s better for me to get more shots here."

    "If so, you can go to the clinic." The doctor hasn''t negotiated with such patients before. Other patients hoped they could get discharged one day, but this guy just stayed in the hospital and wasn''t willing to leave. "What''s more, now there is a shortage of room. Patients outside desire for an empty one, so you should also consider more on patients with more serious illness."

    "Hmm..."

    "Okay, let''s get it done tomorrow. There are so many bacteria in the pneumology department. Do not get affected." The doctor made a final statement.

    Mary and Steven just looked at each other.

    The doctor just disappeared immediately.

    Steven sighed while Mary looked at Jay. As she spoke, Jay signed, "I got it. I will get it done tomorrow morning, and I will not say a word to Irish."

    "That''s okay." Mary nodded with satisfaction.

    ****

    Jay was the one whoughed in front of people and got lost behind the crowd.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Noticing Lilith out of the building, he felt attached, ached, helpless and painful. It was after work, and beautiful white cors and a man with suits came and went. Lilith figured him out easily. She lit up suddenly, and then she felt upset. She came forward.

    "I thought that you would never find me." She smiled lightly.

    Jay resisted his desire to embrace her and just cleared his throat, "I am here to notify you to attend the wedding."

    "Are you getting married?" Lilith raised her face to look at him, and soon she nearly cried.

    Jay was anxious, so he immediately exined, "No, it''s not my wedding but Irish and Joseph''s."

    It took so long for Joseph and Irish to decide to register their marriage, so no official announcement was made. Irish sent him to tell Lilith.

    Actually, he knew Irish''s intention, but what could he do? Although he thought it this way, he couldn''t help waiting for her in the building. Finally, he met her with the excuse to notify her about Irish''s and Joseph''s wedding.

    Lilith realized so she lowered her head immediately. "The wedding is so sudden, anyway, congrattions to them. I will attend it."

    Jay nodded, but he couldn''t help watching her. Her face looked pale, so he couldn''t help asking, "You look so tired."

    Lilith covered her face and looked at him, "I do have a good rest." If she had known that he woulde tonight, she would wear foundation makeup to hide her bad look caused by severe insomnia for a long time.

    Jay kept silent and then asked, "Does he treat you well?" He couldn''t ask about when they would get married. He just couldn''t make it because he felt hurt.

    "Yeah." Lilith lowered her eyes and felt choked.

    At this moment, their conversation seemed to end. Jay didn''t know what else he was going to talk about with her, but he wasn''t willing to leave so soon. It was the same feeling Lilith had at this moment.

    They both just enjoyed their short-time meeting with concealed emotions. They were afraid that when they parted, they would feel strange with each other one day when they met again.

    Jay wanted to have a meal with her, which was his thought. As he was to invite her, a car stopped behind him, and it was Lenard.

    Lenard drove a sports car, brand-new and luxurious, while Jay''s was a practical one, which was not as new as Lenard''s. Jay just choked back his invitation.

    That was right. Lenard could give what he couldn''t and do what he couldn''t.

    "Hey, Jay." Lenard felt embarrassed for the time being. However, he tried his best to make a smile and came forward, holding Lilith lightly.

    Lilith''s shoulder trembled lightly. She looked at Jay subconsciously, while Jay felt hurt by the hands put on Lilith''s shoulders. After a while, he tried his best to smile back at Lenard.

    "Shall we go?" Lenard asked Lilith.

    Lilith didn''t respond for a long time.

    "Let''s go. Don''t you want to go to the concert? Otherwise, we may gette." Lenard was gentle.

    Lilith released her tight fists and finally nodded.

    Lenard sent Lilith to the car and returned to talk to Jay, "I''m so sorry."

    Jay smiled lightly, "There is nothing right or wrong in the rtionship, but you must make sure to keep her safe even if you have left your job as a policeman."

    "Lilith will be my wife. I will take care of her." Lenard was serious.

    Jay didn''t talk anymore, and he just took a nce at Lilith in the car while she was also watching him with red eyes. She turned her head away. Jay turned around to leave.

 Chapter 843 843: Don’t Show Off

    ?

    Irish had discussed with Joseph that after the wedding ceremony, she would move into Hampton, while Jordan, in the training center, couldn''t agree more and promised that he would get his things packed. He joked that finally, Irish gave his house back.

    After the dinner, Joseph was called back to thepany, while Irish was also tired. Soon she got through a phone call from Cassie in Europe, who told her that she woulde back to New York immediately. She let Irish wait for her to buy something for the wedding.

    Talking with such a sincere "sister-inw," she felt regretful. She just said, "I think you should have a honeymoon baby first."

    Cassie pretended to scold her that she was so cruel that she didn''t intend to invite her to the ceremony.

    Irishughed.

    Cassie thought of her condition and asked Irish whether she had told Joseph about that. Then, keeping silent for a while, she told Cassie, "I cheated him that the abortion caused it."

    "You." Cassie felt surprised, and soon she realized the reason, so she just sighed, "Do not bear all the mistakes. He is also involved."

    "So that''s the result. It''s not necessary to make it so clear."

    Cassie made a heavy sigh. She wanted to persuade her, but she couldn''t find suitable words.

    "Oh, just tell Joseph I have prepared the wedding dress for you. Do not let him buy it anymore." She changed the topic since she didn''t want to embarrass the atmosphere.

    Irish soon adjusted her mood and made a joke, "You want to give me the one I intend to prepare for you?"

    "Yeah, I have just found a tailor here and let him change the size for you," Cassie said deliberately.

    "Change the size? So, you get fat at the wedding?" Irish yed a joke.

    Cassie said, "Dear, your figure is too good."

    Irish blushed, "Just forget it."

    "Okay." Cassieughed.

    Although she didn''t need to pay much attention to the wedding preparation, she promised to make a list for the guests. She just sent texts to her friends and notified them. What she considered was that it would be embarrassing to just call her friends, and they would have no time toe. In the form of text, she could make things more flexible since they could make an excuse that they didn''t see the texts even if they did have no time toe.

    Joseph was responsible for notifying the colleagues in the Runestone Group, while she just told Tim and some leaders in the school she worked for. Moreover, she must invite her mentor, who is already 70 years old. Her mentor even cried out of excitement on the phone and promised that she must attend.

    Irish was one of her best students. She treated her very well. It was because of her, Fredrick, and Tim''s rmendation that Irish could get appointed to her Alma Mater. Irish would not forget anyone who was good to her.

    Thinking of Fredrick, Irish sighed and thought it would be better for her to meet him and tell him the news. Actually, she didn''t need to call Fredrick, and Fredrick just called her after she sent the text to Tim. He wanted to meet her, and she just agreed.

    After the phone call, many phone calls came. All her friends, who received the texts, called her individually. They all congratted her and promised that they woulde. They all felt envious that she could marry such an excellent man.

    Irish felt helpless that all her friends praised Joseph. <novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Then Irish began to get things packed. Thinking that she would not live in this house, she felt frustrated.

    When it was 10 p.m., Irish called Joseph''s private phone.

    She got it through, out of breath.

    "What''s wrong?" Joseph asked with a low voice. It was quiet, which made his voice gentle.

    Irish took a deep breath, "I am packing."

    "Really?" Joseph asked yfully, and a naughty smile formed at the corner of his mouth.

    Irish leaned against the wall, smiling, "No, there is another man, and we are doing things together."

    Joseph smiled lightly, "You dare to talk with me in this way. How dare you?"

    "Maybe I was just telling the truth. It''s a provocation, Joseph." Irishy on the sofa and held a pillow idly.

    Joseph continued his words, "I think no man dares to sleep with my woman."

    Irish blushed at his words and cleared her throat, "Check your time. Do not tell me that you won''te back tonight. You shouldn''t develop this habit." Actually, she knew that Joseph was really busy, anding backte or not would be amon thing in a future life, but tonight she really missed him. Moreover, she didn''t know whether today was the first day since they got married. Or maybe, it shall be counted after the official ceremony?

    "You are starting to take care of me?" He was always smiling.

    It was like a joke, but it was a hit. Yes, she was starting to do it. It was not her original intention. Many men are new to the other half''s constraint at the beginning, and as time progresses, men want more and more space, and women increasingly want to be in the space of the men, and the conflict arises.

    She began to fear that she would be like other women whose eyes, noses, and ears wanted to rest on their husbands for 24 hours, staring at whom he ate with at thepany. Checking if he was in a meeting or went on a date. While her husband didn''t notice, they looked at his mobile phone andputer, smelling their shirt to see if there was a fragrance of another woman on it, and finding suspicious hair on the shirt. And they would go to thepany to watch the husband''s movements.

    She felt terrible when she thought about it.

    But it was clear that she could do these things because Joseph was so good, his position, the industry he contacted, letting all kinds of women want to follow. She was afraid of future possession, jealousy would constrain everything about him in the name of love and erode his space. How could he be a man led by a woman? She was afraid that he would get tired of her in the future.

    "Irish?" When Joseph noticed her silence, he called her gently.

    Irish just reacted from a trance and cleared her throat. "Who cares about you? Don''t show off."

    Joseph''s voice was indulging, "It seems that married wife and single are no different. There''s a lot of work on hand. I''ll try to go home tonight. You go to bed first. Don''t wait for me. I may bete."

    "Okay." She elongated her voice. It was not clear to her whether life would be the same as before, but it was clear that her phone call to Joseph was more and more her husband''s tone. Although he had told her before that they might face a lot of struggles, the feeling of listening to that tonight waspletely different.

 Chapter 844 844: Does It Count?

    ?

    Only then did she realize that although they were tied into marriage, it gave thew responsibility, and under the guarantee and authority of thew, it naturally gave men and women a unique sense of attachment and sense of security. Since then, she and Joseph had been the two closest people in the world.

    Closeness was not just physical.

    A pair of man and woman, a pair of married man and woman, are absolutely different in the sense of security and affinity. The former is only physically attached, and thetter is attached to each other physically, psychologically, and about responsibilities and obligations.

    Thinking about it, she felt amazed. Joseph told her that things would not move until he returned to pack.

    Irish was moved, gently making the "um" sound.

    Hanging up the phone, Irish looked at the clock on the wall, thinking that only time could be faster.

    Time passed.

    In sleep, she only felt a little itchy on her chest.

    It was as if a big hand was gently stroking her body. It felt as if it was true or not.

    As a result, Irish had such a dream. The dream was about Joseph. He took her to a ce full of flowers, like a sea of flowers, which covered the end.

    Her clothes were also white and transparent, and it was stunning, like beautiful petals.

    Joseph took off her skirt and caressed her.

    They both fell into the sea of flowers, he was gentle, and he was obsessed with her body.

    Beside her ear was his gasping breath, falling up and down, getting hotter.

    His strength was like fire, and his tall figure almost swallowed her up.

    The difort in Irish''s body suddenly made her suddenly agitated, and therge area of flowers in the dream flew away quickly and disappeared without a trace. She opened her eyes, but soon she was attracted to the hot temperature of her man.

    She thought it was just a dream. He told her physically that he had the most enthusiastic possession.

    "Joseph. "Irish could not help but whisper his name.

    In the dim light, the man''s eyes are hot like a fire, and his wide shoulders and thick chest almost burn her.

    He was infatuated with her body, stretched over his lips, and kissed her.

    However, he was like a leopard in the dark, saving too much enthusiasm and strength with hegemonic and strong possession.

    For a long time, Irish did not notice the time.

    All she knew was that when Joseph roared in her ears, the wildness of that moment made her deeply attached to him, and she felt that she had never been soplete.

    All she had left was the strength of her mouth to gasp, the whole man nestling in his sweaty arms. Her forehead and hair were wet, sweat on the pillow and on the sheet.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    It was a long time before Irish raised her hands feebly, and her fingers poked at his sturdy chest. "You attacked me."

    "Does it count?" Joseph took her hand, sent it to his lips, and smiled. "It''s good to hold you like this."

    Yes. That was also what she thought.

    ****

    Before marriage, there was always a mess. Although all the big things have fallen on Joseph''s shoulders, some things had to be done by Irish in person, such as what kind of clothes needed to be changed on the wedding day, what jewelry to wear, what kind of skin to wear before marriage, and so on. Irish had only two clients on this day and nned to go to Fredrick''s studio in the afternoon.

    When she went to Professor Tim''s office, she met Cheska, and she looked at Irish strangely and said, "Well, you finally would be married."

    Irish smiled at her and said, "Yes, wee to the show."

    Cheska raised her eyebrows and said, "Your big wedding will also have requirements for what I wear, will it?"

    Irish responded, "You just said it''s a big wedding, of course, you have to wear a morous dress in coordination, right? This is not for me, but for saving your face. You know, a single sessful man will be there on such an asion, so I am not sure you can get a golden bachelor if you aren''t presentable enough."

    Cheska had always been proud, humming lightly, "I do not have the habit of lowering ce before a man." At the end of her speech, stepping on her high heels away.

    Irish was speechless.

    Her conversation with Fredrick was not so smooth either.

    Of course, the so-called non-smoothness was actually Irish''s feeling. Fredrick was still very enthusiastic about her arrival. But Irish always felt that they couldn''t go back to the past, as if there was a thinyer of invisible transparent film in the middle, each of which was visible to the other, and the sound was not so thorough.

    "Cassie has been married to Roy, I hope you can put it downpletely." It was the most important purpose as to why Irish went to Fredrick. If Fredrick wouldn''t attend their wedding, it showed that there was still a knot in his heart, not to mention some grand excuses, because she and Fredrick were both psychoanalysts, and they couldn''t hide thoughts they conceived before each other.

    "I thought you didn''t want to invite me to your wedding." Fredrick tried to avoid the heaviness of the conversation and said it lightly.

    "You''re my mentor, and I want your attendance at my wedding."

    "Just a mentor?" Fredrick suddenly asked.

    This stunned Irish slightly, and she said, "What do you mean?"

    Fredrick looked at her quietly, with strange eyes. Irish only felt that his eyes were strange, as if there was something, thinking of asking questions, but suddenly she remembered something in the next second, and his face froze. Fredrick was also clever, knowing what she had thought of, and said, "I know you had a crush on me."

    It was like a bomb exploding in her head, and Irish''s heart shook, but soon she returned to calm and said, "Yes, I did have a crush on you, but I know exactly how I feel about you, more worship, and now I can tell what love is and what worship is."

    Fredrick''s fundus light dimmed a lot, gently nodded, a long timeter said, "But do you know how I feel about you?"

    When Irish heard it, her breath stopped. He looked at her and said word by word. "Irish, I love you. When I realized that I loved you, my love for you never stopped."

 Chapter 845 845: What Was His Purpose?

    ?

    Irish suddenly widened her eyes and waspletely hit by his words!

    Gradually, breathing painfully, she said to Fredrick, "That''s why you broke up with Cassie?"

    "Yes."

    Irish''s heart shattered, it seemed like a sharp knife piercing it. She was angry, and a severe self-inflicted pain filled her. She soon said, "Why did you tell me this?"

    Fredrick was silent.

    "That''s too much!" Irish ran away from his studio.

    The conversation with Fredrick was unbearable, and Irish finally realized that Cassie''s suicide and the depression were because Fredrick was in love with her, so Fredrick had to break up with her best friend.

    Cassie knew that Fredrick had fallen in love with Irish, so she suppressed herself from self-muttion.

    Gauging the truth, Irish began to feel deeply guilty, and she thought that Fredrick had never been an impulsive person, but at this time, he spilled his real feelings towards her.

    What was his purpose?

    Cassie flew back from Europe and asked for a leave to apany Irish to try on the wedding dress and choose the jewelry. Joseph also had a meeting in the afternoon and asked her to go to thepany. She didn''t know the reason why he called her, but she also came to the Runestone Group to find Cassie.

    Cassie looked more excited than the day when she was getting married. She brought her some exquisite ornaments and wedding dresses from Europe. It was really beautiful, and Irish could guess it was expensive by looking at the beautiful quality and design. She nned their itinerary beforeing to Runestone, and that was to go shopping. Irish held Cassie tight and couldn''t help but say, "Cassie, I''m sorry."

    Cassie was surprised by her. Fearing that Cassie would misunderstand, Irish quickly exined that she wanted to spend the whole afternoon going shopping even though it was a hot summer day.

    Cassie let out a sweet smile and scolded Irish for being hypocritical. She responded to her with a smile, slung her arms around her shoulder, and constantly reminded herself she needed to consider Cassie''s feelings and should put off the matter of Fredrick''s confession for the time being.

    They went to the appraisal center. When they first entered thepany hall, they happened to see Josephing back, followed by several senior executives, and he was talking to the Director of the Marketing Department as he walked.

    It seemed that he was going to the appraisal center, and all the female employees stared passionately at Joseph.

    Cassie gently nudged Irish, "Well, your husband is often an attention grabber."

    Irish also saw him. Somehow, she thought of his passionate love that night, and her heart was a mess. She nned to turn a blind eye to him, but he caught her figure and stopped.

    The staff had no idea about their uing wedding, so Irish was embarrassed to walk closer to him before other people''s eyes.

    Cassie greeted Joseph. Standing before other people''s eyes, Irish had to be polite and quickly greeted Joseph. She thought even if he was her husband now, still, Joseph remained thepany''s general manager, and she couldn''t act impolitely to him in front of thepany''s staff.

    Joseph smiled as he approached them.

    "Have you eaten?" He quickly asked.

    His words sounded very gentle, making the other female colleagues beside them jealous.

    Irish raised her eyes and saw him staring at her, and she quickly said, "Oh, I''m going to go out, have lunch and then go shopping with Cassie." She dared not say much in front of the crowd.

    Joseph thought about it, took out his car keys, and handed them to Irish. "Drive my car. It''s too hot outside."

    All the colleagues were stunned; although they more or less knew that Joseph was always good to Irish, it seemed that both of them had ignored the staff. Besides, it was absolutely impossible for Joseph to show much affection to any woman in public, and they did know how hard he had been on Irish before, but today��.

    Everyone was stunned by his soft tone. It seemed that the rtionship between them had suddenly changed.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Even Irish felt that his change was too obvious, and for a moment, she was a little embarrassed to reach out for the key.

    Noticing the awkwardness between the couple, Cassie smiled, and she simply took the car keys immediately, "Great, thanks for allowing us to use your car."

    Irish hurriedly pulled Cassie to leave.

    Before they could leave, Joseph called Irish, walked to her, gave her a bank card, and whispered a word, "I''ll go home early tonight, and I''ll have dinner with you."

    Irish heard some surprised sharp gasping from the staff. She blushed immediately, took the bank card, and said, "Well, I know."

    Cassie made fun of Irish in the elevator, "Why are you blushing when talking with your husband?"

    Irish took the car keys in her hand. "You''re really good at teasing me, huh."

    "Yes, because he is my brother-inw."

    This sentence made Irish roll her eyes and shake her head shortly. "Our rtionship was too messy. You know, Joseph and the Lake family weren''t on good terms."

    "Hmm, ignore the conflict between them. It has nothing to do with us. I''m your brother''s wife, and we''re best friends."

    ****

    Two days before marriage, Irish went home.

    Professor Tim originally arranged for some people to go to Irish''s ce to help her but

    Irish refused it. In May, the air was really refreshing and brought a sense of calmness. She went to theke where her parents'' ashes were scattered.

    Some people were boating on theke this afternoon, and this leisure time made Irish feel more rxed.

    From the Lake District, she rode a bicycle to the Green Road, and the green nts on both sides were dense, making her lungs full of the cool smell of trees.

    She couldn''t help thinking about Joseph.

    His breath was as refreshing as this.

    She hadn''t been here for a long time.

    Thest time when she was here, her heart was filled with enormous pain as she gradually scattered her parents'' ashes in theke. But this time was different, and she felt the fragrance of green nts, which reminded her of the Beauty of life.

    In fact, the scenery was the same, but her mind was calmer now.

    Along the pathway, the bamboo was peacefully swaying along the gentle wind. A string of rednterns hung on the towering trees while the smoke rose in the distance. It was unspeakably beautiful scenery. There were only a few visitors, so it remained peaceful yet unsophisticated.

    The sudden ring interrupted the calm moment, and Irish was also startled. She took out her phone and answered it immediately.

    It was Joseph.

    "Why didn''t you tell me you are going on a business trip?" Joseph asked in a deep voice.

 Chapter 846 846: I Will Take Care Of Myself

    ?

    His voice didn''t sound angry, which made Irish feel relieved. "I will get back to New York at night. And it is just a temporary business trip. I know you are busy with your work, so I didn''t bother you," Irish replied softly.

    "But it is better to get someone to apany you," Joseph said while sighing slightly.

    "Don''t worry. I will take care of myself," Irish said, trying to convince him. She walked slowly, and the breeze caressed her cheeks. She stood in front of a stone tablet with an inscription on it. "Fate cannot be forced, and where better to take its course," Irish read it in a low voice. The sentence kept lingering in her mind.

    ''Does my marriage with Joseph take its course?'' Irish wondered.

    The rtionship between the lovers could not be forced as well, and they had to go through many hardships before they could really be with each other, just like Joseph and Irish. But now everything has fallen into ce.

    The bells in the distant temple rang when she was still absorbed in her thoughts.

    She looked forward but suddenly found a familiar figure which startled her. She stood there in astonishment and couldn''t utter a single word.

    "I''m worried that you will be a nun here since you are always addicted to this ce."

    Joseph''s deep voice sounded at the other end of the phone, but Irish could see his soft smile. He stood not far and grinned at her, which shocked Irish.

    He stood at the temple entrance, under the towering old trees, while the mottled light poured on him, making him look more stalwart.

    The lush bamboo rustled with the breeze while some bamboo leaves fell into his shoulders.

    "Why are you here?" Irish asked after a long while, her nose twitching. Irish rubbed her eyes but found he still stood there. It was not until then she realized that it was not a dream.

    Joseph put his phone into his pocket, stepped to her directly, and replied softly. "It is better to tell your parents that we are married since it is a big event in life. What''s more, I also miss our baby."

    Irish''s heart trembled as she heard this, and the light in her eyes faded. Then, reaching out, Joseph held her in his arms and said firmly over her head, "Irish, I will take care of you for the rest of our lives."

    Moved by his words, Irish held him tightly.

    ****

    The wedding was finallying. Sitting in front of the mirror, Irish stared at herself and felt everything was like a dream. Her best friends were there to apany her. It was her wedding day, and she would get married soon to Joseph.

    ording to tradition, Joseph woulde to pick her up. Although it must be a luxurious modern wedding, they had to obey the traditions, and Mary informed Joseph about it while Joseph also kept it in mind.

    Irish stayed at her Uncle Steven''s house, waiting for Joseph to pick her up the next day. She could not fall asleep since she was nervous yet a little bit excited. Steven and Mary were also excited, so they got up in the early morning to prepare snacks and candies for the guests. Jay also got up early since he needed to decorate the room.

    The noises outside the window woke Irish up. She was shocked when she got out of her room as she found festive paper decorations had been hung from the ceiling. Irish was worried about her Uncle Steven, so she urged him again and over again to take some rest, but she failed since Steven ignored her wordspletely and evenforted her that he was fine. Hearing this, Mary also stepped to her and asked her to take a break so that she would look well in the wedding ceremony.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Before she got back to her room, Irish looked back and nced at Steven and felt a little suspicious.

    However, it was getting more and more hopping outside.

    Many rtives of her Aunt Mary came to celebrate Irish''s wedding, so Irish had to greet them one by one.

    Besides Cassie''s wedding dress for Irish, Lilith also prepared a ceremonial robe for her.

    Additionally, Joseph also prepared several sets of dresses so that Irish could put them on different asions. It could be said that the wedding wouldst for a few hours.

    The housekeeper kept the wedding dress so that Irish could put it on when she arrived at the venue. Irish was dressed in a red cheongsam when Joseph came to pick her up. It was customized for Irish by a famous sewing artist and was full of fine embroidery.

    All of her friends and rtives were shocked by Irish, who was beautifully made up and well-groomed. "This cheongsam is expensive and is customized by a famous artist. It is worth 2 million," Mary introduced it proudly to her friends. All of the people that were present were startled by Mary''s words.

    Irish tried her best to hold back her smile, knowing that her Aunt Mary was showing off deliberately.

    When Cassie arrived with some of her colleagues from Runestone, Joseph also came. Seeing this, the young girls rushed to the door and blocked it to stop them from entering the yard.

    Soon the firecrackers sounded outside the door while many neighbors stood there to witness the festive celebration.

    A row of luxury cars was lined up. Joseph was kept by his good friends, who Irish had met in Pennsylvania before. Joseph held a bunch of roses in his hands while Jean and Bowen stood beside him. Joseph felt his heart bumping, but soon he calmed down and was ready for the challenge from Irish''s friends.

    Jean put many envelopes into Joseph''s pocket so that he could pass the test. "Don''t worry, Joseph. We will help you to deal with those girls," Bowen said with a big smile.

    Joseph was relieved by his good brothers, and now he felt he was ready.

    However, when they were about to wee the uing challenge, Jordan said abruptly behind, "What if those young girls don''t want your red envelope?"

    Hearing this, Joseph was on the alert again and asked, "What do they want to do if they don''t want a red envelope?"

    "Don''t worry. We have prepared everything for you no matter what they want," Roy said immediately.

    Joseph started to knock on the door as he heard from Roy, but the door was not open. The girls''ughter could be heard in the yard.

    "Who is knocking on the door?" asked Cassie deliberately.

    Joseph was clear that the key point was to pass their test so that he could pick up his bride.

 Chapter 847 847: Come In?

    ?

    "It''s me. Joseph!" He had no choice but to reply honestly.

    "But who is Joseph?" Cassie continued while bursting out intoughter.

    "I am the bridegroom," Joseph responded again.

    "Well, who is the bridegroom?" Cassie asked. Obviously, she was creating difficulties for Joseph.

    After hearing this, Joseph took a glimpse at Roy and then replied, since he had no other choice, "I am your brother-inw."

    As soon as he finished his sentence, the girls all burst outughing.

    "Okay, it is your bid day. And we also don''t want to dy your wedding. As long as you pass the test, you can pick your bride. But if you fail, then... Cassie stopped in the mid-sentence. After her wedding to Roy, Cassie experienced how to deal with it.

    "Okay, okay." Joseph had no other choice but agreed.

    "There are ten girls, so you must give us ten red envelopes first."

    Joseph hastily took out the red envelope from his pocket and handed it to the girls from the crack of the door. But soon, Cassie''s voice sounded again. "We all know you are a rich businessman, so we don''t want your money in the envelope. Instead, you have to put some candies into the envelope and hand it to us in ten seconds.

    After hearing this, all of Joseph''s brothers started to put candies into the red envelope and then handed them to the girls.

    "Well, now you have passed the first challenge," Cassie said while handing something out of the door. "I am sure you know well what Irish looks like, so the second challenge is to piece together Irish''s photo."

    Joseph opened the bag and found some shredded photos, but it was mixed with Irish''s friends'' photos which meant that Joseph had to pick up Irish''s picture from those shredded photos.

    It required Joseph to be very familiar with Irish''s features.

    Jean and other Joseph''s friends all stepped backward since they could not afford any help. However, Joseph looked calm and replied calmly, "Okay, if I can seed within five minutes, you must open the door."

    "Joseph, there is not much time for you to bargain with us," Cassie responded, who was still talking behind the door.

    Joseph was helpless and shook his head slightly.

    Instead ofbining the pictures quickly, he carefully looked at the shredded photos for a long time. And soon, he pieced Irish''s photos precisely within five minutes.

    The young girls were shocked since they felt that Joseph really loved Irish deeply.

    Some girls still wanted to give another challenge to Joseph, while others thought it was enough since Joseph could pass the test in such a short time. In such cases, they started to discuss and let their guard down. Taking the chance, Joseph availed himself of the opportunity to get in. The door was opened immediately, and Joseph''s friends all rushed in. Seeing this, the girls knew that they could not mend the situation, so they started to say loudly. "We want the red envelopes!"

    In the next second, endless red envelopes fell alight. Finally, Joseph gets Irish into the car and drives to the venue.

    The private housekeeper had been waiting for them for a long time with the staff of the venue. As soon as they arrived, their friends all came to greet them. Many fireworks were prepared in the greensward of the hotel for the dancing party at night.

    The purple lotus filled the ceremony hall. And it was collected from different ces by Joseph, and airlifted the flowers to the venue this morning.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    When Irish arrived at the hotel, she looked around and found many celebrities there, including Nick, the CEO of Tee Group, a genius designer.

    The dresser and the stylist were invited from abroad by Joseph, and they arrived at the hotel early in the morning.

    When Irish was putting on makeup, someone knocked on the door. And a small head appeared behind the door, smiling at Irish.

    "Wow, this little girl looks adorable," The dresser praised.

    "Come in," Irish greeted with a soft smile.

    The little girl did look beautiful with a doll in her arms. She rushed to Irish with a big smile as Irish waved to her.

    "What is your name? Who did youe with?" asked Irish.

    p��nd��---no��?1,��o�� But before the little girl could reply to her, another woman walked in and called, "Fern?"

    The girl also heard her mother''s voice and hastily ran to the woman. "Mom!"

    The woman was dressed elegantly while her lower abdomen was slightly raised. It seemed that she was pregnant. The woman stepped to the girl and lifted the girl up. "I am sorry. Did she cause any trouble here?" The woman asked instantly.

    Although Irish felt the woman looked so familiar, she could not remember where she had met her before until she found the bracelet on her wrist. "Oh, are you Beatrice? Jean''s wife?" Irish queried.

    Her bracelet reminded Irish of who she was since she remembered Jean auctioned this bracelet with blue jewels in Pennsylvania for more than 3 billion. And Joseph told her it was a gift for his wife, who loved the bracelet very much.

    Beatrice grinned and walked to Irish. "I have heard that Joseph''s wife is a beauty. I want to meet you, and my wishes finally came true today."

    After hearing this, Irish hastily asked her to sit down since Beatrice was pregnant. She started chatting with Beatrice cheerfully while Fern huddled quietly in her mother''s arms.

    When they chatted, Fern chipped in suddenly and asked Irish, "Sister, are you going to get married today? But why don''t you put on a wedding dress?" Fern stared at Irish curiously.

    "Fern, you called me sister? Wow, it seems I am still young. I am so happy. What a sweet girl!" Irish said while bursting out a burst ofughter.

    But this little girl reminded Irish of her unborn baby. She suddenly felt her heartache, but soon she calmed down and reached out to rub Fern''s hair. "I am going to put on the wedding dress soon," Irish uttered softly.

    However, as soon as she finished her sentence, the housekeeper walked in and said anxiously, "Mrs. Dover, your wedding dress is gone."

    The wedding dress was made by a famous brand, which Cassie sent, and she had asked Roy to find that brand in Europe. Because of Irish''s sudden decision to marry, Cassie had no time to wait for the designer to redesign the wedding dress. So they only made slight changes on the basis of the original style, but the price was still high. Irish had ordered the wedding dress for Cassie, so the wedding dress price was recognized. As soon as she heard this, Irish felt nervous.

    The wedding dress was expensive, and a few ritual skirts were more expensive by adding together, so the wedding dress and the ritual skirt were managed separately by two people and stored in two ces.

    Irish had no time for makeup, and they hurried to the ce where the wedding dress had been ced. Beatrice also took Fern.

 Chapter 848 848: The Wedding Dress Is Gone -1

    ?

    The room where the wedding dress was set separately was not too big, and one could look at the end with a nce. The wedding dress originally put on the mannequin was missing. Only the bare mannequin was there.

    The staff who managed the wedding dress was a little girl in her early twenties, and she stood at the door and was frightened. She continued to apologize to Irish, and the butler of the hotel, of course, was in a hurry and scolded her. So, she cried.

    Irish was not in the mood tofort the little girl. The wedding was about to begin, but the wedding dress was gone.

    "What about the wedding?" Cassie bit her teeth with anger. Even now, scolding the staff did not help, so she asked, "Aren''t you looking at the wedding dress all the time? How can it disappear?"

    The little girl choked up and said she went to the bathroom for a while and found the wedding dress missing when she returned.

    The other female colleague was not as polite as Cassie, and her tone was sharp. "Why don''t you have a sense of responsibility? You were assigned to take care of the wedding dress, which is your job. Even if you go to the bathroom, you must ask someone to guard it for a while before you leave. Now, losing the wedding dress is such a big thing, can you afford it? Call your hotel manager! This is ridiculous!"

    The little girl fabled and cried even worse.

    Irish also wanted to scold her, but she held back and turned to look at the housekeeper, "Ritual skirts are still there?"

    "Yes, there has always been someone in charge of the dresses. I just took a special look at it. It''s all there." The housekeeper of the hotel said hurriedly.

    Beatrice whispered by the side, "Have you looked in every corner of the room?"

    The hotel housekeeper nodded. "I didn''t tell Ms. Irish until I had looked for it."

    "I think it''s better to talk to Joseph about it as soon as possible." Beatrice put Fern down and said to Irish.

    Irish was confused and kept silent for a moment.

    Just then, Lilith rushed over from the auditorium, found it strange to see a group of people here, and knocked on the door. "Irish, the wedding is about to begin. Have you changed into your wedding dress?"

    Cassie replied anxiously. "The wedding dress has been lost, how can she change into it?"

    Lilith was in shock and walked in to see the bald mannequin.

    What was going on?

    "Where''s Joseph?" asked Irish.

    "My brother-inw was ready, and he was at the venue busy greeting some businessmen who were there."

    Irish could imagine how busy it was outside.

    Just at a loss, Jay also rushed in, hugging a white thing in his arms, and when he saw Irish, he called Irish helplessly.

    Everyone looked at him and was shocked.

    Irish vaguely looked at the thing in Jay''s arms, feeling familiar, and she was the first to run forward, pulling up to look at it, but the piecemeal cloth was scattered all over the floor.

    The crowd covered their mouths.

    Irish widened her eyes.

    Jay was holding the wedding dress, but at present, it was turned into pieces of broken cloth.

    "It was found in the men''s room." Jay looked serious. "Someone cut the wedding dress and threw it into the men''s room."

    "What is this? Who''s such an immoral person that did this? The wedding is about to begin, and the wedding dress is cut so that you can''t wear it." Lilith was anxious.

    Irish forced herself to calm down.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "Let me talk to my brother-inw," Lilith suggested.

    She was just about to leave, but Irish pulled her. "Don''t let him know about it."

    The others froze.

    "It wouldn''t help to tell him. Now that the ceremony will start soon, we can''t go to another wedding shop and get a wedding dress." Irish said, sitting on the sofa and rubbing her temples.

    Generally, wedding shops were full of wedding dress samples, but they were worn by many. Even if there was one which was really clean, it could not guarantee the right size. If she wore it, she would be aughing stock and lose her face.

    Needless to say, Irish knew that the guests outside were important. If she went out in a dirty or inappropriate wedding dress, it was obvious that she would getughed at.

    In addition to the distinguished guests, thepany''s co-workers, the Runestone Group people, and the Linkus added with Cheska''s presence, who had dressed so beautifully, she didn''t want to look ugly before her.

    Her colleagues and her aunt''s rtives.

    What were these people supposed to think?

    Irish could not take the risk, and she could not let these people behind Joseph''s back say that the handsome general manager married a wife and let his wife wear other people''s wedding dresses.

    There was anxiety in the atmosphere.

    A long timeter.

    "KNVEN!" Suddenly, the silent Irish opened her mouth, and her beautiful eyes brightened. Others did not react for a while.

    "KNVE is a famous designer. He will have a solution." Irish got up and had an urgent voice. Although she was unsure that KNVE would help her solve the problem, she had to rely on him now.

    Others may not know KNVE, but Cassie knew him. She said worriedly, "Can he help? Besides, even if he wants to help, can he help?"

    Irish also understood Cassie''s concern and sighed. "It''s a pity I never said hello to him."

    "KNVE? Is that Nick?" Beatrice asked.

    �Ѧ���d��---n?��a| ��om Irish nodded.

    "I''ll go find him." Beatrice did not hesitate to say, "I worked before in themunicationpany that happens to handle some of his events, and today he was here to attend the wedding for Joseph, and I think he will be willing to help. Just give me a minute. I''ll talk to him."

    Irish nodded quickly.

    Beatrice left with Fern.

    In a minute, Nick wasing, and he saw Irish. He quickly said, "The fastest way is to use the local materials."

    "You''re going to take the clothes off from the bridesmaids?" Irish thought that he was easygoing.

    Nick shook his head, carefully looked at Irish, and then suddenly asked, "Dare you to be innovative?"

    "No problem, as long as I don''t getughed at," Irish said. When she heard what Nick said, she was not worried because if Nick dared to say so, it meant that he could guarantee to solve the problem in such a short period of time.

    "Don''t worry, since I''m here, and you''ll never get into a mess." Nick smiled.

    "What are we going to do?" Lilith asked.

 Chapter 849 849: The Wedding Dress Is Gone - 2

    ?

    Nick nced around, thoughtfully staring at Jay again, and he asked, "Are you her brother?"

    Jay nodded.

    "Have you brought your spare shirt?" This kind of wedding would probably take a long time, and often the next-of-kin would not only wear one suit to receive guests. He was her brother and must be thest to apany her.

    Jay nodded again.

    "I want white shirts, at least four white shirts." Nick made a direct request.

    "But I only brought one white shirt," Jay said in a hurry.

    Nick nced at his shirt, which was titanium gray.

    "Don''t worry, I''ll handle it." Jay thought the best man and Joseph.

    Nick told him, "Hurry up."

    Jay nodded, just about to pick up the fragments from the ground, but Nick stopped him, "These can be used."

    Everyone began to admire Nick for making the decadent into magic.

    Less than two minutester, Daisy, dressed as a bridesmaid, hurried to bring white shirts with Jay in their arms.

    Irish took a look and found all of those were expensive custom shirts.

    "They are from Mr. Dover and Mr. Shelton," Daisy said.

    "Joseph knew about this?" Irish asked anxiously.

    Daisy was calm. "Don''t worry, I didn''t tell him."

    Irish was relieved at this time, and it was not necessary to put pressure on Joseph at this time.

    The wedding scene was filled with a lively atmosphere.

    Dressed as a bridegroom, with a bright and straight suit, Joseph was busy greeting many guests, with a pleasant smile hanging on his lips rather than usual.

    Jordan invited some friends, and he was busy chatting with his friends, but during the period, he was also asked over by Joseph and was introduced to some of his business partners.

    Today Jordan was obedient andpletely acting maturely.

    Mary and Steve were also busy.

    A rtive called Mary and said, "He is so handsome. Can he be a trustworthy person?"

    There are always some people who don''t like others to be happy.

    Many rtives paid attention to this remark as soon as it was asked.

    Mary, on the other hand, quickly answered, "Well, you''re wrong. My son-inw can manage such a big business. How can someone do it without a little sense of responsibility? A man like Joseph is a symbol of the status of sess and dignity. You don''t know. Joseph is so good to Irish. Take this wedding as an example; our family doesn''t bother nning it at all."

    "You must receive a lot of money." Someone instantly queried.

    Mary looked proud. "You think that our family married into a rich family for money? Actually, Joseph did give us more than 10 million at that time, but how can we ept such a huge amount? Joseph was indeed a Fidelis child. Of course, he wants to give us more, but we will never take it. Joseph understood that we would refuse any money from him, so he bought us some other things, however. See all these pieces of jewelry? All of them are Joseph''s gifts."

    All the rtives came together and admired her. <novelsnext></novelsnext>

    What Mary said was not false. Joseph indeed insisted, but Mary and Steve felt that they were selling their niece, so they did not ept. Joseph had no way to put the money into Irish''s ount. But the whole jewelry on Mary was indeed sent by Joseph from the Vera Club, so they were naturally dazzling and valuable.

    "Joseph," Mary called in Joseph.

    Joseph walked from his circle of friends and came forward with a smile.

    Mary introduced these rtives to him one by one. Joseph greeted them one by one and said a few words. Some rtives asked him for coupons. Joseph smiled gently. "The Runestone Group has always made fine products and has never issued coupons, but now that we are family, if you buy refined stone goods in the future, I can let you get the factory price."

    "Oh, this young man is really talkative."

    Joseph''s behavior andmitment greatly made Mary feel proud, but she was also ted, "Isn''t my son-inw good? He is a well-known diamond dealer, and the general manager, he personally gives you the lowest discount, and you know the Runestone, oh, this brand has never been discounted. Even if the presidentes to buy it, he will not get a discount."

    The rtives nodded.

    Joseph could see that Mary wanted to show off, and he wasughing and remained silent. After a few words, Jean called him.

    "Uncle and Auntie, sorry, I have something to handle. See youter," Joseph said in a polite manner.

    "Of course. The wedding''s on, and you need to get ready." Mary smiled and made a slight adjustment of the angle of the lower coat for Joseph.

    "All right." Joseph felt warm.

    After he left, the rtives changed their previous views, and someone said, "Irish is really lucky and married a good man."

    "Yeah, I can feel his deep feelings for Irish."

    "Irish is so beautiful that her husband also looks good, so they will have an adorable baby. Look at Joseph, he is elegant, and he is educated. Irish can have a happy life. Joseph is a filial son."

    When Mary heard this, she smiled.

    That was what happened nowadays.

    In the presence of the husband''s or the wife''s family,plementing the husband would make themugh. The groom''s personality was very important.

    At the countdown to the wedding, Joseph was a little nervous, so he chatted with Jean and Bowen to relieve his anxiousness.

    When Bowen saw the 18th time Joseph had adjusted his tie, he couldn''t help but stop him, "Dude, you weren''t so nervous the first time when you went into the mine auction, why it seems you''re getting nervous this time?"

    Joseph was a little embarrassed.

    Jean interrupted, "Just let him pull his tie. Although this is his second marriage, isn''t this the first time he has held the wedding ceremony?"

    "Well, her first marriage wasn''t like this." Bowen was teasing Joseph.

    Joseph had stopped pulling his tie and deliberately asked with an unhappy face, "What are you talking about, dude?"

    "I''m referring to your marriage with Ruby. Is your ex-wife here?" Bowen asked deliberately.

    Joseph just ignored them. Ruby still didn''t attend his wedding. She hasn''t even shown up at Roy''s wedding because she is afraid people will make caringments about her. Shirley also didn''te, but William came with Kelly. They chatted with the shareholders cheerfully.

    Joseph also talked with his friends, but he suddenly felt someone pulling his pants. Joseph looked down and found it was Jean''s daughter, Fern. She wore a big smile and grinned at Joseph.

    "Fern,e here," Jean said, who happened to see his daughter. He put the champagne on the bar counter and crouched down.

 Chapter 850 850: Would You Like To Marry Me?

    ?

    "No. I want this uncle to hold me," Fern said while clenching Joseph''s pants.

    Jean helplessly smiled as he heard this.

    Joseph bent down and held this little girl into his arms, asking her, "Who do you think is more handsome? Your father or me?"

    Fern was smart enough to answer such a question. "Both of you are handsome," Fern replied skillfully.

    "What a lovely and smart girl!" Joseph praised the little girl while looking at his friend.

    "Yeah, sometimes there is nothing we can do with her. She is crafty and will never disappoint anyone," Jean proudly said while smiling.

    Joseph pinched Fern''s tiny cheek as he heard the words from Jean.

    "Joseph, you can have several babies with Irish since she''s going to be your legal wife. You seem like kids so much," Bowen suddenly suggested.

    Shocked yet upset, Joseph soon calmed down and responded with a smile, "I would like to ask for Irish''s opinionter."

    �Ѧ���d��---n?��a| ��om "Joseph, you have to admit that you like kids so much," continued Bowen. It was easy to tell that Joseph liked children since he looked like a loving father when he looked at Fern.

    However, Joseph just kept silent with a smile and said nothing.

    Fern put her arms around Joseph''s neck and said archly, "The bride is still not putting on the wedding dress."

    Joseph rubbed Fern''s hair and said in a soft voice. "She will put on the wedding dress soon."

    However, Fern shook her head and added, "But the wedding dress is gone."

    "What?!" Joseph was shocked.

    "Fern!" Beatrice called her daughter and heaved a sigh of relief. "Come over here. Uncle is busy today," Beatrice extended her arms.

    She stepped to Fern while saying. But Fern was determined not to loosen her grip. "No, I want Uncle to hold me. He is so handsome, like a prince."

    Beatrice stood there and could do nothing to her stubborn daughter.

    "Okay, okay. Uncle will not put you down," Josephforted her softly.

    "Fern is getting more and more naughty. It is all your fault, Jean. You always dote on your daughter," Beatrice pouted her lips to Jean.

    Jean just shrugged his shoulders, smiling.

    "What is going on with Irish? Fern said the wedding dress is gone," Joseph asked worriedly.

    "Nothing would be dyed," Beatrice quicklyforted him.

    "Don''t worry. Nick is there," Beatrice added.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Although confused, Joseph said nothing, but he knew that some troubles urred since they needed help from Nick.

    A momentter, the staff of the hotel came to remind them the wedding was going to start soon.

    Jean hastily took Fern from Joseph''s arms. Every link of the wedding was solemn.

    Joseph was so nervous before Irish showed up, and he began to worry about her and was afraid that Irish might be caught in trouble.

    When he was still absorbed in his thoughts, the guests all stood up and began to cheer. Slowly, Irish walked into the hall. Countless rose petals fell down slowly, and the guests were startled by the beautiful scenery.

    To Joseph''s surprise, the wedding dress looked so special and exquisite. When looking closely, Joseph found that the wedding dress was designed with white petal details, cut and tied with ribbons. It was an off-shoulder dress and was designed in a fishtail which looked chic. There was a long and white gauze at the back of the dress, blowing with the breeze, which made Irish look like a fairy.

    The white petals details on the dress were also delicate and would never cause visual fatigue to people.

    The stylist added some distinctive headwear, mainly purple lilies. In this way, Irish looked even fresher and more elegant. Indeed, it was Cassie who collected the headwear from their friends, and Cassie eximed that they could share the bride''s luck.

    In this way, Nick designed a unique wedding dress using four white shirts.

    Irish also epts Nick''s suggestion and changes her hairstyle. The stylist draped her hair off, while Nick thought it was better to let Irish step on the red carpet barefoot. Although they supposed that Irish would show up in a luxurious way, they finally declined their assumption, and Irish appeared on the scene like a fairy.

    Cassie also informed the wedding nner to cover all the red carpets with purple lotus petals.

    So when the petals fell down, Irish walked in slowly barefoot.

    Irish gently stepped on the purple lotus, and she was like floating in the breeze, which shocked the guests.

    Joseph was also startled by such a beautiful Irish, and he felt she just looked like the princess in a fairy tale. The solemn music started while Irish stepped to Joseph, led by her Uncle Steven. Everything around faded since the spotlight beamed down on Irish. Daisy, the bridesmaid, as well as Leo were almost frozen.

    Shocked, Leo stared at Irish with his infatuated eyes.

    ''My life is bound for this woman, but Joseph came in,'' thought Leo to himself.

    ****

    It felt like they had spent a long time together, but they had only known each other for one year. However, they went through many hardships this year.

    Slowly, Irish walked to Joseph, who stood there waiting for her gently. When Steven finally put Irish''s hands to Joseph, the days they spent together shed before their eyes.

    They met in the bar, and then Irish decided to work in Runestone Group, and since then, Joseph has remained her superior. As time went by, they got to know each other''s identities. However, they also encountered many obstacles that made Irish run away from him. Luckily, they met again in the Light Town. It was hard for them to be with each other since they had gone through much gossip and torture because of the family mishap. Everything shed clearly at the right moment, but Irish could feel Joseph''s warm hands.

    The wedding was not tedious, but when they read the wedding oath, Daisy handed a delicate box to Joseph. Confused, Irish was not clear about what he was going to do. However, Joseph took over the box, and then he got down on one knee. Stunned, Irish covered her mouth out of astonishment. The guests all cried out in surprise when Joseph opened the little box containing a diamond ring lying there. It was a bright-colored and dazzling one. Joseph took it out, looked into Irish''s eyes, and said softly, "Irish, would you like to marry me?"

    Irish stood there still, looking into Joseph''s eyes, and couldn''t utter a single word. Once before, she imagined that her Mr. Right would give a romantic marriage proposal just like the plot in the film. However, since she met Joseph, he barely said he loved her even once, so Irish always thought that he would never propose marriage to her.

    Edified by what she saw and heard in daily life with Joseph, Irish could easily tell the quality of a diamond. The diamond ring presented in front of her eyes was dazzling under the spotlight while the ring was designed specially, simr to Autumn vor, the diamond ring he had presented to her before.

 Chapter 851 851: Wishing Great Happiness And Luck To You Guys

    ?

    Of course, Irish didn''t know how much effort Joseph had put in to get this diamond ring, and Joseph had kept it for some time for today''s marriage proposal before he took it out, and only Daisy, who stood behind then, was clear about the whole story.

    Leo, who stood behind Irish silently, was slightly shocked because he had seen this diamond before. Joseph got this gem when he descended into the mine for the first time and it was a rare gradient color diamond that was called Hecate, a Goddess in Greek mythology. Although Leo had only seen it once, he was deeply impressed. Once it entered the market, it would definitely be better and more expensive than the one heunched at the press conference a few days ago. However, Leo didn''t expect that Joseph would use it to propose.

    Irish was like the Goddess today, and she was the only person who was qualified to deserve it.

    Although she didn''t know the origin of this diamond ring, she felt her nose twitch. It was at this moment she then realized the meaning of their wedding ceremony.

    Irish nodded slightly, her eyes filled with tears.

    With the cheers of the guests, Joseph put the ring for her. The diamond was shining on her fingers while many young girls present were jealous.

    It was Cassie who took back the ring for Joseph, and she didn''t know it was a diamond ring at the beginning. She evenined that Joseph was a penny pincher when Cassie found just a pair of simple rings in the small box. When they exchange their marriage box and their marriage token with each other, Irish takes out the simple ring for Joseph, and a multitude of feelings surges up. She was aware that Joseph''s hands were trembling slightly.

    Irish looked at Joseph with tearful eyes while her cheeks were flushed.

    Joseph gently held her into his arms and whispered, "Irish, I will take care of you for the rest of your life. You asked me not to leave you before, and this time we are really bound to each other and can live with each other."

    Irish''s heart was bumping as she heard this, and her tears finally trickled down her cheeks.

    All of their family members and friends were moved by them, especially Mary and Cassie.

    However, when everyone cheered for it, no one noticed that a man gazed at them with hatred in the distance. The man smiled like an evil person when he put down the telescope.

    The wedding wouldst a whole day, and there was a party at night. Joseph also asked for Irish''s opinion about their wedding, and he suggested they hold their wedding at the seaside since, in this way, they could celebrate for three days. But Irish declined his suggestion because she felt that it was really time-consuming. Moreover, Joseph was busy with his work while her Uncle Steven was in poor health, so they finally decided to hold their wedding at a hotel in New York.

    After the ceremony, all of their family members and friends came to congratte them.

    Leo stepped forward and congratted Irish. He stared at Irish softly while Irish just smiled without any words.

    Leo took the initiative to ask to be Joseph''s groomsman when Irish called him to tell him she would get married to Joseph soon. Leo kept silent for a long while and finally asked her if he could be their groomsman. It was easy for Irish to tell his hesitant yet upset voice, and she was also at a loss for how to reply to him. But soon, Leo continued to say that he could not bring happiness to his beloved woman, and he hoped to see Irish walk towards happiness.

    Irish felt her heart broken as she heard those words from Leo. Hesitated, she epted Leo''s request.

    He sent his girl away, and now he felt so lonely.

    "Thank you, Leo. You are my best friend forever." Irish felt so touched.

    Fredrick also came. He didn''t take part in the activity of teasing the bridegroom but joined in the wedding in the hotel. He hated seeing Roy, and he also felt a little bit embarrassed when he saw Cassie.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    As the petals were put on Irish, he still kept silent. After a great while, he said, "Congrattions, Irish."

    Irish thought of their conversation that day. She felt a little bit frustrated, so she just nodded and answered, "Thank you foring, Fredrick."

    Fredrick took a nce at her, "Nowadays, I can be faced with your wedding, frankly, but not Cassie''s."

    Irish felt shocked.

    eaglesnov?1,��o�� When it was Jordan''s turn, he was still scornful though he wore elegant clothes. He walked towards them and said directly, "I have made room for you two. Do note to Midtown Manhattan to interrupt me, especially you." He looked at Irish and said naughtily, "Do not sleep on my bed."

    The words were aggressive, which made Joseph unhappy.

    Irish figured that he said this deliberately, so she was thinking of a solution to deal with it. Jordan looked at her and smiled, "Irish, I also want to be the groomsman, just like Leo."

    Joseph kept cold and just said, "Your friend is still waiting for you."

    Jordan just looked into Joseph''s eyes and smiled aggressively, seeming to confront him.

    Just at this time, Irish held Joseph''s arms lightly. Looking at Joseph, she smiled, "Being a groomsman is not easy. See Leo, he is quite busy today. Your brother loves you, so he didn''t let you do so. Moreover, it''s better not to be a groomsman more than three times; otherwise, it will be hard for you to get married."

    Jordan looked back and just asked casually, "How about you?"

    Irish could feel that Joseph''s arms tightened, so she said, "I am also concerned about you since I''m your sister-inw now."

    "Sister-inw?" Jordan murmured.

    After a while, he smiled and resisted his arrogance, "Understood." And then he spoke fluently, "Wishing great happiness and luck to you guys."

    He was clear about what he should say and what he should do. Irish was the woman he had never thought of meeting, who made him impressed. Maybe it was their luck that they became siblings after Irish married his brother.

    Jordan was slightly lost for a moment and just stared at Irish thoughtfully.

    His blessing was sincere.

    Joseph felt relieved, and he just stretched his hands out and patted his shoulder. The action was meaningful.

    After the ceremony, Joseph ordered someone to check the monitor system in the hotel. Joseph requested that all the videos should be taken out as evidence.

 Chapter 852 852: Do You Have A Boyfriend Now?

    ?

    During the wedding ceremony, the hotel was open, and although anyone without an invitation shall not get ess, it was hard to guarantee that no one could sneak in. The task was not easy for the security personnel to maintain secure facilities at that time. However, Joseph was determined to find out what exactly had happened, while the hotel management took responsibility for the wedding dress''s disappearance and ran aplete investigation.

    Thewn became a party venue, and the wedding was boisterous. The elders just left after finishing the meal, while most of the younger ones were still there. As the sunset appeared, the dance party began.

    Thereafter, Joseph and Irish changed their clothes and started the party with their first dance as a couple. A handsome man dancing with a beautiful woman portrayed an excellent picture against the moonlight.

    As the party got exciting, Irish gradually got drunk. Joseph just held her tightly beside him as she took up another ss of wine. He hastily grabbed it away and drank it.

    As the celebration ran longer, Irish drank with her friends in a mad way.

    Lilith also drank too much, and she just leaned against the chair. The ss in her hand was grabbed away by someone. She raised her head and found that it was Jay.

    Lenard hadn''t joined the wedding as he had an important appointment.

    Against the moonlight, Lilith looked at Jay''s face. She just couldn''t move her eyes away.

    Jay sighed, "Let me send you back."

    No one knew when the party could end, but it would be more dangerous for a girl who drank so much and was alone.

    Lilith shook her head momentarily.

    e��glesn?��el "I can call Lenard for you and let him pick you up." Jay was to take his phone out.

    Lilith stretched her arms and slung around Jay''s neck without warning, and soon she cried in drunkenness, "Why don''t you love me? Why? Will you feel sad when I really marry someone else? Do you still love me?"

    Jay was stunned after hearing Lilith''s outburst, and their surroundings seemed to stop, making him lost for a moment.

    "Just take me away. Please, Jay. Take me away. Stop thinking of something else, okay?" Lilith just cried sadly.

    Jay''s heart was broken.

    He resisted his sorrows after a while and just said lightly, "You''re drunk."

    Lilith stopped crying and released her arms slowly. She stepped back and looked at him with tearful eyes, "Yes, I am drunk... you''re right, I''m drunk."

    Thinking about things that happened recently to her, she remembered Lenard''s family and her family were both discussing their marriage date already. How could she stop this sad fate?

    Even if she wanted to stop her fate, how about Jay?

    Would he really take her away?

    It seems Impossible.

    She could feel his strong will obviously, so actually, she was defeated already. She was not important to him. If she were, Jay would fight for her. Looking at Jay, she realized he had his own pursuits, his own family, and his own career.

    Jay clenched his fists and held her, "Let me send you back."

    "No." After crying, Lilith was awake. She smiled lightly, "Today is my cousin''s wedding. I am happy for them, so I want to apany them."

    "But you are drunk."

    "Don''t worry, Lenard will pick me up." She said with an exhausted voice.

    Jay released his hands helplessly.

    On the other side of thewn, Daisy also drank a lot, but she was allowed to drown herself today since she efficiently did all her business tasks and entertainment activities those few days with Joseph.

    A bit tipsy, she just sat on the lounge beside thewn.

    As she turned around, she got into a man''s chest.

    Soon her waist was held, and a manughed above her head, "Drank too much?"<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Daisy was frightened, and she stepped back. She raised her head and found that it was Bowen.

    "Mr. Bowen, I''m so...so sorry."

    Bowenughed loudly, "Are you okay?

    "Ah, I''m okay." Daisy was scared of this man, and she tried her best to appear calm and make her words clear.

    She was thinking of an excuse to leave, but Bowen just said, "Let''s sit in the rest area, shall we?"

    Bowen was Joseph''s friend. Daisy did not want him to be unhappy, so she followed him.

    Few people were in the rest area since most people came to have fun. Bowen ordered the waiter to take some hydromel for Daisy. Daisy was grateful as she took over the hydromel.

    "Daisy, you are so beautiful today." Suddenly Bowen said.

    Daisy coughed as she heard it. Bowen smiled and patted her back.

    Daisy didn''t want toe closer to him, so she just sat far from him and said lightly, "I''m okay now. Thank you, Mr. Brown."

    Bowen was a bit annoyed as he heard, "Do not always call me Mr. Brown."

    Daisy felt more terrified. She instantly exined, "You are Mr. Dover''s friend. Of course, I need to call you Mr. Brown."

    Bowen didn''t answer but just looked at her curiously.

    The atmosphere turned strange between them.

    After a while, Bowen said, "Are you afraid of me?"

    "Ah?" Daisy was in a daze. Yes, she was afraid of him, but she couldn''t spurt it out.

    "You misunderstood me." Bowenughed loudly. "It''s said that you are very intelligent, clever, and calm, but why is it that when I see you, you look not smart?"

    Daisy tried her best to squeeze a smile. If other women had heard that, she would have left immediately.

    "Daisy, how old are you?" Bowen leaned against the sofa and asked while smiling.

    It was impolite to ask a woman her age. Daisy thought that Bowen must have had this kind of attitude, but she couldn''t refuse to answer. She just answered unwillingly, "29."

    She was the same age as Irish.

    Bowen nodded, and he asked again, "Do you have a boyfriend now?"

    Daisy was surprised by his question.

    "No one?" Bowen looked at her and shook his head, "Joseph is so cruel."

    "Yes, Mr. Bowen, I...I have a boyfriend." Daisy didn''t feel ashamed of her lie.

    Bowen raised his eyebrow, feeling pitiful. "Someone always chases a beautiful woman."

    Daisy really wanted to leave now.

    "What does he do?" He was really curious.

    "He..." She felt it was difficult to make up another lie, but she had no other way, "He is an engineer."

    Bowen noticed her lie, "Where does he work?"

    Daisy felt it was more difficult to answer, "Just a smallpany. It''s not so famous."

 Chapter 853 853: It’s My Fault

    ?

    She knew Bowen must have learned a lot about bigpanies.

    "Umm... It''s okay. Talents are the most important." Bowen said and sipped his Champaign, "Our headquarter needs to be reconstructed. If your boyfriend is interested, let himpete for a bid. He might win if his design is unique."

    Daisy feels it is moreplicated to spill out another lie. She tried her best to adjust her mood, "Thank you, Mr. Bowen. He is inexperienced. Just forget it."

    Bowen looked at her for a while andughed, "You are so funny."

    Funny? What did he mean?

    Bowen didn''t exin but just asked, "Daisy, you majored in French when you were still in college, right?"

    Daisy nodded.

    "I will travel to France for business. Will youe with me?" Bowen looked at her, seeming to test her.

    Daisy''s emotions were like a roller coaster. She tried her best to calm herself down, "Mr. Bowen, you tter me. There must be many assistants good at French. I''m not so qualified."

    Bowen leaned behind, idle and casual, "You are qualified. It''s known to everybody that you are capable of doing things. I just want to borrow your luck and sign the contract smoothly. I suppose that Joseph must agree if I ask for it by myself."

    "Mr. Bowen." Daisy stood up suddenly, feeling suffocated. "I...I think I''m not so suitable, really. Please just pick someone else."

    She intended to go.

    "You will not get married this year, will you?" Bowen asked suddenly, "Why not just hang around France with me? For a vacation?"

    Daisy turned around and asked, "Who said that I will not get married this year."

    "You didn''t catch the bridal bouquet." Bowenughed with an evil grin.

    Daisy was speechless.

    Earlier, when Irish threw her bridal bouquet, Daisy was standing with Lilith. When the bridal bouquet flew over to her, they both intended to give it to other women, so they just pulled their hands back. Therefore the bridal bouquet was thrown to the floor. They both didn''t get it.

    Daisy and Lilith were scolded by Irish after that.

    Bowen stood up, walking towards her.

    Daisy stepped back, suddenly feeling frightened.

    Seeing her reaction, Bowen shook his head helplessly, "Are you afraid of me? I''m not an evil guy after all."

    Daisy made a forced smile and tried her best to stand firmly.

    Bowen walked beside her and looked at her from head to toe, asking her suddenly, "Do you really have a boyfriend?"

    Daisy nodded instantly, "Yes, I...I have a boyfriend."

    Bowenughed and didn''t say anything else.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "Mr. Bowen, I will just leave if there is nothing you ask anymore." Daisy wanted to run away.

    Bowen nodded lightly.

    She left quickly.

    The wedding was so bountiful and colorful, from the morning to the night. Their business partners toasted Leo and Joseph. Luckily Jean knew that Joseph had a bad stomach, so protecting him from being toasted as usual. It was impossible for a bridegroom not to be toasted at the wedding.

    Joseph wanted to see Irish. He was afraid that she would do any careless act as she was already drunk. Irish was not on thewn.

    Joseph thought she was inside the venue drinking with her friends.

    He was to find her. Suddenly Cassie staggered towards him. Maybe it was because she was drunk, and her greeting became casual.

    Joseph asked whether she had seen Irish or not. She pointed at the room, mentioning that she was drinking with her ssmates abroad. Joseph felt nervous, so he turned to leave, but Cassie stopped him, "Joseph, can we talk?"

    ****

    It seemed joyous everywhere, and even in the air, there was sweetness. Only Ruby''s house was very quiet.

    Having left the Lakes, Ruby was more pragmatic. Although she was still the shareholder and could get many bonuses, she still opened a cake bakery store with Emery in a big mall. It was a very delicate store, which was very popr among white cor workers.

    Emery had no money. All the funds for the store came from Ruby. She sold one of her houses and bought the store. Shirley was very angry at this, while Ruby and Emery were just dedicated to running the cake bakery store.

    eaglesnov?1,��o�� They opted to separate and didn''t take part in any activity, including the wedding ceremony.

    Emery was still concerned with Shirley''s words. This day was Joseph and Irish''s wedding, but Ruby still kept silent and was busy with the business. Aftering back home, Emery couldn''t help saying, "Today, your mom called when you were not at the store to deliver the cake."

    Ruby nodded lightly, "It might be for the wedding. But, you know what? She is still unhappy about the fact that Joseph is with Irish. It will be useless for her to attend the wedding, but if Ie, there may be a different voice from outside."

    Emery sighed lightly.

    "But my Mom forgot two important facts." Ruby nestled in the sofa, massaging her arm, "Firstly, it was a fake marriage between me and Joseph, which the outside has known. Secondly, Joseph is so well-known, so even if Ie to the wedding, he has the power to let the media have one unified voice. It''s said that he has spent a lot of money on the wedding, so he doesn''t care about putting more money on the media."

    "It''s true." Emery nodded.

    Current situation of today''s Runestone Group, Roy was the director of the board, but how about the fact? It has been disclosed that Roy had returned to the airlinepany while all the business in the Runestone Group was in Joseph''s control. Roy was no longer in the highest position, while Joseph was already the director and ran thepany as the general manager.

    The Lakes were no longer as strong as before.

    Thinking of this, Emery was sorrowful. Then, looking at Ruby, she said, "It''s my fault."

    Ruby never thought she would say that, so she just smiled, "What are you talking about?"

    "If it were not for me, you would never have had a fake marriage with Joseph, and you would have lived in the Lakes. If it were not because of me, you would not have begged Joseph and lost part of your share. If not for me, you would not have been humiliated, run this store, and worked day and night. A rich woman who just became a cake deliverer."

    Emery felt more and more down.

 Chapter 854 854: Such A Sweet Life

    ?

    Ruby felt desperate about her words, "Do not just me yourself. It''s my choice, for which I never feel regretful. Maybe everything is doomed. As for the Runestone Group, it is my father''s work with great effort. I don''t care about it at all. Emery, I''m good. I feel satisfied every day since I can build for my future with my own efforts."

    Emery looked at her, smiling lightly.

    "But the Lake is your home. Do not be separated from them because of me." Holding the pillow, Ruby smiled lightly," Time wins everything. I believe that one day they can ept it."

    Emery felt that this day would nevere.

    ****

    When Irish was awake, she couldn''t tell where she was. Laughing and noise were hanging over her mind, fabulous light as well.

    The room was very quiet. A thick curtain covered the light outside the window, and it was difficult to tell what time it was now from the darkness.

    Irish sat up, holding her aching head. The thin tissue fell down from her nket. Looking around, she found that it was as luxurious as a pce. It seemed that it was a time crossing for her.

    It was Hampton.

    She came back to Hampton.

    However, she couldn''t remember when she came back to Hampton and how.

    There was a wood smell in the room, which was light and could help her fall asleep with no dream.

    It was such a big bed.

    There was nobody on the other side of her.

    There was a smell of Joseph''s hair on the pillow and a light wooden smell.

    But where was Joseph?

    Irish held the nket and looked at the time after a while. It was 3 p.m. in the afternoon!

    She got off the bed hurriedly, and unluckily her knees crashed on the foot of the bed. She jumped to the washroom and found herself in the mirror. She looked so tired. What happened?

    She opened the curtain. Brilliant sunshine rushed into the room, making the room golden.

    Wearing white pajamas, Irish walked over to the rooms like a shadow. She could hear the whistle from the birds and feel the quietness of the whole of Hampton.

    She was thinking about whether those rich women in the pce would feel lonely while walking from one room to another room.

    Irish felt regret. She should have lived in Midtown Manhattan. At least there was no need for her to find Joseph in every room. It was so easy for her to find Joseph in Midtown Manhattan.

    Maybe he went to thepany?

    As she walked to the garden, she stopped guessing.

    e��glesnovel`c,om There were so many flowers and trees in the garden.

    Irish had lived in Hampton for a while, but she still kept respect for all the flowers and trees there. Take the cherry-apple tree as an example, and it was an old and big tree. Maybe it was an expensive variety ordered by Joseph. All in all, it was a nt, more expensive than herself, but she couldn''t call the name.

    Let alone other nts here. Joseph just sat under the ancient tree, having a rest.

    It would be an exaggeration to describe it as having a rest.

    He sat on therge shaking chair under the tree, leaning against there idly and calling someone. It seemed that he was listening most of the time and just ordering asionally.

    The temperature this year was abnormal. The tree didn''t bloom until now.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    It was in the flowering phase. There wererge flowers on his head. She heard that these flowers would turn whiteter, which was just like the snow. In September, there will be fruits.

    Joseph saw her, so he just held his hands out while talking about the business. His hands wererge and powerful.

    On his palm, there was a red light shadow. It was a shadow of the sunshine falling on the tree. Thick leaves covered the ray of light, and only coldness was left.

    Irish dared not to interrupt him, so she just gave her hands out.

    Joseph dressed casually today, which was hardly seen.

    He wore a casual sleeve and a pair of light linen pants. Unlike usual suits, he looked more easygoing today.

    He held Irish''s hands and yed with her hands. At the same time, he urged something rted to the new arrivals to the design department on the call.

    Standing under the tree, there was a slow wind. It felt so good.

    Irish suddenly felt that such a leisurely life was just what she wanted.

    They both became a real couple after yesterday. Until now, Irish felt in a daze, as if they had both got to know each other yesterday.

    At that time, she called him "brother-inw."

    Fate was so mysterious, and just in this way, she became Joseph''s wife, while he became her husband.

    After the phone call, Joseph still leaned against the chair. Looking at Irish, he smiled, "You can really sleep."

    Irish felt blushed. She was to ask something yesterday, and just at this time, his phone rang again.

    She frowned and murmured. "Let mee back to the house."

    Joseph pulled her hands, smiling, "No."

    He got through the call.

    "Oh, Bevan, hello." He just made the phone call in front of her.

    Irish felt bored again. She thought that she should grab the phone and just throw it in the pool. However, she dared not to do so. They were talking about something official, and she just thought of her aunt''s words, "A married woman should take good care of her husband and children."

    Take good care of them. She didn''t know whether she could make it or not.

    How could she take care of them? It seemed to be so difficult.

    Lowering her eyes, she released Joseph''s hands and walked beside the pool, feeding the fish in the aquarium.

    The sunshine on her head was not so hot, and the wading shadows were so beautiful.

    If such a kind of life could continue forever, it would be sweet and beautiful.

    Turning around, she met Joseph''s look. She felt touched. He seemed to be looking at her all the time. Listening to the phone, he just looked at her face, smiling lightly. He

    was so gentle.

    Irish couldn''t help eximing, "Such a sweet life!"

    It felt so good.

    She just hoped that nothing or nobody would interrupt the tranquility at this time.

 Chapter 855 855: It’s Her

    ?

    After feeding one bag of fish food, Joseph finished his call and pulled his hands, "Come here."

    Irish cleaned her hands and came forward, but she was pulled to the chair by him. She was afraid that the leg of the chair would break, while Joseph just smiled and said, "You overrated your weight."

    They both were just crowded into the wide chair, and Irish was just nestled into his bosom. The light wood smell was spread in their nose by the wind. It was sofortable that she didn''t want to move at all.

    "When did wee backst night?" She asked idly.

    Josephughed in her head, "It was notst night but at dawn today."

    She raised her head, "Did the wedding end sote?"

    Joseph lowered his head, looking at her, "Irish."

    His voice was serious.

    Irish just sat up seriously. She forgot that it was a shaking chair, and then she just fell into his bosom again. He circled her with arms with a questioning voice, "Last you were acting to join in other''s wedding."

    Ah?

    What''s wrong? She thought.

    Looking at Irish''s questioning eyes, Joseph reiterated the experience fromst night to today''swn.

    The disaster just began the moment when Irish got drunk.

    Joseph was busy being toasted by business partners. Daisy got drunk too, let alone Jean and Bowen, so Joseph had to apany them.

    When it was to end, Joseph found that Irish was gone.

    Everyone on thewn got drunk. Steven and Mary just drank with their rtives, and it was difficult to get any clue from them. Joseph had thought that Irish had gone to the restroom or fallen asleep somewhere, but he found that her college students and Cassie were gone as well.

    People wouldugh if they knew he had lost his bride on their wedding night.

    Joseph quickly came to Roy and told him.

    "Your wife and mine are gone."

    Roy was drunk, holding the pillow on the sofa,ughing. "Hey, my wife is in my arms."

    In his drunkenness, Joseph had to call the waiter, who said they saw Irish leave with arge group of people as if they were going to a bar for a single night.

    Single night!

    Joseph wanted to find Irish and hit her at once. She had been married, and what kind of single night was she trying?

    What was more, she turned off her cell phone!

    The driver took Joseph all the way to the bar that Irish had been to before. As soon as he asked, Irish had really been here. The bar owner pointed to a table of empty wine bottles and told Joseph that the women were too drunk.

    When he asked where they were going, the boss thought about it and said, "They seem to be going to sing. A woman said she would go to the nearby ''Cash Cab'' to sing."

    A woman?

    Joseph described Irish''s appearance, and the bar owner thought about it and took out an ID card from his wallet and said, "It''s her?" <novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Joseph was totally angry when seeing the card, which was Irish''s.

    Why is her ID card here?

    The bar owner hurriedly exined that the woman had drunk more than $5,000 of wine and then said that she had to deposit her ID card here because she hadn''t taken enough cash and left her phone number and home address. She said that she woulde to pay the money tomorrow, and if she didn''t pay it, he could collect her debts at home.

    At a nce, he found that she had left her address in Midtown Manhattan. It could be imagined that if the bar owner really came to collect debts, she would have to be scared to death.

    Helpless, he had to take out his wallet and check out and get her ID card back.

    And then he went to the "Cash Cab". The owner of the bar almost cried as soon as he saw the photo on her ID card. He grabbed Joseph''s arm and stopped letting him go. He said that as soon as the woman on the ID card had entered the VIP box, she thought the sofa was hard. She had pulled out a big hole in the sofa to see what kind of material it was made of.

    Joseph felt confused, but he could imagine how heroic Irish was at the time.

    Reimbursing what she had damaged, he asked the boss which box they were in.

    The boss said they had left early, and he added, "They should have gone to a nearby restaurant for dinner." Then he returned a pile of things to Joseph. Joseph looked at them, which were bracelets and nes worth a lot of money. Although, at first nce, he found the jewelry of Irish from the Cash Cab, Joseph began a long way to find his wife.

    There were so many restaurants nearby that he had almost inquired about each one, and in the end, he really found her. As a result, he paid for the damages and redeemed a bunch of jewelry from the owner. Oh, and Cassie''s ID card.

    Finally, Irish was found beside a big tree beside a road.

    Cassie was also with her.

    He didn''t see anyone else, so they might have hitchhiked away.

    Joseph would never forget that scene. The sky was just bright, and fortunately, there were very few people on the street. In front of the big tree, Cassie sat on the ground with her head against the trunk, drooping, drunk and unconscious. And Irish, leaning against the trunk, was talking endlessly at the trunk. "Cassie, do you think we are good sisters? You, right? I think, ah, we both got married in a hurry. The bride and groom will have a single day before they get married. We should go abroad and have a good time."

    Although Joseph was also drunk, he would not have known her, for this scene really humiliated him.

    He held her up without saying a word.

    But she clung to the trunk and shouted for help.

    The street, which was already empty and silent, was boiling, and a small number of pedestrians looked that way. Near the embassy district, patrolling police officers came forward behind them, looking at Joseph as if he was a female trafficker.

    There was no way, he had to exin that this was his wife, and he took out their identity cards and handed them to the officers.

    Cassie was sent directly back to Roy, and he carried Irish back to the courtyard.

    Under the tree, Irish stared at Joseph in dismay, as if he were talking about others until a long timeter. "No way, you''re definitely not talking about me."

    "It turns out that you show your true face as soon as you drink," Joseph said patiently.

    Irish couldn''t remember anything. They drank too much.

    "All I remember is asking them to drink on thewn." Herst memory remained at that moment.

    Joseph touched her head as if he was caressing a child.

    "It''s my fault, too. I wish I had kept an eye on you." Joseph thought, "The precursor to your drunkenness is to scold Cheska and make her cry."

    "What?"

 Chapter 856 856: Now, Make It Up

    ?

    Joseph described to her Cheska''s picture with delicate clothesing forward to toast, and of course, she was a little drunk, but Irish was already drunk then. After Cheska went forward to toast, Irish swapped the red wine in her cup with white wine, forcing her to drink it. Cheska did not want to drink, and she asked Cheska to admit that she was a pussy, so Cheska drank in a fit of anger. Irish caught Cheska on the shoulder and said, "Hey, why are you being so proud? You pretend in front of me every day. What do you have to dress up for? Don''t you say you don''t want to hook up with rich men? Obviously, you''re jealous. It''s an illness, you know. You have to cure it! What are you showing off? To put it bluntly, you are an old woman, and you are not as beautiful as I am, not as good as I am. Haven''t you been alone all these years? It''s tough at night, isn''t it? I''m telling you, I am officially married today, so you are a loser. Science has proved that you can''t find the right man at this time. You''ve left behind all your life. You want to find a rich man, right?" And she kept speaking.

    Suddenly Cheska''s psychological defense line waspletely broken by Irish. Perhaps what a single woman was afraid of the more she heard. Irish''s words became a weapon to attack her, breaking her down at once, and she began to cry on thewn.

    The bully, Irish, continued to pour her wine as if she wasn''t the one who had said those words.

    "This is definitely not me!" After listening to Joseph''s narration, Irish protested abruptly.

    Joseph rubbed her head hard. "This is you. Don''t drink in the future." The fact that Irish was drunk and getting into trouble, he was not afraid of that, but he was afraid that she would be drunk in the arms of another man again, and he could not imagine what would happen after that.

    After all, their story started when she was too drunk and fell into his bosom.

    Joseph didn''t think that all men were so decent and ignored a drunk woman who would freely fall in their arms.

    Irish seemed to see her absurd behaviorst night with his serious tone. She quickly bowed her head and kept silent by ying with the corners of his clothes. After a long time, she asked carefully, "What about my car?"

    "Promise not to drink in a year, I''ll return your car." Joseph hugged her, but the tone was very serious.

    In a year?

    Irish almost bit her tongue. "I have to go to work."

    "Take the bus or taxi." Joseph was merciless.

    "I''ll be blocked!"

    "Then take the subway."

    "I''ll be squeezed to death!"

    Joseph looked at her with a smile. "It''s all the same anyway, and the process doesn''t matter."

    "No."

    Joseph pinched her nose, so she cried out, but he quickly said, "Which bride let the groom be alone on the night of their wedding?"

    "I was happy." Her face flushed with his stare.

    Joseph smiled widely, and he approached her.

    "Now, make it up."

    Irish was in his arms, and just between their movements, she felt his body''s tension. After he said that, she wanted to avoid his body, but she sensed the familiar hard thing, and then she said. "Forget what you are thinking about."

    Joseph hugged her from behind, and his cheek pressed down along her ear, and his voice was low and smiling, "Don''t you like to do it?" Joseph teased her.

    Irish dared not move lightly, but her throat was a little dry, and she swallowed her saliva. "Nonsense, who likes to do it?"<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    That afternoon was leisurely, and time seemed to slow down a lot. The koi were swimming slowly in the aquarium, and birds also seemed to slow down, which flew and wiped the flowers. The red petals fell on the rocking chair and fell on Irish''s cheeks. Joseph could not bear to steal a kiss, and her skin was slightly cool and sweaty. On such an afternoon, he held her in his arms. He had a cool, soft feeling, which also had a fragrance of flowers, like the taste of begonia flowers and her own aroma.

    "Who always tells me that I like it?"

    "Don''t say that." Irish blushed, hurriedly turned around, and reached out to block his mouth.

    Joseph also allowed her to act like this, with a smile in her eyes. He was rarely so rxed, especially when his work ran out of almost all his time and mind, it was rare to lean here andugh at her as leisurely as he did that afternoon.

    The stubble on his chin tickled her palm, so she withdrew her hand and ignored him. Joseph hugged such a woman in his arms, who was his beloved; naturally, he had a desire for her, so his big hands could not help but slide down.

    Fell to the waist, and his hand was mped by Irish. She turned her head, "Stop it. You are always wild."

    Joseph clung to her ear with a low smile.

    "Do you mean when I am with you on the bed?"

    Irish was really speechless.

    If Joseph had the intention, she was definitely not his opponent unless he wanted to let her win or she suddenly had an unusual jump thinking. His dirty joke made her unable to speak, so she simply chose to be silent.

    Joseph did not continue to entangle with her, holding her, so quietly lying under the tree, shaking slowly in the light wind like a red sea, and the petals moving with the wind like the waves on the sea, surgingyer byyer.

    Irish never imagined what it would be like to get along with Joseph after marriage. In the case of a near breakup, the two chose to marry, and she and he went into the marriage pce on the premise that they had almost lost trust in each other. It was not true that they were not worried. There were problems in their rtionship, and at present, they moved into marriage, so was it the right solution?

    But at least that afternoon was quiet and peaceful.

    This stillness obscured all problems that should be solved and what should not be solved.

    Since Joseph had found her on Bluestonene, they avoided discussing each other''s problems. Her misgivings about him and his doubts about her were suppressed by the jubnt atmosphere brought about by marriage.

    She didn''t know if it was a solution, but at least she wasfortable with him.

    A long timeter.

    "I''m hungry." She closed her eyes, enjoyed the breeze blowing her face, and opened her mouthzily.

    Joseph slightly adjusted his body. "I''m hungry, too."

    Irish looked back and rolled her eyes at him, "Why are you always thinking of it? I''m really hungry."

    Joseph looked into her eyes and said lightly, "I''m really hungry, too. What are you thinking by now?"

    Irish blushed again, cleared her throat, and stopped talking. It was not her thinking, but his thing was still standing up.

    How did she know that his desire had gone away?

 Chapter 857 857: Opening The Gift -1

    ?

    The dinner was excellent.

    It was clear that Joseph also did not expect Irish to be a good wife after marrying him. All the dishes on the table were from the hands of external chefs, colorful and fragrant. Irish was also really hungry, so she gobbled, and soon, the table which had pleased their eyes was reced by the remaining.

    Looking at her gobbling, Joseph got used to it. And he maintained an unchanging elegant posture. He slowly ate, but when he really could not bear her image, he would also remind the opposite woman, "Slow down, no one robbed your food."

    And then he would get up to fill her with a ss of fresh juice. Irish always felt that he was treating her as if she was his daughter. Irish revitalized as she finished eating while her exhaustion began to fade away. "I am going to open the gift now," said Irish cheerfully.

    "Wait!" said Joseph abruptly. He was reading the newspaper on the couch.

    Confused, Irish turned to him and asked, "What?"

    "Come over here," Joseph beckoned her in a rather peaceful voice.

    "I said I am going to open the gift," Irish responded.

    Their friends and family members presented their many gifts with dedicated packaging, and Irish was so curious to find out what they were.

    To her excitement, Sahra delivered a big box to her while Irish was so eager to open it up because she felt that it might be a surprise prepared by Sahra.

    However, Joseph just ignored her sentence, looked up at her, and said, "Don''t be so anxious. Come here first."

    Though reluctant, Irish stepped to him, her mouth pouting.

    "What do you want to do?" Irish asked.

    "Just stop for a while. Don''t act like a monkey jumping up and down."

    "Did you say I look like a monkey?" Irish said while rolling her eyes at him.

    "I mean, you need to take a break. You just finished your meal," Joseph exined patiently.

    "But there are so many gifts. It will take me a long time to open those gifts."

    "Those gifts all belong to you. You have a lot of time to handle this," Joseph said.

    "Why do you still restrain me? I am not a kid," Irishined.

    "It is because you are my wife." Joseph burst outughing.

    "How long do I need to sit here?"

    "At least 15 minutes."

    Irish had no choice but to follow his words. As soon as the time was up, Irish got up and rushed to storage.

    She whistled, and her cheerful voice resounded in the living room. Seeing this, Joseph shook his head but felt relieved.

    However, it was impossible for Joseph to be absorbed in reading since Irish kept open the gift excitedly in the storage room. "Wow, I like it! That''s a wonderful gift!" Irish''s voice echoed.

    Joseph sat there without looking up, forcing himself to focus on the newspaper.

    "Joseph,e here. Look at this. It is a golden lotus!" Irish shouted in an excited voice.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "Who did give us this? It must be a rich big boss. But why was he so generous? Does he want to bribe you?" Irish asked abruptly,

    Joseph was amused by her words and then replied with a big smile, "I am just a businessman. Why did he want to bribe me? Irish, you are drowning in the wildest fantasy."

    Irish kept silent as she heard this because she was focusing on those gifts and ignored his words.

    "Wow!" She gave a cry again while Joseph was shocked by her sudden exmation.

    Joseph felt his ears tingling since Irish kept chattering in the storage room nearby.

    "Joseph, why are your friends so generous?" Irish''s voice rang again.

    Joseph also realized that it was impossible for him to read the newspaper without getting interrupted, so he just put it down and walked into the storage room. However, he was shocked again as he stepped into the room.

    More than a thousand people attended their wedding, so it was natural for them to receive so many gifts. However, when he walked in, he found Irish sitting over the gifts with her legs crossed. She looked so weird as Irish was dressed in a court robe with a sari over her head.

    "Come here, sir. Let me tell fortunes for you," Irish said like a witch. She turned to Joseph, showing off the round moonstone to him, which was surely gifted by her friend, who was clear about Irish''s favorites.

    It was not until then Joseph understood the meaning of the old saying that birds of a feather flock together. Irish liked to collect those novels'' stuff, so her friends hit on what he liked. Joseph wondered why he would fall in love with such a woman since their characteristics were totally different.

    But Joseph could tell that the moonstone in her hands looked great. Although Joseph was a diamond businessman, he had to study all kinds of jewelry. Although the moonstone was not as expensive as the diamond, it was always called the woman''s lucky stone. Therefore, it was weed by women, especially young girls.

    The moonstone was shining under the light. Although Joseph just took a glimpse at it, he was aware that the moonstone in Irish''s hands was shining blue from a different angle. In this way, Joseph could tell that this moonstone was from Sri Lanka with good quality and a high price. Joseph stumbled into the gifts and finally sat beside her.

    "Okay. Then please help me to predict if my wife will follow my words in the future," Joseph winked at her.

    "But I need to charge arge sum of money if you want me to tell fortunes," Irish added, rolling her eyes at him.

    "Is it more expensive than your consultation fee?"

    "Yes, it is ten times more costly than my consultation fee."

    "Well, I will pay you. But I also care about the answer," Joseph replied, who was determined to tease her.

    After hearing this, Irish put the moonstone aside and said, rolling her eyes, "Well, thene here earlier tomorrow. The time for divination has passed.

    "But you didn''t even solve any problem for me," Joseph added with a sly smile.

    "It is because I am tired. The master always gets many things to deal with every day,"

    Irish started opening the gifts as she finished her sentence while Joseph just stared at her with a soft smile beside her since he felt relieved.

    Irish preferred to open those big boxes, so when she finally took up a small delicate box, she was reluctant to open it.

    Joseph was able to read her mind and said, "What if it is priceless jewelry?"

    As soon as he finished his words, Irish opened them up. When she opened the box, the shining red light dazzled her eyes.

    It was a pair of earrings.

 Chapter 858 858: Opening The Gift -2

    ?

    "It looks familiar. I must see it before," said Irish. The earrings attracted her, but she couldn''t remember where she had seen them before. However, as Joseph told her, she was clear that it must be rare and priceless.

    "Who gave this gift?" Joseph asked.

    Irish took out a small card in the box and read, "Congrattions! I hope your marriage is evesting, like the blooming blossoms. It is Sid." Irish looked at Joseph, waiting for his reply.

    Sid didn''te to their wedding but asked someone to send this gift on his behalf.

    However, Joseph didn''t say anything but smiled faintly there.

    Taking out the earrings, Irish looked at them carefully but still failed to remember where she had seen them before.

    "The main stone is Dove Blood," Joseph reminded her.

    "Oh, I get it. It is the gem in Blossom," Irish was enlightened. She had seen it in the auction in Pennsylvania.

    "Irish, Sid even remembered you by sending his wishes through this gift."

    "Blossom? Oh my God! I think it is just a qualifier." Irish held the earrings in her hands, staring at them without blinking. "I remembered that Sid bid it for three million dors, but he gifted it to us. Joseph, am I dreaming? Why should he give it to us?" asked Irish in astonishment.

    "Perhaps he just thinks it is no use to keep it since he is a man."

    "Well, then, why would he bid at such a high price at that time? Jean bid the hand chain for Beatrice, but why would Sid bid these earrings?"

    Joseph was clear about what she was thinking, so he patiently exined, "Stop making blind conjecture. Perhaps he wanted to bid it as a token of your friendship with him."

    "I don''t understand," Irish remained confused.

    "I have never traveled with any other women except for you. I am sure Jean and Sid are clear about this," Joseph replied slowly.

    Irish sat still, her face flushed, but then she responded, "Joseph, you are singing your own praises again."

    Joseph knew she had understood what he meant, so he did not say anything but looked into her eyes with a smile while Irish hastily put on the earrings to see if they suited her.

    Sahra also delivered a big gift box to them, and Irish couldn''t wait to open the gift. Joseph was going with her, but Irish stopped him since she wanted to personally find out about the surprise. Joseph stood there with his arms crossed and looked at Irish, who looked like a happy mouse.

    Joseph was ready for her exmation, but against his expectation, Irish just kept unmoved as if she was a chump.

    Seeing this, Joseph stepped forward to see what had happened. But soon, he was also startled by the gift since he found an advanced stroller lying there to be assembled.

    "What''s wrong?" asked Joseph softly.

    Irish sat there silently with her head lowered.

    Joseph was clear about what she was thinking, so he encircled his arms around her andforted her. "Don''t be upset, and don''t me Sahra. You know that she cares about you."

    "I don''t me them," Irish murmured in a shaky voice.

    ''It is all my fault,'' thought Irish to herself.

    Although Joseph didn''t know what she was thinking, he could feel her pain, so he tightened his arms and kissed her forehead to relieve her. But the scene that happened at their wedding kept lingering in his mind. It was Cassie who took the initiative to talk with him. Joseph was clear about what she wanted to talk about.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    As Joseph''s subordinate, Cassie should ask for instructions from the direct supervisor if she needs to discuss something rted to her work. As Roy''s wife, there was nothing for Cassie to discuss with Joseph. The onlymon topic for them tomunicate was Irish. However, Joseph didn''t expect Cassie to discuss something worse with him. They walked to a quiet ce far away from the cheerful chatting andughing.

    Hesitating, Cassie looked away and finally said, "Joseph, would you take care of Irish for the rest of her life?"

    Although Joseph thought it was an unnecessary question, he still answered patiently, "Yes, of course."

    However, as soon as he finished his sentence, Cassie looked into his eyes and continued seriously, "I mean, would you take care of her even if she can''t have a baby with you?"

    It was natural for Cassie to know about Irish''s condition since she was Irish''s best friend. Joseph nodded and then said, "I am clear about Irish''s condition."

    "But didn''t you bear a grudge against her since she lost your baby?"

    "Of course, I regret what she has done to our baby. But I can''t leave her to others, so she has to be with me."

    It was false that he had noints at all. After all, she killed his child with a cruel heart. He liked the child. When he knew Irish was pregnant, the joy of that moment was something he had never had before. Even he fantasized about what his child would look like, more like Irish or him. Was it a boy or a girl? He could responsibly tell Irish and the child that he was ready to be a father and would wee the child with his best thing.

    However, everything was wiped out.

    "What if Irish don''t love you anymore?" Cassie asked.

    Joseph suddenly and harshly looked at Cassie.

    Cassie looked into his serious eyes and waited for his answer.

    "Did she say that, or did you guess?" He asked.

    At other times, Cassie might have been afraid, but that day she felt this was nothingpared to Irish.

    e��glesn?��el "I ask you if she doesn''t love you?" She didn''t answer the question, but she once again stressed the question.

    Joseph''s face became colder, and after a moment, he answered, "I''m not leaving her."

    "Do you love her?"

    "Yes." Joseph did not hesitate.

    Cassie looked at him and said word by word, "In fact, you have no right to love her at all."

    He froze.

    With drunkenness, Cassie was a little excited, but after that sentence, she tried to press the emotion as much as possible, and after a long time, she said, "You don''t know, it''s not Irish who killed your child, it''s because she couldn''t protect it."

    Joseph was shocked. "What?"

    "She lied to you, and she knew that the child could not be protected before she went to Chicago, though she had been working hard to keep the baby," Cassie told him what she knew.

    "She heard the conversation between Henry and you, and she was so sad that the omen of miscarriage took ce, and the doctor said that her body should be adjusted, then she could be pregnant, and the first child had a sign of miscarriage, so he could not help. From New York to Chicago, she had been working hard to get a miracle, hoping that the child could survive. But arriving in Chicago, the child had already gone, and the doctor said that the miscarriage had caused great harm to her body and had an impact on the future."

 Chapter 859 859: A Strange Gift

    ?

    Joseph had never known it all the time, and he waspletely dead.

    "I know she said to you she couldn''t be easily pregnant because she had a miscarriage. I think you should know what she''s saying. In fact, she doesn''t want you to feel guilty. She''d rather have all the faults on her head." Cassie said.

    "And, in fact, she had no guilt on you at all! She''s never been trying to abolish because of your words; on the contrary, she bears everything. When you know that the baby''s gone, you can give all the hatred to her, but what about her? She''s alone and can''t find anyone to vent to! You say you love her, but do you trust her? If it''s not for you, she won''t be sad and left alone to face the pain of losing the child. If you can trust her more, even if she''s lost, at least you''ll be with her for the most difficult time. You indeed love your child, but you''ll never know the pain of a mother watching her child die, and that''s the pain like tearing her body, and the man will never be able to experience it!"

    Suddenly Joseph realized it!

    What Cassie said to him didn''tst long, but the words were like swords, piercing him in the heart.

    He thought of what he had done to her when he was in Chicago and that her already weak body was suffering psychologically.

    Thinking of all this, Joseph would like to kill himself!

    Cassie looked at him, and his face was pale. His big hand was holding the table, and the tall body was near the rickety, and then she sighed, "I think Irish do not want to see you like this, so she lied to you. She has her reason. She''s definitely not going to want me to tell you the truth, as she said, the result is the same, so it is not necessary to find fault. Today, I''m telling you that, and I have no other purpose, but I hope you won''t treat her poorly. She had been so frank and always been with you. Losing the child makes her sad, and painful memories are caused by your attitude to her. Since you love each other, why do you torture each other?"

    Cassie left the words and went away.

    Joseph had been standing there for a long time.

    At the thought of this, his arm was tightened again. From yesterday to the present, and in the future, he would live in guilt. He hated his loss of reason, the time he had a bad confrontation with Henry, and losing his temper that ruined their life.

    He really thought Irish had killed his child, and he had always believed it, so every time he wanted to love her very much, the thought always echoed in his mind, "I love Joseph, but I do not want to have a baby for you at all!"

    The child was like a thorn embedded in his heart. Although he ordered himself to put it down, when he knew that losing their child had impacted her ability to give birth in the future, it was impossible for him not to get mad.

    He was wondering, how could she be so cruel? Cruel enough to hurt herself!

    However, he was deeply in love with her and could not convince himself not to love her, and turned a blind eye to her. On that rainy day, when he found her on Bluestone Street and hugged her into his arms, he really thought about putting down his anger. They would be happy even if they had no children.

    Joseph deeply reprimanded himself and cursed himself silently.

    How nobly did he think he was? He thought he had been feeling aggrieved and that his efforts in this love were so much and so upied the moral hignds, but in fact, Irish alone endured the child''s miscarriage was enough to make his heart ache.

    What was his painpared to hers?

    It was him who was blinded by anger, and he forgot that she was a person who dared to love and hate, and he forgot that she had shed tears under him and said, ''Joseph, I''m in love with you. What should I do?''

    It was he who forgot that what a woman said at this time was the truest. He forgot.

    Or was he the one who really didn''t know how to love?

    So, looking at Irish like this, he knew she was sad, and his heart was as painful as being gouged out by a knife. His pain came from her concealment of the truth, so he felt guilty and regretted it. He cursed himself for his beast-like behavior. He might not have hurt so much if he did not know the truth.

    He owed her this, and he was willing to pay it back all his life. <novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Irish nestled in his arms for a while, and a long timeter said, "I''m not angry, they don''t know..."

    "I''m sorry." Joseph expressed an apology on top of her head and kissed her on the forehead.

    Irish looked at him with a little surprise and did not understand why he said it.

    Joseph didn''t exin much, but he tightened his arm and looked down at her. "You like big gifts so much, then I''ll buy you bigger than this one."

    Irish could not helpughing.

    "What do I need something that big for?" At the end of the conversation, she adjusted her mood to open up other gifts.

    Joseph looked at her back, and in his fundus was pity and love.

    "Ah? This gift is very strange." Irish took a box and shook it. It was very light.

    The box was packed in ck wrapping paper, very conspicuous. Looking at the color of the wrapping paper, it was bizarre. Who would choose to use this color of wrapping paper to pack wedding gifts?

    Joseph took the gift.

    Irish pressed his hand at once. "It''s not a time bomb, is it?"

    Joseph'' admired her imagination. "If you want to blow it up, I will blow it up first." At the end of the speech, the package was unpacked.

    Seeing that there was no danger, Irish hurriedly snatched the box. "I''ll do it."

    She amused Joseph.

    The box was opened, and there was no priceless jewelry, but the contents of it surprised Irish.

    "It''s a gift, too? I''m sure your friend did it, and my friend would never have a note in the box." Irish shook things from the box at Joseph.

    A folded note.

    In a small box.

    Joseph also felt strange and opened it. Irish also went to see it, and the handwriting on it was clear and twisted, and it should have been written using the left hand.

    "Congrattions! You finally reunited, and fate was unspeakable." Irish read and frowned. She blinked and asked Joseph, "What does it mean?"

    Joseph looked at the words on the note and thought about it.

    "Finally reunited?" Irish thought, "How can we both feel strange describing our rtionship with this sentence?"

 Chapter 860 860: Have You Seen The Suspect?

    ?

    Moreover, who was so bored to send a word as a gift? Even if it was a word, it was supposed to be some kind of congrattory message on getting married or some meaningful wishes.

    Joseph put away the note and patted her on the head. "Maybe the other person knows you fight with me a lot, and now we make up and get married, so that''s what it means."

    "Who quarreled with you a lot?" Irish asked.

    Joseph held his hands high to surrender, saying, "It''s my fault."

    Yes. It was all his fault.

    Irishughed.

    Thinking about it, she shook her head, "I think it''s a little weird."

    "You''re too sensitive." Joseph brought her back into his arms and smiled gently.

    "My wedding dress is cut, isn''t it strange?" Irish was unhappy, "Maybe the one who cut the wedding dress is the one who sent this note. He must have a problem. He sent a note, and it''s too scary to have a wedding dress cut like that."

    Joseph put her long hair behind her ears, teasing. "I thought you weren''t afraid."

    "I felt bad about it." She mainly felt heartache. The cloth was so expensive, and she hadn''t worn it once, and Cassie brought it from Europe.

    "Did you check the CCTV? Have you seen the suspect?"

    Joseph''s eyes were deep, and she could not see through his mind, he whispered, "The CCTV was broken. Maybe that person is jealous. Do not make a fuss."

    "Is it a small matter to cut my wedding dress?" Irish stared into his eyes. "If I knew who did it, I''d have to cut his hair! I think the one who sent the note and the one who cut my wedding dress is a woman, and it must be your ex-girlfriend."

    Joseph allowed her to put such me on him, and he put his arms around her waist, "Okay, you can think whatever you like, and look, there are still so many gifts. Quickly open them, do not feel unhappy because of this little thing."

    Irish stared at him, said nothing, and continued to open the gift.

    Joseph stood in ce, put his big hand in his pocket, and the note was held in his palm, gently twisted. He was thoughtful.

    As Joseph made up his honeymoon n early in the morning, they returned to Irish''s uncle''s a day in advance.

    Recently, there were few etiquettes, but Mary still started making pizzas and cooking early in the morning. Steve was also in the kitchen to help. When the doorbell rang, he called Jay in an apron. "Jay, go open the door."

    Jay was also rarely to rest today, and he dressed very casually. He was setting a fruit te and then hurried to open the door.

    Irish entered the house and said happily, "What a fragrant smell of pizza. Ah, it is my uncle''s masterpiece!"

    "Hey, where''s your gift with the invitation?" Jay reached out to her.

    "Why?"

    "I forgot to take it."

    Irish teased, "It is not waiting for you."

    Jay stared at her. "Well..." Jay shrugged.

    Steven stretched out his head from the kitchen and said with a big smile, "Wash your hands. I almost finished cooking. I prepared your favorite dishes. But where is Joseph? Why are you alone?"

    "Oh, he is parking the car," Irish replied while biting the apple.

    Joseph walked in as they chatted, with many bags in his hands.

    "Irish, why didn''t you take something for him? Go and help him," Mary said helplessly. <novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Irish stepped forward with her mouth pouted but was stopped by Joseph. "Irish, I can take it. Just go and take some rest."

    Seeing this, though Mary felt relieved since Joseph loved Irish so much, she stillined. "Joseph, look at her. She looked like a spoiled kid." Mary took over the gifts from Joseph and continued, "Joseph, you have brought us so many gifts before. You shouldn''t bother to bring more."

    Joseph smiled in reply.

    Mary turned to Jay and Irish. "Joseph is so considerate, but look at you!"

    "What''s wrong with us?" asked Irish and Jay in one voice.

    Steven walked out of the kitchen smiling and said to his wife, "I would be happy if you could be as sensible as Joseph."

    "Okay, okay, father, I am going to set the table," Jay replied.

    Irish leaned on the couch with an unfinished apple and was at a loss if she should go and help his younger brother set the table.

    "Well, the dumplings are cooked. Irish, go and scoop the dumplings. I would like to see if you will have a daughter or a son," said Mary.

    "What?" Irish frowned. Obviously, she did not understand what Mary meant.

    "It is said that if the number of dumplings you scoop is even, then you''ll have a daughter in the future, but if it is odd, then you will have a son."

    Irish was frozen as she heard this and stood there unmoved.

    "Hurry up, Irish," urged Mary.

    Irish felt her throat constricted and was at a loss for what to do next. When she still hesitated, Joseph clenched her hands to assure her and said, "Irish, let''s do it together."

    Shocked, Irish turned to him, looking into his eyes. She felt as if a knife were piercing her heart, but soon, she wasforted by his wooden fragrance and a soft yet encouraging voice. "I am here with you," added Joseph.

    Irish''s nose twitched as she heard this but soon calmed down.

    Mary was unsure about what happened to them but smiled as Joseph walked in, and then she said, "It seems Joseph is eager to be a dad. Well, then, you can do it together."

    Irish turned around and bit her lips while Joseph clenched her hands to scoop the dumplings.

    A few dumplings were scooped out while Mary hastily counted them. Irish also stared at the dumplings with little expectation.

    "It is seven!" Mary said and poured the dumplings onto the te.

    Jay also joined in and joked with his mother, "Mom, but what if they have twins? How can we tell from the dumplings they scoop out?"

    "Jay, don''t rock the boat. Go and set the table," Mary said with her eyes rolling up at his son.

    Irish still kept silent and stared at the dumplings, unmoved. Seeing this, Mary realized something was wrong. She patted Joseph, gave him a sign, and asked, "What''s wrong with her?"

    "She wants to have a daughter," Joseph replied, saving Irish from embarrassment.

    "Oh, don''t take it seriously," Mary said with a smile. She took Irish''s hands and then continued, "Joseph is such a sessful businessman, and he needs a son to step into his shoes. You can also have a daughter with him. Don''t worry."

    Joseph put his arms around her shoulder and tightened his arms then to cheer her up. Irish also understood Joseph was encouraging her, so she forced a smile and responded, "I hope so."

    "You will, Irish. You will live a happy life with your babies," Maryforted her.

    "Yes, we will," Joseph said with firm eyes.

    "It is time to have lunch. Let''s talk at the table," Steven urged them.

 Chapter 861 861: I’m Asking Your Opinion

    ?

    It was a big event for the bride to return to her parents'' home after their wedding.

    They brought gifts for their family members, while her parents and her siblings would also present gifts to the newly married couple to bless them. Of course, the custom differed in different ces, while most people would remain reverent to those conventions.

    Steven prepared many delicious dishes for them. He was always good at cooking, but he only cooked for some important asions.

    Irish liked to eat the dishes that Steven had cooked since her childhood, and she would give prettypliments to her Uncle Steven whenever Steven cooked for her. On such an asion, Mary would tell Irish not to praise Steven, or he would be overconfident. Steven burst outughing when he heard this from his wife but felt so pleased to eat together. All of them enjoyed the meal and chatted cheerfully. Steven was used to knocking over a drink while eating, and now it was a good opportunity for him to drink with his son and Joseph, who were always busy with their work.

    "Don''t drink too much, or you will have a stomachache," Irish told her husband.

    "It is a rare chance to drink with Uncle Steven. Don''t worry," Joseph quickly replied with a big smile. It was easy to see he was also pleased.

    "Well, we can''t get drunk today, but we have to have a good drink. I know Irish cares about your health," said Steven while bursting outughing.

    "Uncle, don''t make fun of me. I mean, he still needs to drive back."

    "Well, I get it. But it is convenient to ask for a driving service online," said Mary. She took over the wine and added, "Irish, it is a big event today. You can also take a drink."

    Irish was fascinated by the strong aromas of wine, and when she was about to nod, Joseph stopped her immediately. "You can''t drink. You have to drive back."

    Shocked, Irish looked at him. "You can''t drink during this year," Joseph said again.

    Irish understood why he stopped her and tried her best to hold backughter.

    Confused, Steven and Mary wondered why Joseph stopped Irish from drinking while Joseph exined what happened on the wedding night when Irish was in the pot. Mary burst outughing and even couldn''t straighten up while Irish rolled her eyes at Joseph since she felt Joseph was exaggerating.

    They chatted and drank cheerfully while Irish listened to them quietly because she was waiting for a chance to disclose a lie. Finally, she got a chance when they talked about the honeymoon trip.

    "I don''t want to travel on my honeymoon," said Irish slowly.

    Startled, Steven and Mary looked at her with confused eyes while Joseph also looked at her.

    Seeing this, Irish didn''t exin immediately but sipped the juice. She was clear that they were waiting for her exnation, but she remained silent.

    "Irish, why did you say that?" asked Joseph. They were about to set out tomorrow, and Joseph even arranged their schedule, but now Irish suddenly told him that she didn''t want to travel.

    However, Irish just ate there silently.

    Mary was so anxious to see this, and she wondered if Irish was mad at Joseph. "Irish, don''t act like a spoiled kid. You have to enjoy your honeymoon trip. We are looking forward to your gifts."

    Putting down the fork, Irish heaved a sigh and then said, "Uncle Steven is in poor health, and I decided to live here for some time to take care of him."

    All of them were shocked by Irish''s words while Mary smiled there with embarrassment.

    "Well, Irish, you don''t have to worry about this. I am fine and not serious, so just go and enjoy your trip," urged Steven. But Irish was aware that he tried to avoid her eyes while saying.

    Irish said nothing but looked at Mary.

    Mary looked at Irish with a faint smile and then continued, "Yes, your Uncle is right. There is nothing to worry about. Joseph has arranged everything. You can''t change your mind now."

    Irish raised her eyebrows and then turned to Jay.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Seeing this, Jay cleared his throat and hastily said, "Irish, you know that I am always a mediator, but I will support you whatever decision you make."

    "Jay, you are really a good brother," Irish said with a sly smile.

    Jay said nothing and lowered his head.

    "How about you, Joseph?" Irish patted his shoulder softly and added, "Do you still think we must take the honeymoon trip as you heard why I changed my mind? Do you think we can take a happy trip under such conditions?"

    Joseph was speechless and was aware of something.

    Seeing this, Irish put her arms around his neck and continued, "Joseph, say something. Don''t just keep silent."

    "You have to go. It is also an important part of your marriage," Mary replied to Joseph anxiously.

    "No, I am worried about uncle Steven," Irish said firmly.

    "Irish, look at me. I am fine. Trust me," said Steven, trying to convince her.

    But Joseph still kept silent there.

    "Joseph? Honey, I am asking for your opinion," Irish said in an extremely sweet voice.

    Although Joseph was happy to hear her sweet voice, he could tell her intention. Her sharp eyes were piercing his mind.

    Joseph turned around to look into her eyes but found a sly smile on her face. He gave her a sigh as if he was asking for her opinion, but Joseph could still feel her critical smile.

    "Irish," Joseph called her softly.

    Irish looked at her and still held a sly smile.

    Steven didn''t realize what was going on. He put down his ss and kept persuading her, "Irish, be a good girl. Go to enjoy your trip with Joseph, or I wouldn''t be interested in drinking."

    After hearing this, Irish turned to Steven and said directly, "Uncle, you got lung cancer. You can''t drink. It is bad for your health."

    Shocked, Steven could not utter a single word with his mouth open.

    "Aunt," Irish called Mary, who looked so flurried. "You have to prevent Uncle from drinking. You are clear about Uncle''s health condition, but how could you not stop him?" Irish added.

    Mary still wanted to indulge in sophistry and then responded, "Irish, the medical technology is so developed. It could be well controlled. Moreover, Joseph invited many famous experts for your Uncle, and they prescribed a lot of good medicine."

    "Oh, I see. But I still want to know what kind of medicine they prescribe. I am so surprised Uncle recovered so fast," Irish said again.

    Mary failed to reply to her this time while Steven hastily exined, "It is a secret prescription, so just stop asking more questions."

    "Hey, Uncle, aren''t you surprised at your disease?" Irish pretended to be shocked. She took a nce at Mary and then at Steven, "Didn''t Aunt hide it from you? And now you know it?"

    Jay couldn''t helpughing.

 Chapter 862 862: He Was Cheating

    ?

    Mary seemed to find a vent and just patted him, "What are youughing at?"

    "Okay. Irish knew it. What are you still hiding?" Jay felt helpless.

    Mary took a nce at Irish.

    "Just say it; otherwise, I will not go on vacation for my honeymoon." Irish put her knife down and leaned against the chair, "Confess the fact individually. Uncle is the first."

    Jay thumbed at Irish, "What a pity that you are not a policeman."

    "Stop ttering me. You should also confess something." Irish said.

    Jay was speechless, "Is it rted to me?"

    "You are our family."

    Jay felt wronged.

    Irish looked at Steven, "Now let''s begin." She seemed to question the criminals.

    Mary took a nce at Steven and stared at Irish.

    "Confess it separately. Do not talk to each other." Irish drew out her words.

    Steven didn''t know what to do, so he just said, "Actually, it was your Aunt''s idea."

    "You trick her. It was not me..."

    "Be quiet!" Irish patted the table, "Aunt, wait a moment. Uncle, please continue."

    Steven talked about his "convictions" sincerely. "Firstly, I was in the hospital because of coughing." Steven was sincere, with an air of good citizen. "At that time, I didn''t take it seriously. I thought that it was just a cold, so I just went to the nearby hospital. However, after taking an X-shot, the doctor said something was wrong. There was a shadow on the picture, which was said to be lung cancer. So, your Aunt took me to the popr cancer hospital."

    Irish listened to it quietly.

    Steven sipped the wine and continued, "As popr among hospitals, the cancer hospital said that it was lung cancer, and the doctor told me to undergo another series of examinations again. The result showed that it was just tuberculosis, not lung cancer. The doctor also reminded me that I needed to take the treatment as soon as possible; otherwise, it would be worse. I thought that taking some medicine was enough, but your Aunt got the idea that it was a good opportunity to let you two get married soon, so I needed to act and stay in the hospital. I have to follow her n."

    "Finished?" Irish asked.

    Steven nodded, "That is the basic situation."

    Irish looked at Mary. Mary couldn''t stopughing and said immediately, "It is not true. He was cheating."

    "Who was cheating?"

    Irish knocked at the table again.

    Steven stopped.

    Mary continued, "The fact is that when your Uncle knew that he had just tuberculosis, he had that idea to cheat you so that you two could get married soon. I didn''t think it was a good idea, but your Uncle insisted on it, so I just let him stay in the hospital. It was hard to approve the application since there were not so many empty wards. You are clear about what has been going onter."

    "Liar! You are a liar." Steven knocked at the table, "You are totally a liar."

    "Steven, do not make things wrong. You proposed that idea!"

    "I didn''t say that. You had that idea!"

    "You..."

    "Was there any third party when you two negotiated this?" Irish asked. Steven and Mary smiled and shook their heads.

    "That is to say, nobody can prove that any of you is the chief plotter, right?" <novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Thinking for a while, Irish nodded.

    "Why does it sound so weird? Why do we suddenly be like criminals?" Mary wondered.

    Irish didn''t care about her words, "Then you two are the chief plotters."

    Steven and Mary looked at each other.

    Irish took a nce at Joseph again.

    Joseph still kept lowering his head and didn''t say anything. Then, noticing that she was looking at him, he began to confess, "I''m totally innocent. You are clear that I knew the fact simultaneously as you."

    "Irish, we can prove that Joseph is innocent," Mary said immediately.

    "Really?" Irish made a forced smile, "You are really a good son-inw. My Aunt is helping you now."

    Joseph faced her smile, "Okay, stop being angry. I''m really innocent."

    "You didn''t know it initially, but how aboutter? Is it possible that you didn''t know it all the time? It was you who found the expert. Can they make it by persuading the expert to cheat us? Did the expert cheat you?" Irish asked. Do not regard me as an idiot, Irish thought.

    Joseph couldn''t helpughing, seeing her facial expression, "Okay, it is my fault. I finally found Uncle and Aunt''s intentions after talking with the expert. We did it for you. Understood?"

    "Shame on you." Irish forcedly smiled and seized his hair, "Why are you so easy to persuade? You cheated me!"

    "I shouldn''t have done that." Joseph apologized again.

    Jayughed loudly.

    "And you, stopughing! You are also a culprit!" Irish told Jay, "As a policeman, you cheated and helped the gangsters."

    Jay exined immediately. "I didn''t do it. Do not me everyone. I am a policeman. I will never cheat you. My only mistake was that I shouldn''t have hidden the fact."

    "Hide the fact? Do not think of yourself as noble. If you hadn''t joined, why are you so calm?" Irish held his waist.

    Jay was helpless. He pulled his hands, "My parents cheated me before this way when you were abroad. So, this time I just asked the doctor privately and found out that they adopted this method again."

    Irish opened her eyes wide, feeling shocked, "You both had even cheated your son?"

    She had also doubted whether her Aunt and Uncle were cheating since they didn''t force Jay to marry. Now she found the reason.

    Mary smiled unnaturally, "At that time, Jay had a girlfriend. I just thought of this way to force him to get married. However, that girl was unreliable. She hated Jay when he couldn''t keep herpany, so she just departed with him while hearing the fake news that his dad had an incurable disease."

    Irish knew that she was talking about Jay''s first girlfriend.

    Irish shook her head and sighed, "Are you forcing us to get married or pushing us to depart? What if Joseph was scared away?"

    Joseph smiled gently, "I will not behave like that."

    "Sure. Joseph will not be like that." Mary smiled.

    "Irish, I agree that the way we nned things is terrible. We did it for you. Now everything is just fine." Mary grinned.

    "Fine? You thought it was too simple. I was so sad. Do you know that? I cried during these days." Irishined, but she still felt thankful that her Uncle was healthy.

    Human beings'' desires were infinite. When they got something, they often wanted another thing, but they forgot that health was the most essential. Human beings often forget something most precious in their life, such as health and family reunions. Actually, a peaceful life was the most valuable.

    At that time, Irish thought if there was really a god or faith, she was willing to change her Uncle''s health with her thirty years. She was willing to change her family''s health for everything. She had lost so much, so she didn''t want to see her family leave.

 Chapter 863 863: Take A Nap

    ?

    At the wedding, she noticed her Uncle''s quick pace and loud voice without any coughing during the day, so she began to doubt. There were many questions in her mind: Why did Aunt agree to let Uncle leave the hospital? Why was Jay so calm? Joseph also mentioned nothing about Uncle''s disease. She felt confused and doubtful.

    Now she found out that she had been cheated on.

    "We are really so sorry." Steven apologized.

    Irish pulled Steven''s and Mary''s hands, "Do not make a joke on this again. I only wish that you could be healthy. You can cheat me on something else, but not on this again. Okay?"

    "Okay. Okay. We know that you are kind."

    Steven and Mary were touched.

    "Okay, now everything is just fine. Let''s cheer up for health." Joseph held Irish lightly and held up his ss.

    "Okay, cheers."

    ****

    Joseph had concealed the ce for their honeymoon. He said nothing, even if Irish tried her best to find the answer. She only knew that they were going abroad.

    Abroad?

    There were so many cities. How did she know that? So, when Cassie heard that Irish was going on vacation, she asked that Irish took some specialty when she returned. Irish felt desperate that she even didn''t know where they were going, how could she just take some specialty back home?

    Cassieughed at her.

    In the morning, Joseph just dragged her out of bed and got on the ne.

    In a daze, Irish only knew that she had taken the airline and she was going to Tokyo.

    To Tokyo? Irish feltpletely awake.

    The seat was sofortable, and the man beside her was reading the newspaper.

    "It''s such a long trip!" She had a headache. She hated long trips since spending such a long time on the ne would be so difficult.

    Joseph didn''t look at her and just held her by one hand to let her lean on him. He told her lightly. "When you arrive in Tokyo, do you n to spend two more days or just leave directly?"

    "Leave for where?" Irish felt lost.

    "Osaka."

    Ah...

    "Why don''t we just go to Osaka directly?"

    "There is a dealer in Tokyo whom I need to talk with. It will not affect our itinerary. I just need about two hours." Joseph assured her.

    Irish thought of it for a while, "Then let''s just leave for Osaka directly. Several more hours are okay since we already have a long flight."

    "Okay." Joseph turned around and kissed her forehead.

    Irish raised her head to look at him, smiling, "Just go to Osaka?"<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "Don''t you want to visit the killer whale? So, we will just stay in Osaka for some time to see the killer whale." Joseph smiled lightly.

    Irish''s eyes lit up. She just saw a killer whale in the magazine once and casually spurted out that she wanted to see it. Joseph remembered it and now granted her wish!

    As for whales, whether humpback whales, beluga whales, or the killer whales mentioned by Joseph, Irish are definitely not curious because they are cute.

    Killer whales, in particr, are inestimably dangerous, and she just thought that whales that can eat sea lions or sharks in one bite should be worth seeing.

    Of course, she wasn''t so masochistic as to appreciate the sea hegemony in the waters where killer whales prevailed.

    She was curious about their phagocytosis but frightened by their cries. Irish felt that the whale''s cry was a dark and empty sound from the deep sea, which was desperate and deste, and she was ufortable when she heard it.

    But curiosity was greater than anything else, and she was vaguely looking forward to a trip to Osaka.

    The moment the ne rushed into the sky, Irish turned her head and looked out of the window, and her heart flew with her.

    She and Joseph began their honeymoon.

    Wasn''t that right? A whole new life was about to begin.

    And she subconsciously turned to look at the man beside her, who had sworn that he would take care of her all his life, take responsibility for her family, and never give up on her and their marriage.

    Her life had already tied together with this man''s life, and they had formed a family.

    Once, she asked a lot of friends how they felt after they got married and what the difference was, many friends answered her, in fact, there was no difference between pre-marriage and post-marriage life, and a child would make a difference.

    She asked Cassie how she felt after marriage, and the question made Cassie think about it for a long time, and then she said when she faced him and realized that he was already her husband, the feeling of this idea was very special, and as for how special it is, she couldn''t tell her what kind of special feeling it was.

    In fact, Cassie''s feeling was right because Irish often looked at Joseph with that kind of feeling.

    He was there so quietly, as if fate was doomed, not too early and not toote, and he was not desperate to find, and she did not deliberately look for, and then the two met.

    Once Joseph told her that he wanted to give her a name, but she said that she did not care about it because this kind of thing was not the slightest sense of weight, but now Irish knew that she had been wrong, and also understood why Joseph was so determined to give her a name. Names often did not always represent identities and titles and, more often, a psychological recognition and responsibility.

    How to describe this feeling?

    As Cassie said, it couldn''t be described.

    Irish deliberately wanted to grasp this feeling and found that she was a little moved, a little throbbing, a little warm, a little down-to-earth, and the feelings mixed together. When she looked at the figure of the man around, this feeling became more and more intense.

    Joseph saw her looking at him nkly, smiled, and covered the nket for her. He whispered, "Take a snap."

    It was too early for her to start this morning.

    The angle of the seat was just set, and the wide chair wasfortable to lie down on. The nket blocked the cold airflow in the cabin, and she felt happy. Irish turned around, and the wood fragrance on his clothes really had a hypnotic effect on her.

    "I like to wear your coat." She could not help but say a word.

    There was always a distinctive fragrance on his coat and a very light smell of tobo mixed with wood fragrance, which formed an indescribable sense of security for her.

    Joseph put down the newspaper and looked at her. The tenderness in his eyes was very soft, as if the clouds solidified in the sky outside the window, quiet and warm.

 Chapter 864 864: Going To Osaka

    ?

    "It''s only a pity that I have only one shirt on me, or I''ll give it to you?"

    It was summer, and it was impossible for him to carry a coat with him like in spring and autumn.

    The two were very close, and Joseph''s breath fell on her cheek, mixed with the cool air, and became warm, sofortable that she did not want to move. She smiledzily. "The stewardess would like to."

    Along the way, there were a lot of flight attendants who served him assiduously.

    When Joseph heard her words, he could not help touching her head, as if caressing a small cat, "Sleep for a while."

    Irish bit her lip and smiled.

    ****

    It was seven hours after the ne arrived at Osaka Haneda Airport. Irish could not stand the jetg, but Joseph looked fine, which had much to do with his usual working habits.

    Some people picked them up, and there was a wee ceremony.

    Irish had been on the ne for more than ten hours, so her head was dizzy, coupled with jetg. When she got back to the hotel, she couldn''t leave bed.

    Joseph rested for a while, adjusted the jetg, and showered.

    During this period, the phone rang countless times.

    On thest ring, Irish really cannot help holding up his mobile phone to hit the bathroom door. Joseph just finished the bath, opened the door, and Irish, like dead fish stuck to the wall,ined, "Your mobile phone is annoying. You really should bring Daisy."

    Joseph could not help butugh. Who would bring an assistant on his honeymoon?

    He rubbed her head hard, took her shoulder in one hand, and answered the phone in the other.

    Irish could imagine it was business. He hugged her back to the bed, and shey there motionlessly. Vaguely it was the voice of Joseph, who spoke French very well and was more demagoguery than speaking English.

    After he finished talking about his work, he changed his clean clothes and nned to go outside.

    Irish was confused, only feeling his big hand caressing his cheek, itchy, and she could not help humming. He smiled, "You can take a break, and I''ll be back soon after I''m done finishing it."

    This tone of voice reminds Irish of the kid who was left home. And parents told their children to y with toys at home, and once Mom and Dad worked as done, they would immediately return.

    "What a nuisance." She turned her head over.

    Joseph was stunned and asked her. "Why do you have such a feeling?"

    Irish did not open her eyes and murmured, "I like to hear you speak English."

    "What?" He still spoke to her in English, patted her on the ass symbolically with his big hand, and got up.

    "Well..." Irish grabbed his arm at once.

    "Are you really leaving?"

    Joseph was stunned. "What''s the matter?"

    "Then leave me alone at the hotel?" Irish suddenly felt a little lonely.

    Joseph''s heart softened as soon as he heard this, but there was nothing he could do about it. He thought about it and took out his wallet. "You can hang out around here and keep your phone on."

    Irish took his wallet and shook it. "Give me the whole wallet?"

    Joseph gently smiled. "It seems that this is the only way to make you less boring."<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "That''s true." Irish didn''t feel a headache at once, sat up, and opened his wallet, which contained many foreign currencies, as well as neat bank cards.

    "Alright, you go."

    Joseph was speechless.

    "Call me if you need anything." He gave a word of advice.

    Irish nodded.

    When he came out of the bedroom, she stopped him and shook the wallet at him. "Hey, can you give me back the picture of me when I was a kid?" The picture he had always contained in his wallet moved her, but she deliberately wanted to ignore it.

    But when the feeling of pressure on her mind became stronger, Irish could not help but mention it.

    Joseph stopped,ughing, "The picture in my wallet is mine."

    "You''re a thief. I didn''t agree with it. You vited my portrait rights." Irish retorted.

    Unexpectedly, Joseph was very kind to remind her, "Even you, I can infringe and not mention the right to portraits."

    Irish stared straight. "Why didn''t I find you had this fetishism before? Put a picture of a little girl in your wallet, and someone will think it''s your daughter!"

    "Someone? Who could have looked at my wallet?" He asked back.

    Irish was speechless. Yes, who could touch his wallet?

    "You might as well change my present picture." With that, she was a little embarrassed.

    She always found it strange for a big man to have pictures of his girlfriend or wife in his wallet, let alone a chauvinist like Joseph. But sometimes, she thought it to be romantic.

    Joseph did not understand the romantic essence and smiled. "I think you were cuter when you were a kid than you are now."

    "When I was a child, I was lovely, but now I am beautiful." Irish rolled her eyes at him, "It seems that you saw me when I was a kid."

    Joseph just smiled and did not speak. A long timeter, he meaningfully replied, "At least I fell in love with you at first sight when you were a child."

    And Irish would not think about it so deeply. She grabbed a pillow and threw it over to him, "Then you quickly paid scientists to study the time machine, so you can cross back to find me when I was a child!"

    ****

    Tokyo was not an exciting city, at least for Irish, who was fond of human culture. However, this kind ofmercial city was almost the same all over the world.

    She made a simple stroll and did not find the desired object, but found the facial mask that Cassie wanted. In one breath, she ordered a lot. In view of the immediate flight to Osaka, Irish left Cassie''s address to the shopkeeper and let the shopkeeper mail international express to her.

    It was almost time for her to leave. Irish was tired. When Joseph called, she was in the cafe near the hotel. Joseph asked her the address, said he came to see her and asked her not to go around.

    In less than fifteen minutes, a car parked in the cafe parking space, and through the window, Irish saw Joseph.

    This moment reminded her of waiting for him at the cafe when she was in South Africa, and then he said, your coffee was cold, so drink mine.

    In the twinkling of an eye, they went through too much.

    There was also a man with Joseph, slightly brown curly hair and a shaved clean chin, with a strong body. It was a typical American look, so who was this person?

    Just thinking about it, Irish saw the twoe in.

    Joseph introduced, "This is Ry Strnd. He is a medical doctor."

 Chapter 865 865: Cooperate With Me

    ?

    Although Irish was suspicious, she still reached out and shook with him.

    After sitting down, she almost asked Joseph with her lips. Why did he bring an M.D.?

    "Irish." Joseph took her hand and whispered, "There''s another purpose foring to Tokyo. Dr. Ry Strnd is a professional doctor in female reproduction."

    At this point, Irish suddenly understood what he meant.

    "No, I refuse." She was not happy at all.

    Joseph did not expect her to answer so simply and froze for a moment, but soon, he patiently exined, "Now that the problem has happened, we have to face it together."

    "It''s my problem. I''ll see a doctor myself." Irish felt very awkward, especially in front of Joseph.

    She knew she needed to face it, and she knew there was nothing wrong with it, but it was terrible to have her in front of him in such a dignified manner and let a doctor tell him, ''I''m sorry, your wife''s chances of getting pregnant are small, and it felt terrible.''

    Joseph saw the twist on her face, and she clenched her hand. "Irish, I am your husband."

    Irish drew back and said sensibly, "I''ll see my own doctor when I get home. The coffee is cold. I''ll get a hot one."

    At the end of the conversation, she got up and left her chair.

    Joseph looked at her back with a helpless face.

    "Joseph, did your wife refuse?" From Irish''s expression, he seemed to see some unhappy feelings.

    Joseph was silent.

    When Irish returned, she heard Ry Strnd say to Joseph, "Joseph, many rich businessmen around the world are in love with a sperm bank, that is, to store their own sperm gene pool to ensure the good genes of future generations. I think you can think about it."

    Joseph was facing back on Irish, so he could not see Irish, and Dr. Ry Strnd patronized to give advice, until after saying this to find that Irish came back. He wanted to withdraw this sentence, but he couldn''t. So, the atmosphere was awkward.

    When Joseph looked back, Irish bit her lip, turned her head without saying a word, and left.

    "Dr. Ry Strnd, I''m sorry, but we''ll get back to you." After Joseph left this remark, he hurried out.

    Irish went straight back to the hotel, did not rest, and did not say a word to pack the toiletries back into the suitcase. Joseph also entered the room and helped her pack up in silence.

    When she closed her suitcase, she sat on the ground and couldn''t get up for a long time.

    Joseph stood before her, and when he saw her, he could not help but pick her up.

    She did not struggle and let him hold her and sit on the sofa.

    "Listen, Irish, it''s my fault that I didn''t discuss this with you beforehand, but you have to believe in me, I don''t mean anything else." Joseph also sat down beside her, holding her face in both hands and ordered her to look at him.

    Irish looked down and whispered, "That doctor is right. A good gene of you should go with the best woman. You can save your sperm, and then you might find some princess or something, or the gically good women around, like Rosy or someone else."

    At the end of the speech, she was very sad.

    "Are you done?" Joseph asked in a low voice.

    Irish bit her lip and did not speak.

    "Look at me." He ordered.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    She didn''t raise her eyes. "Irish, look at me." His voice seemed to threaten her.

    Irish looked at his blue eyes.

    His facial expression was serious, but his voice was softer, "You are my wife. I only dere you as my woman, so do not say something about genes, let alone Rosy."

    "But..." Irish felt embarrassed and regretful to talk about this officially. Joseph was such an excellent man, and if it was really known that she could not bear a baby, how could she be faced with him?

    Joseph''s voice became serious, "No, it is only a suggestion by Doctor Ry Strnd. You should not me me."

    Irish felt stressed and said softly, "I know I am a little unreasonable..." She didn''t want to be like that.

    Joseph couldn''t help holding her and sighed, "Irish, I am your husband. I want to do something for you, and that''s why I found Doctor Ry Strnd. I do this not to confirm whether you can bear a child or not, and I didn''t mean to mock you. I just want to see whether there is a possibility."

    Irish nodded lightly in his bosom, but she was really afraid that Joseph would leave her one day.

    "Cooperate with me, okay?" Joseph lowered his head to look at her, "I vow that if you feel ufortable or disgusted, just stop it directly. I will not force you to do something. At least we need to be clear about the truth."

    Irish felt afraid. After a great while, she said, "I... will see the doctor by myself."

    "We''ve been married. We need to face something together." Joseph kissed her forehead and said softly, "You should remember that when we get married, you are not alone. We should be together. We are a couple."

    Irish was moved.

    After a while, she said, "Let me take it into consideration. Okay?"

    "Okay," Joseph said lightly and kissed her lips lightly.

    ****

    As they arrived in Osaka, Irish finally saw the killer whales and watched their show.

    The killer whales now listened to human beings. They just let the performer ride on their back, which teased the audience.

    The keeper told Irish that the killer whales were mild and cowardly. Sometimes when the stranger approached, they would just feel shy.

    Irishined to Joseph. She wanted to watch a killer whale that could kill a sea lion. Sheined that they should have been to the Red Sea, which was split into two parts by Mose in the Book of Exodus. She wanted to witness how fierce the killer whales were in the Red Sea.

    Joseph pulled her nose, "Watch the killer whale in the Red Sea? You may just feel frightened when you are close to the sea."

    Irish murmured to his ear, "It''s your fault."

    Joseph knew that what she referred to happened on the ind. He felt regretful about that, but he didn''t express it clearly and just held her, "That night, you were so sexy."

    Irish crashed on his bosom.

    After the killer whale''s show, she wanted to y with the killer whale. Joseph didn''t agree with that at the very beginning because he thought that it was still dangerous. He tended to be careful, so he would not allow Irish to be so careless.

    Irish just looked at him with pitiful expressions, shaking his arm, and said, "Joseph, please."

    She touched Joseph, so he just went to negotiate with the curator, whom Joseph had a connection with. The curator was still shocked by his request. Initially, he hesitated, butter Joseph proposed that the keeper and the trainer should be present. Thinking that Irish would only touch the killer whale, the curator agreed.

 Chapter 866 866: It Seems To Like You

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    Irish wore the safety suit joyfully. She wore a helmet and gloves to get equipped. After the audience left, she followed the trainer and entered the water.

    She could still see the big figures swimming slowly and making scary noises in the deep water as she was still far.

    Standing beside her, Joseph told her, "When the whalees out, just touch it."

    "I want to ride on its back." Irish''s words startled everyone.

    "No!" Joseph refused.

    Irish looked at the trainer, "Can I?"

    The trainer intended to say "Yes," but when he saw Joseph''s warning expressions, he said immediately, "Riding on its back requires experience. You may fall into the deep water if you cannot seize it. It''s very dangerous."

    Irish didn''t see Joseph''s expression, and she just looked into the water. She was also afraid, so she just gave up the idea.

    The trainer whistled, and soon the water became unpeaceful, and then arge killer whale came out. It was Irish''s first time watching a killer whale so closely, so she just opened her eyes. It seemed that there had been a building overhead.

    Hearing the whistle, the killer whale was so mild, and it just performed different gestures, but it still followed the trainer closely, intending to escape from Irish.

    The trainer said, "It is the shyest. It dares not to be close to you."

    Irish felt d as she heard this. She had been timid, but now this killer whale was also shy, so she was not as stressed as before and just waved her hands.

    The trainer gave an order by which the killer whale suddenly swam slowly, touched her hands, and then went away hurriedly.

    Irishughed loudly.

    The killer whale got happy, making a different sound. The trainer said happily, "The killer whale is an expert onnguage in that it can make 62 kinds of sound."

    Irish got curious and asked what the sound it made just now represented. The trainer said, "It seems to like you."

    It did like Irish in that it got close to Irish quickly and opened its mouth while making a sound. Irish remembered the show where the trainer danced in its mouth by holding its teeth, so she just couldn''t help touching its teeth. However, as she grasped it, the killer whale raised its head with great strength, throwing Irish far away. She screamed out and then fell into the whale''s mouth directly, and soon the whale closed its mouth. Finally, it turned back to the deep water.

    "Irish!" Joseph''s heart nearly stopped and just screamed out.

    It was an adult whale eight or nine meters in length. Its weight was also unprecedented. Joseph thought that when it performed just now, its weight made all the water roar and turn. The salty water it shed could wet dozens of seats, proving that the weight was scary. He was clear about the killer whale. A wild killer whale in the sea was the king. Once, a photographer shot a scene where a killer whale attacked nearly ten big white sharks.

    It was true. Unlike the killer whale living in the sea, the killer whale here was not so wild, but it was even hard to ensure that a drug-detecting dog loyal to his owner would not be cruel, let alone a sea king whose nature was killing.

    So, when Irish was thrown away and swallowed into the mouth, Joseph seemed to be hit by a stick heavily. His mind became nk.

    Terror, desperation, and regret attacked him.

    He got mad, and at the next moment, he wanted to jump into the deep water to save Irish.

    The trainer pulled him and whistled immediately.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "Mr. Joseph, this whale has been trained. Please be assured. Before, our trainers had been closed in its mouth. She will be okay. We will save her immediately." The trainerforted him, but actually, he was also concerned. The whale was mild, but it was also aggressive. If...

    Joseph was so anxious, so he just pulled the trainer''s cor, greeting his teeth, "Save her immediately. If something bad urs, I will prosecute you."

    Several trainers arrived and whistled in a unified way, patting on the edge of the pool. Finally, the trainer who spoke with Joseph could not wait any more, and he just jumped into the water after wearing the safety suit.

    The water became unpeaceful, and the other two killer whales walked as if nothing had happened.

    That adult whale also walked in the water. As it saw the trainers, it was thrilled, crashing his body lightly, while the trainer also knocked at it, and the trainers beside the pool whistled hurriedly. Soon the trainer got on, pulling Joseph backward quickly.

    Other trainers also went backward a little.

    Soon the water became rapid, seeming like a small tsunami.

    That adult whale rushed out of the water suddenly, patting on the water with its tail fin and shing water. Joseph also got wet.

    The trainer exined, "The head of the killer whale is a little round, so it will not attack her body. Its mouth does not stand out, so she will not get injured."

    There was another whistle. The killer whale dancing on the water opened its mouth suddenly, making a rapid sound.

    The moment when it opened its mouth, Joseph''s heart beat quickly.

    There was a head appearing, and then the body.

    "Irish!" Joseph was to rush forward, but he was pulled by the trainer, who signed him not to interrupt the killer whale.

    He dared not to move anymore and saw the killer whale lightly closing its mouth. It didn''t close its mouth likest time this time but just opened a little. Irish showed half her body and waved her hands. Her body got totally wet.

    The killer whale didn''t put her down immediately but just raised her head and thumped casually.

    The trainer whistled again, and at this time, the killer whale slowed its action and swam to the side.

    Joseph was anxious, but he didn''t lose his mind. Before the killer whale opened its mouth, he was afraid that any movement would affect his abnormal action.

    The trainer pointed at the side and whistled, making some professional gestures. Then, the killer whale opened its mouth again, and at this time, two trainers picked Irish from the whale''s mouth.

    The killer whale screamed when Irish stood on the floor, and then arge figure rushed to her.

    Joseph rushed forward right now and protected Irish with his body.

    Irish only felt that the front light was warded off, and Joseph held her whole body. Arge wave attacked them and patted Joseph''s back, most of which was warded by Joseph and only a little sshed on her cheek.

    The surrounding sound weakened. There was a sudden scene in her mind. In the dark and long alley, she was pulled by a boy to run. Someone followed them, and just at this moment, she saw the blood. The boy got injured on his arm but just protected her from danger. Someone pulled him, and he just shouted to her, "Run away!"

 Chapter 867 867: You Better Shut Up

    ?

    These two scenes connected with each other and rushed to her mind. Irish was so familiar with such a scene as if it had happened before.

    Didn''t the boy appear in the dream? Why did she feel it happening in reality?

    There was no attack from the killer whale behind her.

    It just nned to have a rest beside the pool.

    It stopped there, and soon the other two killer whales also stopped there.

    Hearing the news, the curator ran there. He was so shocked by the scene and just walked forward, "How''s it going? Are you okay?"

    While watching the show, some audience members tended to request to interact with the killer whale, and in very few cases, the trainer would agree under the circumstances that the killer whale was in good condition and the trainer could get it in his control. Some audiences even requested being held in the mouth, but it was just a trial controlled by the trainer. The trainer had had this case before, so he was experienced, but Irish was an audience. He was most afraid that Irish would struggle with great efforts out of terror, which would lead to being swallowed by the killer whale.

    Ordinary people would struggle when they experienced such a kind of danger, which would only make things worse.

    Joseph had sponsored this aquarium as a charity project, so the curator knew that he was extraordinary. If the case of being killed by the whale happened, the aquarium would be closed soon.

    Joseph checked Irish''s condition carefully to see whether she got injured or not. Irish seemed to be calm. Then, figuring out his terror, she covered his hands, "I''m okay. Really."

    The curator stepped forward and asked, "Did you move just now?"

    Irish shook her head and replied, "I believed that he wouldn''t hurt me."

    Indeed, she also didn''t expect she would be drawn into the whale''s mouth. Although she did want to ride on the whale, she gave up as the feeder introduced her details. When the whale opened its mouth, Irish just wanted to touch the little creature, but she didn''t expect she would be thrown in its mouth. She had no other choice but to clench its big teeth. However, the moment when she fell into the whale''s big mouth, she loosened her grip since she was clear that if this giant creature closed its mouth, her hands would be cut into pieces.

    As soon as she loosened her grip, the whale closed its mouth while Irish could not see anything. In the next second, she felt everything go around.

    At that moment, she did feel scared, but soon the story told by one of the members of her climbing party lingered in her mind. Once before, the man climbed to a remote ce where the terrain was steep, and the sea was under the ocean. Although he was an experienced climber, he also encountered some dangerous situations. There was something wrong with the safety buckle then, and he immediately slipped down the mountain.

    What was worse was that he fell down into the ocean and was swallowed by a big whale. He clenched something in the whale''s mouth, although he didn''t know what it was. In that case, he avoided slipping into the whale''s gullet. He was so flurried, but he soon calmed down and tried to tickle the whale. Soon the whale spurted him out, and he sessfully got a new lease on life.

    Irish was reminded of the story at that time, but she then realized that it was not a fierce whale since it was domesticated. But once she was spurted out, she might get hurt because they were not in the ocean, and perhaps, she would hit the hard chair.

    Irish believed that the animal trainer would manage to get the whale to open its mouth, so the only thing she could do was to calm down and wait.

    However, when she got out, Irish felt her legs were so weak.

    "I just feel a little bit dizzy," added Irish.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    It was not until then the curator felt relieved. Joseph looked so anxious, and he felt so irritated, staring at Irish as if she was a naughty girl. After a long while, he then turned to the curator and said in a low voice, "I am sorry to cause trouble to you."

    Irish was aware of his mood swings, so she hastily stood up, but she had to hold Joseph''s arms to apologize since her legs were so weak. Joseph held her shoulders with his eyebrows furrowed.

    The stranded killer whale on the shore suddenly called out, like a child.

    "No!" The trainer yelled at the whale.

    "What happened?" Irish was confused and looked back.

    The killer whale made another sound, and it sounded a little wrong.

    The trainer whistled and yelled at it in a harsh tone.

    And soon, the killer whale returned to the pool.

    Seeing this, Irish was so confused and couldn''t help asking what had happened.

    The trainer then exined that they would reward the whale with a lot of fish after a sessful performance, and actually, it was a training method. The better performance, the more rewards. And the whale asked for fish just now but was declined by the trainer.

    After hearing this, Irish suddenly felt regret for this giant creature.

    "I can''t reward it with fish because the killer whale is smart, and if I give him fish, then he might think he did nothing wrong. In such a case, it might happen again, so I have to punish him so that he would realize the mistake and this would never happen again," continued the trainer to Irish.

    Looking at the whale, which was still wandering gently on the water, Irish felt that it looked like a kid who failed to get candies, so she turned to the trainer and said, "Why not give just a little fish to him? He looked pitiful!"

    However, the trainer declined her suggestion.

    Joseph clenched her hands and said to her in a rather low voice, "Nothing can be aplished without norms or standards. Irish, you better shut up!"

    "Joseph..."

    "Just shut up no matter what you want to say," Joseph interrupted her.

    As soon as they got back to the hotel, Joseph left Irish alone and then walked to the sanctum. Irish was in the dark and didn''t know what to do. She turned on the TV a momentter to watch a gourmet show. She watched for a long time until she started feeling hungry. It was not until then she decided to knock on the sanctum door with a ss of coffee in hand since she was clear that Joseph was mad at her. However, Joseph did not give her a response at all, and Irish realized Joseph really got angry with her.

 Chapter 868 868: Is That Your Apology?

    ?

    Irish opened the door gently to see what he was doing there while Joseph just took a glimpse at her and then moved his eyes to theputer to deal with his business.

    Irish had no other choice but to walk in, put the coffee on his desk, and say in a soft tone, "You must be tired. Take a sip of the coffee."

    Generally speaking, Irish would never talk to him in such a soft yet cautious way unless she made a mistake, just as this time.

    Irish cherished their honeymoon trip, but if Joseph changed his mind and was determined to return, Irish would feel regret, so she coaxed her stubborn husband.

    However, Joseph just kept staring at theputer without saying anything.

    Seeing this, Irish moved closer to him to see what he was looking through but found it was the stock trend line drawn map. Irish held his arms with a smile and said gently, "Take a break. Your eyes also need a rest."

    "Don''t bother me here," said Joseph coldly.

    It was easy to tell that Joseph was in a fit of anger, so she walked behind him, rubbed his shoulders, and added, "Okay, I am not going to bother you. I just stand here to massage your shoulders."

    Joseph kept silent as he heard this. Taking the chance, Irish got close to his ears and whispered beside him, "Don''t get angry with me. Joseph, please..."

    Joseph looked up and took a nce at her, and his eyebrows furrowed slightly. His phone suddenly rang, but he didn''t take over his cell phone. Irish hastily took it over for him and put the phone beside his ear as if she was his ve girl.

    It was Daisy, and Irish could hear what she said at the other end of the phone since Irish was so close to Joseph.

    Daisy told Joseph that she had arranged the yacht for them so that they could depart at any time.

    Irish was cheered by what Daisy said since she had been looking forward to traveling out to the sea for a long time.

    However, Joseph just replied calmly, "Cancel the n tounch out."

    Daisy said yes and even didn''t ask for the reason.

    Shocked, Irish really wanted to ask why he decided to cancel the n, but she forced herself to stay calm because she was afraid that her impulses would strengthen his mind.

    Irish kept rubbing his shoulders and said in an extremely soft voice, "It seems it was a good day tounch out. The weather is fine."

    "Uh," replied Joseph briefly.

    "I heard that the sea beach is beautiful," added Irish.

    But Joseph just snorted.

    "It is a good chance for us to go to the sea. We hardly have the chance to travel like this," Irish continued, trying to change his mind."

    "Put it out of your mind now," said Joseph.

    Although Irish really wanted to catch his shoulders and ask him why he had made this decision for her, she dared not to do that because she would lose the chance to go to the sea in that case.

    "Honey..." Irish called Joseph with a smile, sitting on his legs with her arms around his neck. "I am sorry. I know I made a mistake, but I promise you that I will never do that again. Cool down."

    "Go and watch TV. I am busy right now," said Joseph while pretending to get her hands off him, but he didn''t put forth his strength at all while Irish also kept sitting on his legs, leaning against his chest.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "Don''t push me away. Are you going to find another woman?" Irish pouted her lips while holding him tightly.

    "Don''t talk nonsense here," Joseph snapped.

    "Then don''t get mad at me. You are my husband. Give me a chance," coaxed Irish.

    "It seems you are in the right and self-confident," Joseph sounded, sulking.

    "No, of course, I am not," Irish answered with her hands slipping into his shirt.

    "I am apologizing to you. Look at the coffee. I made it for you personally."

    "Is that your apology?" asked Joseph, staring at her.

    "Are you hungry?" Irish quickly asked.

    "Don''t try to seduce me with your beauty," Joseph warned her.

    He was really angry with Irish. He felt so frightened, and his heart was broken at the moment when the killer whale swallowed Irish. He would never forgive himself if something urred to Irish, but when he finally ensured she was fine as she was spurted out, an unnamed rage urred to him.

    But now Joseph felt an angry amusement since Irish acted like a spoiled kid in front of him.

    "I don''t believe that you will remain unmoved since I admit that I am seducing you with my beauty," said Irish with a sly smile.

    Joseph looked at her, the lights flickering in his eyes.

    Irish kept smiling, stood up, and sat on the desk. Slowly she lifted her skirt and then unbuttoned her coat one by one. And soon, almost all of the buttons were unhooked.

    Joseph gazed at her and moved his eyes from her cheeks to her plummy bosom. Seeing this, Irish showed a sly smile and then touched his legs with her bare feet. Joseph didn''t stop her but looked at her silently. Irish couldn''t help smiling when she touched his erect penis.

    "What an alluring woman! A witch girl!" Joseph growled, stood, and hugged her into his arms.

    Irish put her arms around his neck and then said, "You said you won''t be seduced."

    "It is time to give you a lesson," Joseph blurted out in a deep voice. Irish could tell that he was controlling his desire. Joseph was determined to give her punishment, and he licked every inch of her body while Irish was exhausted in the end. However, she still failed to change Joseph''s mind. Irish leaned against his chest, hearing his heart bumping, and begged, "Even if we can''tunch out, I think we could talk a walk on the beach."

    "No, you are a poor swimmer. I am not going to take you to the ces near the ocean again," Joseph declined her suggestion.

    "But I am not going to swim! And people wouldugh at us if we didn''t even go to the beach as we traveled in Osaka. It is a famous tourist spot here."

    "You shouldn''t have beenughed at!"

    "Are you going to fall out after having sex?" asked Irish unpleasantly.

    "Did I promise you I would ept your suggestion before that?" Joseph asked in reply while Irish was speechless.

    "Well, Joseph, then tell me, what shall we do in Osaka?" asked Irish with a frown.

 Chapter 869 869: Trip To Uyuni - 1

    ?

    Reaching out, Joseph pinched her nose gently and said, "You see that the whale can''t get fish since he made a mistake, and you should also take some punishment. I have canceled all the travel ns here. We are going to leave here tomorrow."

    "What? Do you really think you are also an animal trainer?" Irish sat up and resisted.

    "No, I am not an animal trainer," Joseph said while gazing at her.

    Irish followed his eyes and realized the nket had fallen down. She flushed, taking over the nket to cover her body.

    "We will travel here again as long as you really learned a lesson from this dangerous experience," Joseph said while pulling her into his arms.

    "Joseph, stop. Hey!"

    However, before she could finish her sentence, Joseph was on the top of her body again.

    Their trip ended when they stepped into the ne while Irish was only deeply impressed by the killer whale in the aquarium.

    Joseph was a man who always kept his word. To let her remember her mistake, he ended their honeymoon trip, and they didn''t step out to the hotel after that day. Irish was exhausted after several times of orgasms.

    She fell asleep as soon as she got on the ne and she didn''t even notice the destination on the ticket, because she was convinced they were going to get back to New York. However, when she took off the ne after a few hours of the trip, she found that they had arrived at La Paz, the capital of Bolivia. Shocked, Irish widened her eyes in astonishment. "Why did you take me here?" asked Irish pleasantly.

    Joseph pinched her cheeks and replied softly, "I remember that I promised you before that I would take you here."

    ****

    Uyuni was heaven.

    As they were circled into the rumor and attacked by the media, Joseph gave her a ticket to Uyuni and told her that he had arranged everything in Uyuni. She could spend the vacation as she wanted.

    She heard of Uyuni, and she also longed for that ce.

    However, during these years, she had gone to many ces but dared not go to Uyuni alone.

    It was a kind of lonely beauty, especially for someone alone.

    So, when Joseph hoped that she could travel to Uyuni, she thought of this kind of loneliness. She thought that two should go there, not just one.

    Joseph agreed.

    However, it didn''t ur to Irish''s mind that Joseph would focus on Uyuni for this honeymoon journey.

    He always arranged everything quietly.

    Maybe because of family connection, Irish was ustomed to being herself, and she had no sense of safety because of loneliness. She loved making ns and hated being constrained.

    She once thought that she would fall in love with the kind of man who asked whether she was hungry and what she liked eating and then decided which restaurant to have meals in, not the kind of man who directly told her that he had ordered the restaurant.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Joseph was thetter.

    He was strong and powerful, reasonable but serious. There would not be much room for negotiation in many things.

    Such a kind of man was doomed to y a leading role in love.

    He would not talk about dreams with her while chatting since he was clear about every road; he would not think of all kinds of ways to tease her like a boy while she was angry at him. In most cases, he would justfort her and say, "It''s okay." When she was dedicated to having a diet, he would urge her to have meals normally instead of ttering her that she was beautiful enough. He would not give up his work to surprise her, and the most he could do was to finish the work as soon as possible. He would not give up his principle just because of her decision. He had his own pride. He would be silent and angry and even be impatient with her different requests. He always told her not to do something in that way.

    A peaceful man would make someone afraid.

    It was such a kind of man who made her attached and changed her life little by little. He was changing her life and her habits, and gradually, his strong power and strictness became advantages.

    He would take her to a restaurant directly when she was hungry, and every dish was her favorite. He would drape her a coat when she was cold and fill her with all his smell. He would give her his whole wallet to make her less lonely and tell her that she could buy everything she wanted. He would remember her words and then make her expectations real, just like now.

    Now he put her dream Uyuni in front of her.

    As they were in La Paz, Joseph didn''t take Irish to Uyuni soon but let her have a rest and urged her to eat Rhodirosea. Irish knew that he aimed to prevent the altitude stress, so she just said that she had stayed in a mountain over 60,000 kilometers. For her, a ce with only 40,000 kilometers was nothing to be afraid of.

    Joseph touched her head and replied impolitely, "I will not let it happen for you to go to such a dangerous ce."

    "But I like climbing there," Irishined.

    Joseph took a nce at her, "Mrs. Dover. you''ve been married. Your health and safety are important to a family. It''s also a request from me."

    Irish couldn''t help smiling.

    After resting in La Paz, a friend in La Paz came to the hotel. It was a handsome Spanish man who talked andughed with Joseph. Irish thought they would talk about business, butter Irish knew that Joseph had arranged him to pick up Irishst time.

    As the man left, Irish held Joseph''s neck and joked, "I would not refuse it if I had known that you have arranged such a handsome man as apany."

    Joseph pinched her nose. She shouted.

    "Pblo is clear about morals."

    Irish covered her nose, resisting, "I didn''t marry you at that time."

    Joseph smiled widely, "He is also clear about whom you belong to."

    "Stop it." Irish wanted to stop the conversation while she felt sweet.

    The other day, she flew to Uyuni with Joseph. As she arrived at Uyuni, a local came to pick them up and arranged afortablemercial vehicle and a fashionable off-road vehicle for them.

    Pblo arranged the local, and he was called Ravitch, an air of 25 or 26 years old. Irish knew that Joseph could speak Spanish, but not her, so she was afraid that Joseph needed to be the trantor for them. Ravitch told her, smiling, "I can speak not only Spanish but also English." Irish was so happy to hear that.

 Chapter 870 870: Trip To Uyuni - 2

    ?

    Pblo arranged the hotel for them in advance. Irish took the opportunity to go around Uyuni, which was really a special town with many sculptures on the railway. Ravitch told her that Uyuni was a natural Salt Lake, so from the beginning of the 18th century, the salt resource was continually transported outside. After two or three centuries, the railway became an indispensable part of the town. People made a living by using salt resources here.

    Irish thought that God was always fair. He gave his best gift there with kindness.

    These two vehicles arranged by Ravitch were well equipped. Looking at the off-road vehicle, Irish thought of her red jeep and a rule made by Joseph: No drinking within one year; otherwise, she could not see her car anymore. Her jeep was locked in the underground garage while Joseph kept the key. She didn''t know where Joseph had put her key.

    Ravitch told Irish that themercial vehicle was used at the usual time, while the off-road vehicle was needed to go to Salt Lake, which would be very cool.

    Irish felt it so cool, but she also thought that Joseph tended to act differently wherever he went.

    A local was also required to lead the way to go to theke district in that once someone stepped into the deepke, there would be emptynds all around, and no reference could be found. In addition, thepass and navigator would get out of control by the maic field in theke. In this case, an experienced guide was very necessary. It reminded Irish of another Salt Lake that was a depopted zone. If there was no local guide, it would also be difficult for cars to pass through it.

    Natural beauty often leads to potential danger.

    These twokes were simr in that one was pure, while one was deste. Their shaking beauty was just like the snake which would bite one to death.

    Ravitch was very humorous and talkative.

    On the way, he kept introducing the beautiful view and culture there to Irish. As they passed the town. Irish saw many surprising creatures.

    There were tall cactuses and tall trees.

    "What are they?" She pointed at a crowd of birds and asked Ravitch.

    Ravitch told her that they were mingos.

    Oh, god. It was her first time seeing pink mingos.

    Opening the window, Irish acted like a child. She greeted Joseph and shouted, "Look there. That nt is so strange..."

    Comparing the view, Joseph was more willing to see her smiling face. As she was joyful, he smiled. He felt so satisfied. Her happiness and satisfaction were beyond anything.

    He also pulled her and smiled lightly, "Be careful."

    He just thought it this way. He would let her jog and run on the way made by him.

    As they arrived on the ind, Irish was startled by the view. She could overlook all thesekes there. When the car passed, she couldn''t help getting off.

    Someone would not travel to Uyuni until the rainy season when they could witness the view of "a big mirror." The whole world would be pure. However, many people only knew that the rainy season here was very beautiful, but they ignored May. From March to May, it was the best sightseeing time, although the rainy season had passed, especially in May. Theke had little water, so it would not be frozen. There might be problems for vehicles to pass through Salt Lake.

    More importantly, it was mid-May now, when there were not many people.

    When Irish tried to walk to Salt Lake, nobody was surrounding theke.

    She turned around to take a look, and she found that there were only one off-road vehicle and the three.

    It was unimaginably white here.

    It urred to Irish''s mind that an obsessivepulsive disorder patient came here. It must be the best ce to cure his disease.

    However, now she only wanted to experience the unique beauty as closely as she could.

    She walked closer and closer to theke.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Irish looked around Salt Lake, covering 1 billion tons of salt. The mountain looked to be floating on theke, and gradually the surrounding mountains disappeared. Everywhere was white. The skyline was just like a big mirror, on which the water was motionless, reflecting the sky and clouds.

    Irish had a wrong feeling. She thought that the sky was on her feet, and the whole world was reverted. Looking in this way, she felt dizzy,

    Stepping on, she felt the water wave moving and then the white cloud, but soon she recovered from being peaceful.

    She turned around, surprised.

    Joseph and the car became the most beautiful view.

    "Joseph!" Irish waved her hands to him.

    This feeling was so great. There were only them in the world.

    Because of the distance, Irish couldn''t see Joseph''s facial expressions clearly, but she could feel his smile. He was looking at her, smiling lightly.

    Joseph told Irish that there would be a five days holiday in Uyuni. Irish was so excited to hear that. It meant that she had enough time to experience the beauty.

    On the second day, Irish woke up early, thinking whether she could beg Joseph to drive to Salt Lake. The breakfast in the hotel was bountiful. Joseph got up earlier than her. When she got up, he was taking a shower.

    He asked her to change the pajama quickly.

    Irish thought that he would take her out, so she just changed her pajamas and finished breakfast soon.

    Joseph just smiled, "You are so quick today."

    "Of course. You paid the money, so I should have enough fun." Irish was joyful.

    Compared with her excitement, Joseph was calm.

    "It''s okay. There will be no tourists in the main area. You will have enough fun." He sipped the coffee.

    Irish was confused. There was an idea in her mind, so she just asked him hesitantly. "You...booked it?"

    Joseph just smiled and didn''t say much, "You only need to have a good time."

    Irish got it, so she just approached him, "You have paid so much money."

    "If you can be gentler, I will take it seriously." Joseph''s smile became bigger.

    Irish hugged him lightly, "I am sincere."

    Joseph turned around and kissed her lightly.

    She lowered her head, feeling warm.

    The doorbell rang.

    Irish stood up, "Let me open the door."

 Chapter 871 871: Wedding Photo - 1

    ?

    Joseph just smiled and didn''t talk.

    She thought that it would be Ravitch. However, when she opened the door, she found that a crowd of people had rushed in. Men and women with bags crowded in. Irish stepped back. Dear, what were they doing here, she thought.

    "Joseph!" She called Joseph immediately.

    A man with short horsetail led the way. He wore it in an artistic way, and his mustache was manlike. He had eyes as blue as the sky of Uyuni. Seeing her stressed, he said immediately, "I am a good one. I am a good one."

    Hearing his ent, Irish felt that he was from France.

    Joseph walked out and held Irish''s shoulder, saying lightly, "Don''t be afraid. They are Boris''s team. This is Boris, a famous photographer."

    "Hello." Boris greeted Irish.

    Irish was confused, so she just raised her hands and waved to him, "Hello?"

    Joseph let them have a sit.

    There were five people, three-man and two girls. Two girls should have been French, and their skin was clear.

    After they sat down, Irish remembered Joseph''s introduction. She pulled Joseph aside, "You said that they are Boris''s team? The well-known photography team?"

    Joseph nodded.

    Boris couldn''t figure out their small talk, but he guessed that they were talking about him, so he just smiled at her. Irish still couldn''t believe it, so she just lowered her voice and said to Joseph, "Is he Boris?"

    Her words teased Joseph, "I introduced them to you just now."

    Oh my god...

    Irish couldn''t believe her eyes.

    "But what are they doing here? Taking photos? Do you need to take photos?"

    Actually, she had taken a camera.

    At this time, a girl stood up and asked her, "It''s time to wear makeup."

    Wear makeup?

    Wait a moment��

    Irish looked at Joseph, confused.

    Joseph signed the dresser to wait for them and pulled Irish into the bedroom.

    "What happened?"

    "I invited them to take wedding photos for us." Joseph held her face, smiling. "That girl is the dresser. You should believe in Boris."

    "Taking wedding photos?" Irish screamed.

    Why was it so sudden?

    "We haven''t prepared anything. Do we?" She looked at him.

    Joseph guessed her reaction, so he just touched her head, "I''ve prepared everything. You just need to cooperate with them."

    Irish was really surprised by his arrangement.

    Joseph was to call the dresser in, but she clenched his clothes, "Why did you just think of that suddenly?"

    "I didn''t think of it suddenly. We should have taken wedding photos, but we just got married hurriedly. We didn''t have much time before." Joseph pulled her hands and kissed them lightly, "It''s good to take wedding photos during our honeymoon."

    Irish felt so good, but she still pretended that she didn''t care anymore, "In fact, it''s okay if we don''t take wedding photos."<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "Really?" Joseph teased her, "Actually, you asked for that."

    "I didn''t." Irish was shocked. He was obviously teasing her.

    Joseph held her and patted her back. His chin touched her head, "You were just drunk on that night. I took you home, and you just cried so sadly."

    "Ah?"

    "You just sat across the wall and cried. You asked me to put the wedding photos on the wall; otherwise, it would be pitiful. You were sad that you didn''t wear your wedding dress. You also condemned that I was a yboy in that my ex-girlfriend damaged your wedding dress." Joseph just described that night calmly.

    Irish couldn''t imagine that scene. She raised her head, "It was impossible. It was not me."

    Joseph just looked at her, "It was you."

    Irish''s mind became nk. She didn''t know how to answer, so she just licked her lips and said, "No, you must tell me everything."

    "What?"

    "Everything that was happening at night when I was drunk." She couldn''t stand it anymore.

    Joseph resisted hisughter, "Nothing."

    "I can''t believe it." Sheined. He must have concealed something.

    Joseph said sincerely, "Trust me."

    "Can you swear it?"

    "I swear. That''s all."

    "Okay, then you also have to promise me that you would never mention those embarrassing things about me on our wedding night," added Irish.

    "Okay, I promise you," said Joseph with a smile.

    It was not until Irish got his promise then she left the matter at that.

    But Irish felt she had a dream. She was dressed up in two hours, and she then got to know that the wedding dress was custom-made in order to take their wedding photo. The sparing use of make-up enhanced Irish''s ssically beautiful features.

    The stylist joked with Irish that they were almost driven crazy since Joseph set strict yet exact demands on them since he strived to give Irish a beautiful memory of their wedding photos.

    Hearing this, Irish felt so embarrassed to cause them so much trouble but still felt warm by Joseph''s consideration.

    Different from the wedding dress that Cassie presented her, the one picked up by Joseph was simple but striking.

    The one-shoulder silk strap design just rightly exposed her delicate vicle while her waist also looked slenderer. There were scattered ribbons on the underside of the waist, which ran down to the ankle, and the long white veil extended to the ground.

    Irish was well-dressed, and all of the people were amazed by Irish.

    "You look so beautiful. Mr. Joseph handed the picture to us a few days ago. Mr. Joseph had an infallible eye for style," said the stylist.

    Looking at herself in the mirror, Irish was trance since she never knew she could be so beautiful.

    She looked over and found boundless purity.

    When Joseph took her hands, and they stepped into the Salt Lake together, Irish felt that it was so peaceful, and she could hear nothing, even if the water flowed under her feet. There were only Joseph and Irish, as well as the photography team, in this boundless Salt Lake.

    As soon as they arrived at the shooting ce, the cameraman, Max, asked his assistant to prepare lenses and then started his work. Irish felt a little bit anxious when facing the lens and kept asking the cameraman how she should pose.

    Irish had seen other newly-married couples take wedding photos, but the cameraman asked most of them to pose as he was told. However, Max told her not to worry and just do whatever she wanted to do.

    Irish nodded and felt relieved by his sentence while Joseph held her in his arms andforted her softly, "Irish, don''t be so nervous. Come with me."

    Leaning against his chest, Irish couldn''t help but look into his eyes. She was moved by her husband again.

 Chapter 872 872: Wedding Photo - 2

    ?

    What did heaven look like?

    Like most people, Irish didn''t have religious beliefs but still maintained a respectful attitude toward them. She used to pass by an empty church where a vestal stood with a warm smile. She was looking at the curved angle over her head as well as arched windows while a lot of candles flickered, creating a peaceful atmosphere.

    She harbored resentment in her bosom at that time, but when she stepped into the church, she felt peaceful. But the young vestal told her that heaven existed in this world and the people who believed in it would be blessed.

    Irish didn''t understand the power of belief.

    But when she stood at the boundless Uyuni, she felt that it was her first time feeling heaven and earth, and then she suddenly realized that no matter how great human beings were, they were negligible in front of nature. Belief didn''t only mean remaining an awed attitude to God but also keeping a grateful attitude for nature. And the faith was actually heaven.

    Irish stepped forward slowly with the white and long mantid on the saltyke. She could hear her own breath. The photography team didn''t follow them closely, but they kept changing the leans frequently.

    Irish worried that she would feel uneasy since so many people followed behind them, but then she realized that it was so boundless, and her worries faded away.

    The saline was clear, and there were no other travelers there. Irish looked back at Joseph, who was dressed in a suit standing behind her, and she felt relieved.

    He looked so handsome while his shadow was reflected on theke. People would get to know others in their lifetime, but they would eventually find the one who was predestined to spend their life together.

    They were caught off guard to meet each other at the right time.

    Irish was deeply convinced that Joseph was her Mr. Right in her lifetime.

    Joseph was also aware of Irish''s gaze, so he stepped to her, holding her into his arms gently with his lips touching her ears. Irish looked like a fairy in this Holy Land, and Joseph felt he was making a dream.

    "Do you like this ce?" Asked Joseph softly.

    "Yes, of course," Irish answered, leaning against his chest. She felt so lucky that Joseph had brought her to such a beautiful ce. The love between Adam and Eva was pure, but with the development of the society, the rtionship between lovers was mixed up with too many pompous things.

    Only in such a peaceful yet pure ce would peopley their hand on the heart and examine themselves. All of the hesitancy, as well as interest contradictions, would vanish soon.

    Joseph tightened his arms and then continued, "I am so d to hear that."

    Irish stared at him, whose eyes were flickering with light. Joseph lowered his head and kissed her lips while Max recorded this beautiful moment with his camera.

    This ce seemed to be created for them, and they looked well-matched in the saline. "They were well suited to each other," A young girl from the photographic team couldn''t help eximing.

    Joseph and Irish seemed to blend into the surrounding scenery, and no one could separate them.

    At night

    This newly-married couple sucked each other''s tongues and stroked each other gently.

    They kept changing postures while Irish couldn''t help but groan. After a long while, Joseph finally released himself, but he didn''t retreat from her body immediately but kept enjoying her tender body. A few minutester, he wiped the sweat on her forehead and kissed her lips. Irish closed her eyes, her heart still pumping after strenuous exercise. Joseph was on top of her while their hearts were close to each other.

    Irish''s long hair was wet and stuck to her cheeks.

    Joseph kept rubbing her hair and kissed her gently.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "Joseph, I am so tired,"ined Irish in a soft voice.

    Joseph burst outughing over her head.

    Irish opened his eyes, wriggled her body, and said, "Get out, Joseph."

    However, Joseph didn''t follow her words but replied with a smile, "No."

    Irish could still feel his warmth, but in the next second, her nose twitched, and tears suddenly trickled down to Joseph''s arms.

    Joseph also felt that and he looked up to see what happened but was still shocked.

    "Did I hurt you?" Joseph asked anxiously.

    Irish just shook her head slightly.

    Joseph was flurried since he didn''t know what had happened. "Don''t cry. I am getting out soon," Heforted her. But unexpectedly, Irish tightened her arms to feel his warmth.

    "Irish." Joseph was at a loss for what to do.

    Irish sobbed and then said, "I feel like crying as soon as I remember that you also treated another woman like this before."

    She was clear that she shouldn''t mention this since everyone had his past story let alone that Joseph was such a brilliant and sessful man. And there must be many women who wanted to be with him. Irish thought she would never care about him since they had gotten married to each other. However, his consideration after their sex reminded her of Britney, and she thought he might also remain gentle to other women once before.

    Joseph was shocked by Irish''s words. He held her tightly and said in a low voice, "Irish, I am so sorry."

    He couldn''t change his past, but if he had met her earlier, those absurd things would not happen. Joseph was clear it was unfair to Irish because he also felt regret as long as he remembered Irish''s smile at Adam.

    Joseph was unable tofort her but only apologized to her repeatedly.

    "And Rosy... You also smiled softly at her. You��"

    But before she could finish her sentence, Joseph kissed her abruptly. A momentter, Joseph then looked into her eyes and said, "Irish, I don''t love them."

    Joseph understood that she cried because she cared about him, but he didn''t want her to feel sad.

    "Yes, I know that," Irish replied in a shaky voice with a faint smile.

    Irish had to admit that this was a magic ce since she released her real emotion that she had dared not to express before. Her worries, hesitation, as well as other bad moods all vanished soon at the moment when she walked into the saline. She was so clear about how much she loved this man, and she could not leave him at all, just as fish couldn''t live without water.

    She also felt his deep love for her, although Joseph never expressed it directly to her. Irish still would like to trust him.

    "Silly girl!" Joseph was relieved by her smile and kissed her forehead while Irish closed her eyes to feel him.

    "Irish..." Joseph called her softly.

 Chapter 873 873: Hateful Confrontation With Mother-In-Law

    Irish opened her eyes but found Joseph staring at her. "Don''t try to avoid the doctors, okay?"

    Shocked, Irish looked at him with her mouth opened slightly.

    "Of course, I don''t mean to force you to do anything. No matter what happens, I will stay with you," Joseph added again.

    Reaching out, Joseph rubbed her cheeks and then kissed her again.

    Irish kept silent for a long while Joseph kept patting her back tofort her.

    "Don''t think too much. Just forget what I said just now," Joseph continued.

    He didn''t want her to live with pain, so he would not force her to do anything she didn''t like.

    "Do you want to take a shower?" Joseph tried to change the subject.

    Irish didn''t reply immediately, but a few secondster, she looked up at him and said, "I will."

    Joseph looked at her with astonishment.

    "I would like to see the doctor," Irish added softly.

    "Okay," Joseph pecked a kiss on her lips as a smile formed at the corner of his mouth.

    He tightened his arms while Irish closed her eyes to feel his heartbeat.

    ''Joseph, I would like to do anything for you. I will stay with you as long as you need me. But if you want me to leave you someday, I will also leave without any regrets. It is just because you brought me so many beautiful moments and made me feel happy. So, it is worth it,'' thought Irish to herself.

    ****

    New York, eight o''clock at night.

    As soon as Cassie returned home from thepany, the young housekeeper stepped forward, took over the bag from Cassie, and told her Shirley was there. Shocked, Cassie felt depressed soon.

    Roy kept his word and was about to move out to start their family life after they finished their honeymoon trip. Shirley opposed at the beginning and even quarreled with Roy several times. Roy knew his mother well, and he understood it was just her tricks, so he never gave up persuading his mother. However, Shirley told him that she was worried Cassie would feel lonely since Roy needed to travel on official business frequently since he was a captain of international air routes. But Cassie just wanted to make concessions to avoid trouble, so Roy finally came to terms.

    However, Shirley started interfering with Cassie''s daily life as soon as they lived together. Shirley even set a limit time for Cassie on her time to get up and then cook breakfast for her. What''s more, Shirley stopped Cassie from attending any social activities. To make matters worse, Shirley was strict with Cassie''s dress and stopped Cassie from wearing her usual dresses. Finally, Shirley told her that she needed to keep a good image before the public.

    Shirley also asked Cassie to hand over her sry to her.

    There were also some other rules set for Cassie, including her setting posture or table manners. Gradually, Shirley even forced her to attend some group activities with some celebrities. Cassie felt so tired of living with her, but she neverined about Roy since she also felt pity for Shirley, who was always alone. However, Shirley obviously didn''t back down but was bing more objectionable.

    Roy was so attentive that he finally found the abnormal behavior of his mother. After negotiating with Cassie, Roy insisted on moving out with Cassie. Shirley still didn''t agree with his decision, but Roy told her that if she wanted to have a grandson soon, she had to let them move out. After hearing this, Shirley then gave in.

    Roy bought a house near Shirley''s house and then moved out with Cassie; after all, Roy still worried about her mother, who was living alone. He employed two housekeepers, including a housekeeper who had worked for their family before and a young girl, to take care of his mother.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    At that time, Cassie asked her, "What''s your name?"

    The girl smiled very honestly and said, "My name is Hippno."

    Cassie thought her name was quite auspicious, and she asked Roy to hire her to take care of the family.

    So, everything has been done, but Shirley would oftene to Roy. Every time she showed an unfriendly attitude. But Cassie would regard her as the elderly. When Roy was not at home, she also turned a blind eye to her attitude.

    Although Cassie tried not to take things as seriously as possible, as long as Shirley came, she would always find faults, so Cassie had a psychological burden.

    So, when she heard Hippno say that Shirley hade, she took a deep breath and sighed deeply, thinking that it was another event or party because the next day was Saturday.

    It wasn''t that she didn''t want to go to the events, but the point was that she had followed Shirley to attend the meeting of some of the richdies before, whose women asked her family, and Shirley said with a sigh and was unhappy to her.

    Though it was true that Cassie was a Cindere, there would be resistance.

    Roy had gone overseas, not knowing toe back tonight. The thought of her mother-inw at homemade Cassie helpless.

    Hippno told her that Shirley did not look good.

    Cassie''s heart sank again.

    When she entered the room, she saw Shirley sitting in their bedroom with a really gloomy face. And when Shirley saw hering back, she said, "Close the door. I have something to ask you."

    Cassie heard her heart tter, and she closed the bedroom door.

    "What''s the matter?" She put down her bag.

    Without answering, Shirley snapped her hand on the coffee table. "Tell me, what kind of medicine is this?"

    Cassie looked at her hand. It was a box of medicine quietly lying there. Her look first stupefied, then she was slightly embarrassed. Finally, after seeing the situation, she stood up. "Are you taking it on my son''s back? Why did you marry my son if you don''t want to have a baby? What is your purpose for taking this medicine? Did you discuss it with my son?"

    For a while, Cassie was stunned. This happened suddenly, and she was at a loss. Indeed, Roy did not know about her medicine.

    Shirley was even more indomitable.

    "You''re married now, and it''s normal to have babies. So what are you taking medicine for?"

    Cassie felt a headache. It was a long time before she asked, "How can you go into the bedroom and rummage our things?"

    "It''s my son''s house, and I''m not breaking thew toe in and rummage? What? Guilty? What if I did it? If it hadn''t been for me, you would have kept my son and me in the dark forever!"

 Chapter 874 874: How Did He Know So Well?

    ?

    Cassie also calmed down quickly, pressed down, and said, "Mom, this house is Roy''s true, you also have the right to enter and leave, but respecting the privacy of children is also necessary, right? If not for me, you must do it for your son."

    When Shirley heard this, she shivered with anger. "Are you teaching me a lesson?" She took out her cell phone and said, "I''ll call Roy right now!"

    Cassie was confused and felt unhappy.

    Just about to call, Hippno knocked on the door and said, "Mr. Lake is back."

    Cassie was surprised and didn''t expect him toe back tonight. Just thinking, someone entered the gateway, and the door just closed. Shirley rushed out as if she had seen the savior.

    Soon, Cassie heard Shirleyin against her with a cry. "Roy, your wife is so shrewd that now she dares to ride around my neck and teach me a lesson."

    Cassie was in the bedroom, tired, on the sofa.

    "Come and have a look, and see what she''s done behind your back!" Shirley pulled Roy into the bedroom and quickly brought him the medicine on the coffee table.

    Roy took a look at the instructions on the medicine box and was stunned.

    Cassie wanted to exin, but she said nothing.

    "Even you don''t know about it? This is your wife, Roy. She doesn''t even want to give you a baby." Shirley was anxious.

    Roy looked up at Cassie, the eyes slightly dark, but Cassie looked down and kept silent.

    "Roy, you..."

    "Mom." Roy interrupted Shirley''sint and smiled in his face. "I know, I told her to take the medicine."

    "What?" Shirley was shocked.

    Cassie looked up at Roy in surprise.

    Roy quietly scanned Cassie''s face, smiled, and spected on the medicine in his pocket, appeasing Shirley. "I''m too busy flying to the international line now, so I don''t want to have a child immediately. That''s why I want her to take this medicine. If you me her, me me."

    "Roy, what are you talking about? Why don''t you have kids when you''re busy at work? Is that your excuse, or are you speaking for her?" Shirley can''t believe it, "There are a lot of nannies at home. What do you have to do if you have a baby? Do you really think our family is ordinary? I think it was all your wife''s idea. You just protect her! What kind of work do you do daily? If you marry a person, you must understand your position and function at home. Roy, if you had married Lynn Siewert, there wouldn''t have been so many such messy things!"

    "Mom, that''s not true." Roy''s tone was a little aggravated. "You really don''t have toin about it. It''s my idea. Besides, don''t mention Lynn anymore. Now that I''m married to Cassie, she''s my wife, and it''s a well-established fact. Don''t you want to watch your son be happy?"

    Shirley looked at Roy angrily. "Okay, you just protect her. There will always be a day when you regret it!"

    At the end of the speech, she left angrily.

    Roy called Hippno, let her follow Shirley out, and personally sent her home again, and Hippno nodded and hurriedly chased out.

    When everything was quiet, Roy took out the medicine box, pulled the medicine board out of it, and saw that some pills were empty inside, and his face was a little dark.

    He went to the sofa, sat down, and looked at the medicine in his hand. He hadn''t spoken for a long time.

    Cassie looked down and felt a little dry in her throat. All the words that Shirley had just said were full of her brain: "If you had married Lynn Siewert, there wouldn''t have been so many such messy things!"

    Her heart was blocked, and she was a little ufortable, but she had nowhere to vent.

    Roy was always silent, looking at the medicine for a while, only to slowly pick out the remaining medicine pieces one by one. His face was very scary.

    Cassie didn''t know what he was going to do, and for a moment, she didn''t know what to say.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Roy opened his mouth a long timeter, and his voice was shallow. "Cassie, don''t take this medicine anymore. It will be bad for you."

    As he spoke, he got up and threw the medicine in his hand into the trash can with the medicine box.

    Cassie looked down, her nose a bit sour.

    Roy sat back to her, reached out, and pulled her into his arms. His face was calmer. He whispered, "Give me a baby."

    Cassie felt aggrieved and did not know why she was like that. Her eyes reddened, and she pushed back his hand, "Roy, you cannot do this! You can''t force me to do things! First, you forced me to marry you, and now you''re forcing me to give you a baby!"

    Then she got up and left the bedroom.

    Roy sat on the sofa for a long time.

    ****

    They have the same problem, having a child as if Irish and Cassie were alike, but they are also a bit different because Irish finally agrees to Joseph''s suggestion. Joseph invited Dr. Ry Strnd to LPz Clinic again.

    After the female assistant examined Irish, Dr. Ry Strnd began a simple inquiry while waiting for the results.

    "Irish, when did you find yourself in this situation?"

    Irish opened her mouth and said, "After the baby''s gone?"

    "Did you choose the drug or operation?" Dr. Ry Strnd asked in detail.

    Irish''s heart seemed to have been rubbed back and forth by a knife, and it hurt. She felt her throat tight and wanted to tell the truth, but because of Joseph''s presence, she had to say, "I chose medicine."

    "It''s a spontaneous abortion." Joseph interrupted her softly.

    Irish turned her head and looked at him.

    He smiled at her and reached over her shoulder.

    "Spontaneous abortion? "Dr. Ry Strnd frowned and looked a little serious.

    "At home, the doctor diagnosed my wife''s body as unfit to conceive, and the child was aborted because of her intense emotional agitation."

    Dr. Ry Strnd nodded thoughtfully after he heard the words.

    And Irish''s heart had long been uncalm! Impossible.

    How could he know the truth? How did he know so well?

    Her heart began to beat quickly. She didn''t want him to know the truth, not at all, but he knew quietly that she didn''t know when he learned the truth.

    Joseph seemed to notice the fluctuation of her mood and slightly tightened her hand.

    "So, do Irish have contraceptives now?" Dr. Ry Strnd asked again.

    Joseph turned his head and looked at her.

    He thought she wasn''t. But Irish was silent, and after a while, she said, "Yes."

 Chapter 875 875: The Scar In His Arm

    ?

    Joseph''s body was slightly stiff. He looked shocked and did not know she had done it. How is it possible?

    "When the baby had gone, I did. A birth control injection was used." At that time, she wanted to escape Joseph because of sadness and despair, but more of her own ipetence. She was not sure whether Joseph would understand. In case he would not let her go and she got pregnant again, she begged the doctor to give her contraceptive pills to avoid conceiving.

    The doctor did not agree at that time. She had just finished the operation, so how could she allow her to take an injectable contraceptive? But Irish tried everything. She forced the doctor until finally, the doctor yielded and gave her an injection.

    So, she didn''t lie to Joseph at all when she told him she had been using contraception, which was true.

    Joseph also seemed to think of what she once had said. For a time, great pain poured into his heart. He was not angry nor med her concealment, on the contrary, he was sad about that.

    Has he forced her into that position?

    Thinking of it, he wanted to punish himself.

    He pulled her into his arms, trying to appease her burden.

    He wanted to take good care of this woman and love her all his life.

    Irish thought he would be furious, so she was a little trembling when she exined it, but when he hugged her, Irish''s eyes were a little wet, and she looked at him, but the pity moved her into the depths of his eyes.

    Joseph...Joseph...

    She read his name over and over again from the bottom of her heart.

    In this life, she was loved by a man like him. She was happy with it.

    Dr. Ry Strnd''s assistant came in with the result reports. Dr. RyStrnd took them and looked at them one by one.

    Irish became nervous.

    But soon, Joseph took her hand gently and gave her greatfort.

    That tension miraculously dissipated, and she clearly felt the power of his hand.

    After reading the results, Dr. Ry Strnd looked at Irish. "One thing is for sure, you''re using the right method, but if you want to use it in the future, I can give the secured medicine for you."

    Irish heard the words, and her heart ttered.

    The voice disappeared so indignantly, and a belly of problems turned into powerlessness. And Joseph opened his mouth," Dr. Ry Strnd, how did it turn out?"

    Dr. Ry Strnd put down the results and looked serious. "In fact, there is nothing wrong with the former diagnosis. However, it is really too dangerous for your wife to get pregnant."

    "What do you mean?" Irish finally found her voice.

    Joseph patted her hand and signaled to her not to be so nervous.

    Dr. Ry Strnd said, "Irish, your body is fine to conceive and will conceive normally, but the uterine condition that supports the fetus isn''t in good shape, that is to say, you can get pregnant, but once you are pregnant, the bigger the fetus, the more dangerous for you. About medical matters, we dare not say 100%, and I can only tell you the greatest risk exists."

    Irish''s heart seemed to be swung by a rope, and her breath became short, "Dr. Ry Strnd, you mean I can get pregnant?"

    Dr. Ry Strnd motioned for her to calm down, telling her clearly, "You can get pregnant, but it''s dangerous. Your problem lies in this danger."

    "I just want to know what''s the risk if I''m pregnant? Or is there any way to keep the baby?" Irish asked bluntly.

    Dr. Ry Strnd was stunned.

    When Joseph heard the words, he frowned and pulled Irish''s body over. He lowered his voice and said, "Irish, will you listen to me?"

    She didn''t know what he would do, but she had a bad feeling.

    Joseph looked to Dr. Ry Strnd and said, "I need the most advanced methods of contraception. I will use them."

    "Joseph!" Irish was dismayed.

    Dr. Ry Strnd didn''t expect Joseph to say that, looking at him in amazement. After a long time, he appreciated his behavior.

    Joseph smiled lightly and looked at Irish, "My wife is not in good health."<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Though he spoke very few words, they were shocking enough.

    "No, you can''t..."

    Joseph motioned her not to speak.

    She felt the movement of her blood flowing in her veins, and her whole body was weak.

    ****

    And at night, Irish saw the stars. The evening here was more holy. Without pollution, starlight was particrly bright.

    Before her eyes, theke was like a huge mirror with countless stars.

    They went back to the hotel and had sex several times.

    Irish quietly nestled in Joseph''s chest, feeling the strength of his chest muscles. He murmured her name passionately, and she was intoxicated with the strong ma.

    She closed her eyes and breathed his breath.

    Then, in her mind, was the picture of the day in the hospital corridor.

    They got married in a hurry and haven''t considered undergoing a body check-up. Joseph had undergone a physical check-up. When she saw him go and get the results, she heard the doctor say to him, "Sir, your sperms have a high survival rate with strong mobility, and you don''t have any health problems."

    The next thing she did was numb herself so she couldn''t hear more. Thinking about her body failure, her heart was cut into pieces with a knife.

    Besides, he knew the truth about the child.

    At nightfall, when he held her, she almost took the initiative, showing a madness she had never done before. She wanted to feel his presence with force, for he was so perfect, and so she felt she was not worthy of him.

    Her initiative surprised Joseph, so their lovemaking was intense and passionate.

    Upon opening her eyes and looking around her stout arm, she pulled it and sped his fingers. In fact, during this time, she thought very clearly that she wanted to give him a child, and the idea was getting firmer.

    But Irish knew his decision, and how to persuade him lingered in her mind.

    After thinking about it, she didn''t say it directly.

    Once again, her eyes inadvertently fell on his arm, where the scar was so conspicuous that she remembered him talking about it.

    "The wound on your arm looks like it''s been a long time."

    "It''s been a long time. The scar was left from a fall when I was a child."

    "It seems like something happened."

    "It''s for someone else not to get hurt."

    "Someone else?"

    "A child."

    "A girl?"

    "A girl."

    "I guess that you still did such a romantic thing when you were a child."

    Caressing the scar on his arm, she remembered a scene in her dream. The little boy pulled her to run, and finally, they were caught up by a group of adults.

    Then she thought of the scene in the aquarium when he protected her for a moment, and the feeling was so familiar.

    She was thinking of her dreams. Adam''s face turned into that of Joseph, and the little boy seemed to have been hurt, and she couldn''t tell the difference between him and Adam now.

    "Joseph." Irish turned around, looked up at his side face, and asked hesitantly, "We... Have we met each other when we were kids?"

 Chapter 876 876: Don’t Take It Seriously

    ?

    He kept silent for a long while and said nothing.

    Irish thought Joseph had fallen asleep since he was lying there still without a movement.

    "Hey, Joseph," Irish called him while patting him gently.

    "We never met as a child," Joseph replied slowly.

    Irish was at a loss as she heard this from Joseph.

    Reaching out, she touched the scar in his arms, and when she was looking at it carefully, Joseph opened his eyes abruptly. He clenched her hands and then kissed gently, interrupting her from looking at it.

    "You said that this scar was left when you saved someone else''s life in your childhood. You saved a girl, right?" Irish asked.

    "Do you really believe what I said?"

    "Of course. It is unnecessary for you to tell a lie."

    He fondled her fingers and then continued in a soft voice, "Don''t take it seriously. This scar was left in the mine identally."

    Shocked, Irish continued to ask, "But how could you joke about something like this?"

    "Why not?" Joseph asked in reply.

    Irish was speechless. She always thought Joseph was a man who didn''t know how to joke with others, and she even remembered he looked serious when he told her about this story that day.

    She was unable to tell which sentence was true.

    "Are you serious this time? Was this scar really left in the mine?" Irish asked again.

    Joseph drew back his arms and replied briefly, "I am serious."

    Irish said nothing but just leaned against his chest.

    "What''s wrong?" Joseph asked softly.

    Irish''s brow was knotted into a frown.

    Seeing this, Joseph couldn''t help butugh. Reaching out, he soothed her frown, waiting for her response. "There was a little boy who always appeared in my dream. He walked in a stone-pavedne with antern alone. The longne was familiar with the one in Light Town. I just squatted at the end of thene, and then the little boy stepped to me. He took my hands and kept running, but some bad guys still caught us. I remembered the boy''s arm was hurt."

    She recounted slowly and didn''t notice the dignified expression Joseph had. However, when she finished her sentence and looked into Joseph''s eyes, he restrained himself. "So, do you think I am the little boy in your dream?" Joseph asked with a smile.

    "But what if it is not a dream? What if it really happened?" Irish made her assumption.

    After hearing this, his smile almost froze, but he replied calmly, "You think too much."

    "Uncle Steven said that I got lost when I was four years old. But I remembered nothing," said Irish.

    Joseph heaved a sigh andforted her, "It is natural that people couldn''t remember the things in their childhood."

    "But I can remember the things that happened before I was four."

    "But are you sure those things really happened when you were four?" Joseph tried to resist her assumption.

    Irish couldn''t reply to her because she was not sure. People''s memories faded as time passed. She was unable to integrate her fragmented memory into a whole picture.

    "Simon said that there is a Pandora''s box in my head," Irish said slowly after keeping silent for a little while.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    However, Joseph shook his head as he heard this and then responded, "Irish, I think it is not asplicated as you think. You just forget once you get lost, and perhaps something horrible happened to you. After all, you were just a little girl then, and you must be frightened of getting lost. And it might have had a bad influence on you."

    Hearing his exnation, Irish still couldn''t convince herself and felt the little boy had something to do with her.

    "You reminded me of the little boy when you strived to protect me in the aquarium," added Irish.

    "Don''t make a blind conjecture. It may drive you crazy. On the other hand, you are a psychologist, and you should be clear that sometimes people''s memory goes wrong," said Joseph.

    Irish nodded her head since she also agreed with him.

    A momentter, she then continued, "But I hope you were the little boy in my dream. We met in our childhood, and then we got married. It will be a nice story."

    An unnamed emotion hit Joseph''s heart, but soon he calmed down and replied, "It is also great for us to meet in the bar."

    "But in that case, you could not be my childhood sweetheart," Irish said like a spoiled kid.

    "Irish, I am jealous. I hope to know you earlier," Joseph replied softly, rubbing her hair gently.

    Irish smiled, looking at him, and encircled his neck with her arms, "Indeed, the little boy always reminded me of you. It is weird. Perhaps it is because you always take care of me."

    Joseph raised his eyebrows and then said, "But you always said I am too strict with you."

    "Although you are not good at taking care of other people''s feelings, you are a man who could bring people a sense of security. It seems that there is nothing to worry about as long as you stay with me. And you will arrange everything for me," Irish exined.

    "Wow, I am so overwhelmed to hear yourpliment."

    "I am telling the truth."

    "Why are you honey-mouthed today?" Joseph teased her with a smile.

    Irish''s long hair draped over his hand, and Joseph rubbed her hair gently.

    "I think of the little boy as you because you are the one who brings me hope. You are strong since you have gone through many obstacles. Take Jordan as an example, you brought him up, so you are not only his elder brother because you also y the role of a father. I am sure you are experienced in bringing up a child."

    Joseph''s smile faded away while his slender finger stroked her eyebrows. "Irish, what do you mean?"

    Irish was clear that Joseph was sensitive and he was intelligent enough to understand what she said.

    "I mean.... I think perhaps we could have a baby," Irish finally responded.

    Joseph stopped and then looked into her eyes seriously. "I am not going to allow you to take such a risk before the doctor tells me it is the right time for you to conceive," said Joseph firmly.

    "Joseph..." Irish bit her lips and then added, "But I want to have a baby with you."

    "But I just want you to be with me," Joseph declined her request. Then, reaching out, he held her face and said word by word, "If I could only choose one, I''d rather give up having a baby."

    Shocked, Irish looked at him with her mouth open slightly.

    "But..." She hesitated.

    "We have to focus on treatment now. Leave other things aside," said Joseph tofort her.

    "But what if I still couldn''t have a baby with you after epting the medical treatment?"

 Chapter 877 877: Do You Still Hate Your Father?

    ?

    Joseph lowered his head, staring at her without saying anything.

    Irish also looked into his eyes painfully with disappointment, "People would make carpingments on you."

    "Irish, don''t take otherments too seriously," Joseph tried to convince her.

    Irish was reasonable enough to understand that, but she didn''t hope others would make irresponsible remarks about Joseph because of her. On the contrary, she would rather die if others held Joseph to ridicule.

    Both of them remained silent for a long time, Irish finally said hesitantly, "Joseph, if we fail, we have to seek another way to go. Surrogate births are an option."

    She felt her heart almost broken as she said this. She was eager to have a baby with Joseph, but as soon as she remembered the little baby was born by another woman, she felt so upset. It was hard for her to ept the truth since it was like a disaster for her. However, she was unable to avoid that.

    "Bullshit!" said Joseph seriously, interrupting Irish.

    She looked at him with her tearful eyes silently while Joseph pushed her away and walked into the washroom. Obviously, he was irritated by what Irish had just said.

    Aplicated feeling urred to Irish, and she felt so helpless.

    A few minutester, Joseph walked out after finishing the shower. He felt sorry for Irish when he found Irish leaning there helplessly. Stepping forward, he held her in his arms.

    "Irish," Joseph called her in a soft voice. "Don''t make any decision for me. I am older than you, and I know how to handle this. I had chewed the cud before I made this decision."

    Irish just bit her lips without saying anything.

    Seeing this, Joseph reached out to soothe her frown and got close to her, whispering beside her ears, "You are the only one for me. It is impossible for me to choose surrogate birth at any time. Don''t discuss this again, or I will be angry with you."

    In the next second, Irish turned around and hugged him tightly. She loved him so deeply that she could not share him with anyone else.

    Luckily, their bad moods drifted away when they saw beautiful scenery. It was a wonderful trip that added some color to their life.

    It was hard for Irish to imagine what their wedding photo looked like, and the photographic group left as they finished shooting.

    She was eager to see their wedding photo, but Joseph just smiled and asked her why she was so raring to see that.

    Girls always paid great attention to their wedding photos since they thought they presented a holy and pure image in their minds. They could find the beautiful old days when they were getting old through the photos. However, happiness was transient, and the day to leave Uyuni. It meant it was time for them to return to work and return to their ordinary life.

    Irish thought they would go back to New York directly, but they stopped in Costa Rica.

    Irish thought perhaps he had some business affairs to deal with there at the beginning, so she said nothing. But when the staff in the hotel handed a bunch of feverfews to Joseph, Irish then felt weird because the feverfew was always a type of flower for the dead.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Her idea was confirmed when Joseph took her to a cemetery.

    It was a memorial park where the high cross stood at the gate.

    The bright sunlight also looked dim there, and perhaps it was because the thick trees shielded the light. Crossing over the thick trees, there was arge graveyard, and they could see the towering cross. And it was easy to tell that someone often came here to clean since it was neat beside the graveyard.

    Irish looked at the grave monument in which two names were engraved on the tombstone.

    Desmond and Luna.

    Staring at these two names, Irish was absorbed in her thought. She turned back at Joseph, who also looked serious. Indeed, the moment when Irish found the photos on the tombstone, she was suddenly enlightened. It was a young couple while Joseph looked like the young man very much. The young girl leaned against the man''s chest with a soft smile, and she looked elegant.

    "It is my parents'' tomb," said Joseph a few minutester while putting the bunch of flowers in front of the tombstone.

    His words moved Irish because it was the first time Joseph had taken her to worship his parents. But she felt regret since she didn''t even take some flowers here.

    "Are they buried together?" asked Irish.

    Joseph nodded and said nothing more.

    "They look so young in the photo," added Irish.

    "My mom is a beautiful woman, and she always worried that she would start to rot and sag someday. And once she said that she hoped to put a beautiful photo on her tombstone after her death, so I selected this one for them," exined Joseph in a shaky voice.

    Irish knew little about his family affairs. She had gone through too much with Joseph in the past year, and there was no chance for her to ask him about his family. They didn''t get too much time to get along, so Irish cherished every second of being with him and didn''t want to discuss anything else with him. Joseph also didn''t take the initiative to tell her something about his family. But now he took her here to worship his parents.

    "Do you still bear a grudge against my father?" asked Irish suddenly. It was her first time to face up to this matter.

    She heard the conversation between Henry and Joseph just a few days before Henry''s death. And by that chance, she got to know that there was an old story between these two families. Joseph peeled an apple for Henry in front of his sickbed, but he didn''t even notice that his finger had been cut.

    Instead, he just remained in the posture.

    Irish felt so grieved for Joseph''s coldness, but now she then realized he must be sorrowful at that time.

    Joseph also understood that Irish must get to know something, so he asked her in reply, "Do you still hate your father?"

    Heaving a sigh, Irish moved the leaves dropping on her arms and then replied softly, "I thought I would hate him for the rest of my life. But I started feeling lonely when he was gone because I could still feel my mother whenever I met my father. But now I feel nothing."

 Chapter 878 878: You Will Not Lose Me

    ?

    Standing there motionlessly, Joseph remained silent for a long time.

    "My father hurt your family," added Irish with her head lowered.

    Joseph closed his eyes, and when he opened his eyes, lonesome filled them.

    "Your father did nothing wrong from the aspect of the interest. But he plundered a burning house from the aspect of morality,"

    Irish was clear about what he meant.

    "But everything is gone. I am tired of living with hatred," He continued.

    Startled, Irish trembled slightly and said, "But I remember the sentence you said to my father."

    "It is just my angry words," responded Joseph directly.

    After hearing this, Irish looked up at him, waiting for him to continue.

    "I am also an ordinary person. However, I also havemon feelings and some weaknesses with other people," said Joseph, looking into her eyes firmly. "In fact, I really wanted to tell your father that I still hate him, and I will upy all of the capital so that he may die with misgivings."

    "But you didn''t," Irish uttered peacefully.

    Mutual trust was filled with magic. And now Irish trusted him so much.

    "Yes, I didn''t do that. But it caused so many regrets and troubles," Joseph said in a deste tone.

    "Jordan misunderstood you, and so did Leo," Irish added.

    One was his own brother and the other was his best friend, caring. Of course, she also believed that there would be no reason to hate, and Joseph''s choice and his way of doing things would be misunderstood.

    Joseph approached her, gently took her, and softly said, "And you, I almost lost you."

    He also thought that she killed their child.

    This was the consequence of his wanton action, which let him always remember the true meaning of the intentional listener. Of course, he didn''t want to talk about children anymore. He was in pain.

    He only hoped that the wound in her heart would cure without bleeding or scarring.

    Irish looked at him. At this time, she clearly saw the pain in the bottom of his eyes, dyed in the eyebrow and lip corners. She raised her hand, gently covered his cross-grained brow, and she directly told him, "You will not lose me. You never will."

    She was afraid she would lose him. After arriving here, Irish firmed this love, so she was more concerned about the man whose shoulders had too much heavy burden. She felt pity for him and increasingly wanted to love him within her limits.

    He opened his obscure world to her, and she decided to take his hand bravely and forever.

    ****

    When they were back from the honeymoon, everything was on track.

    Joseph was still as busy, and Irish was still running back and forth, whose time was full. When she returned from her honeymoon, she saw that all her things had been tidied up in Hampton.

    After seeing these things, Irish was a little ashamed of herself. When she was still in Uyuni, she told Joseph that his brother would sell her screen as it was valuable.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Joseph looked at her with strange eyes.

    She exined, "Didn''t you know your brother was mean? He''ll ask for me to treat him back to a meal."

    With disdain, Joseph retorted back at her, "No, even if he didn''t get dividends as a shareholder, he made more money than you by car racing."

    She was speechless.

    However, from Joseph''s tone, she easily recognized that he was still very proud of Jordan.

    Of course, Joseph also gave her a surprise, a big surprise.

    Her erged personal photograph was ced in the living room. The wall had enough space to hold the picture. To Irish''s greater shock, when she returned to Hampton, she mistook herself for returning to Uyuni.

    Extending from the side of her personal picture, there were all erged wedding photos.

    Each background was between heaven, beautiful and elegant like a holynd, and she and Joseph were in it with natural expressions. They held each other, or she snuggled into his arms, or he cuddled her.

    And at the head of the bedroom in the picture, he hugged her from behind, close to her ears, and she smiled softly, eyes filled with happiness.

    She remembered the scene and didn''t expect it to be recorded on camera.

    Irish was moved, and so on after Joseph came home from work, she had been clinging to him like a ko.

    The married days were not as unremarkable as other friends had suggested. Instead, she became more obsessed with Joseph.

    Who said that there was no romance after marriage?

    In fact, what Irish wanted was not romance, just hoping that they could spend the most ordinary days to the end.

    Employees at the Runestone Group all changed the way they address her as they saw her as Mrs. General Manager, which made Irish a little embarrassed, constantly correcting their appetion, allowing them to still call her Irish.

    Of course, her marriage with Joseph had made some gossip, and the hottest headline was that the sister-inw had seeded, but Joseph didn''t take it seriously, and he didn''t even pay attention to it.

    Irish brought Cassie many gifts, including her favorite cosmetics, which made Cassie feel dizzy, and she asked her, "Irish, do you want to squeeze my wallet?"

    Irish was unusually generous, saying nothing to her about money, which made Cassie ttered, and said, "You are really the wife of the rich man, and with a touch of this title, you immediately be rich."

    Irish just smiled at her best friend''s remark.

    In fact, she felt very guilty for Cassie because of Simon''s words, who knew that she had a secret love for him, and Cassie knew Simon''s feelings. Suddenly, Irish felt that she was the third wheel.

    Of course, she didn''t want to add more pain to Cassie''s wound; although Irish had a deep self-reproach, she still felt that because of her feelings, she pushed Cassie tomit suicide. But as a psychiatrist, she felt that some things should remain untouched to avoid Cassie having another depression.

    However, she identally mentioned to Joseph her self-reproach.

    Joseph ruffled her hair and looked at her with pity as if God were staring at a sheep, telling her that he would put her in a madhouse if she got to the dead end again.

 Chapter 879 879: Was This His Promise?

    ?

    She noticed Joseph was dismissive of Simon''s words.

    Initially, after their wedding, inside Hampton, there was no nanny, and only hired short-period workers were there as Joseph did not want to see other people around Hampton disturb their lives, which Irish agreed to.

    Irish had been thinking about what kind of sweet words Joseph could use to describe their married life or vowed to what to do in the future. But when he returned to New York, he didn''t say anything about the marriage promise but told her about his shares, options, dividends, and his investments in Swiss banks. Before that, she only knew all the passwords for his bank cards. After Joseph shared all his assets, suddenly, Irish realized how huge his worth was.

    She thought, ''Was this his promise?''

    The fact that such a man presented himself to her without reservation meant that he trusted her enough and was willing to give her all the happiness.

    When Irish immersed herself in this soundless, warm, and broad happiness, an entertainment gossip broke out and followed the numerous crazy headlines.

    The news was simple enough to rify that Becky''s agreement had been suspended, and several brokerage firms had refused to sign her.

    The news came as a sudden shock to the entertainment industry like a deep-water bomb.

    The news reached Irish''s ears. She checked the Inte, only to see a picture in which Becky covered her face, crying.

    What happened?

    The reporter did not dig out the truth, interviewing all the big figures in the entertainment industry, all unified caliber was not clear, and he asked about several big brokeragepanies. The responsible person also refused to answer, and the relevant responsible men only replied that Becky''s image was not in line with theirpany standards.

    As a young neer, Becky showed off at the awards ceremony and could be said to have all the green lights, and her future was boundless.

    Unexpectedly, she is suddenly hidden, which is a fatal blow to Becky.

    And Britney White, known as a member of the sister group of the big star Becky, also suffered a series of incidents. And reporters in the entertainment circle had also dug up a lot of bad news about her, causing her reputation to be damaged, and she held a press conference to rify things.

    However, the Inte had been scolding her.

    The truth behind the gossip was not important, the only important thing was what the audience wanted to see.

    So, it was time for the entertainment media to be active and creative.

    Some said Becky had offended someone, and others said Becky was like a vase, so thepany that flourished her may genuinely feel that she was useless, then they gave up on her. Some spected that she said something in public that shouldn''t have been said.

    But Irish thought that Becky had dug her own grave.

    She shouldn''t show off like that.

    Of course, after marrying Joseph, she no longer took Becky seriously, and she had nothing to do with her rumors.

    Just in time, the secretary called and said that Joseph had called all the executives to have a meeting, so she rushed to the conference room.

    In the conference room, Joseph was listening to the others'' reports. Then, after seeing Irishe in, he motioned her to take a seat.

    It was a little weird.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    He was her boss and her husband.

    Even the other people looked at her strangely, as serious as ever, Joseph corrected her mistakes during her report, frowning.

    Irish was afraid to get distracted and concentrated on her task.

    Fortunately, Joseph didn''t bother her much, hoping she could work out more short-term, effective solutions for staff psychology.

    This concerned the working principle.

    Irish felt a little anxious to make it, and Joseph believed that, as a psychological adviser, she had an obligation to adjust her psychological training programs and courses at any time ording to thepany''s circumstances.

    "I''m sorry, my n can''t be adjusted, I have my own gradual process." She said firmly.

    Joseph was serious, tapping his fingers on the table and looking at her, "You have to adjust your n, or I won''t let the financial approval pass your department fees."

    Irish red at him. She really wanted toe forward and grab his hair and say to him, "Hello, I''m your wife, can you take out the boss''s attitude on me?" But it was just a thought, and she didn''t have the guts to do it.

    Finally, she said, "I''ll try."

    "In three workdays, I want to see a new n," Joseph said with a tone that could not be rejected.

    Irish squinted slightly, imagining him hanging as a sandbag while pinching him hard. She was biting her teeth and surrendered, "Okay."

    I have to work overtime again, damn man! How could he treat his beautiful wife so poorly? She screamed inside her head.

    All the other people saw his wife couldn''t survive, and they were even more afraid to bargain, each of them trembling.

    She painted a little man on the back of the report and then painted countless needles on the little man''s head, like a hedgehog at first nce. She smiled in her heart, looked up at Joseph, and saw him face to face with the marketing department to discuss the n, more and more amused. Daisy sat beside him, also with a face of seriousness, and Joseph held his business mobile phone.

    Not the private one. She found that, as long as she attended the meeting, Joseph would not bring that private phone.

    Staring at the phone, the idea of a prank suddenly shed.

    Thinking of the message she sent him when she was in South Africa, his reply made her so shy. His response during the meeting was always limited, so Irish always imagined how he responded to her messages with a serious look.

    Thinking about it, her heart fluttered. Who let him put on a boss''s face? Otherwise, she wouldn''t make fun of him. She quietly took the phone under the table and quickly sent a message to him.

    Soon, Joseph''s mobile phone at hand shook.

    Irish smiled, pretending to be bored to continue the meeting.

    While Joseph wasmenting about the marketing department report, his mouth suddenly stopped, and his eyes fell on the short message. A very short and hot message popped up: "Oh, baby, I wanted to invade you. Oh, I wanted to feel your big hot bro immediately."

 Chapter 880 880: The Man Was Dangerous

    ?

    Irish admitted that she was a bit erotic sometimes. Yes, she admitted that it was one of her naughty behaviors. Because in some normal circumstances, she thought she was still a virtuous woman, but after meeting Joseph, she thought heryer wrapped in the yolk shell was so vulnerable as Joseph''s bed skills were too extreme.

    It turned out that men were visual animals.

    But she felt that women were sometimes visual animals too, not to mention that she was too direct; perhaps she thought women would be more open in nature after the age of 25, so even if he was sitting there, she seemed to be able to feel the warmth of his broad chest from his suit.

    The man was dangerous.

    He worked calmly, and the steady movement in her eyes made her imagine when he was inside her, and at that moment, he was as passionate as fire, and the hotness in the bottom of his eyes entwined with her temperature, rather than the cold face inside the conference room.

    It was just a prank, but like that day, it was really the first time, and even Irish didn''t think about how she would deal with it if it were Daisy who helped him to see and reply to the short message.

    So, in the depressing atmosphere of the meeting, Irish quietly waits for Joseph''s next action or look.

    She was a little excited.

    She looked forward to it.

    And it was like the bell that seemed to ring in five minutes when she was at school.

    When Joseph took the mobile phone and checked the short message, Irish''s evil cells were jumping, and she felt her blood getting hot.

    However, when he looked at the short message, his expression did not change, and even his orders to his subordinates just shortly stopped and continued, then his eyes suddenly returned to the content of the short message, the words in his mouth had only been stagnant for a moment. He uttered a short order so that people couldn''t see his thoughts had been disturbed.

    Irish quietly looked at him, waiting to see his response, but gradually her lively cells became unhappy, as he did not respond, she gradually lost motivation.

    Joseph''s fingers moved very slightly, and then he put the phone back on the table, continued to discuss work with his subordinates, and the side of his face had no wave of change.

    He didn''t even look up at her.

    Irish was a little crazy.

    As he put down his phone, her phone shook in her hand.

    She looked down. It was a short message.

    His message.

    Irish looked at the content, and then her cheeks flushed.

    Joseph''s reply was very simple, only a word, ''Tonight,'' was on it.

    He lightly replied to her a word, not even the executives sitting around him found that he had any strange behavior, but the truth was he was secretly flirting with his wife and secretly made up Irish''s mind disturbed.

    The word "tonight" went into her eyes, burning, and then her breathing became quicker.

    Subconsciously she nced at Joseph, but he never looked at her, as if this word was noting from him.

    This terrible man.

    Even his naughtiness was silent.

    The colleague around her gently touched her, and seeing her cheeks red, they could not help but ask, "Irish, are you okay?"

    Irish hastily closed her cell phone for fear of being discovered and looked slightly flustered. "I''m fine."

    The colleague doubted.

    Irish certainly wouldn''t exin anything to her, just straightened up but found that Joseph looked at her side, perhaps hearing that colleague''s "concerned" words. His lip angle rose, and he asked, "You are notfortable?"

    All eyes were on her like gamma rays.

    Irish did not expect Joseph to ask suddenly, pressed her heart down, and cleared her throat, "I''m fine."<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Knowingly, he was clearly retaliating.

    Joseph closed his lips, and his cold face seemed to rx a little, said to Daisy, "The temperature of the central air-conditioning is slightly lower, so Doctor Irish''s face turned red. Heat stroke is not good."

    Daisy just listened to the meeting and did not take care of others, she listened to Joseph''s words, and she raised her eyes, only to find that Irish''s face was really red. Without thinking, she quickly informed the administration department to increase the temperature.

    Irish was anxious.

    What was he pretending?

    Irish just tried her best to smile, "Thank you. Mr. Joseph."

    Joseph also smiled. It seemed that he did it deliberately.

    ****

    "And then?"

    In the restaurant, Cassie asked when she heard Irishining about Joseph''s behavior in the meeting room.

    Irish growled, "And then Daisy went to adjust the temperature."

    Cassie couldn''t helpughing loudly.

    The surrounding people all took a nce at them.

    "Hey, could you please lower yourughter?" Irish lowered her voice.

    Cassieughed happily, "My god. You were so funny."

    Irish stared at her, "Was it so funny?"

    Cassie finally stoppedughing, and she asked, "What did you send to him?"

    "Don''t be a gossip girl. Anyway...I just want to tease him. He acted so seriously in the meeting as if we had borrowed so much money from him." Irish tried to defend herself.

    Cassie couldn''t believe her, so she just continued, "I don''t believe that you just teased him. Now he is your husband. Do not take every opportunity to make fun of him."

    "Am I so dirty?"

    "I didn''t say that it was dirty or not. It''s fun. Okay?" Cassie drank her milk tea and giggled, "Mrs. Dover, do not be so mean. Have you ever considered those singles while showing off your love in public?"

    "I didn''t do that." Irish used her knife and made the sound.

    "Joseph is so able. It''s impossible for you to conquer him. He can easily recognize your tactic." Cassie poked her head, "Even if you are good at reading people''s minds, he is smart, so all your tactics are nothing to him. He can quickly deal with them."

    "God can only make everything possible, not him," Irish murmured.

    Cassieughed, "If he were one of the Greek gods, I would have adored you."

    Irish suddenly didn''t want to talk to her anymore.

    "Last time, you said that Rosy was still pursuing Joseph. How about now? Is there any update? I didn''t see her on the day when you got married." Cassie asked.

    Irish shook her head, "I think I made it wrong. They have no connection."

    "Wow..." Cassie made her voice longer, "A married woman is definitely different from an unmarried. You now trust your husband definitely."

    Irish raised her fork, "Any conviction requires evidence. In addition, my husband is so handsome, so it''s normal that so many women like him. I decided that I would be his protector when we registered our marriage. I will protect him from any invasion from any woman."

 Chapter 881 881: You Are Such A Gossip Girl

    ?

    Cassie was shocked by her words, "You are so cruel."

    "It''s proper protection." She pouted her lips.

    "As far as I am concerned, you need to be faced with Becky before Rosy." Cassie ate her beef.

    Irishughed, "I don''t care about her at all. By the way, she has been involved in the rumors, so she has no time to pay attention to Joseph."

    Cassie was surprised, "Haven''t you checked social media before having the meal with me?"

    Irish couldn''t understand, "Isn''t the rumor that she has been rejected?"

    Cassie despised her. "You haven''t paid attention to the inte now since you''ve been Mrs. Dover. You only mentioned the result, but now people are talking about the reason. It''s known to the whole world, but you are still unaware of it."

    Irish got her, "You mean I know nothing at all?" She pointed to herself, "Really?"

    Cassie smiled, "It seems that you only know part of the truth. Do you know why Becky has been rejected? Do you still remember that your wedding dress was cut? It turned out that Becky ordered one of the staff in the hotel to steal your wedding dress, cut it and throw it into the restroom. Joseph found it out, so now Becky has been punished. She deserved it. I also wanted to kick her when I thought of the scene where she had cut such an expensive wedding dress."

    Irish was shocked.

    Cassie still continued, "This case should have been hidden, but the reporter dug it out. It was said that the hotel fired the staff who destroyed Irish''s wedding dress, and he went to Becky for money. The reporter found their quarrel and reported that Becky had offended a big guy. His leader fired that staff in front of Joseph, so it''s said that Joseph was responsible for Becky''s being rejected by otherpanies."

    Irish was so surprised that she forgot to eat something and opened her mouth. Cassie sent her hands out and helped her to close her mouth, adding, "Joseph is so handsome, so do not always tease him."

    "Why is this case rted to Joseph?" After a while, Irish asked.

    Cassie asked, "Why is this case not rted to Joseph?"

    Irish didn''t know what to answer.

    She had no obvious evidence to prove that Joseph was not behind it, but she had no evidence to prove that Joseph was not rted to it, either. She had asked him before, but his answer was not obvious. She just wanted to forget that horrible event.

    "Although the media found out all this gossip and there was no rification from Joseph, I suppose that it''s true." Cassie conveyed her thoughts, "Joseph is so powerful, while Becky dared to cut his bride''s wedding dress. It was an obvious challenge. She should be lucky that she is a woman. I can''t imagine what would happen if a man did it."

    Cassie''s words reminded Irish. She suddenly thought of Mr. Kim. At that time, he also got bankrupt, while Joseph just did it silently.

    Compared with Mr. Kim, Becky was just taught a lesson.

    Irish suddenly felt cold.

    "Do you also think that Mr. Dover is terrifying?" Cassie smiled.

    Irish shook her head, "I just think that Becky is so terrifying. She looks gentle. How could she do that? She is also mature. Why was she suddenly turned childish? Is it worthy of such extreme craziness for a man?"

    "She did it to get revenge on you and Joseph. You put her the focus of attention. What''s more, you married Joseph. She must have been angry. You are her enemy. If she could have been to the wedding spot, she must have shown the scissor before you."

    "Just her?" Irish didn''t care about it at all. "I am not looking down upon her. She can''t even approach me. I would rather that she showed her scissors to me, not to the wedding dress. Dear, I felt so sad when I saw the broken wedding dress."

    Cassie nodded, "I also felt sorry." And then she added, "For the wedding dress."

    Irish felt angry.

    "Hey, Joseph ising. Do you want to ask him?" Cassie signed to her behind.

    Irish turned around and saw Joseph and several managersing this way while speaking.

    "See, it''s not easy to work with Joseph. His employees need to apany him anytime." Cassie shook her head helplessly. "They have had the meeting for the whole morning. He should leave time for his employees to have lunch, but now they are still working while in the restaurant."

    Irish took a nce at Joseph''s back. He didn''t see them and just walked to the corner of the restaurant with his employees. Soon, Irish could notice that many girls focused on him.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "He tends to do that while working." She turned back and continued her meal.

    "Does he still work when hees back home?" Cassie asked.

    Irish blushed suddenly, "You are such a gossip girl."

    "Hey, why are you so embarrassed?"

    Cassie smiled strangely.

    Irish just filled Cassie''s mouth with an apple.

    As she released her hands, someone touched her head, and soon the familiar smell entered her nose.

    Cassie resistedughing and just lowered her head to eat something, ignoring what she had seen.

    Irish was shocked and just turned around and found Joseph standing behind her.

    He pulled his hands back and smiled as he saw Irish turn around.

    Irish stood up, soon finding that many people were looking at them. Irish felt ufortable when several eyes were looking at them. Did it have anything to do with them?

    "Why are you here?"

    Joseph pointed at his wristwatch, "To save time."

    "Understood." She was a little embarrassed by the look of the surrounding people.

    It was known that they two were a couple.

    It was not working time, but Irish was still embarrassed. She would have held Joseph''s arms if not for the people around them.

    "Have dinner with me tonight," Joseph said. He then looked at Cassie and said, "Cassie, ask Roy to be with us together tonight."

    Cassie said immediately, "He left abroad. You two just got married. Just enjoy your time together."

    Joseph was lost for words.

    "Don''t you have any appointment tonight?" Irish subconsciously asked.

    Joseph smiled lightly, "Just get off work on time."

    "But I can''t make it."

    Joseph raised his eyebrows.

    "Thanks to you." Irish stared at him, pouting, "You need a new program within three work days. Is it possible for me not to work overtime? I must return to the Linkus Mental Research Institute to get some files."

    Joseph noticed her anger, so he justughed more loudly, "Then I will wait for you."

    Irish felt helpless. She thought that he would give her more days after hearing her response.

    "Cruel." Irish murmured.

    Joseph smiled and approached her, "What?"

    "You are a good husband." Irish pushed him away lightly.

 Chapter 882 882: Intruder

    ?

    Joseph pulled her closer. She hadn''t thought Joseph would hold her in his bosom in public. He just put a wisp of hair behind her ear. His behavior was so natural.

    "Okay, do not be angry. Enjoy your meal and call me after finishing your task. Let''s go back home together." He released her.

    Irish''s heart beat quickly again, and she just nodded lightly.

    Joseph looked at her. He couldn''t help massaging her head. Then, as he was to go, Irish remembered Cassie''s words, and she thought about Becky and pulled his arms.

    He stopped and turned to look at Irish, who approached him and asked by her, lowering her voice, "Do you know something about Becky?"

    Joseph just looked at her. He didn''t speak.

    She raised her eyes and looked at him while he smiled lightly, caressing and patting her head. "Do not focus on the rumors outside. Now you are Mrs. Dover, so you should focus on me. Okay?"

    Irish didn''t know whether it was an answer or not, so she just nodded.

    Joseph nced at her and returned to his seat, discussing the work with his employees.

    As Irish sat back idly, Cassie said, "Am I correct?"

    Irish didn''t reply.

    ording to Joseph''s attitude and answer just now, it might have something to do with him.

    ****

    At noon, the rumors about Becky became severe.

    Irish was suddenly involved, so she just took a few minutes to view the news andments. Now she has be an influencer who might be more famous than Becky.

    Someone drew the diagram picturing the rtionship between her and Becky, and the key character was Joseph.

    Irish felt peaceful as she saw thements supporting or dissing her. Before, she was annoyed by all sorts ofments and attacks against her, but today she didn''t care about it, though thements were still disgusting.

    Maybe it was because she had a sense of security.

    It was Joseph who gave her a sense of security after they got married.

    Someone called.

    Irish picked it up without any hesitation.

    She hadn''t thought that it was a reporter.

    As she was still in a daze, the reporter introduced herself and asked her what she thought of Becky''s damaging her wedding dress.

    Reporters took every opportunity to find out more attractive gossip. She was ustomed to it, but she was not an actress. She couldn''t just be calm, so she just answered, "I don''t need to answer this question."

    "Irish, at that time, Becky had an intimate rtionship with Joseph, your husband. You must have known it, right?" However, the reporter didn''t give up asking, "What''s more, Beckyplimented Joseph many times, praising that he was the most charming guy for her."

    Irish heard about it. Becky was like Britney.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Irish frowned, feeling unhappy. "If Becky has delusional disorder, again, please find me for treatment." And then she hung up.

    As the phone rang again, she just shut it down.

    An hourter, morements were firing online. Irish''s answer hit the headline, mocking Becky''s own feelings.

    Irish felt the scary power of the inte, so she just closed herputer and went to the Linkus Research Institute.

    As she went to the Linkus, Christy gave many files of clients to her. She looked them through individually, ordered a meeting time, and then took out some files.

    Christy left the office to arrange a meeting time with every client.

    As Irish was still busy with work, the door opened. The intruder didn''t knock at the door, which made Irish wrongly think she was Christy, so Irish just asked without raising her head, "Where is the mobile HDD?"

    Nobody answered her.

    Irish felt strange, so she just raised her head, feeling surprised.

    It was Becky.

    An uninvited guest would show up sometimes.

    "Have you made an appointment?" Irish asked in a not good or bad way.

    Standing before her desk, Becky just put her sunsses into her newest Hermes bag. She stared at Irish, questioning, "Why did you just say that way?"

    Irish has no time for her. She had a lot of work to do, so she just frowned, and her voice was a bit annoyed, "Please go out."

    Becky was angry, gritting her teeth, "Irish, you are just a bitch by relying on someone. How dare you criticize me?"

    Irish stopped and stared at her coldly, "Becky, mind your attitude."

    "Are you afraid to get scolded?" Becky didn''t stop, "Everyone knows you were Joseph''s sister-inw before. To grab him, you made a show by crashing his car and disclosing some close pictures with him. Now, you pretend to be a good girl?"

    Irish closed her notebook and leaned against the chair, replying politely, "Yes, I am pretending to be a good girl. Is there anything wrong with that? Compared with you, who has been just yed and neglectedter, I am good enough for him, and perhaps Joseph found me more attractive than you."

    "Son of bitch!" Becky waspletely annoyed. She just took up the ss before her and poured it all onto Irish''s face.

    Irish''s hair was wet. The water dripped off along the long hair. She was all in a fluster but still red at Becky with her harsh eyes. Becky put aside the ss and snorted, "Do you really think Joseph will be loyal to you? Don''t be so na?ve. There are so many women around him, and men are always fickle in love. Britney was his favorite woman before, but now it is just a past story."

    It was not a big case for Irish to be sshed since others attacked her with eggs as well as rotten vegetable leaves before. But what was different was that Joseph protected those attacks with his bodyst time while he didn''t stay with her this time. It was a good chance for Irish to figure out what kind of woman Becky was.

    Taking over a tissue, Irish wiped her face and then said coldly, "Becky, I am afraid that you are possessed."

    Staring at Irish, Becky replied harshly, "Irish, you really make me feel sick. As a psychologist, you lost your professional ethics."

    "Yes, I admit that. But I am wondering if you are familiar with professional ethics." Throwing the tissue into the trash can, Irish continued. "You are just a nobody, but you keep bribing the production producer to get to know some celebrities. It seems you are really devoted to working.

    Moreover, you even cooperated with Britney to spread rumors to humiliate me. Oh, you just mentioned the story between my husband and Britney. Joseph told me the whole story a long time ago. To be frank, even if you be my husband''s mistress, I will not be sad about it because you are just an entertainment woman for my husband if this happens someday. Do you think he will fall in love with a woman like you?"

 Chapter 883 883: Just Wait And See

    ?

    "Bullshit! I am not an entertainment woman!" Becky gnashed her teeth in anger.

    "There is no use denying the truth. Becky, even though you make some achievements by some dirty means, I still have to tell you that don''t try to take advantage of Joseph to elevate your social status. He is my husband. This is an unchangeable fact. But what a regret! Even if you miss him every day, the only thing you can do is look at Joseph''s picture to relieve your love sickness," Irish mocked her while saying.

    "Irish, you..." Becky rushed to Irish and pointed at her. However, she was too angry to utter a single word.

    In the next second, her finger was clenched tightly by Irish.

    "Ouch!" Becky couldn''t help but cry out.

    She tried to hit Irish with her other hand, but Irish grasped her hands and then pressed her against the wall.

    "You cut my wedding dress, right? I am not sure who did it, but now I am sure what the hell you did to my wedding," said Irish with a sneer. "Do you feel upset to be ignored by yourpany? You deserve it. How dare youe to me today? Don''t you be afraid that you will get a more severe punishment? I am capable enough to handle you," Irish added.

    "Loosen your grip! Let me go!" Becky screamed.

    "You also left that mystifying note, right? You better ept psychological treatment. Why did you leave the mystifying note? Say it!" said Irish while ring at her.

    "What mystifying note are you talking about? I don''t know what you are talking about. Let me go. You almost broke my arms!" shouted Becky, struggling to break free from Irish''s grip.

    "Well, it doesn''t matter whether you admit it or not. Anyway, you are a sicko. Are you really silly, or just fooled by Britney? I don''t think I am your rival in love. You are fascinated by my husband, so you want to establish contact with him. But I don''t understand why you did so many stupid things. It is natural for Britney to hate me since she had sex with my husband before, but now you are just a paw for Britney. Stupid woman!"

    After hearing this, Becky started gasping and said angrily, "Irish, you are an asshole. I don''t understand why Joseph married you. You are also a mistress at the beginning. You robbed your sister''s husband. Yes, it is me who cut your wedding dress because I want to give you a lesson. You pushed into a tight corner because of your bullshit nonsense. Bitch!"

    Irish just kept sneering and grabbed her hair abruptly.

    "Ouch!" Becky cried out as she felt the pain.

    "I swore that I would pull out the hair of the person who cut my wedding dress. Now the case is entirely cleared," Irish growled.

    Becky was flurried to hear this and began to struggle. However, she failed again after several attempts.

    Irish grabbed her by the hair and held her in front of the mirror. "You are right. I took the initiative to raise Joseph''s attention. So what? How dare youpare me with you? Who do you think you are?" Irish snapped in a cold tone.

    Irish red at her while forcing her to look in the mirror.

    "You and your friend Britney are not as beautiful as me. And it seems that Britney is in better shape than you. As for the family background..." Irish stopped a little while and then continued harshly, "Ie from a notable family while you are just a nobody, so I really can''t figure out why you darepare with me. Aside from these extrinsic factors, you should know how to please Joseph. Do you think he would be aroused by you as long as you take off your clothes in front of him? It is not difficult to seduce a man, but you have to seek some good ways. I am sessful because he is my husband now. Don''t daydream about being his mistress or his wife. It is impossible. I can tell you that you will definitely regret it as long as you do something stupid again."

    As soon as Irish finished her words, she loosened her grip suddenly while Becky staggered back and then fell to the ground.

    Christy happened to open the door and found Becky sitting on the ground, disheveled. Cheska also walked in with Christy but was shocked by what she saw.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "Are you Becky?" Christy asked in a shaky voice a whileter.

    Becky stood, rushed to Christy, and shouted, "You see that! Doctor Irish attacked me!" She cried out regardless of her public image.

    "What?" Christy was stunned.

    Cheska stepped forward and then furrowed her eyebrows. "Becky, it is not suitable to argue here, after all, you are a public character. The dog packs would release negative reports about it."

    "I am not afraid of those dog packs. I am going to tell them what kind of woman she was," Becky shouted while pointing at Irish.

    Shocked, Cheska stood there in stillness.

    However, Irish remained calm and said, "Go and establish a document for Becky. I suspect that she is suffering from manifestation."

    Christy was astonished as he heard that since he knew that as long as the pathological document was established, the person was deemed to be mad.

    However, Becky didn''t know what it meant, and she just yelled at Irish, "Bullshit! You are talking bullshit! You are the sicko here."

    "Then why do youe here if you are not suffering from any mental problem?" Irish asked with a sneer.

    Confused, Cheska looked at Irish, whose hair was wet, and realized something unpleasant must happen between them. A few minutester, Cheska heaved a sigh and said, "Becky, you better not kick up a row here. Leave here as soon as possible."

    However, Becky just red at Irish without replying.

    "Christy, go ahead," Irish ordered while Christy hastily followed her words.

    "Irish, bitch! Just wait and see. I am not going to give in!" Becky yelled indignantly and then left.

    Finally, the farce ended.

    Cheska stepped forward and said in an annoyed tone, "Irish, our clinic is bothered by those dog packs frequently because of you. Don''t give us any trouble again and again."

    After hearing this, Irish didn''t even look up at her and then replied, "But you can take advantage of this situation. As long as you can handle these problems for me, then you will be the director of this clinic."

    Irritated, Cheska flushed and responded unpleasantly, "Becky is right. You are the sicko here."

    She walked away as she finished her sentence.

    Irish leaned on the couch with her eyes closed and heaved a sigh.

 Chapter 884 884: Joseph’s Mining Proposal

    ?

    It was a peaceful night. Irish curled up in Joseph''s arms. Both of them were naked, and they could feel each other''s warmth.

    Joseph remained silent after sex. He rubbed Irish''s long hair and was absorbed in his thought. A drowsy feeling came over to Irish.

    After a long while, she looked up at Joseph but found his eyebrows knitted in a frown. Reaching out, she strived to soothe his frown. Joseph smiled softly and took her hands over his lips. But Irish was aware that he was thinking of something.

    Irish stared at him without moving. Joseph looked into her eyes and showed a big smile to her.

    "It is time to sleep," said Joseph softly.

    "But I don''t want to sleep now," Irish pouted, holding him tightly. She cherished every single minute of being with Joseph.

    Compared with Cassie, Irish was luckier since she got much more time to get along with Joseph. They worked at the samepany, and Joseph would go home no matter how busy he was.

    Joseph grinned at her and patted her gently as if she was a spoiled little girl.

    "I like your smile," Irish murmured.

    "Am I so serious in daily life?"

    "Yes, you always smiled faintly."

    Joseph held her face and buried his face into her hair.

    "It is not necessary to smile when making love."

    "I am not talking about it!" His beard tickled Irish.

    In the next second, Irish was encircled by his arms. He stared at Irish and said, "Sometimes I really hope you are not a part of the Lake family."

    Irish lowered her voice and replied, "You must encounter many troubles like this, right?"

    Irish didn''t care if Becky woulde to her again, but she was clear that Joseph knew what had happened between Becky and her. Although he still remained calm, Becky soon lost every chance for film and advertising. The only thing Becky could do was to pick up a row in thepany.

    What was more surprising was that the dog packs reported that Britney was the real evil and backstage maniptor, which shocked the public.

    Britney was so flurried that she held three press conferences to rify her name. She insisted that she had nothing to do with Becky, but Becky was irritated, so she began to disclose Britney''s scandals.

    For a moment, the public had a bad impression of Britney, and she lost the chance to be awarded as the Best Actress.

    Some negative reports were released, and Britney and Becky''spany canceled all of their advertisement and film.

    Joseph kept silent about this, but Irish knew why all this had happened.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Finally, Daisy told her that Joseph remained silent for a long time after he learned that Becky hade to argue with her that day. That day he ordered Daisy to go out, but she saw him call somebody, although no one knew who he had called.

    Soon, Becky became a madwoman, and Britney''s future was ruined.

    Before Irish celebrated, her concentration was soon diverted.

    When the Runestone Group was busyunching the new arrivals, Joseph''s decision shocked the board so much that all shareholders were talking about that.

    At the board of directors meeting, Joseph proposed closing the mine and focusing on mine No.2 in South Africa because No. 1''s resources were exhausted, and there was no need to spend much more manpower and material on it.

    But Joseph''s decision to scrap the mine was met with opposition from the shareholders in the Lake family and those such as William, who believed that the No. 1 mine still had a lot of resources, and even concluded that Joseph''s decision was selfish.

    As a result, it suppressed the process.

    Although Joseph''s holdings could be equal to that of the Lakes, South Africa''s mines were bought and developed under Joseph and the Lake''s name, and Joseph''s voice was so small that he couldn''t just pursue any ns, so he had to convince those shareholders who were against his decision.

    She was a member of the Lake family or even a major shareholder in the Runestone Group, and these days William had made frequent moves to care for her, so it was not difficult to think that he was willing to let her in.

    Irish did not make anyments on Joseph''s proposal. However, she didn''t doubt Joseph''s professional judgment. Though she didn''t know how much ore they produced, she understood the huge cost of each development; as Joseph said, No. 1 mining site resources were exhausted, and there was no need to spend much more manpower and material on it, so they''d better concentrate on the No.2 Mine.

    But she couldn''t decide to agree because the Lake family shareholders and William had already concluded that Joseph was selfish, and she was his wife, so her decision to side with Joseph would only put them in an embarrassing state and make William unhappy. More importantly, William said something to Roy. That hinders Roy from making a decision, and he also holds a hesitant attitude. So, they put aside the idea.

    Irish understood that even if Roy no longer cared about the Runestone Group, he was, after all, the eldest son of the Lake family, so he had to make some decisions and he must need to be careful.

    But Irish couldn''t object because Joseph was her husband, not to mention in the field that she did not understand, she could not do a rebuff.

    Generally speaking, as long as the preliminary survey was good, the basic content was more or less estimated. But in South Africa, the shape of the No. 1 mine was rtively special. The previous exploration could only provide iplete data, plus the riverbed had been diverted, which divided the No.1 mine into two, and it needed theter exploration.

    It was because of the unique terrain in the second half of the No.1 mine, which caused too much trouble to explore. The needed human and material resources were enormous, and it became a problem.

    Of course, under the opposition of shareholders, Joseph also proposed to find people to explore, but unexpectedly, William and others opposed it.

    In this way, the two sides were at a dead end.

    So, Irish and Ruby became the key decision makers because apart from William''s shares, Roy, Ruby, Irish, and Lilith''s sharesbined were absolutelyrger than Joseph and Roy''s, so they had an absolute right to speak.

    But at present, Roy had been hesitant, Ruby did not express her opinion, and she had said that she unconditionally supported any decision of the Lake family, which meant that she chose to stand with them. And Lilith had a minimal number of shares, she chose to give up and did not make any statement, so only Irish didn''t express her idea.

    So Joseph''s words made Irish uneasy. Yes, she also hoped that she was not from the Lake family.

 Chapter 885 885: Racetrack Contest - 1

    ?

    Joseph''s tone had always been low, "This kind of thing is alsomon." However, he did understand the significance of Lake''s shareholders. After Henry''s death, William became the backbone of the Lake family. Although William''s shares were not as much as Roy, after all, he was the elder in the Lake family.

    And William agitated that only a few shareholders in the Lake were against his opinion, and few were against the scrapping of the mine and theter survey. So it was clear he was trying to use this opportunity to drive Joseph out.

    In William''s mind, it became increasingly apparent that driving out Joseph was important after Henry died. Of course, Joseph did not mention it, but it didn''t mean he hadn''t seen it.

    "I don''t want to own any more shares in the Lake," Irish said unhappily.

    She had thought that although she hated Henry, at least she could also live at her will. But at present, she felt that the burden was hefty.

    Joseph looked at her and said with pity, "You are really a woman."

    Irish changed her posture and leaned against him. "Do you really agree with the post-survey?"

    Joseph thought, shaking his head, "For South Africa''s No. 1 mine, for so many years, the Lake had not been to the scene. In addition to your father, it had been under my management, so I know the situation of the No.1 mine. To do the survey is to know how much and how many benefits there are left. To tell the truth, in my experience, the quality of the No. 1 mine, even if it is still mineable, the benefits were not that huge. Likely, excavated diamonds, even if they were sold in second-and-third-tier cities, the quality is only ordinary. All Runestone products highly obtain the best exquisite and rare quality. By looking at the quality of the No.1 mine, it no longer follows the quality standards stipted by the Runestone Group, so I don''t rmend continuing the operation but ended up losing huge moneyter on."

    "I believe your judgment, so I decided to support you," said Irish with certainty.

    Joseph smiled and kissed her on the forehead. "Thank you for your trust." Then he said, "Since the listing, the shareholders of the Lake family have made a lot of money from corruption and bribery, which is why I keep financing and diluting their shares. Only a few I didn''t remove yet because they contributed to the Runestone, and they are original shareholders. But you must be prepared, and my next financing n will take in more fresh blood."

    Irish was shocked, "In this way, the shares of the Lakes would be diluted, Roy''s, William''s, and mine."

    "And Jordan''s and mine will be diluted too." Joseph told her clearly, "Listedpanies, if self-contained, can only be killed by the alligator. The Runestone Group is my painstaking effort, and I cannot watch it be bitten to death."

    This was the first time Joseph had talked about high-level business with Irish. All along, as long as he returned home, he mentioned nothing about thepany''s business, and the two only talked about their life.

    Irish liked this change in Joseph, indicating that he had enough faith in her, but at the same time, she was also hurt. He was always in this kind of stormy wave, and others were against his every decision. But, because of theplexity of the Runestone Group and he treated it as his child, he would be anxious but still went forward.

    At this time, she did not want to hear what William said about Joseph''s ambition because only Joseph made trips to South Africa and personally went under the mine. Only he would even die for the Runestone Group to survive. Only Joseph was familiar with how to manage thepany. Without him, the Runestone Group might have been gone. Even though Joseph had an ambition, she didn''t care about it because she realized it was for thepany''s survival. Even if the Lake family scolded her for standing behind her husband and got used of having no conscience, Irish would still clearly support him.

    ****

    At Washington International Raceway.

    The Form 1 event officially kicked off the day, and Washington became the busiest venue.

    Police uniformed patrols and inclothes officers were visible in the main racetrack area.

    And the Form One racetrack was about 5.3 kilometers long. The best design of different angles had be an important reason for the Washington International Raceway topete with the world-ss ones and be the most challenging racetrack in the world.

    It included the deceleration curve and the eleration curve. The deceleration curve required the driver to reduce the speed from 300 kilometers per hour to 90 kilometers per hour immediately after the start of the car''s full horsepower, and the eleration track was to require the driver to speed up the car from 150 kilometers to 260 kilometers quickly. Therefore, the design requirements of the track are a great challenge to the control and response ability of the driver and even the physical aspect and the performance of the car.

    Before the race started, in the raceway auditorium stood huge spectators.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    A fixed stand with a canopy and an open-air stand designed with a lotus leaf shape could hold about 200,000 people while leaving no rich space. The main and deputy stand, the fieldmand center, the motorcade living area, and the maintenance station were all in their respective duties, and the news center had begun the preparation of the whole live coverage. The television station, newspaper magazine,work, and other media reporters arrived at the racing venue early to find the best ce to report.

    Sponsors covered many areas and were all the best in the industry.

    But the biggest sponsors weren''t at the VIP table, and many media outlets were specting about who was the biggest sponsor of thepetition. The organizers were too secretive about answering the questions of the reporters.

    In the driver''s preparation area, engineers were nervous.

    Jordan was dressed in a racing driver''s suit and ready to go.

    Joseph, Leo, and Irish were naturally on the scene.

    After seeing Jordan, Irish came forward, patted him on the shoulder, looked up and down, and showed her thumb at him, "Good, this suit was very suitable for you, very handsome."

    Jordan still looked cool, "I have been very handsome."

    Leo heard the words after a bright smile, "If you win the game, girls will look at you."

    He shrugged his shoulders and looked at the silent young man, then looked at him and cleared his throat. "Hey, you two biggest sponsors, why don''t you go to the VIP lounge and have a good time here?"

    Those who had a little thought could hear Jordan''s concern.

    Leo nced at Joseph and looked at Jordan.

    "Someone is used to keeping a low profile."

    Jordan heard that, he wanted to say something, but he stopped.

    Irish looked at the time and touched Joseph''s arm. "Hey, the car racing is about to start."

    Then Joseph responded and got up.

    Joseph looked at Jordan.

    He did not return to the guest''s table but went to Jordan, stopped before him, and his brow slightly frowned, and his expression was heavy.

    Irish and Leo did not speak, watching this scene.

    After a long time, Joseph just gently sighed, putting his big hand on Jordan''s shoulder, and patted, "In the field, do not only focus on ying handsome. Safety is the most important."

    The words were short and few, but they contained his worries and nervousness as his brother.

 Chapter 886 886: Racetrack Contest - 2

    ?

    At this moment, Irish was moved. Joseph, the man who seeded in his career, had extreme qualities. He was not good at expressing inner feelings. He didn''t say much or exin too much about changing his decision from opposing to presentpromise, even sponsored the game. All the changes were silent, but he only hoped his brother would be safe.

    Irish could understand Joseph''s mood.

    Wasn''t she the reason for Joseph''spromise?

    And Jordan''s feelings for Joseph are extremelyplex. He had resented Joseph, but also, he could not endure a long misunderstanding with Joseph, and this time Joseph''spromise really surprised Jordan too much.

    This sponsorship was more than Jordan''s imagination.

    Therefore, Jordan, who had long been ustomed to fighting against him, actually did not know how to face his brother. Fortunately, the event was approaching, and he had to make his long-term car preparation, which gave him time to rethink his rtionship with Joseph.

    After hearing Joseph''s advice, Jordan''s lips twitched, but soon he hummed. He no longer made the usual look of disdain.

    "I can do it, brother." He spoke with clear words, "I''m a better driver than you."

    Irish listened to them and was happy for them.

    Jordan had the same personality as Joseph. Obviously, he was looking forward to his words of encouragement, but finally, he said cool words. They are indeed siblings.

    When he heard Jordan''s words, he hummed and said, "Okay."

    Jordan''s hand yed with his helmet, but the smile in his eyes was from the bottom of his heart.

    Irish came up and said, "Jordan, remember not to lose too badly in thispetition, or your eldest brother and Leo''s money will be all wasted. They really cost a lot."

    "Did you sponsor me?"

    "I have no money."

    Jordan looked at Joseph, "Brother, you didn''t allow your woman to manage your money?"

    Joseph couldn''t help butugh.

    Leo, who is standing beside them, spare azy look, "Jordan''s words are correct. Irish, you should better control your husband''s money, or one day if he loses everything, you also get nothing."

    Jordan looked at Leo, and his eyes were dark with an unknown smile.

    Irish frowned and said to Leo, "Why are the wordsing in your mouth so hard to absorb?"

    Jordan exined, "He''s jealous as you married my brother."

    The words stunned Leo and Joseph but made Irishugh. She pointed to Leo andughed, then patted Joseph''s shoulder. "I''m sorry, I didn''t know you two had something."

    Joseph looked helplessly at Jordan, and Leo was speechless.

    "Leo, you should tell me earlier that you are Joseph''s true lover. I swear, I will not be the third party." Irish began to tease him.

    Jordan was confused, "Who has something?"

    When hearing this, Irishughed badly.

    Looking at Jordan, Joseph sighed and said sincerely, "Please make sure to make your English understandable."

    "You''re emphasizing I''m wrong?" Jordan felt that he was wronged.

    When everyone wondered how to exin Jordan''s mistake, Michael, Jordan''spetitor, came forward with a helmet. He sneered, "Hey, it''s cool."

    Michael looked at Joseph from top to toe, looking at Jordan and smiling, "It''s so lucky for you to have a rich brother."

    "What did you say?" Jordan came forward.

    "Jordan," Joseph said calmly.

    Leo also stood up between Joseph and Michael, pushing them two. "It''s time to prepare for thepetition. Do not be a nuisance. If we lose, I will find your faults as the sponsor for thepetition."

    Jordan kept his temper.

    Michael patted the helmet and stared at Jordan, "I will cooperate with you on thepetition, but I will not give you any easy way to win."

    "Me too," Jordan replied word by word. Michael sneered and went away.

    "Do not talk with him, Jordan. I am sure that you are the youngest and the most handsome racing driver here." Irish was afraid that Jordan would bore some burden on his heart, so she tried to persuade him.

    Jordan looked at Irish. He felt so surprised at her ttering words, "Your ttering is not always good."<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Irish smiled, "My image in your mind is not as good as your spilled words."

    "Do you want to see me driving?" Jordan asked.

    Irish said directly, "Of course."

    Jordan looked back to Joseph, "Can I take her to have a look?"

    Joseph smiled lightly and nodded.

    "Let''s go quickly." Irish pulled Jordan. There was little roaring spreading from afar. The drivers were preparing even at thest minute.

    After Jordan and Irish left, the atmosphere turned silent.

    Only Joseph and Leo were left.

    Joseph sat back in his seat. His smile disappeared, and he just said lightly, "Leo, what are you nning to do?"

    Leo also sat back, smiling, "Jordan is also my bro. Is there any problem if I also sponsored him?"

    "Cut the chase, and don''t make excuses," Joseph said coldly.

    Leoughed and turned around to stare at him, "Joseph, you must know what I am going to do. If you don''t change your mind, I will not let it be easy for you."

    Joseph sneered, "Do you want your Key Group to be another Runestone Group?"

    "It will be a greatpetition if only twopete on the same line."

    Joseph was calm, "Maybe, but I am not interested in it."

    "Chill. I will push you to be interested in it." Leo stood up and patted his shoulder, "It''s so hot here. I will just watch thepetition in the VIP lounge.

    And then he just left.

    Joseph didn''t move. His look was cold.

    On the spectator stand, everyone just seemed to gather here happily.

    The wine was an indispensable part of a racing show.

    In the VIP lounge, the staff put frozen wine on the table.

    The VIP lounge was far away from the spectator stand. It was just inside the room. One could just watch the whole process of the show on the big screen, which made one feelfortable.

    Joseph sat beside Leo, while Irish sat beside Joseph.

    As Leo took the wine, he noticed Irish and Joseph''s ring finger and found they were wearing the same ring, whose design was simple but roaring a lifetime promise.

    Leo felt sad.

    Looking at Irish, he found that she was talking with Joseph happily. The happiness shown on her face was true and deep. He could feel it.

    It might be easy to get a woman, but not easy to win her love.

    Leo was unwilling to do the former and unable to do thetter.

    Irish didn''t know that Leo was looking at her. All her attention was paid to Joseph and Jordan in thepetition.

    She found that Joseph just clenched her hands.

    She also held his hand tightly.

    Joseph felt warm, so he turned around to look at her.

    She smiled lightly, "Don''t worry. He can make it."

    Joseph then smiled, looking at the screen, "Safety is the most important thing."

    Irish was touched. She could understand his feelings.

    Actually, she was also concerned about Jordan''s safety.

 Chapter 887 887: Racetrack Contest - 3

    ?

    Although Jordan was good at racing a car, there were too many talents on the spot. Team members in each team cooperated with each other for a long time, while Jordan and Michael didn''t appreciate each other. Nobody knew whether they would make good teamwork or not. It was really worrying.

    If there were any mistakes, the result would be fatal, which meant that it would cause problems for personal safety, as Joseph mentioned.

    As apetition inferior to the Olympic Games and the World Cup, F1 only allowed 22 racing drivers topete mostly. It was tough.

    She had heard from Joseph that it only took 2.3 seconds for one to speed up from 0 to 100 km/h and 12 seconds from 0 to 200 and then to 0. What did 12 seconds mean?

    It meant that when someone took 12 seconds to think of something, the racing driver for F1 had finished the process of speeding up and slowing down.

    Racing a car at 300 km/h was easy for a racing driver, and on this driveway, the maximum speed could reach 350 km/h. Irish had seen Jordan racing. She believed that he could make it.

    However, the body of an F1 racing car was light, so it would be a very dangerous and difficult sport to drive at a breakneck speed. And the capacity of the racing car needed to exceed 4 Gs, and the driver had to shift gears every two seconds. Maybe 2500 times changing gears needed to be made during apetition.

    It was also apetition for physical energy and intelligence.

    If any decision failed, it would lead to severe results of being cripple and even losing a life.

    Now, Irish was clear about Joseph''s concern.

    No family was willing to see his family member in danger on the spot, and just as Joseph thought, winning was not important anymore. Safety was the most important during thepetition.

    But Jordan aimed to be the No. 1 racer.

    However, the weather was not good.

    A sudden rain poured on the spot five minutes before thepetition started.

    It caused great chaos.

    The people bringing umbres opened their umbres, and the host adopted measures immediately.

    Racing drivers were on the driveway already, which was filled with noise. Thispetition was unavoidable already, and because of the sudden rain, the audience was full of stress.

    Rain wet the driveway, which made thepetition more dangerous.

    Considering this, Joseph stood up from his seat, frowning.

    Leo was also distressed.

    Irish''s heart beat quickly.

    The rain was not small, making thepetition result more doubtful.

    Joseph walked back and forth and then nced at the pouring rain. He frowned, then just took out his phone and dialed a number.

    "Change the No.1 driver."

    As he said it, Leo stood up, questioning, "Joseph, are you crazy?"

    Irish was also surprised. The No.1 driver was Jordan.

    Obviously, Joseph''s practice was unregted. Although he was the sponsor, the drivers were already there, and thepetition began soon. He suddenly proposed changing the driver, which was not allowed. He grabbed the role of the coach.

    Joseph didn''t pay attention to Leo''s low shouting but just aggressively talked on the phone, "Change it right now no matter what way is adopted."

    It was in a difficult situation now.

    Leo couldn''t stand it, so he just grabbed the phone immediately.

    "Give it back to me!" Joseph shouted.

    Leo also said on the phone, "Do as the original n." And then he hung up and threw it back to Joseph.

    "Leo!" Joseph gritted his teeth.

    Leo looked back at Joseph and said word by word, "If you don''t let him go, he will hate you for a lifetime."<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "I would rather he hates me than see him in a dying situation!"

    Joseph''s voice rose suddenly. He was so annoyed.

    Irish was shocked.

    It was the first time Joseph was so angry in public. The surrounding working staff all looked at them.

    "Joseph, you are not the only sponsor. Other sponsors also put a stake in Jordan. How can you change the driver by your own will?"

    "He is my brother!" Joseph was in a fury.

    "Yes, he is your brother, but he is also a racing driver. It is his job. Joseph, please respect his choice!" Leo was also angry, shouting at him.

    Just at this time, thepetition began.

    The roaring was shocking.

    Joseph''s shoulder trembled lightly, and he turned to stare at the big screen, clenching his fists.

    Irish immediately walked forward and lightly pulled Joseph''s hands, "Jordan will be okay. Just trust him."

    She said it weakly. The rain got heavier, which patted the windows heavily.

    It was in vain no matter what to do. Joseph couldn''t stop it, no matter how strong he was. He was not the god.

    Irish could feel his muscles clenching. He didn''t talk anymore, just staring at the big screen without any motion.

    She took a nce at Leo. Although he resisted Joseph just now, it didn''t hide his distress. He also clenched his hands and stared at the screen. She was praying silently. She hoped that Jordan could be secure. The danger brought by rain really existed.

    When it was in the second round, the situation became serious.

    The No.20 vehicle sped up too fast, and the tire slipped suddenly, and soon the vehicle tilted, which affected the No.15 vehicle. Two vehicles now bumped into each other, which made the guard bar tilt, and soon the vehicle flipped over.

    All the audience shouted, and some even threw their umbres, standing up from their seat.

    Irish pressed her bosom. Luckily Jordan''s vehicle was not affected since it was heading forward.

    This ident also signified how dangerous this sport was.

    Joseph''s back was rigid and cold sweat covered his back.

    Irishforted him in a low voice, "He will be okay. Calm down. Jordan has experienced many rankingpetitions, and now he is really the toughest."

    She seemed tofort both Joseph and herself.

    She was also clear that the formalpetition was much stricter than rankingpetitions or practicingpetitions regarding time limits and rounds. In addition, the heavy downpour made thepetition hard.

    When it was the fifth round, another flip happened. The no. 10 driver didn''t get good control as he drifted, and soon it flipped.

    Irish covered her mouth to control her stressful feelings.

    Several racing cars passed by the damaged vehicle quickly, including Jordan''s.

    He was now the sixth, and he was speeding up.

    Michael was the fourth, and he was the No.3 driver.

    Soon the rescue team came to the scene. Unfortunately, the driver got injured, so he was taken away.

    Irish felt in a daze. She felt she was not watching apetition but waiting for the death struggle.

    Jordan ranked No.1 in the rankingpetition.

    He soon became a well-known young driver and also the most popr driver.

 Chapter 888 888: Racetrack Contest - 4

    ?

    Leo was right. Gambling was so popr for F1, just like the World Cup.

    So many rich businessmen betted on Jordan.

    In one report by the media, Jordan''s identity was disclosed. Soon all the people knew that he was Joseph''s brother and also one of the shareholders of the Runestone Group. People were guessing whether the sponsor behind him was his brother Joseph.

    It didn''t matter now.

    Except for rich businessmen, many racing fans also bet on Jordan. The reason was very simple. They supposed that Joseph had allowed his brother to do racing, which proved that Joseph had an idea about Jordan''s skills, so they were also willing to believe that Jordan could be a dark horse in thispetition.

    Irish now experienced what was struggling.

    Time passed second by second. She felt it was so long.

    During the next several rounds, even as an outsider, she could figure out that Jordan was trying his best to catch up. Her heart even stopped beating.

    Michael didn''t make it difficult for Jordan; instead, he cooperated with Jordan well. They were warding the driver next to them, making it hard for him to surpass them.

    When Michael rushed forward, Jordan would follow him and make a short distance between each other. Jordan yed the fullback role in this way, intercepting theirpetitor to the middle.

    When Jordan rushed forward, Michael also adopted this way.

    Several idents urred one by one in the heavy rain. In the end, the mostpetitive 15 racing car drivers were left.

    No incidents urred again most of the time. They were all experienced car racers.

    But when Irish was a little relieved, she heard the great noise. She couldn''t help screaming out when she found out about the situation.

    Two cars were so close that they bumped together when it was at the blind curve. This time, unlike the previous flip, was great for rushing at the fastest speed. When these two crashed, one of them rose up and turned to the other side of the driveway.

    The vehicles behind didn''t realize this situation, so they immediately acted swiftly. But, unfortunately, the great impulse made the whole body turn over and crash into another vehicle.

    All in all, five cars crashed.

    All the audience was startled.

    Jordan!

    Irish opened her eyes, staring at the No. 1 vehicle rushing.

    Everything happened so quickly that one had no time to notice the progress.

    As Jordan''s car passed over the writhing one, it crashed onto the floor immediately and exploded. Jordan would have been in trouble if he had been slow for even one second.

    It would be the same case for the front vehicles.

    Several cars just crashed into each other. It was so serious. Jordan just threw them off quickly and passed through the narrow way like a ray of lightning rushing to the front.

    Such a beautiful dodge just happened in only two or three seconds. The quickness was so startling. Jordan had stood out, and Joseph finally recovered himself.

    Soon a crowd of the audience stood up from their seats and cheered for Jordan.

    Jordan took the opportunity to rush to the front, but Michael was not so lucky. After throwing awaypetitors'' pursuits, he tried to surpass Jordan, but obviously, he was too anxious. He nned to make it through the passage between two vehicles, only to lead to three cars running simultaneously, and at the next second, it crashed into another.

    The third vehicle escaped from the ident.

    Michael escaped the ident smoothly, shaking his head helplessly in the rain.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    The game was so challenging.

    Only ten out of 22 participants were left.

    It was easy to imagine that "a horrifyingpetition" would be used as the headline by the media. Indeed, thepetition had so many idents, and heavy rain pushed all thepetitors to the verge of death.

    Irish felt like she was thrown into the sky and then fell down. The great gravity made her stressed all the time. Then, as Jordan rushed out of the spot, she fell down softly, and she had only the strength to take a deep breath.

    The audiences were like experiencing a great catastrophe by themselves. They were all exhausted, let alone those participants. Jordan had escaped danger in this case, proving he was so strong in physical energy and psychology.

    Leo finally got released. He sat back in his seat. Sweat was in his hands.

    Irish recovered after a great while. She only felt cold, and as she lowered her head, she found that she clenched Joseph''s hands so tightly that they got swollen. Joseph still kept stressed, closing his lips and staring at the big screen.

    She was immersed in deep thinking. Joseph was known to only value the result instead of the progress. He kept this kind of attitude both to his employees and to work.

    He only wanted the most satisfying result no matter what method was adopted, as long as it was legal and moral. But today, he was serious all the time.

    At this moment, he wanted not the result but the progress.

    Security was the most important as his own brother''s life was at stake.

    As it was around the corner, grabbing betweenpetitive drivers happened.

    Jordan was the only freshman leftpeting.

    Irish clenched her fists, murmuring, "He must be the champion. He must be the champion."

    And then she looked at Joseph, "Do you believe it or not?"

    Joseph kept watching the big screen.

    Seeing the scenes, he frowned.

    After a while, Joseph said, "Now Jordan is the only one to fight. It''s not good."

    Irish felt shocked, "Oh no. Jordan was alone before. Just trust him!"

    "Other teams may make solutions regarding Jordan''s strategy," Joseph said with a low voice.

    Leo carefully checked the remaining teams, pointing at the screen, "It has begun."

    Irish felt uneasy breathing, looking at the screen.

    Three cars followed Jordan closely, one trying to catch up with him while two others didn''te forward.

    "Are they on the same team? What are they doing?" Irish did not feel good.

    Leo exined, "It is like a football game. Unregted cases often happen at the end of the game. Jordan is the only one in the G team, while behind him is one team working together to defeat him. So they can fully take advantage of the driveway to make the crash ur, and their target is Jordan."

    Irish took a deep breath, "Can it be possible?"

    "Game is game. There are no rules like fair or not." Leo said as he looked at Irish.

 Chapter 889 889: Racetrack Contest - 5

    ?

    Irish didn''t know how to respond. Unfortunately, Leo''s words were true. The second car behind Jordan''s began to rush forward, acting to be surpassed in the middle. This case was very familiar to Irish. She immediately thought of Michael''s "crash."

    It was true. If this car finally made it, Jordan would be injured most severely because of the design style of the driveway. In this way, the third car would take the opportunity to rush to the No.1.

    Leo was right. The sacrifice could be unavoidable for apetition. It was not an entirely fairpetition.

    Irish was concerned again.

    She was regretful. She was very regretful.

    If Jordan really got injured in thepetition, she would be too embarrassed to face Joseph, let alone Jordan. The reason why Jordan came back was just to watch a game. Originally, he didn''t desire to be an outstanding driver but just to watch a game.

    It was she who kept encouraging him and letting him pursue his dream. She made him hopeful again.

    If he really got injured, what could she do topensate him?

    Irish prayed again and again. She only hoped that Jordan could be safe and sound. It was true. She understood the real meaning of "Safety is the most important." Now she didn''t ask for the result, but only that he could get to the destination peacefully.

    Now this situation was like a tiger fighting with three hungry wolves.

    Jordan would make great efforts whenever this car wanted to surpass, making it difficult for him to catch up with thepeting team.

    During thest three rounds, the driver adopted the same method again.

    This time, it was at the turning point. The road was narrow, beside which people in the same team were resisting him, and there were two cars behind him. If Jordan wanted to speed up, he would lose the opportunity to drift, resulting in self-destroying.

    He had to slow down and tried his best to turn to the other side.

    The car intending to crash him passed Jordan''s car closely.

    Jordan avoided the possibility of crashing.

    Irish stomped her feet in front of the screen.

    After the turning point, Jordan began to surpass, and even the staff in the news center couldn''t help eximing Jordan''s speed as "a ray of lightning."

    The destination was around the corner. Irish''s fingers were clenched tightly.

    Jordan kept chasing the car, and then he got into trouble again.

    "If Jordan just uses the same method, he will bump the first car, and by the inertia, he can slip to be the No.1," Leo said.

    Irish understood that Jordan yed a role ining from behind that car.

    She was not good at car racing, and she couldn''t figure out its gateway. However, she knew that this driveway was different from that just now. It could be the same case as described by Leo.

    Joseph thought of it for a while and said, "If Jordan does it in that way, he can be the champion, but it may cause damage to the surrounding two cars and even the severe death of the driver. He presses the line by being near to the first car, and because of the speed and angle, the first car might turn over, and once the racing car explodes, its debris may hurt the audience on the spectators'' stand."

    Irish felt shocked as she heard it.

    Leo looked at Joseph, smiling, "Do you think that your brother will do it?"

    Joseph was silent.

    Leo sneered and didn''t talk anymore.

    Irish also hesitated. Would Jordan do it?<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    As she was thinking, she saw Jordan speeding up suddenly and crowding in by the aisle.

    Irish was surprised. Would he do it, really?

    She felt that Joseph''s arms were clenched tightly.

    Thest chance was near and near when it was in thest round.

    Jordan''s car passed by quickly, and he made a fake action. First, he fooled the other drivers, and then Jordan passed by with great tactics. Shockingly, he didn''t make his way by being near the first car.

    The first car just went to the destination in this way.

    There was just 0.1 seconds difference between Jordan''s and that car. He ranked No.2.

    The whole news center was cheering up.

    All the audience stood up and shouted at Jordan, "No.1, No.1."

    Most of the audience were fans of F1 racing cars, and they were chanting. Then, finally, they figured out the true meaning of Jordan''s actions, so they just shouted out his number loudly.

    She would have felt pitiful if it hadn''t been exined clearly to Irish.

    After knowing the reason, she felt that although Jordan looked proud as he went on the stage, he had professional morals as a racing car driver.

    He had an opportunity to be the No.1, but the consequence might be that it would lead to too much damage, as analyzed by Joseph.

    In suchpetition, Jordan could be the best under the premise that he didn''t hurt anyone. It was a really admirable move.

    That was also the reason why the audience cheered for Jordan.

    When Jordan''s car stopped, Irish found that Joseph had finally got released.

    The top three in such a severepetition could be regarded as master hands. Jordan was especially noticeable as he ranked No.2.

    He was too young. A bright future could be foreseen since he could make big achievements at such a young age.

    Joseph didn''t appear on the scene. However, Leo and Irish couldn''t wait to congratte him.

    After a while, the two returned to the VIP lounge. Irishined, "Jordan now bes the star. So many girls are surrounding him to take photos."

    Joseph smiled and didn''t talk anymore. He looked relieved now.

    After a great while, the door of the VIP lounge opened. Jordan walked in, and there was still a helmet under his arms.

    As he entered, he said, "I am No.2."

    Joseph didn''t talk more but just said lightly, "Luckily, my brother didn''t achieve his goal only for sess but made the great move."

    Irish heard it. She felt touched by his words.

    Just like a bad guy hoping his next generations will be good, Joseph was famous for his uprightness but didn''t wish his brother would be like him.

    Irish had thought that Joseph was used to being cruel, but his words now proved that he was somewhat helpless. He hated struggling, but he needed to do so. He acted like a fighter, attacking others on the horse''s back. He hoped that his brother could escape from it.

    Irish began to feel sorry for this man as she thought of it.

 Chapter 890 890: Shareholders Meeting

    ?

    Jordan was famous now after the F1petition.

    Commented as "the Bravest Racing Car Driver" by all kinds of media andizens, Jordan had received several advertisement offers but refused them.

    He had no thoughts of being a star anymore.

    There were manypetitions all over the year. First, the G team became more famous, and then the coach implemented stricter training for racers.

    Of this opportunity, Jordan returned to the Runestone Group and attended the board of directors meeting as the shareholder.

    Soon his schedule was known by the media, which tracked him all the way.

    They were prohibited from entering the gate of the Runestone Group.

    It was still stressful and busy in the Runestone Group.

    In the meeting, Jordan was one of many attendees. Roy, William, Shirley, Lilith, Ruby, and Irish also attended the meeting.

    Other shareholders also gathered, and some even arrived.

    The meeting was very simple. One was for the No. 1 mine issue in South Africa, while the other was whether a new purchasing and financing power was needed.

    Joseph and Jordan were the shareholders in their family, while other shares and Lakes'' shares were divided among other shareholders.

    The main share was still in the control of the Lakes.

    Represented by William, some shareholders objected to Joseph''s two proposals. They didn''t agree to abolish the mine and objected to adjusting the structure. They thought that after Joseph took control of thepany, the board members changed continuously, and the shares were scattered to different parts, which was unbeneficial for thepany''s operation. They even thought that Joseph nned to weaken the board of directors.

    The atmosphere was quite stressful.

    Roy didn''t speak, while Ruby was also silent. Joseph still listened to their attacking and questioning, but Irish couldn''t stand it, so she just stopped it.

    "I agree with Joseph, and I support it." She expressed her opinions directly.

    As she finished her words, Joseph looked at her withplicated expressions.

    Other shareholders began discussing.

    Irish was clear on Joseph''s thoughts. He didn''t intend to let her attend such a meeting before.

    She knew the meeting time through the Secretariat, and then she knocked on the door of Joseph''s office, and the first word she said was, "Joseph, I want to attend the meeting."

    Joseph got up and shut the door, pulled her over, and said to her, "You can''t get involved."

    But Irish insisted and said, "I am also one of the shareholders. I want to attend that meeting."

    Joseph then hugged her and whispered, "Listen to me."

    She stopped talking.

    When the meeting was held, she went there uninvited. And Joseph did not expect her to be so stubborn this time, so he couldn''t persuade her.

    Irish thought so simply that she only wanted to support Joseph''s decision because she believed in his profession. However, Runestone''s development was enough to justify his decision.

    From the rational analysis, she felt that Joseph was the best operator; from the perceptual analysis, he was her husband, and she wanted to support his decisions unconditionally.

    Joseph was right to worry.

    Because Irish''s words caused the shareholder''s resentment to the greatest extent, the shareholder made Irish fully feel the pressure Joseph usually had on the inboard.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "Miss Irish, I understand you want to support your husband, but don''t forget that this is the Runestone Group, and your father, not your husband, owns it. Furthermore, you are a member of the Lake family, so you must maintain the Lake, not be preferential," said one old shareholder.

    "What if I''m preferential? You can ask yourself, who is in charge of thepany''s entire operation? Who is most familiar with South African mines? Who risked his life going into the mine repeatedly? It''s him, not the shareholders, here. You only take the money annually. When did you really care about the operation of the Runestone Group?" Irish''s words were unkind.

    The old shareholder was moved by what she said and patted the table. "Miss Irish, you can''t say that. Without us, where would the Runestone Groupe from? Will your family still be sitting here?"

    "You��"

    "Irish." Joseph interrupted Irish and signaled her not to argue.

    Irish pressed her anger.

    Joseph looked at Roy, "What do you think?"

    All eyes were on Roy.

    After thinking about it for a long time, he looked at Joseph and said, "I can agree with the decision, but I don''t agree with the acquisition."

    "I thought it was clear to you about the stakes." He frowned slightly.

    "Yes, but as the president of the Runestone Group, I have the right to defend the interests of the shareholders, especially senior shareholders," Roy said.

    Joseph shook his head.

    "I don''t agree not only to finance but also to scrap the mines..." Ruby finally opened her mouth, "South Africa No. 1 mine was the first mine developed by my father, and it had his heart and soul in it. I don''t agree to give that up."

    Hearing that, Irish retorted, "You are a greenhouse flower. Have you seen South Africa''s No. 1 mine? Do you know what''s going on there? What are you doing now? You can only waste our father''s efforts if you continue it!"

    "Irish, you are Miss Lake, but how long have youe into contact with the Runestone Group? Unfortunately, in terms of seniority, you are not qualified to speak."

    Irish squinted slightly, "Unfortunately, I have bigger shares than you."

    Ruby''s face changed, very embarrassed.

    "I agree with my big brother''s decision. My family also owns the Runestone Group, and you can''t deny it, right?" Jordan kept silent for a few minutes, dressed in a suit, a simple t-shirt with a pair of old white jeans, chewing gum in his mouth, looking cold and obviously against the Lake family.

    Jordan also specially brought thepany''s trantor to make a better speech.

    "Young man, don''t make a fool of yourself by yourst name." Another old shareholder spoke.

    Jordan was just about to refute, but the shareholders next to him said, "Joseph has always decided after repeated consideration, so, on behalf of the new shareholders, I agreed to his decision."

    "I... I agree." Lilith said very quietly. Shirley poked her, unhappy. "What are you talking about?"

    "Mom, Dad..." Although Lilith was an insignificant shareholder, she never attended board meetings, which should be the first time she had been there since she got into the Runestone. She was a little stunned and a little nervous while listening to the arguments.

    "Shareholders, I think...the majority''s decision was right. We�� we can''t becent, and we all can see our manager''s ability." The more she spoke, the more she was nervous because she looked at William''s unhappy face.

    "See? Even she can''t help bute forward and speak in a fair." Jordan said with his body forward, "Old uncles, do not take advantage of your age, or you will dig your own tomb." Jordan said in French.

    At the end of the sentence, the trantor looked embarrassed.

    "Trante to them." Jordan urged.

    "It''s... Isn''t it good?" The trantor hesitated.

    "What did he say?" The old shareholders asked unpleasantly.

 Chapter 891 891: Stock Transfer Proposal

    ?

    The trantor looked at Jordan and did not dare to say anything more. Jordan actually sneered, simply tranted and repeated his own words in English. Although he was not very fluent, he changed the shareholders'' faces.

    The meeting was like a war.

    Finally, under Joseph''s cold yelling, everything became calm.

    Moreover, the meeting ended tly, and opponents were defeated as three shareholders abstained.

    This matter temporarily ran aground.

    After the meeting ended, Joseph called Jordan into his office.

    "They''re shareholders; you must respect them even if their words are unpleasant." These were Joseph''s first words after shutting the door.

    Jordan pouted his lips, shrugged his shoulders, sat down on his desk, and spread his hands. "I can''t imagine you''re facing these people''s faces daily."

    Joseph frowned, knocking on the table.

    Jordan quickly sat in his chair across his desk and asked, "Can I sit on the sofa? This will give me the false impression of the director."

    Joseph sighed and agreed.

    Jordan just sat down, and Joseph came with a document. He sat opposite him and handed the documents to Jordan. Jordan was curious and nced at it. It was an equity transfer contract.

    Whose stake was to be transferred? Jordan was surprised.

    Joseph had guessed his thoughts and quickly exined.

    "Your stake should be transferred." Joseph said, "You see the contract as a whole, and if it''s okay, I''ll have the legal adviser in the office to finalize the process," He said.

    It was a sudden event and impulsive behavior.

    Jordan was first stupefied and quickly asked, "Transferred to whom?"

    "Me," Joseph said briefly.

    He pushed the contract close.

    But Jordan did not look at it, sittingzily back on the sofa, thinking.

    "I want to know why." He looked at Joseph for a few seconds before opening his mouth.

    "You don''t need to know why." Joseph looked cold.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "What if I don''t sign it?" Jordan responded briefly.

    Joseph''s tone was always calm, "You have to sign it."

    "That means you want to sweep me out of thepany?" Jordan smiled.

    Joseph was silent, touched the cigarette box, pulled out a cigarette, put it into his mouth, and ignited it. He stood at the back of the sofa, made a few sucks, and gently spit out the smoke. He is silent for a few minutes showing his introverted nature.

    It was long before he spoke, and his voice was low. "Now that you can protect your future, I don''t need to worry about you."

    Jordan stared at him, his lips slightly curved.

    Joseph gradually uttered, "All the time, you want to be free, so now I give you your freedom. However, since the encounter of the annual shareholder meeting makes you feel shackled, then leave it to me to handle it for you."

    "I want to know what you''re thinking and what you''re going to do."

    Joseph ignored his words.

    "You don''t need to know," Joseph stressed faintly.

    "Why? Isn''t it necessary, knowing that I am your own brother?" Jordan was suddenly angry and stood up, roaring at Joseph, "You used to be like that, and even now, you still act the same! Do I have to follow any decisions you make? Do you still think of me as your brother? I don''t know what''s the most important thing in the world to you. Leo is your best friend, he misunderstood you, and you don''t even bother to exin. I am your brother. I misunderstood you, and you still don''t exin anything to me. Do you know your character is really very annoying?"

    Jordan recalled the time he moved to Midtown Manhattan, and he was cleaning his room when he saw a letter left by Irish for him. The content was not long but enough for him to meditate.

    In the letter, Irish''s tone wasn''t that of discipline and reprimand, but lightly exining why he was kidnapped during childhood. She told him that his brother actually cared about him. What he had done actually only dyed the time. He could clearly remember Irish saying, "Your big brother''s status gives him the right to do many things, but he also cannot do many things. He has his decision and his dilemma. He was not a high-ranking person at that time. On the contrary, his status determines his helplessness, a lot of suffering, and a lot of pressure. He had to resist it by himself."

    She also said to him, "Jordan, your brother loves you. He is not a man who is good at expressing feelings, but he gives you a mountain-like heavy fatherly love and brotherly feelings, and don''t me him for deciding for you. It is just because he wants to protect you as if to protect his own child. There are a lot of things we may not understand, but one thing you have to believe is that you are the most important family for him. You''ll never know the tough choices he made for you topromise and allow you to go racing. You have to know that the people who care about you will be hesitant."

    "You may feel that you or Leo have suffered too much. Of course, you would also be furious because of your big brother''s behavior. Still, Jordan, if you have the opportunity to go to South Africa, to see with your own eyes how your big brother is in the mining site if you were in his shoes which bore such responsibility to provide huge profits for the entirepany, you will understand that the man who has experienced life and death, hatred is nothing to him, and affection will go. Your big brother, perhaps, considers this a huge burden."

    Irish''s words, ''The man who experienced life and death,'' deeply shocked Jordan.

    Irish was right. He resented his brother because he didn''t understand why he worked for Henry, even if Henry had favored them. First, that was what Henry owed them; second, he didn''t understand why his brother could despise friendship for his benefit. And thest reason was that when he was kidnapped, his brother did not save him.

    But then he finally knew why the thugs were killed. Analyzing the situation, since the thugs captured him, how did he manage to survive? He realized everything after that but was just mad at his brother.

    Moreover, he felt that his eldest brother did not care about him, so he always had some rebellious behavior or said disobedient words to stimte his eldest brother''s anger. On the other hand, when his eldest brother was angry with him, he would deeply me himself because his eldest brother was famously calm. If he was angry, it proved that he cared about him.

    So all along, he felt that he was very tangled, and this caused care and resentment in his big brother''s psychology.

 Chapter 892 892: You Are Really A Pest

    ?

    He resented his eldest brother and said nothing to exin, but he also loved him and wanted to share the burden he was carrying. Although Joseph was the family''s eldest son, they were siblings, and he was no longer a small child that needed his care, so why did he choose not to tell him everything?

    That was why he was so angry now. However, his loud noise did not attract many reactions from Joseph. On the contrary, he looked calmer.

    After Joseph went silent for a few minutes, his tone was light, "Are you done? Sign on it."

    Jordan''s chest was panting heavily, and his mood was triggered. He clenched fists, unhappy, and was staring at Joseph.

    It took a long time before he sat down, and he was calmer than he had just looked. Thinking for a while.

    Joseph looked at his appearance, lips slightly raised, a little helpless, but looked indulging towards his little brother.

    Jordan''s anger was gone analyzing the situation. And so, he panted and said, "I do not care about the shares at all, and I do not even need to see this. I can sign it immediately, but brother, you cannot always treat me as a child."

    Joseph leaned over slightly and then adjusted his posture. Finally, he said, "Trust me, you are always a child in my eyes."

    Jordan sneered at him and signed the documents.

    ****

    It was revealed that two of Joseph''s resolutions were not unanimously endorsed by the board.

    The media began to specte whether there was apetition for power within the Runestone Group, and Roy''s retreat from the huge management responsibility was brought out with the incident. Some experts imed that since Henry''s death, Joseph had been "The mighty emperor favored by heaven to make orders."

    On the other hand, Roy was referred to as the "prince" who barely had enough power to go against Joseph and was likely a fawn by shareholders. Joseph''s rapid decision to marry Irish was also regarded as a brilliant move to favor his n.

    Those experts conjectured that it was a counteroffensive of the Lake family since the decision was declined. And some others even made an assay n while Ruby was pushed into a tight corner again.

    Some media thought that Ruby was determined to run counter against Joseph, and the dog packs even disclosed that to break up with Ruby, Joseph used Emery, Ruby''s old me, to break up with his wife. And soon, it aroused people''s interest in the rtionship between Ruby and Emery.

    Shirley mmed the newspaper on the tea table indignantly. "What''s wrong with you? You''re not even making any ns to defend the interests of our family. Look at what those so-called experts said!" Shirley roared irritably.

    Ruby kept silent and then collected the newspaper together.

    "What''s more, look at theirments about your brother. They said he was ipetent and incapable of making strong decisions. I am going to sue them for nder," Shirley added.

    "Mom, don''t take it seriously. There is no use arguing with them," Ruby exined helplessly.

    "Let them go? But those people won''t let us go, especially Joseph. So you better persuade your brother to relinquish his administrative authority as soon as possible."

    "How can I persuade him?" He doesn''t want to inherit thispany but to be a captain," Ruby responded.

    "Try to keep in with those shareholders with your uncle. I mean, those shareholders joined in recently."

    "They all stand at the same united decision with Joseph," Ruby heaved a deep sigh. <novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Those shareholders only pay great attention to the huge profit.

    "I don''t care who they stand with. What is important is where they can make a profit. They will suffer a huge profit loss if Joseph decides to get more financing support. On the contrary, showing them that you are trying to protect their interest and you share amon goal, surely you can persuade them to sign an agreement with you."

    Heaving a sigh, Ruby then replied in a low voice, "Mom, it is not as simple as you think. Those shareholders did get more profit as Joseph ran thepany, so they all trusted him. Even if I ask Uncle William topete with Joseph, it is hard to maintain the present status of Runestone Group."

    Shirley was too disappointed to hear this and patted Ruby, utterly embarrassed. "If you didn''t divorce him, things wouldn''t have gotten so worse."

    Ruby was too helpless to persuade her mother. Hesitant, she finally said, "Mom, I just pretended to get married to him. We are not real couples then, but we maintain the marriage status to follow the father''s order."

    "I know. I mean..." But before Shirley could finish her sentence, Emery stepped forward to get some water for them. Seeing this, Shirley became more irritated and snarled, "You are really a pest!"

    Shocked, Emery stopped with her mouth opened slightly.

    "Mom, what are you talking about?" Ruby was annoyed to hear what her mother had said.

    "Did I say something wrong?" Shirley''s anger rose, and she turned to Emery. "You won''t be pushed into such a tight corner without her. I am sure you clearly know how she obtained the share of the Lake family. She is the pest, and she caused you so much trouble," Shirley thundered.

    "Mom, it has nothing to do with Emery," Ruby stood up to defend Emery.

    "Why do I have a daughter like you? Why can''t you have a normal sexual orientation? What can she help you with? If you insist on living with her, you will get in more and more trouble. Your life will be destroyed by this woman someday!"

    After hearing this, Emery lowered her head and kept silent.

    "Emery, get back to the bedroom," Ruby said softly.

    Emery walked away without saying anything, but her face was pale.

    "Break up with her immediately!" Shirley shouted.

    "Mom, don''t interfere with my life!"

    "You will be destroyed if I keep leaving you alone. Youe from such a notable family, but you insist on managing a cake shop. Are you out of your mind? It must be Emery who led you astray."

    Ruby didn''t respond to her mother this time since she felt her head buzzing.

    ****

    Lilith was drunk and still went to a bar celebrating a friend''s birthday with her old ssmates. The girl kept disying affection before them while everyone around them began to kick up a fuss.

    Lilith stayed there and drank one after another.

    One of her ssmates took out Lilith''s phone and was about to give a call to Lilith''s boyfriend. However, Lilith stopped her and only drank there silently. She waspletely put in aa.

 Chapter 893 893: It’s Me

    ?

    Lilith asked others to leave first and just leave her alone there. They had no other choice but to follow her words. Lilith then moved to the bar counter and asked the bartender to give her more liquid.

    The bartender tried to persuade her to stop drinking while Lilith leaned over the bar, covering her face with her hands. Her phone was constantly ringing. Seeing this, the bartender got it through and informed the address of the person at the other end of the phone.

    Lilith looked up with difficulty, and her eyes were filled with tears.

    "Give a call to your family members and ask them to pick you up. It is not safe to stay here," said the guy.

    Lilith took over her phone and then thought for a long while, trying to give a call to her family members. A few minutester, she then made a call.

    It was almost midnight when Jay got a call from Lilith. She sobbed on the phone, and it sounded like she was drunk. Jay arrived at the bar immediately and then took her out of the bar.

    Lilith burst into tears when they got out and held Jay tightly. Jay felt upset to see this and allowed her to hold him. He heaved a sigh and then said softly, "Lilith, let me drive you home." But she shook her head, and tears trickled down her cheeks.

    "I am going to get married soon, Jay. The wedding date has been scheduled."

    Jay was almost frozen there as he heard this.

    "I am going to get married soon. I am going to get married soon." She kept muttering and looked into his eyes.

    Jay raised his hands and was about to touch her cheeks but then put them down slowly. "You are drunk. Let me drive you back,'' Jay said softly.

    "Why can''t we be with each other?" Lilith asked who was leaning against his chest.

    Jay felt his heart was broken, and he was in so much pain.

    "Do you love me? Do you still love me?" Lilith asked him.

    Jay felt his throat tighten. "Yes," he whispered beside her ears.

    Lilith smiled, but the tears kept trickling down her cheeks.

    Jay felt so regretful and wiped tears for her gently. He hadn''t touched her so tenderly for a long time. He was eager to kiss her and told her that he loved her so deeply.

    However, before Jay could put it into action, Lilith took the initiative to kiss him while encircling his neck tightly.

    Her tears fell down into his thin lips, and Jay tasted it like bitter wine.

    He wanted to escape with her and leave all of his misgivings behind his head, regardless of her mother''s warning and the dangers he might bring to Lilith.

    He kissed Lilith and held her in his arms as if she was the treasure of the world.

    The faint smell of wine floated in the air, and Jay felt he was also drunk.

    "Do you really want to go with me?" Jay asked in a low voice.

    But he didn''t get her reply.

    Jay looked down and found she had fallen asleep; although her tears didn''t even dry, Jay stared at her and became lost in a deep reverie.

    But right at this time, a whistle blow stridently interrupted his thoughts. He looked up but saw Lenard walk out of the car. He looked unpleasant when he found Lilith leaning against Jay''s chest.

    It was not until then Jay realized that Lilith was already Lenard''s girlfriend and soon she would be Lenard''s wife.

    "Thank you for taking care of Lilith, Jay," Lenard said, who stepped forward and then held Lilith into his arms. He came over as soon as he received the call from the bartender, but obviously, he didn''t expect that Jay was also there.

    "Jay..." Lilith suddenly blurted out her dream.

    Jay furrowed his eyebrows and was about to step forward.

    "I have already resigned," Lenard said abruptly.

    Jay felt he got a kick in his chest as he heard this from Lenard.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "I am not a policeman, so she is safe to be with me," Lenard added.

    After hearing this, Jay couldn''t even utter a single word. He could do nothing but see Lilith being taken away by Lenard.

    Lenard stopped the car after driving for a while. Lilith was leaning on the saddle quietly with her eyes closed. Lenard got close to her and then called her name softly. She opened her eyes with difficulty but still couldn''t tell who the man in front of her was.

    "Jay?" She muttered.

    "Lilith, it''s me. I am Lenard."

    "Lenard?" Lilith asked in reply. But it sounded like she was disappointed.

    Seeing this, Lenard was so jealous, and he lowered his head to kiss her, but Lilith dodged.

    "Don''t touch me!" Lilith said subconsciously.

    Lenard stopped, staring at her, and then said, "Why can''t I touch you? I am your boyfriend, and we are going to get married soon." He had only held her hand before in his rtionship with her and never kissed her because Lenard tried to respect Lilith. He was clear about who she loved, but even if he knew that Lenard still wanted to marry her.

    "I want to go home," Lilith murmured. She felt her head explode with pain. She remembered it was Jay, but why was Lenard there?

    Lenard stared at her for a moment and then said, "Lilith, forget him. He can give you nothing."

    "No, you are wrong. It is not his fault. It''s me. I can give him nothing," Lilith muttered in a shaky voice.

    Lenard furrowed his eyebrows as he heard the sentence from Lilith.

    ****

    The light was still on when Roy got home.

    Cassie was lying on the couch with her eyes closed. Roy treaded slightly, put down his portfolio, sat down on the couch, and stared at his wife.

    He stared at her for a moment and then rubbed her cheeks. But soon, Cassie was woken up with startled eyes. She got up immediately as she found Roy was back.

    "Why are you sleeping here?" asked Roy softly.

    "I am waiting for you," Cassie said while looking at him, who was dressed up in his pilot uniform.

    Roy was shocked yet moved by what Cassie had expressed.

    Cassie was also noticing his astonished eyes, and she was against her conscience to say those words, so she tailed off into silence.

    "I am going to fill the bathtub so you can take a bath," Cassie said in a low voice a few minutester. She stood up and was about to walk to the bathroom.

    Roy followed her, held her gently, and whispered, "You miss me?"

    Cassie flushed as soon as she heard this and then pushed him away.

    "Roy, don''t tease me."

    However, she failed to get rid of his arms.

    "Why don''t you admit you miss me?" asked Roy with a soft smile.

    Cassie didn''t answer him but only kept silent.

    "Didn''t you say that you are waiting for me?" Roy pulled her over.

    "Yes, I have something to talk about with you," Cassie replied with a sigh.

 Chapter 894 894: Love Is Simple

    ?

    Roy raised his eyebrows and picked her up while Cassie was shocked. He held her to the couch while Cassie buried her head into his arms.

    "Roy, I am serious," Cassie added.

    "Okay. Say it," He replied drowsily.

    "Well, then you must let me down," Cassie started. She felt too embarrassed to talk with him in such a manner.

    "You better say it as soon as possible, or I am not sure if I can control myself," Roy warned her, leaning closer to her and sniffing at her scent.

    Cassie was clear about what he would do next if she didn''t get to the point soon.

    "It is about the Runestone Group," Cassie exined.

    Roy looked at her, waiting for her to continue.

    "Could you stop causing trouble to Joseph?" continued Cassie hesitantly.

    "I am your husband, Cassie," said Roy with a big smile.

    "Roy, I mean, I don''t want Irish to get into trouble. She is also your sister," Cassie exined quickly.

    Roy''s arms tightened around her waist, ignored her words, and buried his face into her bosom.

    He tickled Cassie, so she struggled in his arms.

    "Don''t move," Roy warned her.

    "Well, then, don''t just keep silent. Say something," Cassie urged him, eager to know his opinion. She heard on the news recently, which upset her.

    "Although I don''t manage the Runestone Group, I have to look out for the interests of all the shareholders," Roy heaved a deep sigh.

    Cassie moved from hisp, sat beside him with her legs curdling on the couch, and responded, "But Joseph also did this for thepany''s interests. You know that all shareholders are scaremongering reds under the beds."

    Reaching out, Roy gently patted her shoulders and said, "Don''t worry about these things. I know how to handle it."

    Cassie bit her lips for a while and then continued to persuade her husband, "I know you may think I am making trouble out of nothing. But try to put yourself into Joseph''s shoes. You will realize he would never do something harmful to thepany. Now all people outside are making harshments against our families. Can you promise me not to settle these things properly? Can you do this for me?"

    When Cassie found that people made personal attacks against Joseph and said she was taking advantage of Joseph, she felt so annoyed that she wanted to argue with them directly.

    Roy''s eyes turned soft as he heard herst sentence. Then, after heaving a sigh, Roy held her into his arms again, keeping silent for a long time.

    ****

    After bing the psychological counselor of the Key Group, Fredrick made an excellent training schedule for employees. In a few days, Fredrick became an indispensable part of Key Group''s psychological counselor team. Later, Leo put him responsible for the whole team, which showed that he was positive about Fredrick''s professionalism.

    After Leo took control of the Key Group, his father hardly appeared in public. He lived abroad for a long time, having a leisurely and carefree life. When he was the director of the board, he taught Leo that he should not force someone to do something he was not willing to do, especially Joseph.

    Leo''s father had experienced a lot and seen a lot. He kept close contact with Joseph''s father as they were still young. When Joseph was very young, Leo''s fathermented that he was as cold and calm.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    He alsomented on Leo as impulsive.

    So, he made such a suggestion for Leo as he was close to retiring.

    In Leo''s opinion, what he did was what he wanted. Even impulsive, he had a try. He didn''t want to refute his father''sment. In fact, he also thought that his father was good at judging people. He had to admit that he himself was impulsive.

    Fredrick came to the door of Leo''s office with the expense application form for the next season in his hands. Before knocking at the door, he noticed Leo sitting on the chair and watching the setting sun out of the window. His back leaned against the chair. He was covered by the setting sun, looking a little lonely.

    Noticing the movement, Leo didn''t turn around and still kept silent.

    It was not Leo''s style.

    Leo was known to be kind. The employees in the Key Group loved topare Leo with Joseph, and finally, they came to the conclusion that they were so lucky to have such a nice boss as Leo. Leo was kind to his employees. He could make things easy as long as his principle was not vited.

    Different people had different management styles. Joseph was famous for his strictness, while Leo was very kind.

    After putting the files on the table, Fredrick pulled a chair and sat down.

    Leo was still silent. Nobody knew what he was thinking about.

    Fredrick lit the cigarette and just smoked slowly. He didn''t talk.

    Just in this way, they both enjoyed the most beautiful moment of the setting sun.

    When there was only a slight sunset glow, Leo spoke with a low voice, "Tell me, what is a good person or what is a bad one?"

    Fredrick smiled lightly. "There is no pure good person or a bad one."

    "The one who does something good may not be a good one, while the one who does something bad may be the bad one?"

    Leo looked out of the window and asked lightly.

    Fredrick smoked and made a beautiful smoke circle, "A person who does something good may be selfish, then he may be a bad guy, while a bad guy also has beloved ones, and when he is kind to someone, he is a good one."

    Leo knocked at the chair handrail lightly, "Irish may regard me as a bad guy." And then he turned around and looked at Fredrick, "You are also included. Your image is already not good anymore for her."

    Fredrick''s fingers trembled slightly, and then he pressed the half cigarette into the ashtray, saying lightly. "When she saw Cassie lying in the blood, my image was not good anymore."

    Leo smiled helplessly.

    "Once Joseph fails, his career will be disrupted. You are a part of the n, so Irish will not forgive youter." Fredrick said.

    Leo''s smile disappeared. He didn''t talk and just took out a case of cigarettes. He didn''t smoke it and just yed with it. After a while, he said, "The biggest difference between Irish and other women is that she is clear about what she wants. From the beginning, she has driven me out and chosen Joseph over me. So, whatever I do, I cannot transform friendship to love. Love is simple. Either love or not, friendship is much moreplicated. Superficially it hurts, but actually, it protects our rtionship."

    Fredrick smiled lightly.

    "How about you?" Leo asked.

 Chapter 895 895: You Are Brave

    ?

    "Me?" Fredrick frowned lightly. He thought of it for a while, but he couldn''t give a correct answer. Finally, he smiled helplessly, "I am not clear about my thoughts, either."

    Human beings were born to be confused. Sometimes, even a psychological counselor cannot avoid it.

    The phone on the desk rang.

    Leo picked it up. It was from the secretary''s department. The voice sounded hesitating and anxious, "Leo, someone must meet you to discuss something important with you. He added that you would regret it if you didn''t meet him."

    "Haven''t all the schedules at night been postponed? Leo asked.

    "Yes, but...he didn''t make an appointment. Instead, he asked to meet you."

    Leo frowned.

    "He said that he was going to say something about Joseph."

    Leo thought of it for a while, "Let him in."

    "Okay."

    After the call, Fredrick nned to leave, but Leo motioned him to sit down.

    Soon the secretary knocked at the door.

    A man came in.

    He looked very strong, with a big skeleton and wide shoulders. He wore a peaked cap, and under the cap, there was a pair of sunsses. His skin was ck, and his clothes were worn-out. The bottom parts of his jeans were rolled up, and there was a pair of deep and worn-out slippers on his feet. The most obvious part was the scar on his face. Although there was a pair of sunsses for cover, the scar was still scary.

    Such a dirty man was ipatible with two men with suits in the office, but he didn''t feel it was unsuitable at all. As he entered the office, he just sat down on the chair beside Fredrick casually. There was a semicircr desk between him and them.

    He smiled at Fredrick, "I''m sure you must meet me one day."

    Leo didn''t talk and just leaned against the chair, "Coffee or soft drinks?"

    The man with a scar just smiled, "It''s enough to have one piece of cigarette."

    Leo threw a case of cigarettes to him.

    The men snickered lightly and took one cigarette from the case of cigarettes. He lighted it and spat a mouth of smoke with satisfaction.

    "What''s your name?" Leo asked.

    "You can call me by any name. It doesn''t matter." The man said.

    Fredrick frowned lightly and turned around to look at him.

    "Is it strange? A name is just a code, or you can just call me ''Scar''."

    Leoughed lightly, "Okay. Then Scar, do youe here for Joseph?"

    "That''s right, but more importantly, I want to gain some bonus from Key Group," Scar said directly.

    Leo sneered, "It seems that it''s not so simple as you said that you just wanted a piece of cigarette."

    Scar crossed his legs, "I love to make friends with clever guys. You are clever, so I just turned to you."

    Leo smiled, "Say something."

    "It''s been a long time since the Key Group and the Runestone Group werepetitors. The situation should be different now. I want to help you." Scar said slowly.

    Leo looked at Fredrick again, and Fredrick was also doubtful. He frowned lightly. Several secondster, Leo sneered, "You want to help me? What do you want to do?"

    "It''s very simple. I just want Joseph out." Scar frankly spilled it.

    Leo blinked lightly, "I suppose that you made it wrong. I have never said that I wanted Joseph out." <novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "The Runestone Group is the strongestpetitor for the Key Group."

    "Business battle is unavoidable. Friends can be enemies for interests,"

    Scarughed out loudly, "Leo, now that I dare to find you, I am confident in cooperating with you. Why not just doubt me and test me?"

    Leo stared at him for a long time.

    Scar raised his hands and took his sunsses off.

    It was an unforgettable face.

    It was unforgettable not because he was handsome but because he was extremely ugly. More importantly, the scar on his face crossed over his cheek. It looked like a centipede on his face, so huge and scary.

    He put his sunsses onto the desk and looked into Leo''s eyes, adding, "Trust me. You can seed with my help."

    Leo''s eyes were deep. Nobody knew what he was thinking about. After a while, he asked lightly, "If you are so strong, you can just ask for a bonus from Joseph."

    Scar sneered, "For now, you are the only one who canpete with Joseph. What I want is not only money but also a payback from Joseph. He owes me a lot. I need to find a good partner; otherwise, I will be killed by him."

    "Oh?" Leo was doubtful. "What did he owe you?"

    "You don''t need to know what he owes me. What I need to tell you is that I have enough chips to make him lose everything." Scar was mysterious.

    Fredrick couldn''t help saying, "Why are you so arrogant? Joseph is now such a sessful man. How can you make him lose everything?"

    "Everyone has his own style. Anyway, whatever way I am going to do it is good as long as it can be sessful. I have so many chips. He was so arrogant as to ignore me."

    Leo''s brows furrowed, "Now that you are so confident, why do you need a partner?"

    "In case any conclusive case may happen." Scar replied, "Joseph is very smart. Nobody knows what he is thinking. I am also in great danger of doing it alone, so I must seek protection. Leo, everyone considers his own benefits."

    Leo yed with the cigarette. He seemed to be thinking, holding the cigarette in his mouth and lighting it after a while.

    The room fell silent.

    Only the tobo was burning silently.

    "Indeed, everyone considers his benefits." After a while, Leo spoke and smiled coldly. He spat the smoke. He looked at Scar through the smoke, "You need a payback from Joseph, and then you must need money from the Key Group, right? How much do you want?"

    Scar sucked his cigarette and then pressed the cigarette butt into the ashtray, smiling, "Actually, I don''t need much."

    He motioned out five fingers, "I just need this number."

    Fredrick asked, "$50,000,000?"

    Scar smiled, "$500,000,000?"

    Fredrick was in a daze.

    "Leo, do you think that I have asked so much?" Scar smiled, "Yourpetitor is Joseph. His social status is much beyond this number. Once he is out, the interests with the increasing shareholder are beyond this amount."

    Leo smoked and spat it out, "You are so brave."

    "Any stone in Brenda is so valuable. What I want is only the money equaling the value of one or two diamonds."

    Leo sneered, "No problem."

    "I only want cash, no cheque." Scar requested.

    Leo nipped the cigarette and said, "How about transferring the $500,000,000 through the corporate bank ount? You aren''t so na?ve, right?"

 Chapter 896 896: Sometimes I Also Defeated You

    ?

    "Leo, I do this for your sake. However, once the money is transferred through the corporate bank ount, you cannot avoid your connection to it."

    Leoughed, "I never want to avoid the connection. I will do it on my own. I am not going to hide it."

    "You are right." Scar thought of it for a while, "I will give you an overseas bank ount soon."

    "No problem."

    After Scar left, Fredrick asked Leo, "Is he trustworthy?"

    "Do you think he dares to ask for $500,000,000 just to cheat?" Leo asked.

    True. Nobody dared to do it. It was so challenging. They saw him personally. It was so easy to find such a person.

    Fredrick hesitated, "We don''t know himpletely yet."

    "It doesn''t matter. I am not interested in it. I am only interested in the chips he was holding. Leo answered.

    "Why do you do it with a corporate bank ount?" Fredrick couldn''t understand.

    Leo just smiled lightly. He didn''t answer.

    ****

    Today''s individual case was more serious, so Irish just worked overtime at the Linkus Mental Research Institute. She collected all the files again.

    It was already 9 pm when she came back home.

    As she stepped into the house, it began raining. It bumped on the windows, adding more noise at night.

    Irish opened the light.

    She noticed it was dimmed.

    She entered and changed her shoes. She looked up at the hanging light. After a while, she checked her bag and took out her phone, dialing Joseph''s private number.

    Soon, it got through.

    "Is there an alternative bulb at home?" She asked.

    Joseph asked, "Doesn''t the original one work?"

    "No." Irish had a response finally, "Are you at a meeting?" It was quiet on the other phone.

    Joseph said in a low voice, "Do not stay in the living room. Wait for me inside our room."

    "Oh, don''t bother. The light turned brighter now." Irish said immediately, "Just continue the meeting."

    After the conversation, she looked at the darkness, regretting lying a while ago.

    There was still electricity in other rooms.

    After taking a bath to ease her tiredness, Irish intended to surf the inte to check some TV shows. When she opened theputer, she saw the news about the Runestone Group again, she just closed it directly.

    Coming back to the living room, she watched TV.

    The rain got heavier. She began to worry whether Joseph had taken an umbre or not. She then realized that she didn''t need to worry about it since Daisy would not let Joseph be poured by rain.

    The sight was not sofortable. When she was at home, she liked to light it up, especially on rainy nights. Otherwise, she would feel lonely.

    Standing up, she went around in the living room and tried her best to find an alternative bulb. Holding it in her hands, she felt so startled. It was an excellent crystal texture, which touched so well.

    Irish took a nce at the alternative light in her hands and then the hanging light high above her head. She eximed about it and thought that one day when she couldn''t afford to make a living, she could sell the light.

    However, the problem now was that she must light it up, or it was so dark in the living room with floor lights only. Irish thought of it for a while. She was thinking about how she could change the broken light.

    A utility room urred to her mind. She remembered that there was a householddder within it, so she just took it out immediately.

    There was lightning and thunder outside.

    Irish took thedder out and made it firm. She put the alternative light into the pocket of her dress and then climbed onto thedder. It was just a piece of cake for her.

    Just at this moment, she felt that it was good to have a hobby of climbing. At least she wasn''t afraid of heights when she was climbing thedder.

    But��

    How to change the light?<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Noticing her empty hands, Irish took out the alternative light. Was a tool needed? She thought.

    Thinking for a while, frowned, she climbed down from thedder and began to search for the tools.

    She is having trouble thinking about which tool to use.

    Irish had the whole tool case on her back and climbed up thedder.

    Anyway, there must be a tool that could be used on it.

    But the problem was...

    A significant clue was needed.

    Irish couldn''t figure out how to change the light.

    She lifted up the shlight and thought for a while. She still couldn''t find themissure on the modtor tube.

    She had been researching the bulb for twenty minutes.

    She ended up getting annoyed. Irish felt angry. She couldn''t believe that even a simple task she couldn''t do. When she was to dismantle the light, the lift opened.

    "What are you doing?" When Joseph saw the scene, he felt so shocked, so he just shouted out.

    The shouting frightened Irish. Her body shook, and she nearly fell down thedder.

    Joseph was shocked. He even had no time to change his leather shoes. He just walked forward and supported thedder tightly.

    Luckily, an ident was avoided.

    "Go down now," Joseph ordered.

    Irish didn''t want to unt her superiority, so she just followed him.

    "Give me the tool case first." Joseph was afraid that it would be inconvenient for her to go down.

    Irish handed the tool case to him. He grabbed it and put it aside, supporting thedder constantly.

    He finally felt relieved when she went down, frowning, "Didn''t I tell you to wait for me?"

    "You are so busy, and I thought that it was only the bulb issue." Irishughed as she climbed down.

    Joseph didn''t know how to answer, so he just ruffled her head.

    "Do we need to call the repairman?" Irish asked.

    Joseph didn''t answer, quickly returned to the shoe rack and removed his shoes.

    Irish approached him and added, "Why did you just buy such a strange light? It''s difficult to change it."

    "Sully." Joseph smiled at her.

    Irish didn''t like thement, "Am I stupid in your eyes? You chose the bad light design."

    Joseph took a nce at her and couldn''t helpughing. However, he still scolded her, "Next time, if you still do this kind of task, I''ll punish you."

    Irish closed her lips lightly and smiled.

    She followed him as she saw him entering the cloakroom, probing, "Don''t we need a repairman?"

    "If so, why do you marry me?" Joseph changed his dress in front of her.

    Seeing his strong chest, Irish was full of admiration, and she praised him, "So sexy."

    Joseph changed his clothes and poked her head as he was to leave, "Hold on," He walked to thedder.

    "How can I hold it while looking at your sexy body?"

    Irish strode forward and giggled.

    "You are no match for me." Joseph opened his toolbox and took out two tools into his hand,ughing.

    Irish was not convinced, "Sometimes I also defeated you."

    "Like in which case?" Joseph got onto thedder.

 Chapter 897 897: Why Should A Man Marry?

    ?

    Irish stepped forward to help him hold thedder and looked up at him, "For example, when I was on top of you."

    "I thought you preferred the back posture." Joseph was calm.

    Irish''s blushing face could not be hidden thanks to the dark light in the living room, and she cleared her throat, "I don''t like it."

    "Why?" Joseph asked.

    Irish hesitated.

    Joseph smiled at her.

    "Because... that''s too deep." She was embarrassed to say that.

    "Which is too deep?" Joseph teased her.

    "You already know the answer, why are you still asking?" Irish red at him.

    Joseph was amused by her appearance andughed out loud.

    "Can you fix it or not?" Irish changed the subject.

    Joseph always smiled, "Pull the switch. Can you find the switch?"

    Irish nodded and acted as his temporary assistant.

    As soon as the switch was pulled, the whole house fell into darkness, and only the light of lightning outside the window could barely illuminate the sight.

    "The wire from one of themps was burnt." Joseph held a shlight and found the cause.

    She asked, "What about that?"

    "I need to repair it." Joseph looked at her with calm eyes, pointing to the toolbox.

    "There''s wire in it. Give it to me."

    She quickly moved and gave it to him, "I didn''t expect you to be excellent at everything."

    Joseph was a man who seldom joked and showed off. However, when he was with Irish, he became talkative. After hearing her words, heughed and said, "You''re kidding. Your husband was a Physics expert."

    "Really? Don''t upgrade our lights to a chemical experiment." Irish felt that he looked rxed, and she also felt calm. The recent news bothered her, but she was most worried about Joseph. Considering his strong self-esteem, she did not mention it. She thought he also did not like to beforted.

    Her joke drew a smile from Joseph, who said nothing more and began to concentrate on fixing the lights. Irish held thedder in one hand and the shlight in the other so that he could see better.

    It was a sophisticated job.

    That was why she didn''t like to learn physics, especially when it came to circuits.

    The man before her sat on thedder, absorbed in the broken wire, and didn''t feel it was aplicated and boring job.

    Irish helped him with his shlight and couldn''t help but look at him.

    Joseph''s cheek had a very faint afterglow, and the dim light outlined him. His eyes focused and serious, his slender fingers as if he were fiddling with a work of art, and she felt that his earnestness looked charming, even if he was just fixing themp.

    Inadvertently she thought of that time seeing him in the diamond grinding center, carefully polishing the diamond. She could not help but stop to look at him.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "What do you think? Pass me the pliers, small." On top of her head was Joseph''s sound.

    Then she noticed she was distracted and hurried to find the pliers ording to his request.

    Why should a man marry?

    This was a question that Irish had taken up in one case.

    Her answer was to take care of each other because there was such a fixed, like-minded person to apany you through your life. Moreover, humans were born lonely, so we needed to have such a person''spany before death.

    But she exined so much and said so much that it wasn''t as strong and urate as the feelings of this moment.

    When she came home to find that the lights were not on, when she subconsciously called Joseph, and when he told her something to wait for him to deal with it, and climbed up thedder, in such a small moment, a word lingered in her brain, "Having a husband is really good."

    It was such an idea that she understood the true meaning of marriage.

    From meeting and loving each other, the process of mutual help became the process of love for the family. Many people wereining about the boring marriage and were running away from this family to re-find the so-called love. But they all forgot that marriage was what made them a family. Marriage was a reorganization that brought back the rib God pulled out of a man. The husband was the man, the wife was the rib, and then he became aplete person. Would someone fall in love with herself alone? For those who did not think the family was important, once separated, in fact, the pain was considerable, far more than the loss of love. Irish''s feelings for Joseph were always special.

    Fearing this man, admiring this man, andter loving this man and wanting to know this man, she knew that her feeling was more than just love.

    Although their encounter waste, at least she waited for such a caring and considerate man whom other women hadn''t enjoyed. She was his unique man, and all the things he would do for her in the future were a privilege as his wife.

    This feeling grew stronger because the other half was Joseph.

    Joseph skillfully fixed themp, and Irish couldn''t wait to turn on the light. The living room suddenly became bright, dispelling the haze of lightning thunder outside the window.

    "You are good." Irish couldn''t help praising him.

    Joseph sat on adder and put his tools away,ughing. "This title is hard-won."

    "Why," Irish was curious.

    Joseph got off thedder, and she held him.

    "I brought up Jordan. I don''t want to learn many things, but I was forced to learn for him." Joseph collected thedder and said it.

    Irish understood it but also could imagine that when he cared about Jordan, he scrambled from the beginning and finally could cope. Who was born to know everything? The reason why people were calm was that they experienced heavy problems in life. However, after passing through hardship, people became mature and confident.

    She can''t share Joseph''s past. His pain, bewilderment, andmitment, she could only imagine that. She thanked him for giving her the maturity and skill of his present and future.

    She clearly understood how good Joseph was now and how much Joseph had encountered in the past.

    Joseph didn''t know what she was thinking, washed his hands, went back to the living room, sat next to her on the sofa, and hugged her, "What for dinner?"

    Irish directly lolled down on his legs, "Nothing. I''m on a diet."

    Joseph caught her face. She raised her eyes, and she could just see his slight frown.

    "What?"

    "I''ve grown fat since I married you." Irish turned around, like a Cuscuta on his body, "Women at all times need to maintain the best shape, especially married women can''t rx when their husbands are extremely handsome, and women should only turn themselves into a better version. Otherwise, if they be old looking, their husbands will use the ''nomonnguage'' excuse to kick the official wife at home and bring their mistress home."

 Chapter 898 898: How Could He Be So Intelligent?

    ?

    Joseph wasughing, "What? You have too many messy things in your mind."

    "I''m talking about the most realistic things. The official wife is not as good a mistress as a prostitute. Think about the sessful big men around you, they all have mistresses, and even some of them bring them home."

    Listening to her theories, heughed. "I admit, sometimes men like to look for excitement, but not all men, you are too arbitrary."

    "Do you want to say you are unique?"

    "In fact, I don''t think it''s good to have another woman, or I don''t have time to think about it." Joseph gathered her long hair and said softly.

    After listening to this, she felt him sweet, and she could not help but approach him. She sent her red lips, gently biting his sexy lower lip, "That is because, around you, there are too many women."

    Joseph liked her coquettish and preferred the feeling that she was clinging to his arms. She had long hair scattered in herfortable household clothes. She nested in his arms and made him feel happy and warm. He lifted his hand and pinched her nose. "Don''t you ever believe you''re unique?"

    Irish thought and asked, "Are we a one-night lover? You must have had a lot of women before."

    He shook his head and told her, "Irish, we are fate, not one-night lovers."

    "People must meet with each other," She said. "But we met in a bar."

    "Whether it is fate or not, I know it very well." Joseph put her in his arms and looked at her with fascination. "Before you, I didn''t believe in the existence of fate."

    "That sounds good." Irish leaned on his chest, and it would be even better if he could say in her ear every day that ''I love you.''

    "What do you want to eat?" Joseph caressed her back.

    Irish shook her head. "I don''t want to eat. I''m toozy to move. It''s still raining outside."

    "It''s true to say that all weight loss is false and thatziness is true." Joseph made fun of her, took the phone, typed a few numbers, said a few dishes to the person at the other end, and then put it aside.

    Irish was curious. "What is it?"

    "I ced an order." Joseph kissed her lips. "Rather than let you decide, I helped you to decide."

    Irish grabbed his cell phone as if to find the new world. Even the voice had be sharp, "You just order food for me, and someone will deliver them?"

    Joseph ignored her exims and said. "How could he be so intelligent?" Irish was so curious.

    Joseph''s ears were sore from her sound, "Your phone also has a private butler function, don''t make a fuss about it."

    "Ah!" Irish continued to be in a messy state. "I don''t know. I don''t know about it!"

    In vain, she held such a high-end mobile phone daily for only ordinary mobile phone use and only used it to make phone calls!

    "There are additional services on this one?"

    "You can''t request to go through ancient times." Joseph found her curiosity and yfulness.

    Irish''s eyes were shining. "What about the car?"

    "It''s a small thing."

    Irish was crazy again.

    If she had known it, she would have done it. She was taking the subway to work!

    Yes, Joseph was so ruthless, and because of her drunkenness, her car was confiscated! She thought he was just only saying that to teach her a lesson. She wouldn''t have thought Joseph could be so stone-hearted, restricting her from driving again.

    But she has not had enough power to go against his order. That was it! Joseph didn''t allow her to drive within a year.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Irishmuted to work every day. She was squeezed to death every single day in the subway station. She once begged Joseph to let her drive one of his cars to work.

    Unexpectedly Joseph replied to her, "No way! Cherish the sweetness when you feel bitter."

    She encountered the day of being wrapped in different kinds of cheap perfume, the smell of sweat, and sick people inside the subway.

    And that day Joseph told her that her mobile phone had a private butler function!

    "Joseph, you abused me like this, I will ask the mobile phone to find me a man!" Irish red at him in protest.

    "What was the man?"

    "Boyfriend! I will cheat you!" Irish clenched her fist.

    Joseph could not helpughing, "Now you are my wife. Please request the mobile phone to do as good things as possible. Don''t be so narrow-minded."

    "You are so stone-hearted. Why didn''t you tell me about it? Do you know how painful it is for me to go to work every day? I got up more than an hour earlier than usual."

    Joseph replied firmly. "Sleeping early and getting up early is good for health."

    "Dummy, it would be easy for you to say that because you haven''t encountered how difficult it is to take public transportation to work. I''ll show you how to take the bus or subway so you will understand!" But, Irish felt that the most troublesome thing was to live in this far location from his house, where the taxi barely reached. So, it was impossible for her to take a taxi.

    But Joseph raised his eyebrows, "No problem."

    "Tomorrow morning?"

    "Yes." Joseph was very cheerful.

    Irish exulted and waited for him to be embarrassed the next day.

    "Is the food really going to be delivered?" She put her attention on her cell phone again.

    Joseph smiled but did not speak.

    Irish began to work on the new discovery.

    In Joseph''s eyes, she was happy, and he was greatly drawn to her. He could not help but lift his hand, caressing her eyebrow.

    The man''s slender fingers tickled as theynded on her cheek, and she smiled, ying with his phone.

    "Irish," Joseph said.

    "Hmm?"

    "I''m sorry for all the gossip outside recently," he said, tightening his arms slightly around her waist.

    Regardless of any gossip in the media, and no matter how huge the gossip was before, he did not care about it. After marrying her, he finally began to worry. He would care about everything thrown at her because she''s his wife now.

    Recently, Joseph was aware that all the gossip hurt her.

    He had promised to protect her from being hurt, but now he felt he wasn''t doing well.

    These days, Joseph had been worried about Irish, afraid that she might have something else in mind, but she hadn''t even talked about what she heard outside, and she neverined to him.

    This made Joseph more guilty because she had the right toin,in about his ipetence as a husband, andin that it was because of him that she was dragged and even criticized.

    Irish remained silent despite all the gossip. She even stood up for him in front of the Runestone Group shareholders regardless of her status as a Lake family member.

 Chapter 899 899: Get Closer To Me

    ?

    They lived as usual. She ate and drank as usual, yed coquettish with him or pretended to be angry, and bargained with him as usual.

    Sometimes he wondered how much God trusted him that he gave Irish as his wife. Would he still feel happy like this if he hadn''t had her or perhaps met another woman?

    He was pretty sure that he wouldn''t be happy if he married another woman.

    Their days being a couple was quiet, which Joseph could not imagine. He cherished this kind of day and was willing to fight for their happiness.

    Irish''s head dropped, and her hands fiddled with his cell phone. Then, after hearing the words, she looked up at him and smiled, "It''s not your fault. It''s not what you want to happen. Besides, they can say what they like. The more people talk behind your back, the better you''ll live, and it will make them mad."

    Her words made Josephugh and cry.

    His affection for her is getting deeper.

    Taking the phone, he held her tight, "Don''t leave me. Apany me all my life."

    Irish breathed his fragrance, and his words stirred her heart. She gently nodded and felt happy spontaneously.

    She won''t leave him.

    He was her man, and she was his rib, wasn''t she?

    The woman''s softness made Joseph''s heart ripple, agitating her feelings. The love and warm fragrance of her breath made him respond.

    Joseph couldn''t help but hold her waist tighter.

    Until Irish gently struggled to protest.

    He bowed his head to her.

    She blushed, "You press me."

    She looked more and more morous with her hair on her cheek.

    Against her little face, Joseph''s nose gently wiped her cheek, asking, "What are you talking about? Did I squeeze you hard?"

    Irish pushed him away. "Don''t make a scene."

    "What about my little thing? You don''t care about it?" Joseph leaned towards her, and his lips gently brushed against hers.

    She couldn''t helpughing as she looked at his bulging pants. "I don''t care about your little thing."

    "I care!" Joseph said, and he grabbed her and pressed her towards the sofa.

    Irish suddenly begged for mercy, "Oh, there will be a delivery of food, right?"

    "Don''t change the topic." Joseph raised his lips with a bad smile in his eyes, "I will kiss the ce which arouses you."

    "No!" Irish pushed him as he was about to move down, "The food delivery often arrives faster, you want other people to catch us? You can do it if you want, but you must promise to finish before the food delivery arrives."

    Joseph looked at the mobile phone to see the exact delivery time, then threw it aside. He lowered his head and buried it into her neck, "No guarantee."

    "Then you can''t��."

    "How can you make up with me this time?" He was busy these two days, and when he got home in the middle of the night, she slept soundly, and he couldn''t bear to disturb her.

    "You''re cunning!" Irish was stunned by his sudden movement.

    Joseph pulled down her dress and smiled. "Then you''re going to cooperate with me."

    "No."

    Joseph pulled down his pants.

    Seeing that, Irish gasped, "At any moment, the delivery wille!"<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Joseph immediately cleared her worries, took his cell phone, and requested to take the dinner to the underground garage and put it in the elevator room. Immediately after the order had beenpleted, she was pressed back, and the astonishing temperature wrapped her body.

    Irish flushed while her heart was beating faster.

    The light flickered in his eyes, and Irish could see herself in his eyes. But soon, Josephpletely controlled her, and finally, she released herself with his rhythm.

    Joseph kept his word and went out with Irish the next day. He got up at five o''clock in the morning, but he didn''t go to thepany immediately. Instead, he went out and bought some refreshments for breakfast. He sat on the couch, reading newspapers, and waited for Irish to wake up. It was Thursday, and Irish needed to work at Runestone Group.

    They finished breakfast and were ready for work.

    "Subway or bus?" asked Joseph.

    But before she could answer, Joseph took her hands and continued, "Let''s take the subway. It is more convenient, I think."

    "But it must be crowded," replied Irish with a smile.

    Joseph said nothing but wore a big smile.

    Irish stared at him and thought he would regret it soon.

    ****

    It was very far from their home to the subway station. Although there were just a few steps from the subway station to thepany, there were many people, and it was close-packed.

    People lined up there while Irish stood close to Joseph.

    Joseph was dressed up in his suit with a portfolio in his hands. He stood out like a stork in a flock of fowls, and many women were attracted by his handsome look as well as his magnificent dress.

    "Joseph, they are looking at you. We shouldn''t take the subway today. I don''t want to be the people''s focus of attention," said Irish helplessly.

    Joseph grinned and held her in his arms.

    The subway finally came, and people all rushed into the subway.

    "You see? It is not so convenient to take the subway at morning peak."

    Joseph took a glimpse at her and then replied, "Honey, you have to adapt it if you want to change your life."

    Although the subway was overfilled, Joseph stepped in with Irish.

    Irish stood close to Joseph, her face against him. She could feel his wooden fragrance, but then she was aware that a woman standing behind him was so close to Joseph while her bosom also clung to Joseph''s back.

    Seeing this, Irish furrowed her eyebrows, but soon she felt a man behind her getting closer to her gradually. Joseph tightened his arms and encircled her when she was about to look back.

    Irish looked up at him, who remained calm under such a morous environment.

    Irish stood on tiptoe and whispered to her husband, "Get closer to me." Irish hated him having physical contact with another woman.

    Joseph followed her words and held her tightly. "Don''t rub on me," said Joseph with a smile.

    "It is because I am getting erected," said Joseph with an evil smile.

    Irish flushed soon and beat his chest. But she identally stepped on the woman''s shoes.

    The woman was irritated and then yelled at Irish loudly, "Are you blind?"

    Irish was about to apologize at first but soon changed her mind when she found this woman was so unreasonable.

    "I am sorry," Joseph said abruptly.

    The woman changed her poker face immediately and stared at Joseph. "Never mind. It is too crowded here. I know you didn''t mean to," said the woman in a sweet voice.

 Chapter 900 900: I Want To Have A Baby With Him

    ?

    Joseph said nothing but replied with a faint smile.

    Irish was so indignant. Reaching out, she pinched his waist. Joseph giggled and whispered beside her ears, "You better make concessions."

    Irish pouted but said nothing more. People wereing and going in great numbers when subways arrived at a stop. Taking the chance, Joseph took her into a corner and protected Irish with her arms.

    Irish looked at the woman who just stood behind Joseph and found that she looked so wistful when getting off the subway. A fat middle-aged man was dressed up in a suit standing behind them, and he was in stark contrast to Joseph.

    Irish took a nce at Joseph, who didn''t wear a tie and was dressed up in a casual shirt, but he still looked handsome.

    "Joseph, you have attracted many people''s attention, including those middle-aged men. Do you think they will have an erection?" Irish started to tell dirty jokes to him.

    Joseph stared at his wife, who was like a spoiled girl.

    Irish couldn''t help butugh at him since Joseph looked so helpless.

    A woman near them even took the initiative to strike up a conversation with Joseph.

    "Hey,e to sit here," said the girl with a big smile.

    Irish was astonished since she didn''t expect those young girls to be so straightforward.

    Joseph declined her invitation politely, but it seemed the girl was overenthusiastic. She stood up and then added, "Come over here. I am getting off soon." She said and even reached out to catch his wrist.

    "Thank you," said Irish, who hastily pushed Joseph to sit down and prevented the girl from catching Joseph''s wrist.

    And soon, Irish was aware that they had caught people''s attention again, especially those young girls.

    Joseph smiled helplessly and forced Irish to sit down with his arms encircling her. The girl who offered the seat looked so jealous. A few minutester, they finally reached their destination.

    Joseph still remained calm while Irish rushed out of the subway immediately.

    "What are you thinking?" asked Joseph, who found Irish was absorbed in her thoughts.

    "You caught those girls'' attention. You must be proud, right?" said Irish.

    "Why? I also took the subway for work before," Joseph answered.

    "Oh, I see. You mean you have been used to it. I so regret taking the subway with you today," said Irish, who rolled her eyes at Joseph.

    Joseph burst outughing as he heard this and then continued, "Trust me. You would never feel regret for it. You can drive your car to work tomorrow."

    "Are you serious?" asked Irish excitedly.

    "But the prerequisite is that you can''t get drunk ever again," added Joseph.

    Irish hastily promised him but then added, "I know you care about me because you know that the subway is too crowded."

    "I am just afraid that those amorists will find pickings from you," responded Joseph.

    "Joseph, could you speak normally?"ined Irish, who was clear that Joseph cared about her.

    ****

    "I want to have a baby with him," said Irish to Cassie.

    They met in a coffee house and chatted with each other. Cassie was shocked as she heard this and then couldn''t help sighing with feeling, "You changed your mind after your wedding."

    "Joseph treats me well, and I know he loves me so much," replied Irish softly.

    "Are you bashful? Are you serious, Irish?" asked Cassie with a big smile while pinching her cheeks.

    "Cassie stopsughing at me," said Irish while pushing her hand away gently.

    "What the doctor said?"

    "The doctor said that I need to nurse my body. Joseph found the best doctor for me. But Joseph said he won''t allow me to risk my life."

    "I agree with him. He is doing things good for you," said Cassie.

    "But even a healthy woman may be at risk during childbirth. This is because women are rescued from the hands of death by the doctors during childbirth," said Irish.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "But you are in poor health. It is a different case," replied Cassie.

    "But I have to change it."

    "Don''t you enjoy life without a child? It is unconstrained."

    "I can live such a life with him for some time, but we can''t live without a child for the whole lifetime," Irish responded in an upset voice.

    Cassie thought for a while and then continued, "Don''t worry. Now you just need to take care of yourself. After that, your baby wille to you."

    Irish looked so disappointed while Cassie patted her shoulder tofort her. "Take it easy. Let nature take its course."

    "How? Joseph avoids talking about it with me."

    Cassieughed, saying, "It is because he cares about you."

    Irish said nothing but heaved a sigh.

    "Don''t be so upset. I have good news to share with you."

    Irish looked at Cassie, waiting for her to continue.

    "Roy decided to support your husband," said Cassie mystically.

    A momentter, Irish then realized what Cassie had said. "Are you talking about financing and Joseph''s decision to abandon the mine?"

    Cassie nodded slightly.

    "When did he decide?"

    Cassie smiled at her and replied, "Roy just told mest night. There will be a shareholders'' meeting this afternoon. And perhaps they have started the meeting."

    Shocked, Irish gnashed her teeth and said, "Joseph didn''t tell me at all. Big asshole."

    "I can understand, Joseph. He just doesn''t hope you get into trouble. What''s more, he knows that you will support him, so you don''t need to attend the meeting."

    Irish also agreed with Cassie. She paused for a while and then asked Cassie again, "But why would Roy change his mind abruptly?"

    Cassie flushed soon and then cleared her throat to reply, "Perhaps he thought Joseph was right."

    "Although I know Roy is not an unreliable man, he is a decisive man on a critical asion," Irish expressed her confusion.

    "Who knows?" replied Cassie briefly.

    "Honey, you must persuade Roy, right?"

    Cassie didn''t reply to her but hesitated.

    Seeing this, Irish realized it was Cassie who helped her to convince Roy. She moved closer to her best friend and then said with a big smile. "Cassie, you are really my best friend. I love you so much."

    "It is just a little token for you."

    "Oh, I almost forgot that Roy is your husband now, and he must always ept your advice. I am afraid he is a pussy-whipped man."

    "Irish, stopughing at him. Stay away from me."

    "Cassie, you should have a child with him soon."

    "Hey, Irish, don''t change the subject."

    "Why not? Both of you are in good health."

    Cassie said nothing but red at Irish. "I just don''t want to have a baby so early."

    Startled, Irish asked immediately, "Why?"

    "Nothing," replied Cassie in a low voice.

    "Well, do you take some contraception measures?"

 Chapter 901 901: News About Irish Memory Problem

    ?

    "I did take the pills, but Roy stopped me."

    "You mean you don''t take any other contraception measures now?"

    Cassie said nothing but nodded.

    "Do you really think Roy has a physical disability? I am afraid that you may get pregnant now!" said Irish.

    "Are you serious?" Cassie was shocked by what Irish said.

    "Of course."

    "I..." Cassie was a little flurried, but soon she calmed down and cleared her mind. "It is impossible because my physiological period just finished."

    Irish grinned and added deliberately, "Well, then you have to watch out this month!"

    Cassie flushed as soon as she heard the sentence from Irish.

    The oue of the meeting finally came out while Joseph reiterated the two resolutions. However, Roy supported his decision this time, so Joseph finally seeded.

    Irish was so happy to hear this news.

    Irish was so pleased that she bought a pair of limited-edition heels for Cassie.

    "Do you like it?" asked Irish on the phone.

    The next day, Irish found that Cassie wore high heels, making her look even more elegant and beautiful.

    Irish smiled and felt warm to see that.

    When Joseph was busy with the business of the NO.1 diamond mine in South Africa, a piece of news about Becky was released on the Inte.

    Irish didn''t care about Becky''s news at all as long as she didn''te to bother their peaceful life. But Irish was attracted by this news which said that Becky was suffering from hysteria. What''s more, the media had confirmed that it was Becky who cut Irish''s wedding dress.

    After releasing this news, Becky hastily tried to clear the air and said it was a conspiracy by Irish. Indeed, Irish could ignore this news, but someone important also got involved in this news.

    It was Fredrick. Perhaps he thought Becky had damaged the interest of Linkus Mental Research Institute, he dered that Becky''s behavior looked like she was suffering from hysteria and suggested she ept psychological treatment as soon as possible.

    Fredrick was a well-known psychologist, and people believed in his words. His deration was like the straw that broke the camel''s back, which ruined Becky''s career.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    But Irish was confused why Fredrick would make such a deration because Fredrick was not a man who poked his nose into others'' business. No one dared to question Fredrick''s remarks, so nobody denied the authenticity of the psychological report.

    Irish called Tim and asked him about Becky''s psychological report, but she didn''t expect Tim to know anything about it since he only focused on his research.

    Irish was hesitant and wondered if she needed to call Fredrick, but she had an idea of what she wanted to ask because it had nothing to do with her.

    Anyway, Fredrick solved the trouble for her, although she never meant to ruin Becky''s career. But when Irish was ready to enjoy the sweet life with Joseph, another explosive news was released on the Inte. Cassie called Irish and asked her to look it through. Irish was shocked as she found out what the news was.

    Irish became the focus again, and the news mainly said that as a famous psychologist and psychology instructor, Irish was not qualified to enjoy the reputation anymore because she was also bothered by some mental disease. As a psychologist, Fredrick sometimes encounters some rare cases, and Fredrick took Irish as a ssical case and shared it with the audience in a TV show. He said that Irish had some memory problems, and it was hard to get her out of the trouble.

    Fredrick''s deration caused a great disturbance. Perhaps people would not pay great attention to such a piece of news if it happened to someone else because people''s memory was varied.

    However, Irish was a psychologist who got into many troubles after Fredrick shared the news with the public. However, Fredrick also emphasized that Irish had some problems with her memory, which didn''t mean she had a mental disease. But the public incorrectly ryed an erroneous message and caused great public pressure on Irish.

    And soon, the negative news was released, and Irish also felt that the storm wasing.

    Theizens began to define it as a mental disease, while others thought that Irish was incapable of helping other patients since she was also a patient herself. People were curious about psychologists, and with the development of society, people gradually focused on mental health construction, and it happened especially in those big enterprises.

    So, when the negative news was released, almost all theizens kept the same opinion. They started to make harshments to Irish because people were clear that Irish was also regarded as dream analysts.

    In this well-developed society, people''s evaluation of others was usually direct and unshielded, so people''s harshments finally caused harm to Irish, and it even became a cross-domainw above the trial. Of course, some people also thought that psychologists were also ordinary people, so it was natural for them to get some diseases that usually ur in human beings. And no one could guarantee that the doctors would not be ill in their lifetime.

    As time passed, people said that Irish should rest for some time and she shouldn''t stick to her post because she needed to be responsible for customers. Although it sounded reasonable, Irish was clear about her condition. She had some problems with her memory, but it didn''t affect her normal life at all.

    Irish was upset under pressure, and she stayed in her bedroom for nearly half an hour when she got back home. Finally, she walked out silently and began to help Mia with the housework.

    "Sister, what''s wrong with you?" asked Mia.

    Irish met Mia in an intermediarypany, but she epted a bribe from others and Irish''s picture on her cell phone. After that, the intermediarypany turned a cold shoulder to Mia and didn''t introduce her jobs, so Mia experienced a hard time. When Irish met her again in the intermediarypany, Mia hastily turned to leave but was stopped by Irish.

    Walking close to her, Irish found many wounds in Mia''s arms. Shocked, Irish asked her and then learned that herst employer often abused her. After hearing Mia''s story, Irish was startled because it rarely happened. Irish asked Mia why she didn''t resign, and Mia told her that she was afraid to lose this job because no one was willing to employ her.

    Irish was clear about the reason, so she asked her to work for her.

    Shocked, Mia looked at Irish silently with her mouth opened slightly. Mia dropped to her knees a few secondster and burst into tears. Irish said nothing more but urged her to cherish this chance.

    Irish told Joseph about her decision afterward, while Joseph just replied that he could never change her mind as she was determined to do something. Irish felt Mia was in good essence and believed that she had learned a lesson this time.

 Chapter 902 902: Do You Trust Me?

    ?

    "Irish, indeed, I don''t agree with you because she caused trouble and hurt you before. But it is just my opinion. You are my wife, and I trust you. You must be clear on how to handle this," said Joseph softly.

    Irish said nothing but was moved by his words.

    Mia began to work for them, and it turned out that Irish was right. After regaining Irish''s trust, Mia worked hard and treated Irish as her own sister. When Mia''s friends asked her how things stood, Mia always replied that Irish was kind to her and she enjoyed her work.

    That was why Mia knew Irish''s unusual emotions when she walked into the kitchen.

    Irish told her she was fine and then urged her to cook some light food. "Will Mr. Dovere back for dinner?" asked Mia.

    Irish said nothing but nodded while Mia began to prepare supper.

    Irish stood over there while making soup. She was terribly upset by the news on the Inte. Mia was trimming vegetables for cooking beside and reminded Irish to turn down the me. Reaching out, Irish was about to turn down the fire, but the heat scalded her hand.

    Seeing this, Mia was so flurried that she hastily took out an ice pack for her.

    "Sister, take care. You look absent-minded. You got hurt. Mr. Dover must be worried about you," said Mia anxiously.

    At the very beginning, Mia thought Irish was a mistress. Mia was confused about why Joseph only came back at intervals, butter she learned that Irish was not his legal wife yet. That was why she took Irish as a mistress and decided to ept the bribe.

    However, as time passed, Mia gradually found out the truth and also heard the news about Joseph and Irish''s wedding. Mia then realized that she had med Irish wrongly. Now Mia was moved by Irish''s attitude of returning good for evil, so she was determined to protect Irish in future days no matter what happened.

    Mia could also sense that Joseph loved Irish deeply; although she didn''t live there, she could feel it from the minor details. Mia found that Joseph would prepare breakfast for Irish every day. Mia was jealous of their deep love, but at the same time, she also felt relieved. It was rare to be seen that a rich yet outstanding businessman would be so considerate to his wife.

    Irish put the ice pack on her hands, which relieved her pain. Heaving a sigh, she said to Mia, "The soup is ready. Bring it to the table."

    Mia hastily followed her words.

    Joseph returned home at eight o''clock at night and met Mia in the elevator. Mia was so pleased to see Joseph back. Taking the chance, she told Joseph that Irish was upset after she was back and even got hurt when cooking the soup.

    After hearing this, Joseph hurried home and changed his shoes. It was easy for Mia to feel his anxiety, and she couldn''t help sighing.

    Irish was in the bedroom where the soft light was on. She curdled on the couch with a bolster in her hands. Irish leaned against the couch with her hair draping down.

    Joseph thought she had fallen asleep, so he made his way noiselessly.

    Stepping to her, Joseph checked her fingers to see if it was seriously injured. But Irish opened her eyes abruptly and held his neck, burying her face into his chest.

    Joseph encircled her tightly and asked her softly, "Are you upset about the news on the Inte?"

    Irish decided to be frank with him, so she nodded slightly but said nothing more.

    Joseph heaved a sigh and patted her back to console her.

    Joseph was clear that Irish always left many things out of her consideration, and even the rumors about them could not wipe out her optimism. But it was different this time because she cared about her career, and theizens''ments denied her working capability directly. Joseph knew that Irish could not ept it.

    Although it seemed that Irish often held herself aloof from the world, Joseph knew clearly that she handled the work rigorously and often disregarded meal times and went without sleep for her work. Irish loved her job deeply, but now so many people were suspicious about her work, and it must be a blow to her pride.

    "Do you trust me? Do you trust my working capability?" asked Irish while looking into Joseph''s eyes. <novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "Yes, I do," replied Joseph softly.

    "But why would Fredrick say that?" continued Irish, her eyebrows furrowed.

    Irish called Fredrick as she heard the news and asked why he would make such a statement before the public because she had never defended her.

    However, Fredrick remained silent, listened to herint, and said nothing. It was not until she finished her sentence that Fredrick then replied calmly, "Irish, I am telling the truth. You really have some problems with your memory. You need to ept a professional psychological analysis."

    ''Bullshit!'' Irish thought to herself, but she said nothing and just hung up the phone directly.

    Reaching out, Joseph soothed her frown and said softly, "Don''t worry. Everything will be okay. And it will all blow over."

    "It is just nonsense. I don''t have any mental disease," said Irish angrily.

    Joseph held her in his arms and continued, "Irish, in fact, you did leave a report to Fredrick before."

    "Do you think he will make the report public?" asked Irish nervously.

    Joseph thought for a while and then said, "Fredrick is sagacious. I think he will hand the report to your institute. What''s more, now that he has disclosed the news, the psychological institute would force him to hand over the report because he is your tutor."

    "That is his real goal!" said Irish, gnashing her teeth.

    Joseph stared at her, who looked so indignant, and patted her with a smile.

    "Irish, take it easy," said Rvan. After he finished his sentence, Joseph suddenly remembered something. Taking over Irish''s hand, he checked carefully to see if she was seriously injured. "Irish, why are you so careless?" said Joseph helplessly.

    He got up and was about to take the ointment for her but was stopped by Irish.

    "Don''t worry. I am fine. I have iced it to reduce the swelling," said Irish.

    Joseph was relieved by her words and then urged her, "Don''t cook personally anymore."

    Irish burst outughing and said, "But I have to be an all-around woman."

    Joseph patted her head gently and said, "You don''t need to be an all-around woman. You are my wife but not my bonne."

    "I am willing to be your bonne to cook for you asionally. I cooked light soup for you. Go and taste it," replied Irish with a soft smile.

    "Now I get to know why men always get fat after marriage," replied Joseph, grinning at her.

    "Don''t worry, you will get fat. Just get more exercise in the gym."

    "Okay, I will listen to you. Let''s go for dinner."

    "Could you carry me out? I am so upset today. I don''t want to walk," said Irish, like a spoiled kid. She stepped behind Joseph and jumped behind him before he could say something.

    Joseph grinned and then carried her out to the dining hall.

 Chapter 903 903: Are You Afraid She Will Hate You?

    ?

    It is always said that disasters pile up on one another. After Fredrick''s deration, the reporters began to investigate, and they were all eager to get thetest information from Linkus Mental Research Institute.

    Irish didn''t ept their interview but only replied that it was a groundless statement.

    However, obviously, those reporters were not going to give in, and they began to seek other methods to ask for information. They got in contact with the cleaners at Linkus Mental Research Institute as well as Irish''s colleagues.

    Tim didn''t respond, while the Runestone Group also didn''t give a response to the public. The principal of the college where Irish worked also avoided meeting the reporters but only told them Irish had no problem with her present work at all. However, those dog packs dug out some tidbits which said that Irish was wooed by her student on the first day she gave a lecture to the student in the college.

    Of course, this tidbit also attracted people''s attention.

    People were not interested in finding out the truth, and instead, they took it as a topic at their leisure.

    When the reporters all felt worried since they couldn''t find a sally port, Cheska, Irish''s colleague at Linkus Mental Research Institute, came forward. However, she did note out to speak for Irish; instead, sheunched a statement that pushed Irish into a tight corner. It was not until then Irish understood why people always said that they should never defend a base person.

    Cheska answered the questions of theizens from a psychological aspect.

    Since most of theizens thought that memory problems could have a bad impact on Irish''s present work, Cheska also gave a detailed exnation. She said that disordered memory could affect the mental condition. For instance, the anxiousness caused by memory problems as well as abnormal behavior, could affect a psychologist''s judgment.

    Cheska dered that Irish needed to ept a new psychologist assessment because Cheska once saw Irish fight with her client, which meant that Irish''s emotion was really influenced by her client.

    Cheska''s statement caused a stir among the public which also shocked theizens.

    "It is incredible! A psychologist even fights with her patient!" It was widely discussed by people. As soon as Cheska finished her statement, Becky also came out and said Irish fought with her in the Institute. And she even said the real psychopath was Irish but not her.

    It seemed that Becky wanted to better her image; however, Fredrick appeared to give his voice again and pressed down such humour. He still emphasized Irish''s memory issue instead of her mental or psychological issue. The humour that she hit her client was also a tale of a tub. She also pointed out that Becky was doubted to be affected by paranoia.

    Cheska''s certainty was disrupted by Fredrick. She was thought to lie. Cheska dared not to offend Fredrick, so she had to give up. She just imed that what she saw at that time was that Irish''s client just sat there, so she misunderstood that Irish hit someone.

    It was not important anymore regarding whether it was misunderstood or not.

    What mattered was that this case made the public doubt Irish''s memory first and then her mentality. Many people began to agree with Cheska and thought that the threatter made her statement from some strong power, for example, from the Runestone Group. It was known that Irish was one of the seven shareholders of the Runestone Group. She was also the second daughter of the Lakes. More importantly, she was Mr. Dover''s wife.

    Anyway, Irish was doomed to be questioned and doubted.

    It was in the Key Group, New York. After the meeting, Leo sat in front of theputer. He looked serious while looking through the hot news.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Fredrick entered the meeting room after the meeting. When Leo was looking through the news, he was standing beside the window and enjoying the outside view. He looked serious and just frowned.

    After a while, Leo closed hisptop. He said unhappily. "Why did Cheska spread rumors?"

    Fredrick didn''t realize it, so he just blinked and said, "Cheska tends to confront Irish. Their working style is different, and it is frequent for them to quarrel with each other. What''s more, Cheska desires to be the president of the Institute, while Irish is the doctor invited by my father, who is superior to her in terms of position and educational background. It is not strange for her to envy Irish."

    Leo took out a cigar and ignited it. He kept frowning.

    It was normal for Irish to be not adaptive since she was a sudden visitor at the Institute. Irish still stayed at the school, and what she epted was a different education. Even if she had been an intern, what she touched were different vocational rules. Aftering back to the United States, she didn''t know much about potential rules. In addition, Irish was arrogant. She looked not easygoing.

    In an adult''s world, those who do not go easygoing might have difficulties in vocational life. It was aplicated society.

    People did not have much time to know clearly about her. Irish had many part-time jobs, and she was in a different career atmosphere. It was extremely hard for people to clear their negativements about her.

    Talents were doomed to pay morebor, and they were often the target. Irish was their target. She had no idea about the rules. Most of the time, what they could ept was not morebor she had paid but themon value she shared. Irish went too fast, and the people who were dragged behind by her could only envy her. In psychology consulting, there were many talents. Nobody was willing to give in to somebody. Cheska could only envy her since she was also excellent.

    "Cheska dares not to say anything more. Initially, she must have thought that I had quarrels with Irish, and she wanted to be by my side, but now, she dares not to do so." Fredrick said.

    Leo spat the cigar, and he still kept serious, "But now nature has changed."

    "Are you afraid that Irish will hate you?" Fredrick asked.

    Leo kept silent for a while. He said, "If I can protect her well, it doesn''t matter."

    Fredrick sat down and took over the cigar passed on by Leo. He seemed to be thinking. "Next, let''s wait for Joseph''s actions."

    Leo shook his head, "He will not do anything."

    Fredrick was confused.

    "I know him better," Leo said.

 Chapter 904 904: Doesn’t It Affect Your Work?

    ?

    As Irish was called to the office, Tim looked not good and tired. It could be imagined that he was mad because of those reporters.

    Tim motioned her to sit down.

    Irish was clear that there was no good news for her, so she just sat down and took over the coffee passed on by Tim. She had no thoughts of drinking, so she just put it down and waited for Tim''s words.

    "Why did it happen?" Tim asked directly.

    Irish took a deep breath and said, "I am not the one who started this rumor, but your son."

    Tim frowned, "Fredrick''s actions are wrong. I will ask him about it. The key issue is why they have problems with you. I''m also doubtful of Fredrick''s actions, but I can confirm that his statement is true. Why do you just conceal it from me?"

    "I''m clear about my situation. It''s my own business, as it doesn''t affect my work." Irish said peacefully.

    "Doesn''t it affect your work? See the outsidements. Doesn''t it affect your work? Many clients have called to makeints, and they thought that I had hired an unprofessional psychologist to cheat them. They are all asking forpensation now."

    Tim knocked at the table, lifting up his voice.

    Irish frowned, "Memory issues will not affect mentality or psychology. I am clear about what reality is. Tim, they don''t trust me, but you should. We have worked with each other for such a long time. Am I emotional?"

    "Does it work even if I trust you? You need trust from peers and clients." Tim said, "I hired you with a high sry, and you are also the candidate for the president of the Runestone Group. It''s impossible for me to question your professionalism. However, the key issue is that the Institute needs an operation. It''s a profitable institute instead of a state-ownedpany or a research institute. Now, there is much negative news. We need to be responsible for our clients."

    Irish was clear about Tim''s meaning. She knew a lot about the rules of amercial society. She just calmed herself, "How can we be responsible for them?"

    Tim signed and took out a file from the drawer, passing it to her.

    She took it over and took a nce at it. She soon threw it on the table directly, saying coldly. "I refuse it."

    "Irish, there is no room for you to refuse it." Tim said seriously, "Now, what you can only do is cooperate with the authorities and do this psychology assessment. There will be no issues if there is no problem with you, and then we can give a responsible report to the outside."<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Irish stood up immediately. She looked not good, "Tim, if it is just a simple assessment, I will cooperate with you without hesitation. But now it is an assessment from the authorized organization, and you are the authority, so you must know what it means. What does it mean if I really cooperate with the checking? Is it a trustworthy practice? You put me into the trap!"

    There were organizations in each field to regte and normalize specific practices.

    The Psychological counselor was a special field, so there were stricter rules on management. The interior made this assessment of the organization, and once Irish epted it, it meant that she would be questioned as a suspected target, which negated her professional skills to some extent, and her mentality and psychology as a normal person. It was great damage to her status as a psychological counselor.

    Although it was not a big issue for her to be checked, Irish would have the burden of being checked by the psychology field. The clients had the right to choose their own therapist, and nobody would choose one who the field had checked. Each one who needed a psychological counselor hoped that their helper would be a god, not a person who even had drawbacks.

    Irish would never do this assessment.

    It was like a baby who was forced to do a paternity test. Even if it could be proved that he was his father''s biological son, he could not get rid of the fact that he had done a paternity test. He would be a ridiculous existence in his eyes or others'' eyes.

    Tim was also annoyed. He stood up and patted the desk, "I put you into the trap? Irish, I do this for you! You have done one assessment before, and now the association has taken it. What does it mean? It means that if you still don''t ept the assessment from the organization, then you will be questioned whether you are qualified as a psychological counselor. I''m sure that you are clear about which is more important. Do you still have a route of retreat now? No! I know that this assessment will have an effect on you. It will be better than being doubted by the outside. Even if you don''t do this for your own sake, could you please do it for the Institute?"

    Irish''s breath became tough. Her heart beat quickly, and she just closed her lips tightly. Her eyes became red because of anger. Joseph''s guessing was right. After a great while, she said, "I will not do the test. Do you want a solution, right? There will be not only one solution. I will resign, and then it will not affect the Linkus Institute anymore."

    "What?" Tim looked at her. He couldn''t believe it, "You would rather resign than do a test? Irish, it''s silly. Is your face so important?"

    "It''s not an issue of my face, but whether my ability will be questioned. Tim, let me ask you, will you do such a test? This test will tell the outside that actually I am not qualified for a psychological counselor position and that I have mentality issues. Do you believe that the outside will believe in the test report? It doesn''t work even if the president of the association announces it. What they really care about is not the truth. The media,izens, and even the clients will only believe in what they are willing to believe in. What is the truth? What they ept is the truth!"

    Tim couldn''t say anything. After a while, he sat back in the chair and shook his head, "You are not allowed to resign. Irish, you are evading."

    "I would rather be spected than to be identified." Irish took a deep breath and clenched her fists, "I will send the resignation letter to your email, and you can just announce to the outside that I am fired so that your reputation will not be affected."

    "Irish! Why are you so stubborn?" Tim was angry and anxious.

    Irish pulled out the office door. There were many colleagues discussing her. Finally, she just made her firm decision and said, "This is my dignity. Even if I am defeated, I will protect my self-dignity."

 Chapter 905 905: Are You Hungry?

    ?

    Irish resigned. She wrote the email aftering out of Tim''s office.

    Tim called Irish many times after receiving the letter. Irish didn''t pick it up, and Tim had to send her a message, "Why do you just vent your emotion now? Don''t you want to work in the field?"

    Irish didn''t reply to him.

    She was really annoyed by his words.

    Irish was a little bit regretful when she sent out the resignation. There were problems. She was out of impulse when she resigned, and Christy was also shocked by her actions. Christy persuaded her not to do it andforted her that there would be noplete fairness in this society.

    However, Irish had touched so much research. She stayed in theboratory when she was abroad. She knew little of the existing rules. More importantly, she didn''t want to know them. Sometimes, one''spromise would not always lead to peace and harmony. She knew clearly what it meant once she agreed to do this test.

    Sometimes, people employed in psychology were as stubborn as researchers. Irish did this for her work.

    More importantly, as she went out of the Linkus Mental Research Institute, she came across Cheska, who wore a high heel with five or six inches. She walked in an elegant way. Even the short skirt showed her pride.

    ir followed her, holding thick files.

    Cheska greeted Irish. Her smile was not kind at all, "It is not time to be out of duty. Are you going to do something else?"

    Cheska felt more envious after joining Irish''s wedding. On the one hand, the man Irish was to marry was Joseph. She wasn''t attached to Joseph. She just envied that Irish could marry such an excellent man. On the other hand, Irish scolded her at the wedding. At that time, she drank a little. Irish''s words made her ashamed.

    If one valued his or her own image, especially if a woman lost her face in front of someone, she would not see this man anymore. Cheska hated Irish so much. At the sight of Irish, she remembered the scene where she was very embarrassed.

    Irish was clear in Cheska''s mind, so she just sneered and didn''t say anything. She nned to leave directly, but Cheska didn''t let her go, "If I were you, I would do the assessment immediately."

    Irish halted her steps as she heard the words.

    She turned around and just looked at Cheska coldly. She said word by word, "That''s right. I am not you. You don''t need your self-respect, but I do."

    "What?" Cheska was angry, so she just walked forward and stared at her.

    Irish looked at her, "If you need your self-respect, you will do some moral things. You made up lies in public, and then you just justified yourself so as not to make Fredrick unhappy. Cheska, don''t you feel tired? You should hold on since you dared to speak in public, but now you are just afraid of so many things. Is it interesting?"

    "You..."

    "Don''t assume that I have no idea about your mind. You desire to be the president of this institute. Now, I resigned, and you can do everything you can to get promoted. Please do not me me for not reminding you that you are actually not qualified to be the president since you have adopted such bad ways. How can you manage it? You are not entitled to be a psychological counselor since you aroused debate for your own interests and even to be a human being."

    "Irish, pay attention to your words. I��"

    "Stop quarreling. There are clients in each room." ir was tired of their quarreling, so he just stopped them immediately.

    Cheska was still annoyed, but she also considered that there were present clients, and she just stared at Irish.

    ir came forward and pushed his sses. He looked at Irish, "Did you really resign? Isn''t it impulsive?"

    Since Irish came to the institute, ir also had problemsmunicating with Irish, except for Cheska. After cooperation on several cases, ir wasn''t contrary to her, and Irish also knew ir gradually. He was hard at work. Such a personality decided that he could not get along well with his colleagues. Gradually, he was known as "hard tomunicate."

    Irish nodded and confirmed that she had sent the resignation.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    ir shook his head and said, "I am clear on your thoughts. If I were you, I would not do the test, either. Have you ever thought that this case is really unbeneficial to you? If you leave the institute,ter you need to work on your own."

    Irish understood ir''s kindness and said, "This is the best choice."

    ir knew he couldn''t persuade her, so he nodded.

    Cheska sneered coldly and said, "Mr. ir, I think you are too rmist. What''s her identity? The wife of the manager of the Runestone Group, the daughter of the Lake and the major shareholder of the Runestone Group, she will not be hungry."

    Irish didn''t argue with them and turned away.

    Out of the Linkus, it was in the rush hour.

    The road was in a hurry, the subway and bus stops had be congested, and the road was blocked by cars.

    Irish sat in the driver''s seat, and the car remained unmoved in the parking lot.

    Sheid down on the steering wheel, feeling miserable in her stomach.

    The phone''s ringing. It was Jordan.

    His opening sentence was, "Hey, are you all right?"

    Jordan''s voice was very simr to Joseph''s. Most of the time, if Jordan''s mood was not too vtile and the tone of words was not so exaggerated, it was like Joseph''s. Once upon a time, when she got a call from Jordan, she mistook him for Joseph, who talked to her.

    "Still breathing," She replied weakly.

    "I heard about you in Washington," Jordan said.

    "Well."

    "Do you have problems with memory, really?" He was curious.

    Irish listened to him, helpless, "Jordan, do you want to sprinkle salt on my wound?"

    It was inly silly of Jordan to say, "Salt? Are you hungry?"

    Jordan was also puzzled, and then he could not helpughing, and his depressed mood was somewhat relieved. Jordan heard herugh, and the tone also rxed a little, "I could apany you to eat if you like."

    "But you are in Washington. Don''t say anything dishonest, young man," Irish was helpless.

    "Washington is close to New York by ne."

    "I''m really fine," Irish said weakly.

    He cleared his throat, "Actually, the reason why I called you today is that I want to tell you, no matter who you are, you are the best woman in my heart."

    "Thank you. I got it," said Irish, and her heart was a little warm.

 Chapter 906 906: I Quit My Job

    ?

    After attending the shareholders'' general meeting, Jordan returned to New York overnight. How hard he trained, there could be imagined even if she didn''t see it with her own eyes. When they were at the training ground, they probably won''t pay attention to the outside world, but she was happy to receive this call that day.

    Jordan and Joseph had amon point, that was, on ordinary days, they were not very good at expressing their feelings. Themon saying was good words would be hard for them to say. At this point, Jordan performed incisively and vividly because of his age. So, she was d that he had said such words that day.

    Irish told Jordan to train well, not to be disturbed by other things, but also stopped his idea of flying back to New York. When the call was over, Irish opened the real-time road checker app, which showed that traffic was blocked in a mess.

    The traffic made Irish more unhappy.

    Irish directly got out of the car and walked.

    ****

    In the Runestone Group, when the setting sun shrouded, some departments were off duty.

    When Irish appeared at the secretary''s desk, Daisy was telling the secretary about the next month''s schedule, and the secretary was very careful to record, looking up to see Irish.

    "Dr. Irish." The secretary got up in a hurry.

    Daisy then noticed her. Seeing her tired, she came forward to ask, "Are you all right?"

    Irish shook her head and asked, "What about him?"

    Daisy pointed at the upstairs conference room and said the meeting was still underway.

    "I want to wait for him in the office." She felt so tired that she just wanted to find a sofa and lie down for a while.

    Daisy hurriedly took her into the general manager''s office and personally took a cup of coffee for her, putting it in front of her and asking softly, "Should I tell Mr. Manager?"

    "No, don''t disturb him."

    Daisy heard her refusal and had to give up.

    "How about your schedule? Are you on a business trip?" Irish remembered what had happened just now.

    Daisy said Joseph had arranged for her to apany Bowen to travel.

    Irish wondered why he had to arrange her business trip with another boss.

    Daisy hesitated and said that the general manager''s attitude had been very firm, and she was his assistant, so she could only listen to his arrangements.

    "If he had sold you, would it be okay?" Irish thought of Bowen''s appearance as a Northern man, tall, slender, and rough, so he had nock of female lovers.

    Of course, there was only Joseph in her heart, and other men were also in her eyes. Now, she thought of Bowen, who was also excellent.

    Did Joseph want to match up Bowen and Daisy?

    Though thinking, Irish naturally would not say it loudly. And when Daisy heard her words, she smiled and said, "I do not have value, so it is not necessary."

    Irish also smiled, said nothing more, and only told her to be careful outside.

    Then Daisy went out.

    There was only Irish left in the huge office.

    She nestled on a ck sofa and looked up to see the curved desk across the street, where Joseph worked day after day. There were cigars on the coffee table, a brand he smoked, and she didn''t understand cigars but was infatuated with the faint smell on his shirt after he smoked. He rarely smoked a cigar in front of her. Of course, the strong smell was a little choking as it spread out.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Everyone had troubles, like Joseph and her.

    She was wondering, was it wrong toe here as she did? She came to him when she was upset, so what about when he was upset? After the meeting, the sunset outside the window had fallen, and the night fog made the ss hazy.

    Aftering out of the conference room, Daisy told him that Irish hade to the office, so when he went back to the office to see her lying on the sofa, he put his pace lightly.

    That day was supposed to be her day in the Linkus. Generally speaking, she left the office and headed home.

    Putting the files on the table, Joseph sat by the sofa and looked at her face through the faint light in the room.

    She looked a little tired and slightly pale, with a pillow on the sofa. A pair of high heel shoes was on the carpet, and her ankle bones were a little red. If he looked carefully, there was a little blood.

    Joseph frowned and reached for her foot gently, wanting to see it clearly. He just touched her, and she woke up.

    "How did your foot get hurt?" He asked.

    Irish did not speak, she rose and embraced him, nestled in his arms like a child.

    Needless to say, Joseph also knew that it must be a work thing, putting his arm around her, bing the harbor of her dependence. And then he said, "When you are in a bad mood, your hands either scalded or your feet hurt. Irish, you cannot punish yourself."

    But Irish still felt bad, tightly clutching his shirt, silent.

    Joseph noticed that she was in a really bad mood and let her rely on it. After a long time, Irish only opened her mouth, and her soft voice was weak, "Do you have to deal with the work?"

    Joseph put his arm around her, freeing a hand to look at the time, "There are two documents to be processed, so I still need half an hour."

    "Can I just lie here and watch you work?" she said pitifully.

    Joseph touched her head. "I''ll handle it tomorrow. We''ll go home."

    But she shook her head. "I just want to see you working." Her voice choked a little.

    She startled Joseph and hurriedly lifted her face. Then she felt her eyes red.

    "All right." He hastened to agree.

    Irish put her head against his shoulder and felt depressed. Joseph also did not know how tofort her, whispering, "Can you tell me what happened?"

    It shouldn''t just be for hearsay.

    Irish bit her lower lip hard and said, "I quit my job."

    "Linkus."

    Irish made a sound and then said, "Professor Tim asked me to cooperate with the association to do an assessment, but I really don''t want to do it. So, I felt angry and resigned."

    "And then depressed?" Joseph always smiled and indulged her.

    Irish didn''t speak and bit her lips.

    He reached out to save her lips from her teeth, smiling softly. "Now that you''ve made a decision, let it go."

    "Do you think I''m doing the right thing?" Irish raised her eyes and looked pitifully at him.

 Chapter 907 907: Resignation Is No Big Deal

    ?

    This look made Joseph feel pity. He kissed the tip of her nose and whispered, "Irish, this is not a moral category, so there is no so-called right and wrong, only worth it or not worth it."

    "If I had been examined, I would have pandered to them on the admission of my own problems. Even if the results of the examination are all okay? All the public likes are gossip, not truth." Irish said.

    "Now that you think so clearly, don''t be depressed." Joseph widened his smile.

    "But I lost my job." Irish''s eyes became red again.

    Joseph smiled mutely, raised his hand, and rubbed her head, "But you still have me."

    "Don''t you think I''m mad? Can''t I just feel sorry for losing my pay?" In fact, seeing Joseph made her mood better, and those indignations turned into a grievance. Yes, no matter how strong her mask was, as long as she saw him, she could not help but take it off, then unscrupulously unreasonable in front of him.

    She once told her clients that women should always deal with their problems and not impose them on their loved ones or husbands, especially their husbands. Their husbands were not their parents, so there was no obligation to indulge their irritation.

    But now she felt that Joseph was as close as her uncle and aunt, and sometimes even felt that he was more like a father. When she was unhappy, she just wanted to see him, and then she nestled in his arms and told him, Joseph, I was hurt.

    She didn''t know where this confidence came from. She felt no matter how wantonly she was, he would not dislike her.

    "Yes." Joseph had always indulged her, "You are always like that. As long as you are happy, you can make any trouble for me."

    "You don''t like me being like that." Irish was unhappy again.

    She amused Joseph. "Only you dare to be like that before me, and now you do not allow me toin?"

    Irish looked at him in the faint light, and his cheeks looked so charming and tender that she said, "Joseph, kiss me."

    There was endless tenderness in Joseph''s eyes. He bowed down and let his lips seal her lips.

    She took the initiative to hook him by the neck, raising her head to his lips and teeth.

    His breath and she intertwined, and gradually, his kiss became an initiative.

    When the temperature apparently increased, the phone on the desk rang. Joseph let her go and smiled against her forehead, "If you are so active, we''ll have to sleep in the lounge tonight."

    Irish''s mood improved a lot, gently pushing him away, "Go busy with your work."

    Joseph rose, and his smiling ck eyes obviously pressed his desire. Heforted her, "Resignation is no big deal. Irish, you have your principles. Stick to them."

    Irish nodded.

    He was such a man. As long as she heard his words, her depression was all gone.

    Joseph answered the phone.

    At this moment, she gradually felt relieved.

    While on the call, he reached out to unbutton his shirt buttons, feeling no longer so serious, a little casual.

    Irish leaned back on the sofa and looked at him with a crooked head.

    Behind him was a vast city night scene with a deep and mysterious night sky, and he stood there, and his deep voice was like the cello sound. Her heart was quiet, too, and in her eyes, there was only a tall figure.

    It should have been a call from South Africa, and he suddenly spoke very seriously, and he sat back in his chair and saw her looking at him. His eyes were smiling and bewitched by the glimmering light in her eyes.

    A woman''s most enduring love for a man was the love of worship.

    A mature, steady, and responsible man, he could do different roles at the same time, such as boss, partner, husband, son, and father. Looking at Joseph, Irish was d that she had found him.

    She felt no regret for being his rib. Joseph picked up the mobile phone to start his work. In fact, he would like to apany Irish, and he knew Irish was psychologically fragile at this time. But he saw her quietly lying there but also somewhat relieved.

    Irish was looking at Joseph at first, then a little tired, closing her eyes.

    In sleep, she heard the phone ring. And it seemed that there were subordinates reporting work. Later, her eyelids were very heavy, but her heart felt pity for Joseph.

    How could she be so cruel to divide his time when he was always working so much?<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    But...

    He was good to be so busy.

    Irish subconsciously thought that he was so busy that he had no time to focus on other women.

    Gradually she was half awake.

    She could hear Joseph''s voice exining his work, and then she seemed to see the little boy again and said to her, "Yes, I promise you to be my girlfriend."

    Then she saw herself climbing, slipping, and falling off the mountain.

    Irish gasped and suddenly opened her eyes.

    But she found that several directors stared at her. Perhaps she had just cried out to attract their attention, she touched her forehead, feeling so much cold sweat.

    Joseph also stopped his voice, saw her such state, walked across the desk to sit in front of the directors, and said, "Finish here."

    The directors left.

    Irish took a look at the time, eight-thirty.

    "I''ve disturbed your work." Waking from the dream, this happened in front of his subordinates, which was somewhat embarrassing.

    Instead, Joseph was guilty. "No, I''ve forgotten my time, and you haven''t had dinner yet."

    Irish shook her head softly, "I''m not in the mood to eat."

    "Eat something," Joseph whispered.

    He took her high heels and then took a look at the shoes, which were stained with blood.

    He looked up at her.

    She was a little embarrassed and drew her feet back.

    This action made Joseph more heartache.

    He quickly forgot about her hurt feet when he was busy. He put the shoes down and asked, "You haven''t told me how your foot got hurt."

    "Actually... It''s nothing." She felt his big hand itchy as it applied to her feet. "I walked to the Runestone Group."

    In a word, Joseph was stunned and asked, "From the Linkus to the fine stone?"

    Irish nodded.

    "Where''s the car?"

    "The road was heavily blocked," Her jaw rested against her knees.

    "You...." Joseph looked sad and helpless.

    She got used to driving. Wearing high-heeled shoes for a long distance should be unbearable for her.

    Thinking, he hugged her, "Let''s go. Next time when you are toozy to drive, remember to call me, and I''ll pick you up."

    "There are colleagues who are working overtime out there." Irish was astonished.

    Joseph was determined.

    He carried her two high-heeled shoes in his hand. And Irish felt so embarrassed.

 Chapter 908 908: I Think You’re Troublesome

    ?

    In this way, Joseph left the office. He carried her high heels, and she carried his briefcase. From the general manager''s office to the elevator, through the secretarial office, the front desk and administrative office, and then the distribution of the various departments, Joseph''s whereabouts were not a secret.

    There was an assistant secretary who was not off duty because the general manager did not leave, she was naturally afraid to go. Neither did Daisy. After going out of the office door, she saw them. There was a moment of embarrassment, and she whispered to Joseph, "Let me down."

    Joseph turned a deaf ear and didn''t n to let her down.

    Irish watched Daisy and the assistant secretary walk forward. And there was not even a hiding ce, and then, she clearly saw the assistant secretary''s strong, suppressed shock look.

    But Daisy was very calm. In this scene, she seemed very familiar, so she came forward to ask Joseph for other work arrangements. Joseph no longer had any work arrangements, letting them leave early.

    Leaving the Secretariat, Irish felt her back with many eyesight on and felt the assistant secretary''s astonished eyes still following them.

    "I''ll beughed at," Irish couldn''t help but say a word to Joseph.

    Joseph just nced at her, "Just ignore them."

    Irish closed her mouth and hugged him.

    The executive office was already off, but marketing and public rtions staff were still there. There was a meeting between marketing and public rtions. When the meeting was just over, they ran into Joseph and Irish. The two directors were shocked, while some female employees screamed out.

    They were shocked after seeing the scene.

    Joseph was usually unsmiling, he was extremely serious about work and his woman, but today they saw him doing such an unusual act. Unexpectedly he still had a woman''s high heels in his hand.

    Although this woman was his own wife, this kind of action did not ord with Joseph''s general characteristics.

    This scene was so magnificent.

    But Irish wanted to dig a hole to hide in.

    Did she embarrass Joseph?

    Simply burying her face deep in his neck and automatically shielding her eyes reminded her of the ostrich in the ostrich factory when she went to South Africa. She was now the one who buried her head in the sand.

    Outside thepany, Irish just quietly looked back, finding that some female employees ran to the door to peek. Her heart was beating fast. Compared to otherpanies, the Runestone Group employees were not very gossipy, now, this movepletely inspired the most primitive human gossip essence.

    "I don''t think that''s good," said Irish awkwardly.

    Joseph did not understand her meaning, asking, "My back hurts you?"

    "No." It wasfortable on his back, of course. His back was wide and safe. "I mean, it''s going to affect your image as a boss.

    Joseph only then understood, "I carry my own wife, not another woman, how would it affect my image?"

    Listening to his words, Irish felt sweet in her heart, staring at his side face, "That is not a good impact."

    Joseph nced at her and smiled, "Irish, people cannot deliberately mistake the truth. For example, if you want to eat, then will you choose a beautiful bowl? If you review before the exam, will you need to choose a beautiful pen? The truth is, you just want to fill your stomach and review before the exam just to pass it. Your feet got hurt, that''s why I carried you on my back. It''s basic fundamentals, and what you''re worried about is meaningless remarks from other people?"

    "Are you a good teacher in yourst life, and you are so keen to teach people?" Irish breathed his fragrance, and her heart was full of happiness.

    Joseph smiled softly, "It''s right to be reasonable, but I didn''t teach you a lesson."

    Irish leaned closer to his ear, "In fact, you spent most of your time teaching me."

    "You mean at night?" He lowered his voice.

    The woman''s fragrance and soft breath crept into his nose. Joseph felt his heartbeat speed up. It was time to leave work, so his tone became slightly sexy.

    "I didn''t say that," She blushed.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Joseph smiled but did not speak.

    Towards the elevator, Irish immediately patted him on the shoulder, "I think we should use the stairs."

    Joseph was speechless, "Not by elevator?"

    "I''m afraid there are a lot of people in the elevator," She said with a smile.

    Joseph shook his head helplessly, "I can really toss people."

    "Do you think I''m heavy, or do you admit you''re out of energy?" She asked with a wide grin.

    Joseph replied, "I think you''re troublesome."

    Then he went into the staircase and carried her down the stairs.

    The Runestone Group was a high-rise building, so it has a great distance from the first floor to the ground floor, not to mention they are heading down using the stairs. How many office workers in even five or six floors would choose to use the elevator, not to mention the staff in the Runestone Group?

    But Joseph also had noints, walking down step by step at a steady pace.

    Irish was on his back, feeling veryfortable and moved. However, she knew well that he was content with her unconditional request.

    There was no one on the staircase, just two of them.

    There was a faint light, making the whole space quiet and sweet.

    "Joseph." She opened her mouthzily.

    "Hm?"

    Irish looked at his side face and said, "Tell me about your childhood."

    He was astonished in a sh but soon disappeared, and with the dim light in the staircase, Irish did not see the change in his expression. He raised his lips slightly and asked, "What do you want to hear?"

    Irish thought, "I want to know how you stay in the Light Town. You said you lived there for a while."

    Joseph''s eyes fell on every careful step he made on the staircase, saying, "It''s normal for a child to follow parents to live in their workce."

    "How long have you lived there?"

    Joseph thought for a while, "About half a year."

    "Then you went abroad?"

    Joseph smiled faintly, "Hmm�� when I was a child, I often followed my parents everywhere, like South Africa and Russia, to practice the craft."

    "So, you didn''t go to school?"

    "I went to a lot of schools."

    Irish was shocked, "You''re so good that you can get a doctorate."

    "Now I can understand that since you have been to so many countries since childhood, you have learned a lot ofnguages?"

    Joseph pondered, "Maybe."

    She had heard him speak British English, French, and even Spanish, and his pronunciation was urate. If she had listened to him with her eyes closed, she would have mistaken him for a native. This must not be the tone that can be learned at a foreignnguage organization, and he would adjust his choice of thenguage quickly ording to the situation. For instance, when he was facing a British client, then he spoke British English, which was very simple, and many Britons would still respect the tone of their own country. Some even did not understand American English, so some details could be neglected. He knew the customs of some countries very well. On her part, she had been abroad for so many years, and she had spoken pure American English, but, in fact, if the locals had listened to her, there would have been some difference.

 Chapter 909 909: The Little Boy

    ?

    He replied carelessly, but Irish wanted to know more about his past.

    Thinking about it, she started using the other way.

    "You and Jordan look like your father. After looking at the pictures, I can tell that a lot of women will fall madly in love with your father," Shemented.

    Joseph replied softly, "My father only loves my mother."

    "That''s good."

    Joseph did not answer, only bowed his head and continued to walk.

    Irish suddenly felt that the atmosphere was a little dull, mainly because he did not speak. She felt that he probably thought of his parents and was depressed; therefore, she did not dare to further the conversation.

    After a while, she whispered, "I think it''s strange."

    "Why?"

    Irish clung to him, "Do you remember me telling you about the little boy in my dream?"

    He nodded.

    "Sometimes I think you are like him," Irish blurted out.

    A faint light shed the bottom of Joseph''s eyes. He pressed down and said, "I make you feel like a child?"

    "That''s not what I mean," Irish thought he had misunderstood her and exined, "I mean, the feeling you''ve given me is very simr to that child."

    Joseph smiled and did not answer.

    "See, if he does exist, and suddenly one day he shows up in front of me and asks me to be his girlfriend," She asked, looking at his side face.

    "You are my wife now."

    Unfortunately, Irish did not notice his reaction,ughing, "I made him promise to wait for me to grow up and then be my boyfriend."

    Joseph turned his head and looked at her. He didn''t speak anymore, but he bit her gently on the arm.

    This made her feel itchy, and she lifted her fist to beat him.

    Irish didn''t ask anymore.

    Joseph carried her, but he was pondering.

    Yes, it was his faith that was not firm enough. He used to think that it was only a glimpse and they would never meet again, but asionally he would take out the memory of the little girl in the alley when he missed her, but he forgot that fate was so wonderful.

    He wanted to say to Irish, "Honey, I was wrong for not believing our fate."

    I missed the best time when we met before and met you at the wrong time. I used to not believe in the value of love, and I gave up on a ridiculous marriage.

    Irish��

    Yeah, why didn''t he think of it? She had been so enthusiastic since she was a kid, tearing at the corners of his clothes and crying and begging him to be his girlfriend.

    Yes, she was the only one in the world who was so fearless and naughty.

    ****

    The next day, the news of Irish''s resignation spread like wildfire.

    Of course, being so widely attentive as a psychologist owed much to her status as a shareholder in the Runestone Group, which prompted reporters to flock to the press as if they had dug up the treasure.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Professor Tim confirmed the truth about Irish''s resignation. He said that Irish had quit her job.

    For Irish, it somewhat saved her face.

    And that day, when the Inte enjoyed talking about her, Irish was sleeping beautifully.

    Thick curtains obscured the gorgeous sunshine.

    On the carpet under the couch, scattered the woman''s underwear.

    When she woke up, her whole body was exhausted, and there was a kiss print on the beautiful gully.

    After ncing at the time, it was over ten o''clock in the morning.

    The man on the other side had already gone to work with falling hair on his pillow. She quickly stretched out her hand and twirled it softly.

    After a few stretches, she sat up and found a raft.

    Joseph left it, and the character style was strong: No party tonight, wait for me toe back.

    Very brief, not as sentimental as other men''s rafts, but somehow she could appreciate his tenderness in these words.

    She looked at the raft for a long time and felt much better.

    It was a rare day of leisure.

    After Mia came, Irish went to the flower shop and brought back arge bunch of white horseshoe lotus. Mia saw that her mood seemed to be good and followed her to arrange the flowers.

    She knew that her resignation would certainly be blown out, but not knowing how theizens and reporters talk about it, she enjoyed her freedom, and she never bothered to go online. When theundry worker came, Irish took Joseph''s shirt, trousers, and other clothes out of theundry basket. She only grabbed Joseph''s underwear for her to wash them alone and then let Mia give the rest to the worker.

    After cleaning up the room, Mia went into the bathroom to change the water and saw that Irish was washing Joseph''s underwear.

    She could not help but say, "Irish, you know, I have served a family before. They are rich, but the hostess goes out to party every day. She would not do a hand wash of her husband''s and child''s underwear, even her own. And every day, she asked theundry worker to wash them."

    Irish nced at Mia in the mirror and smiled gently, "How can the personal things be handed over to others and let them wash them? How unhygienic."

    In fact, she likes to wash his undergarments. And when she remembered the scene of Joseph washing her underwear in the town of Light Town, her heart was overjoyed.

    Mia looked at the underwear in Irish''s hand, her face inadvertently flushed.

    After eating lunch, Irish nned to go to the imported supermarket with Mia to buy some of Joseph''s favorite snacks. She did not want to eat out at night ''cause eating at home was veryfortable for her.

    But before she went out, Irish''s cell phone rang.

    The popped-upndline number was familiar.

    Irish put it through. Unexpectedly it was the president of the association who made the call.

    The association''s president called her personally, and her concern was that Irish''s resignation attracted so much attention. Her famous mentor and her teacher abroad were among the best experts in the industry so the association had to pay attention to it.

    The president of the association was adamant that she would have to do a psychological assessment regardless.

    Irish sat back on the sofa, and her tone was also cooled, "I am sorry, I have resigned, and I believe you have seen this news."

    The sunlight poured into the room in the afternoon, but it didn''t bring her any warmth.

    Mia was silent beside Irish, who was wearing a worried look.

    Actually, Irish was a good-tempered woman, and she was always easy to get along with, but Mia also got to know what happened to Irish in recent days, and she felt indignant. Irish was in a good mood in the morning, while Mia also felt relieved, but now Irish looked gloomy again.

 Chapter 910 910: Confronting Fredrick - 1

    ?

    Mia hated the man on the other side of the phone, and she was eager to take over the phone and ask the man not to annoy Irish ever again.

    The president of the Psychological Association didn''t get annoyed by Irish''s poor attitude but then continued, "I know you have resigned, but aren''t you going to be in this business anymore? Irish, it is impossible for you to work on your own in the psychological field. I am sure you are clear that if you are not going to save your reputation, people will not admit your working capability at home and abroad. The only way to prove yourself is to ept the psychological assessment."

    "I admit that I have some memory problems. Unfortunately, someone in the psychological association has taken away my psychological report from Fredrick. I am sure you are clear about it."

    "But the assessment was made by Fredrick, your tutor. So you need to ept further treatment."

    Irish tried to calm down and gnashed her teeth to continue, "No, I am not going to ept any treatment or examination in the hospital. And I won''t work in the psychological field anymore." Irish hung up the phone as she finished the sentence.

    Soon her phone rang again, but this time Irish didn''t answer it but hung up again.

    Hesitant, Mia still stepped to her and asked, "Sister, are you okay?"

    Irish said nothing but just shook her head slightly, and obviously, she was disturbed by the man at the other end of the phone.

    Irish put her hands in her hair and lowered her head.

    Irish looked absent-minded when she went to the supermarket with Mia. It was not until Mia reminded her that she had taken several repeat goods that Irish realized that she had lost her thoughts for a long while. A momentter, her phone rang again.

    Irish was in a bad mood and thought it must be the president of the psychological association, so she took out the phone indignantly. However, it was Cassie who called her this time.

    Irish put it through, but it sounded like Cassie was more irritated than Irish.

    "Fredrick did that deliberately, right?" asked Cassie directly.

    Hesitant, Irish was at a loss for what to say.

    Obviously, Cassie got to know she had resigned.

    A few secondster, she then said, "Cassie, leave it alone."

    "Why? You are my best friend. I am not going to leave it alone," said Cassie indignantly. "He really went too far," added Cassie.

    Cassie hung up the phone as she finished her sentence.

    Standing there in the stillness for a long while, Irish hesitated to meet Cassie at once because she was afraid Cassie woulde to Fredrick. Thinking of this, Irish made a call to Roy without hesitation.

    Luckily Roy happened to finish his flight and answered the phone immediately.

    But to her surprise, it was Roy who took the initiative to talk to Irish.

    "Why did you resign?" asked Roy.

    Irish was speechless at his question and kept silent for a little while. But when she was about to say something, her Uncle Steven''s call suddenly came in. Seeing this, Irish hastily started her conversation with Roy.

    "Roy, I need to make short for long. Cassie might have gone to Fredrick. Go and find her back. Hurry!"

    Roy hung up the phone immediately as he heard this from Irish.

    Irish put through the call from her uncle, but Aunt Mary''s voice was heard at the other end of the phone.

    "Aunt, I am fine. I could take some rest by this chance," Irish was trying tofort her Aunt.

    "I am worried about you. I know that you are wronged," said Mary.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "Don''t worry about me. I am fine."

    Irish persuaded Mary for several minutes and then hung up the phone.

    Heaving a sigh, Irish felt like she had fought a battle.

    Cassie got to Manhattan angry, and she couldn''t control her irritation at the thought of Fredrick''s remarks which also shocked her. But Cassie thought Fredrick was Irish''s tutor, and it was impossible for him to push Irish into a tight corner. Then, however, she happened to hear the news that Irish had resigned from Linkus Mental Institution.

    It irritated her, and she decided to speak for Irish.

    As Irish''s best friend, she was clear how much Irish loved her job, but now Irish''s career was ruined by Fredrick. Cassie could not ept it and couldn''t take the aggravation.

    Fredrick was in his office when Cassie arrived. She rushed into his office before the receptionist could inform him. Fredrick was looking through some documents, and he hastily asked his secretary out. Cassie red at him as if he was her rival.

    Fredrick was also clear about what she was here for, so he stepped to the door, closed it, and stared at Cassie, who stood there seriously.

    "Why are you doing this to Irish?" asked Cassie angrily.

    Cassie asked him indignantly, but Fredrick still remained calm.

    "What kind of answer do you want?" asked Fredrick slowly.

    "Just give me the frank opinion," replied Cassie.

    "Is it important for you?" asked Fredrick with a weird smile.

    Obviously, Cassie didn''t expect he would say this, so she stood there speechlessly.

    "Leave it alone. It has nothing to do with you," continued Fredrick calmly.

    Cassie was almost raging as she heard this from Fredrick.

    "Why do you ask me to leave it alone? Irish is my best friend. What is more important is that you are Irish''s tutor, friend, and beloved woman."

    Fredrick trembled slightly and was shocked by Cassie''s words.

    "Cassie, it''s a past story."

    "Well, let''s take the matter on its merits. Irish has resigned. Although I know nothing about this field, I am clear that she is forced to do that. How could you push her into such a tight corner?" asked Cassie, who tried her best to calm down.

    Fredrick sighed, looking into her eyes, and responded, "I believe that she would appreciate me someday."

    "Are you serious? Will she be appreciated after you forced her to give up her favorite career?" said Cassie sarcastically.

    Fredrick was helpless since he had no idea how to exin it to Cassie. "In fact, Irish is not fit for this field," continued Fredrick.

    "She has studied abroad for so many years and majored in psychology. What''s more, she even won a doctor''s degree, and she won many prizes for her thesis, but now you tell me that she is not fit for this job? Fredrick, do you still remember once you said that Irish was born to do this job?" argued Cassie.

    Fredrick didn''t want to debate with her, and he rubbed his temples and then said, "Cassie, if youe here to argue with me about this, then I have to tell you that I have nothing to say."

    "It is because you dared not to say. Fredrick, you are so weird. You said that you only want to focus on specialized research and would never be a psychological consultant. But now you have be a psychological consultant in Key Group and even brought many troubles to Irish. Do you know what you are doing at the right moment? I am afraid you are the one without a sober mind," said Cassie indignantly.

    "Cassie, you also said that you would get married to me before. But you slept with Roy and became his wife. Human affairs are always hard to predict."

 Chapter 911 911: Confronting Fredrick - 2

    ?

    After hearing this, Cassie felt as if a knife was piercing her heart, but at the same time, she also felt angry. "Don''t be so unreasonable."

    "It seems that you are raped by him. But is it the truth? Why would he rape you? Would he do that if you didn''t give him a hint," added Fredrick while raising his voice?

    Cassie started to gasp, and the scene gradually appeared in her mind, which defeated herpletely.

    "I didn''t..." mumbled Cassie.

    "Do you think I didn''t know you stayed unduly with him aboard? I really want to marry you. I know I did something wrong, and I shouldn''t be capricious. But I decided to be loyal to you. But Cassie, try to feel your heart and ask yourself don''t you have any favorable impression of him? Can you swear that you have any feelings for him? You won''t sink into his arms before if you have no other distractions."

    Cassie covered her chest and felt her heart was almost broken.

    A momentter, she then looked up at him and asked word by word, "I just want to know are you retaliating against him or against me?"

    Fredrick stood there in astonishment while Cassie looked at him, waiting for his reply.

    A few secondster, Fredrick heaved a sigh, stepped forward, encircled her shoulder, and said, "Cassie, is he good to you?"

    Cassie didn''t expect he would ask her like this, and she had no idea how to respond.

    "I have to admit that I have favorable feelings for Irish, but I realized I love you so much when you left me. Why did you marry him? I said that I don''t care what happened to you, and I..." said Fredrick in a low yet soft voice.

    "I have gotten married," said Cassie slowly but firmly.

    Fredrick held her shoulders tightly while Cassie felt the pain, but she only kept quiet. However, someone rushed into the office at the right time and shouted at Fredrick, "Move your hands from my wife!"

    Both of them were shocked, especially Cassie, who didn''t expect Roy woulde here. He was in a threatening manner, and Cassie was stunned.

    Didn''t Cassie bear a grudge against Roy? She did hate Roy for what he did to her. And when Roy forced her to marry him by some contemptible means, Cassie decided that she would take revenge on him, and she was determined to let him know how much she hated their marriage.

    But time could change everything, such as the rtionship between Cassie and Roy.

    Indeed, Roy treated her well regardless of the things she did, and Roy cared more about Cassie than Fredrick.

    Fredrick was always busy with his work, so Cassie was used to waiting for him to contact her after he finished his work. However, Roy was different from Fredrick because he would give her a call no matter how busy he was. And Roy would ask Cassie if he had a meal in time and if she was in a good mood. Cassie felt disgusted at the beginning because she thought Roy just wanted to make somepensation for her. However, Roy insisted on doing that in daily life while Cassie also felt his concern.

    Cassie often lost her temper and was reluctant to answer his phone calls. Roy was aware of this, so he stopped to call her but sent her a message. Whenever he started his flight or finished the flight, Roy would give her a message that he loved her so much.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Roy told her that he had to be responsible for her now that she was his wife. In that case, Roy cared about his safety because he needed to care for Cassie. Gradually, Cassie changed her mind because she had never been cared for by Fredrick like this.

    Therefore, when Roy rushed into the office and shouted at Fredrick, Cassie was moved by him. She enjoyed the feeling of being loved and cared for.

    Men alwayspeted with each other since they would not admit defeat.

    As Cassie''s ex-boyfriend, Fredrick was indignant since his girlfriend finally married another man, even if Cassie left him because of his mistake. However, in his subconscious, he thought Cassie belonged to him, which was a challenge for his self-esteem.

    It felt like he got a favorite toy, but as time passed by, his enthusiasm faded away for this toy. Someday, others took away his toy, and he just couldn''t ept the truth and was overwhelmed by hatred.

    Therefore, when Roy rushed into the office, Fredrick was shocked, and then he gradually looked outraged. His rage soon burst out.

    "Your wife? Roy, didn''t you know how you forced her to marry you?" said Fredrick angrily. He looked wrathful, but he still didn''t loosen his grip.

    Although Fredrick was a refined man, he was strong. Cassie wrinkled her face, and in the next second, Roy rushed forward and pulled Cassie behind him.

    "Fredrick, you don''t need to know how I married her. Anyway, she is my wife now, and I am going to kill you if you dare touch her again," Roy yelled at him.

    Obviously, Fredrick was not going to throw in the sponge, and the veins protruded from his forehead. "Come one. Do you think I will give in to your threat?"

    After hearing this, Roy was about to rush to Fredrick but was stopped by Cassie, who shook her head and persuaded, "Roy, let it go. Let''s go home. Don''t make trouble here."

    Cassie held Roy''s arms, and when Roy looked back, he happened to see Cassie''s frightened eyes. It reminded him of the scene of her lying in a bloody bathtub, and Roy felt like a knife was piercing his heart. His impulsion soon faded because Irish once told him not to stimte Cassie because she was just out of mncholia.

    Roy stopped, gnashed his teeth, and red at Fredrick. "Fredrick, I will get even with you someday!"

    "How dare you? Are you qualified to say this? You are a wolf in sheep''s clothing," replied Fredrick in a cold voice.

    Roy wore a dark face, and before he could say something, Cassie said abruptly, "Fredrick, you are right. I did have a favorable feeling about Roy, or it wouldn''t happen."

    Both Fredrick and Roy were shocked by what Cassie said.

    Cassie stepped forward and looked into Fredrick''s eyes for a while.

    "He is more considerate than you. Have you ever cared about me? I am also an ordinary woman, and I also need your care, but you ignore this all the time. Roy could do what you can and what you can''t do for me. Why shouldn''t I fall in love with him? I can tell you that I love him more than you. Shouldn''t you reflect on yourself? You said you cared about Irish, but you just forced her to give up her favourite job. You also said you care about me, but I think it is just because you are reluctant to ept the truth that the toy belonging to you is taken away by others. You are a psychologist, but I am not. I can''t give you ament with some technical terms. However, I still need to remind you to don''t overdo it, or you will get involved in trouble too."

 Chapter 912 912: Spread Rumours

    ?

    And then she pulled Roy''s arms and said lightly, "Let''s go."

    Roy was pulled by Cassie directly. Fredrick was still there. He didn''t move at all.

    Coming back to the car, Cassie was still trembling. She failed to close the door after trying many times while Roy was still in a daze. He didn''t recover until he saw her unable to close the door, and he just came to close the door.

    She wanted to cry, but she failed.

    Her fingers trembled, but she didn''t know why she did it this way.

    She kept talking silently, "If only Irish were there by my side, then she would know what''s wrong with me."

    Roy wasn''t arrogant anymore. He was like a helpless child, and he dared not to take a deep breath in front of Cassie.

    "Just drive the car. Why are we still not moving?" Seeing him in no action, Cassie lifted up her voice and shouted.

    Roy was frightened. He hadn''t seen Cassie this way, so he just responded and started the car.

    Cassie turned her head to the window, feeling upset.

    The car just stopped immediately after less than 200 meter''s driving.

    Cassie didn''t pay much attention, so her body just came forward. Luckily, she had a safety belt; otherwise, she would just rush out.

    "What are you doing? Can you make it?" She was annoyed. Roy fired off the car. Regardless of her anger, he just turned to tighten her arms.

    "It aches." Her arm still aches since Fredrick pinched it.

    Roy released his hands immediately.

    "Why did you just stop so urgently?" She massaged her arms.

    Roy licked his lips. Although he seemed to be stressed, he still asked carefully. "Then ... You said that you are now attached to me and that you love me more than him. Is that true?"

    Cassie couldn''t say anything.

    "Is that true?" Roy dared not to tighten her arms and just pulled her clothes like a child.

    Cassie closed her lips lightly. She didn''t know what to say.

    Roy was still waiting for her answer.

    "I..." Cassie hesitated. She just lowered her eyes, and her face was still blushed. Finally, she just snarled, "I don''t know."

    Roy looked at her, and he found that her cheek was a little blushed. However, his eyes were shining, and he just held her tightly.

    "Hey, just hurry up. I only asked for a short leave, and my sry will be deducted if Ie backte." Cassie murmured, but she didn''t push him away.

    "Say you love me; otherwise, I will not do it." Roy began to act shamelessly.

    Cassie stared at him, "I will not say that. Will you drive the car or not? Otherwise, I will just get out of the car."

    "How can I drive since I am holding you?"

    "Do not ask too much. Roy, I was cheating Fredrick just now!"

    "Why did you just say that?" Roy was angry,

    Cassie beat him, "I haven''t forgiven you, Roy."

    He held her hands, and he didn''t take her in a dilemma again but just said lightly, "Yes, but no matter whether you forgive me or not, I love you."<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Her heart seemed to be beating quickly, but she couldn''t pull her hands back. She bit her lips, but she began to cry when she began to speak. And soon, she raised her hands and bumped him heavily.

    "Why did you just treat me like that? Why?" She was venting her emotion.

    Roy couldn''t help holding her tightly, and he kept saying sorry to her.

    Cassie spoke and bit his shoulder harshly.

    Roy just put up with it and just let her vent her emotion casually.

    It was a tough turn from hatred to love. She struggled, and every cell in her body was screaming out how to gain rebirth. Human beings are emotional, and struggling with feelings is unavoidable. It was the same case for Cassie. She didn''t know whether she could gain growth one day, and she only knew that now she was in a bigger and bigger entanglement. Or maybe she didn''t want to admit the clearer and clearer feelings in her heart.

    ****

    Irish was standing on the stage. Today, her topic was "The Connection between a Human Being''s Dream and Personality". After ss, she was as popr among students as usual.

    One male student shouted, "Ms. Irish, please do not be afraid. We can protect you from the reporters outside."

    "Is that so?"

    All the students shouted, "Yes."

    Standing on the stage, Irish saw those young and active faces. She felt touched, so she just bowed and said, "Thank you all."

    Touch was not like a daily necessity, but life needed to go on.

    Those reporters were gathering at the school gate, and once she or her car appeared, it would be very crowded. She ran into the same experience as stars, but she didn''t have the same treatment.

    Irish received the notice from the Dean.

    As she entered the office, she saw him drinking coffee. The Dean said immediately as he saw her, "Please sit down, Irish."

    Irish noticed his movement, and she just didn''t feel good.

    The Dean put down the cup as she sat down, smilingly asking her, "Do you want some coffee?"

    Irish shook her head, "Thank you, Dean. Just say something directly."

    The Dean smiled, "Sure."

    You have called me to the office, so you must have something to discuss with me. Irish thought.

    She still kept silent.

    Irish heard the dean sigh, and soon she felt nervous.

    "Irish, you know, there has been a lot of news on you recently." The Dean said slowly.

    Irish adjusted his words, "It''s a rumor, Dean."

    Rumors were entertaining and talked about, but they might not be real. However, they would be the truth once they were identified as news.

    The Dean understood her meaning, so he just smiled, "Irish, we know that sometimes rumors are scarier than news. Rumors can destroy one person."

    Irish didn''t want to wait for one more minute, so she just asked directly, "What do you want to say?"

    The Dean thought for a while, "See, there is much news on you, and you just quit your position in the Institute and didn''t ept the request to make an assessment from the association. It''s not good for you. This is a university, and your job here is to be a teacher. Now the situation is not beneficial for you. As an employer, we should support you, but we should also take effect into consideration. I am confident in your ability, but other leaders do not think so..."

    "So, you hoped that I should quit the job?" Seeing him murmuring, Irish just said that directly.

 Chapter 913 913: I Will Pick You Up

    ?

    The Dean was ashamed, so he just cleared his throat and said, "It doesn''t mean that you need to quit the job. See, it''s quite a mess outside. Just regard it as a holiday. Have a good rest."

    Irish smiled.

    Seeing the situation, the Dean exined immediately, "Do not overthink. We are not betraying you, but out of consideration for students."

    "Understood. This case happened because of me. I will take responsibility." Irish stood up. Her expression was calm, "I have one more ss today. I need to finish it."

    "Okay, Irish, you are the most dedicated..."

    "I will leave immediately after ss. Please be sure that I will not let you be a burden." Irish just interrupted him.

    The Dean nodded, embarrassed.

    She exited the office and met her teacher, who introduced her to the school. Her teacher said that she might get into trouble.

    She came forward and asked her.

    Irish respected her teacher, so she just told her teacher that she would just leave after thest ss. Her teacher shook her head helplessly, "I was persuaded, but it was in vain."

    Irish really appreciated her teacher, and she justforted her not to be stressed and that she also wanted to rest well. The teacher got that Irish was pretending to be calm. She pulled Irish''s hands, patting them, and told her that everything would be fine soon.

    Yes, everything would be fine.

    Time could change everything. Before time could change everything, one was doomed to bear pain and torture. Later it could be found that it was not time that changed one person, but you will get released when you have put up with much.

    After saying goodbye to her teacher, Irish finished thest ss. On the way to the parking lot, Irish''s emotions broke out.

    She was just like an active volcano, and the sub-level began flowing silently. Her emotion was soaring and swallowed her intelligence. She thought it necessary to find a vent; otherwise, she would be mad.

    Sitting back in the car, Irish didn''t drive the car out of the gate. She knew that there would be reporters.

    She felt so wronged that she wanted to cry. She really wanted to shout and scold the reporters, "Shit! Is it your business even if I be an idiot?"

    She was clear about who was the initiator of evil. She hated it, and she really wanted to scream.

    The phone rang. It was Joseph.

    She saw the caller''s identification on the phone, and her tears came out immediately.

    Her pretending calmness in the office disappeared. She soon got it through and said with tears.

    The receiver was frightened by her, and he asked her what had happened.

    Irish cried sadly, "Leo must have known something. How can he just treat me like that? How can he just grab my job? Is there anything wrong? Why hasn''t Leo stopped him since Fredrick did that? He is Fredrick''s boss. He must have known that. He stated that he would not hurt me. Didn''t he promise it?"

    Joseph just waited for her shouting to subside, and then he asked her, "Are you still at school?"

    Irish didn''t answer and just cried sadly.

    "Just wait for me at school. I will pick you up." Joseph was not assured.

    Irish whined.

    Joseph seemed to set off, but he dared not to hang it up for the sake of her condition.

    He ordered her not to hang it up.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Irish was immersed in pain. She had done nothing wrong.

    Why was she the target?

    As she thought of this, she became angrier. The anger seemed to cover her sadness totally. She rubbed her tears away and just threw her phone to the seat beside her. She started the car and just rushed out.

    Joseph felt it was not good, so he called her many times. However, she didn''t hear him, and her eyes were just angry.

    Reporters sat idly at the gate of the school. Then, someone saw Irish''s car, so he shouted, and soon all the reporters prepared to lift up their cameras.

    They thought that Irish would stop her car since there were so many people. However, she had no intention of stopping, and the speed was quicker and quicker. Some reporters just rushed regardless of their lives, and they even intended to stop Irish''s car, but Irish just sped up. The reporter screamed and evaded immediately, and the red jeep just rushed out of the crowd of reporters like lightning.

    Nobody had thought that. They had not thought that Irish would be so impolite.

    Irish was thinking about why she should be polite to them.

    She just drove the car to the building of the Key Group.

    Irish was so arrogant, so the security staff went forward to stop her and asked her whichpany she wanted to seek. Irish said coldly, "Key Group."

    The security staff noticed her strange expressions, so he just hesitated. As he was to take up the interphone, Irish turned to look at him and told him that she could make a registration. She tried her best to give a smile.

    Irish''s smile was so charming that the security staff was just attached to her and gave way to her.

    Irish closed her lips lightly and turned around. As she looked at the elevator, her smile disappeared, and she was angry again.

    As she entered the Key Group, she didn''t greet the staff at the front desk and just rushed into the office room of the director of the board.

    The secretary intended to stop her, but it was in vain.

    Someone recognized Irish, shocked.

    As Irish kicked the door of the office, Leo was discussing work with his employees, and he was frightened by the motion. He raised his head and found that it was Irish, surprised.

    The secretary ran in stressfully and apologized to Leo. She then signed Irish to go out.

    Irish threw the secretary''s hands away and just said impolitely. "Today, I am here to ask for an exnation. I will leave soon."

    The secretary wanted to say more, but Leo interrupted her. He signed the secretary to leave, and then he asked his employees to leave too.

    Leo stood up and said, "Sit down, please."

    Irish didn''t move.

    Her annoyance was obvious, and Leo could readily recognize it. He was clear that Irish would scold him one day,ter or earlier.

    He closed the door and sighed lightly, "I know that you will find me one day. If you are to find my faults, I have noments."

    Irish waspletely annoyed. She just held his neck cor and pushed him to the wall, "You have noments? I have no hope for Fredrick, or maybe you are the initiator. I am not here to find your faults but just seek a fair exnation. Leo, can you vow that you don''t know anything? Now that you knew that I would find you one day, it proved that you knew it earlier. Do you make the whole incident?"

    Leo just let her hold him and stared at her. Seeing her red eyes, he felt so sorry.

    "Say something. Leo, do not pretend to be innocent!" Irish shouted at him angrily.

 Chapter 914 914: You Will Lose Her Forever

    ?

    Irish was like a sicko, and she also thought so.

    Generally speaking, Irish would never break into others'' office because she was a psychologist, and she knew she would be a buffoon who performed antics before the public while others woulde to watch the fun. Perhaps it was because of the sterile inner world of people which made them interested in such a farce.

    However, sometimes people can''t remain reasonable or calm all the time. It was like they were unable to keep calm if a robber robbed them and killed their family. Nobody could keep calm under such an asion.

    Irish could not bear her career being ruined by others again and again.

    She lost her job at Linkus Mental Institution, and now she was discharged by the school. Nobody could bear that. Of course, there were two other reasons which drove her crazy. On the one hand, Irish loved her job, and she felt that losing her job deprived her of respect. On the other hand, Irish knew that Leo must be clear about the gossip since Fredrick was the psychological consultant, and he just let things drift which made her feel bitterly disappointed. Both of them told Irish that they cared about her, but now they left her to be attacked by others.

    Leo didn''t push her away, andpared with Irish''s irritation, he remained calm and said in a low voice after a long while, "Irish, calm down."

    "Calm down? How? You made me lose my jobs. How can I calm down?" yelled Irish. She paused for a while and then continued in a loud voice, "Leo, did I do something sorry for you? Why do you push me into such a dilemma?"

    Reaching out, Leo held her arms and replied, "Irish, trust me, please. I really didn''t mean to hurt you."

    "But you did hurt me," responded Irish while shaking off his hand. She red at Leo and added, "Do you know how important these two jobs are for me? I have been working hard in this field for so many years, and I have devoted myself to my work. I love this job, and I love my career, but now all of this is ruined by you. Why are you judging my work and makingments about my present work? Why do you ruin my life?"

    "I am really sorry," said Leo. He could say nothing but kept apologizing. He was about to step in to hold her but was pushed away by Irish.

    "You have to exin to me," said Irish with her teeth gnashing and her eyes filled with tears.

    Heaving up and sighing, Leo thought for a while and then looked into her eyes. "I agree with Fredrick, and I think he is right."

    "What?" Shocked, Irish didn''t expect him to reply in this way.

    "In fact, I think you are not fit for this job. Irish, try to find another job in other fields but not psychology," exined Leo slowly.

    Irish was irritated by his words and shouted at him. "Leo, why are you saying this? Do you think you understand me? Why do you interfere with my career selection? It has nothing to do with you. You..."

    "Irish, because I love you," Leo raised his voice and interrupted her. "Do you think it is just a minor problem? Even if Fredrick didn''t make such a statement, others would discover it someday, and you would have to encounter the same problem. Irish, don''t be on the wrong end. You do have a memory problem, and that is you are in a tight corner. It is not because of Fredrick''s statement. It is better to get you out of this. You are my beloved woman, and I can''t just leave you in pain."

    Irish clenched her hands with her lips beamed into a thin line. ring at him, she then said word by word, "Leo, it sounds logical. You said that you love me, so you are going to ruin my life? Leo, you will have your own child someday, and your child will get older as time goes by, but will you kill him or her in advance just because you don''t want your child to get old?" asked Irish.

    "But if it can bring you happiness, I would like to ruin your career," replied Leo calmly.

    "Leo, finally, you showed your true color. You are really a hero, but I am not a little kid, and I am capable of making a judgment, and I know where to go. I don''t need you to tell me what to do. Well, since you put it this way, there is nothing to talk about with you. We are not friends anymore," replied Irish angrily.

    She was about to leave when she finished her sentence.

    However, she was stopped by Leo, and the next second, she fell into his arms.

    "Let me go!" shouted Irish, who kept struggling.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    However, Leo didn''t loosen his grip while his arms held her tightly. Irish could not get rid of his arms, and she was clear that Leo would not let her go, so she gave up struggling.

    "I am sorry, Irish," said Leo again. He was furious when Irish was going to leave him.

    On the one hand, he knew that Irish bore a grudge against him; on the other hand, he was afraid to lose her even if they always got along as friends. At the moment when Irish was going to step out of his office, Leo felt that he would lose her forever.

    He never felt that way, and he kept apologizing to her, but he didn''t want to let her go, so Leo clung to her, stopping her from leaving.

    Humans were selfish.

    Leo had been holding back his feelings for Irish and tried his best to keep Irish at a distance. But he clearly loved this woman deeply and couldn''t get along with her as her friend.

    Leo felt his heart was broken on Irish''s wedding day, and he felt like a knife was piercing his heart. Nevertheless, Leo kept persuading himself that his best friend married happiness, and he even forced himself to be Joseph''s groomsman to let go of his feelings for her.

    However, when Irish finished her sentence and was going to leave, Leo felt like something was striking his head.

    "You can''t let her go, or you will lose her forever," a voice told him.

    Therefore, he decided not to let her go.

    "I am not going to ept your apology," Irish struggled. "Let me go! Don''t touch me!"

    She seemed to be making her final farewell.

    But her sentence was like a bomb to Leo. In the next second, Irish was pressed against the wall by Leo.

    "What are you going to do?" Irish red at him.

    Her sharp res hurt Leo, and he replied word by word, "There are many ways to protect a person. Do never think Joseph is the only one who loves you."

    "I don''t know if Joseph is the only one who loves me, but I am clear that I hate you so much," responded Irish firmly.

    Both of them were agitated, and they gasped.

    Leo was finally irritated by Irish''sst sentence. His wisdom disappeared at the moment, and he lowered his head without any hesitation.

    "What are...." Before Irish could finish her sentence, Leo kissed her abruptly.

    She felt hurt and tried to push him away.

 Chapter 915 915: Don’t Be Afraid

    ?

    However, his chest was like a wall, and she failed to push him away.

    Gradually, Leo turned to be wild, and even if Irish had tried her best, she could not get rid of him. She ran out of her strength and beat him, but Leo grabbed her wrists to stop her from struggling. Irish felt pain in her wrists.

    She was disheveled, her hair in a mess.

    The buttons of her shirt were also loosened because she struggled.

    Leo couldn''t control himself and began to kiss her chin.

    Irish was pressed against the cold wall, but Leo''s warm chest clung to her.

    A sense of cold spread over her body, but she could not move or make a sound. Leo''s heavy breath hovered over her head, and his hands hurt her.

    It also happened once before, but this time Irish felt so desperate.

    When she exerted her effort to struggle, Leo''s hot breath was like a needle pricking into her head. A scene shed in front of her eye. It was a gloomy scene.

    She could see a blurry scene where a craggy face hid there, and the grimughter reverberated beside her ears.

    Irish felt her head buzzing, and she was suffering from the pain.

    "Let me go," shouted Irish. She exerted herself and pushed him away.

    She was clear about what he was going to do with her, and she was frightened. A sense of fear raised from the bottom of her heart.

    Leo almost lost his control, and he was determined not to let her go. He rushed to her, then held her waist, dropped her on the couch, and leaned over her.

    "Get away from me. Don''t touch me," yelled Irish, her face pale.

    However, Leo was getting more agitated seeing this. Her fear and repellent stimted him, so he reached out his hands to her without hesitation.

    Irish was getting increasingly frightened when she felt his hands over her bosom.

    She kept shouting, and her voice was hoarse.

    Suddenly, she heard a knock outside the door. Finally, the door was forced open.

    "Leo, what are you doing?" Irish heard an exasperated voice.

    And then Leo was pulled up, and Irish saw a man''s fist mming into Leo''s face.

    In the next second, she heard something break into pieces.

    Irish''s brain was in a mess, and she didn''t know what had happened. And she even forgot to get up from the couch.

    It was chaotic there.

    Someone stepped toward her and then held her in his arms

    It was not until Irish realized it was Joseph. She looked up at him while her face was so pale.

    Joseph also looked serious, and his face was dark with rage.

    He repressed his lips into a thin line, and he clenched one of his hands into a fist. His features were strongly defined, and it was easy to tell his rage from his eyes.

    Joseph was like a raging lion, and his eyes zed with fury. Joseph held Irish and fastened her buttons.

    When Irish was surrounded by his wooden fragrance, Irish held him tightly and couldn''t help trembling.

    "I am here. I am here. Don''t be afraid," said Joseph softly, but he still tried his best to hold back his rage.

    Irish was like a drowning woman, while Joseph was her driftwood. She didn''t want to let him go, but she was still unable to cry. She kept trembling, and her teeth were chattering.

    Joseph held her in his arms, and he could feel her fear.

    His nerves angrily rose because he didn''t expect to see such a scene.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    When he heard the sound from the phone, Joseph felt that Irish muste to get even with Leo.

    Joseph rarely came to Key Group, so he made a hurried journey without stopping.

    Although Joseph hardly came here, he behaved refined and civilly. Still, it was different this time because when he arrived, Joseph found that the employees were whispering to one another, so he rushed to Leo''s office regardless of others'' obstruction.

    To his surprise, many people were watching at the door.

    Although the door was closed, Joseph could still hear the woman''s screams.

    Joseph was burning with anxiety, and he broke in without hesitation. But then he saw a scene that he would never forget.

    Leo was leaning over Irish when he broke in.

    Joseph was unable to bear that, and he wanted to kill Leo.

    The employees and Leo''s assistant dared not to stop Joseph when he punched Leo. Leo''s mouth was bleeding, but he didn''t fight back. Instead, Leo just put his clothes in order and then sneered at Joseph.

    "Leo, remember why I beat you today. It is because you behaved in a filthy manner," said Joseph in a cold voice.

    "Joseph, there is still a long way to go. Just wait and see," Leo snorted.

    Joseph squinted at Leo, and his face was filled with rage.

    Joseph looked back and took a glimpse at the onlookers at the door. "If any of you tell the paparazzi what happened here today, I am not going to let it pass, so you better behave yourself well," Joseph told them coldly.

    Those onlookers hastily ran away.

    It was said that the CEO of Runestone Group always kept his word, and now it seemed that it was true. He was born with such dignity.

    "And you." Joseph looked at Leo again.

    Leo sneered, "Joseph, please take care of your own business."

    Joseph looked serious.

    After a great while, he held Irish tightly and said with a low voice, "Let''s go."

    Irish''s feet were weak, and walking was difficult for her.

    Joseph held her directly and walked out of the Key Group while most eyes were on them.

    ****

    Joseph sent her back home.

    Mia was doing the cleaning. She was frightened as she saw Joseph holding Irish. She immediately asked what had happened.

    Joseph just ordered her to take a ss of water for Irish and held Irish into the bedroom directly.

    Nestled in the bed, Irish was still trembling. She didn''t say anything as she was so afraid. Her face was as pale as one without any blood. She could only clench Joseph''s shirt and wasn''t willing to release her hands.

    Joseph just let her do that. The anger in his eyes turned to be pitiful. He touched her head lightly and called her name softly.

    Irish seemed not to hear it, and her eyes only showed nervousness.

    Mia took a ss of water for Irish. At this time, she noticed Irish''s pale look, and she was startled by it. However, she dared not to ask more.

    Joseph said that Mia had no need to clean the house and she could leave directly. Mia was concerned about Irish but had to follow the order, so she just left Hampton directly.

    "Have some water," He took the ss and served it to her.

    Irish finally had a response. She turned to look at him for a long time. Her expression made Joseph feel more pitiful for her. He just said softly, "Sorry. I should have been there earlier."

 Chapter 916 916: Lilith Was Gone

    ?

    ording to Leo''s n, there would have been worse things if he had been therete. He waste, actually. He was more regretful as he saw Irish''s frightened look.

    Irish held his neck tightly immediately, and soon her tears fell down.

    She didn''t know what she was afraid of.

    Maybe it was Leo?

    Or maybe it was the terror brought by the scene urring in her mind suddenly?

    She felt that maybe it was thetter.

    Because of Leo''s behaviour, she only felt angry.

    But Joseph couldn''t figure out what she was thinking, and he only felt that she was frightened by Leo''s actions. Although he was also annoyed as he thought of the scene, he could only resist his anger, hold her andfort her as he witnessed Irish''s weakness.

    Irish just cried beside him, "Sorry, sorry."

    Every time she said it, he would feel hurt. Actually, he didn''t protect her well.

    "Irish, you are not wrong. It''s me."

    "No." Irish shook her head. Her cheek was buried into his neck. "I made you ashamed. It must be true..." Finally, she began to have a clear memory. Thanks to Joseph''sfort and breath, her terror disappeared gradually. All in her mind were Leo''s behaviours and the scene when Joseph ran into the office.

    There must be many people who have seen the scene. Joseph must have been ashamed.

    Irish felt more and more regret. Because of her impulsion, Joseph had to be insulted by others.

    Joseph was touched by Irish''s crying. He tightened his arms and held her more tightly.

    ****

    Soon it was early June.

    It was getting hotter and hotter.

    The monthly rose twined on the guard bar and blossomed in New York''s streets, decorating thisrge city.

    In this month, the whole city was filled with the aroma of jasmine. People used all kinds of nutrition to speed up jasmine''s blooming. Many shops put one on to add a sense of aroma in such hot weather.

    Seasonal changes and the human being''s growing pains were unavoidable.

    Irish''s rumours didn''t disappear with theing of a new month. It cooperated with every sunny day like the fire, ming.

    It was the day when Lilith got married in June.

    When it was still not bright, Kelly and William were busy preparing. As it got brighter, they would urge Lilith to get up quickly and get dressed as a bride.

    They knocked at the door, but there was no action.

    William had no other way, and he just called Kelly. Kelly knocked at the door again, and then she just pushed the door toe in. She screamed out soon.

    "What''s wrong?" William came forward as he heard her screaming.

    The room was empty. The nket and pillow were put in order, and nobody seemed to have slept there.

    Kelly just leaned against the door due to terror.

    William entered the bedroom and just took up a note on the head of the bed. It read, "Mom and Dad, please forgive me. I can''t marry Lenard."

    They were all shocked.

    Lilith, this good girl, who used to listen to her parents, left the house in the morning when she was to marry someone!

    ****

    Jay had been nervous for the whole morning.

    While in his workce, he just sat there and stared at the calendar. He marked today in red. The red colour was as shining as the blood.

    Today was Lilith''s wedding date.

    He just sat there out of his mind. All in his mind was the scene where Lilith walked on the red carpet with Lenard in her wedding dress.

    He didn''t even notice the phone ringing on the desk.

    His colleague couldn''t stand it and just got it through for him.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    He just put it down after saying some words.

    "Jay." The colleague waved his hands to Jay to give him a reminder.

    Jay still stared at the marked date.

    The colleague pushed him, and then he had a response.

    "It''s time to have a meeting." The colleague said.

    Jay turned his look away and got prepared for the meeting.

    The director hosted the meeting. In the meeting, he inspired all the police officers.

    Jay was like an outsider. He didn''t know what the director had said. He even had no response when the directorplimented him.

    "Jay." Another colleague touched him.

    Jay recovered himself. Noticing everybody staring at him, he stood up immediately.

    The director smiled and encouraged him again.

    Jay stood still and said, "Policemen are for the people."

    "Good. Please sit down."

    As Jay sat down, his phone shook.

    He took out his phone and found a text message from Lilith, "Jay, could you please take me away? Let''s not take anything into consideration, shall we? I can''t marry Lenard. I love you! We are in love with each other, aren''t we? Why did we depart from each other? I will wait for you on the Silver Bridge beside the Hudson River. If you love me, please find me."

    Jay was startled as he saw this message.

    And then there was joy in his mind. That was to say, Lilith had run out of the house.

    Jay''s heart beat quickly. He knew that it was wrong to do it, but he had an impulse to do it. Actually, when he was awake in the morning, he was so sad that he even intended to grab the bride.

    However, he kept telling himself that he was not acting in a drama. This was reality. Would grabbing one''s bride happen in reality?

    Obviously, Lilith was braver than he had imagined.

    From the very beginning to now, she did something that shocked him again.

    She was at the bridge.

    She was waiting for him!

    When it urred to Jay''s mind, he stood up immediately.

    The director was frightened by him, so he just stopped speaking. Jay became the focus again.

    Jay didn''t care about the director and other colleagues'' expressions, and he just apologized and rushed out of the meeting room.

    The director opened his mouth surprisedly.

    ****

    Just today, the scolding of Irish on the inte and by the media reached the headlines.

    Was human nature good?

    At least when the public talked about this topic, they were quite joyful, and they even hoped that it could be hotter and hotter.

    When she was criticized by the public as "she would not have been like this for not being rich", she finally found out that most of them who put her down did it not because of her work ethics discrepancy but because of her status as the daughter of the Lakes, She finally found out how great their hatred for the rich was.

    Sitting in the car, Irish was unhappy. Joseph just held her shoulder andforted her softly, "Today is Lilith''s wedding, Lilith will worry about you if you still act in this way."

    They were to join in Lilith''s wedding.

    Irish tried her best to make a smile. The phone rang. It was from Roy. He asked whether Irish had connected with Lilith or not. Irish was surprised, and she asked what Roy meant. Roy told her anxiously that Lilith had gone somewhere unknown.

    Irish was totally startled. Joseph also felt doubtful, and he just took over the phone. After knowing about the whole process, he told Roy they would help find Lilith. After the phone, Irish murmured, "Could��.Jay know it?"

    Joseph dialed Jay directly. Their call time was really short. As it ended, Joseph sighed. Irish asked what was wrong. "Jay said that he would take Lilith away," Joseph said.

    Irish opened her eyes, "Is he crazy?"

 Chapter 917 917: A Failure Wedding Day

    ?

    Lilith''s wedding was totally a mess.

    The bride evaded at thest minute, which was unbelievable for everyone. However, it hardly urred in reality.

    Lenard''s family was polite. Although they didn''t look good, they didn''t scold Lilith''s family. Lenard just called continuously with a note in her hands. He still hoped that Lilith coulde back to finish the wedding.

    Kelly went crazy, and Shirley was justforting the guests with Lenard.

    "It couldn''t be hidden." In the lounge, Irish just sighed.

    It still needed to be announced to the public that Lilith had left. To some degree, the wedding of Lilith and Lenard belonged to a nned marriage, and it was made for the sake of business opportunity. It was said that arge sum of money had been paid to the wedding arrangement by Lenard''s family. The invited guests were business partners. More importantly, this year happened to be the year when Lenard''s industry was achieving integration and transformation. Therefore, Lenard''s family would take this great opportunity to promote it and invite many reporters.

    Who knew that this kind of thing would happen?

    It would be okay if only guests came, but the fact was that reporters also arrived at the site in the early morning. Lenard''s family dared not to announce it, so they just stated that there were issues with the make-up and dress designers.

    Roy and Cassie got this news from Shirley. Although Shirley tended to be unpopr in the family, she cared for Lilith a lot. She didn''t care about her quarrel with Kelly and just came to Lilith''s house intending to provide some help. And then she got the news that Lilith had left.

    Irish came to the lounge along with Joseph. She could see through the window that Shirley was always providing her with help. She was firstly surprised. Shirley and Kelly didn''t get along well with each other, and they even flew with each other once. After Lilith leaves the house, the first thought in Irish''s mind is that Shirley would justugh at Kelly. However, Shirley was also anxious about it. Irish was quite surprised.

    Ruby didn''te as usual. Maybe she didn''t know it at all. Or maybe Emery was the only one important to her.

    Roy didn''t say anything and just frowned. Cassie said, "We are all clear about Lilith''s personality. She is so stubborn. The guests will know that earlier orter."

    Joseph sat on the sofa beside the table. He walked around the wedding site, and now he was tired of business entertainment. He didn''t ignite the cigarette in his mouth.

    "Now, the main issue is to find Jay as soon as possible. He is not an impulsive one. Even if he wants to take Lilith away, he should give us an exnation. He can''t do that only for himself." He said, frowning.

    Irish came forward and sat down beside him. She said softly, "Just smoke it." And then she handed over the lighter to him.

    Joseph smiled lightly and massaged her head, throwing the cigarette in his mouth.

    Irish sighed, leaning against him, "But what can I do? I can''t get the call through. Maybe the signal is not so good. Now their parents know Lilith has left, but they don''t know the specific situation. Lenard is not an idiot. He must have known something. He just asked me whether Lilith is still with Jay."<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Cassie couldn''t stand it. She just said, "Lenard''s family is really stubborn. Lilith has given them a clear note. What are they still waiting for? Just give the audience an exnation. Lilith will note back. Last time she even went to Florida to find Jay. How strong-willed she is! Who can stop her?

    "You can''t just say that. It is rted to two families." Roy said after thinking for a while.

    Irish yed with the phone, "I agree with Cassie. Lilith escaped from the wedding, which proves that she has been forced to depart from Jay. She grew up in a good environment and is a good girl. But she also knows what she needs. It is more important than anything."

    Compared with other girls, Lilith had a long way to go to pursue her love. If she wanted to be independent, she needed to pay much morebour. Irish could understand Lilith. No matter her decision, Irish knew that Lilith was much better than many young girls born into rich families.

    Lilith was hardworking at work. She had never requested a shortcut. Just as described by Cassie, Lilith''s sry was even less than hers. William and Kelly were strict parents. They didn''t spoil Lilith, and to some extent, they gave Lilith a right to choose.

    Yes, to some degree.

    They would not put Lilith into society and let her pursue her dream in the Runestone Group. Although Lilith''s sry was small, she still did not leave the Lakes and didn''t lose her taste as a rich girl.

    In Irish''s eyes, Lilith was still in the upper ss. Actually, she didn''t have many choices. Take her love as an example; maybe she really wanted to be brave once, but she had to give up due to the pressure her family gave her. From this point, she was a girl who was obedient and dared not to revolt.

    Ordinary girls would feel strange about this kind of thing, because too many people thought if you want to love, be brave to love, but for Lilith, this was extravagant, and she wanted to break through the things that had been wrapped around her since her childhood. She needed more courage than ordinary people. Other girls could pursue love because there was no opposition from their families or other people. And they didn''t live under the richness and interests of the imprisonment where Lilith grew up. So, there was no other way.

    Like her father, under the pressure of the family, he also had to marry Shirley. A man was still so, why pushing Lilith too harshly? Sometimes Irish thought if her father married her mother, she would be the only eldest daughter of the Lakes, growing up rich, then now would she also be like Lilith?

    She believed it must be the same. The environment shaped the character. She could now do her own way because she lived with her Uncle. In other words, she grew up in an ordinary home, so she could do what she wanted. But living in a rich family, she had to ept the standard which trapped her.

    So, this time Lilith''s escape from a marriage made Irish quite admire her. Not because the other side was her brother but just because Lilith finally broke through that psychological line of defence.

    Was there anything more impulsive than love in this world?

    But solving the current problem is the key.

    "Irish, you have to leave a message to Jay. Let him take Lilith back here anyway. They can''t do that even if they decide to be together." Joseph had always been serious, which was a matter of principle, so he had always been rational.

 Chapter 918 918: Why Don’t I Match Her?

    ?

    Irish nodded and then called Jay. Unable to connect, she had to leave a voice message to him.

    Just finishing the speech, Lenard came in without knocking on the door.

    The first word was, "I beg you, please, where is Lilith? Can you tell me?"

    "We were also looking for her too." Irish looked at him.

    In love, there was no one who had the right to say right or wrong, only to pay one''s love and fail one''s expectation.

    "But you know, Lenard, even if you find Lilith, she will not marry you. Her attitude has been apparent." Irish added.

    Lenard felt irritable and yelled at Irish, "The man is your brother? She must have gone to Jay! I don''t understand. Why don''t I match her? If Lilith and Jay live together, she will not be happy! They are from two worlds!"

    Irish heard this, unhappy, frowning, "Lenard, what do you mean? How you dare! Yes, he doesn''t have money, and you have power, but he has ideas and a sense of responsibility. This is his strength; I think this is why Lilith still loves him! Don''t be too much. You rely on your own family to grab Lilith with morality, and you think you be a pure, noble person out of vulgarity? Lilith is a grown-up. She has her own ideas and choices. I don''t think anybody else can arrange for her future."

    Lenard was stunned by her words, and his face flushed.

    Just then, Irish''s cell phone rang.

    Looking at it, it was Jay. She put it through instantly.

    "You son of a bitch, what are you..." Then, after connecting the call, she scolded him, but she just said a few words, and she was interrupted by the other side, and then stood up and screamed, "What?"

    The other side again hurriedly said a word.

    "All right, we''ll be right there soon." Irish was anxious.

    After the end of the call, everyone came up to her. Lenard was more anxious, asking if it was Lilith. Irish clutched her cell phone, looked at Lenard, and said, "You must inform your family to cancel the wedding because Lilith is missing."

    "What?"

    Everyone was startled.

    ****

    Joseph pressed down Lilith''s escape from marriage and disappearance. He ordered to block the news, and the media was also bought out, monitoring the news on the Inte.

    And Lenard''s family, this time, also cooperated with the Runestone Group, maintaining uniform words, only saying that they had nothing to say about the dy in marriage for the reason that it was not a good thing. Lenard certainly did not want to be living in people''s mouths. But in private, he was unsatisfied with the Lake and decided to stop any form of cooperation with the Runestone Group.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    But also, some reporters did not listen to the advice. Instead, they immediately put the news on the Inte. Joseph was furious and sent a letter of attorney directly to the reporter''spany, which didn''t dare to offend the Runestone Group and Lenard''s family. The head of the newspany immediately apologized, made the online disinformation announcement, and dismissed the reporter.

    The media was quiet, but not everyone represented the same opinion. After all, there were so many wedding guests, so there were rumours of Lilith''s missing.

    At this time, Jay, together with Joseph, Roy, and even Lenard''s family, were in Lilith''s family. Shirley also came, standing beside them without saying any words. Kelly pressed her head, sitting on the sofa with red eyes. William was smoking, and the ashtray had been fully covered fully with cigarette butts.

    ****

    Jay frowned tightly.

    He couldn''t stop leaving the police station when he received a short message from Lilith.

    His mind was full of Lilith''s message when he rushed to the Hudson River. Every word pierced his heart. He shut all the car windows down and ration reced his haze.

    Jay was aware of how big Lilith''s wedding was. He naturally imagined her escape from marriage would bring impacts. Since he rushed to see Lilith, he must be ready to take her away. He had decided not to let Lilith face the consequences alone. But he didn''t take her to walk away, and he would take her back, back to the Lake, to tell everyone that he and Lilith were in love with each other, so Lilith couldn''t marry Lenard.

    For all the consequences, he had thought, and he was ready to face, even if William would kill him with a knife, he also wanted to do so.

    Beside Hudson River, Jay felt his footsteps could not move, so parking the car and rushing straight to the silver bridge, but she never saw Lilith''s figure.

    He thought that Lilith was just temporarily walking away. After waiting for a while, he did not see her. He called her mobile phone, but the phone was shut down.

    Jay''s heart vaguely felt something was wrong. He called over and over again, but the phone was always off.

    He began to look near the Silver Bridge and took out the picture of Lilith to every pedestrian, asking if they had seen her. But many people shook their heads. Only a small child said that he had seen the sister in the picture.

    Jay asked quickly about the situation.

    The children''s parents opened a bar near Lotus Park. Because it was the weekend, the boy did not go to school. There were few people early in the morning. Near the Silver Bridge were bars, only in the evening would there be lively. The boy said he saw a pretty sister standing on the bridge and smiled at him. The boy was afraid of strangers, so he went up and talked with her. He asked who she was waiting for. The sister answered, "I''m waiting for my boyfriend."

    The child asked, "What is the boyfriend?"

    The pretty sister replied, "Boyfriend is the one who loves my favourite friend and me."

    The question was apparently profound to the child, so the child ran away to y, and when he was far away, the child looked back and saw a man in a police uniform talking to the pretty sister, who went away with the man.

    Forgetting that he was a child, Jay asked him if he remembered the man''s appearance. The boy shook his head and only said that the man was a policeman.

 Chapter 919 919: The Clues Was Broken

    ?

    Jay asked the child''s parents again. The parents shook their heads and said they did not know about it.

    The clue was broken.

    To establish, Lilith did wait for him in Silver Bridge, but she was also missing.

    This was probably what things looked like. Jay frowned painfully.

    "Lilith goes with that man. It means there are only two cases; one is that she knows that man and the other is that man ims to be your colleague. Jay, have you ever asked your colleagues, or have you been to see Lilith or any other colleagues know about it?"

    "I have asked all of my colleagues who know Lilith. They haven''t gone to Silver Bridge and haven''t seen Lilith. And only I know this matter." Jay said with a sad face," I am most afraid of the second situation. Someone impersonated me and took away Lilith."

    "But what is the purpose of that man? How could Lilith follow him?" Cassie was puzzled.

    Jay sighed, "What is the purpose of the man? So far, I do not know. I''m most afraid of the other side''s ulterior motives. If the second case urs, the person will likely pick her up because I am busy."

    Irish fell into deep contemtion, her heart pounding uneasily against her chest, saying after a long time, "I think the second kind of possibility is substantial. If the man is your colleague, then it is impossible to take Lilith away without informing you, and more importantly, how can your colleague know that Lilith was in Silver Bridge? Then there is only the second possibility. She was taken away and must be the person who pretended to be Jay''s colleague; otherwise, Lilith would not follow him, and the child also said Lilith was not forced to be taken away."

    "I do not understand. Didn''t Lilith call Jay? The other side really took her using his name, and then she should have made a phone call to ask." Cassie tightened her eyebrows.

    The question that Cassie raised was really crucial, rendering them all speechless.

    But Jay could answer.

    He gently shook his head and said, "Lilith knows me. If she knows I am in the police station, then she will certainly not call me. She said she was afraid a phone call would bring me danger. I guessed that the person who took Lilith away must have said that I was at the police station, and it was an urgent mission, so I had to ask colleagues to pick her up. Lilith certainly dared not easily call, plus she felt that only I knew her location, so that must be the person I sent. She has always been a girl with a gentle temperament, who has not experienced so many great waves and ugliness and may not have expected it to happen."

    William pressed the cigarette butt out in the ashtray for a long time, but his fingers were still shaking. "So, the other side took Lilith away. Probably it is kidnapping?"

    Kelly''s whole body shook. At this time, she had lost her usual calm and indifference and became an ordinary mother. She had already been gaunt.

    But Joseph rejected the hypothesis, saying, "If it''s just a kidnapping, it''s been how many hours had gone, and there should be a call for a ransom."

    Jay agreed with Joseph, nodding, "Lilith should not have been kidnapped."

    "So what''s the point?" Lenard finally could not help but say the voice was anxious.

    Joseph looked at him and did not speak, but Jay could not help but improve the tone of voice, "Lenard, you were also a policeman. What Lilith would encounter make you lose your judgment?"

    In other words, people at present were stunned, but Lenard was suddenly horrified.

    "What do you mean, Jay? You make it clear to me! Lilith can meet what kind of situation?" Kelly finally couldn''t help it, getting hysterical.

    Jay said nothing, and Lenard''s expression was also very nervous.

    When Joseph realized the tension between them, he quickly patted Jay on the shoulder, "They have the right to know everything. You should be honest."<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "Jay, say it!" William was even more uneasy.

    Jay looked serious. After a long time, he said, "If it''s not kidnapping, the worst case is that the other side who took her away is a drug dealer."

    "What do you mean?" Kelly copsed suddenly.

    "That is to say, they were drug dealers who have taken Lilith away, and they may havee to retaliate against me," Jay said with difficulty.

    "It''s also possible to get back at me. After all, I''ve taken over preventing drugs," Lenard added.

    But Kelly''s eyes only stared at Jay. Lenard''s words did not y many roles. She staggered forward, pulled Jay, and roared madly, "Jay! Do you want to kill Lilith? She wouldn''t be unlucky today if she didn''t know you! How could it not have been you who had been taken away? What has Lilith done? I wish I could kill you now!"

    Jay just let her vent, and William rushed forward to persuade Kelly to calm down.

    "Get out of here! I never want to see you again!" Kelly hissed.

    Jay got up and told Kelly, "This is only the worst scenario, but in any case, if Lilith''s disappearance is rted to me, I will be responsible for it."

    "Leave my home! That''s your biggest responsibility!"

    "Aunt, now the most important thing is the police intervention. Please believe me."

    "Leave!"

    The scene was a mess.

    When Jay went out with pain, Lenard chased out and asked, "Are you sure?"

    "Not really." Jay was straightforward, "But we have to prepare for the worst. If a drug dealer took Lilith away, he would call for a ransom."

    "You should know that if they were drug dealers, they wouldn''t want money," Lenard said word by word.

    "I know." Jay took a deep breath, looking firmly. "Even if they want my life, as long as Lilith is at peace, I do not hesitate to give it to them."

    Lenard''s eyes shook. After a long time, he asked, "You will find her, right?"

    Jay''s eyes were fixed, "Yes."

    ****

    Things alwayse one by one, leaving no room for rxing.

    Lilith disappeared, while Irish faced pressure from the Runestone shareholders. On Thursday, it was the day she went to the Runestone Group to work. Still, she was notified by the personnel department that she had been removed from her post as the Runestone psychological counselor. The person who had personally approved the dismissal was Joseph!

 Chapter 920 920: Irish Dismissal

    ?

    Sometimes public opinion decides the direction.

    Sometimes it could be controlled, and sometimes it could not. Lilith''s disappearance was the reason the rumour was getting more aroused, as the coboration between the Lakes and Lenard''s family was huge. It intervened in many people''s interests, and now Joseph could grasp the rein, so the solution could be made before the news went viral. However, Irish''s case was moreplicated. Obviously, it was a n made for quite some time, and there was no omen before. Fredrick''s statement led to a tsunami that was hard to stop and made all the preparation in vain.

    Human beings tended to be afraid of being put into a trap, and more terrifying was the unknown conspiracy.

    Irish became the victim. However, Joseph could do nothing at all.

    And this time, he also became one in the n and the target to be scolded.

    The reason was that Irish''s dismissal had resulted in a domino effect, and atst, the Runestone Group was thest domino.

    Before that, the Runestone Group had noticed some different voices, and with Irish''s being dismissed from the University, the shareholders couldn''t bear it anymore, and they all threatened Joseph now.

    This time, they were in one mind. In the meeting, the shareholders who belonged to the Lakes or Joseph''s family all stood in the same frontline, and the submission with full signatures was put in front of Joseph. They all requested that Joseph dismiss Irish''s position as the psychological counsellor in the Runestone Group.

    Of course, Irish was a shareholder of the Runestone Group. They couldn''t intervene in her status as a shareholder but could shake her position. Their reason was also reasonable: If there was a problem with the psychological counsellor, then employees'' ability to deal with problems was also doubtful, and gradually it would affect the rights and interests of the shareholders.

    Joseph was forced to the edge of a mountain. He looked through the submission for a long time, and then he nced at every seated shareholder. The shareholders, once standing on the same frontline with him, were quite anxious, afraid that Joseph would only take his love for Irish into consideration, while the shareholders who were against him acted to gloat, seeming to attack him if he disagreed with it.

    The situation was quite serious, and it was impossible to disregard it. Joseph''s personality also decided that he would not ignore it. He closed the submission and turned to look at the secretary who was doing the record. Daisy was arranged abroad, and now the secretary became his most direct spokesperson.

    "After the meeting, please let the HR director find me in the office."

    The secretary nodded and was buried in her work again. Daisy taught many things to her before leaving, and most importantly, she should take control of her eyes. She should see something she should and not see anything she shouldn''t. Daisy reminded her that once when the meeting was closed, she looked at Joseph several times, and Daisy noticed that. And then Daisy told her that Joseph hated it when his employees were absent-minded, so she hasn''t done this ever since then.

    After the meeting, Emily knocked at the office.

    Like Be, the director of the Public Rtions Department, she was also a clever and able woman. She had been employed in Human Resources for many years and had much human resources management experience. She couldn''t be counted as an old staff, and she was even a new staffpared to those growing up with the Runestone Group. Joseph hired her from abroad with a high sry, and as disclosed by the gossip, Emily and Joseph graduated from the same University. It was said that she was even Joseph''s senior ording to the year of entering the University.

    Emily hadn''t mentioned it nor kept close to Joseph in thepany. She maintained good ethics. Even if they were in the same school before, Joseph was Emily''s boss. Emily was a typical workaholic. She hadn''t had dinner with her colleagues, so nobody dared to verify her hearsay despite so many rumours.

    "Just sit down." Seeing her in, Joseph said while he was dealing with the files.

    Emily sat down, "Is there anything to discuss?"<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Joseph passed on a notification to her. As she took it over, she was so surprised. She looked up at Joseph, puzzled.

    Joseph didn''t exin it more and just said, "Do you have anyments on the group leader candidates for the psychological department?"

    Emily answered honestly, "Yes, Joseph, I can''t understand."

    "Can''t understand what?"

    Emily put the notification on the desk, "It''s okay to dismiss her position as the group leader, but why do you dismiss her position in the whole group? As I know, everyone in the group has a good impression of her, and they also appreciate her way of training. She is not only a psychological counselor but also a shareholder. But, more importantly, she is..." Emily didn''t finish her words.

    Joseph helped to finish her words, "More importantly, she is my wife."

    Emily lowered her head. She didn''t finish her words because she was clear that Joseph was upright and selfless. He was even hard on his parents and brother, let alone his wife. Just like the behavior shocking all the senior managers that Joseph bought his brother''s shares, he sessfully kicked him out of the game. Nobody was clear why he just did something bad to his brother.

    Later his brother hadn''t appeared at the meeting, and someone guessed that maybe the two didn''t get along with each other.

    Emily heard of it. As shocked, she still believed that he could do something like that ording to his personality. But today, he was even more harsh in dismissing his wife and only kept her status as a shareholder. That was to say, his wife''s right to manage the group would be grabbed, which meant that there would be a shareholder without any power again.

    She couldn''t understand Joseph''s behaviour.

    Although there were many negativements about Irish, as the group''s general manager, Joseph could protect Irish''s status in thepany. Everyone in the group was clear that Joseph had deep feelings for Irish, which could be seen from the hearsay that he once held Irish out of thepany. He held different attitudes towards Irish; otherwise, he would not have thought to marry Irish.

    But why did he just do that?

    Maybe...

    Emily had an idea suddenly.

    Maybe what the employees were discussing was real?

    The previous director of the board, Henry, didn''t get along well with Joseph, and he even froze his running power as a general manager, which proved that their rtionship was not good anymore. After Henry''s death, Roy became the director of the board. Although Roy recovered Joseph''s power since he knew nothing about thepany''s operation, Joseph was still under him, and he couldn''t fully show his talent.

 Chapter 921 921: Leave Me Alone

    ?

    Their subtle rtionship could be seen from the fact that the board voted down Joseph''s proposal the other day. It represented that they couldn''t achieve consensus on business decisions. They didn''t know why Roy agreed againter.

    As Joseph took in Jordan''s shareholders and held part of the Lake''s shareholders, employees guessed that maybe the gossip was true that Joseph intended to swallow the Runestone Group. Otherwise, he would not have married Ruby. Although the marriage was fake, the fact proved that they took what they needed respectively, andter he married Irish again, who was his sister-inw, and it made all doubt his real purpose. They predicted that there would be great changes shortly. And Joseph, who had prepared a lot of things, might be the victor.

    As for these hearsay, Emily didn''t believe them at all since she had much experience. But today, Joseph just dismissed Irish''s position directly without the director''s agreement. It made her doubtful.

    Was he purposefully dismantling the Lake family''s power?

    Of course, she dared not to ask Joseph about it.

    Joseph knocked on the desk with his slender fingers. He seemed to think, "Just because she is my wife, I made this decision."

    Emily knew that he would not exin much, so she just sighed, hesitated, "Then Irish..." How could she have a talk with Irish? Irish was the shareholder, and she was also Joseph''s wife.

    "The notification will be sent to all of the employees. I will talk with Irish." Joseph ordered.

    "Sure." Emily didn''t feel easy and even stressed because she thought Joseph was purposeful.

    Just in this way, when Irish came to thepany, she received the first notification: She was fired!

    Joseph fired her!

    When Irish heard this news, she thought that her colleague was kidding her.

    When she opened theputer, she saw the email sent by the internal address, and then she found that it was real. A colleague from the Administrative Department knocked on the door and asked shyly whether Irish needed help with the packing. Irish finally broke out her emotions.

    She rushed directly to the general manager''s office, but the secretary stopped her. The secretary said that Joseph was not in the office and was having a meeting.

    Irish resisted her anger and just waited outside.

    The secretary thought of it for a while, and then she said carefully, "How about waiting for him in the office?"

    The secretary dared not to let her wait outside. Irish was also annoyed, and she didn''t enter and just waited for Joseph''se back outside.

    The secretary was in a dilemma, thinking that if only Daisy had been there, she could have dealt with it well.

    One hourter, Joseph went downstairs after the meeting. Seeing Irish waiting for him outside the office, he passed on the file to the secretary and then said to Irish, "Come in."

    Irish followed him and asked directly, "What do you mean?"

    Joseph turned around and closed the door. He didn''t answer her question lightly and said, "Next time when you find me, please juste into the office."

    "Is there any next time?" Irish asked.

    Joseph didn''t turn out to be as cold as her boss. Knowing the door was closed, he just pulled her, looking at her sincerely, "Are you angry now?"

    "Nonsense! Of course, I am angry." Irish frowned and threw away his arms.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Joseph was not annoyed and just pulled her again patiently. He clenched her with his arms and said softly, "To be honest, I think it''s good for you to be a household."

    Irish stared at him angrily, grinding her teeth, "Joseph, who invited me to be the psychological counsellor? I was not willing to do it at that time, but you just forced me to do it. You even pushed me to learn some knowledge about diamonds. So now, I am absorbed in this role, and then you asked me to be a household? Are you crazy?"

    Joseph leaned against the desk casually, holding her and smiling, "It''s passed."

    "Do not pretend to be silly. Do you feel that the negative news is unbeneficial to you?" Irish questions.

    He shook his head and said firmly, "It''s truly unbeneficial."

    Irish couldn''t say anything, and after a great while, she said, "Then....then you should have told me in advance. Do you know what I think of myself now? I''m just like an idiot! Everyone knew it, and I am thest one! So how will they judge me? They think I am ridiculous!"

    "No, they will just assume that I exploit you, and then they will sympathize with you." Joseph seemed to be kidding or not.

    Irish felt unhappy, frowning and shouting, "Why didn''t you tell me beforehand?"

    Although it waste when he came backst night, he should have woken her up and told her.

    Joseph still kept patient and just touched her back softly, "Are you angry because I didn''t tell you or because of your dismissal?"

    "Both!" Irish snarled.

    Joseph held her, "Irish, I know you. If I had told you beforehand, you would have vented into a greater temper. You never follow the arrangement."

    Irish was still angry, "Why should I follow your arrangement? What mistake did I make? How can you fire me? Even if I have made a mistake, I am still the shareholder."

    Joseph sighed and shook his head, "See, I am most afraid of your behavior now." He pulled his arms back and tried his best to persuade, "Honey, believe me, the best way for you now is to stay at home."

    Irish could not hold back the rage that surged up in her heart and drove away from her reasonable mind. "Joseph, can you decide which way to go? Why did you arrange my future even without negotiating with me? I am the victim, and I know that you did this to quell the situation." said Irish indignantly.

    "Irish..."

    "I don''t want to talk with you anymore," Irish interrupted him. She took over his car key on the desk and rushed out.

    Shocked, Joseph hastily followed her and stopped her. "Irish, calm down."

    "Leave me alone!" yelled Irish. She shook off his hands and ran away.

    "Irish!" Joseph rushed out but found that she had closed the elevator door.

    Seeing this, Joseph hastily asked his assistant to prepare a car for him.

    "Okay, okay." The assistant was frightened since it was her first time seeing him so anxious.

 Chapter 922 922: You Can’t Catch Us

    ?

    Just as in Jay''s analysis, nobody received news from Lilith, but all of them didn''t receive a call from the kidnapper, which meant that it was not an assassination.

    Jay was getting more and more gaunt. Jay went out to look for Lilith with his colleagues and spread Lilith''s photo to all ces of public entertainment. Jay''s brothers were also referred to their friends for information. And Jay stayed at the police station to look through the surveince video.

    Jay found that Lilith showed up on Beverly Street several days ago, but she didn''t drive her car but took a taxi and she got off at Beverly Street. She also showed up in Silver Street, and a man in a policeman''s uniform stepped to her, but Jay couldn''t get any information about their conversation. What''s more, Jay also couldn''t see clearly what the man looked like.

    That was the only information Jay got from the video, and he even couldn''t tell if Lilith had left with the man.

    Jay also went to the scene to see if he could get some clues, but he discovered that the cameras that could capture the man''s look were ruined deliberately. It meant that it was a well-nned plot.

    Lenard also stayed at the police station and tried some information from Lilith during this period. Lenard also lost a lot of weight, and his phone kept ringing. Lenard went through the phone while his mother''s voice was heard on the other end. His mother asked him to go back home immediately in a rather angry voice. But Lenard was an adult, and he couldn''t follow his mother''s words.

    His mother was irritated, forcing him to break up with Lilith and telling him to leave her business alone. Lenard''s mother was mad at Lilith, who brought shame to their family.

    Lenard tried his best to persuade his mother and told her that even if Lilith didn''t love him, she was still his beloved woman.

    Jay walked out, took out his cigarette, and lit it.

    Kelly and William also didn''t have time to run thepany and focused on looking for their daughter. Kelly called Jay frequently, trying to get some information about Lilith from him. But Jay would give her a disappointing answer, while Kelly would vent her anger to Jay.

    "Jay, I am going to get even with you if something really happens to Lilith," yelled Kelly.

    Jay would not forgive himself if something really happened to Lilith.

    When he was smoking there, his phone rang.

    Taking out his phone, he found it was a strange phone number.

    Jay trembled slightly somehow, and he rushed to his office while throwing away his cigarette. He could sense that something was weird. Lenard was still persuading his mother, but Jay ignored him and connected his phone to theputer.

    Lenard sensed something must happen, so he hastily hung up the phone and rushed to Jay to see if he needed some help.

    Jay gave him a sign, counted backward three times, and then put through the phone. Taking this chance, Lenard tried to track the source of the phone.

    "This is Jay," he said in a rather calm voice.

    Soon the voice from the other end of the phone was heard, but it seemed that the voice was processed, which sounded harsh."

    Hello, cap. Do you miss your girlfriend these days?"

    Jay could not get any information since the sound was processed.

    "You got Lilith?" asked Jay, who tried to buy time.

    "Of course. You also got my people, right?"

    Shocked, Jay soon realized what the man meant. "Are you the evil angel?"

    "Our boss thinks you are fond of meddling in others'' business."

    It sounded like the man calling him was the evil angel''s heeler.

    "What do you want to do?" asked Jay, who looked back at Lenard to see if he got any information, but Lenard just shook his head disappointedly.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    The man burst outughing and continued, "I know you are buying time, but you better notsh the waves. You can''t catch us. You have been trying to find us for so many years, but you failed each time."

    "Are you threatening me? You want me to release your people?" asked Jay.

    "You are wrong, cap. I don''t care about them at all since they have been caught. I just want to know if you want to hear the voice of your girlfriend?" replied the man in a cold voice.

    Jay trembled as he heard this.

    "Say something," The man''s voice was heard on the phone. But he got no response.

    "It seems you are a stubborn girl," continued the man.

    "You better not touch her! Lilith, are you there?" yelled Jay at the phone.

    Soon Lilith''s voice spread from the phone. "Jay, leave me alone," said Lilith in a shaky yet tearful voice.

    "Look, your girlfriend cares about you so much. Has your love sickness been relieved?" The man said again with a sneer.

    "Fuck off. What the hell do you want to do?" Jay was furious, and Lilith''s words were like a knife stabbing his heart.

    "Nothing. But you better remain in the proper sphere," responded the man. He hung up the phone as he finished his sentence.

    "Hello? Hello?" However, Jay got no response. He was so furious that he wanted to break the phone into pieces.

    "Have you traced the source of the phone?" asked Jay, who punched the desk to vent his anger. Lilith''s voice lingered in his mind.

    Lenard looked frustrated and replied, "The phone number is encrypted, and I can''t trace it at all."

    "Damn it!" Jay was even angrier and swept all the papers to the ground.

    Lenard tried to calm him down and asked, "This evil angel''s heeler giving you the call?"

    Jay squinted and said nothing but just nodded.

    "What shall we do next?" asked Lenard again.

    Jay also wondered what to do next, but the man didn''t even negotiate with him. Jay worried about Lilith''s safety since he didn''t know what those people wanted. Thinking for a while, Jay took over his car key and rushed out.

    "Jay!" Lenard was shocked but then followed him out.

    ****

    Daisy was abroad, so Joseph needed to drive to work by himself. He drove a Business Purpose Vehicle, which was low-pitched. Although he had many roadsters, he never drove to work. When Joseph rushed out, Irish had already driven his car away.

    Indeed, this car was not suitable for her, but its luxurious appearance attracted people''s attention. She drove aimlessly and then drove to Fifth Avenue.

    Irish drove at high speed and almost broke the traffic rules, but finally, she stopped at the roadside. She shut off the engine and leaned over the wheel.

    Helplessness and frustration overwhelmed her. She clearly shouldn''t be controlled by the bad mood, which would poison her senses and influence her behaviour.

    She bore a grudge against Joseph at this moment, but he was her beloved, and she didn''t expect to push her into a tight corner.

 Chapter 923 923: Whatever You Want

    ?

    However, her survival sense kept reminding her that it was natural for Joseph to do that. Joseph had decided in advance, and it was impossible for him to change his mind even if she got to know him earlier. Irish was clear that her job in Runestone Group was herst straw.

    She never hankered after being rich, but she enjoyed the sense of satisfaction from her work.

    There were few people on Fifth Avenue, where many delicacies were gathered, and it was bustling with noise and excitement at night.

    Irish was also a little bit hungry, and her stomach growled.

    Although Irish was not a frequent caller here, she came here several times. There were several excellent shops where she often came to eat. She loved those small shops because the delicacy tasted so delicious.

    When she was absorbed in her thoughts, someone kicked her car, and then the door opened abruptly.

    Shocked, Irish looked back and found a beautiful girl jumped in the passenger''s seat. The girl sat down and then looked aside, but to her surprise, she found that the driver was a beautiful woman. Seeing this, she hastily apologized, jumped out, and ran away.

    Startled by what happened in just a few minutes, Irish could not utter a single word.

    It was not until the girl left a few minutester Irish then realized what happened.

    Someone did research to tell the different influences of ordinary cars and luxury cars, and it showed that those young girls preferred to strike up a conversation with those who drove luxury cars, but they would never ost the one who drove an ordinary car.

    Irish also heard that if you stopped a luxury car at the entrance of the pub or at the college gate, some young and pretty girl would take the initiative to initiate a conversation with you. It seemed that the girl didn''t expect it would be a woman who drove such a luxury car, so she got in the car directly.

    Luckily, it was Irish but not Joseph who drove the car there. However, Irish didn''t worry that other women would allure Joseph since she was clear that Joseph was used to this type of chat-up. Irish just wondered if Joseph drove this car today and what the girl would do next.

    Irish suddenly recalled the words of her Aunt Mary, who told her that Joseph was a responsible man and it was not easy to meet such a considerate yet responsible man.

    "Irish, I already think of you as my daughter. I care about you, so I also worry about you. I know clearly about your characteristics. Anyway, you have to remember to never get into a dead end. You have started a family with Joseph, so you must carefully run your family." Aunt Mary''s words lingered in Irish''s mind.

    She got off the car and trudged to the snack bar where she went frequently.

    It was a simple and crude noshery, even without beer and an air conditioner.

    This noshery was famous for its grilled sausage, which was made with high-grade semi-finished material to ensure its special vour. A secret recipe made the major sauce and the raw material.

    The storekeeper was a kind yet affable man, and Irish liked to chat with him whenever she ate.

    Bruce, the shopkeeper, knew Irish well since she often came here.

    "Don''t you work today?" asked Bruce with a big smile.

    Irish looked at him and then replied in a rather frustrated voice, "I am here to findfort, but you are rubbing salt in my old wounds. I am so sad."

    Bruce understood enough, and he knew that Irish must have some problems with her work, so he hastily changed the subject.

    "Don''t be sad. I am sure you will getfort from the delicious sausage. Enjoy the beautiful moment, and don''t borrow troubles. You are still young, and there is a long way to go. Look at me. I gave up my job and started such a small noshery. Nobody supports me, including my family members. But I don''t care, and I havee around. I am satisfied with how I live, and I am happy to see people enjoy my sausage. I mean, you have to straighten out your thinking and don''t push yourself so hard. Hold on, and there''s light at the end of the tunnel. Do you think so?" said Bruce patiently.

    There used to be a survey conducted that the most suitable for psychological negotiation is the local New Yorker. First, they live in the most diverse international city, and their political awareness is very high. Even taxi drivers can talk to you all the time, from politics to life, and are recognized encyclopedically; second, they have a warm tone. So, between the lines, people naturally feelfortable.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Bruce quite liked to talk, and he also smiled all the time. Every time Irish saw him, she felt happy too. When garlic juice and sausage were put in front of her, Irish suddenly felt she was not so angry.

    Eating, opposite the chair sat a person. And his shadow hanging over her made her have pressure.

    Irish held a toothpick in her hand, poking a piece of sausage. She looked up, and when she saw Joseph, she was stunned.

    And then, she reacted.

    With that phone, it wasn''t hard for him to find her.

    She did not speak, bowed her head, and continued to eat.

    Joseph also did not speak, watching her eat.

    Bruce saw him, greeting him with enthusiasm. "Hello. Eat here or take it away?"

    "I am waiting."

    Irish listened to Joseph, and then he took out his wallet, "How much?"

    Bruce reacted,ughing. "Ten dors."

    With no change, Joseph took out cash. Then, just to give it out, Irish bowed and said, "I am not only eating one piece."

    After hearing the words, Joseph smiled and said, "Whatever you want." He gave out the money in his hand. "You don''t have to change."

    "Okay." Bruce smiled.

    Irish did not take Joseph''s kindness. Instead, she looked up and said, "Nine more dishes."

    Bruce was stunned, "Nine? Girl, can you eat up?"

    "There''s another man here," said Irish.

    Joseph listened to this, and he was slightly nervous. He said in a low voice, "Isabel, don''t have a temper. You can satisfy your mouth. But eating so much is bad for our health."

    "Handsome guy, you don''t understand." Bruce was busy saying, "Women eating this can promote beauty, and men can have more useful strength."

    He ignored the old words and looked at the leaf.

    "I didn''t say I could eat so much," she sneered.

    She knew him, and he would never eat in the street, let alone let him eat at a roadside stall every day, in and out of fancy clubhouse-star restaurants. It was awkward to see him sitting in his current position. One was that it was too small for him to sitfortably, and the other was to sit next to the street. Vehicles were passing by in the evening. He was dressed formally and seriously, and appearing in such a ce was really weird.

 Chapter 924 924: Can You Come With Me Now?

    ?

    "Irish, I can apany you to eat something else with you." He was not very interested in fried stuff.

    Irish looked at him and said, "At least you should understand the suffering of themon people that you don''t like."

    Joseph was helpless.

    The boss quickly took three dishes, and she said to Bruce in her spare time. "Look, this is my boss. I''ve been dismissed inhumanly."

    "Irish." Joseph was speechless.

    Bruce was not a muddle-headed person. Although Irish called Joseph boss, Joseph looked into Irish''s eyes and that intimate address, letting everyone understand what was going on, then he smiled, "In this case, it is really your fault, girl, you punish him for eating a few more sausages as apensation."

    Soon, Joseph also had to eat, saying to Irish, "Okay, I''ll eat as long as you can calm down." He took a toothpick, took a piece of fried sausage, and ate it.

    Irish left him alone.

    She looked at him quietly and saw that his expression was slightly wrenched, and her heart was somewhat relieved by the displeasure which had just begun to rise.

    "Girl, well, I''m talking to this handsome man. Although you order more, you make me happy, but who can eat nine pieces? I think it''s almost done." Bruce said.

    Irish thought and put three before Joseph, "Eat these, I''ll forgive you."

    Joseph certainly had to act on her terms and was afraid to bargain.

    After eating the fried sausage, Irish went straight into the street, and Joseph did not know where she was going, always following her. On the way, he went into a small shop to buy gum and handed it to her.

    Instead of refusing, she snatched the gum from his hand and mmed it into her mouth, catering to the slogan: "After dinner, chew it together."

    Joseph saw that she was still in a temper, smiled and said nothing, letting her take gum to vent.

    As a result, she walked all the way, and most of her gum was chewed. When the sweetness was gone, she threw it up in the trash and then put a lot into her mouth, like a child.

    That was what Joseph looked at her. Of course, his phone rang many times, sure it was business. Irish listened, upset, and sat down at the gate.

    Joseph answered the phone just as he walked, saw her stop, and assuredly continued to talk to the other end of the phone. She heard it was a social affair. Probably the man on the side was a governor or dealer.

    She felt a little sour.

    On the one hand, she hated his behaviour. On the other hand, she felt pain in his nervousness.

    She knew how busy the Runestone Group was. As the group''s general manager, he walked along with her in the street, and he has always been patient. He did not say sorry to her, but with practical action, he expressed his apologies.

    This man she loved and hated. At that time, many people were waiting for the table. With so manypanies nearby, the restaurant was so natural to be popr. Outside the restaurant were some chairs for people to wait, with drinks provided.

    Irish asked the waiter for a number, and then many men came up to get the number. Finally, she found a ce and poured a drink to wait.

    After Joseph finished his phone call, he saw her sitting there drinking. He stepped forward, nced at the sign, and sighed, "Irish, if you want to eat, I''ll take you to a better restaurant. The food in this restaurant is very spicy, and you can''t eat it.

    "That''s what you are. Are you used to being a leader? This is the right ce for me. I know it! Isn''t it too subjective for you to say it''s not for me without asking?" Irish put the drink on the table and said angrily.

    All the people waiting there looked in their direction.

    It was not hard to imagine how stunning the women looked.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Joseph ignored that attention, and after she had finished venting, he found a chair to sit down face to face. He said, "We can''t see ourselves clearly sometimes. Irish, you always do not eat spicily, and I know your physical condition. Restaurants on this street are not necessarily very clean. Eating too much food from here will make your stomach feel bad. Because I know you so well, I''ll make some decisions for you. Yes, I admit that my approach is unique. In your eyes, I have also be a dictator, but you know, I get used to making decisions, so please give me time to get rid of this, give me a chance, okay?"

    Irish closed her mouth and did not speak.

    "Well, don''t be angry. It''s a very special time, and I don''t want you to be put so much attention." Joseph gently clutched her hand, and his voice was always gentle.

    The warmth of his palm passed through her fingertips and then down the veins of her heart.

    "I''m just tired of walking." Irish red at him and released her hand.

    Joseph gently smiled, "Why do you get a number then?"

    "Nonsense, if I don''t take the number, how can I sit here to drink?" Irish was impatient.

    Joseph was helpless and shook his head. "You�� Honey, you must��."

    Irish put the cup beside her and snorted at him, cutting his words, "I have eaten and drunk now. Sell my number."

    "Ah?" Joseph was surprised, "What do you mean?"

    She pointed, "Haven''t you seen many people behind me? The number in my hand is before that in their hands."

    Joseph sighed, "Give it to them."

    "Why for nothing? Aren''t you a businessman? Isn''t it awesome? Go and sell the number." Irish''s attitude was demanding.

    Joseph was so furious and helpless, but he still got up and rubbed her head with his hand. Then he went to thest group with the number. Irish looked at them and then regretted it. There was a group of four girls.

    As a result, it can be seen the four girls smile like roses, eager to pay Joseph.

    In less than half a minute, Joseph came back with a hundred dors, shaking at her, "Can youe with me now?"

    Irish regretted, gnashing her teeth, "What did you say to them? You quickly sold the number!"

    Joseph was puzzled, saying, "I only asked if they wanted to buy a number."

    Irish thought in anger. Good-looking people were good. They could only ask, and the other side did not even question the price. Why? She thought it was just 20 bucks!

    She got up and stared at him, "Go now!"

    And then she turned away.

    Josephughed and went straight to keep up.

    When she passed the four girls, she heard them whispering, "How handsome was he? If only he were my boyfriend..."

    Damn it!

    Irish wanted to put a tape on their mouths!

 Chapter 925 925: She Will Go Crazy

    ?

    Joseph sent Irish directly to their house.

    Mia evaded them as always. Irish kept herself in her room and didn''te out to eat.

    Joseph knocked on the door and saw her all in a nket. He sat down and said patiently, "Are you still angry?"

    Irish was silent.

    He stretched out his hand to lift the nket and saw her face, which was covered by her hair. He sat down and gently coaxed, "Eat first, and then you can get angry."

    Trying to reach for her, he found her cheeks wet.

    She cried in silence!

    Such silent agony of her made Joseph feel a knife pierce his heart, feeling ufortable.

    Pulling her up, he wiped her tears, whispering, "I know you were wrongly used, and I''m not ming you for that. So forgive me, okay?"

    "You knew I was wrongly used, but you still pushed me to the corner? Joseph, this is a conspiracy!" She cried out.

    Joseph took her in his arms and patted her back, and she struggled twice without breaking free and constantly crying.

    "Aren''t you a clever man? You didn''t think it was a conspiracy?"

    Joseph whisperedfortingly, "I know."

    "I was framed!" Irish beat him again.

    He held her tightly and let her beat him, "I know."

    Irish cried more painfully.

    "But Irish, your memory is really a problem. We have to face reality." Joseph sighed.

    Irish did her best to push Joseph away a little bit, with tearful eyes and hazy. She shouted at him, "You know everything clear, so you still fired me? Yes, my memory might have a problem, but it doesn''t affect my work. How can''t you believe I can do well? Why do you want to treat me like those people? I''m your wife, Joseph! Why?"

    Joseph looked at her with pity and pulled her back into his arms.

    Irish beat him madly and pushed him, but he just didn''t loosen his arms around her, and finally, she was tired, and her throat was hoarse. Joseph just hugged her tightly, saying nothing, and just patiently ran his hands into her back to calm her down.

    Irish''s tears were like a broken line of beads. She opened her mouth, hardly biting his thick shoulder.

    It hurts; it must hurt.

    Resentful thoughts made Irish mad.

    Joseph frowned because of the pain but never let her go. He tightened his arms, softlyforting her.

    Irish''s tears flowed into her mouth, and it tasted salty and bitter.

    ****<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    In the evening, Roy came home. Cassie walked out of the bathroom, probing in the gateway, directly asking, "Joseph dismissed Irish, you know this?"

    Roy changed his shoes, put things away, went into the bathroom, washed his hands, and said to her, "I know about it."

    "Do you know it earlier orter?"

    Roy looked at her, "Joseph has the right to dismiss and appoint employees."

    Cassie understood, leaning against the door, and sighed, "Irish is very sad."

    "I can imagine that." Roy wiped his hand, "To tell you the truth, I was even surprised at Joseph''s decision. I did not expect him to dismiss Irish."

    Cassie seemed to see a glimmer of hope and immediately said, "You are the president of the Runestone Group, so you can re-appoint Irish, right? You must know that she was fired from her work at the university and at Linkus. She was used to being busy. If she loses her job in the Runestone Group, she will go crazy."

    Roy was clear about the deep friendship between Irish and Cassie. From ssmates to colleagues, they had experienced a beautiful school time and encountered hardships together. However, it was more important that Irish also intervened in Cassie''s life as a psychologist, which was why they could establish such an unshakable friendship.

    However, Roy was sympathetic but could not offer help. Irish was his sister, and Roy really wanted to get her out of the trouble, and he was also burning with anxiety. Sitting on the couch, he thought for a long while and told Cassie it was not easy to handle.

    Cassie also knew it was a tough case. After all, it was Joseph who gave the order. Cassie knew it was hard for Joseph to change his mind, or Cassie would not ask Roy for help. "Roy, we still don''t get information from your younger sister, Lilith, and now your other sister is about to lose her job. We are all going crazy," said Cassie, who was so anxious.

    It sounded Cassie was reasonable since Roy was also worried about Lilith. All of them were anxious about the present situation.

    Thinking for a while, Royforted Cassie and then gave a call to Joseph. Soon, Joseph answered the phone, and Roy expressed his opinion that he hoped Joseph would restore Irish''s position. Cassie was unclear how Joseph replied, but she knew that Roy gradually furrowed his eyebrows. A few minutester, Roy hung up the phone and said helplessly, sighing, "He won''t change his mind."

    Startled, Cassie didn''t expect that Joseph would decline Roy''s request.

    "Yes, he declined my request," Roy confirmed her guess.

    Cassie was so angry and mumbled, "You shouldn''t have let him take charge in Runestone Group if you had known this. Didn''t you notice Joseph was controlling the entirepany, gradually removing Lakes power?"

    Of course, her angry words pushed her to judge Joseph unfairly, but Cassie still couldn''t figure out why Joseph would treat his wife that way.

    Roy could sense his wife''s anger, but he could do nothing butfort her, "Cassie, calm down. Perhaps Joseph did this for certain reasons. Maybe Irish really had some problems at the right time. There is no fairpetition in business, and if Irish is really trapped in a dilemma, it might be the right choice for her."

    Cassie knew that Roy did all he could, and she couldn''t push him too hard. Heaving a sigh, Cassie shook her head slightly and sympathised with Irish.

    It was a rainy weekend.

    Joseph declined all of his social engagement and apanied Irish at home since Joseph worried that Irish would run away from home. Indeed, Irish hade around after the farce. Looking out the window, she just said to Joseph, "Look, it is raining outside. God is crying, and he must feel pity for my experience."

    Joseph felt his heart was broken after hearing the words from his wife.

    The rainbow always appeared after the rain.

    Monday finally came, and everyone went to work except Irish, whoy on the couch chatting with her Aunt Mary. Mary also heard that Joseph dismissed Irish, and she hastily came to Irish tofort her, while at the same time, Mary alsoined about Joseph for what he did to Irish.

    Compared to Mary''s irritation, Irish remained calm. She smiled and told Mary that Joseph was also in a dilemma.

    Mary grinned at her, poking her head gently, and said, "It seems you are speaking for your husband. It is no wonder that people always say that a grown girl can''t be kept at home."

 Chapter 926 926: You Can’t Risk Her Life

    ?

    Mary''s joke amused Irish, and she felt her spirits rise up.

    When they were chatting with each other, her phone was ringing. It was Joseph who told her that they had got some news about Lilith.

    They followed Joseph''s words and went to Jay immediately.

    Irish found everyone had arrived as she walked in. Joseph was standing there with Roy and Cassie while William, Kelly, Shirly, Lenard, and Ruby were all sitting there. Kelly''s eyes were filled with tears while William also looked debilitated and paced back and forth in the living room.

    Jay began to announce it when everyone arrived.

    "Lilith is in Florida right now, and I will bring her back personally," said Jay calmly.

    Irish couldn''t help trembling as she learned that Lilith was in Florida. She got closer to Joseph subconsciously while Joseph held her in his arms to give herfort.

    Kelly was agitated as she heard the news, and tears kept trickling down her cheeks. "In Florida? Jay, you better exin it clearly."

    Jay looked serious and then continued, "I mean, Lilith is hijacked by those drug dealers."

    "What?!"

    All of them were shocked by Jay''s words.

    William trembled and stood there in stillness.

    Kelly couldn''t believe what Jay said, and she also trembled momentarily. Seeing this, Shirley walked forward and took her sister''s hands to encourage her. Although Shirley fought with Kelly, they were natural sisters, and Shirley couldn''t bear to see her sister be upset. "Don''t worry, Kelly. Jay will bring Lilith back."

    Jay remained silent and said nothing.

    Mary and Joseph were outsiders among them, so Mary remained silent while Joseph kept a reasonable mind. Joseph thought for a while and then asked Jay, "What do you mean you will bring Lilith back personally?"

    Irish also felt weird about Jay''s words.

    Jay furrowed his eyebrows and then said, "I received the call, and I am sure Evil Angel''s people hijacked Lilith. They took Lilith for revenge. Indeed, Lilith is a jeton, and their real target is me. They took Lilith to Florida so that I would go there."

    As soon as Jay received the call that day, he knew that the Evil Angel must hijack Lilith. But the man didn''t say anything but just told him they had kidnapped Lilith.

    Irish knew the feeling of being manipted by others, and she felt even more annoyed with those drug dealers. Jay was a policeman, and it was his duty to arrest those people, but now they threatened him.

    Then Jay remembered Carmen, the woman who always got along with drug dealers. Even if she never met Evil Angel before, she must know something about him and his people.

    It was hard for Carmen to abandon her drug habit, but finally, she made it through. Now, she was getting less and less addicted, and the rehab office concluded that she was recovering.

    During this period, Carmen also kept telling the police information about the drug dealers. Still, she knew nothing about their core information which meant Evil Angel always kept his own counsel.

    Jay went to Carmen as he finished his phone call and asked her something about Evil Angel. Carmen didn''t know what happened but still told him what she knew. Although she had never met Evil Angel and didn''t know what he looked like, she was clear about his conduct.

    Evil Angel also took revenge on Cap before, killing all of the policeman''s family members. The policeman was driven crazy after he found his family members lying dying in a pool of blood.

    Jay also heard about this tragedy, so he was determined to bring them to justice immediately.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    However, he was also worried about Lilith''s safety.

    Carmen was clear about her condition, and now she could only rely on the policemen who could save her life even if she might be put into prison.

    Carmen was aware of Jay''s frustration and found the man who came with him looked serious. An unknown premonition urred to Carmen, who stared at the man beside Jay and felt familiar. Thinking for a while, she remembered that he was Lenard, the narcotics squad leader in Florida. Carmen felt something might happen to Jay''s family members, so she asked Jay cautiously.

    Jay did not reply directly but didn''t deny it.

    Seeing this, Carmen continued, "Did something happen to Lilith?"

    Although Carmen stayed at the house of detention, she also learned that Lilith had run away from her wedding, but she didn''t know the details.

    "ording to your knowledge of him, do you think Lilith is safe now?" asked Jay.

    Carmen trembled as she heard the news from Jay. Although Lilith was her rival in love, Carmen didn''t hope for anything to happen to her. However, Carmen realized Jay still loved this girl deeply since she also felt his anxiousness.

    Heaving a sigh, Carmen then said, "Lilith is safe now. They won''t kill her, and they will not do anything disgusting to her. They have clear goals. It''s you. I don''t know what they will do with you. You arrested their people and ruined their goods, and they will overwhelm you with sorrow."

    However, Jay was fearless of what they would do with him. What he worried about was that they would hurt Lilith. When Carmen finished her sentence, she held Jay''s hands and added shakily, "I must admit that I am contemptible. I said to Lilith that I would cooperate with the police as long as she leaves you."

    Carmen''s sentence was like a knife sticking in his heart.

    The day after Jay met Carmen, he received a call again, and the man asked him to go to Florida alone.

    "I am not going to let you go there alone. It is so dangerous," said Mary.

    All the people looked at Mary while Kelly became agitated immediately.

    "I know you care about your son, but those drug dealers kidnaped my daughter. It is your son who gets Lilith into this trouble. Why shouldn''t he go there alone? Don''t be so selfish!" shouted Kelly.

    Indeed, Kelly''s words were reasonable, while Mary was speechless. Mary didn''t mean that, and as a mother, it was natural for her to care about her son''s safety.

    Jay worried that Kelly would argue with his mother, so he hastily stood up and then said to the people around, "I have decided to go. I ask you here just to announce my decision, and I won''t change my mind. Don''t worry. I will bring Lilith back."

    "Jay, I know you must be worried about Lilith. But you will lose your life if you go there alone. Those people are vicious, and they would do anything to ruin people. You have been a policeman for several years, and you must know this. You have to cooperate with your colleagues," Joseph gave his suggestion.

    Before Jay could respond, Kelly yelled hysterically, "No, you can''t report to the police. It might irritate those people, and I am afraid Lilith will be killed." Kelly rushed to Jay and held his hands while her tears kept bursting out.

    "Jay, I beg you not to report this news to the police. You can''t risk her life. I can''t live without my daughter," said Kelly.

    Jay clenched his hands as he heard this.

    Mary kept silent for a while but finally said again, "If Jay can''t get any help from his colleagues, it is hard for him to get Lilith back alone. We don''t know how many people they have. If something really happens to Jay, can he handle it alone?"

    Both of them sounded reasonable, and Jay could understand.

    Roy and Irish said nothing since it was a hard choice. If they report it to the police, Lilith might be killed, but if they don''t, Jay''s life is at risk. Jay was Irish''s brother, while Lilith was her sister, so Irish was between two fires.

 Chapter 927 927: Emery Commit Suicide

    ?

    A momentter, Lenard stepped forth, patted Jay''s shoulder, and said, "Well, I will go with you."

    Turning to Lenard, Jay replied, "You cannot get close to those drug dealers. They asked me to meet them alone."

    "I know, but I can be your backup," replied Lenard firmly.

    Jay looked serious and said nothing more.

    Jay set out to Florida, which made all of the people live in terror and uncertainty, especially Mary, who couldn''t feel at ease. Irish persuaded Mary that Jay and Lenard would ask for help from the local police. The drug dealers took the initiative to show up this time, and it was a good chance to arrest them. Although it was dangerous, Jay and Lenard were experienced after being police officers for years, and they must know how to cope with it.

    However, Mary was not relieved by Irish''s words at all. Jay was her only son, and it was natural for a mother to worry about her son''s safety. Steven also stayed at home and kept the telephone in hand.

    Irish has no work and stays with Mary and Steven at home. Irish was a spiritual pir at this critical moment. Joseph thought it was good for Irish because it could distract her attention, and she would not feel depressed anymore.

    Joseph tried to finish his work as early as possible every day and then drove to Mary''s house for dinner. After that, he would drive Irish back.

    On the day after Jay left for Florida, Shirley asked Roy to Ruby''s house since she was going to have a family meeting. Shirley designated Ruby''s house as a meeting ce because Ruby was reluctant to go anywhere but stayed at home.

    Shirley asked Roy and Ruby to work together to take precautions against Joseph. Kelly and William were in too vile a mood to work since they were worried about their daughter all day. Shirley was clear that both were out of energy to stand against Joseph. If Roy and Ruby ignore the current situation, Shirley worries that Joseph will seize Runestone Group.

    However, Roy disagreed with what Shirley said, while Ruby just remained silent.

    Shirley got anxious and said, "Do you know the critical moment? I heard from those old shareholders that Joseph would make the third renovation happen when he would take the opportunity to take in your shares."

    Ruby just answered idly, "Then I have no solutions."

    Shirley was so angry that she knocked on her head and shouted, "If it were not for Emery, would your shares have been bought by him? There will be nothing for you!"

    Ruby was helpless.

    The bedroom door was closed half, and Emery was crying inside it.

    ****

    Jay had gone there for three days. There was no news from him except for the first day when he called. Mary was worried about him, while Steven was also absent-minded. Irish was also concerned about Jay. At this time, Josephforted them that Jay had arrived in Ondo. Everything was just fine. The reason why there was no action was that those bad guys had no action, either. Jay was waiting.

    Irish felt strange about why Joseph was so clear about Jay''s whereabouts, and Joseph just answered that he had asked for help from his friends to protect Jay silently. In Ondo, police officers'' frequent actions would be noticeable, so other actions were needed if necessary.

    Mary and Steven thanked Joseph for his thoughtful help.

    Joseph made friends with those who had no stable jobs. However, she could understand that it was unavoidable for him with his status and position.

    When they got home at night, Mia had left.

    Irish was still not so assured. Leaning against the sofa, she changed the channels without any aim. Joseph went out of the shower. Seeing her unhappy, Joseph justforted her that Jay would be okay.

    She turned around to hold him, "I don''t know why. I just feel that something bad may happen. I''m very nervous."

    Joseph patted her back softly. His voice was very gentle.

    "It will be okay."

    If it were at the usual time, she would feel better, but tonight she was still anxious.

    "I want to go to Florida." She spurted out.

    Joseph got shocked, and then he just frowned, "Nonsense."

    "I''m sincere," Irish said.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Joseph held her face and said word by word, "You should be sincere since it''s a big issue."

    Irish looked into his eyes, "Joseph, you are so reasonable."

    "Reasonable guys are needed." Joseph lowered his head and kissed her lips lightly.

    The phone rang suddenly. It was Joseph''s.

    Somehow Irish''s heart beat quickly. He patted him lightly, and he picked up the phone.

    However, Irish saw Joseph''s cold face. After that, she felt more and more nervous.

    As he put down the phone, Irish couldn''t wait to ask him what had happened.

    Joseph looked at her and said, "Emery killed herself."

    ****

    It was 10 pm. The police officers blocked Ruby''s house. Some reporters arrived, but they were just stopped outside of the warning line by the police officers.

    It was investigated that Emerymitted suicide. She left a piece of posthumous paper. The legal, medical expert said that she died at around 9 pm when she jumped from the rooftop and died soon after. There was no fighting, bruise, or scar on her body, representing that she had nobody to attack others. From her pose of falling, it could be proved that shemitted suicide.

    When Joseph arrived at the spot, Emery''s body had been taken away, but blood was on the floor. It circled into a river, looking scary under the brightmp. The police officers marked the body figure on the spot while still searching the spot.

    The reporters flooded forward when they saw Joseph, putting the cameras in front of him. They asked questions about the fact that Emery had left a posthumous piece of paper.

    Joseph just answered, "I''m sorry, but I am not sure, either."

    He held Irish into the spot.

    In the room, Ruby cried sadly. She couldn''t stand the police officers'' questions and just held the envelope tightly. Roy and Cassie were also there, as well as Shirley. They were holding andforting Ruby lightly.

    When Irish saw the scene, she felt that the master might be true.

    Unlucky things happened to the Lakes family.

    Just in a short time, she became a person without any job. Lilith was kidnapped, while Jay went to Florida missing. Now, Emerymitted suicide. That was true. Everything needed to be dealt with.

    There were police officers in the room. A policewoman was standing beside Ruby, helpless. "You keep on crying. How can we pursue our investigations? Don''t cry. Just answer my questions."

    Ruby raised her head. As she was to answer the policewoman''s question, she saw Joseph in her tears. She stood up suddenly, rushing to Joseph madly.

    "It is you who killed Emery. Joseph, you are a killer. Damn it. Go to hell." Ruby held him, shouting.

    The policewoman saw it and just came forward immediately.

    As Joseph''s wife, Irish would protect Joseph well. However, she was unhappy to see that scene and pushed Ruby away. Her voice was not polite, either.

    "Ruby, what are you doing? The legal medical expert says that she killed herself. How can you scold others since you didn''t take care of her? How can you condemn my husband?"

    Roy immediately came forward to persuade them. Cassie was on Irish''s side, "It is the fact that Emerymitted suicide. Ruby, can you stop ming others?"

    Ruby angrily showed the envelope in her hand, shouting with tears, "This is Emery''s letter! The reason why she chose tomit suicide was that she didn''t want me to be exploited by Joseph! He threatened me then, so I could only give part of the shares. What is the result? Everyone targeted Emery! What''s wrong with her? She just wanted to stay with me! She was worried that Joseph would make drastic changes to the board. She knew that Joseph was nning to take my share. She didn''t want to be my weakness, so she just..."

    She couldn''t stop crying.

    "Your hatred is really ridiculous!" Irish stared at her, "First, you need to be clear that Emerymitted suicide. Joseph didn''t kill her. Secondly, she couldn''t get over the mental difficulties. It has nothing to do with others. If you want to me someone, you can me yourself. Emery could have lived a happy life if it were not for you."

 Chapter 928 928: She Hurt His Face

    ?

    Life was a lonely journey from birth to death. On the journey, we met all kinds of people, some of whom we made friends with, and some just disappeared. The biggest difference was that friends and family would feel attached to us when we finally left the world. That was the meaning of life.

    Some asked why a human being lives longer than a pet. Some answered that it was because, as pets were born, they knew how to love and trust, while human beings would spend their lifetime finding out what they wanted and what was the most precious.

    Some live to gain simple happiness in their short lifetime, such as cats or dogs, while others suffer all kinds of pains in their long lifetime, such as human beings.

    Emery was a good example.

    Her happiness was short, but her suffering was long. Finally, she chose such a way to end her life.

    The incident happened in this way.

    In the morning, Emery looked unhappy. Ruby asked what was wrong with her, and she just shook her head. Ruby thought that maybe there was much work to do. In addition, she felt unwell. Ruby asked her to stay at home. Emery agreed. As Ruby was to leave, Emery asked whether Ruby hated her or not.

    Ruby felt strange. Emery said that if it were not because of her, she would not have given part of her share. Ruby persuaded her not to think too much. She was willing to do that. Emery still felt disappointed. She thought that she got Ruby into trouble, and now Ruby even couldn''t be a normal person.

    Ruby knew that Emery had been in deep self-usation since she knew that Joseph had taken the share of the Lakes in the name of pressing down the rumors. Ruby herself wasn''t happy since she was regarded as a bad guy. Emery had this sort of burden on her every day. Ruby was worried that one day she might be broken.

    However, Ruby didn''t realize that this day woulde so quickly.

    Emery didn''te to the cake store, iming she wanted a good rest. Rubyforted her, and then she went to the store alone.

    When she returned at night, Emery didn''t go out for her.

    Ruby thought she might be asleep and just put the dinner down. As she was changing her shoes, something passed and then through the window in the living room.

    Ruby''s heart beat quickly, and as she watched it carefully, everything turned out to be fine.

    It was in summer when the windows were open.

    At night, the wind was so great. When it entered, the flowers and grass in the room were shaken east to west.

    She wanted to close the window, but she heard screaming downstairs, shaking the whole building down. Ruby searched. Against themp, she saw a person groveling on the floor. Several people approached, and then they screamed and left.

    Ruby''s mind was nk suddenly. Themp was so bright, and the person, groveling on the floor, had the same clothes and figure as Emery''s.

    Emery!

    She searched every room as if she had gone mad. Emery was not in the room!

    Ruby rushed downstairs.

    The smell of blood filled her nose. She rushed forward hurriedly. Pulling the crowd, she saw Emery''s face, which was covered by blood. Emery didn''t close her eyes, meeting Ruby''s shocked expression.

    Emery left a piece of posthumous paper.

    It read, "I''m not willing to be someone to constrain you. Only if I left could you live a carefree life. Nobody can threaten orugh at you now. You should live a better life."<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Emery created a kind of life without any burden for her. Emery''s blood shocked Ruby.

    She hated everyone who intervened with her peaceful life and those whoughed at them. Sometimes guns or knives didn''t kill someone, while rumors and malicious acts were more scary tools to kill someone.

    However, she couldn''t hate her own mother, and she could only find a vent in the crowd and the initiator. That was Joseph.

    It was not difficult for Irish to know Ruby''s mind, which was why she wanted to wake her up.

    Nobody wanted to see blood or death. Irish had no hatred for Emery, so she didn''t hope to see such a scene. Faced with Ruby''s roaring scolding, what she should do was be strict with her. On the other hand, Joseph was her husband. Emery had killed herself. It had nothing to do with others.

    Emery''s death drove Ruby mad. She had lost her mind, and all in her mind was hatred for Joseph. She put all her hatred on Joseph.

    Irish''s words made Ruby annoyed. She rushed forward regardless of anything. Irish didn''t know what she was going to do, while Joseph just pulled behind her. As she turned around, Ruby stubbed on Joseph''s face.

    The sound was so clear that everyone was just startled.

    When Ruby thought of stubbing on him again, her hands were held by Joseph tightly.

    Irish recovered. As she saw Joseph''s stubbed face, she got crazy soon. She shouted at Ruby angrily, "Damn it! You should jump from the top!"

    Ruby''s fingernails were long. As she patted him, her fingernails hurt Joseph''s face. Although the wound was not so severe, it was blooded. No wonder Irish was so angry, even though she herself hadn''t hurt him. But now Ruby didn''t only hurt him but also got his face wounded. If Joseph hadn''t pulled her, she would have paid back to Ruby.

    The policeman pulled Ruby away, while Roy just shook his head all the time. Shirley dared not to say anything. Obviously, when she saw the wound on Joseph''s face, she also felt scared.

    "Ruby, nobody wants her to die. She has passed away. Is there any significance to being so impulsive?" Roy shouted, an air of her brother.

    Ruby cried again. She didn''t want to hear anything.

    Shirley sighed and persuaded lightly, "Ruby, do not me me. You know, I am just frank. I didn''t like Emery, but I didn''t want her to die. Please forgive me."

    The policeman motioned for them not to talk anymore.

    Irish didn''t want to know Ruby''s feelings. If she hadn''t acted in that way just now, she would have felt pitiful for Ruby. But now she just wanted to kick on her.

    "Are you okay?" Irish took out a piece of clean wet tissue, rubbing Joseph''s face lightly.

    Damn it! She hurt his face.

    If Ruby dared to destroy Joseph''s appearance, she would certainly pour sulfuric acid on Ruby''s face!

    "It''s all right." Joseph saw the anger in Irish''s eyes andforted her.

    It waste when the two went back home.

 Chapter 929 929: Can I Think You Love Me Most?

    ?

    Irish carefully disinfected Joseph''s face with a nervous look.

    "Well, would you like to wrap me in a bandage or something?" Taking advantage of the gap in which she had been busy around him, Joseph smiled and reached over her to make her sit in his arms.

    In his arms, Irish gently held his face to the left and looked to the right, saying painfully, "I am worried about your face."

    In fact, she was quite guilty. If Joseph didn''t block before her, Ruby''s p would definitely hit on her own face, but to tell the truth, Irish would rather be pped herself than Joseph. In public, he was a man who looked like a celebrity, more importantly, what if such a handsome face was destroyed?

    Joseph raised his eyebrows, "It looks like you''re just worried about my disfigurement."

    "You look good on this face, I''m sure worried." Irish carefully looked at him. The p print was gone, with only a scratch left.

    Joseph ignored the injury on his face, and his big hands covered her back, gently pinching, "So you are just attracted to my face?"

    Deliberately stimting him, she said, "Yes, if you are ugly, I will not fall in love with you."

    "I thought you''d be more interested in my wallet than in looks." Joseph was joking.

    Irish saw his deliberate teasing and felt her waist warm, so she protruded her lips. "I''m an upright person, so not all the rich people can get into my eyes. Take you, for example, sessful and handsome. In other words, you are a rich and gook-looking man, so I certainly like you. But if you''re old and ugly though you have money, I won''t still like you."

    Joseph smiled and asked, "What if a handsome guy but with no money?"

    Irish thought about it, then said very seriously, "If he''s particrly handsome..."

    He smiled at her.

    When she thought about it again, she affirmed, "I don''t want to have a Toy boy."

    Joseph had no choice but to shake his head and raise his hand to spank her, but the action was very light with indulgence.

    She smiled and hugged him.

    She found that she wasn''t close to him these two days, and she missed him so much.

    After all, he had be thest straw against the camel, and she med him and would not speak to him. Even at night, she turned her back to him. But, because of Ruby''s p, her sympathy for Joseph is more than all. He was publicly beaten for her, so why should she nurture a grievance?

    So, when she opened her heart and held him so tightly, she felt that she was thinking of him so much.

    Irish''s active closeness made Joseph happy. He held her up, and they all nested on the sofa.

    He bowed his head, and the stubble made Irish giggle and push back his face, but he had to press down, and atst, their foreheads were against each other. They felt their breath like vines twisted.

    Since he dismissed her, he had not seen her smile. Tonight, she smiled as before, so bright, stirring Joseph''s heart.

    Irish looked at him, whose eyes were bright, and she softly said, "I think, well, I''m not so lucky these days."

    "Superstitious." Joseph kissed her on the forehead.

    She protested, "You can''t despise this kind of thing so much. Who can promise to see through everything?"

    Looking at her look, Joseph increasingly liked it, nibbling her lips.

    Irish held up his face and prevented him from continuing to explore.

    "But you know, Ruby has misunderstood you, she has all the charges on your head."

    Joseph turned over, leaned on the sofa, and held her in his arms. "It''s her business, and I have no right or power to interfere."

    "But what if she talks to the press? It''s terrible to take on a nonexistent crime." Irish leaned against him and frowned.

    "I''ll tell you, little girl, what it means to take on a nonexistent crime unless Ruby uses me of killing Emery. In fact, Emerymitted suicide, and Ruby just wants to calm her heart from the resentment, which is also inevitable. As for the media side, they won''t know the core parts. Ruby is not stupid; she will not contact the media. Emery has gone, so she will definitely not let the media to hype."

    After Joseph''s analysis, Irish felt it quite reasonable and raised her hand to touch his face, "Then, in public, you cannot stand up for me."

    Joseph smiled and said nothing and rubbed her head.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    She looked at him, looked deeper at him, hugged him, pressed her cheek against his chest, and whispered, "I think the woman''s sixth sense is still very urate, you see Emery''s ident. I really do not know what can happenter."

    "There can be no life without wind and waves. As long as the wind and wavese, you are still around me, it is more important than anything." Joseph slightly used her force to let her directly sit on him.

    The tip of Irish''s nose gently against his chin with a new stubble, giggling, "Then will you voluntarily desert me?"

    "No." He replied simply.

    Irish raised her hand and pinched his nose. "So, you still fire me?"

    It was her style to second guess.

    Sometimes Joseph thought that a woman with a character like Irish would be tired of being a man because she was very small-bellied and even a little vindictive.

    But he couldn''t help it without her, even enjoying it.

    Joseph let her pinch his nose and said, "I can dismiss you, but as your husband, I will never dismiss you."

    "That''s very nice to say that." Irish was happy, loosened her hand, fingers gently touching his lips, "Life is still a long way, you can''t look at other women, clear?"

    Joseph deliberately teased her, "If not?"

    "Then I''ll ssh her all over with gas and then start a fire to burn her down and give you her ashes as calcium powder to stir in soy milk for you to drink," said she, ring angrily at him.

    Surprised, Joseph said, "Can I understand that your mind has reached a dark level?"

    "When I marry a man like you, I always have to study how to deal with the third person, and when I have time, I will write a book called a thousand ways to make the third person die."

    He swallowed his saliva and said, "Has it all gone up to a thousand?"

    "There are levels in hell. Why can''t there be a thousand ways to punish?" asked Irish.

    Joseph said helplessly, "Well."

    Irish suddenly stared at him and asked, "Gee, am I a third person?"

    Joseph smiles, "Do you think you are?"

    "I... I''m not, right?" Irish lingered softly on him, smiling, "Unless I destroy your feelings with other women."

    "You know it. Why do you ask?"

    "I need you to rify." She poked him in the chest.

    Her hand got into his shirt.

    Joseph only felt soft, and her fragrance came into his nose, he smiled, "Of course, you are not."

    "Can I think you love me the most?"

    "I didn''t fall in love with any other woman before you."

    Irish held his face. "Why didn''t you say you love me?"

    Joseph still smiled.

    "Then I want you to say that." She acted coquettishly.

    The next second, Joseph turned her down, and his big hands directly pressed her. He said in a voice, "Actions speak louder than words."

    "You cheat!" Irish screamed.

    Quickly, the exmation of surprise turned into a coquettish sigh.

 Chapter 930 930: Jackfruit Leaf

    ?

    In Florida.

    Still, the scenery was beautiful. This month, touristse here for a holiday.

    Except for Jay.

    He was praying that God could take back Lilith.

    He had been there for a few days.

    Every day he was waiting.

    Jay was a police officer who fought all the year-round in the front line of drug enforcement. He knew well the ruthless drug dealers. He was not an ordinary person, and catching drug dealers was his duty, so when he and Lenard boarded the flight to Florida, his first sentence was immediately contacting the Florida drug enforcement administration.

    Lenard looked at him for a long time and asked, "Are you ready?"

    Jay nodded.

    For Lilith, he was bound to rescue, and for those drug dealers, he was bound to arrest. Therefore, even if he was not in the identity of the drug police, he also needed to cooperate with the relevant departments to arrest these criminals!

    Florida''s anti-drug administration had been dealing with Jay. However, after receiving this information, it immediatelyunched a special operation, formting corresponding countermeasures and ns.

    But these two days, Jay also found a suspicious person following him around, and he thought the man was the drug dealer. He seized him andter learned that Joseph had hired him.

    Jay didn''t want to reveal his story, so he sent the man away.

    And just as Jay was about to get mad, he finally got a call from the other side to keep his phone on the next day. Jay wanted to ask again, but the other side hung up.

    Jay received another call the next day, and the man asked him to go to the port.

    Jay didn''t say a word and went there. At the same time, he turned on the tracker.

    There are still many tourists in Key West Port. They were shopping in the souvenir shops and made it look very lively.

    The other side called but made a strange request, asking Jay to buy something like earrings, nes, and so on.

    Although Jay was not clear about the other side''s purpose, he still did as the other side said, to find a shop. He bought a ne, waiting for further instructions from the other side.

    After a while, the other party called and told him to get to the lighthouse.

    The lighthouse was small where Hemingway had always been.

    When Jay went there, there were only fewer people. There were only two or three tourists taking photos.

    He didn''t know if this was the endpoint, and it was even weird that the other side would set it here.

    What did the other side want to do?

    Why did those ruthless drug dealerse there? There were few people, so it was easy for them to kill.

    Thinking of it, a burst of anger was in his chest!

    They wanted to tell him that even the Buddha couldn''t help them.

    Jay clenched his fist, and his anger burned like a fire.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    But it was a little strange. The other side on the phone once asked him to go to Florida alone, but after arriving in Florida, the other side had never asked him on the phone whether he was alone, not to mention that he needed to throw away his cell phone or change cars and so on.

    It could only exin two reasons: first, the other side was convinced that he would not cooperate with the drug police to handle the case; second, the other side did not take the drug police seriously.

    Jay felt that the other side was not so stupid, who would naively believe that he was not prepared toe, then there was only onest situation-- these drug dealers'' power was huge!

    Several colleagues around him, even the special police also dispatched, ambushed around the lighthouse. They had made the long-range preparation of aiming, and once there was something dangerous, their excellent shootings would be reflected in the drug dealers.

    However, Jay waited there for more than half an hour.

    Suddenly, the phone rang. Jay shivered and hurriedly connected.

    "There is a tree more than 300 years old, pick a leaf, and go to find a man."

    The mechanical sound was cold.

    "Where is Lilith?" Jay gnashed his teeth and asked.

    The other side did not answer him and hung up the phone.

    Jay had no choice but to find the old tree.

    The ancient trees had been named and protected by the government. Jay would never have broken them byw and discipline, but now he had no way but to take a leaf. There were still tourists, and they saw what Jay did was surprising.

    What did the jackfruit leaf mean?

    Jay was unable to figure it out, but at least the man gave him a hint for his next step, which was better than aimless waiting. Taking the leaf, Jay went back to the lighthouse, which was peaceful andpletely different from the mour of the outside world.

    Under the guidance of a lighthouse, Jay walked forward and then stopped in front of a room. The disciple told him to wait for a while and then got in to circte a notice.

    Soon the man walked out and asked Jay in. The door did not close, which was easy for Jay to find the bamboo curtains.

    Although Jay had been working in Florida for several years before, it was his first time walking in a lighthouse.

    It was a small room that was simple and unsophisticated, but there was a faint pleasant smell, making people feel refreshed on hot days.

    However, Jay was worried about Lilith, so he still felt a stone in his heart.

    The lighthouse steward was an old man who looked benevolent, but he was shabby in a dress. The old man remained peaceful there as if he was indifferent to the fame and wealth of this world.

    He asked Jay to sit down, but Jay was so anxious and hastily handed the leaf to the old man.

    Taking a nce at the leaf, the old man still remained calm. Jay could not predict what would happen, and what he could do was wait.

    The old man also sensed his anxiousness, so he put the leaf on the table and asked, "I have a question for you. Are you clear about the condition of your friend?"

    "Amiga?" Jay was shocked.

    After a small pause, he then continued to ask, "Do you mean I can meet a woman?"

    The old man measured him with suspicious eyes but didn''t reply to his question. "Do you really pick this leaf?" asked the man.

    Jay nodded and then exined," Someone asked me to pick this leaf and hand it to the steward of this lighthouse."

 Chapter 931 931: Where Is The Note?

    ?

    The old man nodded and then said, "Well, then follow me."

    Jay walked out of the room with the old man and headed up into the lighthouse.

    On the way, Jay saw a man sweeping intently. It seemed that time was fixed here at the moment.

    Everything was tranquil, but Jay was a bit unsettled. He had no idea who he would meet. Jay clenched his cell phone and believed his colleagues would track his whereabouts.

    The old man finally stopped in front of a room.

    The door was opened, and a Christ statue was set on the table. A faint fragrance smell floated in the air, which was hard to detect.

    The room was furnished with a table, a chair, and a single tatami.

    The old man pointed in a direction and said to Jay, "Please look at the girl. Do you know her?"

    It was then Jay found that a young girl was lying on the that Mimi instilled.

    The light prated from the window, pouring on the girl''s face, and soon Jay saw a simr side face.

    "Lilith!" Shocked, Jay rushed forth while the old man just stood there without movement.

    Lilithy there still, her eyes closed as if sleeping there.

    Jay rushed to her and shook her body gently but didn''t get any response from her. Jay was so anxious to see this, and he couldn''t help but yell at the old man, "What''s wrong with her?"

    The old man did not get mad at Jay''s rude attitude but replied to him in a low voice, "That''s what she looked like when she was found. We also invited doctors here, but they failed to find out what''s wrong with her."

    "What do you mean? Where did you find her?" asked Jay anxiously.

    The old man then told him the whole story.

    Lilith was found at the back of the lighthouse, and she was in aa then. The lighthouse keepers thought she was a visitor here, but no one came to find her after waiting for a long time. They had no idea who to contact, so they called the steward over.

    The steward was going to call the police but then found the girl clenched her hands tightly, so he asked someone to check out if something was in her hand. To his surprise, there was a slip of paper in her hands that said please take this woman in for one night, and someone with jackfruit leaf woulde to her the next day.

    The steward realized it was not a simple case, but he dared not to act rashly. He followed the words and decided to see what would happen the next day. If no one came here, the old man was determined to call the police.

    Out of his expectation, Jay came here with a jackfruit leaf.

    However, the old man didn''t expect that Jay was also not clear about the situation, so after hesitation for a while, the steward decided to lead Jay to have a look, and if he knew nothing about the condition, then the old man would ask for help from the police.

    Jay started calling Lilith again but got no response from her.

    Jay was helpless and then asked the old man again.

    "When did you find her? Have you met her before?"

    The old man stared at Jay suspiciously while Jay took out his police certificate.

    "I am a cap," said Jay while looking into the man''s eyes.

    The old man was assured and then responded, "We found her toward evening yesterday. She looked unfamiliar, and it seemed that it was her first timeing here."

    Jay looked at Lilith, who was in aa, and clenched his hand into a fist.

    ''Damn it! What does the evil angel mean?'' thought Jay to himself.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "Didn''t you find any questionable person here?" asked Jay, who was full of rage.

    The old man didn''t understand what Jay meant, so he furrowed his eyebrows.

    "Or have you ever harbored criminals here?" Jay rushed to the old man and held his cor.

    Shocked, the steward didn''t expect Jay would act so abruptly.

    "You better be frank with me. Who took this woman here?" Jay was irritated and as if he would explode at any time.

    The steward was flurried and hastily exined, "Please don''t misunderstand. We didn''t..."

    "But if you have nothing to do with those drug dealers, why would they send my girlfriend here?" yelled Jay, who lost his mind.

    Others in the lighthouse also heard the screaming, and they all rushed to check out what happened. All of them were shocked as they found a man shouting at their steward. And soon, several caps rushed into the lighthouse, running towards where Jay was.

    Lenard led the group and got to the room. Lenard hastily ran to Jay, trying to calm him down, and then asked in a low voice, "What happened? Where are drug dealers?"

    The monitoring group also heard Jay''s screaming through the microphone and realized something must happen there, so they immediately adjusted their n.

    Jay''s rage was extinct soon, and he was in a low spirit, knowing that their n failed again. Those drug dealers were as crafty as foxes. Although Jay sensed something weird, it was toote for him to understand.

    None of them cared about if Jay woulde here alone, and they must get to know that a lot of caps defended here, so they would definitely not show up. Of course, Jay also understood the drug dealers were fraudulent, so he tried his best to lead them into his trap. However, to his surprise, those drug dealers didn''t show up at all the next day.

    Lenard walked forward and was shocked since he found Lilith lying there.

    "You also heard that just now, those drug dealers mapped out a big n," Jay said, clenching his hands.

    Stepping to Lilith, Lenard began to call her softly but got no response.

    "There is no use calling her. She has been in aa for a long time," said Jay, who looked sorrowful.

    But there were no bruises on her, and she also breathed smoothly, making her look like she was sleeping soundly.

    However, Lenard still felt worried, and then he moved his hands to feel Lilith''s breath.

    "I have called the ambnce in advance since I am afraid that you and Lilith will get hurt when fighting with those drug dealers. Let''s send her to the hospital now," suggested Lenard.

    Although Jay was not reconciled to being fooled by the drug dealers, Jay was clear Lilith was in a dangerous situation. He held Lilith into his arms without hesitation and then asked the old man, "Where is the note?"

    The old man took it out and handed it to Jay.

    Taking a nce, Jay soon understood and said while gnashing his teeth in anger, "They are experienced and astute, but I am not going to give in. Just wait and see."

    Jay left as soon as he finished his sentence.

    Jay thought the note was thest clue, so he tried to find some information from the handwriting. However, it was printed, and he could get nothing useful from it, meaning the drug dealers had deployed everything.

    But Lenard couldn''t figure out what their real goal was.

    They kidnapped Jay and then asked him to take Lilith back. It sounded so weird.

    Perhaps that was something Jay couldn''t figure out, and it irritated Jay. The old man apologized since he couldn''t offer any help. Lenard also followed Jay to leave immediately.

 Chapter 932 932: Adorable Dog

    ?

    Joseph went to Uncle Steven''s house after finishing his work.

    The locust tree flourished, where many elders yed chess and drank coffee. The neighbors also got to know Joseph since he went there every day. They started topliment Joseph after he got out of the car with fruits and many other foods in his hands.

    They even asked Joseph to y chess with them, but Joseph politely declined with a smile and then walked into the house.

    When he left, the elders began to discuss.

    "Look at him. He is a rich and sessful businessman but has always remained humble and easygoing. It seems Irish have found a good husband," said an olddy.

    "Yes, you are right. I heard that their wedding is luxurious."

    "But I heard that Joseph is Irish''s sister''s husband before," said an old man abruptly.

    "I also heard the news. But it is said that they were not really married," replied the olddy.

    "What? Are you serious? Did they deceive everyone?"

    "Yes, they have cleared the air. It sounds like a story, but it happened."

    Those elders kept chatting under the trees. Time went by, and the elders talked in a jovial mood.

    Steven''s house was in a traditional architectural style, and the room was cool inside. The smell of the meal floated in the air while the cicadas were singing in the trees.

    Steven took back a stray dog several days ago, and he named the dog Poppy. This little creature looked dirty, and its feet were bleeding. Obviously, it was hurt by someone consciously. Steven was taking a walk on the day he found the dog, and he heard from the security men who told him a man kicked the dog out of a car and then drove the car away. Poppy waited for his owner all day and didn''t realize he was abandoned.

    It was a lovely dog, although it was a cross between a collie and a golden retriever. And its owner must be aware of this, so he decided to abandon it. After that, Steven began to take food to this dog for some time, although Poppy refused to eat anything initially. But Steven would stay there, apany Poppy for some time, and apply ointment for its wound. Finally, Poppy recovered, and Steven took him back.

    Perhaps, Poppy was moved by Steven, and he didn''t resist. Steven took Poppy to a pet clinic and made aplete inspection for it to ensure its health. The dog''s hair became shiny and thicker under Steven''s careful breeding. Though it didn''t have pure blood lineage, Poppy did be more beautiful. Steven always took him out when taking a walk, while Poppy also enjoyed the moment with Steven. He would follow behind Steven and never run around.

    Later, Irish said, "Little Poppy, let''s discuss it. I don''t give you a traction rope. It is hot, but you have to be quiet. Do not run and bark."

    As a result, Poppy really did not run around and bark. And it followed everywhere Irish went. So Irish did not need to worry.

    Poppy also got along with Joseph because he brought fresh or cooked bones and cans every time he came. So as soon as Joseph entered the yard, the first to meet him was Poppy, jumping happily.

    Joseph smiled to give it delicious food, and little Poppy was happy too.

    There wasughter in the living room, which was rare.

    Irish saw Poppy run out. Across the curtain, she looked out, smiling at Joseph, beckoning, "Honey,e in."

    Joseph saw the situation as a little strange. These days, because of Jay and Lilith, everyone is depressed. And Steven and Mary signed every day. What was the matter today?

    He entered the room, and Poppy, with his steaming bones, followed him into the living room and began to eat them beside Steven''s foot.

    "Don''t buy anymore, Joseph. Everything at home is about to pile up." Mary''s mood was also excellent.

    Joseph could feel the atmosphere at home waspletely different,ughing, "Irish saidst night she wants to eat vegetables, so today I dropped by the supermarket."

    Mary smiled and said, "Hey, no, you''re so good, and you''re buying it."

    Irish''s heart was warm, sitting with Joseph.

    Joseph thought that there must be a good thing, or how Irish was in such a good mood to call him honey that day? Usually, she called him "Joseph."

    "Joseph, drink with meter." Steven invited, "I specially bought two bottles of Ox today."<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Joseph did not answer, and Irish inverted, "Uncle, he still has to drive."

    "He can''t, but you can," said Steven.

    Irish picked her eyebrows up, "Then I can apany you to drink."

    Joseph turned his face and looked at her as if smiling.

    Irish sticks to him.

    "Tonight, you drive, and I drink with my uncle." Joseph looked at her with a ttering face and gave "orders" without mercy.

    Irish immediately changed her face, got up, "Hmm." At the end of the speech, she went to the kitchen to help Mary.

    Joseph was helpless.

    He could see that he was generous in any way, as long as he agreed with her, but even if he didn''t, he became the bad guy in her mouth.

    "Uncle, have you heard from Jay?" Those men he sent were sent away by Jay, and today he saw Steven was a bit joyful. It was probably rted to Jay.

    Steven said, "Yes, he called us. They''re all safe."

    "Have they caught the man?"

    "No, Lilith seemed to be unconscious and had been sent to the hospital, but Jay told us nothing serious." Steven got up to set the table, and Joseph came forward to help.

    Steven continued, "Human security is the most important, Joseph, you do not know that during this period of time, I can''t eat and sleep well, and I''m afraid about Jay''s situation. Although they didn''t catch the guy, they are safe and sound."

    Joseph could understand.

    Mary entered the room and cut in. "What are you talking about? Jay is a lucky star, and the lucky man had his own nature."

    "Well, you''re right." Steven didn''t quarrel with her,ughing.

    ****

    At almost eleven o''clock, Joseph and Irish just came out of Steven''s house.

    Steven with Poppy went out to send them away, and Irish asked Poppy before she left, "Do you want to go with me?"

    Poppy looked at the car and grunted twice.

    "I think it has a psychological shadow." Irish smiled.

    The door was not closed, and Joseph let Uncle hurry back. Uncle told them to pay attention to safety on the road and turned around to return home with Poppy, but it jumped on the car.

    Stevenughed and said, "All right."

    Joseph leaned over with a smile and closed the door. "Okay, let it go and y."

    "It''s very naughty now. What if it bites the furniture?" Steven knew that the furniture Joseph''s was worth a fortune.

    Irish leaned over and smiled, and said, "It''s all right. My husband is generous."

 Chapter 933 933: Men True Nature

    ?

    This was what Joseph loved to listen to,ughing more happily.

    Steven nodded and went home.

    After the doors and windows were closed, the wine smell went over the space, which intertwined with his own fragrance, a little bewitching.

    Irish was actually worried about his stomach, but obviously, today, her uncle and aunt were delighted, so Joseph also apanied them to drink. She handed him the mineral water and told him to drink more.

    Joseph was very obedient and drank water.

    "You look very happy today." Irish drove, turned on the air conditioner, and whispered.

    Joseph, who was drunk, looked more and more aroused.

    He stretched out his hand, and his big hand touched her waist, and his deep voice sounded very pleasant in this closed space.

    "Because you are happy."

    Irish nced at him while turning the corner.

    He leanedzily against the car seat and looked at her with a nted face. His familiar ck eyes were now slightly drunk and enchanted.

    "Don''t take advantage of your drunkenness, Poppy is watching." Irish felt his hot palms.

    Joseph smiled at her.

    He turned around.

    Poppy saw him look back at himself and wagged his tail cheerfully.

    "Lie down there and sleep." Joseph smiled and ordered.

    Poppy sobbed, then his faceid on his paws, lying in the back seat, his eyes closed.

    "It''s pathetic to have a master like you." Irish tried to keep the car steady for fear that he would vomit.

    Joseph had not yet reached that state of drunkenness, turned, and againzily leaned on the seat, looking at the side face of Irish, indulging, "Irish, your smile is very charming."

    Irish blushed and said shyly, "We have been together so many years. Don''t say that."

    The road was t ahead, and there were not too many vehicles. Joseph just rested and pulled over one of her. He intertwined their palms, just smiled, and remained silent.

    "What do you think of Lilith''s situation? Why was she sent to the hospital?" Irish was still worried about Lilith.

    Joseph took her hand and kissed her lips, saying, "There should be no big problem. Tomorrow I will go to thepany to ask someone to inquire about that."

    Irish nodded gently.

    "That''s strange. What does the man want?" She frowned.

    Joseph also did not understand the situation, unable to answer urately.

    "Can the other side originally intended to hurt Lilith or Jay, and suddenly an ident happened?" Irish made a bold assumption.

    Joseph told her, "Don''t worry, Jay will return to New York soon."

    ****

    Strange things are always frightening, such as Jay''s trip to Florida.

    His family members would be worried because they could not predict what kind of danger he would encounter, but sometimes known things such as Jay can be scary. He was safe, but more so, Irish was worried about the hidden dangers.

    Joseph''sfort was not much, but more or less, it could calm Irish''s uneasiness.

    The car headed home.

    Perhaps the strength of the wine came up all the way home, Joseph closed his eyes and leaned there. Irish was a little worried, repeatedly asking him. He just lightly answered he was all right.

    When she got home, she stopped steadily behind the underground garage, leaned over, untied his seat belt, and asked softly, "Do you have a stomachache?"

    A particrly strong man and a particrly strong woman have one thing inmon: they are always unaware of their physical condition. She was afraid that Joseph''s body was ufortable, and he didn''t tell her.

    Joseph opened his eyes, seeing they had arrived home. His tone was slightlyzy, and he answered, "Rest assured, I am fine."

    Irish looked at him, "Really?"

    "But other ces of my body are ufortable." Joseph''s voice turned gentle.

    Irish was startled. "Huh?" <novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "Closer, I''ll tell you." Joseph''s lips slightly raised.

    Irish also did not think much, moved closer to him, and concernedly asked, "Where?"

    Josephnguidly hugged her, his thin lips close to her ear, and said in a very low voice.

    The next second, Irish''s face suddenly rose red, and it quickly spread to the neck. She pushed him away, "Go away!"

    But she didn''t break free.

    He didn''t let her escape, and the strong arm suddenly circled her back and locked her in his arms.

    "Shy?" He smiled.

    Breathing with alcohol spread across her cheeks.

    "Who is shy? I just don''t want to fool around with you." Irish retorted.

    Joseph seemed to y with her," How this kind of thing bes nonsense?"

    "You''ve been thinking about it all day!" Irish was in his arms, melted softly by his breath.

    Joseph retorted. "Well, this is our nature."

    "Facy."

    "You won''t admit that is you? You are not my doll girl when in Clothes?" Joseph picked an eyebrow, "Who in the evening is so..."

    The rest of the words did not finish, and Irish was forced to cover his mouth, red-faced, "Nonsense."

    Soon, Ran pulled her hand down, and his big hand was slightly used with little force, putting her two hands behind her waist. The whole person then stuck to her, voice vaguely maic.

    "Let''s do it inside the car."

    Irish stared at him, "Joseph, I think you are really drunk!" Joseph smiled, and his handsome face went close to her.

    Before he could kiss her face, Poppy, who had been sitting in the back seat, came forward with great excitement.

    Joseph only felt his face enthusiastically licked by Poppy.

    And then they remembered that was the third life in this closed space.

    Poppy saw them pull and push, just thinking they were ying. It became so lively and happy, so it was very excited to participate in it.

    Irish smiled back and forth. Poppy saw the masters were very happy, it became happier, and the whole body moved forward.

    Joseph simply opened the door, escaping.

    ****

    Irish made tea for Joseph, and after he finished, she took a bath.

    Returning to the bedroom, she saw Joseph done taking a bath, but he did not sleep, sitting on the bed. Seeing here in, he nced at her, then did not speak to her, lying down.

    Irish chuckled.

    She dimmed the light. Sheid down beside him, face to face.

    Joseph closed his eyes, and he was intentional.

    She lifted her hand and pinched his nose.

    "Angry?"

    Joseph did not speak, still closing his eyes.

    "Be angry with the dog?" asked Irish.

    Joseph opened his eyes, "Well, yes."

    Irish suddenly reacted, beating him, "Who are you scolding?"

    Joseph turned over and left her behind.

    Irish was startled, then lying on his shoulder, looking at his side face, "Really angry?"

    "Hmm." Joseph hummed.

 Chapter 934 934: Cassie Is Pregnant

    ?

    Irish was helpless. It was the first time to see Joseph so childish. She thought of the old words, mature and steady men have a childish side, and sensible and delicate women have a maternal side.

    Now, the steady man had the child''s temper, and she should also y the maternal brilliance appropriately.

    "Honey, don''t be angry. I just didn''t give it to you in the car." Almost half of her body was on Joseph, and she gently shook him, "Anger easily makes you wrinkle."

    Joseph still ignored her.

    Irish thought about it, more ebullient to stick to him, "Then I can''t make up with you now?"

    Joseph didn''t move.

    Her hand began to touch him and reached into the nket.

    "Let me help you."

    Joseph was already ufortable, and how could he resist her initiation? He turned over and pressed her under him.

    The way he looked made Irishugh. "Haven''t you been in a lonely, cold style? Why aren''t you pretending now?"

    "Have you settled down the dog?" Joseph pressed her with a low voice.

    Irish grinned, "It is sleeping in the living room."

    As soon as she finished her words, Joseph could not help but lower his head.

    She was pricked by his chin and giggled.

    Just as both of them got hot, they suddenly saw a dark shadow darting up to them, wagging her tail, and jumping cheerfully.

    "Poppy!" Irish turned on themp and roared.

    Poppy, sitting at once, put out his tongue as if waiting for instructions.

    Joseph helplessly sighed, "Fortunately, we do not normally have dogs."

    "I saw him asleep on the sofa." Irish was also helpless.

    Joseph took a look at the door, "This is the consequence of unlocked doors."

    Irish shouted and held Poppy''s neck, feeling helpless, "Little poppy, now it''s nighttime. We are ying our own games and not with you. Understood?"

    Poppy barked happily. Obviously, he didn''t understand Irish''s meaning.

    Irish was frightened by his bark. It was really shocking to hear a dog''s clear barking. Luckily the Hampton was big enough. Otherwise, there must beints from neighbours.

    "What can we do?" Irish turned around to look at Joseph.

    Joseph hadn''t had a pet before, so he had no other way but to stand up and shout at Poppy, signaling him to return to the living room.

    However, Poppy''s understanding was wrong. Seeing him stand up, Poppy grovelled down and regarded the bed as his nest.

    Irish patted her head, helpless.

    Seeing the situation, Joseph just walked forward with big steps and held Irish up.

    Before Irish got his point, Joseph held her out of the bedroom and left the door before Poppy rushed out.

    "Joseph?" Irish was shocked. "Let''s do it in the guest room." Joseph closed his lips, smiling.

    ****

    Everyone seemed to be busy. Irish felt that she was still running, and suddenly someone stopped her. She could only see people running before her, and she just stopped there.

    She was once a psychological counsellor to educate andfort those officedies who became households, inspiring them to find the most suitable andfortable lifestyle. Still, now she herself has be a housewife.

    Irish didn''t ept the assessment from the association, so it might be very difficult for her to find a job in other institutes. Now nearly everybody knew the rumour, and it was impossible just to make an excuse.

    Later, Irish discussed with Joseph that she wanted to be employed in other fields.

    Joseph didn''t oppose it and just asked her, "Is that what you want to do?"

    Irish thought of it for a while and shook her head lightly.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Joseph just held her into his bosom and said, "You must find something you really like. Just wait if it is not the time now. Do not make some regretful decisions due to impulsion."

    Actually, what Irish was more afraid of was that Joseph would dislike her one day.

    Knowing her thought, Josephughed, "Just stay at home. You don''t need to regret it since I am also one to make you jobless."

    Irish immediately feltfortable.

    However, she was still a person who couldn''t just stay at home. She learned some lessons on tea art and calligraphy. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, she learned tea art, while on Tuesdays and Thursdays, she learned calligraphy. On weekends, she would have a rest time. The schedule was full and bountiful.

    Joseph justughed after knowing that, "You will be a master in art one day."

    Irish said proudly, "Just wait for me to be a master. There must be my masterpieces in the world."

    Finding oneself in peace might be the final theme for learning. Before it, one needed to encounter many kinds of difficulties and traps. No matter whether tea art or calligraphy would help one to find oneself in peace and ruin her anxiety and terror.

    Today, she had a calligraphy lesson. As she was busy, her phone rang suddenly.

    She forgot to adjust it to the vibration mode.

    The quiet atmosphere was disrupted soon.

    Irish''s hands trembled, and the ink was sshed onto her clothes. In front of so many students, she apologized to them embarrassingly. Putting the writhing brush down, she picked up her phone and left the ssroom.

    Cassie called her. Her voice was weak and helpless.

    Irish felt surprised.

    "I''m in the Harmony Hospital. Irish, could you pleasee?"

    Irish felt nervous, "What happened?" she asked.

    "Come first." Cassie''s voice was lower.

    Irish couldn''t focus on her lessons, and she just ran to the hospital hurriedly without changing her clothes.

    ****

    It was in Harmony Hospital.

    Cassie was nestled on the sofa in the restroom. Her face was as pale as a fish without any blood.

    Irish walked out of the lift. As soon as she ran into the restroom, she saw Cassie immediately. Irish felt nervous upon seeing her.

    "Dear, what''s wrong with you?" She came forward and sat beside Cassie.

    Cassie held her neck as she saw Irish.

    Irish patted her shoulder, and she suddenly found that Cassie was trembling.

    "Do not shock me. What''s wrong?" Irish''s voice was soft.

    Cassie didn''t answer her question soon and just held her tightly. After a while, she recovered and released Irish.

    Irish looked at her anxiously, her heart beating quickly.

    "You know, I do TCT yearly," Cassie said weakly.

    Irish nodded, but in the next second, she just opened her eyes and held Cassie''s hands, "Anything wrong.... with the result?"

    It was suggested that women should do TCT every year after 25 years old, which was the most direct test for cervical cancer screening, and it could also prevent cancer. Cassie and Irish did that each year.

    As Cassie mentioned, Irish thought that there might be problems with the result.

    Cassie shook her head and passed on aboratory test report to Irish.

    Irish couldn''t understand. As she took it over, she felt surprised.

    It was a test report for pregnancy.

    There was a diagnosis from a doctor: Positive.

 Chapter 935 935: Cassie Revealed The Truth

    ?

    "So..." Irish was in a daze.

    Cassie said, "I haven''t had a period this month. Considering that I would have the result of TCT today, so I went to the hospital to find out what was wrong with me. The TCT result is good, but after drawing the blood, the doctor said that I am pregnant."

    "So good news!" Irish was excited, "Cassie, you have a baby."

    Cassie looked stressed.

    "Put it away! Well, does Roy know that? If he does, he must be very happy. Just show it to him." Irish was so d that she didn''t notice Cassie''s emotional changes.

    Cassie just threw the test report away as if it were a demon. "No." She responded.

    Irish found out that Cassie was not happy at all.

    "Cassie?" She called her name lightly and asked in the trial, "You... don''t want that baby, or you don''t want to tell him?"

    Cassie didn''t say anything and closed her lips tightly.

    Irish pulled her hands. She found that all in her hands was sweat.

    She felt shocked.

    She thought of Cassie''s helpless expressions. Yes, she was helpless. At that time, Irish thought that something bad happened, but now she heard that Cassie was pregnant. It was good news, but Cassie felt so nervous and helpless. Was there anything unknown?

    After a great while, Cassie spoke. "I...I want to give birth to it."

    Irish was relieved. She was afraid that Cassie would give up this child.

    She was clear about the pain of losing a child. When you were expecting the life of having a child, you had to depart from him. She had experienced such kind of pain and suffering and deep regret and hatred. It even forced one to death.

    She had had such kind of great pain before, so she didn''t hope that Cassie would suffer again.

    "You don''t want to tell Roy?" Silent, Cassie said, "Hees so suddenly. I haven''t prepared well. I can''t just be faced with Roy as a pregnant woman. I...I don''t know..."

    She couldn''t speak clearly.

    "Cassie, do you feel good? Is there anything wrong with your emotion?" Irish was afraid that Cassie''s depressive disorder would rpse; otherwise, why would she feel helpless?

    Cassie knew her meaning, so she just raised her eyes and said sincerely, "Come on. I have an idea that it has nothing to do with depressive order."

    Irish felt assured as she heard it. "Then, can you tell me what you think of it? I am so happy that you are pregnant."

    Cassie looked at Irish with sorry, "Sorry, I didn''t mean that. I..."

    "I didn''t think too much. Do not have any burden on you." Irish patted her hands, "Now, the most important thing is just to tell me what is on your mind."

    Cassie lowered her head and twisted her fingers, "Actually, I''m afraid that..."

    "Afraid what?"

    "This feeling is so strange. I can''t describe it specifically. But I''m really nervous. Knowing that I am pregnant, I feel that everything is getting through changes."

    Irishughed, "Understood. Do you begin to be anxious? It''s normal. Changes are unavoidable in psychology when many women know that they are having a baby."

    "No. I didn''t mean that." Cassie held Irish''s wet hands, "Actually, I am concerned about the rtionship between me and Roy. You know, my feelings for Roy are different now. I am afraid that he will treat me well, and then I will approach him closer and closer. I will be another me."

    Irish couldn''t understand her.

    She just couldn''t get her meaning, "Cassie, you want to tell me that you love Roy, right?"

    "No, I...I don''t love him so..." Cassie seemed unconfident.

    Irish looked at her with doubt, "If I am right, you just told me you married Roy because you want to be with him. Cassie, what do you want to say? Why did you say that you are afraid that he treats you well? You don''t want to be close to him?"

    Cassie bit her lips. Her face was paler and paler.

    After a great while, she said, "There are reasons for me to marry Roy."

    Irish was waiting for her answer.

    She raised her head and met with Irish''s eyes, lonely, "He... threatened me with photos and videos to marry him."<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    What?

    Irish was startled.

    After a great while, she found her own voice, "What photos and videos?"

    Cassie lowered her eyes to cover her sorrow, "About...our sex."

    "What?"

    Irish wondered, "Haven''t you been in love with him before?"

    "We have been together for a very short time, and we didn''t have sex during that time. The photos and videos were made by Roy when I was going to marry..." Cassie nearly wanted to cry.

    "What on earth happened between you both?" Irish''s voice also became light.

    "Roy... raped me."

    Irish felt shocked.

    Was that true?

    Roy raped Cassie, and there were still photos and videos in his hand? More importantly, Roy threatened Cassie to marry him.

    Did Roy do that? Was that true?

    Cassie told Irish the whole process with a crying voice.

    Irish was totally shocked.

    "So, you left Fredrick?"

    Cassie nodded lightly, "Besides, I may know that I can''t go back to the time when I was with Fredrick."

    Irish soon got it. She immediately knew why Cassie felt so helpless when she knew she was pregnant.

    ****

    It was in the Runestone Group. Joseph was in a meeting for the new productunching after one week. Itsted from the morning to the afternoon.

    In the afternoon, the meeting for shareholders was held, in which Roy took part.

    While Joseph was talking, the door was knocked, and soon it was open. Joseph raised his head and found that Irish was there.

    He was amazed at her dressing.

    It was a white robe. Joseph knew this robe. It was customized by Irish to learn calligraphy. At first, Joseph couldn''t understand it, and he just asked her why there were peculiar clothes. She said that it would be easier for her to adapt to the atmosphere as she wore the clothes. Although Joseph felt she was lying, he still apanied her to go around New York City to buy satisfying clothes.

    Joseph paid, and he just smiled, "You should pay for that."

    Irish said firmly, "You are my husband. So you should pay for that. Besides, you are responsible for the bonus of all shareholders. At the same time, I have no job now, and I need to save money."

    But today, Irish just wore this robe on which there was ink. Joseph was surprised at that, and other shareholders were also startled.

    Irish didn''t care, and she just looked at Joseph, smiling, "Excuse me, would you mind me talking with Roy?"

    Joseph had thought that she was here to find him, but now it seemed that she was looking for Roy.

    Roy was tired of the meeting, so he stood up immediately, "Sure. Please carry on, and I will be back soon."

    And then he pulled Irish away at the door.

    As they entered the office, Roy felt relieved. He stretched his arms, "Good sister. You know I am so tired of the meeting, and you just came to save me."

    Irish didn''t smile anymore and just threw themp on the desk to Roy.

    Roy hadn''t thought that Irish would do that. He screamed and tilted his head. Themp was thrown into the ss behind him, and the ss was broken.

 Chapter 936 936: Your Wife Is Crazy

    ?

    Everything just went so quickly that Roy could not get it into control.

    Everything was so wild that when themp broke, Roy felt so afraid. He thought that if themp had fallen on his head, he would have walked out of the office with gauze on his head.

    Roy didn''t know what was wrong with Irish. Although his sister''s temper was very strange, she would not change so quickly and hit him. Even when she had not had a good rtionship with the Lakes before, she didn''t hit him.

    "Irish��"

    "Roy, you are such a bad guy! Could you not call me so intimately? I am not so close to you!" Irish shouted loudly. And then she just picked up the ss on the desk and threw it to Roy.

    This time the ss bumped into the wall, and it broke.

    "Irish, are you crazy? Who is a bad guy? Can you criticize me in that way?" Then, seeing something flying there, Roy just shouted.

    "Do you deserve that? Shit! I don''t even want to talk to you since you have done so many bad things."

    Roy just evaded her attack. It was so difficult for him.

    Steven raised Irish. She was not a master, but she was quicker than Roy. She threw it frequently and urately. Every time she just drove him to nowhere.

    Atst, Roy even wanted to find a white cloth to give in to her, so he just begged once and once again, "Please, just tell me why you are attacking me."

    "Dare you just pretend to be innocent? Aren''t you clear about what you have done to Cassie?"

    Roy was in a daze.

    Just when he was in a daze, Irish ran forward quickly and put Roy''s hands behind her. Roy shouted loudly. Irish didn''t intend to let him go and just pressed his face onto the desk with great strength. At the same time, she put on a lot of strength again.

    Roy screamed.

    "Irish! I am your brother. Can you just do that?" He was anxious.

    "If you were not my brother, I would have killed you with a knife." Irish pulled his hands again.

    Roy''s screaming was so loud. Before, Leo loved to pretend to be weak, and he just didn''t hit her back, seeming that he was not good at it at all. If it were not for the Three Rivers Arts Festival, Irish would not have thought Leo was also strong.

    Roy was rather different from Leo.

    Since he was very young, he hadn''t touched boxing and just went to the gym regrly. The aim was to keep fit for the position of capital. Roy was not good at boxing or something, so he was the one who was really weak.

    Outside the office, Joseph came there.

    Roy''s assistant heard the sound. Before, she didn''t notice it since she knew that Irish hade in, butter she heard something broken and Irish''s roaring.

    She found something strange. As an assistant, she dared not to see what was happening. On the one hand, Roy didn''t order her toe in; on the other hand, Irish said something like "shareholders" or "chairman''s sister." She could not deal with it well.

    So, she just found Joseph hurriedly.

    The meeting was to end. Joseph was ordering his assistant to cancel some schedules, and at this time, Roy''s assistant ran forward anxiously.

    Joseph couldn''t imagine how things went just from Irish''s smiling face in his memory just now, but he could figure out some importance since the secretary seemed serious.

    As for why he just figured out some sort of importance, it was because he was clear that, at present, Roy hadn''t offended Irish, so the issues would not be so serious.

    As he went to the door, Joseph heard Roy''s shouting, and it was not until then that he realized that he thought it simple. He came forward with big steps and pushed the door open.

    The scene shocked Joseph, and the assistant behind him also opened her eyes.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Roy, the board director, was just pressed on the desk. His face was nearly t, and his eyebrows just twisted with each other. He seemed to be suffering.

    Joseph hadn''t thought he would see this scene, so he just stopped there.

    Seeing Josephe, Roy seemed to find a savior. He didn''t consider whether his employees were in the office, and he just shouted to ask for help from Joseph.

    "Please save me! Your wife is crazy now!"

    "You are crazy!" Irish was angry as she heard this, and she just made more strength.

    "Ah!"

    Roy''s shouting came again.

    "Let me go! My arms are broken!" Roy cried.

    "You don''t need your arms! I should cut your hands; otherwise, you will continue to hurt good girls!" Irish said firmly.

    Irish''s words shocked Joseph. What had Roy done? Hurt good girls?

    The assistant behind her also opened her eyes. She looked at Irish as if she were looking at an angel.

    "Joseph, why are you still standing there? You will not see me again if you don''t save me now!" Roy shouted again.

    Irish still didn''t stop her action and yelled at Joseph, "I am killing a bad guy. Just leave me alone!"

    The description seemed to be too serious.

    Roy resisted. However, he couldn''t win.

    Joseph didn''te forward immediately and just said to Roy''s assistant, "Please go out first."

    The assistant trembled and said yes. She went out and closed the door.

    Since only three of them were in the office, Joseph asked, "Roy, what have you done?"

    Roy''s face was pressed. Hearing Joseph''s questions, he was angry, "You two are really a family. Joseph, please just help me and do not ask more."

    His head was patted by Irish heavily. It ached.

    "Why should my husband help you?"

    "Irish!"

    Roy pretended to be fierce, but Irish didn''t stop.

    Joseph didn''t stop Irish and just walked to the sofa. Sitting down, he took a cigar on the desk as if he were the host. Then, he just ignited the cigar regardless of the terrible scene, leaning against the sofa and crossing his left leg on the right one.

    Roy went mad.

    "Do you have any conscience or not? How can you smoke any cigar at this time?" He shouted at Joseph, "What''s more, I''ve just taken much time to find those cigars. Who let you smoke it?"

    Joseph didn''t speak, and then Irish said, twisting him, "You are such a bad guy. Do you deserve a cigar?"

    "Please state it clearly. What''s the reason for your anger?"

 Chapter 937 937: I’m A Bad Guy

    ?

    Irish patted his head madly, "Stop shouting!"

    "I''m wrong. I''m wrong. Sorry." Roy admitted his mistakes.

    Joseph became a spectator now, and he couldn''t helpughing.

    "Joseph, I''m your brother-inw!" Roy decided to ask for Joseph''s help and soon imed his close rtionship with Joseph.

    Joseph said lightly, "But my wife is hitting my brother-inw. So I have no way to help you."

    "Joseph, you..."

    Irish twisted Roy''s ear and roared, "Do you admit it or not?"

    "I..."

    "Still not?" Irish twisted it again.

    Roy roared.

    When he said it, Joseph just persuaded him beside him, "If you admit it earlier, then you don''t have to suffer more."

    "You are threatening me!"

    "Don''t you ept your mistake?" Irish was to hit him again.

    Roy had to admit, "Yes, yes, I am a bad guy. Please let me go. I''m dying."

    "Louder! I can''t hear you!" Irish said angrily.

    Roy stopped for a while and raised his voice, "I am a bad guy!"

    Irish stared at him angrily.

    Putting the cigar aside, Joseph smiled at Irish and said, "Just let him go. You will kill him finally if you don''t stop now."

    Roy nearly wanted to cry, "Joseph, can you stop annoying me now?"

    Joseph didn''t pay attention to him, and Irish''s anger also disappeared gradually. She finally released Roy.

    Roy was like a prisoner, relieved, and he just activated his body immediately, gritting his teeth.

    "Irish, what did I do?"

    "You made Cassie unhappy, and then me!" Irish said impolitely.

    Roy was surprised, "I didn''t make Cassie unhappy."

    Irish was angry, pointing at him, "Roy, are you a man? Aren''t you clear about what you have done? Why suddenly Cassie decided to marry you?"

    Roy was in a daze, and then he finally understood what she meant.

    Seeing the situation, Joseph knew that Irish''s anger didn''t juste suddenly, so he asked, "What happened?"

    Irish was not polite anymore and just stared at Roy, "He just pretends to be a good director of the board, a good son, and a good captain. Actually, he raped Cassie and then threatened her to marry him with some photos and videos."

    Roy just stood there, silly. He hadn''t thought that Irish would know it in detail.

    Obviously, Joseph didn''t know it, either. He looked at Roy with a shocked expression and then spoke after a great while, "Roy, good for you."

    "I...I..." Roy didn''t know what to say.

    Atst, he just said, "Actually, things weren''t as serious as you described."<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Irish got annoyed again. Noticing this quickly, Joseph just pulled Irish and said lightly, "Listen to his exnation first."

    "What can he exin?" Irish nearly wanted to tear up his face, pointing at him, "Things weren''t so serious as described by us? Then let me ask you, didn''t you rape Cassie?"

    Embarrassed, Roy just said, "So...I did."

    Irish turned around to look at Joseph,ining, "He is so contemptible, you know? He didn''t only rape her but also did it by having Cassie lost with drugs. She couldn''t move at all and was just hurt by him. She was awake in the whole process!" And then she looked at Roy angrily, "Am I wrong?"

    Roy touched his nose and said unnaturally, "I... didn''t want to lose her."

    "You are so selfish." Irish greeted her teeth, "You took photos and threatened Cassie. Did I wrong you?"

    "L....." Roy was just hesitating to answer.

    Joseph stared at Roy. He didn''t know what to say.

    It hurt Roy, and he was soon anxious, "Fredrick doesn''t love Cassie. He doesn''t value her. If Cassie really marries him, she will not be happy for her lifetime!"

    "Roy!" Irish yelled angrily, "Do not make the wrong act be the right one, okay? You are not remorseful; you just praise yourself as a savior. Even if Fredrick doesn''t love Cassie or he doesn''t value her, you shouldn''t be their third party. Why did you force her? Fredrick is not a good guy, nor are you! Weren''t you clear about Cassie''s situation? Do you know how stressful she was when you did that? She has been caught with depressive disorder. Do you want to see her rpse?"

    Faced with Irish''s insult, Roy didn''t know what to say and just said, "I love her, so I can''t just let her marry Fredrick. It will be okay for me if she will be happy with him. However, Fredrick can''t make it! Believe it or not, I love her more than anything that I have. I can even give my life for her if she asks for it."

    "Damn it!" Irish roared, "It''s lucky that Cassie''s illness didn''t rpse, nor shemitted suicide at that time. If it had happened, you would have be a killer. You said that Fredrick didn''t value Cassie, but how about you? Did you respect her choice? You are so selfish!"

    Roy leaned against the table, and after a great while, he said, "Yes, it is contemptible. I should apologize to her, but at that time, I was afraid she would be in a negative mood, so I just apanied her as much as possible, which is also why I wanted to marry her. So she can stay with me, and I can assure her safety."

    Irish gritted her teeth because of annoyance.

    Silent for a long time, Joseph looked up at Roy and asked suddenly, "Did you really take some photos?"

    Irish also recovered and stared at him angrily.

    Thinking for a while, Roy said vaguely, "Maybe."

    "What..."

    "Irish." Joseph stopped her and said lightly, "They are a couple now."

    Irish nearly wanted to kill Roy with her ring expression.

    "I''m enough for Cassie with my true heart," Roy said sincerely.

    Irish resisted her anger and closed her lips lightly, "Cassie didn''t tell me the truth for the sake of not disturbing me, but Roy, you know, Cassie''s situation isplicated, and her mental status is unstable now. Now that you have made mistakes once, you can''t do that again. If you really do something bad to Cassie, it will not be as simple as now. I must kill you."

    Roy ignored her warning and just focused on her description of Cassie''s physical and mental status, asking anxiously, "Cassie''s situation isplicated now? What happened?"

    Joseph also looked at him withplicated expressions, and after a while, Irish sighed finally, "She is pregnant."

    Roy was shocked.

    Seeing no reaction from him, she got impatient, "She is pregnant!"

    Roy finally absorbed her words and was just surprised at this, "Is she pregnant? My child?"

    Hearing this, Joseph just shook his head helplessly.

    Irish was mad and clenched her fists. She nearly wanted to hit him with her fist, "Nonsense! It is not your child, but mine?"

    Roy got excited immediately, and he just waved his hands, "I be a father. I became a father!"

 Chapter 938 938: Do You Hate Fredrick?

    ?

    Joseph looked at him suspiciously.

    "Where is Cassie?" Roy wanted to find his wife right now.

    Irish stared at him.

    "Do not stare at me. I vow that I will treat her well." Roy now promised everything good for Cassie.

    Irish said, "Roy, let me tell you. A pregnant woman is not stable in emotion. Your patience counts more than usual. Now Cassie is having a baby. What does she owe you since she needs to give birth to a child for you?"

    "No, no, no. I owe her, so I must treat her and my child well for the rest of my life." Roy said immediately.

    Irish resisted her anger and just said, "Now she is going through the formalities in the Harmony Hospital. I just deceived her so I could leave since I am so angry at you. I let her wait for me in the hospital."

    Roy took out his car key in the next second and rushed out.

    Irish stared at his back.

    ****

    Returning to the office, Joseph closed the door and said to Irish, nestled on the sofa, smiling, "An average man cannot conquer you."

    Holding the pillow in her bosom, Irish just tilted her head, "You mean you are not an average man?"

    "I mean, your personality is too tough." Joseph poured her a ss of water and sat beside her, "Just drink some water. Calm down."

    Irish gulped down the water in just a few seconds and then put the empty ss on the table, "Why is there a guy like Roy? So shameful!"

    Joseph didn''t talk but just smiled and added water for her.

    She didn''t know whether she was angry or not or she was thirsty, and Irish just drank it quickly and asked, "What kind of water is it?"

    "Icy chrysanthemum, for calming down." Joseph smiled at her.

    Irish raised her eyebrows and said, "Nobody could calm down when it urred. Cassie is my good friend, but she didn''t tell me anything despite suffering great pain."

    Josephforted her, "Roy''s practice was not righteous, but it was out of goodwill. He loves Cassie."

    "Isn''t it good to keep the rtionship in the light?" Irish was still unhappy.

    Josephforted her again, "Maybe there was no way for Roy at that time; otherwise, why did he just think of such a bad way?"

    "So, you also admit that it is a bad way?"

    "Yes, it is." Joseph wanted to make her happy.

    Irish turned around to look at him, "Do you think it''s not great?"

    Joseph soon cleverly chose the most beneficial attitude and stated, "I vow that I support youpletely."

    "Good." Irish closed her lips lightly.

    The atmosphere has be peaceful now.

    "I don''t think that you can vent your anger so quickly." After a while, Joseph said, smiling.

    Irish held her ss and looked at him, "Then what do you think I will do?"

    He seemed to be thinking.

    "You heard that your good friend had suffered so much pain, and then you must want to kill the one who hurt your good friend."

    Irishughed loudly.

    She approached him and giggled, "You know me."

    "Knowing that you are cruel." Joseph raised his hands to pinch her nose, seeming to tease her.

    Irish bit his fingers.

    It ached. Joseph couldn''t help knocking at her head, "Are you a dog?"

    Irish thought of his performance in Roy''s office. She suddenly was happy and just jumped to him, biting his ear, "Yes, I am a dog."

    Josephughed loudly and held her into her bosom.

    The fighting ended just this way. But Irish was sincere, telling Joseph her decision, "If Cassie still hates Roy now, then I will not forgive him next time.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "What do you mean?"

    "It seems that Cassie loves Roy," Irish stated.

    Joseph also smiled, "Roy is as excellent as Fredrick. It''s normal for her to love him. Cassie is a gentlewoman, while Roy is strong and is willing to apany Cassie. He is popr among girls."

    Irish raised her eyebrows, "It sounds like Roy is your brother. You are ttering him."

    Joseph softly smiled, "I am telling the truth. Fredrick looks handsome, but Roy is also extremely handsome."

    Irish looked at him from top to toe.

    He was just alerted.

    Irishughed and held his face with her hands, "Do you hate Fredrick?"

    "I don''t like him truly."

    "Why?"

    "Because he has been attached to you," Joseph said directly.

    Irish smiled. She seemed to be proud.

    "Don''t you n to tell Roy about Cassie''s feelings?" Joseph asked.

    Irish shook her head.

    He was doubtful.

    "The reason was very simple. Cassie has fallen in love with Roy, so she is helpless mentally. At this time, only Roy can help her. He himself did something bad. He should find it by himself. If I tell him now, he will be proud, and then Cassie will hide her love." And then Irish said earnestly, "You should believe the professional way. Understood?"

    Joseph nodded.

    "That''s good," Irish said sweetly.

    He was utterly speechless.

    At the next moment, Joseph''s neck was held by her, and he was nearly choked to death.

    "Honey, let''s discuss something." She smiled brightly.

    Joseph stretched out his arm with difficulty and then pointed at her arm. Irish got his point, and she soon released her arms to let him breathe freely.

    "I''m talking with you, Joseph." When she needed to discuss something with him, she would call him "honey," but if she were unsatisfied with his reaction from Joseph, she would directly call his name.

    Such a real woman!

    "Okay, go ahead." He couldn''t helpughing.

    Irish clung to him and said sweetly, "Let''s have a baby."

    Joseph was surprised at this, and then he persuaded her, "Now your body can''t bear it."

    "You will never know it if you don''t have a try." Irish was unhappy.

    Joseph touched her hair lightly, "Do you want to test your body? Nonsense."

    "I just want to have a baby."

    "I can understand your feelings. But as I have just said, I will not approve this without ensuring your condition is good enough." Joseph turned out to be serious.

    He knew why Irish just wanted to have a baby suddenly. Her good friend is pregnant now, so she must be anxious.

    Irish murmured, lowering her head, "Even a healthy person would take the risk, and a doctor confirms no 100% safety. If not, there will be no hemorrhoid or dystocia...well!"

    She didn''t finish her words, and Joseph just kissed her lips. The remaining words were trapped in her throat.

    Irish pretended to be suffocated.

    His big hands nestled with her, and she couldn''t move at all.

    His kiss was just like a punishment.

 Chapter 939 939: I Really Want A Baby

    ?

    It was not until his chin nearly scratched her cheek that he released her. There was a shining light in his eyes.

    "I just listed an example..." Irish pretended to be weak. Her voice was so sweet.

    "You can''t do that." Joseph was still unhappy and just pinched her waist, "Do not just say that by your own will."

    Irish knew that he was concerned with her. She was touched by it, but she said, "You are so superstitious."

    Joseph bit her lips to punish her, saying with a low voice, "Because I love you."

    She held him tightly. She felt both moved and sorry.

    After a while, she said, "Honestly, I really want a baby. They must be the most beautiful in the world."

    Joseph''s heart ached.

    He patted her back lightly. All his unhappiness disappeared, and he was so gentle, "Now your priority is to be healthy. It''s the most important."

    Irish stood up to look at him.

    Joseph couldn''t help touching her forehead; his nose was attached to hers, "Irish, I can''t ept it if you are in any sort of danger."

    It was such a valuable promise.

    Irish felt deeply touched.

    And she felt moved, and the emotion became an endless river, haunting her heart.

    She knew that the pain of losing the child wasn''t only her burden but him too.

    Irish was afraid of the sad atmosphere and deliberately said, "I think it is your pure intention. You do not give me the sperm, and whom do you intend to give them?" With that, she blushed.

    "When did I give it to others? Be careful with your conscience, little girl."

    As soon as Irish heard this, her face flushed even more.

    ****

    At the house.

    Cassie was looking at the woman introducing the hospital maternity room and got a headache. The woman beside her kept introducing her to the kinds of maternity wards and even took her to the luxury room. Cassie was shocked. It was only having a child, and why did it be the house to live in?

    She looked at the watch, holding the registration form in her hand, and she didn''t write it down.

    Where was Irish?

    Cassie thought she couldn''t handle it alone with such a big matter.

    Seeing that she hesitated, the woman immediately said, "You can think about it and build a file in the hospital first. You know that it is very difficult to choose under the current circumstances."

    Cassie had a choice disorder. She can barely open her mouth to express her opinion. Suddenly the voice rang behind them, "File it today, and we want the best ward."

    Coming out of the hospital, Cassie looked a little embarrassed as Roy kept asking about her, and he was even afraid that she would fall down. He carried all her bags on the way to the parking lot.

    Getting into the car, Roy looked at the hospital''s introduction, painted with a cute baby. The more he looked, the more beautiful the boy was. And he said to Cassie, "Our children must be better looking than these star babies."

    Cassie was quiet.

    Roy put the file, and fastened her seat belt, asked, "Do you feel ufortable?"

    Cassie looked at his side face, a little trance for a moment. So she married him, and then she got pregnant.

    Time flew fast.

    Perhaps, everyone is like this; unconsciously, time runs away like a river.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Seeing that Roy always looked at her, she asked, "What''s the matter?"

    "Irish called you toe?" Cassie asked.

    She should have guessed that there would be a problem since she didn''t see Irish back in the hospital. But Cassie didn''t think that Irish would call Roy because she unexpectedly did not know how to face him at this time.

    Based on the marriage level, Her rtionship with him took a big step forward, and this transformation left her somewhat confused.

    Roy replied yes, and then smiled, "Your pregnancy is a big thing, and you should tell me first. I am your husband; you must tell me whatever happens in the future."

    Cassie was silent again.

    "Starting tomorrow, I will apply to thepany where I will fly the short flight, and I wille home immediately after work," Roy mentioned joyfully.

    Cassie immediately said, "No, don''t dy your work."

    "Nothing is bigger than my wife and children." Roy put his hand around her.

    Looking at him, Cassie''s heart was moved.

    "You''re not going back to thepany today? We''ll go to the bookstore and return home right away."

    Cassie didn''t have to go back to thepany, so she took the whole day off, as she thought that if she underwent the annual test, she would be waiting in line for the result, wasting the whole day. Originally, she wanted to go to the public hospital, but no numbers were left, and she had to make an appointment.

    Therefore, Roy''s proposal to go straight home was what she wanted too. However, now that she''s pregnant, she must also be careful.

    But going to the bookstore has stunned her.

    She didn''t understand his purpose.

    Roy saw her doubts and exined to her, "I want to buy some books to care for pregnant women and newborns. From today, I have to make up for this kind of knowledge."

    Cassie froze because she hadn''t expected him to do so, shocked.

    Soon, like an inexplicable torrent in her heart, the feeling appeared, and she never had that.

    It was a feeling she had never felt in Fredrick.

    "You really don''t have to..." she said, but she still wanted him to do it. It was like being held in one''s hand.

    Although he was usually very considerate to her, she felt it more intense at this moment.

    Roy certainly won''t listen to her at this time,ughed, "You are the key protection object now, and I want you to listen to my words."

    Hearing that, somehow, the pressure in Cassie''s heart had gone away.

    It seemed that she was waiting for the man to appear.

    Or, Cassie even thought, when knowing she was pregnant, she first wanted to tell Irish. But actually, in her subconscious, she wanted to tell Roy through Irish''s mouth because she felt that she still couldn''t call him and tell him that she was pregnant with Roy''s child.

    Roy saw she lowered her head, her long hair slightly covering her cheeks, red and beautiful. He couldn''t help but gently pull her hand, making Cassie embarrassed, and she wanted to pull her hand away, but he held it tightly.

    "Oh, can you concentrate on driving?" She said, but she was a little shy.

    Roy smiled, "The car hasn''t started yet."

    His words made Cassie more embarrassed.

    Seeing the situation, Roy could not help but whisper, "My wife, thank you."

    Cassie bit her lips, "I haven''t forgiven you yet."

    "It''s all right. We still have time." Roy said, sealing her lips. Cassie didn''t resist, and she felt soft.

 Chapter 940 940: Never Mind Me

    ?

    The next day, Cassie asked for leave, and Roy personally called Joseph, and Roy kept persuading Joseph for a long time. Finally, after listening to him, Joseph was very calm, and he said, "You just want to ask for your wife''s early maternity leave? It would help if you asked Cassie. After all, she likes the job, and you are asking for leave in advance, and the position can not be vacant, so she needs someone else to fill it up."

    Roy exined, "Joseph, you are really rational enough, but I have to admit that if you do not do so, The Runestone Group could not work so well. Don''t worry, I''ve told Cassie, and she knows our child''s safety is the most important."

    Joseph admitted.

    It had never been necessary for the chairman of anypany to personally request the general manager''s involvement in personnel dispatch, except in the case of the Runestone Group.

    Irish began to actively engage in the joy of being an aunt.

    Cassie had to stay at home, feeling bored, while Shirley, on the other hand, was feeling happy. However, due to Ruby''s sadness, Shirley couldn''t leave her side and remained by Ruby''s side throughout.

    Police had closed the case, and Emery was finally determined tomit suicide because someone witnessed Emery jump from upstairs when no one was around.

    That was, she was not threatened and abetted by others.

    This was the result that Ruby could not ept, and she was more willing that Emery killed, so at least her anger and sadness could be exported.

    Shirley was deeply concerned about Ruby''s situation, and she remained by her side throughout the day, providing constantpanionship and support.

    In fact, Cassie also wanted to go over tofort Ruby, but at the thought of her deep prejudice against Joseph, she gave up. There was a feeling called "You will hate her bird when you hate her."

    Joseph was not only Irish''s husband but also a close friend of hers. However, Irish harboured concerns that Ruby might not approve of her or have a favourable opinion of her.

    Ruby increased the number of service staff, so Cassie felt like she was a greenhouse flower.

    And Shirley could certainly not help, which made Cassie take a little relief. In fact, if Shirley came, she would really be very nervous. Later, Cassie''s mother came to help, and Cassie was happier, mainly because she liked to eat her mother''s dishes.

    Now, Cassie had ample time to apany Irish on shopping trips. Whenever they stepped out the door, Cassie seemed to radiate with an air of regality akin to a queen embarking on a grand tour.

    On this particr day, Irish had also made arrangements for them to go shopping together at the mall, specifically focusing on selecting items for women and babies.

    When Cassie spotted a pair of adorable small shoes, she couldn''t help but inquire about the price. To her surprise, the price tag revealed a cost exceeding $3,000.

    Cassie protruded her tongue and said, "It''s very expensive."

    Irish closed her lips, and generously said, "I will send it to you."

    Cassie repeatedly refused.

    "It''s toddler shoes, and the material and arc design are crucial factors," Irish exined to Cassie. "Besides, they''re not meant for you. When I have children, you can buy a pair for $6,000." With that, Irish proceeded to the counter to make the payment.

    "I would never take advantage of you, don''t worry. I''ll buy them for you," Cassie assured Irish, though her heart felt a twinge of sadness. Deep down, Cassie understood that Irish was genuinely longing to have children, and the situation tugged at her emotions.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Irish giggled and remarked, "You have a conscience, don''t you?"

    After purchasing the shoes, they stumbled upon a dessert shop and decided to take a seat there.

    As Irish was about to sit down, her phone rang, interrupting their moment of rxation.

    "Who could be so oblivious to disturb our happy time?" she muttered irritably as she answered the call.

    Cassie indulged in a sweet dessert while discreetly eavesdropping on Irish''s conversation. Unexpectedly, she noticed a sudden change in Irish''s expression, causing her own curiosity to intensify.

    After Irish ended the call, Cassie couldn''t contain her curiosity any longer and promptly inquired, "What happened? Your expression seemed to change during the conversation."

    Irish replied, "It was my aunt who mentioned that Jay had returned to New York with Lilith."

    Cassie''s eyes widened in surprise as she asked, "Is Lilith okay?"

    Irish responded, "She is currently in Concorde."

    Without wasting any time, Cassie quickly suggested, "Then let''s hurry and go see her."

    "Don''t go, Cassie. You''re pregnant; it''s not safe for you to visit the hospital," Irish objected, expressing concern for Cassie''s well-being. However, Cassie remained adamant and disagreed with Irish''s suggestion.

    "Well, never mind me. Let''s go," Cassie insisted, gently tugging Irish''s arm. "Even if you send me home, I''ll still be worried. It''s best for us to go and see Lilith."

    Irish contemted for a moment and ultimately agreed with Cassie''s reasoning. Understanding the urgency and importance of the situation, they decided to proceed to the hospital together.

    ****

    Jay had brought Lilith to the local hospital, but to their disappointment, the doctors could not diagnose her condition despite conducting various tests. All other bodily functions appeared normal. After consulting with Lenard, Jay decided to transport Lilith back to New York in search of better medical expertise and resources.

    Upon arriving at the hospital in New York, the doctors swiftly initiated treatment for Lilith. After conducting a thorough examination, the doctor provided a definitive answer: it was highly probable that someone had administered a significant dosage of hallucinogens, resulting in Lilith''s state of unconsciousness.

    Jay grew increasingly concerned about the possibility of a high dosage of drugs being administered to Lilith. However, the doctor who examined her exined, "At this stage, we haven''t found any specific evidence. All we can do is wait for her to regain consciousness, and then we can closely monitor her condition and make further observations."

    When Mary and Steve arrived at the ward, they found that William and Kelly had already arrived earlier. William anxiously questioned the doctor about Lilith''s condition, seeking any updates or information.

    The doctor provided some reassurance, stating that barring anyplications, the patient should regain consciousness either during the night or, at thetest, by tomorrow morning. This hopeful news offered a glimmer of relief amidst the uncertainty.

    Jay expressed his intention to stay in the hospital to support Lilith during her recovery.

    However, Kellyshed out at him, using him of feigningpassion and holding him responsible for the situation Lilith found herself in. The atmosphere became tense as me and emotions ran high within the group.

 Chapter 941 941: Let Jay Stay

    ?

    Despite her love for her son, Mary empathized with Kelly''s heightened emotions in such a critical situation. With Lilith lying in the hospital bed, Mary understood that if she were in Kelly''s position, she might have reacted simrly. Recognizing Jay''s determination to stay, Mary nced up at Steven, silently conveying her thoughts to him, seeking his support and understanding in handling the delicate dynamics within the group.

    Steven picked up on Mary''s hint and understood the situation. He approached William and spoke up, "Let Jay stay. We can''t predict what will happen once Lilith wakes up, and having Jay here provides us with additional support and strength."

    Steven''s words aimed to emphasize the importance of unity and the need for collective support during this uncertain time.

    William, being a man of rationality, recognized the validity of Steven''s words.

    Considering the fears surrounding Lilith''s potential drug exposure, the group shared concerns about the consequences once she regained consciousness. It was evident that Jay''s expertise in his line of work as an anti-drug police officer would be invaluable in assessing the situation, given his knowledge of various drug types andpositions. The group acknowledged that Jay could provide crucial assistance when it came to understanding and dealing with any drug-rted issues that might arise.

    He came forward to persuade Kelly, whoter cried, did not answer.

    Observing the dynamics and realizing the importance of having Jay''s expertise, William nodded in agreement.

    Seeing this, Lenard quickly recognized the significance as well and offered to stay alongside Jay. Understanding the potential challenges they might face, Lenard saw the value in having both Jay and himself present to support Lilith and navigate any drug-rted concerns that may arise.

    Irish took a step forward and positioned herself in front of Lenard, effectively blocking his path. Her tone was firm as she addressed him directly, "Mr. Lenard, I believe it would be best for you to go home. Lilith''s decision to break off the engagement has caused significant damage to your reputation, and even your father has severed ties with the Runestone Group. It is likely that you have been advised to refrain from seeing Lilith as well."

    Lenard felt a sense of awkwardness and cleared his throat before responding, "I understand that the current situation may seem unfavorable, but I believe it is temporary. Misunderstandings can be addressed and resolved over time." He tried to convey his belief that the current circumstances could be rectified and that the strained rtionships could potentially be repaired with openmunication and understanding.

    "To resolve this misunderstanding, it is crucial to uncover the truth. Lenard, you are well aware of the truth, so why do you persist in avoiding it?" Irish inquired, emphasizing the importance of addressing the situation honestly and transparently.

    Her words choked Lenard.

    Cassie took a step forward and expressed her perspective, "Considering the current circumstances, it might not be suitable for you to stay tonight. Moreover, leaving so many people in the ward would be impractical. If your intention is genuinely to resolve the misunderstanding, perhaps it would be best to initiate the process by having a conversation with your father." Cassie emphasized the need for a practical and strategic approach to address the situation effectively.

    Lenard turned to William, seeking his assistance.

    Aware that the trend had already faded, William let out a sigh and advised, "Lenard, it would be best for you to return now."

    Upon hearing William''s words, Lenardprehended the situation and nodded in agreement. He replied, "Well... I''ll return tomorrow then."

    Irish remained indifferent. She was well aware that Jay would not be concerned either, as his focus was solely on Lilith.

    Around eight o''clock in the evening, Joseph and Roy also arrived at the hospital.

    It was Irish who contacted Joseph, informing him that Lilith had been admitted to the hospital and that she might need to return hometer. Without uttering a word, Joseph rushed to the hospital. Joseph, aware that Cassie was staying with Irish and hadn''t gone home, Roy also hurried to the hospital.

    Joseph inquired about the situation first and then persuaded Cassie to go home. Roy expressed concern for her well-being as well. Cassie had no choice but to agree and promised Irish that she would immediately inform her if anything happened.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Irish nodded in agreement.

    Irish suggested, "Why don''t you take our aunt and uncle home first?"

    Joseph grabbed Irish''s arm gently, lowering his voice as he spoke. "The doctor mentioned that Lilith won''t wake up until at least midnight. It would help if you came home with me for now. Lilith is not in any immediate danger, and Jay is here with her."

    Irish insisted on staying at the hospital for a while longer.

    Joseph reluctantly tried to persuade Mary and Steven to go home first. Jay also emerged from the room and urged Mary to hurry home and get some rest.

    Mary anxiously nced towards the ward and expressed her concern, "Kelly is so cunning, and with you here, I''m really worried. Just look at her demeanor, it seems like she wants to devour you."

    Jay responded nonchntly, "That''s not surprising."

    Before Mary could say anything else, she witnessed Kelly stumbling out of the ward and desperately grabbing hold of Jay. She appeared distraught as she shared the news, "Lilith woke up, but she mentioned feeling like bugs have bitten her entire body. Jay, do you think... could she be addicted to drugs?"

    What everyone dreaded came to pass, taking everyone by surprise.

    When Kelly''s words trailed off, Jay swiftly dashed into the ward ahead of everyone else.

    Irish overheard themotion, and as the door to the sick room was pushed open, she was met with Lilith''s piercing and frenzied screams, apanied by the sound of things being smashed.

    Suddenly, Irish felt a powerful impact at the back of her head, as if she had been struck with a heavy blow. A buzzing sensation filled her mind, and everything went nk.

    Fortunately, strong arms swiftly caught her, preventing her legs from giving way and keeping her from copsing to the ground.

    She raised her eyes. It was Joseph with an eye of concern.

    "I''ll go inside and take a look," Irish managed to say, her voice sounding feeble and distant, as if she were walking on cotton.

    Upon seeing her condition, Joseph assisted her into the ward.

    Inside the ward, chaos reigned, with things strewn about in disarray.

    A scene unfolded before her eyes: the door had shattered into fragments, littering the ground. The nkety partially on the floor, and the flowers and fruit baskets were strewn haphazardly all around.

 Chapter 942 942: Will Jay Dislike Me?

    ?

    Lilith was tightly clutched by Jay, cradled in his arms. She appeared disheveled and in a state of turmoil, viciously biting down on Jay''s shoulder. Herplexion was ghastly pale, devoid of any trace of blood.

    Meanwhile, Jay''s shoulder bleeds, staining her teeth.

    Nevertheless, Jay continued to hold onto her tightly, refusing to let her go.

    William looked at this scene with horror, and the whole person looked like a mollusk that had been pulled away from the backbone.

    Mary''s heart filled with anxiety as she witnessed the sight. After all, it was her son who was injured, and her instinct was to rush forward and intervene. However, before she could take a step, Steven reached out and gently pulled her back, signaling for her to refrain from getting involved.

    Irish''s eyes widened as a chilling sensation washed over her, contrasting with the heat outside.

    Despite the sweltering weather, she couldn''t shake off the coldness enveloping her.

    Attempting to take a step forward, she found her feet inexplicably rooted to the ground, refusing to budge. Her vision focused intently on Lilith, who trembled uncontrobly, her fingers yearning to sink into Jay''s flesh.

    Irish couldn''t fathom the repercussions if Cassie and Roy were to witness this unsettling scene. She knew, without a doubt, that it would push her to the brink of insanity.

    ****

    Irish found herself waking up from the dream multiple times.

    But in these dreams, there was no longer a little boy, Adam falling off a cliff, nor her running along a never-endingne. Instead, her dreams were gued by recurring images of Lilith viciously biting Jay.

    In her dreams, Lilith appeared consumed by madness.

    Dreaming that Lilith was desperate to take drugs.

    Irish continued to have dreams where Lilith''s once adorable and vibrant face transformed into a gaunt and emaciated visage.

    In these haunting dreams, Irish witnessed Lilith holding a knife, uttering heartbreaking words like, "Sister, I can''t bear it anymore. The pain is unbearable. I can''t go on." And then, the knife would plunge into her artery, causing a torrent of blood to flow.

    Each time Irish woke up from these nightmares, she would raise her hands to wipe away the tears that streamed down her cheeks.

    The reality of Lilith''s drug addiction had been confirmed.

    The drug traffickers punished Jay in the most vicious way.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    On the second day of Lilith''s hospitalization in New York, the day she regained consciousness, Jay received an unexpected phone call from a drug dealer. The caller revealed that Lilith had unknowingly be a test subject for a newly developed drug belonging to the methamphetamine category. The drug was designed to be highly potent and addictive, making it extremely challenging to quit once exposed. The drug dealer exined that this act of revenge was meant to inflict on Jay the same suffering he had inflicted on others during his career in drug control. It was intended to demonstrate the agonizing consequences of seeing someone he deeply cared about fall victim to drug addiction.

    The drug dealers had a simple objective in mind. They wanted Jay to witness the devastating effects of Lilith''s drug addiction. They knew that if Jay were hesitant to intervene, he would inadvertently allow Lilith to continue taking drugs, thereby making him feel culpable and responsible for her deteriorating condition.

    In the case of severe drug addiction, sometimes the only effective approach is to employ forceful measures to enforce anti-addiction procedures.

    Indeed, this situation posed a significant challenge for Jay, as the person he needed to intervene with was Lilith herself. Given their personal connection, it made the task even more difficult.

    Lilith had been taken home by Kelly, who explicitly forbade Jay from approaching her.

    In Kelly''s eyes, Jay was seen as the direct cause of the current situation, making her staunchly opposed to allowing him toe near Lilith. She believed that Jay''s presence would only bring further harm and pain to Lilith. Thus, she was determined to protect Lilith from any potential harm by keeping Jay at a distance.

    Like any parent, William was deeply worried about Lilith''s drug addiction and its potential consequences. He found it unbearable to witness his daughter''s suffering and was unwilling to tolerate the situation any longer. However, he understood the risk of Lilith continuing to take drugs and recognized the urgency of taking action to address her addiction.

    During these days, Irish made multiple attempts to see Lilith but was consistently blocked by Shirley, who stood guard outside the door. Faced with this obstacle, Irish turned to Joseph for assistance. Joseph, cleverly using the pretense of holding a board of directors meeting, summoned Shirley and William to attend. This strategic move gave Irish the opportunity to finally see Lilith.

    On that particr day, Lilith did not experience an addiction attack.

    Seated calmly in her room, Lilith wore a flowing white nightgown. Her once vibrant hair had faded to a slightly dull shade of yellow, yet it remained soft to the touch. Sunlight poured in through therge window, creating a dazzling glow that made Irish question whether she was still trapped in a dream.

    Lilith, sensing the presence of someone, turned her head and looked back. In a soft voice, she asked, "Do I look like this? Will Jay dislike me?"

    Irish''s throat felt constricted, rendering her unable to speak.

    The revtion of Lilith''s drug addiction was tightly suppressed. Shirley, William, and Joseph formed a united front to prevent any information about Lilith''s condition from spreading. They were determined to keep this news hidden, regardless of how much money it would take.

    During this period, Jay seemed to be living in a state of constant turmoil, feeling overwhelmed by the situation. Irish could sense his deep concern for Lilith''s condition. She vividly remembered the anguish in his eyes when Lilith experienced the agonizing effects of drug withdrawal during their time at the hospital. The future seemed uncertain and difficult to fathom, leaving Irish filled with apprehension.

    Lenard found himself able to enter and exit Lilith''s house, but it was evident that his parents kept a close watch on him, limiting the time he could spend there. However, despite being granted ess to the premises, he could not enter Lilith''s bedroom on each visit.

    On one asion, as Lenard stood outside Lilith''s bedroom door, she spoke to him in a remorseful tone, saying, "Lenard, I have always owed you. This is my mistake, but I truly do not love you. Please don''te to see me anymore. I''m sorry."

    Life was joking with everyone.

    Joseph, observing Irish''s mncholic state, took it upon himself to offer her words of encouragement. He exined that Lilith had reached a critical low point but emphasized that there was still a possibility for her to recover and bounce back. He reminded Irish to hold onto hope and remain supportive in Lilith''s journey toward healing.

 Chapter 943 943: Stolen Design

    ?

    Irish acknowledged the truth in Joseph''s words, but she couldn''t shake off the darkness surrounding their current situation. The uncertainty and fear of the possibility that Lilith might not survive loomed over her. She grappled with the weight of that potential oue and the profound impact it would have on their lives.

    Sometimes people need to adapt.

    As everyone''s attention was focused on Lilith''s situation, another unfortunate incident urred involving Ruby.

    Ruby caused a disturbance at the Runestone Group. It was rumored that while Joseph was in a meeting, she forcefully entered the premises with another individual. Witnesses imed that Ruby appeared highly agitated, as observed by the assistant present during the incident.

    The No.1 mine in South Africa has turned into an abandoned wastnd, causing significant financial losses for the Lakes family. However, what is even more concerning is that Joseph managed to sessfully finance and acquire a majority of Lakes''s shares within a short span of time, including Roy, who also got involved in the situation.

    Shirley was furious, and one day, while in thepany of Ruby, she started speaking ill of Joseph. Remembering Joseph''s past behavior, Ruby became angry and confronted him directly by approaching their group to address the issue.

    The incident became widely known within the entire group, and even in Joseph''s office, the voices of Ruby''s anger could be faintly heard by the staff standing outside the thick door.

    The incident was considered rtively minor and did not attract media attention. However, within thepany, there was a perception of an internal power struggle within the Runestone Group. Some individuals even spected that Joseph would eventually gainplete control over thepany as he was implementing gradual internal reforms. What mattered most was that the elite sales team was under Joseph''smand, establishing him as the true leader of the Runestone Group. As a result, it would be challenging for Roy to assume control of thepany immediately.

    Despite no longer being employed at the Runestone Group andcking ess to information from Cassie and Lilith, Irish managed to hear about the news. Even though she was no longer directly involved, it didn''t mean she waspletely disconnected from the outside world and remained somewhat informed.

    Instead of questioning Joseph about the entire incident, Irish chose a different approach and prepared aforting soup for him upon his return home.

    Observing Joseph''s exhaustion and the time he took to change his shoes, Irish approached him and gently relieved him of his portfolio, understanding that he needed a break.

    During the meal, Irish proposed the idea of taking a vacation. Joseph, being perceptive, quickly grasped the underlying meaning behind her suggestion.

    "You''ve also heard about Ruby?" Joseph asked with a smile.

    "Yes, it seems she intends to cause more trouble for you," Irish replied.

    However, Joseph remained calm and reassured her that things would improve.

    "We will find ways to handle it, Irish," Joseph said confidently.

    But Irish couldn''tprehend what Joseph was referring to initially.

    Joseph paused for a moment and then took her hands, expressing his apologies. "I''m truly sorry, Irish. I can''t go on a vacation with you right now. It''s a crucial moment for me, and I hope you can understand."

    Irishpletely understood his perspective since her true intention behind the vacation suggestion was to help him rx. In truth, Irish didn''t mind the destination as long as she could cherish every moment spent with Joseph.

    Unlike Jay and Lilith, Irish firmly believed in spending every precious minute with her husband.

    As time passed, Monday arrived once again. Irish held onto the belief that the sun would rise each morning and that tomorrow would bring better days. However, the sky was overcast, and the wind outside blew fiercely, indicating an approaching rainstorm.

    Yet, only two days remained until theunch of the new product.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    To Irish''s astonishment, Key Group also unveiled their new product on that day. However, what shook her was the fact that Key Group''s jewelry design was strikingly simr to that of Rune Group.

    This news stirred up amotion among people due to Key Group''s departure from traditional designs, introducing a fresh design concept and setting a new trend.

    ****

    It was a chaotic Monday.

    Most of the employees were hesitant to work after enjoying a rxing weekend, partly due to the anticipated increase in workload that would keep them busy.

    The Runestone Group was also experiencing the disorder.

    The new productunch by Key Group had a significant impact and confusion within the organization. The intricate embroidery caught people''s attention and receivedpliments. Joseph sat quietly, observing theunch without being disturbed. He didn''t pay much attention to the splendid lights and extravagant decorations.

    Joseph''s gaze was fixed on the gship product, the embroidery, with a captivating gemstone positioned prominently in its center. Leo had previously unveiled this remarkable piece to the public before the officialunch.

    Despite not being present at the event, Joseph clearly understood the embroidery''s design and style. In fact, he had meticulously memorized the appearance and color of each product, holding these details firmly in his mind.

    Joseph possessedprehensive knowledge about all the products showcased in Key Group''s exhibition hall. He had personally overseen the scrutiny of these products, ensuring every detail was meticulously checked. Furthermore, the gship product''s design resulted from an extensive coboration and discussions spanning half a month between Joseph and the embroidery experts.

    Joseph was well aware of the scheduled timing for Key Group''s new productunch.

    However, to his surprise, certain media outlets reported that the design concept of Key Group''s new product leaned towards modern fashion, which was not what Joseph had anticipated.

    In his quest for understanding, Joseph repeatedly watched the video recording of theunch.

    With each viewing, his demeanor grew increasingly serious and contemtive.

    Clicking the keyboard, Joseph paused the yback at the precise moment when Leo made his entrance into the hall, holding the gship product in his hands.

    The director of public rtions disyed a grave and furious expression.

    Fixing her gaze on the screen, she angrily eximed, "Key Group has stolen our ideas! Their new products are identical to ours!"

    Upon hearing these words, Joseph tightened his grip on his hands, yet he managed to maintain hisposure. The veins on the back of his hands visibly protruded, a testament to the intensity of his emotions.

    "In any case, weck evidence to support the im that Key Group giarized our concept," Joseph stated in a hushed tone.

    Feeling a sense of urgency, the director replied, "Nevertheless, we possess a design chart andprehensive details of our own design."

    Joseph fixed his gaze on the screen and carefully articted his words, "However, it is also possible for Key Group to allege that we have imitated their design."

 Chapter 944 944: Alarming News

    ?

    The public rtions department director was frustrated as she realized that Joseph''s assessment was urate. There was no concrete evidence to establish that the Key Group had indeed stolen their design concept. Joseph himself had meticulously developed the design for Runestone Group''s new product for the current season. Fully aware of the potential risk of intellectual property theft, Joseph had taken extensive precautions and implemented stringent security measures. This mindset tranted into Joseph''s cautious approach toward both words and actions.

    None of the senior leaders within thepany had been granted ess to the design blueprint, which included the director of the marketing department. This led to repeatedints from the marketing director, as they were unable to forecast sales without any knowledge about the materials used in the new product. However, the public rtions department director acknowledged that she was in a simr situation. They, too,cked any specific information about the product, except for the fact that it would feature a fresh design concept.

    It wasn''t until the week prior to finalizing the design that the public rtions department received some materials regarding the new product. Following this development, the director of the public rtions department began their final preparations for the productunch.

    To maintain confidentiality, Joseph was cautious and only approached the embroidery experts with technical inquiries. Interestingly, none of these experts possessed any knowledge or information regarding the design itself.

    However, despite Joseph''s extensive measures to safeguard the design concept, it had still been leaked or disclosed to unauthorized individuals.

    "Mr. Dover, I am certain there is a traitor hidden within ourpany," the public rtions department director gritted her teeth as she spoke.

    Joseph remained silent, deep in thought.

    "Mr. Dover, I promise you that I never betrayed you," the director pleaded once again.

    "No, I don''t suspect you. It is highly unlikely that Key Group could have altered the design concept within a week," Joseph responded calmly.

    "So, are you suggesting that Key Group might have been involved right from the beginning?" the director inquired.

    Joseph maintained his silence and refrained from speaking.

    Abruptly, a knock echoed through the door, followed by Daisy''s entrance into the room.

    Carrying a rolling suitcase in her hands, Daisy promptly apologized upon entering, "I apologize, Mr. Dover. I''m aware that something has urred within the Runestone Group, so I couldn''t ignore it and simply enjoy my vacation abroad."

    Casting a brief nce at Daisy, Joseph responded calmly, "You have returned at an opportune moment. Sooner orter, you would have learned about this."

    Daisy set aside her suitcase and immediately began attending to her tasks. "It''s truly rming news. Key Group''s actions have had a detrimental impact on our uing productunch, which is a major obstacle. Moreover, the unreasonable shareholders are also proving to be significant hurdles."

    Joseph fixed his gaze on Daisy but remained silent.

    After a brief pause, Daisy continued, "The shareholders are awaiting your presence in the meeting room."

    The shareholders, being observant individuals, had noticed Joseph''s frequent interactions with the embroidery experts. They had developed suspicions that the new product must be somehow rted to embroidery. Naturally, cross-border coborations were not unheard of, and they were not surprised to see the integration of embroidery in the new product.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Indeed, even if Key Group incorporated embroidery into their product design, it would not be of significant concern as long as the design concept itself was distinct.

    However, the shareholders, being cautious about potential profit losses, were naturally sensitive to such developments. Despite not having seen the design drawings themselves, they grew anxious upon hearing the news of Key Group''s integration of embroidery into their new products.

    As Daisy uttered those words, Joseph promptly stood up, preparing to address the concerns of the shareholders in the meeting room.

    "Did they hear the entire story?" the director of the public rtions department inquired.

    "They will eventually find out," Joseph replied as he walked out of the office.

    Daisy hurriedly followed Joseph as they made their way out. Meanwhile, Irish was on her way to meet Jay during Key Group''s new productunch. William and Kelly had also traveled to Runestone Group for the uing product promotion conference. Seizing the opportunity, Jay was determined to visit Lilith to gain insight into the entire Lilith experience process.

    Coincidentally, Irish caught a glimpse of Leo being interviewed by the media on a street screen disy.

    Leo appeared dashing and captivating in his impably tailored suit.

    The sight of Leo and the memory of his peculiar behavior towards her a few days ago caused Irish to tremble slightly. As she was preparing to move on, she overheard the reporter ask Leo a probing question, "There have been rumors circting that Mr. Dover, the CEO of Runestone Group, has been in frequent contact with you. Some industry insiders specte that the uing new product from Runestone Group may also incorporate embroidery into its design. Are you concerned that your design concept might coincide?"

    Irish''s curiosity was piqued, and she lingered for a moment to hear Leo''s response.

    Leo grinned and responded, "I have been nning to incorporate embroidery into our product design for several years, and I have been waiting for the right opportunity to garner public support. However, I am not privy to Runestone Group''s design for this year. If they have also considered integrating embroidery into their design, it demonstrates that our twopanies share a simr vision. I believe this is not a negative development but rather a positive opportunity for both ourpanies. We have both set our sights on Chinese embroidery, and this presents a chance to promote embroidery culture and generate interest in our products. Naturally, I am also eager to see Runestone''s new product as I am curious about their innovative design concept and elements."

    Irish''s mind was overwhelmed with thoughts, and she couldn''t focus on the subsequent question posed by the media. The words she had just heard had unsettled her, leaving her feeling uneasy and restless.

    Although Irish had never seen the design drawing, she felt Key Group''s new productunch was weird. Leo did not like to follow suit, but why did he also adopt embroidery this time? Was it an asion? Irish was unable to figure it out.

    Staring at the dazzling jewelry on the screen, Irish felt flurried.

    When she was absorbed in her thoughts, her phone started ringing abruptly.

    It was Jay who asked her where she was.

    Trying her best to calm down, Irish told him where she was while Jay asked her to stay there. "I wille to pick you up soon. Wait for me for a while," said Jay.

 Chapter 945 945: Absurd Speculation

    ?

    In the meeting room of Runestone Group,

    "Joseph, is this the solution you provided? What do you mean by recing the new product with our previous model?" a shareholder seethed with anger. He stared at Joseph and shouted at him.

    Roy appeared solemn, sitting there in silence.

    William and Kelly wore serious expressions as well.

    However, Joseph remained calm, which infuriated the shareholders.

    Daisy, Joseph''s assistant, was consumed by anxiety, but she couldn''t speak on Joseph''s behalf in such a situation.

    Roy finally voiced his opinion and sessfully convinced everyone to calm down.

    "Everyone, please remain calm. Let''s hear Joseph out," Roy persuaded.

    Within the Runestone Group, the members felt tranquility regarding Key Group''s new productunch. They could sense that something had gone awry. Particrly, those within the inner circle of the Runestone Group felt a heightened sense of anxiety, as they were well aware that a storm was looming on the horizon.

    The shareholders urgently requested a meeting with Joseph.

    However, to their surprise, Joseph informed them that there had been a change in tomorrow''s new productunch, and the undisclosed products were to be showcased during the event.

    While it was understandable to have a backup n, the shareholders struggled toprehend why these unreleased products should be disyed. It seemed absurd.

    These old products had never aligned with Runestone Group''s design concept and had remained confined to the D club, undisclosed to the public. They were far from impressive enough topete with Key Group.

    Joseph was going against the prevailing opinion, causing frustration among the shareholders.

    Eventually, the shareholders managed to calm down, but their res remained fixed on Joseph.

    Joseph maintained hisposure and continued, "Indeed, Leo is overseeing the development of ourpany''s new product for this season. Key Group seems to share a simr design concept with us, and their finished products bear a striking resemnce to ours. We must ensure a seamlessunch to dispel any suspicions our customers may have."

    Confused, one of the shareholders asked, "What exactly are you talking about?"

    Joseph''s statement took aback all the present individuals.

    After a brief pause, Roy inquired, "Are you suggesting that Key Group has stolen our design concept for our new product?"

    "To be more precise, they have obtained our design drawings without authorization. Although their design style may not be an exact replica of ours," replied Joseph.

    As the shareholders absorbed this revtion, a collective gasp filled the room.

    "Should we pursue legal action against them?" William interjected abruptly, his silence broken. He appeared fatigued, with bloodshot and weary eyes.

    Joseph furrowed his brow before responding, "Unfortunately, we currentlyck evidence to link Leo to the theft of our design drawing directly."

    "Why didn''t you protect the design drawing more effectively?" a shareholder inquired.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Joseph replied, "It was done to prevent imitation by otherpanies."

    Evidently, nopany would willingly disclose their design drawings in advance to avoid imitation. However, Joseph could not determine how Leo had managed to obtain their blueprint.

    Joseph pondered for a while but couldn''t find an answer.

    The shareholder''s anger intensified, and they insisted, "You imed that you took extensive measures to maintain confidentiality and prevent imitation by others. Yet, our blueprint was still stolen by Key Group. You owe us an exnation."

    The man''s tone and demeanor revealed his suspicion towards Joseph''s words.

    Joseph, being astute,prehended the underlying implication and countered, "Are you insinuating that I am the one who leaked the information?"

    Silence engulfed the room as everyone exchanged perplexed nces.

    The shareholder narrowed his eyes and sneered, "Who else could be the leaker if not you?"

    Roy interjected with a deep voice, "Such spection is utterly absurd."

    "Is it really so ridiculous? I find Joseph''s actions suspicious," the shareholder asserted directly. After a brief pause, he continued, "Even the senior leaders of thepany were only informed about the details of the new product at thest minute. Joseph, being the one with the most knowledge about the product design, raises suspicions."

    The room fell into a tense silence as everyone contemted the shareholder''s words.

    "But if I am indeed the leaker, what would be my motivation?" Joseph calmly questioned, his voice steady.

    The shareholder paused, considering Joseph''s question. The room remained hushed as all eyes were fixed on him, awaiting his response.

    "I agree with Joseph. He has dedicated himself to the sess of thispany for so many years. It is inconceivable that he would intentionally harm himself in any way. It sounds truly absurd," another shareholder chimed in.

    "Listen to him, everyone! What is he even talking about? He ims that Runestone Group belongs to Joseph!" The shareholder''s aggression was palpable. After a few seconds, he continued, "I have a question. Who does thispany really belong to? Yes, I acknowledge that you hold a stake in thispany, but it doesn''t make you the owner of Runestone Group. You asked about Joseph''s motivation earlier. Well, I suspect that you are using Key Group to retaliate against ourpany, preventing Runestone Group from making aeback."

    "Mr. Xu, I strongly disagree. It is universally recognized that Joseph has contributed greatly to thispany. You wouldn''t have made as much money without him. Yet, here you are, turning against him in this predicament. It is utterly absurd," Daisy retorted indignantly.

    As was known to all, Daisy had been Joseph''s capable assistant for so many years, and she was a woman who always knew the proper limits for speech and action, but now she offended the shareholders directly, which meant that she was burning with rage.

    Mr. Xu, overwhelmed by anger and embarrassment, mmed his fist on the table, shouting at Daisy, "Get out of here! You''re nothing but Joseph''s assistant. How dare you show such disrespect towards me? Daisy, you need to realize that I''ve been with Runestone Group longer than Joseph. I have more experience and wisdom than you. I know what you know, but I also understand things beyond yourprehension. Don''t mistake me for someone ignorant."

    The atmosphere in the room became tense as Mr. Xu''s outburst echoed throughout the space.

    Standing there silently, Daisy flushed with rage.

    Turning to Daisy, Joseph gave her a hint not to speak for him. "Mr. Xu, please go on," said Joseph.

    Daisy was not afraid of those shareholders since she was Joseph''s subordinate, but now that Joseph asked her to bear patiently, Daisy then remained silent.

 Chapter 946 946: Do You Feel Uncomfortable

    ?

    Mr. Xu snorted and continued, "Joseph, do you think I cannot see through your true intentions? Most of you are new shareholders of Runestone Group, and I''m certain that you''re not fully aware of the history between the Lakes family and Joseph''s family. Despite the unfortunate actions of the Lakes family towards Joseph''s family, they still treated Joseph as their own child. Joseph, you became the manager of Runestone Group despite having the capability to lead apany. But what have you done for Runestone Group? You are not appreciative of what the Lakes family did for you. Instead, you have selfishly sought to take over thepany and im it as your own. Furthermore, you have taken advantage of Irish, the daughter of the Lakes family. I know you hold animosity towards Mr. Henry. He wanted to speak with you before his death, and none of us know what you discussed. However, we do know that Mr. Henry did not die peacefully, as his eyes did not even close. I am certain that you said something to agitate him."

    Mr. Xu paused for a moment, collecting his thoughts before continuing, "Key Group and Runestone Group had no businesspetition for many years. However, once you took charge, Key Group started to oppose us. But is this the truth? Everyone, please do not be deceived by him. The media has repeatedly captured images of you together, attending the same events. I must ask, why would you meet with yourpetitor so frequently? This leads me to suspect that you instructed Leo to deceive us. You provided him with the blueprint so that he could plunge Runestone Group into a crisis. Moreover, you recently organized financing. Joseph, this is your true intention, isn''t it? Am I correct this time?"

    The room fell into an uneasy silence as Mr. Xu''s usations hung in the air.

    All of them gazed at Joseph.

    Joseph, choosing not to respond directly to Mr. Xu''s usations, turned his gaze towards Roy. "I take full responsibility for the blueprint situation. However, the immediate issue at hand is arranging for someone to retrieve the jewelry from the D club. We can, at the very least, mitigate our losses."

    "Reducing losses? I''m afraid you want to drive Runestone Group into bankruptcy," another shareholder angrily retorted. "Joseph, I have never doubted your capabilities before, but this time you have made a grave mistake. We all know the design of the jewelry in the D club, and how can wepete with Key Group? Since Leo took over Key Group, both ourpanies have been focusing on marketing and sales. Now you n topete with them by showcasing outdated jewelry. People will mock us and believe our creative inspiration has dried up. I am concerned about the impact this will have on ourpany''s reputation among customers."

    Once again, Mr. Xu spoke up, his gaze fixed on Roy. "Runestone Group is now fragmented. Joseph has strategically ced his people in key departments, and he is even interfering with the Research Department. This is all part of his scheme, and let''s not forget that the suspicious circumstances surrounding Mr. Henry''s death remain unresolved. We may want to postpone theunch, but we cannot let Joseph have free rein."

    Tensions within the room escted as the shareholders expressed their concerns about Joseph''s decisions and the direction of Runestone Group.

    Almost the old shareholders adopted counter advice, and Roy needed to take their advice into consideration, but those new shareholders all supported Joseph firmly. Although they gave relevant advice, they had been working here for a short time, so they were unable to convince those old shareholders at all.

    The board was divided into two camps.

    After a long moment of silence, William expressed his opinion and stopped the argument, "I also agree with Mr. Xu''s suggestion. I think we''d better put off our new productunch." Saying this, he then turned to Joseph and then exined, "Joseph, please don''t misunderstand. I don''t mean to fight against you, but I just think it is not proper to rece this old-style jewelry. It is not a wise choice."

    William paused for a while and then turned to Roy and said, "I think it is necessary to adopt old shareholders'' advice. They are also safeguarding the interest of thepany."

    Roy was in a dilemma while Joseph and the shareholders were waiting for his decision.

    Joseph looked tranquil, but people still couldn''t figure out what he was thinking. The shareholders were anxious, but it was easy to tell what they were thinking. They were worried about profit loss.

    After thinking for a while, Roy then said, "Joseph, I think we should put off the new productunch. We need to find out the hidden traitor first."

    The shareholders all heaved a sigh of relief.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Joseph frowned slightly but then held back his anger and nodded slightly.

    ****

    Jay finally met Lilith, who looked exhausted and lost a lot of weight. Lilith rushed into his arms and burst into tears.

    Jay hastily held her tightly.

    Seeing this, Irish walked out to the living room, sitting on the couch, but she was getting more and more flurried since she felt something would happen.

    In the bedroom

    Lilith sobbed in Jay''s arms while Jayforted her softly. After she finally calmed down, Jay then mentioned what had happened that day. Lilith turned to be anxious and told Jay that the man pretended to be Jay''s colleague and deceived her into following him. However, she couldn''t remember anything when she got into the man''s car.

    Jay asked her what happened to her in Florida, but Lilith kept trembling.

    "It is a dark ce, and I am trapped. I don''t know who they are and can''t understand what they said. I am so frightened, and I don''t know where I am. But someone would feed me timely every day. They did nothing dirty to me, but they would inject me every day. I can''t remember anything else. When I woke up, I was at home already," said Lilith with sobs.

    "Jay, am I addicted to drugs?" added Lilith, who kept trembling.

    Lilith was not sure if she was addicted to drugs.

    Lilith was always protected in a greenhouse, and she had never dealt with a drug dealer. Although she met many drug dealers in the police office when she came to Jay, she couldn''t imagine how painful it would be when addiction urred to them.

    Jay was extremely worried because Jay could tell that Lilith was addicted to drugs. Jay exerted his effort to settle her down, and the doctors injected her with sedatives. Kelly was unable to stand her daughter suffering so much and insisted on bringing Lilith back home.

    Jay was anxious but unable to do anything.

    Jay was speechless at Lilith''s question since he had no idea how to tell her the truth. A momentter, Jay turned to her and asked, "Lilith, how do you do these days? Do you feel ufortable?"

 Chapter 947 947: Trust Me

    ?

    Jay couldn''t bear to see her pale face, and Jay felt his heart was piercing.

    Lilith was flurried and helpless and looked like a frightened child, her eysh trembling slightly.

    After a small pause, she then replied in a shaky voice, "Yes, I have the same feeling when I am in the hospital."

    Jay felt as if an iron bar had struck his head. His ears buzzed, and her mind was nk.

    Feeling his helplessness, Lilith was getting more and more restless.

    Jay held back his grievance and then continued in a husky voice, "What happened next?"

    Jay waited for her reply.

    "I feel so bad, and itsted for almost an hour. I passed out and then became unconscious," added Lilith.

    Jay was startled by what Lilith said.

    "You passed out?"

    Lilith said nothing but nodded her head.

    Jay furrowed his eyebrows and then was lost in his thoughts. He couldn''t figure out what kind of drug she was addicted to.

    "Do you still feel ufortable when you wake up?" asked Jay.

    Lilith shook her head slightly while Jay was also confused.

    Reaching out her hands, Lilith pulled his hand, staring at Jay with her pure yet helpless eyes.

    "Jay, what happened to me?"

    Jay had a sense of suppression in his chest as he heard Lilith''s reply. Reaching out, he held her into his arms, looking into her eyes soberly.

    "Lilith, you have to go to rehab," said Jay in a low yet upset voice.

    Shocked, Lilith widened her eyes and then pushed him away. Rushing to the couch and huddled in the corner.

    "No, I am not going there," said Lilith while shaking her head.

    Lilith went to rehab once, and she was shocked by Carmen''s hysterical look. The scene kept lingering in her mind. Carmen asked for death, and she looked so painful when drug addiction urred to her.

    Lilith couldn''t imagine how painful it would be, but now she experienced it personally.

    However, she was afraid of the cold ce where the staff would tie her hands behind her back to prevent her from doing anything impulsive.

    Lilith felt that she would turn out to be non-human if she stayed in rehab for some time.

    It was hell.

    Jay was clear about what she was thinking since he knew that rehab was also like a mental hospital. People would look at them with discriminatory eyes as soon as they got out of rehab.

    But Lilith was in a dangerous condition if she kept staying at home.

    Although William and Kelly would apany her, they had to go out asionally. Should housemaids nurse Lilith? They would be at the end of their rope if drug addiction urred to her.

    Stepping to her, Jay sat down beside her. Reaching his hands, he patted her head gently and said softly, "Lilith, please trust me. I will be with you."

    However, Lilith just shook her head violently and refused to follow his words.

    "Your family members and friends will worry about you if you don''t ept treatment," Jay said.

    "No, I am not going there," replied Lilith while gasping heavily.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "Lilith, listen to me. I believe that you are not seriously addicted. Look at Carmen. She had been addicted to drugs for many years, but now she is getting better," said Jay patiently.

    "No, I am not going there. You will hate me!"

    Lilith covered her ears and was reluctant to ept his advice. She couldn''t bear to be a drug addict. She couldn''t stand Jay seeing her hysterical behavior.

    "Go out. I don''t want to see you!" Lilith stood up abruptly and turned to be agitated.

    Reaching out, Jay wanted to take her hands but was pushed away by Lilith. She walked away, and tears trickled down her cheeks. "Go! Now! I hate myself, and I don''t want you to see me like this."

    Jay thought drug addiction urred again, so he hastily approached her.

    However, Lilith yelled at him and fell back. "Go out!"

    Her screaming broke the tranquility.

    Irish, who stayed in the living room, also heard Lilith''s outcry. Anxious, she immediately walked into the bedroom but was shocked by what she saw.

    "Irish, I don''t want to see him. Take him away, please," Lilith begged Irish with a sob.

    Irish turned to Jay since she was also wondering if drug addiction had urred to Lilith again.

    Jay gave him a sign to relieve his sister and then turned to Lilith. Jay thought Lilith was agitated because she could not ept that she was addicted to drugs.

    Irish calmed down and then persuaded Lilith softly, "Lilith, Jay is worried about you. Calm down and listen to him first."

    "No, leave me alone. Get out. I just want to stay alone!" Lilith said and covered her ears, dropping down on the floor.

    Jay stopped and then went down, putting his arms around Lilith, tightening his arms no matter how hard she pushed him.

    "Lilith, I am not going to leave you alone. Absolutely not."

    Jay felt so guilty because it was he who caused trouble to Lilith, and it was he who pushed Lilith into a dilemma. The drug dealers were taking revenge on him because Jay interrupted their n.

    That was why the drug dealers kidnapped Lilith to threaten him.

    Jay bore a grudge against these drug dealers because they hurt his beloved woman. Lilith was innocent but was deeply hurt by those devils. They almost destroyed Lilith''s faith.

    They adopted the cruelest way to torture him and encroach on his faith.

    Lilith was agitated, beat him, and yelled, "I don''t need your apology. Go! Go!" She was afraid of staying with Jay at this moment.

    Jay held her face, looking into her eyes seriously, and said, "Lilith, I love you. Trust me. I will always love you."

    After hearing this, Lilith stopped yelling and looked up.

    She burst into tears while Irish walked out silently, closing the door since she was clear they needed to talk.

    Irish felt her nose twitch.

    Heaving a sigh, Irish tried her best to calm down but still felt a sense of suppression fill in her chest.

    Irish couldn''t figure out what was wrong recently. It seemed that everyone was suffering from pain. The beautiful moments of life faded away gradually, and she was unable to save the situation.

    Irish was lost in her thoughts.

    Where did the suppressione from?

    People''s mental condition was influenced by their surroundings, and people were not born with the grievance. Therefore, Irish always told herself that she had to be positive. But she found that she always felt flurried recently as if a disaster wasing soon.

    Was it because of Lilith''s experience?

 Chapter 948 948: I Care About You

    ?

    Or was something bad really going to take ce soon?

    The housemaid put up the phone and walked to Irish hurriedly. "Lilith''s parents wille back soon. Irish, you..." The maid stopped but looked anxiously.

    The maid was always kind to Irish. Although William and Kelly urged the maid not to let anyone in, she still opened the door for Irish each time.

    Irish understood what the maid meant, and she also didn''t want to have a conflict with Kelly because she was clear that the drug dealers hurt Lilith because of Jay.

    Stepping to Lilith''s bedroom, she knocked on the door gently, opened the door then, and reminded him it was time to leave.

    However, Jay couldn''t stand to leave.

    Lilith was alone, so he persuaded her to leave with him.

    Lilith also understood that her parents woulde back soon, so she also urged Jay to leave as soon as possible.

    Jay was stubborn and insisted on waiting for William and Kelly so that he could convince them to allow him to take Lilith away.

    Anxious, Irish rushed to Jay and roared at him in a rather low voice, "Are you crazy? It is not the right time to unt your superiority. Even if you want to take Lilith away, it is not a tight time. You are the police, and you should understand this."

    Lilith wept and persuaded Jay, "Leave with Irish now. I am begging you."

    Staring at Lilith, Jay was hesitant.

    He felt so sorrowful for Lilith, whose tears kept trickling down. Jay felt a stone in his heart, but he was helpless and just clenched his hands.

    The maid knocked on the door anxiously and said, "The car has already reached the underground garage. You need to go right now."

    Irish pulled Jay and asked him to leave with her immediately.

    Although Jay was reluctant to leave Lilith, he was softhearted and could not bear to see Lilith cry in front of him. Heaving up a sigh, he then left with Irish.

    Far off to the west, the sun was sinking on the way. Irish went back home.

    The evening glow colors the hill red, which reminds Irish of blood.

    Her heart dropped suddenly.

    The cloud in the sky meant a rainy day the next day.

    As she walked into her house, Irish didn''t find Mia.

    Taking a nce at the clock, Irish was confused since it was almost dinner time, but Mia was not in the kitchen.

    Irish found Joseph''s shoes at the door when she was about to change shoes.

    Shocked, Irish can''t believe Joseph was back so early today.

    The sound was heard from the sanctum.

    Irish felt weird and then walked to the room. It was Joseph''s voice, and obviously, he was on the phone in a deep yet husky voice which made her feel anxious.

    "Leo, it seems that you rack your brains to oppose me," said Joseph with a sneer.

    Joseph was always busy with his work on the first day when Irish got to know him. Although Joseph woulde back to sleep after their marriage, he always came back at midnight.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    It seemed that his social intercourses was endless, and he had no private time at all.

    Irish neverined about him for this because she knew what kind of man she was in love with. Joseph loved her but still felt guilty for Irish since he could spend too much time with her. Irish was considerate enough, so she usually waited for him back quietly.

    That was why Irish would feel surprised for him early back.

    To her surprise, Joseph was on the phone with Leo.

    Irish thought Leo was in the room at first, but she then realized Joseph was on the phone with him since she didn''t hear Leo''s response.

    However, what did Joseph mean?

    Irish turned to be flurried again, and she could not settle down.

    On the way back home, the sense of suppression and anxiousness lingered in Irish''s heart which made her unsettled. And now she was getting more nervous after hearing the sentence from Joseph.

    Irish didn''t know what Leo said on the phone, and she also tried to stop eavesdropping and do what she should do. But she failed each time, and she just stood there motionless while she felt a sound kept telling her something had happened.

    Joseph kept silent for a while and then said again, "However, I am not interested in this game."

    Joseph replied briefly, but Irish didn''t know what he meant.

    And soon Joseph finished the phone. It was not until the sound of footsteps was heard in the room Irish then realized Joseph was walking out. She rushed to the living room and pretended she was clearing the table.

    Her heart was bumping.

    Irish didn''t know why she was nervous and, in fact, she could open the door, told Joseph she had heard the conversation, and asked him what happened. Yes, she could ask Joseph directly because he was her husband, and it was natural for her to care about him.

    However, Irish felt that Joseph would be displeased if he got to know Irish eavesdropped outside.

    When she was thinking, Joseph walked out.

    "You are back," said Joseph with a faint smile.

    Although he showed a smile to Irish, she could feel his exhaustion.

    "Hm...where is Mia?" asked Irish, who was struggling to preserve herposure.

    Walking to the couch, Joseph sat down and drank a cup of coffee.

    "I have asked her to go back," replied Joseph while taking a sip of coffee.

    "Joseph, I have told you many times not to drink coffee at night. It will influence your dormancy," Irish said and tried to take over the coffee from his hands.

    Irish amused Joseph and then grinned.

    "You are really an interfering busybody," said Joseph with a smile. But he followed Irish''s words and put down the coffee. Reaching out, Joseph held Irish into his arms and then lowered his head, kissing her gently.

    His newborn beard tickled Irish, so she tried to push him away.

    Taking the chance, Joseph took a bite at her fingers gently.

    "You are my husband, and I care about you," replied Irish, like a spoiled kid.

 Chapter 949 949: Do You Have A Date Here?

    ?

    Joseph was a man who never expressed his thoughts to others. So although Irish knew something serious had happened between Joseph and Leo, she had no idea how to ask him.

    After hearing this, Joseph tightened his arms with his chin against her head.

    "Nobody can restrain me except you," said Joseph softly.

    His words warmed Irish, and then she huddled in his arms, listening to the beat of his heart.

    Before she got married, Irish often misunderstood Joseph''s love. But after their marriage, she always felt every word of him was from the bottom of his heart, just like what he said just now.

    "How is Lilith going these days?" Joseph asked since he knew Irish went to visit Lilith.

    Irish said nothing but heaved a sigh.

    Joseph grinned at her and told her not to sigh so frequently. "Don''t heave a sigh like the old."

    "It is because life is not tranquil," said Irish.

    Joseph patted her head gently and said meaningfully, "Everything will get better, and no one''s life always goes smoothly."

    It seemed that he referred to himself but also referred to Irish.

    Staring at him for quite a long while, Irish then said, "But Lilith is innocent. She shouldn''t have suffered from so much pain."

    Irish shook her head slightly and then continued, "But Lilith refused to go to the rehab. My heart was almost broken when I saw her in pain."

    "Perhaps she doesn''t want Jay to see her hysterical look when drug addiction urred to her," Joseph hit the mark with a singlement. After a small pause, Joseph then added, "Lilith looks delicate, but she is stubborn."

    Leaning on his chest, Irish nodded slightly and said, "I know what she was thinking, but I think she is in a poor mental state, so I am worried about her."

    Saying this, Irish paused for a while and then continued, "Do you think it is impossible to convince Lilith''s parents to trust Jay?"

    "It is hard to say," replied Joseph directly.

    Irish furrowed her eyebrows and said nothing.

    "Lilith is hurt by the drug dealers because of Jay. I believe that he will be responsible for Lilith," said Joseph softly tofort his wife.

    Irish didn''t reply but sighed again.

    "Let''s go out for dinner," said Joseph, who patted her shoulder at the same time.

    Joseph had made a reservation in a restaurant with a nice environment.

    Joseph was a man who was censorious in the dining environment, and he disliked eating in a noisy ce or in a restaurant with a poor service attitude.

    Although Joseph was clear about Irish''s dining habits, he would hand the menu to her first. Irish took over the menu and then looked through it.

    However, she didn''t order a dish after the waiter waited a long time, and then sheined about Joseph.

    Joseph would then take over the menu, and then he ordered exactly what she liked.

    Irish once asked him why he liked eating at the gourmet restaurant since she thought he just wanted to show his social identity.

    However, Joseph''s answer shocked her. "It is because the gourmet restaurant could tolerate her fastidious dining habit."

    Irish felt warm, but he answered and held his neck with a big smile. "Joseph, you are considerate to me. I like you to help me make decisions when I can''t decide what to eat."

    Joseph grinned at her and then responded, "That''s why I have to choose a restaurant with a good service attitude, or they must get mad at you."<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Thinking at this, Irish couldn''t helpughing.

    "Irish, what are you thinking?" Joseph was aware that she was lost in her thoughts.

    Irish came back to the earth and smiled softly.

    "Joseph, I am thinking that we don''t need to eat in a restaurant because I am free from working now. And I can cook for you."

    They were always busy with their work before and had no time to cook at home. Although Mia was cooking for them every day, Joseph didn''t like an outsider taking part in their private life. That was why Mia had to leave at a certain time, and she often left after preparing dinner for them. But generally speaking Irish and Joseph would go back homete, and both of them lost appetite for dinner.

    But now it was different because Irish didn''t need to work, and she had time to cook various delicacies. No matter howte Joseph came back, Irish would cook his favorite dishes for him.

    At the very beginning, when Irish lost her job, she often felt flurried and had a feeling of unreality because she didn''t want to be a housewife, but time changed her mind gradually.

    Now Irish still enjoyed her full life, but the focus of life was different now.

    Joseph was pleased to hear this and then stared at Irish with a soft smile.

    "You look like an understanding wife now," said Joseph.

    "I am always an understanding wife. But you realize it sote," said Irish, like a spoiled kid.

    Joseph felt so relieved, and his eyes also smiled while Irish flushed soon when she realized Joseph was gazing at her.

    When they were enjoying their beautiful moment, a woman''s voice interrupted the tranquil.

    "Hello, brother! What a coincidence to meet you here!" said the woman in a sweet voice.

    Irish felt unpleasant since she didn''t hope other women to be so intimate with her husband.

    Looking up, Irish found Rosy smiling at Joseph.

    Irish then remembered that she always called intimately.

    What an annoying woman!

    "Irish, you are also here! You are getting more and more beautiful!" continued Rosy.

    Irish held back her anger since she was relieved by herpliment for a little bit. Taking a nce at Irish, Josephughed in his sleeves.

    "Well, thank you for yourpliment," replied Irish in a casual tone.

    "I am telling the truth," said Rosy. She then walked to them, sat down, and continued, "I am sorry that I didn''t attend your wedding. I hope you have a harmonious unionsting a hundred years."

    After hearing this, Irish felt perhaps Rosy was making trouble here.

    "Do you have a date here?" asked Joseph. It seemed that he didn''t hope to be disturbed.

    Rosy nodded and responded, "Yes, but he has not arrived yet."

    Her implication was that she could stay here for a while.

    Irish took a glimpse at Joseph and waited for his reply.

    Irish wanted to see how he would respond to Rosy in front of his wife.

 Chapter 950 950: Refused Proposal

    ?

    Women were envious, including Irish. Although she married Joseph, Irish was jealous when Joseph talked with a woman. Joseph had told her the whole story between Rosy and him, and they were just friends. But every time when Irish was reminded of the scene where Rosy held his hands intimately, Irish felt upset.

    Joseph was her husband, and she couldn''t stand him being intimate with others. Of course, Irish trusted Joseph since she was clear about what kind of person he was.

    Joseph could read Irish''s mind, but he could do nothing and just smiled helplessly.

    "Joseph, I have something to ask you. It''s about the new productunch of Runestone Group," said Rosy directly. She was not going to talk about the old days with Joseph but asked him frankly.

    Rosy was now running the BRIGHT, bing a real businesswoman, who was reported constantly by the press, but she rarely admitted to being interviewed. As a result of a global chain of BRIGHT, Rosy was published in the Forbes billionaires list with a billion-dor worth.

    Irish heard about it too. And when she saw Rosy again this time, she really felt different.

    She gave Irish an impression of a strange rich girl who loved to y. Now, although Rosy is still called Joseph, Justin, she no longer has the same little girl''s habits as before. Instead, Justin just became a name for her.

    In Rosy''s eyes, there gradually was something secr.

    She was now able to talk very freely with Joseph to talk about the Runestone, new products, and the market.

    By contrast, Irish envied Rosy.

    At least, from hearing Joseph''s conversation with Leo, Irish had been very curious about the matter of the Runestone for a long time, but she never asked.

    Not as capable as Rosy.

    After hearing Rosy''s words, Joseph said, "Runestone''s autumn and winter products will be selected from Vera Club.

    Holding a ss of water, Irish was startled. How?

    Rosy froze and then said, "I was informed by the Runestone that the new autumn and winter products have been canceled."

    "Yes, so it''ll be reced by Vera Club''s products, and there''s no new productunch event."

    They must have the product toe out; otherwise, how about the autumn and winter products?

    At the shareholders'' general meeting, although Joseph''s proposal was rejected, in the end, a unanimous conclusion was reached that the new product conference was canceled, while autumn and winter products would be selected from the Vera Club.

    Roy also made this decision to take into ount the interests of both old shareholders and Joseph.

    Rosy obviously couldn''t understand Joseph''s words, frowning, "Justin, do you know how many orders Leo received overseas when his new product was released today? The design of its main products in autumn and winter has be a global limited edition."

    Joseph was indifferent and said, "I can imagine."

    "But why are you so calm?" Rosy asked.

    Joseph did not answer, looking up at Rosy, asked, "Well, Leo was sessful, and you should be happy for him, why are you urging me to be anxious?"

    That made Rosy have no words to say for a while.

    After a long time, she said, "I have many other options.

    "Well, he didn''t ept you." Josephughed.

    Hearing this, Irish suddenly understood everything.

    Rosy hummed, "Leo has his preference, and I have many good options. Looking around the world, there are so many rich talents I can choose from, so why do I have to hang on his tree?"

    Josephughed but did not speak.

    Irish was a little embarrassed by the side.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    And then Rosy suddenly thought of Irish, looking at her and apologizing to her, "Irish, do not think much. I''m not ming you."

    That was really embarrassing for Irish.

    She looked helplessly at Rosy, feeling bound to adjust her remarks, "Well, Rosy, you have to understand that I have never robbed Leo from you. Oh no, I have never robbed Leo from any woman."

    "You are the only one in Joseph''s heart." Rosy was not happy.

    Irish looked at Joseph without a trace, and he also happened to be smiling at her.

    She cleared her throat, looked at Rosy, and said clearly, "I only love him."

    This was the first time Irish, in front of Joseph, said to others she loved him. At the end of the speech, her heart began to thump as if popped out of her chest.

    She could hear her eardrum beating wildly.

    Then her cheeks blushed.

    She was embarrassed to look up to see what his response was, and she dared not think about it.

    "I think a lot of women have said that to Justin, but only you can make him happy," Rosy said. At the end of the speech, she asked Joseph, "Right?"

    Hearing Rosy''s words, Irish just looked up at Joseph.

    Joseph''s eyes fell on the face of Irish, soft, like the light of the hazy moon yarn, light, yearning, and intoxicated.

    After a long time, Joseph just smiled, "Rosy, your partner seemed to have arrived."

    He didn''t admit it, he didn''t deny it, and he just ended the topic smartly.

    But obviously, from the eyesight he looked at Irish, it was an admission.

    Rosy looked back and beckoned to the girl who the waiter had brought along. Waiting for herpanion toe forward, Rosy asked Joseph, "The problem with the Runestone new product has something to do with Leo?"

    This was also the question that Irish wanted to know.

    However, Joseph lightly said, "You think too much. There is only something wrong in the design of Runestone''s autumn and winter new products, so we can''t catch up with the publicity period."

    Rosy gazed at him with uncertainty. And at that moment, Rosy''spanion also happened to approach. Upon spotting Joseph, it was only natural for her to greet him, "Hello, Mr. Dover."

    Irish looked up.

    It was a very eye-catching girl, with warm blond hair, wearing high-end individualizing custom, and even the satchel was a global limited edition luxury brand.

    Joseph obviously isn''t familiar with the girl who came forward, nodding to respond.

    Rosy smiled and looked at herpanion. "Look, he doesn''t remember you."

    The girl red at her, then smiled at Joseph, "I am Elsa."

    "Her father is Cole," Rosy added.

    It was obvious that Joseph knew her father better, and then he realized, looking at her and saying more words, "Nice to meet you."

    Irish also heard Cole, the world''s top oil tycoon. It turned out that the girl in front of her was the daughter of the oil tycoon. Compared to these celebrities, she appeared insignificant.

    Elsa looked resentfully at Joseph. "We met at a party when you talked to my father."

 Chapter 951 951: It Is Still Enormous

    ?

    Joseph really did not remember, then said, "I''m sorry?"

    Rosy smiled all the time and pulled Elsa away, "Come on, this man misses a nerve about women, and he must not remember you. But this woman, he will remember very well."

    Elsa''s eyes fell on Irish.

    "She is my wife, Irish." Joseph introduced her slowly.

    Elsa looked at Irish, surprised, "So you are Irish."

    The meaning of this sentence wasplex, envy or disdain?

    Irish just did not bother to pay attention to it, taking the appearance of Joseph just now, and also lightly said, "Nice to meet you."

    Elsa didn''t say much.

    Rosy was going to leave, and before she left, she said, "If you need help, I think I''m the one who can help you the most."

    "Thank you for your concern." Joseph tactfully refused.

    Rosy heard what he meant, thought and said nothing more, and left with Elsa.

    When the two girls entered the private room that had been booked early in the morning, Elsa asked her, "You''re wrong. Why do you want to help him? Didn''t you always take Leo''s side?"

    Rosy picked his eyebrow and smiled, "Because I think he is also very attractive."

    "Do you want to..." Elsa looked at her in surprise.

    Rosy looked at her, "Can''t Ipete with Irish?"

    Elsa looked at her carefully andughed, "You''re not as beautiful as her."

    "Hey, can you speak nicely about me?"

    "But by status, you are far better than her." Elsa made a big detour.

    "Sometimes, a sessful man just needs the beauty of the woman around him." Rosy was displeased at Elsa''s words.

    Elsa smiled, "But a sessful man also has problems, and this time, he needs capable women around him, right?

    "That''s true."

    Elsa looked at her, "You''re not really switching your love?"

    "Then he must divorce first," Rosy spat naturally.

    Elsa wasughing, "If he divorces, I will certainly fight with you."

    "Don''t even think about it, my father has always appreciated him, if one day, I am the nearest to getting him, that would be great."

    "Does your father appreciate him? My dad introduced me to him at that business dinner, and he wanted me to hang out with him." Elsa snorted, "But heter married the girl whosest name is Lakes. That''s a fake marriage."

    At this point, she was suddenly in high spirits, "Well, do you think his marriage at this time is also fake?"

    Rosy hesitated when she heard this, "Really?"

    Elsa looked at Rosy, "What do you think?"

    "I don''t know, but I think he loves Irish." Rosy frowned.

    Elsa waved, "Love? How much is it worth in today''s society? I heard you say he had a problem, didn''t he? Men are all for sess, especially a man like Joseph. If he has to choose between sess and love, I dare to make sure he will choose sess."

    Rosy sighed and shook her head, "I don''t know. I don''t think it''s clear that Joseph is better than Leo."

    On the other side of the restaurant.

    Irish was full, putting down the fork and taking the already cool sweet soup to drink. Then she said, "Honey, you are too hot."

    Joseph drank the water and then exined, "I really do not remember who she is." Then he put down the cup and reached over her hand, "Irish, don''t get me wrong."

    She smiled softly and sped his fingers. "I''m not angry."

    "Really?"

    Irish nodded and looked up at him, "I know you love me."

    Joseph then smiled, holding her hand slightly with some strength. Irish whispered, "The waiter is watching us."

    "Sit here." He didn''t care and just tightened her hand.

    Irish nced around; fortunately, there were few people paying attention to this side.

    She rose and sat down next to him.

    "Tell me again what you just said to Rosy." Joseph released her hand, encircled her waist, lowered his voice, and smiled.

    Irish suddenly remembered and blushed.

    "What is it? I don''t remember." She picked up the fork and pretended to eat food.

    "Honey, you''re using my fork." Joseph held back his smile.

    It made Irish''s neck blush.

    She clenched her fork and stared at him. "I can''t use your fork?"<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "Yes." Josephughed.

    "Then don''t talk so much nonsense. "Irish wrinkled her nose and reached out to poke him in the chest, "Don''t think I''m an idiot. At that party, the oil tycoon introduced you to that goblin just now?"

    Joseph guessed she was finding his faults, and his thin lips slightly hooked up. He did admit, "He wanted me to associate with his daughter."

    "Hmm." Irish deliberately ignored him and ate the food.

    Joseph reached for her face, "But I really didn''t take it seriously; otherwise, how can I not even remember who she is?"

    "She was pretty too, why don''t you remember her?" Irish peered at him.

    Joseph circled her waist, "Pretty? I didn''t look at her carefully."

    "Go on." Irish pulled him in the ear.

    "You must be acting in front of me."

    "I swear I''m serious." Josephughed.

    Irish pretended to smile and said, "You are lucky, I still believe your promise."

    "Then tell me something nice." Joseph threw the problem to her again.

    "What?" Irish pretended not to understand.

    Joseph picked up his eyebrow, "If you do not say tonight, you have to be punished to serve me."

    Irish also did not show weakness and looked at his belly and then smiled, "It is still enormous."

    With her such a look, Joseph only felt a familiar feeling and suddenly woke up again.

    His throat slipped up and down. He said, "Damn it."

    Irish could not helpughing and attracted the attention of the waiter.

    She shut up and pretended to continue her meal.

    "Say it quickly." Joseph continued, and his big hand pinched her in her back.

    The temperature of his palm quickly prated her blood, and she felt a little difficult to breathe, pushing him away with a slightly blushed face, "Okay."

    Joseph listened to her carefully.

    Irish put down her knife, looked up, and her mouth moved closer to his ear, and said," Honey, I love you."

    Her voice fell down. Joseph''s lip rose.

    She looked at him with a crooked head, and from this angle, she could see the smile in the corner of his eye, rippling and fascinating.

    Soon the two smiling eyes turned on her cheek.

    He stared at her and could not help pecking a kiss on her forehead.

    Irish only felt his soft lips and slight stubble on the chin, prickling her from her forehead all the way to her heart.

    Happiness arose.

    She felt that it would be worthwhile to have only one day with this man and his sincere treatment of her.

    Well, a man''s kindness made a woman addicted.

    She''s addicted.

    She couldn''t help hugging him, cheek against his arms, gently murmuring, "Joseph, I really love you." She always felt like she would lose her happiness.

    What was love like?

    She had never seen that in other men.

    Only him, her only man.

    Every time he gave the greatest happiness, she always felt a little uneasy.

    Was she feeling a sense of gain and loss?

    Perhaps, Irishforted herself.

    The longing for happiness persisted for an extended period, causing her to fear its potential loss. Considering that Joseph was the other party involved, she experienced heightened feelings of both gain and loss.

    Hearing her words, Joseph responded by tightening his hug and kissing her lips.

    After a long time, Irish looked up and smiled at him. "When do you dare kiss me in public, Mr. Dover?"

    Setting aside the uneasiness deep within her heart, she contemted the possibility that maybe there existed a correct sentence, regardless of what the future held��be it reunion or separation��valuing the present moment remained the truth.

    Then they both remembered their days in South Africa. It had been on the streets being followed.

    She hooked his neck and asked, "Have you still remember our days in South Africa, it''s wonderful memories, isn''t it?"

    Joseph nodded and smiled at her. His eyes became bright, "I have never forgotten those memories, Irish."

    She smiled sweetly at him like gardenia blooming in the air.

 Chapter 952 952: Do You Suspect There’s A Mole?

    ?

    After the two had finished their meal, Joseph drove all the way back home.

    Inside the car, there was a small safety charm, which Irish had requested from a temple and then hung in his car. Even though Joseph didn''t believe in such superstitions, he allowed her to do so because Irish was intricate and held great significance to him.

    When they were to arrive home, Joseph stopped the car.

    On a narrow road.

    It was nted with dense trees. When the night wind blew, the temperature was far too cold.

    The leaves flew onto the car window.

    A few meters away from the car, there was a light streemp.

    It gave out dark light, but it was warm.

    Not knowing why Joseph stalled, Irish looked curiously at him.

    Joseph didn''t turn off the engine, and the air conditioning had been continuously running.

    The air conditioner was quite sizable, and its surface felt cool and slightly thin to the touch.

    He unbuckled his seat belt, looked at her, and finally said, "Irish, ask if you have anything to say."

    It made Irish startled.

    She was taken aback, whispering to herself, "Am I that transparent?"

    She cleared her throat, "What are you talking about?"

    Joseph hooked up his lips and reached out to pinch her little face, "Tonight is so good, and you said what I love to listen to. It is not your style. You must have something to do."

    "Well," Irish grunted, reaching out to hit him.

    But he caught her by the wrist, and he said, "I know you too well."

    "Where?" Irish deliberately retorted.

    Joseph''s eyes looked down at her neck.

    Irish stalked him.

    His eyes swept through the beautiful scenery on her chest and went down.

    His lips slightly rose, deliberately asking, "What you said?"

    His eyes were abnormal, contrary to the public "respectable" image. Irish suddenly understood, blushed, and she could not help but say, "I''m not small because you are too big."

    After saying this, only then did she realize that these words were so shameful, and her face flushed.

    She was more embarrassed, reaching out to untie the security belt, "Hmm."

    Her hand was gently pressed by Joseph. He sat back in his seat, leaning against her, smiling.

    Irish also did not really want to leave. Since she had been seen through at a nce, it would be better to ask. She cleared her throat and looked at him, "Actually, I heard you''re talking to Leo."

    Then she hastily exined, "I just got home that time, I didn''t think you''d be back early. I didn''t mean to eavesdrop."

    "I see your shadow slipping away like a mouse." Joseph didn''t me her.

    Irish protruded her tongue. He saw it all.

    "I saw Leo''s new product press conference reported today, and then because I did not know what happened, my heart is very uneasy." Irish licked her lips, and her voice was a little hoarse, "At the restaurant, what Rosy had asked you is the same question I want to ask. Your brief answer saying that she worries too much makes me feel anxious too."

    She''d like to believe Joseph''s answer at the restaurant, which meant she had been over-worried.

    Joseph thought, looking ahead, and whispered, "In fact, the new product really goes wrong."<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "Like you told Rosy, there was a design problem?" she asked.

    Joseph turned to look at her seriously, "I do not want you to participate in the shareholders'' general meeting because the problem of the Runestone Group is too much. But as a shareholder, you do have the right to know the actual situation."

    Irish held her breath.

    "In reality, the new autumn and winter design of the Runestone was stolen, resulting in a significant surplus of new products that cannot be released to the market," Joseph stated clearly.

    As soon as she heard it, Irish''s throat was tight and missed a beat.

    "Then... Those new products of Leo..." she uttered reluctantly.

    Joseph nodded slowly.

    "How could that be possible?" Irish suddenly understood, and her face changed.

    Joseph''s tone was cool, "What Leo released are the same as new products of the Runestone. Each model is a fine stone design."

    "He is too much!" Irish simply could not believe it. Although it had been vaguely suspected before, it involved business crimes, and she could not expect Leo to do so.

    "It originally belonged to the Runestone Group, but Leo managed to release the new products first. Now, what we have on hand can only be considered a waste," Joseph said, gripping the steering wheel with one hand, his eyes filled with darkness. "The loss for the Runestone is substantial."

    It was conceivable.

    "Is it exactly the same?" she asked again in confirmation.

    Joseph nodded, "Exactly the same."

    Irish felt her heart was broken.

    Sheprehended the implication behind Joseph''s words of "bing waste." Even though she hadn''t seen the design herself, she knew that Joseph had invested tremendous effort into the new autumn and winter collection. However, Leo had managed to take the initial leap, indicating that if the Runestone were to proceed with theunch, they would face severe consequences. Moreover, the designs of the two new products were identical, so whoever released them first would gain the advantage, leaving no room for Runestone to offer their own versions.

    New products became waste, so the loss was not only money but also thepany''s reputation.

    Really, as Joseph said, the loss was toorge.

    "The design drawings are always confidential. How did Leo get it?" Irish was alert.

    Joseph furrowed his brow. "In this world, money can buy anything. Leo wants to challenge me, so he would resort to any means necessary. I should have realized this."

    "Do you suspect there''s a mole?" she asked.

    "Furthermore, he must have been in contact with Leo for quite some time," Joseph added. "Having the design drawings alone doesn''t mean he has all theponents of the new product. The embroidery element for this year requires coboration and time. Even if he obtained the design, it would be impossible for him to create all the new products in such a short period. The only exnation is that someone tipped off Leo that he had acquired an early sample of Runestone''s design, allowing him to prepare in advance. His main stone is simr to Runestones in terms of carat weight and quality. I overlooked it; I should have been more vignt when he presented the main stone. He was well-prepared at that time."

    "Who can think of such things?" Irish listened, heart, trembling. She clutched her fingers, "Can''t we find the mole?"

    Joseph looked serious, "We must find the mole, but he who took the design drawing must be a big guy. The focus is not on finding the mole but on the existing difficulties."

    Irish felt uneasy.

    Tricks and exploitation were often in the business field, and she had seen a lot. But now her husband was faced with such a difficult situation, and his opponent was Leo. It was so hard for her to ept it for the time being.

    Although she hated Leo''s behavior before, she was hopeful for him from her inner heart. She thought that he was good in nature, but now how could he do that?

    Or she just made a wrong judgment?

    After a great while, she asked, "What can we do now?" It could be thought that those shareholders were quite doubtful of Joseph.

    The design drawing was stolen from Joseph''s hand. At that time, he proposed not to disclose it. Once something bad happened, Joseph would be the biggest suspect.

    Silent, Joseph was immersed in deep thinking.

    Irish had no idea about it. She was unfamiliar with this field, so she couldn''t make any good suggestions, asking lightly, "If we can find the mole, can we mitigate the bad effects?"

 Chapter 953 953: Any Evidence

    "The problem would be better, but the loss is unavoidable." Joseph''s voice was deep, "Leo can make a false counter charge by stating that I find an innocent victim to frame him. Maybe he is waiting for me to do that. After all, now he is the winner."

    Irish knew his meaning.

    "Do you have any confidence?" She asked.

    He had gone through so many difficulties even in South Africa, and she had heard of many cases he had to deal with from Daisy. Now he became the general manager and built the Runestone Group into the best diamond kingdom. He couldn''t just make it by ying jokes.

    Irish always felt that nothing could defeat him in the world.

    But as Joseph heard her question, he just touched her eyebrow lightly. His voice was low, "Irish, I may have a hard time when I have no confidence at all. Do you believe it?"

    Did she believe it? She thought.

    Actually, she believed it.

    He was able to strategize and y smart, but he was also an average person. He had no exceptional abilities. She believed that he might have some time when he was helpless and confused. However, she was not willing to answer "Yes" even at this time. If shepromised, then where would be Joseph''s spiritual pir?

    She pulled his hands and inteced them with her fingers, clenching them tightly and saying, "I believe no matter how many difficulties you have encountered, everything will be over finally. Do not feel tired. You have me and this family."

    These were the best words Joseph had heard. He just came forward and kissed her lips.

    The kiss was deep and gentle.

    Irish held his neck and tried to kiss him.

    After a while, he released her and said, "Thank you" softly.

    Irish stared into his eyes and asked him, "What will happen to the Runestone Group?"

    Joseph seemed to be thinking and said, "Terrible."

    A man who had experienced so much hardship said this. It proved that thepany would be faced with a real catastrophe. In that case, could those shareholders witness thepany in the hurricane?

    "Now that it began, we don''t have anything to be afraid of. Am I right?" Irish said.

    Before knowing the truth, Irish was nervous, but now she wasn''t anymore. Maybe it was because she had known what happened, and it was better than being framed by someone without knowing the reason. At least, she knew what solution she could think of when something really urred.

    Joseph stared at her, "Don''t you suspect me?"

    Irish shook her head and unbuckled her safety belt, holding his neck, "Honey, love is blind."

    "Sometimes it is better to be blind."

    Joseph lowered his head and kissed her lips.

    Irish was bold and said softly, "I will fight with you." And then she just covered his lips with hers.

    Joseph held her tightly.

    He was activeter.

    ****

    The next day, it rained, and it was gloomy. The Key Group wasn''t affected by the weather, and it was still very busy.

    After the senior managers in the Marketing Department reported the estimated revenue and left, Leo''s phone rang.

    "Joseph announced that the New Products Launch would be canceled. What''s wrong?" The voice was serious on the phone.

    Leo moved his chair and said peacefully, "Dad, you will retire soon. Why do you still focus on Joseph? I''m your son, not him."

    "Actually, my son seemed to have done one shocking thing!"

    Leo massaged his temple, "If I were defeated today, would you feel sorry for me?"<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "Do not forget that we are Joseph''s family''s friends."

    "Does he regard me as his friend?" Leo clenched his fists, "I have survived the traps he left for me every time."

    "He made you lose money, but how about you? You will destroy him!" Leo''s father seemed to be unhappy.

    "Dad, just enjoy your vacation. Do not waste your time on that." Leo didn''t want to continue this topic.

    Leo''s father sounded serious, "My son, I know what you want to do. He is Joseph. You can''t force him to do something."

    "I am just adopting another way to improve our rtionship." Leo frowned.

    Leo''s father didn''t know what to say. After a while, he sighed, "Now the Key Group is in your control. I have no right to intervene with it, but please just remember to be tolerant. Do not make things worse; otherwise, you will regret it."

    Leo became peaceful and said lightly, "I know what I am doing." Leo''s father knew that it was difficult to persuade him, so he just sighed.

    After the phone call, Leo looked out of the window. The light was gloomy, just like the clouds in the sky.

    Someone knocked at the door.

    He turned the chair and said, "Come in," lightly.

    It was Fredrick.

    Fredrick looked bad. He sat down. There was a desk between them.

    "Today, you have no schedule here. So, you just want to celebrate it with me?" Leo asked, smiling. He took two cigars and passed one to Fredrick.

    Fredrick didn''t take it. Leo ignited one for himself and spat out the smoke softly.

    Soon the strong smell spread. Fredrick asked directly, "What happened to the Runestone Group''s New Products Launching?"

    He knew that theunching meeting had been canceled as soon as he saw the report.

    Upon hearing the news, Fredrick realized that it might be because of the new arrivals of the Key Group products. He was not an idiot. He knew that Joseph was considerable, so he would not cancel it without any reason.

    "It''s none of my business. How do I know that?" Leo seemed to smile or not.

    Fredrick stood up suddenly and gazed at him, "The new arrivals of the Key Group must be those of the Runestone Group?"

    Leo looked at him peacefully, "Your guessing is right. Why do you still ask me?"

    Hearing this, Fredrick was shocked. He looked at Leo as if he hadn''t known him.

    After a while, he gritted his teeth and lowered his voice, "Leo, you would have pulled me into the danger! Don''t you know what it means? It''s a business crime!"

    "Any evidence?" Leo said lightly.

    Fredrick got choked. After a while, he winked, "You bribed the employees of the Runestone Group?"

    "There are many people who are against him. Is there any need for me to bribe someone?" Leo asked.

    "But we both have agreed to let Roy go down the stage, not Joseph!" Fredrick frowned, "We are on the same boat. You need to let me know in advance if you want to do something. Now you did this to get Joseph out, but then how about Roy? He is still the director of the board."

    Leoughed. The smoke of the cigar covered his face lightly and even his eyes.

    "Fredrick, I think we have had consensus from the very beginning. To undermine Roy''s power, we need to make Joseph get down the stage first. I believe that you are clear about the n."

    Fredrick clenched his fists, "Then what''s your next n?"

    "What''s my next n?" Leo put the cigar aside, "It''s up to whether Joseph can survive this catastrophe."

    "The betrayer..."

 Chapter 954 954: I’ll Stand Beside Him

    Leo interrupted him, "He will definitely not stand by Joseph for money. So, do not worry that you will get involved."

    Fredrick gazed at him and asked after a while, "Do you have any ns I don''t know?"

    Leoughed, "Fredrick, I''m afraid that we don''t need to be totally straightforward with each other."

    Fredrick gritted his teeth, "Leo, please remember that my target is only Roy. I don''t care about anything else."

    Leo''s smile was light, "Do not be anxious. It is just like the domino effect. I have told you that if Joseph fails, Roy will do too. And then the Runestone Group will go bankrupt."

    ***

    It rained the whole day. Until the night, the rain didn''t stop and became heavier.

    It was in the Runestone Group. After the whole day''s turmoil, Joseph gathered the Lakes over 10 p.m. at night. Shirley, Roy, Ruby, Cassie, Kelly, and Irish were present, except for William, who apanied Lilith for the sake of her safety.

    "Firstly, I am deeply sorry for the design drawing''s stealing event, and I am willing to im the whole responsibility." Joseph expressed his honesty after stating the whole process. And then he said, "Now, the board begins to intervene with my running power. The n of suspending our new products they made has caused huge damage to thepany. During the whole day, there are thousands of calls onints to the Client Services Department. Many are from old clients. If the board continues to intervene with it, then there will be much burden on the Runestone Group. In other words, they only want to protect their own interests, and they don''t want to shoulder the responsibility. I can understand their feelings. However, they will be affected one day. They are not familiar with the market operation, especially for today''s market rules."

    Although Shirley didn''t know anything about business, she was also amazed at the incident. She chose to be silent even if she was not satisfied with Joseph.

    Kelly looked bad. It seemed that she had been upset by Lilith''s behavior. She had no interest in what they were talking about.

    Ruby looked cold and indifferent.

    Cassie didn''t know what to say since the others didn''t speak either. She lowered her head and touched her stomach lightly.

    Roy asked after a while, "Joseph, what''s your idea?"

    He didn''t know how to run the Group, and the only things making him proud were that he was keen on airnes and married his beloved one. But, crucially, Roy hoped that he could have been born into an average family, not just on the title of the son of the Lakes and the president of the Runestone Group.

    The Lakes established the Runestone Group. He couldn''t see it go bankrupt gradually.

    "My idea is very simple. I just want you guys to sell 1% or 2% of your own shares to me. Of course, I will buy them at the price of more than ten times the market price, which will not cause a loss to you." Joseph said word by word.

    "What? No!" Shirley couldn''t help shouting, "You just want to buy our shares!"

    Ruby also stared at Joseph with an air of vignce.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Kelly looked at him with doubtful expressions too.

    Roy didn''t speak and just kept silent.

    "I need to make sure that the shares in my hand are more than those old shareholders so that I can take total control of the situation and change their decision." Joseph spilled the truth, "Now, even if Roy has empowered me to take control of thepany, they will veto all the time. My aim is very simple, which is to let them shut up."

    Ruby sneered, "Joseph, do you make it too simple, or do you regard us as idiots? It''s known that you have resentment toward the Lakes. You have made so many ns in order to swallow the Runestone Group. Wasn''t it you who revealed the design drawing of the new arrivals? If not, why did someone else get the confidential information? Now you gather us just to cheat us! You have made such perfect ns one by one!"

    "Ruby, do not be too mean!" Irish was so angry. She was on Joseph''s side.

    Seeing Irish speak, Ruby was annoyed, "Irish, which side are you on? Do not make mistakes. You are part of Lakes''s family, even if you don''t want to admit it. It''s true that you have married Joseph, but even a father and his son will forget each other on the battlefield, let alone in the business field. Do you believe that he marries just because she loves you? Since the first day when he entered the Runestone Group, he has begun his revenge n. He marries you simply for thinking that you will help him at a critical moment, just like now. If we don''t agree with his n, you will just give your own shares to him. Right?"

    Ruby''s words made sense. Some would agree with her opinion and begin to question Joseph''s real aim. But the receiver was Irish, who had gotten through so many difficulties with Joseph. In addition, Irish was born to be stubborn, and once she believed someone, she would never doubt it. As a result, Ruby''s words didn''t work at all.

    "Yes, you are right. If you guys don''t support his proposal, it''s okay. I will back him up all the time." Irish expressed her thoughts following Ruby''s guessing firmly, "I have shares in my hand, and I will just give them all to Joseph. I am bored of being a shareholder, after all."

    Ruby stared at her angrily, "Irish, do not regret itter on!"

    "You will regret it!"

    Joseph immediately helped to stop them since he was tired of their quarrel.

    Roy also frowned and said, "Well, can you stop quarreling now?"

    Ruby clenched the ss angrily and didn''t speak anymore.

    Irish looked at Roy peacefully and looked around, "I am not lying. It''s my decision. Joseph is my husband, of course, I''ll stand beside him."

    "Irish." Joseph was touched by her words. He knew that he couldn''t let others criticize her, so he just said lightly, "I can''t agree with that."

    "Joseph!"

    "I just can''t," Joseph''s consideration made sense. Once Irish did that, she would be Lakes''s enemy and even be condemned by those shareholders. It would be unknown how the outside mediamented on her. Although they were a couple, the holding of the shares couldn''t be decided just by their rtionship.

    His aim of the proposal was very simple. If the Lakes just lent the shares, it would mean that the Lakes were putting pressure on the board, and the attitudes of the Lakes could be shown to them. But if only Irish lent her sharespletely, it would cause greater misunderstanding that there would be more opportunities for Joseph to make unbeneficial decisions bybining or threatening the Lakes.

 Chapter 955 955: Do You Have Any Time?

    It was so hard to persuade the Lakes to sell their shares. Nevertheless, Joseph had made preparations for it psychologically.

    Irish wanted to say something, but Joseph just stopped.

    Cassie couldn''t bear Ruby''s attitude, so she said finally, "I''d like to say something. Now is an unusual moment. We can only get through the difficulties by cooperating with Joseph. I don''t want to say anything bad to those shareholders, but actually, their decision has increased theints. I have been in the Runestone Group for more than one year. It is not until now that I have seenints from the Customer Service Department. If Joseph nned for this, he would not have invited us here. He can just let Irish give her shares to him directly."

    Ruby sneered, "It''s not a long time for you to be here. Now you tend to be in control of it?"

    Cassie was embarrassed.

    Roy was unhappy, and he just looked at Ruby, "She is my wife. She has the right to say that."

    Ruby looked at Roy unhappily, "Look at you. You are deeply attached to her."

    Roy looked upset, "I have had enough of you!"

    "Do not argue over my proposal." Joseph disturbed their debate and just said lightly, "Maybe you can just lend your shares to me. We can sign contracts made by the Legal Department. Once the crisis is over, I will give the shares back."

    That was the best way he could think of.

    Hearing this, Shirley thought of it for a while and nodded, "I think it''s good." The shares in her hands were once taken by Henry, so this time, she needed to take care since Roy and Ruby were her son and daughter.

    Ruby sneered, "Do not believe him easily."

    Kelly spoke, "I agree. William and Lilith didn''te this time, and maybe we should ask for their opinions. But the problem is...you know, Lilith now��"

    Roy looked tired, so he just said directly, "I agree. It''s okay for me to transfer the shares, let alone lend them temporarily. To be honest, I am not good at management. I don''t want to destroy the Runestone Group."

    Shirley pulled Roy''s clothes as she heard that.

    Roy didn''t pay attention to that.

    "I will transfer the shares to Joseph too. Now it''s okay if you don''t agree since Roy is also agreeing on it." Irish said coldly.

    Joseph pulled Irish''s shoulder. He felt touched.

    Roy looked up to Joseph, "The deal is done. Tomorrow morning, I will let the Legal Department draft the contract. Joseph, I believe that you will get the Group out of trouble. As for others, if you believe in him, pleasee to sign the contract tomorrow morning."

    Ruby sneered.

    Shirley looked in a dilemma.

    Kelly nodded, "I will go there. Please add me. I will persuade William after going back home. There will be no issues with Lilith."

    Joseph sighed, "Thank you all."

    As long as he took full control, then it would be no problem to improve the Group''s prestige. Once they signed the contract, he would be a shareholder who held both families'' shares. In other words, he would be thergest shareholder and even the director. For the outside world, changes in the board would draw their attention and bring confidence to those old clients.

    Seed or not, it depended on the battle.

    It waste now. The unpleasant meeting was just finished.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Kelly was concerned about Lilith, so she just left hurriedly after saying goodbye.

    Cassie and Roy nned to send Shirley and Ruby back, but Ruby just said, "You can go first. I have some words with Joseph."

    Roy was helpless. He looked at Ruby and said, "Do not quarrel with him."

    Ruby looked coldly at Joseph, "Do you have any time?"

    Joseph didn''t speak, and Irish just frowned and said, "Ruby, better have a talk tomorrow."

    "What? Are you afraid of me?" Ruby sneered, "Take it easy. I have no interest in men."

    Irish stared at her and prepared to say something, but Joseph just said lightly, "Wait for me in the car. Listen to me." And then he gave his key to her.

    Irish didn''t want to go, but for the sake of Joseph, she had to take it over and leave the office without turning around.

    After Irish left, Roy said to Shirley, "Mom, let me send you back first."

    Shirley nodded. As she passed Ruby, she lowered her voice and said, "If you do not want to transfer, just lend it to him. Do not make things worse."

    Ruby didn''t say anything.

    As they left the Runestone Group, Roy asked Shirley, "Mom, your attitude is clear today."

    "Please be noted that I can only agree to lend it to Joseph, not to give it to him, even if it is only 1% of your share. Aren''t you clear about Kelly''s attitude? She must agree with him. If you also transfer your share, you will lose controlpletely. Joseph will be the presidentter, and then it will be more dangerous."

    Cassie was just listening and didn''t utter anyments.

    "I agree that you just lend the shares to him. Honestly, I''m afraid that he has much ambition for the Group. Ruby''s words make sense to some extent, but now only he can deal with the situation. If Joseph leaves the Runestone Group, there will be more problems to be dealt with, which is unbeneficial to the entirepany." Shirley continued.

    Roy had no choice but to shake his head, start the car, and say, "Temporarily lending the shares never took ce in the business field. If the outsiders know it, they willugh at our groups, and they would disdain our family and say that Lakes likes to take advantage of people and desert them."

    "I just fight for our own benefits. What is wrong with that?" Shirley said.

    Roy also did not want to continue to argue with her, and fortunately, his mother did not continue to oppose him.

    ****

    At the Runestone conference room, only Joseph and Ruby were left.

    At this time, even staff who worked overtime also left. There were thunderstorms outside the window, and in the whole building, except for the guard on duty, only they stayed there.

    The rain outside the window was even greater, and the raindrops pattered on the heavy tempered ss, but its sound was separated by it. The distant sky was lit up by lightning, and the sky, as if it would crack.

    Horrible.

    Ruby found a chair to sit down on. Joseph sat down opposite her. Behind him was arge rainy night, thunder and lightning intertwining and the sky flickering.

 Chapter 956 956: I Think You Are Going Crazy

    From this point of view, Joseph''s face also appeared to be dark and unclear.

    Ruby came straight to the point, "Joseph, you are really fierce, and you can think of a method of persuading the Lakes to transfer their shares. Now you get what you want, and from tomorrow on, as soon as the contract is signed, you are the biggest shareholder of the Runestone Group, and your plot has finally seeded."

    Joseph''s eyes were very calm, dark, and unknown. In fact, it seemed to look gloomy because of the rainy day. His face did not change at all, as if everything was in his control.

    He did not speak immediately, but took the cigar case on the table, pulled out a cigar in his mouth, and lit it.

    The blue and white tobo lingered gently at his fingertips, thin as silk, enough to suffocate someone.

    He gave a light puff of smoke.

    The smoke weakened his angr cheeks.

    Ruby saw it and said coldly, "Joseph, am I right? All of this is your trick, isn''t it?"

    "I think you are going crazy." Joseph''s tone wasced with displeasure, "Emery died, and your reasoning also disappeared?"

    "Don''t mention her! She wouldn''t have been pointed out if you hadn''t used my rtionship with Emery to take my stake. Will she live all day in the abuse from others?" When Ruby heard the name, Emery, she was almost crazy again, and her tone increased.

    Joseph''s tone remained calm; however, it sounded indifferent, "The abuse from others? You pointed out other people. As far as I know, your mother brutally used her. You dare not speak ill against your mother, so you vent fire on me. It would help if you forgot, in the beginning, you voluntarily transferred your shares to me, and you are willing to use your interests to protect yourself and Emery from others'' judgments. To put it bluntly, we only have a business deal. You transferred the shares to me and took a lot of money from my hands, and I also made you and Emery live quietly. But then what? You didn''t handle the rtionship between Emery and your family. Will this ount also be in my hand? Ruby, do not do what you do not want to do to others. At that time, Irish was right, the person who needs to introspect is you."

    "Joseph!" Ruby shivered with anger. "You don''t have to pretend to be a good person here! Now you''re saying your actions are justified because you''re about to get the Runestone, and your goal will be achieved! Don''t think I''ll be as gullible as anyone else. The old stockholder was right that day. You wish my father had died! In fact, you had deployed everything when my father was alive. Now you finally seeded, right? I will expose you! Whatever you do, you''re a liar! I want everyone to know that you are the insider who divulges trade secrets, and I will not let shareholders be kept in the dark!"

    Joseph quietly smoked, silently listening to her usation.

    Another sh of lightning appeared in the sky.

    Then there was thunder, and the world seemed to shake.

    Just then, the door of the conference room was suddenly pushed open, followed by a series of apologies. Joseph looked up. It was the guard.

    "I''m sorry. I just saw the president leave, and when I walked around, I saw the light was still on, thinking someone had forgotten to turn off the light."

    "Get out!" Ruby yelled with displeasure.

    "I''m sorry. I''m sorry." The security guard hurried away in horror.

    Joseph remained silent, soon, he finished smoking, then he pressed it out in the ashtray, saying, "You''re done?"

    Ruby stared at him angrily and closed her lips tightly.

    Joseph got up, "If you just want to curse me, then you should scold yourself too. I do not have time to apany you here to go crazy."<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    After that, he turned around and left.

    But Ruby pulled him, and he was surprised at her strength. He did not notice that, and his body nted. So, his hand suddenly supported itself on the conference table, where the edge of a metal hawk scratched his hand back.

    Reflectively, Joseph frowned and yelled coldly, "Are you done?" and he pushed her away.

    Ruby clenched her fist, stood a few steps away from him, and said in a cool tone, "Joseph, aren''t you saying it''s for the Runestone Group? If you''re really up for the Runestone good, leave here! Don''t think the Runestone Group will stop if you are gone! I warn you, if you do not leave the Runestone Group, I will not make you feel good!"

    "Many people want to deal with me, so if you want to follow the trend, I''ll always wee you with open arms." After Joseph said that impatiently, he opened the conference room door and left.

    "Joseph, you are a jerk!" Ruby stamped her feet with anger.

    ****

    Walking on the corridor of the Runestone Group, Joseph''s backhand was still bleeding, and the corners of the metal deeply cut that wound. The pain had long been gone. Yes, after too much pain, this little wound was nothing for him.

    He pressed the elevator button only to find that the elevator to the upper level was not running. It seemed to malfunction.

    He had to give up and walked into the stairwell. He walked on foot downstairs, intending to go to the lower area and to transfer to another elevator.

    Downstairs, the rain almost poured out.

    This time Irish must have driven the car out of the underground garage. Thinking of calling her, he saw a figure in the rain and fog vaguely. And then he saw the person. It was Irish.

    She struggled with her umbre and ran towards the building.

    The rain sshed her shoes and even wet the corners of her skirt.

    After seeing the situation, he felt warm. He did not say anything, and he strode into the rain. He came forward to support her wobbly umbre so that she was not blown by the wind and staggered.

    "Oh, you''re just still waiting for me. Look at you. Your clothes are wet." Irish looked up at him, busy patting away the rain beads on him.

    Joseph put his arm tightly on her waist and quickly guided her, "Go into the car first."

    They ran in the rain and stepped on a bunch of water.

    Finally, they entered the car. Irish took a tissue and said, "Your shirt is wet. I dide to pick you up. Why did you run into the rain?"

    Letting her be busy with him,ughing, "I am afraid the wind will blow you away."

    "I''m afraid you''ll be eaten by Ruby." Irish pouted her lips, which was also why she could not sit in the car alone. She had listened to a few songs earlier, and originally in this kind of weather apanied by music, it was so fun to wait for him. But she waited for a long time, and she didn''t see him, so she began to be worried.

 Chapter 957 957: Coaxing Her Gently

    ?

    Joseph untied a few buttons of his shirt and said softly, "Ruby is just angry."

    "I''m afraid she''ll go crazy and do something," Irish said, and she suddenly saw the injured back of his hand, where there was blood overflowing.

    "Wait a minute!"

    Joseph''s hand stalled in the air.

    Irish''s heart almost stopped, carefully pulling his big hand, urgently asking after seeing the wound, "What happened?"

    Joseph was afraid of her worries, and he said, "I was identally scratched. It''s nothing."

    "What identally scratched? When have you been so careless?" Irish''s eyes widened, and she suddenly thought of Ruby''s fierce and evil appearance, angrily saying, "She hurt you?"

    Joseph gently smiled, "Let''s go home and bandage it for me. It is all right, don''t make a fuss."

    "Damn, Ruby!" Irish was irritated, growled, and was about to open the door.

    Hastily, Joseph pulled her back, "It''s raining heavily, where are you going?"

    "I will kill her! Who encouraged her to do this to you? Why would she do this to you?" Irish said desperately, she felt more ufortable, and her eyes were red.

    Sometimes she really hoped that Joseph could stay away from the Runestone Group. Why did he have to suffer this way?

    Joseph saw her resentment, hugged her, gently coaxing her, "Honey, I''m really good. It''s just a scratch, really."

    "Joseph, can we leave thispany? Sell our shares. What is this Runestone Group? What is this Lakes family? We shouldn''t care about them." Irish spat these words in agony, worrying about him, looking at his tiresome eyes, her heart seemed to be cut by the knife, making her ufortable.

    Joseph hugged her and looked down at her eyes. "This is the first time you have asked me for this."

    "Yes, I''ve never asked you that before." Irish looked into his eyes and said, "I know I shouldn''t ask you to give up your career, your ideal, but Joseph, you are my husband. I can''t watch you work so hard every day, so hard to please others. Do we have to live this life? We can also be like the most ordinary couple. We don''t need too much money, we can have a good time every day, right? And now you and I have enough money, we won''t live hard, we can travel around the world. If we are tired, we can live somewhere for a while and then rest enough to go on. Isn''t it good?"

    Joseph looked at her affectionately. He raised his hand and stroked her hair in front of her forehead without annoyance or impatience, "I think I will meet your request soon; after all, this is the first time you have asked me this request. If I am not giving you a good life, I really do not deserve to be your husband. Irish, I promise you as long as the crisis of the Runestone Group is settled down, I will leave here. We leave together, okay?"

    "Not now?" Irish asked, having a hard breathing.

    Joseph asked, "If you were me, can you leave now?"

    She answered nothing.

    "I''m responsible for the new product, I can''t run away while thepany faces such a huge problem. The board is aggressive, and this mess has to be cleaned up. I can easily walk away; however, it might cause trouble to the marketing department, public rtions, and even the design and development departments, which will probably suffer if I leave them. So, Irish, at this time, others can go, but not me, and I can''t retreat. I can''t even retreat half a step. I can''t." Joseph exined patiently.

    Irish barelyprehends his words.

    Even after she was fired, all her work had to be handed over to other colleagues, and she knew exactly how much work she had done, so it was easy to imagine the grievances of her colleagues.

    What was more, Joseph was in such a serious situation.

    She knew that at this time, she needed to be calmer and more rational, but she just loved him.

    "Will you give me some more time? I promise you, if I can turn things around, I will leave the Runestone Group." Joseph caressed her cheek, "When you want to travel around the world, I will apany you where you go, this is my promise to you, And I will not renege."

    Irish sighed, "But when you reverse the situation, will you still want to leave?"

    Joseph raised her face, looking at her seriously, "What is more important to me is only you and Jordan. His safety and your happiness, nothing more."

    "Would you like to have Jordane back?" She was moved.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "Don''t tell him first."

    Irish stared at him, "But he will know sooner orter."

    "We can hide it for more days. He''s been practicing every day recently. He shouldn''t have time for economic news." Joseph whispered.

    Irish nestled in his arms, "Will your promisee true soon?"

    Joseph''s eyes were determined, "Yes."

    She said nothing and held him tightly.

    ****

    Late at night, in the silence, the rain was pouring heavily.

    Jay stayed up all night.

    He''d been looking through the records and data of the drugs, hoping to find some clues.

    An ashtray settled beside him was filled with cigar butts.

    Half a cigar was still in his right hand, and the ash fell on the table.

    Fine smoke fluttered.

    The phone suddenly rang on such a rainy night, which appeared to be more disturbing.

    Jay''s hand shook, and the cigar fell, not knowing whether because his fingers were burned or because of the sudden eerie ringtone of the mobile phone at midnight.

    The ash fell to the ground.

    With so many years of professional experience, Jay had developed the habit that he was nervous when hearing the ring in the middle of the night. He nced at the time, 2 am. At this time, the phone rang aggressively, he was sure that it was not a good thing.

    Meditating shortly, he put out the cigar and quickly took the mobile phone. He took a nce, shocked, and quickly connected the call.

    There was an anxious sound on the phone.

    Jay''s face changed, saying, "I''ll be right there!"

    ****

    Less than twenty minutester, Jay drove to Lilith''s door. He almost elerated to the highest speed all the way there.

    Rain blurred his vision ahead. In the dark, there was a figure holding an umbre anxiously waiting.

    Jay got out of the car before he could hold her umbre.

    He called Lilith''s house when he arrived and stood at the door was Kelly. When she saw hime, she cried anxiously, "She looked so scary that I really didn''t know what to do."

    The person who called was Kelly. When Jay connected the call, she was on the phone telling Jay that Lilith''s drug addiction had rpsed.

    Such a sentence made Jay lose hisposure. Along the way, Lilith''s painful struggle appeared in his mind.

 Chapter 958 958: Tie Her

    ?

    Hurriedly going upstairs, he found only William was there.

    The door was half-hidden, and as soon as he approached, he could hear Lilith''s cry.

    Jay''s heart seemed to be pierced through countless steel needles, and the pain made him difficult to breathe. He stepped into the door, and Kelly followed.

    The bedroom door was ajar.

    It was a mess.

    And even broken cups were on the ground.

    He saw William standing in Lilith''s bedroom, looking pale, whose hands were trembling, "Lilith, listen to Dad''s words, put the broken ss down, do not hurt yourself."

    Jay''s brain buzzed, and he didn''t even think, rushing into the bedroom.

    He will never forget the scene in front of him!

    Lilith, wearing a white sleeping robe, was holding a piece of broken ss in her hand. The pieces had cut her palm, and the blood had trickled down, like the scarlet pomegranate juice, winding to the white arm.

    She had a terrible look, and in a short period of time, her face was so thin.

    After seeing Jaye in, her mood seemed to be more excited.

    "Lilith!" Jay felt unable to breathe for fear that she would do something to hurt herself.

    "I can''t stand it! I can''t stand it!" Lilith buried her head on her knees, and the whole person curled up on the ground.

    The broken ss in her hand swung around her eyelids, and she would probably scratch her eyes if she were careless.

    Kelly was frightened, crying hard, "Lilith, you do not scare Mommy."

    After all, Jay was a policeman who often met such a situation. Although the object changed to Lilith, which made him more nervous than usual, to the point he could still be calm.

    Taking advantage of Lilith''s unpreparedness, he trotted forward, quickly grabbed Lilith''s hand, which held the broken ss and held her wrist. He let her cry and held her tightly.

    This time taking the ss away from her hand must be dangerous, and the only way was to let her go.

    Jay''s hands were very strong.

    Lilith felt her wrist sore, and she could not help but let go of her hand.

    When the broken ss fell down, Jay kicked it away and then shouted, "Clear all the broken ss in the room!"

    Kelly and William dared not neglect and quickly did it.

    In Jay''s arms, Lilith was disobedient, struggling with all her strength and shouting as if going crazy. Her palm had been injured, and blood even dyed in Jay''s clothes.

    Jay worried about her wound. It was blurred, and he could not see how deep the specific wound was, and at Kelly, he shouted, "Bring the rope!"

    Kelly froze.

    "What?"

    "Rope!" Jay repeated, "If we don''t tie her, she will hurt herself, and her wounds must be handled!"

    Kelly''s hand shook badly.

    William hastened to find a rope, but he didn''t find any.

    "Tear the sheet into strips, hurry!" Jay hurriedly ordered.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    So, they quickly made the sheet into strips and waved them into a rope.

    "I beg you, Jay, give me some heroin! Or if you give me a needle or something... I can''t stand it! I''m dying!" Lilith began to beg him.

    She looked so pitiful that no one would reject her.

    Jay gnawed his teeth, hugged her hard, and tried to avoid her poor look. He was afraid that he couldn''t refuse her request, and he really would try to find drugs for her to take as long as the pain she felt could be alleviated.

    "Lilith..." He repeated her name, trying to calm her mood.

    "Don''t you love me? You can''t watch me suffer so much if you love me!" Lilith struggled, even opening her mouth to bite him. She saw him motionless and began to scold him, "Do you want to watch me die? Jay, you don''t love me at all! What you said was a lie! If you love me, how can you look at me in this miserable state?"

    Jay''s green tendons on his forehead were to burst out, hugging her, and his throat was blocked. His voice was dry, "Lilith, listen to me. Because I love you, so I need you to detoxify! You can''t go on like this, or you''ll be more painfulter."

    The rope was finally done, but how could Kelly tie her daughter? Her tears were rolling in her eyes, and the hands on the rope were shaking.

    "Uncle, you press Lilith." Jay''s going to do it himself.

    William''s hand also shook, but he still forced himself to do it. He came forward and struggled to press Lilith, but after all, he was her father, so how could he endure it? At this time, Lilith also had great iparable power. All of a sudden, she struggled against William and rushed out.

    Jay was shocked and hurried out.

    And he saw Lilith rummaging the cab, not knowing what she was finding.

    Jay stepped forward quickly, suddenly grabbed Lilith''s waist, and then picked her up.

    "Let go of me!" Lilith went crazy, struggling desperately and yelling.

    She reached out and even scratched Jay''s neck.

    But Jay said nothing and didn''t let her go. He pressed her on the sofa and roared to William, "Tie her!"

    William dared not soften again and hastened to do it.

    Lilith made a shrill cry.

    Kelly covered her mouth, tears flowing in her eyes.

    And then they tied Lilith tightly, and she no longer had the strength to move. Jay held her and took her to the bed, sitting at the bedside and looking at her.

    He felt so sorry for her.

    But Lilith''s drug addiction hadn''t gone, and she kept writhing, crying, "Please, I am so painful. A lot of bugs are biting me."

    "Aunt, is there a medical box at home?" On Jay''s forehead, there was also a lot of sweat.

    Kelly quickly brought it.

    Jay took out the hydrogen peroxide, opened her palm, but she was very uncooperative and clenched her fist.

    "Jay, you should strangle, or you should shoot me, I don''t want to suffer anymore!" Lilith bit her lip.

    Jay felt his back shiver, thinking. Fortunately, when he came out, he didn''t take his gun; otherwise, he did not know what could happen. Before, he had seen several drug dealers whose drug addiction attacked andmitted suicide. Now he was facing Lilith having the same struggle.

    He was afraid to think about the possibility.

    Seeing her bite her lip until it was broken, Jay gently said some words to her, but Lilith didn''t listen to him. She was like a wolf who could jump up to bite the human''s throat anytime, anywhere.

    But Jay''s heart was in pain.

 Chapter 959 959: Ruby Died

    ?

    He didn''t even think about it and bowed his head and kissed her.

    With his own tongue and teeth, he opened her teeth.

    The next second, however, she bit his lip very hard.

    He snorted, his big hand holding down her body.

    Soon, Lilith cried. She would at least retain a trace of reason. While she cried, Jay raised his face, and she had bitten his lips, blood flowing out.

    "Lilith, let me treat your wound." This time he took her clenched fingers, sterilized them with hydrogen peroxide, and wiped the blood marks before he found multiple wounds in her palms.

    Jay felt more hurt than before.

    "Has she been like this before?" Jay asked them.

    William was a little confused. He looked at Kelly, whose face was full of grief, and said softly, "She has been addicted to drugs before, but never as serious as today."

    "How long has it been before I came?"

    Kelly choked and said, "Nearly two hours."

    "What?"

    Jay was shocked.

    "What did you do when she was suffering the drug addiction?" He looked at them.

    Kelly stopped talking.

    William''s face was full of embarrassment.

    Jay felt very strange, but Lilith began to beg again. She curled up all over. Although she was forced to be tied, she still desperately struggled, and she shouted at Shirley, "Mom, I beg you, please, let me take the drugs, I beg you."

    Jay heard her words, stunned, and turned to look at Kelly.

    And Kelly knew that this time she could not hide, and she cried, sobbing, "A few times before, I really couldn''t bear to see her so painful, so I paid a high price in the ck market to buy heroin."

    Jay was shocked, and he just stood up suddenly, shouting, "What?"

    ****

    The rain finally stopped.

    It didn''t rain the next day, but it still looked gloomy, marking a bad day.

    Joseph didn''t go to thepany too early since he was waiting for the contract made by the Legal Department.

    The doorbell suddenly rang, interrupting Irish''s thoughts. Assuming it might be Mia, she pressed the button to unlock the door. However, to her surprise, several stern-looking men in uniforms stood before her.

    Irish immediately called Joseph, seeking his guidance.

    Two men presented their credentials as Joseph opened the door and introduced themselves. One was an official from the procuratorate, while the other was a police officer.

    The official from the procuratorate spoke, "Mr. Dover, we have received a report alleging that you have illicitly gained benefits through the theft of confidential information. We need to conduct a business investigation into these allegations."

    The police officer added, "Mr. Dover, Ruby''s body has been discovered, and there are suspicions of foul y. It has been reported that you had quarrels with her the previous night. We kindly request you to apany us to the police station for further investigation."

    ****

    There was a tale on a rainy day. When it was a rainy day, someone asked God, "Why am I unhappy on a rainy day? "God said, "It has nothing to do with the weather. It''s because there is no sunshine in your heart. If your mind is absorbed in something else, you will feel lost."

    This answer may be rted to philosophy. Irish would answer with her career experience, "The surrounding environment greatly affects one''s psychology. One has various emotions, which the weather can trigger, and then psychological changes ur. Take a rainy day as an example. When the air pressure gets lower, one''s breath can be affected. One''s view will also be vague, and then it can give one a hint that she feels down."

    Irish felt up and down from yesterday''s heavy rain to today''s clouds.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    After seeing these men with uniforms, Irish felt an air of terror in the color of these uniforms for the first time.

    She couldn''t keep it easy and joyful on such a rainy day, especially when she saw those mene in a hurry.

    Joseph was also surprised, but he still opened the door calmly and waited for their words without any changes in his expression.

    Their words shocked them totally.

    Especially the policeman''s words.

    Irish felt so startled that she couldn''t help asking, "What did you say? Ruby died?"

    The policeman nced at Irish, and then he stared at Joseph''s face fiercely, "The body was found at 4 a.m. in the morning and in the bush near the building. It has been found out that the dead is Ruby. She died at around 11 p.m. Mr. Dover, you didn''te back home then, right?"

    Joseph turned from being shocked to being calm now, saying lightly, "Ruby''s death has nothing to do with me."

    "You need to go with me to the police station."

    Joseph took a nce at the time peacefully, "Could you please give me two more hours? I need to go back to thepany."

    "I''m afraid that you can''t do that." The policeman said firmly, "The meeting room of the Runestone Group is the first scene of the murder, and now the police have blocked it for investigation."

    Joseph heard that and frowned.

    Irish was in a daze, and her heart just beat quickly. Soon the phone on the desk rang. It was Roy. She passed it on to Joseph immediately. He just took it over and signed it to the policemen.

    Joseph got it through. Irish was close to him, so she could grasp Roy''s voice. It was anxious, seeming to tell him that the Runestone Group was blocked because of Ruby''s death.

    "I see. Please justfort the employees and make a report to the shareholders." Joseph''s voice was very low, sounding calm and logical.

    Putting the phone down, Joseph looked at those policemen, "Will it take me much time? Now the Group''s situation is terrible."

    "I''m afraid that things will not go with your will because you also need to cooperate with us because Henry''s case urred in Decemberst year."

    Joseph''s eyes turned cold.

    Irish was shocked. She couldn''t helping forward, "My father died of heart disease. Why did you say that he was murdered?"

    "Mr. Dover, please go with us to ept the investigation." Obviously, the policeman didn''t want to show many details on the case.

    Irish''s heart just beat quickly. Josephforted Irish and looked at the personnel of the procuratorate beside them.

    The personnel just said, "We will wait for youring back from the police station."

    They all stared at Joseph.

    The usations are a business crime, and the two murder cases were all big issues.

    Although Irish was anxious, she wasn''t so childish that she rushed to them and defended that Joseph was innocent. They all came here in the early morning. There must be much certain but unbeneficial evidence. It was no good to use shouting and quarreling. Joseph had to go with them.

    Joseph took a nce at Irish, worrying that she would be concerned about him. Seeing her constrained, he felt released.

    "Mr. Dover, please."

    Joseph said calmly, "I need to notify mywyer."

    "Sure."

    Joseph looked at Irish again. He didn''t speak, and Irish just said calmly, "I will go to the Runestone Group for more details and then notify Daisy to inform yourwyer."

    "Okay." Joseph smiled lightly and pulled her head over, kissing her forehead.

    Irish wanted to cry.

 Chapter 960 960: Do Not Cry

    ?

    After they left, Irish changed her clothes and drove to the Runestone Group immediately, regardless, without wearing makeup. On the way, Irish called Daisy, but it didn''t get through.

    She just left a message for Daisy. As her car entered the garage, Irish nearly bumped the car into the wall.

    The garage was full of reporters with whom securities were negotiating. They all just upied the original parking lots.

    Irish felt nervous.

    Maybe they were here to dig the news about the Runestone Group? She thought.

    Thinking of that, she just found an empty lot and stopped there. She then found a pair of sunsses. As she wore it, someone saw her and shouted, and soon a crowd of reporters rushed to her carrying cameras.

    Irish was totally surprised.

    Today she drove Joseph''s car. It could be imagined that these reporters could even recognize Joseph''s car easily.

    The situation was terrible for the time being.

    If she just went off, she would be surrounded by them and couldn''t make a step. If she didn''t stop, they would still follow her. She was in a hurry to deal with something this time. She needed to go.

    When she was in a dilemma, a crowd of security rushed out.

    Irish saw that Daisy wasing.

    She felt relieved. It seemed that Daisy saw her message.

    Opening the door, Irish raised her sunsses up to show an air of calmness. Daisy also came forward and said lightly beside her, "Those shareholders nearly forced Roy."

    The surrounding reporters began moving, and the shlight just shone continuously.

    "Any other terrible news?" Irish clenched her fingers and asked in a low voice, trembling.

    Daisy looked serious, lowering her voice, "Shirley went to thepany, stating that she was to question Joseph. Be careful."

    As she heard it, she felt calm instead.

    When personnel from both the procuratorate and police station knocked on the door, she immediately sensed that it wouldn''t bring peace. Joseph had already been taken into custody by the police. Could things get any worse? They had simplypounded the challenge she was facing.

    "Joseph needs awyer. He is now at the police station. Aftering out of it, he needs to cooperate with the business investigation." Irish told Daisy as she walked to the lift hurriedly.

    Daisy nodded, "Don''t worry. Thewyers working for Runestone Group are well-known even in the world. I will arrange it soon."

    The reporters all began asking.

    "Irish, it''s said that Ruby was killed in the office. Mr. Dover is the biggest suspect, right?"

    "It''s said that Ruby had many quarrels with Joseph after Emery''s death, right?"

    "Is there any direct connection between the Runestone Group''s new arrivals dying and the Key Group''s new arrivalsunching?"

    "It''s said that Mr. Dover disclosed confidential business information. Is that true?"

    "Irish, please make a response."

    "Hey, Irish..."

    The lift door closed slowly. Reporters'' questions were also outside of the door.

    Irish took off her sunsses and massaged her temple. Sometimes she really hated reporters. Why was there a crowd of people who made a living by digging out others'' privacy? She thought.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "We need to think of a good way to press down the unbeneficial news." She suggested it immediately.

    Daisy said, "Now Roy is helpless. Obviously, he is good at driving a ne but inexperienced in running apany or dealing with the crisis."

    "You have been Joseph''s assistant for so many years. If Joseph were there, what would he do?" Irish didn''t know anything aboutpany management, either.

    Thinking for a while, Daisy said, "Now the inte is so advanced that many rumors can be exploited but not controlled. Pressing the news is impossible, and the only way is to employ manyizens to divert attention. At least we can''t let the rumors gradually be effective news. Otherwise, the judging power may be intervened. Besides, we need to give out some good news on the Runestone Group to stabilize the share price, which requires the teamwork of all the shareholders."

    Irish clenched her cold fingers, saying lightly, "Who can we trust at this time?"

    "We cannot be released until the betrayer is identified. Trust is a luxury we cannot afford right now. If Joseph were present, he would assert the same," Daisy stated firmly.

    Irish turned towards Daisy, her gaze questioning. "Are you also implying that you cannot be trusted?" she asked.

    Daisy didn''t evade the question. "Yes, that includes me," she admitted candidly. "Everyone, including myself and even you, Irish, is a potential betrayer. We are all under suspicion."

    Irish said, "So the only way is to prioritize the whole interests, which is also the only way to get all the shareholders together."

    Daisy smiled, "In fact, I think you are more suitable to stay in thepany than Roy."

    "There are certain things that wille to light in due time," Daisy exined. "For instance, I couldn''tprehend initially why Joseph acquired Jordan''s shares. Simrly, I didn''t understand why he dismissed me. However, now I understand that Joseph is a smart businessman. Being experienced in this field, he must have sensed that something was amiss. Perhaps he has even discerned the looming danger and wanted to remove both Jordan and me from it."

    As Irish said this, one statement made by Joseph came to her mind, "Nothing is important to me in the world except you and Jordan."

    Her throat got sore.

    Her nose also ached.

    She wanted to cry, but she kept telling herself, "Do not cry!"

    Daisy said regretfully, "If I hadn''t agreed to go abroad..."

    "Things wouldn''t have changed," Irish said calmly, maintaining eye contact with Daisy. "You see, Joseph has always preferred minimal involvement of people in critical situations. You have been a valuable assistant to him, and knowing his character, he would have wanted to ensure your safety by keeping you out of the trap. Otherwise, the business investigation could potentially bring trouble upon you."

    "Now, I genuinely believe that Joseph made a mistake in letting you go," Daisy admitted sincerely.

    Irish gently shook her head. "I cannot say for certain whether I will be able to persuade those shareholders or not, but one thing I am certain about is human nature. I understand that everyone acts out of self-interest."

    And then the lift door opened.

    The cold metal door reflected her pale face.

    Inside the room was the central air conditioning.

    It separated the heat outside of the thick tempered ss. The asphalt road outside of the window was nearly dried by the sun. Inside the room, Irish felt so chilly.

    Standing on the clean marble floor, she could see that the floor just stretched to the front, and the Runestone Group was at the end.

    She had walked there many times.

    However, she hadn''t been so stressed before.

    And again, she experienced Joseph''s pressure of entering the Runestone Group as a manager.

    Joseph... Joseph...

 Chapter 961 961: Investigation Process

    ?

    Irish called his name again and again.

    Please empower me with great energy. She thought.

    Otherwise, she wasn''t sure if she possessed the courage to step into the meeting room and face the potential scolding from those shareholders.

    Gazing at the imposing facade of the Runestone Group, Irish drew in a deep breath and whispered to herself, "Just step inside, Irish."

    ****

    Due to the gravity of Ruby''s death case, the police had assembled a specialized team for investigation, with Chalmers leading the charge. Upon learning that his subordinates had taken Joseph to the police station, Chalmers made the decision to interrogate Joseph personally.

    Before leaving his office, Chalmers reached for the phone on his desk, answering a call from Tanner, the prosecutor assigned to Joseph''s business crime case. Tanner was known for his strict adherence to principles and unwavering integrity, earning him the nickname "Poker Face".

    The two individuals had a history of connections, and this time, Tanner wanted to give Chalmers a subtle reminder.

    "Tread cautiously, Chalmers," Tanner advised. "Joseph is a clever individual. He has been used of business crimes on two asions before, but due to insufficient evidence, no charges could be brought against him. Exercise caution during the interrogation process."

    Chalmers was aware of Tanner''s long-standing observation of Joseph, and he also understood that this time, if substantial evidence were avable, Joseph''s alleged crime might lead to a conviction. "Rest assured," Chalmers responded confidently. "I will handle this with utmost care and diligence."

    Carrying the files, Chalmers made his way towards the interrogation room door.

    One of his subordinates stepped out and addressed him, saying, "Sir."

    Chalmers nodded in acknowledgment and inquired, "How is the situation progressing?"

    His subordinate shook his head and gestured towards his wristwatch, indicating the time. "Clearly, he is biding his time, waiting for hiswyer to arrive," the subordinate replied.

    "The severity of the case demands that we make efforts to extend the duration of the interrogation," Chalmers said, his brows furrowing in concern.

    His subordinate seemed to be in a dilemma.

    "Just make an inquiry. I will interrogate him."

    His subordinate nodded and left hurriedly.

    Chalmers took a deep breath and pushed in.

    Inside the interrogation room, arge mirrored wall adorned one side. Joseph remainedposed, his expression unchanged as he sat calmly. In front of him sat a cup of coffee that had long since cooled, untouched.

    Just in a few seconds, Chalmers looked at Joseph from top to toe. Obviously, he was very handsome. In addition, he was a well-known diamond businessman. As he sat there, the atmosphere became calm but overwhelming.

    Chalmers had seen many rich businessmen, and he had connected with many rich people for various kinds of cases.

    It was the first time for Chalmers to approach Joseph.

    He had to admit that he was so peaceful, and even his eyes were so calm. As an experienced policeman, Chalmers couldn''t get what Joseph was thinking of.

    Many rich businessmen pretended to be peaceful when they got there, but if you looked at them carefully, you would find that their foreheads and nose were sweating, and even their fingers were quivering.

    As Joseph sat there, appearing remarkably serene, Chalmers contemted for a moment. He then ced the files on the table and extended his hand towards Joseph. "Hello, I am the leader of this case. My name is Chalmers," he introduced himself.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Joseph also gave his hand, "Nice to meet you, Chalmers."

    Chalmers pulled his hand back. He found that Joseph''s palm was warm, and there was no cold sweat.

    He had to change his previous viewpoint.

    Joseph looked so calm. There were only two possible reasons.

    One possible reason was that he was truly innocent, and Ruby and Henry''s deaths had nothing to do with him.

    The other was that he was good at pretending and guessing one''s mind.

    Which one was his real face?

    Chalmers dared not to look down upon him. Such a person was even a problem for Tanner. He was not an easy guy.

    "The coffee got cold." Chalmers didn''t ask something about the case but just touched the cup in front of Joseph and smiled, "Or, you don''t like its taste?"

    He wanted to find Joseph''s faults, even a little.

    Human beings would make mistakes, especially a person whomitted a crime. Even if Joseph showed his real face just a little, Chalmers could get it.

    Joseph''s silence was broken as he offered a light smile. "Sir, you probably haven''t had the chance to taste the coffee at the Runestone Group. If the opportunity arises, I would encourage you to give it a try. However, I must express that blocking my office again would not be appreciated," he remarked.

    Chalmers grasped the implied message behind Joseph''s words.

    The meaning was clear: Joseph was not intimidated by him. It wasn''t a matter of mood or preference when it came to tasting the coffee. The reason he hadn''t consumed it was simply because it did not meet his standards of quality.

    Furthermore, Joseph''s remarks conveyed another piece of information. It hinted that he had not been to the police station previously, implying his unfamiliarity with the taste of the coffee there.

    These two strands of information served as subtle reminders to Chalmers, suggesting that Joseph was innocent in this case.

    Chalmers was not one to prioritize emotions or personal feelings. In his approach to cases, he ced greater importance on sound reasoning and intelligence, relying on a logical and analytical mindset.

    "Mr. Dover, I regret to inform you that, at this moment, you will not be granted release on bail due to theplex and significant nature of the cases involved. Furthermore, even if yourwyer arrives, you will need to await thepletion of the interrogation," Chalmers conveyed his message in a formal manner.

    Joseph remainedposed, his gaze peaceful as he addressed Chalmers, "I understand your eagerness to resolve these cases. I can empathize with the desire to bend the rules in such situations. What is it that you would like to ask me?"

    Chalmers felt a sense of embarrassment upon hearing Joseph''s words.

    It was evident that Joseph was well aware that the decision to deny him bail had been made without any formal application. Observing Joseph''sposed demeanor, Chalmers realized he could not afford to be careless. He could sense the presence of Joseph''s calm and sharp mind, his logic remaining intact.

    No wonder Tanner had offered a special reminder, Chalmers thought to himself. The significance of that cautionary advice became clearer in light of Joseph''sposed and astute demeanor.

    "Let''s discuss Ruby''s case," Chalmers cleared his throat, seeking to proceed with the interrogation.

    Joseph nodded, indicating for him to continue.

    "Based on our investigation, you had a meeting with Ruby at 9 p.m. yesterday," Chalmers stated.

 Chapter 962 962: The Interrogation Process

    ?

    Joseph responded calmly, "I had a shareholders'' meeting in mypany, and Ruby was required to attend as one of the shareholders."

    "During the meeting, it is reported that Ruby was constantly opposing you," Chalmers continued.

    "Quarrels and disagreements among shareholders are not umon," Joseph replied calmly.

    Chalmers pondered for a moment before asking, "Why did she have disagreements with you?"

    "It was rted to the matter of new arrivals," Joseph responded.

    "Did she suspect that you had betrayed thepany?" Chalmers inquired.

    Joseph smiled softly, "Perhaps."

    Curious, Chalmers pressed further, asking, "What actions did you take?"

    Joseph''s tone remained light as he replied, "Chalmers, you are overstepping your authority. It is Tanner who should be asking these questions."

    Chalmers blinked, maintaining eye contact with Joseph for a moment. "Mr. Dover, I am simply conducting the interrogation," he rified.

    Joseph smiled faintly and addressed Chalmers directly, "Chalmers, until it is confirmed that I am the killer, I believe I have the right to be fully informed about the entire process of the case. Your questioning seems to be putting the cart before the horse."

    Finally, Chalmers grasped the reason why his subordinates had released Joseph when he had stepped out. Joseph''s intelligence became evident to him.

    "Alright," Chalmersposed himself and proceeded to provide a concise description of the entire case.

    Ruby''s body had been discovered by a passer-by whose car happened toe to a halt in the vicinity. The passer-by noticed some movement resembling a dress, prompting him to investigate further. To his shock, he found a woman crouching in the bushes.

    Initially assuming she was merely intoxicated, the passer-by attempted to rouse her, only to notice the presence of blood. Concerned, he turned her over, revealing wounds on her forehead and neck. It was apparent that she had tragically lost her life.

    Upon receiving the call, the police swiftly initiated an examination of the surrounding area.

    Upon further investigation, it was determined that the deceased individual was Ruby, Henry''s daughter and a shareholder in the Runestone Group. A legal expert''s analysis concluded that Ruby had passed away after 11 p.m. the previous night. Multiple fatal wounds were found on her head and neck, with excessive blood loss being the primary cause of death.

    The instrument responsible for inflicting severe damage was identified as a metal eagle-shaped decoration. The decoration featured sharp angles, resulting in continuous bleeding from the main artery and forehead.

    The police further determined that the bush where Ruby''s body was found was not the primary crime scene. There were suspicions that someone had killed Ruby elsewhere and then disposed of the body in the bush, possibly taking advantage of the rain to wash away any potential evidence. However, the rain ceased around 11:30 p.m.

    It was discovered that Ruby had ceased breathing after the rain had stopped.

    This indicated that when she was removed from the initial crime scene and discarded into the bush, she was still alive but in a critical condition. Due to thete hour and the rain, and only a few people passing by, Ruby''s life slowly slipped away unnoticed.

    Throughout the entire description, Chalmers carefully observed Joseph''s facial expressions, hoping to catch any signs or cracks that could provide clues. However, to his disappointment, Joseph''s face remained unchanged �C his eyes and eyebrows disyed no alteration whatsoever.

    Joseph appeared remarkablyposed, exceptionally calm.

    This unyielding calmness only intensified Chalmers''s doubts and suspicions regarding Joseph.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Regardless of one''s status or background, it was natural to have an atypical reaction when brought to a police station. Such reactions were expected. However, Chalmers couldn''t help but wonder what was going through Joseph''s mind. It appeared as though Joseph was lost in his own thoughts, contemting something or perhaps nothing at all. From Chalmers''s perspective, there seemed to be no signs of nning or seeking solutions in Joseph''s demeanor.

    Joseph appeared to be merely listening to a story that had no connection to him.

    After Chalmers finished his description, Joseph simply nodded and remained silent, offering no furtherments.

    "Why did you schedule a meeting sote?" Chalmers asked directly.

    Joseph responded casually, "We had some issues with the new arrivals. The shareholders are worried about their own interests, so I gathered them to find solutions. It''s pretty straightforward, isn''t it?"

    "Mr. Dover, did you manage to acquire Lakes'' shares by leveraging Ruby and Emery''s rtionship?"

    Joseph smiled lightly, "You''ve got it wrong, Chalmers. The transfer contract is still in my office. I can have my assistant bring it to you. Ruby and I made the deal in apletely fair, transparent, and voluntary manner."

    "Why would Ruby, who is part of the Lake family, transfer her shares to you?"

    "Well, let me rify that. She''s only transferring a portion of her shares," Joseph calmly corrected. After a brief pause, he continued, "As a businessman, my sole pursuit is profit. Ruby was troubled by the rumors, and she had no idea how to handle it. She approached me for help in getting out of trouble. In return, she agreed to transfer a portion of her shares to me."

    Chalmers sneered and remarked, "I suspect that you set a trap for Ruby so you could profit from her."

    "Chalmers, as a police officer, you should know that it''s merely your conjecture," Joseph replied peaceably.

    Chalmers narrowed his eyes and retorted, "Where were youst night around eleven o''clock?"

    Joseph pondered for a moment before responding, "I was at thepany. The elevator was out of order, so I had to take the stairs to go downstairs. I believe it was around 11:30 pm when I reached the lower floors."

    The Runestone Group was located in a high-rise building, and Joseph intended to use the elevator to reach the lower levels. However, he encountered a locked corridor door leading to the lower area, leaving him with no choice but to walk down the stairs. It was a time-consuming and physically demanding task.

    "Why do you recall the time so urately?" inquired Chalmers.

    "That''s because my wife happened to meet me during that time, and she mentioned the time inadvertently," Joseph truthfully responded.

    Irish, concerned that Ruby might cause problems for Joseph, approached him anxiously. However, they coincidentally encountered each other in the hallway, prompting them to rush to the car while sharing an umbre hurriedly. Irish evenined to Joseph, questioning why he was out sote when it was time to sleep.

    "Did anyone witness you going downstairs?" Chalmers inquired.

    "No," Joseph responded.

    Curiously, Chalmers abruptly asked, "What happened to your hand?"

    Joseph''s hand had been sterilized, and he had a band-aid covering the wound.

    ncing at it, Joseph calmly replied, "I identally injured myself."

    Chalmers snorted, handing a document to Joseph, and said, "I''m afraid this scratched you."

 Chapter 963 963: Someone Trying To Frame Him

    ?

    As Joseph opened the document, he discovered a photo attached to it, disying an eagle-shaped metal decoration. Joseph recognized the decoration since he had been injured by it before.

    Chalmers pointed at the photo, expecting a response from Joseph.

    However, Joseph remained silent.

    "Joseph, you can''t stay silent. You have to answer my question," Chalmers insisted, enunciating each word.

    Joseph smiled faintly and replied, "I can''t recall with certainty. Perhaps you''re right."

    "You can''t remember clearly because you were arguing with Ruby at that time, correct?" Chalmers asked, his tone serious.

    The light in Joseph''s eyes gradually dimmed. After a brief pause, he responded, "Yes, Ruby was upset, and I also sustained an idental injury."

    Chalmers continued, "Based on my investigation, I discovered that the Runestone Group was originally founded by your father-inw, Henry, who allegedly acquired your family''s property. It is evident that you hold a grudge against him. Consequently, you''ve been plotting to regain control of the Runestone Group over the years. However, Ruby became aware of your intentions and demanded that you depart from thepany. In fact, she even threatened to expose your scheme if you refused toply. The security personnel overheard your argument. Joseph, do you still intend to deny your actions?"

    Joseph, devoid of mood swings, asked, "What is it that you want to say?

    Chalmers continued calmly, "The rtionship between Ruby and Emery was exposed, and you seized the opportunity to acquire the Lake family''s shares using this information. Emery, unable to withstand the public scrutiny, tragically took her own life. Ruby harbored suspicions that you were behind this tragedy, leading to multiple arguments between the two of you. Around 10:40st night, just before the crime took ce, Ruby confronted you once again, threatening you to leave the Runestone Group or face consequences. Faced with Ruby''s hostile demeanor, you ultimately decided to kill her. You incapacitated her by striking her with the eagle-shaped decoration and then disposed of her body in the bushes. It was raining outside, and you believed that the evidence could be effectively destroyed. Furthermore, you sustained a scratch from the decoration inadvertently during the struggle," Chalmers exined in aposed manner.

    Joseph remained motionless, attentively listening to Chalmers, before replying, "Chalmers, as I have previously stated, your ount is based solely on your own conjecture."

    "Joseph, confidence is one thing, but arrogance won''t serve you well. Do you take me for a fool? You murdered Ruby, and yet you still believe there is no evidence against you?" Chalmers furrowed his eyebrows. "I discovered traces of your blood and fibers from your clothing in her nails. We conducted a DNA test, and it confirmed that the blood found under her nails matches the blood on this decoration," Chalmers continued.

    Joseph remainedposed and calmly exined, "Ruby grabbed onto me when I was attempting to leave, so it''s natural to find traces of my clothing fibers in her nails. Furthermore, the eagle-shaped decoration indeed scratched my hand, hence the presence of my blood on it."

    "Joseph, do you genuinely believe that the police and the judge will believe your exnations?" Chalmers questioned.

    Joseph smiled faintly and responded, "I am merely stating the truth. While I am confident, you must understand that a confident person would never engage in foolish actions. If I had indeed decided to kill Ruby, I would not be foolish enough to dispose of her body in such an easily discoverable manner."

    Chalmers acknowledged, "Your argument sounds reasonable, but it could also be a deliberate attempt to mislead our investigation. Nevertheless, our police cannot dismiss any possibilities."

    Joseph sneered at Chalmers and retorted, "But do you solve cases based on conjecture? Or are you determined to extract a false confession through torture?" He then gestured towards the monitoring equipment and continued, "Are you nning to disregard due process and resort to such methods?"

    Chalmers became visibly displeased, his eyebrows furrowing in a frown. "Are you suggesting that you have been framed?" he asked in response.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "It''s apparent," Joseph replied calmly.

    "But by whom?" Chalmers inquired.

    Joseph leaned back in his chair and respondedposedly, "There are numerous individuals who would wish for my demise."

    "Joseph, I understand that you have a team of top-notchwyers, but they can''t assist you in this interrogation room. It would be in your best interest to cooperate with me," Chalmers said angrily.

    While Chalmers remained indignant, Joseph maintained his calm demeanor. "Sir, there''s no need to worry. I am well aware of thew. However, I must also remind you that, at this moment, youck evidence. Therefore, I am merely a suspect and not a murderer. I can only recount what transpired on that night. After I left thepany, I was unaware of what urred thereafter. It''s also usible that someone may have infiltrated thepany andmitted the crime," Joseph exined in a casual tone.

    Chalmers clenched his hands, recalling what Tanner had previously told him. Tanner had warned Chalmers about Joseph''s difficult nature.

    ****

    The atmosphere within the Runestone Group was fraught with tension. The meeting room, now a crime scene, was cordoned off, and the employees whispered among themselves. Shirley''s cries could be heard, and everyone in thepany was well aware of Joseph''s absence.

    The following day, the police lifted the block and concluded their evidence collection at the Runestone Group. The senior leaders, in an attempt to maintain some semnce of normalcy, urged the directors to reassure the employees. However, it was evident that no one could truly focus on their work.

    The shareholders, filled with curiosity and concern, arrived at thepany early, eager to learn about the unfolding situation. To their surprise, Joseph, who was now a suspect, had been taken away by the police.

    The impact on the Runestone Group was anticipated to be negative, casting a shadow of uncertainty over thepany''s future.

    As Irish entered the meeting room, all eyes turned towards her. As Joseph''s wife, she knew she had to address the public and provide an exnation, considering Joseph''s absence due to being taken into police custody.

    Before Irish could utter a word, Shirley rushed towards her, grasping her hands as if in a state of madness. Irish winced in pain and instinctively lowered her head, only to discover that Shirley''s long nails had scratched her. Shirley was known for maintaining her nails at great expense.

    Irish was in a weakened state and had little patience for Shirley''s outburst. Despite understanding that Shirley must be devastated by Ruby''s death, the wound on her arms heightened her irritability. With a furrowed brow, Irish pushed Shirley away.

    Witnessing this, Roy immediately intervened, stepping in to restrain his mother. Roy himself appeared exhausted, his eyes were bloodshot from the emotional toll. After all, Ruby was his biological sister.

    "Mom, please calm down. This has nothing to do with Irish," Roy implored, his voice filled with weariness.

    Shirley, however, remained defiant. "Joseph killed my daughter, and Irish must be his aplice. You arepletely heartless!" Shirley shouted, her gaze fixed on Irish, her eyes burning with anger.

 Chapter 964 964: What Should We Do Then?

    ?

    Irish maintained herposure in the face of Shirley''s verbal abuse. She suppressed her own anger, fully aware that adding fuel to the fire would only exacerbate the situation.

    Contrary to Shirley''s assumptions, Irish was also deeply saddened by Ruby''s untimely death. Despite her personal grievances with Ruby and the heated argument Ruby had with Joseph the night before, Irish never wished ill upon her.

    Irish understood the gravity of the situation and the need for empathy in such trying times. Rather than resorting to cursing or further confrontations, she chose to approach the situation with restraint and grace.

    Irish silently wished that the current situation was nothing but a terrible dream. She understood that Daisy, being an outsider, was not in the best position to speak on her behalf during such a delicate moment. It was clear to Irish that Shirley''s heart was shattered by the loss of her daughter, and persuading her to calm down would be an uphill battle for anyone, including Daisy.

    "Let''s attend to your wound first," Daisy suggested quietly.

    Irish gave a slight shake of her head, unable to divert her attention to the wound. However, a sudden realization jolted her as she recalled the wound on Joseph''s finger, causing her to be taken aback.

    Finally, Shirley halted her shouting, but now the shareholders began to voice their concerns forcefully towards Irish.

    "The blueprint of our new product was recently stolen by Key Group, and now Joseph has be a suspect in Ruby''s death. What on earth was he doing? Does he want to bring further harm to thepany?" a shareholder eximed in frustration.

    "Indeed, Runestone''s progress has been hindered due to his involvement. The board of directors holds the authority to remove him from his position," another shareholder added.

    The shareholders began to engage in discussions amongst themselves,unching a collective attack on Joseph.

    Just as the tension escted, Kelly and William entered the room. They had arrived to sign a share transfer contract but were immediately greeted with the distressing news. William swiftly stepped forward, attempting to reason with the shareholders and encourage calmness. "The police are simply investigating the background of the case. We should not rush to judgment. Acting impulsively will only benefit ourpetitors. Let us exercise restraint," William implored.

    A shareholder, filled with indignation, asserted, "We must stand strong against external threats, and the first step is to restore harmony within our own ranks."

    As Irish observed Roy, she noticed his downcast demeanor. It was clear that he was ill-equipped to handle the shareholders'' demands. Additionally, Roy was known for his calm nature and avoidance of confrontations.

    This realization caused Irish to clench her teeth in frustration. She made her way to the round table, surveying the individuals present with a determined gaze.

    "Well, I am curious to hear what specific measures you propose to restore harmony within ourpany," Irish questioned, her tone firm.

    The shareholders eagerly awaited Irish''s next words, their attention focused on her.

    "I understand your concerns. It''s only natural that you want Joseph to be held ountable. However, we must await the final judgment. If the police conclude that Joseph is responsible for Ruby''s death, and if the District Attorney informs you that my husband has sold or profited from business intelligence, I am willing topensate for any losses with my own shares in the Runestone Group. But for now, I pose a question to all of you: Who among you can provide evidence that implicates Joseph in these allegations?" Irish inquired confidently.

    Her gaze swept across the shareholders beforending on a middle-aged man named Mr. Xu. "Mr. Xu, did you personally witness Joseph selling business secrets or epting bribes?" she asked directly.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    The room fell silent as the shareholders realized the weight of Irish''s words. Though she rarely attended directors'' meetings, her eloquence left them momentarily speechless.

    The shareholders maintained a respectful demeanor towards Irish, considering her status as Joseph''s wife and her association with the prominent Lake family. They understood that engaging in conflicts with Irish would not be beneficial for their own financial interests.

    As Irish turned her attention to Mr. Xu, expecting a response, she chose to remain silent, offering no further input.

    Undeterred, Irish shifted her focus to another shareholder and directly questioned, "Did you witness Josephmitting the act of killing Ruby?"

    The man hesitated, his mouth opening, but no words came forth.

    "Please, everyone, I implore you to listen to me. I understand that, as Joseph''s wife, my words may not easily convince you, as you may believe I am merely speaking in his defense. However, it is crucial to recognize that we are not judges, and weck the qualifications to determine whether Joseph is guilty or innocent. Iprehend your actions and remarks, but we must acknowledge that dismissing Joseph now will not change the situation. Can we retrieve our design blueprint from Key Group? Can we restore everything to how it was before? The problem has already urred, so why can''t we seek peaceful negotiations to address this issue? I am a psychologist, and I am not well-versed in business affairs. Some of you helped my father establish thispany, but now my father is no longer with us, and Runestone Group is facing profound challenges. Can we unite our efforts to guide Runestone Group out of this troubled situation? Can we halt the condemnation and work towards a resolution?"

    Irish spoke, striving to maintain a peaceful tone, emting Joseph''s usualposed demeanor. However, her clenched hands betrayed her inner turmoil as they trembled slightly.

    At this moment, Irish''s resentment towards Roy suddenly became more understandable. She realized that it was nearly impossible to remain indifferent in the face of such widespread condemnation.

    "Irish, as a shareholder of the Runestone Group, you should also consider thepany''s profitability," one shareholder pointed out.

    Irish, feeling uneasy, retorted, "Well, then please tell me what I should do?"

    The man found himself speechless in response to Irish''s question. Irish continued, her tone filled with irritation, "Even though I may not be well-versed in business matters, even an outsider can understand that apany cannot withstand such a blow. As the stock price of Runestone Group begins to plummet, do you still wish to endure further losses?"

    Irish''s words struck a chord, causing the shareholders to calm down slightly.

    Irish''s words hit the mark with a singlement, and the shareholders calmed down a little.

    Roy made an effort to console his mother and then spoke up, "Irish is absolutely correct. Instead of searching for a scapegoat, we need to focus on stabilizing the situation and uncovering the truth behind Ruby''s murder. Runestone Group is currently facing a critical challenge, and if we don''t act wisely, we may end up being eliminated from the market. We risk losing our source of profit."

    A shareholder inquired, "What should we do then?" Since Roy couldn''t provide a definitive answer, he turned to Irish for guidance.

    Irish herself was uncertain, but after a brief pause, she suddenly recalled something that Joseph had mentioned before.

 Chapter 965 965: Jordan Has Returned

    ?

    Clearing her throat, Irish continued, "The most crucial aspect is to announce some positive news that will bolster investor confidence. Key Group has been promoting their new product, and there are those who are hoping for ourpany to suffer further setbacks. We cannot show weakness during our new productunch. Despite the board''s decision to postpone it, which had an adverse impact on ourpany, I propose that we proceed with the n Joseph had previously put forward. Theunch will proceed as nned, with all the new products being reced by the products stored in Vera Club."

    The media had extensively discussed the decision to postpone the new productunch. Joseph had carefully followed the media coverage and had shared with Irish that they were acting too hastily. He believed that a turning point could ur, as it was possible to transform something ugly into something beautiful.

    While Irish didn''t fully understand Joseph''s cryptic remark at the time, she knew that he had been wronged. Now, however, a sudden realization dawned upon her. Joseph had mentioned the product stored in Vera club.

    The products stored in Vera Club were known for their high quality, as onlypetitive products were selected to be stored there.

    Upon hearing Irish''s proposal, the shareholders shook their heads in disagreement, expressing their doubts. "We can''t deceive our customers. Do you think the media and our customers are fools?" one shareholder retorted.

    Irish took a deep breath and turned to Daisy, seeking confirmation. "Did Joseph ever mention the idea of repackaging the products from Vera club into new products?" she inquired.

    After pondering for a moment, Daisy nodded and replied, "I do recall him mentioning that he wanted to select certain products from the auction and refurbish them. The packaging should highlight a ssical concept."

    Upon hearing Daisy''s response, Irish''s eyes gleamed with a newfound realization.

    Irish''s heart raced with excitement upon hearing Daisy''s words. She couldn''t help but admire Joseph''s wisdom and foresight.

    The concept of ssic reappearance struck a chord with Irish. It was a brilliant idea.

    Joseph had been right all along, and sometimes people needed to change their perspective and embrace new ideas.

    "We can theme the new productunch as ''ssic Reappearance'' and select products that were previously showcased at auctions. These products hold great value and are highly sought after by collectors. We can attract customers to bid on these ssic products by emphasizing their collectability. This approach could effectively resolve our challenges with the new productunch," Irish proposed.

    It was only now that Irish fullyprehended why Joseph had sought the Lake family''s assistance in lending their shares. He had devised a brilliant solution. However, the shareholders had initially doubted him, making it difficult for him to take action unless he gained their support.

    Irish had a strong intuition that Joseph''s idea could bring sess, but unfortunately, he hadn''t been given the opportunity to put it into practice.

    However, the current circumstances presented a different scenario, and Irish believed that the shareholders would not act rashly.

    As she had anticipated, after Irish finished presenting her suggestion, the shareholders began engaging in discussions among themselves. It appeared that they were genuinely considering Irish''s proposal.

    Seizing the opportunity, Irish continued to strike while the iron was hot, persistently persuading them, "Everyone, this is the only viable solution. Otherwise, I fear that our share prices will continue to plummet."

    A shareholder raised a pertinent question, "But who will take the lead in implementing this n?"

    Irish turned to face Daisy, her eyes filled with determination.

    Daisy quickly understood the situation and took a step forward, looking directly at the shareholders with determination. She stated, "I am well-acquainted with the n, and I can coborate with the chairman to make all the necessary preparations for theunch."

    The shareholders nodded in agreement, acknowledging Daisy''s proposal without saying a word.

    Witnessing this positive response, both Roy and Irish felt a wave of relief wash over them.

    After the meeting concluded, Roy instructed the driver to take Shirley back home, ensuring her safety and well-being. Cassie remained at home to providefort and support to Shirley. Despite being Irish''s friend, Cassie managed to avoid bing the target of Shirley''s anger, for which Irish was grateful.

    Meanwhile, Irish and Daisy remained in Roy''s office, where Irish entrusted Daisy with coordinating efforts with Roy and providing detailed instructions on the matters that required attention moving forward.

    Despite his initial reluctance, Roy understood the urgency of the situation and acknowledged his responsibility towards the Runestone Group. He attentively listened to Irish''s instructions, secretly hoping that she would return to thepany and take an active role.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Irish, although currentlycking in positional power, expressed her unwaveringmitment to overseeing the condition of the Runestone Group. She assured Roy that she would not simply stand by and watch.

    Irish urged Roy to trust Daisy, highlighting herpetence and experience.

    As the afternoon wore on, Irish emerged from Roy''s office. Daisy, concerned about Irish''s well-being, suggested that they grab something to eat.

    Irish had been so preupied with worrying about Joseph that she had forgotten about her hunger.

    "Has thewyer gone to the police station?" Irish inquired, her body slumped against the couch in the anteroom.

    Daisy handed a cup of water to Irish and sat beside her. "They''re already at the police station. However, Mr. Dover is still being interrogated, so thewyers are waiting for him. I''ve also heard that the prosecutor''s office is waiting for him outside," Daisy replied in a hushed voice.

    "That might be too much for him. Do I have visitation rights? I need to go," Irish said, gripping the ss tightly.

    "It''s not allowed," Daisy softly replied.

    Irish did her best to stay calm, but she couldn''t help worrying about Joseph. Even a man with a strong mental and physical state would struggle with a day-long interrogation.

    What should she do? Irish wondered.

    "Daisy, I want to be alone for a while," Irish said.

    Daisy let out a sigh andforted her, "Don''t worry. He''ll be fine."

    Irish hoped for that too.

    The room fell silent as Daisy left.

    Irish sat in Joseph''s anteroom, where the scent of his wooden cologne filled the air. An unfinished cigary quietly on the tea table. Irish''s nose twitched slightly, and tears suddenly welled up.

    Helplessness, fear, and anxiety suddenly overwhelmed Irish, making her feel like a hundred hands were tearing her heart apart.

    Irish cherished the days when Joseph would sit in front of her, smiling and assuring her that she shouldn''t be afraid because he would take care of everything.

    Joseph had always been Irish''s support system, her backbone. She never imagined that one day that backbone would crumble.

    Her phone suddenly rang, startling her. Without hesitation, Irish answered it.

    "Irish, what''s happening with my brother?" an anxious voice came from the other end of the line.

    It was Jordan.

    At this moment, Irish realized she wasn''t fighting alone. After a few seconds, she managed to say in a choked voice, "He''s still at the police station."

    Jordan remained silent for a while before speaking again, "I''m in New York now. I''ve returned."

    "What?"

 Chapter 966 966: I Never Wanted Him Dead

    ?

    Irish hadn''t expected Jordan to return to New York, although she knew it was only a matter of time before he found out what had happened to his brother. Initially, Irish had nned to tell Jordan the whole story if he asked over the phone, and she would have urged him not toe back, as Joseph didn''t want that.

    While Joseph had always forbidden his younger brother from returning, Irish also knew that Joseph supported Jordan''s pursuit of his own career. Joseph never imposed requirements on Jordan and simply wished his younger brother could live a happy life.

    However, Jordan came back suddenly without informing anyone.

    An hourter, Irish went downstairs to the agreed-upon location, waiting for Jordan.

    During that time, Irish also received a call from her Aunt Mary and Uncle Steven, who had also heard the news about Joseph. Naturally, they were worried about Joseph, and Irish did her best tofort them, assuring them that Jay was looking into the case.

    The news of Ruby''s murder and Joseph being taken away by the police couldn''t be hidden by the Runestone Group, and it quickly became public knowledge. Several media outlets paid close attention to the news and began specting about the matter.

    In general, people tend to shy away from trouble, fearing getting caught in a difficult situation. However, Jean and Bowen consoled Irish and assured her that they were avable to help whenever she needed it.

    Irish also received calls from other business partners of the Runestone Group, offering their assistance. As Joseph''s wife, she expressed her gratitude to them but declined their kindness. The situation was still unclear, and she didn''t want to act hastily.

    Jordan insisted that Irish waits for him at their agreed-upon location.

    While on the phone with her younger brother Jay, Irish happened to spot a roadster, and she saw Jordan waving at her from inside the car.

    "Jay, I''ll talk to youter," Irish quickly ended the call as Jordan pulled up beside her.

    It seemed that Jordan had returned home first before picking her up.

    Jordan leaned out of the car, opened the door for her, and said, "Get in."

    Following his instruction, Irish entered the car.

    Jordan started the engine and elerated quickly.

    Irish hurriedly fastened her seatbelt and cautioned him, "Be careful. We''re in the downtown area, not on a racetrack."

    Irish could clearly sense that Jordan had changed during their short time apart.

    He had a sunburnedplexion and his hair was cut short, giving him a stronger appearance. Jordan was dressed casually in a ck T-shirt and jeans.

    In many ways, Irish thought Jordan resembled his brother. However, his eyescked the same rity and were tinged with worldly emotions, such as sorrow and happiness. Despite that, Jordan still managed to maintain a sense of calmness reminiscent of his brother. Irish understood that he still needed time to mature.

    As time went on, Jordan''s appearance continued to change.

    Irish believed that with each obstacle he faced, Jordan would grow more mature and gain valuable experience.

    Jordan didn''t look at her, but he epted her suggestion and slowed down the car.

    "Where are we going now?" Irish couldn''t help but ask.

    "We''re going to find Leo," Jordan replied sinctly.

    "What?" Irish was taken aback.

    "Jordan, your brother wouldn''t want us to cause trouble at such a critical moment," Irish added, trying to reason with him.

    Without informing her, Jordan abruptly stopped the car.

    Irish was caught off guard and stumbled, while Jordan pressed a button, causing the car''s hood to slowly close. He closed it to create a private space where they could talk.

    "You don''t want to find him? I need to ask him about his true intentions. If you don''t want toe, you can leave now," Jordan said, enunciating each word.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Irish believed that there was no point in confronting Leo, as what was done could not be undone.

    However, after a few minutes of hesitation, she responded, "Well, I''ll go with you." Irish was worried that Jordan might get into a fight with Leo.

    Leo''s group was usually bustling with activity, and their new product had gained significant public attention.

    Of course, there were also negative rumors circting about Key Group. However, as the saying goes, "losers are always in the wrong," and at that moment, Runestone Group was the loser while Leo was the winner.

    However, Leo was absent from the celebratory gathering and had declined several social engagements.

    A pile of cigarette butts filled an ashtray in front of him.

    Numerous negative news articles about Joseph can be found online.

    Leo stared at theputer screen for a moment, then picked up the internal telephone.

    "What''s the stock price of Runestone Group?" Leo inquired over the phone.

    "I''ve heard that the board of directors at Runestone Group is taking some measures, and the drop in stock price is narrowing," came the reply.

    Leo remained silent, lost in his own thoughts.

    What kind of steps are they taking? Leo wondered to himself.

    Runestone Group should be in chaos, but it didn''t appear that way. Could it be that Joseph was orchestrating a turnaround? Leo couldn''t believe that he would be capable of handling the situation so adeptly.

    "Should we continue buying their stock?" The man asked.

    "Stop buying, but keep monitoring their stock price," Leo responded calmly.

    "Understood!"

    After hanging up the phone, Leo lit a cigarette and stared expressionlessly at theputer screen through the smoke.

    On the inte,izens were conducting various analyses of Ruby''s death and even creating a list of suspects from the Runestone Group.

    That was the power of the inte, bringing both pleasure and spection to people''s lives.

    Leo took a drag from his cigarette, contemting for a moment before picking up his cell phone.

    The call was quickly answered, and a cold voice could be heard on the other end.

    "I didn''t expect you to reach out to me so soon," the voice said.

    Leo flicked off some ash and replied with annoyance, "Is that your way of countering Joseph? nting stolen goods on him?"

    A sneer came from the other end of the line before the man responded, "Leo, we had a deal. And you promised that we wouldn''t interfere with each other''s methods of dealing with him."

    "So, it was you who framed Joseph and made people believe he was the murderer," Leo continued.

    "Leo, I suppose you''re the one who tipped off the prosecution, aren''t you?" the man added.

    "But I never wanted him dead," Leo said coldly.

    Leo was well aware that Joseph would inevitably face an investigation by the prosecution. He also knew that the board of directors at Runestone Group had grown dissatisfied with Joseph due to the decline in the mine operation and his decision to seek external financing. However, the breaking point came with the conflict over the design blueprint of their new product, which ignited tensions within the board.

 Chapter 967 967: Don’t Cause Trouble Here

    ?

    As a result, certain members of the board were seeking to impeach Joseph, particrly the long-standing shareholders who had witnessed the establishment of Runestone Group and were aware of the history between the Lake family and Joseph''s family. Their concerns fueled their desire to remove Joseph from thepany.

    Nevertheless, Leo never anticipated that Ruby would be killed and that Joseph would be a murder suspect.

    The man on the other end of the line continued to sneer, remarking, "Joseph has offended many people, and they all hold a grudge against him. I have a bargaining chip in my possession, so there''s no need for me to frame him."

    "What?" Leo eximed.

    "It wasn''t me," the man replied directly.

    Leo fell into a long silence before speaking again, "Now I''m starting to wonder if my money was spent in vain."

    "Leo, I know you have a deep friendship with Joseph, but let me be frank with you. I know him better than you do. Do you think these troubles will trap him? No one can seed in forcing him to leave thepany except me because I possess a crucial chip."

    "What is it?" Leo inquired.

    There was a momentary pause before the man responded, "You don''t need to know. I promise you that I will drive Joseph away from Runestone Group now that I have received your funds. Don''t worry. I am even certain that Joseph would be willing to die for this chip."

    Leo''s eyebrows furrowed with concern.

    Even after he hung up the phone, he still couldn''t figure out what exactly this chip was.

    While Leo was in a meeting, Jordan suddenly burst into the room. Ignoring the security warning, he kicked open the door to the conference room.

    The employees were startled, and some mistook Jordan for Joseph due to Irish following behind him.

    Leo was taken aback by the unexpected intrusion. When he looked up and saw who it was, he was even more shocked.

    The executive secretary and the security guard hurriedly entered the meeting room, apologizing to Leo for their mistake.

    Before Leo could utter a word, Jordan lunged forward and delivered a punch to him.

    "Leo, you''re an asshole!"

    Leo staggered and fell to the ground.

    The onlookers were about to intervene, but Jordan held them back. "Don''t you dare! I''ll give you a beating!" Jordan yelled, his anger palpable.

    This was the first time Irish had seen Jordan so furious, and it frightened her. She had witnessed him getting angry once before during an argument with his brother, and Jordan would asionally raise his voice at Joseph, but he had never been this livid or resorted to physical violence. Their arguments usually ended with Jordan storming out, and things would return to normal the next day.

    Clearly, the people present were also shocked by Jordan''s terrifying appearance, with veins bulging on his forehead.

    No one dared to move, frozen in their ces.

    Observing the situation, Irish hurriedly rushed to Jordan''s side and whispered, "Don''t cause trouble here."

    However, Jordan ignored her plea and continued to roar at Leo, each word dripping with anger. "How dare you!"

    Everyone''s gaze remained fixed on Leo as he slowly got back on his feet, a hint of blood at the corner of his mouth. Jordan turned to the people in the room and spoke coldly, "Get out of here!"

    The conference came to a halt as everyone exited the room.

    Once they were alone, Leo turned to Jordan and spoke calmly, "Are you seeking revenge for your brother?"

    Jordan was still visibly agitated, but Irish stepped in to restrain him.

    "Do you even realize what you''ve done to my brother?" Jordan said, his hands clenched.

    "You stole the design blueprint of Runestone Group and framed my brother," Jordan added furiously.

    "Jordan, you should know that it''s amon tactic in business, and your brother is far more cunning than I am. I''m merely retaliating in kind. But Ruby''s death has nothing to do with me, and I have no involvement in your brother being taken by the police," Leo responded.

    "Bullshit! Then tell me who is responsible!" Jordan eximed.

    "What do you expect me to do? What do I gain from all of this?" Leo retorted with a frown.

    Jordan locked his gaze on Leo, his lips pressed into a thin line.

    "Leo, is there anything you wouldn''t do?" Irish spoke up, her voice filled with frustration. After a brief pause, she added, "You stole the Runestone Group''s blueprint and framed him, leading to his imprisonment."

    Turning slowly towards Irish, Leo recalled the day and felt a wave of embarrassment. Letting out a sigh, he began to exin, "Irish, I have to admit your usation, but you have to trust me when I say that it wasn''t me who framed Joseph and sent him to jail."

    "Should I trust you?" Irish sneered in response.

    Irish tightened her grip on Jordan''s hands, concerned that he might lose control of his emotions.

    Leo licked his lips but found himself unable to utter a single word.

    "Fine, it doesn''t matter if you admit it or not. But if I find any evidence, I won''t let you off the hook," Irish dered through gritted teeth.

    Upon hearing this, Leo clenched his fists and couldn''t help but roar at Irish, "Why do you love him so much?"

    "Yes, I love him," Irish replied firmly, looking directly into Leo''s eyes.

    Leo felt his heart shatter into pieces and questioned her once more, "Tell me why? Do you truly believe he''s innocent? Perhaps his past is even dirtier than mine. I can''t fathom why you would love him so deeply! Irish, why can''t you love me instead? I''m no worse than him in any way."

    "What the hell are you talking about?" Jordan eximed in indignation. He forcefully shook off Irish''s hands and moved to attack Leo.

    Leo, in turn, fought back, escting the confrontation.

    "That''s enough!" Irish shouted, desperately trying to stop them from fighting each other. However, shecked the strength to pull them apart. With no other option, Irish squeezed herself between them and exerted all her effort to separate them.

    Both Jordan and Leo were consumed by anger, and in the midst of the struggle, Irish was identally thrown and forcefully hit the table.

    "Ouch!" Irish screamed in pain.

    "Irish!" Jordan and Leo immediately halted their fight and rushed to her side.

    Leo reached Irish first and lifted her up. "I''m sorry. I''m truly sorry. Are you hurt?" Leo apologized to her.

    Jordan swiftly pushed Leo away, an unpleasant expression on his face. "Get away from her!"

    Leo staggered back, regaining his bnce, only to see Jordan embracing Irish protectively. Witnessing this, Leo''s eyebrows furrowed in frustration.

    Irish felt intense pain in her arms, and beads of sweat formed on her forehead.

    "Jordan, let''s go home," Irish said in a trembling voice.

    Jordan red at Leo, remaining still, his arms wrapped firmly around Irish.

    "Let''s go," Irish repeated, her voice raised this time.

    Leo was deeply concerned for Irish, but he felt at a loss as to what he should do. He realized that Irish no longer believed in him.

 Chapter 968 968: Save Me

    ?

    This time, Jordan followed Irish''s instructions and did his best to control his anger.

    "Irish..." Leo called out to her as she was about to leave with Jordan.

    Irish stopped, turned back to face him, and said, "I know Joseph has also used some underhanded tactics against you, and I understand that you feel wronged. But I''ve never involved myself in those matters. Do you remember what happened in Africa? I know that if it had been someone else, Joseph might have lost his life. But I always believed that you were different from the others, that you would never push him too far. Leo, do you really want to do this to him? Are you truly willing to drive him away from this industry? Leo, think before you act, and you better get your act together."

    Leo stood there in silence, Irish''s words causing his heart to ache.

    As they waited for the elevator, Irish happened to encounter Fredrick.

    Fredrick was visibly surprised to see her there and quickly stepped in front of them.

    "Irish, you..." Fredrick began to speak.

    However, Irish did not reply to him.

    Confused, Jordan looked at Fredrick, trying to understand what was happening. He then turned to Irish, hoping to get some answers.

    The elevator door opened, and Irish, after giving Fredrick a quick nce, said to Jordan, "Let''s go."

    Jordan also nced at Fredrick but remained silent. He followed Irish into the elevator, and as the doors closed, Fredrick rushed forward but was unable to catch them in time.

    Standing there, Fredrick remained still, lost in thought.

    Once they were in the car, Jordan looked at Irish with a furrowed brow. "Irish, are you being foolish? Why did you try to intervene? Look, you''re hurt now!"

    "I just haven''t seen you in a while, and I didn''t expect your words to be so cutting," Irish replied, her hands clutching her injured arm.

    "I''m angry at you. I know you''re trying to protect him," Jordan retorted.

    "I''m not trying to protect him. We''re in trouble now. You''ve already physically confronted him to vent your anger, so what else can you do to him? If he calls the police, you could end up in jail today as well," Irish reasoned with him.

    "How dare he?" Jordan eximed.

    "Yes, he won''t call the police, but you can''t go too far. You need to control yourself. It seems he truly doesn''t know about it, and he doesn''t have the time to arrange for it. He only stole the blueprint of Runestone Group," Irish added.

    "You mean you trust him?" Jordan questioned.

    Looking directly at Jordan, Irish replied, "There''s no need for him to lie. There''s nothing he wouldn''t admit, especially since he openly confessed to stealing the design concept."

    ��?��m After contemting for a moment, Jordan asked with a furrowed brow, "How many people have Joseph offended in the past?"

    "You''ll have to ask your brother directly. Jordan, the most urgent thing right now is to take me to see a doctor. My hand is dislocated," Irish informed him.

    "What? I''m so sorry," Jordan was startled by Irish''s revtion.

    "No time for apologies. Hurry up, it really hurts!" Irish grimaced, feeling intense pain in her hand.

    Jordan quickly started the car and pressed the elerator, causing the car to speed up to 150 km/h.

    "Hey, slow down! It''s dangerous," Irish urged.

    Jordan nodded slightly in acknowledgement but remained silent.

    It was already five o''clock in the afternoon when they left the hospital. Irish made a phone call to her younger brother Jay and then urged Jordan to drive to his location.

    Jay had taken a long-term leave from work for a specific reason.

    Jay had discovered that Kelly had been providing drugs to Lilith when Lilith fell into drug addiction. Kelly couldn''t bear to see her daughter suffer from the pain. Upon learning this fact, Jay didn''t hesitate and brought Lilith back home.

    Jay knew that Lilith was resistant to going to a detox center, and after careful consideration, he also believed it was not the right path for her. Lilith was still young, and this should not mar her life.

    Kelly did not allow Jay to take Lilith away, and Jay couldn''t convince her. With no other choice, Jay finally erupted in anger, shouting at Kelly in front of Lilith, "Do you want to ruin your daughter''s life?"

    Kelly burst into tears and stopped resisting.

    Jay brought Lilith back to his own house, where he stayed by her side every day. Whenever Lilith experienced withdrawal symptoms, Jay would encourage her to stay strong. Jay became exhausted, but he never gave up. He persisted in supporting Lilith throughout her recovery journey.

    ****

    The traffic conditions were unfavorable, with crowded areas everywhere.

    A joke circted about the road traffic situation in New York between 5 and 6 p.m. It was said that even criminals who hadmitted robberies or jailbreaks dared not drive their cars during that time, as they would easily get stuck in traffic. The police didn''t need to urgently apprehend them, as they would eventually be caught just by being out and about.

    As a result, witnessing a car chase in New York was said to be rarer than the reappearance of Noah''s Ark.

    Jordan had anticipated this. His car moved at a snail''s pace, forcing him to take detours from main roads to minor ones, and vice versa, in search of a glimmer of hope.

    As the speed picked up, he posed a question to Irish, "If Jay and I were your cousins, who would you love more?"

    Irish nced at him and replied, "You are my brother."

    Jordan felt dissatisfied and corrected her, "Actually, I am your brother-inw."

    Irish looked at him in surprise and yfully gestured, "Well, you did learn something in Washington. It seems that a career can teach someone a thing or two."

    Jordan nced at her but remained silent.

    After a while, while waiting at a traffic light, Jordan brought up the question again, "Hey, you still haven''t answered my question."

    Irish pondered for a moment and replied, "If one day you can speak fluent English, I will love you even more."

    Just a simple request? Jordan wondered.

    Irish smirked, "English is not easy to learn. You have a lot to learn, buddy."

    The traffic light turned green. Jordan confidently stated, "Just wait and see. I''ll make it."

    Not a bad response, he thought.

    Irish could only shake her head in amusement.

    They arrived at their destination and knocked on the door. After a long wait, Jay opened it.

    Seeing Jay sweating and looking unwell, Irish felt uneasy. Jordan was not very familiar with Jay; they had only just met. Seeing Jay''s disheveled appearance, Jordan felt slightly embarrassed.

    As they followed Irish into the room, Jordan began to realize that he had made a mistake.

    Suddenly, a figure rushed out and grabbed Jordan''s arm, pleading, "Brother-inw, please, save me... I''ve had enough!"

 Chapter 969 969: We Need To Expedite The Process

    ?

    Brother-inw?

    Jordan was taken aback. It was Lilith who had caught him.

    She looked dreadful, with a pale face and disheveled hair. She resembled a ghost from a horror movie. Jordan felt pain in his arm and even though he was bleeding.

    Jay reacted quickly. He immediately pulled Lilith into his embrace, trying to calm her down and prevent her from moving. Irish also rushed forward to assist, but Lilith screamed loudly, disying unexpected strength.

    She pushed Irish away, causing her to stumble and fall due to her unstable footing. Fortunately, Jordan reacted swiftly and caught her in time.

    "Quick, help Jay!" Irish eximed.

    Jordan didn''t know what was wrong with Lilith, but he knew that Irish and Jay would never harm her without reason. Without hesitation, he rushed over to assist Jay in restraining Lilith.

    One was a seasoned police officer experienced in dealing with drugs and surviving dangerous situations, while the other was a race driver who underwent rigorous training. They were both physically strong. Consequently, Lilith''s struggles were in vain.

    Lilith''s screams were loud and fierce, sending chills down their spines.

    Lilith continued to scold Jay angrily, gritting her teeth.

    "Jay, how could you do this? Do you want me to die? Damn it! Let me go! I''ll kill you!"

    Jordan was terrified by her outburst.

    Jay remained silent and forcefully guided her into the bedroom.

    Irish felt uneasy and followed them inside.

    The bedroom was in disarray, with numerous items strewn across the floor, presumably thrown there by Lilith.

    There was a rope with a thick knot at the end. Irish immediately understood its purpose and was taken aback by Jay''s affection for Lilith.

    "Help me tie her hands!" Jay instructed Jordan.

    Jordan was bewildered. He didn''t understand why he was being asked to do this.

    Sweat dripped down Lilith''s forehead, and she appeared to be in pain. Was it right to restrain her like this? Jordan wondered.

    As he hesitated, Lilith forcefully collided with him, causing Jordan to instinctively catch her. At this moment, Lilith bit his arm.

    "Ah!" he eximed in pain.

    This time, it was Jordan who let out a loud shout.

    Jay and Irish rushed to his aid immediately.

    Finally, Jordan''s arm was freed from Lilith''s bite.

    "Keep her restrained!" Irishmanded Jordan, "Hold down her legs."

    After being bitten once, Jordan was no longer absent-minded. He followed the instructions and cooperated with Jay and Irish to secure Lilith with the rope.

    Lilith remained bound, lying there with tears and sweat streaming down her face.

    Irish, Jay, and Jordan were exhausted, sitting there trying to catch their breath. Despite Lilith''s continuous scolding and shouting, Jay remained silent. He stood up and retrieved a medicine box for Jordan, saying, "I''m sorry, she acts like this when she''s struggling with drug addiction."

    Jordan took the medicine box in surprise, "What? Drug addiction?"

    ****

    At the police station.

    Joseph had been there the entire day. His team ofwyers, renowned even on a global scale, were waiting outside. They couldn''t afford to overlook the case, so they booked rooms in a nearby hotel, continuously discussing the situation.

    Chalmers was ustomed to such scenarios, but he had rarely encountered someone asposed as Joseph. Joseph sat there for a long time, asionally closing his eyes as if taking a rest.<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    Now and then, he would stand up and stretch.

    There was no sign of anxiety on his face.

    Outside the police station, reporters had gathered from day till night. Even the policemen became their subjects of interest. Chalmers had received instructions from his superiors that he could no longer keep Joseph inside the station. The media presence was greatly affecting their normal operations. If the situation became more serious or if there was any concrete evidence, Joseph could be detained.

    The legal team was aware of this development. They quickly convened at the police station and warned Chalmers that the Runestone Group, under Joseph''s control, was a legitimate corporation that paid its taxes diligently every year. Without any conclusive evidence, Joseph couldn''t be detained.

    Chalmers also knew that Joseph was not an ordinary individual, which made things even moreplicated. Moreover, his legal team was incredibly powerful and well-versed in every rule and principle.

    Chalmers found the situation challenging.

    He reentered the room, his gaze fixed on Joseph. "You have remarkable patience," hemented.

    Joseph remained silent.

    ��?��m "Do not believe that you can escape conviction by assembling a team ofwyers," Chalmers remarked.

    Joseph opened his eyes, meeting Chalmers'' gaze, and then spoke slowly, "I am not trying to escape conviction. The truth is, I did not kill Ruby."

    "Are you suggesting that you had no involvement in Henry''s death?"

    "Yes."

    Chalmers stared at him, his brow furrowed in contemtion.

    After leaving the interrogation room, Chalmers instructed one of his subordinates, asking, "Have they recovered the surveince video?"

    "It''s proving to be quite challenging. We need more time," the subordinate replied, shaking his head.

    Chalmers sighed and said, "We need to expedite the process."

    His subordinate nodded in agreement.

    ****

    "Even if there were cameras in the stairwell, recording Joseph''s movements, they might not be able to prove his presence," Jay exined.

    The conversation took ce at Jay''s house. After Lilith had calmed down, Irish approached Jay to inquire about Joseph.

    With no other options avable, asking Jay seemed like the quickest way to gather information about Joseph. Irish phoned Jay with a trembling voice, "Jay, the police have taken away your brother-inw."

    Jay reassured her and promised to gather more details about the situation.

    "Now, the main issue is that there used to be cameras in the corridor, but many employeesined about it viting their privacy rights. As a result, several cameras were removed. There might still be some cameras capturing footage of Joseph, but they may not be sufficient to prove that he was on the stairs the entire time."

    "Additionally, the cameras outside the building were deliberately covered by someone."

    "This person is quite clever and familiar with camera cements. However, it is rumored that one shot was missed. Unfortunately, by the time the police discovered it, the footage had already been tampered with."

    "What was recorded in that footage?"

    "It could have been a scene where the killer''s face was visible and recognizable."

    Upon hearing this, Jordan became excited. "Is there a chance to repair the recording?"

    "It''s not an easy task. Recovering the footage will require some time," Jay exined.

    "But Joseph can''t be kept in the police station indefinitely just for that," Irish anxiously remarked.

    "Currently, all the evidence seems to be working against Joseph," Jay stated, despite being on a long holiday, he had kept himself informed about the case.

    "Prior to Ruby''s murder, the building''s security witnessed a heated argument between Joseph and Ruby. They overheard Ruby threatening to expose his conspiracy and ruin his reputation if he didn''t leave the Runestone Group. I saw Ruby''s body myself, and as the legal expert mentioned, the eagle-shaped decoration caused her death, with traces of Joseph''s blood alongside Ruby''s. Furthermore, that night Joseph didn''t take the elevator, which has been found to have had issues. Although his innocence cannot be proven definitively."

 Chapter 970 970: What Should We Do

    ?

    Irish felt a sense of despair.

    "Moreover, even though there is no direct evidence linking Joseph to the crime, he will be monitored as a suspect. Once he is released from the police station, he may soon face investigation by the prosecutor''s office. Irish, you need to prepare yourself mentally," Jay advised.

    Irish nodded, her expression subdued.

    Ever since Irish married Joseph, she knew that a peaceful life was unlikely. While she yearned for such tranquility, she had to courageously face difficulties whenever they arose.

    "Now the police are conducting aprehensive evidence collection. They will be making records and questioning anyone rted to the case. Both of you are on the list," Jay reminded them.

    Irish was taken aback. "It''s fine for me, but why would they need to interrogate Jordan? He was in Washington at the time."

    "Rtives are required to cooperate ording to the rules. After all, this is a murder case," Jay exined.

    Jordan shrugged and said, "It''s alright."

    "So... what should we do?" Irish asked anxiously.

    Jay looked at them with a serious expression. "You don''t need to do anything extraordinary. Just answer their questions honestly. Since we all believe in Joseph''s innocence, it''s important to tell the truth. That''s the best course of action."

    Irish and Jordan nodded in agreement.

    ****

    With Jay''s assistance, Irish felt reassured. Additionally, having a team ofwyers waiting in the wings helped alleviate her anxiety.

    She firmly believed that Joseph was innocent and held onto hope that things would improve.

    Jordan decided to extend his stay in New York, seeking leave from his coach as he eagerly awaited news about Joseph. Meanwhile, the Runestone Group was actively preparing for theunch of the new arrivals, as per Irish''s request. Difficulties were inevitable, but they pressed forward.

    Although Daisy served as Joseph''s assistant, she faced her fair share of challenges as a woman in her position.

    Jordan had learned about the Runestone Group''s preparations for the uing event from Irish. As he looked at the site map for the new arrivalsunch, he shook his head andmented, "It doesn''t align with the concept of ssics Once More."

    Irish initially didn''t pay much attention to Jordan''s words. In her mind, his primary interesty in racing cars.

    However, as Jordan sat beside her and pointed out the inconsistencies in the n, he spoke rapidly and with genuine sincerity.

    His sudden focus caught Irish''s attention, and her eyes sparkled as she eximed, "Yes, you can help Roy!"

    Jordan nearly choked, taking a long while before responding angrily, "I''m not interested."

    "Brothers should work together. Joseph has been preparing for this for a long time. Now that he''s unable to pursue it, as his brother, you should step in and help him," Irish persuaded.

    Jordan let out a sigh and admitted, "It''s difficult. I can''t convince them since I''m not part of thepany."

    Understanding his predicament, Irish responded, "You mean it''s challenging for you to persuade them?"

    Jordan winked and nodded.

    "Don''t worry. The shareholders are now aligned with us. They don''t want failure, either. As long as it benefits thepany, they won''t oppose it," Irish assured him nonchntly.

    After contemting for a moment, Jordan finally agreed.

    One dayter, Joseph finally returned.

    As Irish opened the door, her heart raced with anticipation. There he stood, a tall figure with tired eyes, looking at her and offering a faint smile.

    Without hesitation, she embraced him tightly, tears streaming down her face.

    Joseph reciprocated the embrace, holding her tightly with his chin resting against her ear. He spoke softly, "I''m being monitored by the police now."<novelsnext></novelsnext>

    "I don''t care," Irish said, gripping his neck tightly. She was afraid of losing him.

    Joseph guided her into the room, still holding her close. At this moment, Irish realized how much she feared losing him.

    After a while, she released him and lightly brushed his forehead, saying, "You must be exhausted. Let me get some water for you, and you can take a bath. Then we''ll have something to eat."

    ��?��m Mia had been absent during these past few days. With the incident unfolding, Irish chose not to involve her in order to maintain privacy.

    Joseph simply nodded in response.

    As Irish prepared to leave, Joseph reached out and pulled her back.

    She turned to look at him.

    He mirrored her gaze.

    Joseph slowly withdrew his arms and enveloped her in a tight embrace.

    Her back pressed against his chest, and a familiar scent enveloped her. She had missed it, missed the feeling of being held by him. Only in his embrace did she feel the vulnerability that she once held. She could only look up to him and relish in the sense of security he provided.

    "Irish," Joseph whispered her name, his head lowering, "I''ve missed you so much."

    His nose nuzzled against her hair, finding sce in its fragrance during these challenging days.

    Irish clung to his arms tightly, intertwining her fingers with his.

    She, too, had missed him dearly.

    During the time he was away, every minute felt like an eternity for her.

    "Joseph, things will get better, won''t they?" she whispered.

    Joseph buried his face in her hair, his voice gentle as he replied, "I''m sorry that you have to suffer through all of this right after we got married."

    Irish turned around, holding his neck, and looked into his eyes as she spoke each word deliberately, "I have never regretted marrying you. Not for a moment."

    Joseph was deeply moved, and he tenderly kissed her lips.

    While Joseph was taking a bath, he fell asleep.

    Irish finished preparing the meal, but Joseph didn''te out of the bathroom. It was only when she entered the bathroom that she discovered Joseph asleep in the bathtub, his head tilted to the side.

    Joseph rested his hands on the edges of the bathtub, water still clinging to his muscles. His breathing was steady, and his brows were rxed. Irish tiptoed closer and sat beside the bathtub, silently watching him.

    She felt a pang of sympathy for him.

    He must have furrowed his brow many times, she thought, noticing the faint crease between his eyebrows.

    He must be exhausted. That''s why he fell asleep as soon as he took a bath.

    Irish didn''t want to disturb him. She tested the water temperature, finding it had be cold. She turned on the thermostat to keep the water warm continuously. With tender care, she lightly rubbed his body, ensuring he wasfortable.

    Being by his side felt soforting.

    Being close to him and touching him felt so wonderful.

    While she was gently wiping away the bath foam, Joseph woke up. The brief rest seemed to have revived him. He smiled sheepishly and said, "Let me do it myself."

 Chapter 971 971: He Just Wants Me Out

    ?

    Seeing Irish''s persistence, he added lightly, "Just stay there."

    Joseph remained in the bathtub, watching her. Irish bowed her head, gently wiping his body.

    Unable to resist, he lifted his hands and caressed her face.

    "You must not have had a proper rest, have you?" He felt guilty for her.

    Irish leaned into the warmth of his touch. All her weariness seemed to dissipate, and she smiled, saying, "It''s alright. I slept while holding onto your pillow."

    Joseph''s smile widened in response.

    "Jordan has returned," she informed him.

    Joseph was taken aback by the news.

    Irish took hold of his hands. "Since his return, he has been assisting Roy. The shareholders have decided to adopt your n, and they are currently making preparations."

    She provided a concise summary of the situation.

    Joseph nodded, understanding the circumstances, but he remained silent.

    He couldn''t return to thepany, but fortunately, the Runestone Group was not solely dependent on him.

    "Joseph, you know what? Jordan is deeply concerned about you. Despite his usual indifference, he genuinely cares," Irish stated, fixing her gaze on him. "He even fought with Leo."

    Joseph felt touched, but he responded, "He''s impulsive. Leo has nothing to do with the murder case. He simply wants me out of the picture."

    "But he did giarize our new product idea."

    "He just wants me out."

    "Do you have any potential suspects in mind?" Irish inquired.

    Joseph fidgeted with her fingers, contemting for a moment before responding lightly, "Let the police handle the investigation."

    "But right now, you are the one being suspected," Irish expressed her concern.

    Joseph looked at her earnestly and asked, "Do you believe in me?"

    Without hesitation, Irish nodded emphatically.

    "That''s enough. An innocent man cannot be convicted," Joseph said with a sense of relief.

    Irish held his hands tightly, unwilling to let go for a long time.

    The following day was a good day, despite the presence of fog.

    When one looked into the distance, the buildings were obscured from view.

    Irish had a restful sleep. Throughout the entire night, she didn''t shift her position and remained nestled against Joseph''s chest.

    Irish was awakened by the gentle kisses Joseph nted on her face and shoulders.

    She opened her eyes to find Joseph''s gaze fixed on her as if he was devouring her presence.

    Noticing that she was awake, he kissed her forehead and then nuzzled into her hair.

    As his lips brushed against her ear, he whispered in a low voice, "Do you want to be on top or underneath?"

    Irish''s face flushed with embarrassment.

    The warmth of his touch radiated through her palm.

    It felt so intense.

    "I don''t know..." she murmured, averting her eyes.

    "Let me decide," Joseph replied.

    Unable to resist, he kissed her once more, causing her body to grow hotter. She held onto him tightly, her heart racing. However, their intimate moment was interrupted by the doorbell ringing at noon.

    Irish quickly tidied up her disheveled hair and opened the door.

    To her surprise, it was the same two individuals from before. An uneasiness settled within her.<novelsnext>I think you should take a look at </novelsnext>

    Suddenly, Joseph held her shoulders, his voice filled with reassurance. "I''ll be back soon."

    "Joseph!" Irish clung to him tightly, her face pale.

    Joseph held her firmly,forting her. "Don''t worry. It''s just cooperation. I''ll return tonight. You must cooperate with the police as well. Tell them the truth."

    Irish''s breathing grew ragged, and she reluctantly let go of her grip on him.

    ****

    Routine questioning was anything but simple, whether it involved the police or individuals summoned by the police. Regardless of whether it was Jordan, Irish, or the other members of the Lake family, they were all acquainted with Joseph, making it impossible for them to remain asposed and indifferent as mere bystanders.

    The police conducted three rounds of questioning, beginning with Jordan, who had no means of evading it.

    Given that their statements needed to be documented, a secluded office with a recording device was selected by the police. Chalmers'' assistant assumed the role of interrogator while Chalmers himself silently observed the proceedings.

    Initially, Jordan disyed a cooperative demeanor, providing answers to the assistant''s inquiries.

    However, as he realized that Joseph had be a prime suspect in the eyes of the police, his attitude underwent a noticeable change.

    Jordan''s behavior became increasingly disrespectful.

    At one point during the interrogation, he nonchntly propped his legs up on the table, leaning back in his chair, emanating an air of nonchnce fit for a regal figure. Moreover, he asionally evaded answering certain questions by deeming them absurd.

    Observing this disy, the assistant rapped his knuckles on the table, reminding Jordan, "Put your legs down. We are in a police station."

    Jordan cast a doubtful gaze in his direction.

    Helplessly, the assistant pointed towards Jordan''s legs.

    Suddenly, Jordan expressed, "I apologize, but my leg is hurting."

    "You��" The assistant''s irritation was evident, but before he could utter a word, Chalmers signaled him to remain silent.

    Frowning, the assistant suppressed his displeasure.

    Meanwhile, Chalmers calmly observed the young man in his early twenties, who possessed a sturdy and towering physique. Aside from his striking eyes, his eyebrows bore a striking resemnce to Joseph''s. In fact, if one disregarded his eyes, he could easily be mistaken for Joseph''s older brother.

    This was precisely why Chalmers decided to assign a male assistant to take notes instead.

    A few days earlier, a female subordinate, fresh out of the police academy and known for her calm andposed nature, was initially tasked with transcribing Joseph''s statement. However, upon seeing Joseph, she became flustered, blushing, and losing herposure. She found it difficult to formte coherent questions, often getting distracted by Joseph''s presence. Recognizing the situation, Chalmers promptly made the decision to rece her with a male subordinate for Joseph''s statement.

    Today, upon seeing Jordan''s photograph, Chalmers promptly opted for another male subordinate, aiming to avoid any furtherplications.

    "Did you willingly transfer your share to your elder brother, or was it done under duress?" the assistant continued his questioning.

    Without hesitation, Jordan responded, "Voluntarily."

    "Why?" the assistant inquired.

    Jordan stared at him, conveying a sense of disbelief, and replied, "I have a very packed schedule."

    "Because of racing?" the assistant probed.

    "Yep," Jordan confirmed.

    The assistant continued, "When Joseph married Ruby, was he aware of her being a lesbian?"

    Jordan fixated his gaze on the assistant and responded, emphasizing each word, "I don''t know."

    "Is it that he didn''t know she was a lesbian, or that you don''t know if he knew?" the assistant rified.

    Jordan let out a dismissive snort, remarking, "Officer, are you trying to twist my tongue?"

    The assistant''s expression turned sour.

    Jordan ced his legs back on the ground, leaning forward, and spoke with precision, "What I meant is that my brother''s knowledge regarding her is unknown to me."

    The assistant diligently made a note of the response.

    Finally, Chalmers posed his question, "I''ve heard that your rtionship with your brother hasn''t been amicable."

    "We''re fine," Jordan refuted, shaking his head. "Officer, please don''t believe in rumors."

 Chapter 972 972: I Am Innocent

    ?

    Chalmers pressed on, "Your brother always wanted you to join the Runestone for assistance."

    "Actually, he wanted me to make a name for myself in the racing arena," Jordan rified.

    Chalmers understood the intent behind his response and emitted a snort of understanding.

    Jordan inquired, "Are you, Officer Chalmers?"

    Chalmers maintained eye contact with him.

    "I believe it would be wise for you to investigate individuals who hold a grudge against my brother," Jordan suggested.

    Chalmers locked eyes with Jordan and assured him, "Rest assured, the police will thoroughly explore any leads."

    Jordan observed him for a moment and let out a disdainful snort, replying, "I certainly hope so."

    In stark contrast to Jordan''s hostile demeanor towards the police, others disyed a high level of cooperation during the investigation.

    The second individual questioned was one of Joseph''s business partners orpetitors, as their involvement could not be disregarded in potential conflicts of interest that could have led to the homicide.

    Leo was the final person to undergo police questioning.

    The police inquired about Leo''s rtionship with Joseph, indicating their thorough investigation from the past up until the present.

    "Since Jenny''s death, have you harbored any resentment towards Joseph?" the police asked.

    Leo chuckled, responding, "I am dissatisfied with him due to his ruthlessness."

    "In terms of work?" the police rified.

    "Yes," Leo honestly admitted. "While I understand that the business realm can be likened to a battlefield, as a former brother, he repeatedly pushed me into situations where I felt trapped and had no way out. So, I am highly dissatisfied with him."

    "Do you hate him?" the police probed further.

    "No, I''m simply angry with him," Leo rified.

    "I''ve heard rumors about a dispute between you and Joseph regarding the new autumn and winter products. Is there any truth to that?" the police inquired.

    "It''s just a baseless rumor. To my knowledge, Runestone''s new autumn and winter products are still in the preparation phase," Leo rified.

    "Are you aware that the prosecutors have initiated an investigation into Joseph?" the police pressed.

    Leo maintained his smile and responded, "I''m sorry, but I truly have no knowledge of that."

    "Let''s discuss Ruby''s murder. Do you believe Joseph is responsible?" the police asked.

    Leo replied casually, "While Joseph may be ruthless in business, to believe he would resort to murder? That''s unthinkable, Officer. It''s evident that someone is trying to frame him. He''s too clever tomit a crime right at his own doorstep, especially immediately following an argument and in the presence of witnesses."

    The police meticulously recorded each statement as they conducted aprehensive investigation, leaving no member of the Lake family unexamined.

    Shirley, who typically exuded arrogance, disyed signs of nervousness within the police station. She sat down and nced at the cup ced in front of her.

    The police instructed her to recount the events that transpired on the night of the incident in the conference room.

    Shirley proceeded to narrate the details as requested.

    Shirley''s emotional state was still evident, her eyes red and swollen from crying due to Ruby''s death.

    "So, you''re suggesting that Joseph intended to manipte the situation at Runestone to acquire the shares you possess?" <novelsnext>I think you should take a look at </novelsnext>

    Shirley said tearfully. "It must be the case."

    "Did Ruby have any conflicts with anyone?" the police inquired.

    "She was always engrossed in her cake shop, only focused on her work. Who could have a grudge against her? The only source of her displeasure was Joseph," Shirley replied.

    Given Shirley''s unstable mood, the police decided to keep their questioning brief.

    Roy and Cassie, in turn, cooperated with the police investigation.

    When asked if Joseph could be capable of killing Ruby, both Roy and Cassie firmly stated that it was impossible. They expressed disbelief that Joseph would engage in such a grave act.

    They presented evidence supporting their ims, such as their absence from the premises after the meeting, as well as the fact that the elevator in the building was operational at the time. The image of two individuals leaving the building was captured by the elevator''s surveince camera.

    Shirley and William appeared fatigued and somewhat distracted as they responded to the police''s inquiries.

    The assistant informed Chalmers about Kelly, a witness who seemedposed and ready to provide answers, prompting Chalmers to begin the questioning process systematically.

    "I had no clue what they were discussing," Kelly recounted, her voice tinged with weariness.

    "You left the Runestone early?" the police questioned.

    "Yes, because of my daughter..." Kelly''s voice choked with emotion. "I was worried about her."

    "Throughout the entire time, the Lake family had been strongly against Joseph holding the Lake shares. How did youe to agree that night?" the police asked.

    "I never intended to transfer my shares to Joseph, and when he made the request that night, almost everyone from the Lake family present objected. However, he proposed a temporary loan, and that''s why I agreed. The situation at Runestone is currently in chaos, and I also hope to restore some calm as soon as possible," Kelly exined.

    Surveince footage indeed captured images of Kelly leaving the building as she departed in the elevator with other individuals. The police also located the person who had taken the elevator that night, and he confirmed Kelly''s departure.

    When it was William''s turn to be questioned, his voice was hoarse and strained.

    "As you''re not in a board meeting, who can confirm that you were at home with your daughter?" the police inquired.

    Upon hearing this, William appeared flustered and hastily replied, "Officer, I truly was at home with my daughter. Her condition is extremely critical, and I couldn''t leave her side. She can vouch for my presence at home."

    His voice carried a sense of urgency, fearing that the police might suspect him.

    Chalmers noticed William''s nervousness, which was amon reaction in such situations.

    "Besides your daughter Lilith, is there anyone else who can confirm your presence at home?" Chalmers asked.

    William anxiously clenched his fingers and licked his lips, trying to recall any potential witnesses. Suddenly, he remembered, "There were servants in my house. They can testify that I was at home throughout the entire night."

    He hastily added, "Officer, I am innocent, truly."

    Chalmers raised his hand to interrupt him and instructed his assistant to record William''s statement.

    The police proceeded to investigate the Lake family''s household servants, who confirmed that William had indeed stayed at home to apany Lilith. They attested to the fact that Lilith''s condition at the time was highly unstable.

    As the focus shifted to questioning Lilith, they observed her increasing nervousness. She tightly clung to Jay as if seekingfort and security. One of her hands firmly held onto Jay''s clothing, reminiscent of a distressed child.

    Fortunately, Lilith appeared to be sober now, free from any substance addiction.

    Chalmers and Jay were acquainted, and upon witnessing this scene, Chalmers turned to Jay and remarked, "I truly admire you." Not many people can endure the heartache of witnessing their loved one going through the detoxification process. Chalmers sincerely admired Jay''s strength and resilience.

 Chapter 973 973: That’s The Truth

    ?

    Jay simply inquired about the situation, and Chalmers shared what he could without divulging confidential information. Jay understood the nature of the investigation and the need for certain procedures to remain confidential, so he did not press Chalmers further.

    Jay attempted to calm Lilith, reassuring her that Chalmers was merely conducting routine questioning and urging her not to be nervous.

    However, despite his efforts, Lilith''s anxiety only intensified. Her fingers began to tremble, betraying her nervous state.

    Chalmers decided to address the matter directly, asking, "On the night of the murder, were you under the influence of any substances?"

    Lilith recoiled and anxiously nced at Jay for support.

    Sensing Lilith''s hesitation, Jay leaned in, gently cing a hand on her shoulder, and softly encouraged her, "You need to cooperate with the police and tell them what you know."

    Lilith bit her lip and cautiously looked at Chalmers, eventually nodding in acknowledgement.

    Chalmers proceeded with his questioning, asking, "How long ago was it? Can you remember?"

    Lilith shook her head, indicating her inability to recall specific details.

    "Were your parents present with you at all times?" Chalmers inquired.

    Lilith tightly pressed her fingers together, hesitated for a moment, and finally spoke up, "My state of mind at that time was extremely confused, and I could only hear my parents'' voices."

    "And were your servants present as well?" Chalmers inquired.

    Lilith carefully recollected the events and nodded gently, saying, "I believe I saw one of them."

    Before departing, Chalmers advised Jay, "You should consider sending her to a specialized drug treatment center, where there are professionals who can assist her." He gestured towards his own scarred wound.

    Jay chuckled and responded, "Home is the best ce for her."

    Chalmers expressed concern, asking, "Do you have the confidence to support her through the detoxification process?"

    Jay replied without hesitation, "I must."

    Chalmers let out a sigh, revealing a sobering fact, "During Carmen''s detoxification, there were a total of ten suicide attempts, and thest one was the most severe, nearly resulting in a fatal oue. The doctors barely managed to save her." He felt it necessary to highlight the challenges involved.

    Jay, well aware of the difficulties, contemted for a moment and then stated firmly, "I will always be by Lilith''s side. If necessary, I will involve a psychiatrist."

    Chalmers inquired further, "Your sister?"

    "Yes, my sister is indeed a highly capable psychiatrist," Jay confirmed.

    "Unfortunately, she was disbarred," Chalmersmented.

    Jay looked at Chalmers and gently smiled, "But that alone is not enough for me to harbor hatred towards Joseph. My sister loved him deeply, as well as his dog. Chalmers, I am a police officer, and I will never break thew, even if it means going against someone I care about."

    Chalmers also smiled and gave Jay a firm pat on the shoulder.

    In truth, Chalmers had subtly assessed Jay during their conversation, and he found Jay to be intelligent. It wasn''t that Chalmers easily trusted Jay, but the doubts surrounding him were minimal.

    There was no reason for Chalmers to doubt Jay''s integrity. However, faced with a murder investigation of such a grave nature, Chalmers had to broaden the scope of suspects and meticulously scrutinize every detail.

    Meanwhile, Irish was visibly trembling while at the police station.

    Chalmers sat across from her and, following protocol requested that she recount the events of that fateful night. Irish described the situation, attempting to maintain a calm andposed tone.

    "Why didn''t you intervene when Ruby requested to speak with Joseph privately?" Chalmers inquired.

    "I did try to intervene, but Ruby was adamant and confrontational," Irish exined.

    "What time did you leave to go downstairs?"

    "It was around half past ten," Irish replied.

    "Who was with you at that time?" Chalmers inquired.

    "Roy and Cassie, we went to the garage to retrieve the car," Irish answered.

    "Was there anyone else present?" Chalmers probed.<novelsnext>I think you should take a look at </novelsnext>

    "No, it waste, and most employees from otherpanies had already finished their work and left," Irish rified.

    "So, after they left, you remained downstairs waiting for Joseph?" Chalmers asked.

    "Yes," Irish confirmed.

    "At what time approximately?" Chalmers pressed further.

    Irish replied with certainty, "It should have been around half past eleven."

    "Are you certain about that?" Chalmers sought confirmation.

    "Yes, because I was keeping track of the time," Irish replied.

    "Then why did you decide to go back upstairs?" Chalmers inquired.

    Irish pondered for a moment before responding, "I decided to go back upstairs because I felt that Ruby was being unreasonable and causing trouble, but I also felt that Joseph didn''t need to engage in a lengthy conversation with her."

    Chalmers continued his line of questioning, "Do you believe Ruby posed a threat to your husband?"

    "I have never stated such a thing," Irish replied.

    "Is it possible that Ruby would physically harm him?" Chalmers probed further.

    "I cannot specte on something I haven''t witnessed myself," Irish replied cautiously.

    "What are your thoughts on Emery''s death?" Chalmers asked.

    Irish considered the question and answered, "I have no idea about that because I didn''t know Emery very well."

    Chalmers then pushed a set of information data in front of her, word for word. "You used to be acquainted with Emery," he stated.

    Irish nced at the data, maintaining a calm demeanor. She responded, "That''s because her ex-husband approached me seeking information, and I was on duty as a doctor. I needed to speak with Emery to understand the situation."

    Chalmers pressed further, "Ruby had been causing trouble for Joseph because of Emery''s suicide, correct?"

    "I believe that''s the case," Irish responded.

    "What do you mean by that?" Chalmers inquired.

    "I observed that Ruby had expressed dissatisfaction towards Joseph, but she didn''t exhibit any specific threatening behavior," Irish rified.

    "At the time of the crime, some people heard Ruby telling Joseph that she wanted him to leave the Runestone, which made him upset," Chalmers stated.

    Irish replied, "She would sometimes speak harshly, but it doesn''t necessarily mean Joseph would respond in the same way."

    Chalmers continued probing, "Do you always believe in your husband''s innocence?"

    "Of course," Irish responded without hesitation.

    Chalmers shifted the focus back to the night of the crime. He narrowed his eyes slightly, realizing that Irish''s logic was tightly woven, making it difficult to find a breakthrough point. "You have a regr housekeepingpany, and theundry staff usuallyes to pick up the dirty clothes. However, on the night of the crime, you called someone specifically to collect Joseph''s clothes, right?"

    Irish looked at Chalmers and replied, "Yes."

    "You usually wait for the housekeepingpany to take the clothes away. Why did you call someone that night toe and collect them? Couldn''t you have waited until morning?" Chalmers questioned.

    "My clothes and Joseph''s clothes were wet," Irish exined.

    Chalmers seemed skeptical andmented, "That sounds like an excuse."

    Irish remainedposed and replied, "But that''s the truth."

    Chalmers continued to question her, "ording to theundry staff, they only collected Joseph''s clothes that night, the ones he was wearing."

    "Yes, that''s because theundry staff mentioned that they only had dry-cleaning services avable at that time, and my clothes couldn''t be dry-cleaned, so they didn''t take them," Irish rified.

 Chapter 974 974: We Don’t Rule Out Any Possibilities

    ?

    Chalmers probed further, "So, you sent Joseph''s clothes for dry cleaning because they were wet?"

    Irish smiled lightly and responded, "Every piece of my husband''s clothing, even every tie, is custom-made by a luxury shop, and they are all quite expensive. Officer, you may not be aware, but such clothes are quite costly, and if they are not promptly taken care of, rain can damage the fabric. Oh, I suppose you wouldn''t know since you probably can''t afford to wear such expensive suits."

    Chalmers'' expression turned sour.

    Irish intentionally made that remark, fully aware that it would embarrass Chalmers. She did so purposefully, knowing that he believed Joseph to be the murderer.

    Chalmers then questioned, "But if you had an umbre when you went to pick up Joseph, why was his body still so wet?"

    Irish exined, "At that time, he was standing just outside the building entrance, and the wind was very strong. He noticed my umbre was struggling against the wind, so he proactively ran ahead. The rain was heavy that night, so it''s normal that he got wet."

    "Is that normal, or did he do it intentionally?" Chalmers questioned.

    Irish furrowed her brows, asking, "What do you mean?"

    Leaning forward, Chalmers responded, "There is a possibility that hemitted the murder and deliberately ran into the rain to meet you. The purpose would be to disguise the fact that his clothes were already wet."

    Irish grew increasingly irritated, retorting, "That is purely your spection!"

    "Spection or fact, further investigation is needed," Chalmers stated, maintaining his gaze on her. "Joseph is a very intelligent individual, so it''s likely he would seek a witness to prove that he left the building, and you are the most convenient witness, Dr. Irish, perhaps hiding in the shadows."

    Irish stared at Chalmers for a long moment before finally uttering, "Nonsense."

    "Seems like you have been used by him more than once?" Chalmers suddenly questioned.

    Irish''s fingers trembled, and she looked at him cautiously.

    "To be frank, your marriage appears to be more of a mutually beneficial arrangement, isn''t it?" Chalmers continued to press, step by step. "You used him in the past to sessfully target Lake and Ruby, and now he uses you to facilitate his work conveniently. Am I right?"

    "I don''t know what you''re talking about," Irish replied, her voice tense.

    "In South Africa, he utilized your involvement to secure the mining bid sessfully, and he married you. Many people have spected that he had intentions of merging the Runestone Group. Even your father questioned him before his death, didn''t he?" Chalmers continued.

    The tension in Irish''s heart tightened once more.

    "Prior to his passing, your father removed Joseph from his position as the general manager. Wouldn''t that have been a blow to a man with ambitious career aspirations?" Chalmers probed.

    "Officer, are you suggesting that Joseph killed my father and Ruby?" Irish questioned, her voice trembling.

    Chalmersughed and responded, "We don''t rule out any possibilities."

    "I am certain that Joseph is not capable of such actions," Irish asserted, her voice filled with conviction.

    "He needs evidence to prove his innocence, just as we require evidence to establish guilt," Chalmers remarked.

    A slight smirk formed on Chalmers'' lips. "Therefore, he remains a suspect, and we, the police, will keep a close watch on him."

    Irish clenched her fist, feeling the urge to punch him in the face.

    *****

    On the prosecutor''s side, the investigation was not progressing favorably.<novelsnext>I think you should take a look at </novelsnext>

    Joseph consistently denied the usations of trade secret disclosure or anymercial crimes, and the evidence gathered by the prosecution was not conclusive enough to incriminate him.

    Although Joseph had sufficient motivation for the disclosure of the new Runestone products, the prosecution did not find any evidence of financial transactions between Joseph and Leo that would indicate their involvement in the leak.

    Furthermore, Leo refused to discuss the new product design, iming it was unfamiliar to him. He even remarked to the prosecution, "It seems that there is a misunderstanding about my connection with Joseph."

    But such statements were not convincing enough.

    Neither Leo nor Joseph admitted to the leak, and Joseph himself was unaware of why Leo possessed a design n simr to the new Runestone product.

    The me game between the two men left Prosecutor Tanner frustrated. "What is your intention behind acquiring your brother''s shares?" Tanner demanded.

    Tanner had faced Joseph countless times, but each encounter ended in failure due to theck of concrete evidence.

    "It''s simple. He is not suited for the business," Joseph replied, his response reflecting a dismissive attitude.

    "Is your brother involved in the new product?" Tanner pressed.

    Joseph''s expression turned stern. He reached out and knocked on the table before firmly stating, "For thest time, my brother and my wife have been disconnected from thepany for a significant period of time. They are unaware of the current affairs within thepany."

    Tanner fixed his gaze on Joseph and, after a long pause, leaned forward in his seat. "Joseph, you seem to believe that I am incapable of uncovering your ws, don''t you?" he remarked.

    "I''ve always been waiting for you to investigate thoroughly," Joseph replied calmly.

    Tanner''s tone grew more direct as he dered, "I will meticulously examine every action you have taken, both within the country and abroad. From South Africa to the deaths of Henry and Ruby, I will not overlook any potentialmercial or criminal offenses!"

    Joseph''s lips curled slightly. "Very well, I will actively cooperate with your investigation," he responded.

    ****

    The sunset zed like a fiery orb, gradually sinking in the west.

    Night descended quietly, slowly swallowing the fading glow of evening. Eventually, even thest ray of light sumbed to the embrace of darkness. In the lengthy night, neonmps flickered to life, attempting to banish the shadows.

    Irish emerged from the police station, wandering aimlessly.

    Standing amidst the bustling street, her eyes appeared vacant but soon transformed into confusion. Irish had lost track of how long she had been standing there until the strain on her bag strap threatened to tear it apart, causing pain to shoot through her fingers. She hurriedly moved forward, making her way towards her house.

    How could one attain a life of tranquility?

    This was the source of Irish''s bewilderment.

    Truly, she desired nothing more than a private sanctuary that belonged solely to her and her husband. A ce where they could peacefully relish the sunset and live a joyous existence together, much like their days in Uyuni��unassuming yet awe-inspiring.

    They cherished the simplicity of everyday life and were captivated by the splendor of nature.

    Only now did Irish realize that "das" had been repeated, but she understood the challenge of leading a seamless life.

    Chalmers'' words echoed in her mind, each word delivering a blow that left her in pain.

 Chapter 975 975: It’s Wonderful To Build A Family With You

    ?

    "Irish, do you still not grasp the current situation? While we have evidence pointing to Joseph as the murderer, he is not entirely innocent. Let me put it another way. Joseph possesses sufficient motive, and both the testimony of the witness and his blood found at the crime scene provide damning evidence against him. I understand your perspective, but if you wish to prove his innocence, you must carefully consider whether you have overlooked something. Rest assured, our police force would never wrongfully treat an innocent person, but we cannot allow a criminal to evade justice. I hope you canprehend this and cooperate with us," Chalmers stated.

    Chalmers'' words seemed logical, yet they inflicted a cruel reality upon Irish.

    How could she prove Joseph''s innocence?

    In a society built on scarce trust and where thew served as the sole arbiter of human morality, evidence alone held the power to exonerate. It was akin to proving one''s identity by presenting an ID card and proof of residence. Without these documents, one''s identity remained unverified. Thus, evidence was the most convincing factor. Irish found herself at a loss, unsure of where to find the evidence that would establish Joseph''s innocence.

    Even if Joseph was merely considered a suspect, Irish felt deeply disheartened.

    Her home felt empty upon her return.

    Joseph had yet to return.

    Though the daylight seeped in, Irish refrained from immediately illuminating the room.

    The aroma of food wafted through the air, permeating the room from the open window.

    It stirred memories in Irish''s mind, reminiscent of a weekend after their marriage when Joseph had yet to return from overtime. Irish cheerfully cooked in the kitchen, embracing the moment of preparing a meal for her beloved.

    Lost in her culinary endeavors, Irish failed to notice when Joseph had arrived. He embraced her from behind, prompting Irish to turn around with a gentle smile. Concerned about his expensive suit getting dirty, she yfully suggested they go out. However, instead of loosening his grip, Joseph tightened his arms around her. Lowering his head, his lips gently brushed against her cheek. His woody cologne seemed to seep into her heart as he whispered, "It''s wonderful to build a family with you."

    Joseph had always yearned for a warm and loving family. The size of the house mattered little to him; it was the person residing within it that held significance.

    Irish was the person he cherished, and for Irish, Joseph was her shelter from the storms of life.

    But now, everything within this house felt lonesome.

    The lingering heat of the afternoon had yet to dissipate, casting a dry and sweltering ambiance over the night. Standing within the house, Irish felt a deep sense of destion in her heart.

    Retrieving her cellphone, Irish dialed Joseph''s number, but the call failed to connect.

    She then reached out to Daisy, only to be informed that she, too, had been unable to reach him.

    A nameless panic gripped Irish, intensifying with each passing moment. It felt as if something was slowly peeling away at her heart, causing unbearable anguish.

    As the evening wore on, nearing nine o''clock, Irish''s anxiety continued to escte.

    In an attempt to regainposure and uplift her spirits, Irish made the decision to cook dinner, hopeful that Joseph might return during the preparation. She envisioned him embracing her tenderly, expressing his happiness about their family.

    The kitchen bustled with activity, and steam veiled the window.

    However, Joseph remained absent even after Irish had finished cooking.

    Memories of the moment when he was taken away by the police flooded Irish''s mind. Each day since then felt like an eternity. Irish began reaching out to others, desperately seeking any information about her husband. She yearned for reassurance that Joseph was safe and would return soon.<novelsnext>I think you should take a look at </novelsnext>

    Yet, her hopes shattered into pieces as no one had any news of him, indicating that he was still under investigation.

    This was not favorable news.

    Unable to contain her panic any longer, anxiety surged through Irish''s entire being. With a wavering resolve, she finally dialed Bowen''s number.

    When the call connected, Irish could feel her voice trembling with raw emotion.

    Shocked, Bowen rushed to providefort to Irish.

    "What should I do? He said he would be back tonight, but he still hasn''t returned," Irish voiced, her voice trembling.

    Even Bowen was uncertain about Joseph''s condition, and all he could offer was reassurance. He exined to Irish that if the police and investigators had substantial evidence against Joseph, they wouldn''t invest so much time and effort into the case.

    Irish understood this logic, and hearing it from someone of Bowen''s social standing brought her some relief. Bowen assured her that he would do everything in his power to help Joseph navigate through this ordeal.

    It was only after Irish ended the call that she realized the impulsive nature of her actions.

    Irish was not a fragile woman. The loss of her parents and the challenges she had faced over the years had forged her into a resilient individual. Irish had believed she was indomitable, but now her mind feltpletely unraveled.

    She exerted her utmost effort to regain herposure and reim her rity of mind. Desperately, she longed for someone to reassure her that Joseph would be fine and would soon return.

    After a prolonged period, Irish eventually managed to calm herself down, fearing that her anxiety might cause her to overlook crucial aspects of the situation. Chalmers had once advised her that her focus should be on finding evidence.

    Had she truly overlooked something important?

    Taking hold of a cushion, Irish leaned back against the couch, contemting her next steps.

    Irish''s mind raced as she tried to recollect every detail of the night Ruby died.

    She went over the memories again and again, but nothing seemed amiss. Gradually, thoughts of her father''s death surfaced in her mind. Chalmers had mentioned that her father''s death was also suspicious. Irish herself had been perplexed by Henry''s sudden and unexpected heart attack. Ruby, too, had voiced suspicions about Henry''s demise.

    Deep in thought, Irish furrowed her brow, and a sudden realization flickered across her consciousness.

    If Henry had indeed died under mysterious circumstances, then there must be a murderer involved. This person could be either an employee of the Runestone Group or someone harboring animosity towards Henry. Perhaps this individual didn''t want Ruby to persist in her doubts and had thus silenced her.

    However, this line of thinking casts suspicion upon Joseph, making him appear as the most likely culprit.

    Yet, it could also be the case that the true murderer aimed to frame Joseph.

    As Irish considered the evidence that seemed to point solely to Joseph, while the police remained oblivious to any other possibilities, she began to question the motives of the actual murderer. Was the real culprit so confident that the police would be unable to uncover the truth?

    Suddenly, Irish''s thoughts shifted to the diary her father, Henry, had left for her. Something about it felt off, as Henry repeatedly mentioned seeing Irish''s mother, who had passed away years ago.

 Chapter 976 976: Do You Not Trust Me?

    ?

    Initially, Irish had dismissed it, attributing it to her father''s longing for her mother and his mental associations.

    But now, it all seemed incredibly strange.

    As Irish remained lost in her thoughts, she suddenly heard the elevator indicator light illuminate.

    Startled, she jolted to her feet, causing the cushion to tumble to the floor.

    The elevator ascended, and it''s doors slowly opened, revealing Joseph standing before her. Irish, ovee with relief, rushed towards him, embracing him without a moment''s hesitation.

    Taken aback, Joseph hadn''t anticipated Irish''s sudden embrace. She threw herself into his arms, clinging to him like a vulnerable creature. Hastily, Joseph stepped out of the elevator, holding her tightly.

    Joseph could sense the dampness on his chest, realizing that Irish''s tears had soaked his shirt.

    Gently lifting her face, Joseph discovered that Irish''s cheeks were stained with tears.

    "What''s wrong?" Joseph asked in a soft voice, instantly realizing that she must have been frightened by the police.

    Irish tried to break free from his grasp but eventually buried her face in his arms once more.

    Feeling her trembling, Joseph carefully lifted her in his arms and carried her over to the couch, where they huddled together.

    Irish''s tear-streaked face was concealed by her long hair, drenched by her weeping. Joseph lowered his head and noticed that her thick eyshes were also adorned with tear droplets. They merged together, forming small glistening trails that finally rolled down.

    As her tears cascaded onto his chest, wetting his shirt, they also warmed Joseph''s heart.

    He instinctively leaned in, his gaze fixed on her lips.

    However, Irish spoke in a choked voice, "I thought you wouldn''te back tonight." Her concern extended far beyond the surface reason.

    Startled by her words, Joseph quickly understood the depth of her worry.

    "I''m sorry," he whispered softly by her ear, tightening his embrace as a sense of remorse washed over him.

    Looking up at him, Irish voiced herint, "Why were youte? You said you woulde back early."

    There was a tinge of annoyance in her tone, albeit an unjustified one. Joseph observed her eyes, burning with anger yet concealing hidden anxiety.

    She was afraid of losing him.

    Joseph''s heart ached, and he tenderly kissed her lips.

    Her tears tasted bitter, and she reciprocated by sealing her lips, expressing her discontent.

    Joseph licked her lips again and over again, managing to cool her down. He rubbed her lips affectionately and soothed her uneasiness patiently.

    Irish couldn''t help but burst into tears, falling to her lips.

    Irish began to kiss him, bursting with passion as if toin about histe return. Joseph allowed her to vent her anger until she took a bite of his tongue.

    Joseph felt an ache, but he didn''t push her away. Instead, he bent down and pressed against her.

    Joseph also became enamored and turned to be naughty.

    They dropped off each other''s clothes.

    Irish could feel his erect penis, but she was still sobbing and was unable to control herself.

    Joseph also felt sorrowful, and he held her face, wiping her tears for her. Irish hugged him tight and was reluctant to loosen her grip.

    Joseph slipped into her body and moved violently. Irish choked and scratched his shoulder with her nail embedded in his skin.

    "Joseph..." Irish called him again and over again.

    She could feel his temperature. Irish was fascinated by his wooden fragrance deeply and couldn''t extricate it.

    Irish''s profound love for Joseph had consumed herpletely.

    She couldn''t deny that Joseph had brought her romance and love, but it also seemed to plunge her into the depths of despair. Irish questioned whether they should have been together from the start.<novelsnext>I think you should take a look at </novelsnext>

    Despite their different backgrounds and the challenges they faced, they had chosen to marry each other.

    Perhaps, from that very moment, they were destined to navigate a path strewn with obstacles.

    As Irish''s deration of love moved Joseph, he leaned closer, enfolding her in a tight embrace, moving with gentle tenderness.

    "Irish, I don''t want to see you cry," Joseph whispered softly in her ear.

    After their passionate encounter, Joseph went to take a shower.

    The soft light cast a hazy glow on Irish''s face. Her hair cascaded loosely, entangling around her shoulders. However, herplexion appeared pale, with her thick eyshes veiling her emotions.

    Joseph emerged from the bathroom and settled down beside her. He reached out, encircling Irish from behind, while Irish relished this tranquil moment with him.

    Joseph''s chest radiates warmth, and the steady beat of his heart provides Irish with aforting sense of security.

    Moving closer, Joseph ced gentle kisses on her shoulder. Irish''s eyshes fluttered slightly, and her cheeks retained a rosy flush.

    The room was enveloped in silence, allowing them to cherish this tranquil moment.

    Irish ced her hands over Joseph''s palm, and he interlocked his fingers with hers.

    "Joseph, I''m so afraid of losing you," she murmured, her voice still choking with emotion.

    Joseph gazed at the side of her face and responded, "You won''t lose me unless you stop loving me."

    Irish opened her eyes and turned towards him.

    They were so close that their lips almost grazed her forehead, yet Irish still felt a lingering uneasiness.

    "I will love you forever," Irish affirmed firmly, locking her gaze with his. Joseph''s heart warmed at her words, and he grinned in response.

    "But why did you listen to Ruby and stay there? If you had rejected her that night, you wouldn''t be trapped in such a dilemma," Irish continued, seeking an exnation.

    Joseph remained silent, his gaze fixed on Irish.

    Caught in his intense stare, Irish felt adrift.

    After a prolonged silence, she spoke once more, "Do you know that your clothes are wet?"

    The uneasiness began to dissipate. Joseph reached out, gently lifting Irish''s head so that their eyes met.

    Irish locked her gaze with his, and within his eyes, she could see her own sense of helplessness reflected back at her.

    Joseph''s eyes seemed clouded, and his expression turned serious upon hearing Irish''s words.

    "Do you not trust me?" Joseph asked in a low but solemn voice.

    Irish felt a pang in her heart, and instead of speaking, she simply shook her head.

    After a brief pause, she continued, "Joseph, you''re mistaken. I do trust you. I''m simply trying to find a way to dispel any suspicions against you. I''ve been tormented every day, and that''s why I''ve felt resentful. Why did you find yourself alone with Ruby in the conference room that night?"

    Joseph listened attentively, understanding that Irish''s words stemmed from her concern for him. The dimness in his eyes gradually dissipated.

    "What else do you want to say?" Joseph asked in a soft, reassuring voice.

    Irish clung to Joseph, burying her face in his arms, taking in theforting scent of his cologne.

    "I hate the feeling of being left in the dark, not knowing anything about you," Irish confessed.

    Joseph tightened his embrace and once again pressed his lips to hers.

    After a few moments, he gradually released his hold and spoke in a husky voice, "I don''t care if others trust me, but I care about your opinion."

    Fortunately, despite the challenges Joseph faced, the new productunch was sessful, winning the approval of customers.

    Roy disyed unwavering dedication, doing his best to manage the dyedunch of the Runestone Group, while Jordan alsomitted himself to helping thepany ovee its difficulties.

 Chapter 977 977: Why Just Give Up Your Career?

    ?

    Jordan always gave others the impression that he usually took things easy. People always said that men shouldn''t do something they were interested in but do something they should do.

    Irish believed that Joseph was doing something he should do, but Jordan still acted like a child who only focused on what he liked.

    But now Jordan could not do whatever he wanted because he had to take responsibility for his brother, and he needed to grow up. Irish thought it tempered Jordan to be mature. However, to her surprise, Jordan was conscientious and did his best which was beyond her expectation.

    The shareholders didn''t adopt a resistant attitude about Jordan''s joining because they were all afraid of profit loss. It created a chance for Jordan to y his constructive role. Irish heard from Roy that the procedure of the new productunch had been revised several times, and he focused on every detail of theunch, including the position of the exhibit on the model.

    Roy didn''t understand why he focused on these details at the very beginning, but Roy told him that Joseph once told him that the visual effects of diamonds varied ording to the location of the furnishings. Therefore, Roy managed to disy the most beautiful state of the diamond.

    It was not until then Irish learned that Roy had taken Joseph''s words into his heart, although he always looked indifferent to everything.

    The stock price of the Runestone Group stabilized after theunch and even increased gradually. The spokesman of Runestone Group was a popr international male star and changed the traditional concept of selecting women as mouthpieces.

    Joseph made this decision at the beginning since he thought men usually preferred to spend money on jewelry and present beautiful jewelry to their beloved women. What''s more, selecting a man as a spokesman would be more influential because it is contrary to traditional ideas.

    But the new productunch was dyed since the design concept was stolen.

    After discussion, Roy and Jordan were determined to adopt Joseph''s idea and set the theme as thememoration of ssics. In that case, they needed to retake the advertising video.

    It was time-consuming since the editing work would also take a lot of effort. Therefore, Jordan worked for several days without much sleep.

    Even the editing staff started toin about overtime work.

    But luckily, Runestone Group seeded in pulling through the crisis.

    The shareholders were satisfied with Jordan, while Roy hoped he could work in Runestone Group. Jordan declined his suggestion and told Irish about his decision.

    "Why don''t you want to work there?" asked Irish.

    "They are kicking down thedder. I am sure they had the same expectation about my brother before."

    "Jordan, do you know what you are talking about?" Irish was shocked by what he said.

    "Of course, I know. My brother is thedder. They appreciate me just because I safeguard their profit."

    Irish could understand what he was thinking, so she suggested that he do what he was really interested in.

    They chatted with each other, and Irish suddenly asked, "Do you know what your brother wants to do most?"

    Startled, Jordan was speechless at her question.

    "I mean, what was your brother''s dream in his childhood? Such as to be a scientist, a teacher, and so on," added Irish. She remembered that she was always asked by the adults what her dream was when she was a little girl.

    And other children would reply that they wanted to be a scientist, a pilot, or a painter, while Irish would tell them she wanted to be a doctor.

    Generally, the adults would be pleased to hear the answer, but Irish would feel regret because her mother was gone.

    The adults would always imbue children with their thoughts. Irish wondered if Joseph also dreamed of being a scientist in his childhood.

    She was not clear on what else he wanted to do besides the present job.<novelsnext>I think you should take a look at </novelsnext>

    However, Jordan heaved a sigh and responded, "When I was sensible, he is already doing this job, so in fact, I am also not clear about what he wants to do."

    Irish was enlightened by Jordan''s words and reminded of the age gap between them.

    Now that the crisis of Runestone Group was solved, the shareholders united together to resist the external enemy.

    Their external enemy referred to Joseph.

    They managed to unite with Roy to resist Joseph.

    The police made some requirements for Joseph and restricted his behavior, and he was not allowed to go abroad until he cleared his suspicion. Taking this chance, the shareholders required Roy to take charge of thepany and dered to the outside world that Joseph would take a long vacation.

    Roy had no other choice under such circumstances but to require Joseph to ask for a long leave.

    Joseph was clever. He just smiled and didn''t say anything.

    Roy also knew that even an idiot could understand his meaning.

    He just poured a cup of coffee for him, frowning, "You know what, I really want to let you be in charge of the Runestone Group. I am not familiar with management and market running."

    The temperature was good. The aroma of the coffee went off.

    The light coffee aroma and musk breath in the room made the air clean.

    Joseph didn''t answer his question and just sipped the coffee, asking lightly, "Do you still want to be involved in the trouble?"

    Roy was helpless in his eyes, "I have no other choices."

    Who said that identity couldn''t decide anything? Sometimes, identity was everything. It decided what you could do or not.

    Joseph stared at his cup, seeming to think. After a while, he nodded, "I will not take a long holiday but resign directly."

    Roy looked at him, surprised.

    And then his voice seemed to be anxious, "Why just give up your career? You know what, those shareholders are just afraid that you may change them.

    You can just have a good rest. After the crisis is over, you can then��"

    Joseph interrupted him and said lightly, "It doesn''t matter whether I am in the Runestone Group or not. Now it is indeed unsuitable to put thepany in charge of a person who is even monitored by the police. Roy, I just hope that you can promise one thing."

    Roy frowned tightly. Seeing him resolute, he had to sigh, "Okay, go ahead."

    "The directors of the Marketing Department, Sales Department, Public Rtions Department, and Design Department are all promoted by me. They all have strong capabilities and can help you a lot. Please take care of them."

    Roy nodded, "Sure, I promise."

    Joseph got assured. In the end, he said, "Moreover, please be careful. When you are in this position, do not trust someone easily. Do notpletely believe in someone, including the Lakes."

 Chapter 978 978: Being His Assistant

    ?

    Roy stared at him, "What do you mean?"

    Joseph finished his coffee. Putting down the cup, he seemed to be thinking. Soon, as he raised his eyes, everything turned to be peaceful, "Nothing. The business field is just like the battlefield. Just be careful. That''s it."

    Roy looked at him, seeming to think.

    Joseph didn''t say anything and just stood up. He was to leave.

    As his fingers touched the doorknob, Roy''s voice came.

    "Joseph."

    Joseph stopped and turned around.

    Roy looked serious, "As for my father and Ruby''s deaths, do you have any suspects?"

    "I am the biggest suspect." Joseph looked calm.

    Roy shook his head, "No, I trust you."

    "Thank you very much."

    "I must find the person."

    Joseph said lightly, "It''s not easy. This person has made a perfect n since the case in South Africa urred."

    Roy got frightened, "South Africa? Do you mean the attack case? It was ordered by my mother."

    "No. It''s not your mother." Joseph said firmly, "Your mother just ordered someone to track us. Actually, there was another one who shot us. He was very smart. He could do it by the name of your mother. Once I had died there, your mother would have been the scapegoat.

    Roy stood up suddenly, "It sounds like this person is so dangerous. Joseph, we cannot just let him in peace."

    "Roy, just be the director. You cannot investigate everything by your own will. Even if you have the result, it may be shocking."

    "You mean..."

    "I believe thatw is fair. Let the police deal with it." Joseph said word by word.

    Joseph had so many things in the office. Except for some things that could be packed in boxes, all the clothes in his lounge were delivered by express. Daisy helped him with it. She looked terrible. Many times, she wanted to say anything, but she just gave up.

    Joseph put the photo frame on the desk into the box, saying lightly, "Daisy, just say what you want to."

    Daisy stopped and just looked at Joseph, "Mr. Dover, it''s not worth leaving."<novelsnext>I think you should take a look at </novelsnext>

    "Nothing is worthwhile or not in the world. It''s just up to the person." Joseph sealed his box. His voice was still light, saying, "Please help Roy. You are the only one he can trust in thepany."

    "But..."

    "Daisy, I know what you want to say. You don''t need toin about it for me. Leaving is the best solution." Joseph interrupted her.

    Daisy closed her lips lightly and then stood there, looking at him.

    It was at noon. The light was a little tilting. The shadow was shining on his cheek by the window. His handsome face was half covered in the light. From this perspective, he seemed not to be as serious as usual. His eyebrows also softened a lot. He just closed his lips lightly, not tightly.

    Seeing him, Daisy was a little upset. She even wanted to cry.

    She has been with him for so many years since he was only in charge of a department in a branch of the Runestone Group. She went through so many difficulties with him. At the very beginning, he was in the Sales Department as a salesperson. Each month he had to finish his quota. If he couldn''t make it, he had to leave at once.

    The Lakes didn''t take good care of him only because of his identity. From the director to the manager of a department, each step was hard for him. Staying up as usual. He made the most of every day. He had to change several pairs of shoes each month. It was not because he had to match his dress, but that he had to walk all the time.

    When he finally became the manager of a department, he bought a car with hismission. He directly gave it to his brother just because he liked it. And then, he still went to work by bus or subway while other managers drove their cars to develop business. As a result, his shoes were often broken.

    At that time, Daisy was young and aggressive. She couldn''t understand why he just did that. She thought that Jordan was still a student. He didn''t need to drive such a good-quality car. However, Joseph still smiled and said, "My brother likes it. Moreover, I need to develop a business. It''s not suitable to drive a racing car to make deals with someone."

    Daisy thought that his racing car was only bought for his brother.

    He was able and smart. He knew much about the art of sales, knowing how to achieve the best results in what kind of ways for specific products. When he became the senior director, he often told his followers, "Do not think of yourself as a good marketing salesman since you''ve sold it out. It only stands for that you are a salesperson. What does a good marketing sale require? It''s different from a salesperson. A marketing sale needs to gain thergest interests in the best way."

    At that time, Daisy knew that she had a good boss. He was far-sighted. What he cared about was not short-term interests but long-term and developing ones.

    Just in that year, he had gastrorrhagia because of drinking too much.

    And at the same time, he was promoted most frequently.

    Next year, he was promoted to the Marketing Running Department, responsible for all the branch markets and the Sales Department''s management. Under his leadership, the diamond mines were exploited and developed to the biggest degree. In the same year, he went to South Africa and Russia to learn about the diamond mines'' situation there.

    One yearter, he stood out among manypetitors and became the general manager, responsible for the exploitation and development of the whole European market. The higher his position was, the busier he was. He was busy with the issues of diamond mines in all countries and business entertainment. He was sensitive to diamonds as he was still young. He learned how to polish a diamond at an early stage from a famous teacher. So, when the Product Processing Department and Design Department were not convinced by his suggestion, he just took out a raw stone authenticated by an appraiser as bad-quality, drawing lines, polishing, designing, packaging, and advertising, which took him almost one month. The next month, the diamond was sold at a price twenty times higher than its own value.

    Everyone thumbed at him.

    Daisy was also promoted, but she was still his assistant. She could have had a better choice, but she just wanted to be his assistant.

    In this way, during his years abroad, Daisy witnessed how he became a sessor to an infamous man. His hard work paid back, and he also became more and more charming as time went by.

 Chapter 979 979: I Know You Like Him

    ?

    Later his base was changed from abroad, and he became the president of the USA District.

    He became less aggressive and more reserved as time flew. That was Joseph''s change.

    What was unchangeable was that he still had a lot of women besides.

    They were beside him.

    He was a handsome man. Before getting sessful, some women wanted to sleep with him. After getting sessful, they still wanted that.

    Daisy also asked herself whether she loved him or not.

    She knew that she could only appreciate him from afar.

    As she recalled these experiences, she was even choked. She even wanted to cry. Soon her tears fell down.

    When she raised her hands to rub it off quietly, a piece of tissue was passed on to her.

    She raised her eyes. She even had no time to rub her tears off. Vaguely, she saw Joseph''s face and tall figure.

    There was a piece of tissue in his hands. He looked concerned.

    Daisy was sad, and she just took it over. She said thanks.

    Joseph looked helpless, and he just sighed, "I remember thatst time you cried for my promotion."

    Daisy cried more sadly.

    Joseph was surprised. Meanwhile, he didn''t know what to do.

    He just passed tissues on to her continuously.

    Daisy didn''t know what was wrong with her. Her tears just fell down. He was right. Last time she cried because he was in the hospital for gastrorrhagia. At that time, he didn''t know why she just cried. Seeing her crying, he asked her, and she said that the client was too arrogant. She couldn''t stand it.

    Daisy now pressed her eyes with great strength, and finally, she stopped crying.

    Joseph smiled lightly, and then he raised his hands to pat her shoulder, "Don''t cry. Roy is a good boss. As his assistant, you don''t need to be a workaholic anymore."

    However, she didn''t want to be Roy''s assistant.

    But she just nodded lightly.

    In the end, Joseph pulled his hands back and packed his things. He looked at Daisy and said, "I have some words for you, not as a boss."

    Daisy looked at him.

    "Bowen is good." He just said that simply.

    Daisy was shocked. After a great while, she said, "I dared not to be fond of a boss."

    Joseph stopped his action.

    He raised his eyes to look at her, seeming to question her.

    Through the force of expressions, Daisy felt that she couldn''t hide her feelings anymore. She took a deep breath and looked at him again, "Mr. Dover, I like you."

    That''s right. No woman could be indifferent to Joseph.

    She might ignore him for only one day or two days, but how about one year or two yearster?

    Daisy was a woman. She spent her golden time with him over the years. His hard work, his seriousness, his calmness and intelligence, and his maturity all appealed to her, but she dared not to love him.

    She was clear about Joseph''s principles. Any secretary who was attached to him would be fired by him. She dared not to treat her feelings in the right way. She had to tell herself that she couldn''t love him. She couldn''t fall in love with him.

    She knew that he had mistresses. He was a normal man who had normal requests. She didn''t envy Britney or other women who had had sex with him. That was because he just did everything as usual and didn''t change because of any of them.<novelsnext>I think you should take a look at </novelsnext>

    Until Irish appeared, everything changed.

    Actually, Daisy knew that this day woulde. One day he would fall in love with someone and be attached to her fully.

    This day finally came.

    She could clearly observe the change in his eyes. He followed Irish all the time. His principle changed once and once again because of her.

    At a very early time, she had the feeling that Joseph and Irish would be together one day.

    Serious as he was, now and then, he stared in Irish''s direction subconsciously. His look was very gentle and soft as Irish was making her work report in the meeting.

    At that time, they were not a couple. He was still Irish''s "brother-inw."

    In the Light Town, Irish suddenly rushed into their box and then left embarrassedly, and at this time, Daisy found that Joseph couldn''t wait to follow her.

    He just chased her soon.

    And then, in the long alley, they met each other again.

    Daisy knew that if Joseph did something actively, he must get it.

    Her guessing was right. He asked her to order one air ticket for Irish to South Africa, and that night he brought Irish to the hotel.

    Daisy was truly concerned and upset.

    However, she really liked Irish, and she felt thankful for her appearance. If Irish hadn''t shown up, Daisy would have suffered from her love for Joseph.

    Bell liked Joseph. Daisy knew that earlier.

    She reminded her not to show her feelings directly, but Bell didn''t listen to her.

    And finally, she was fired by Joseph.

    At that time, she asked Joseph why he did that.

    Joseph just said lightly, "Irish doesn''t like her."

    That was true. Irish was the most important to him.

    Today, faced with the departure, Daisy felt that she should make an end.

    The other day, Irish asked her, "You could have spent your holidays. Now you havee back. Aren''t you afraid of being involved in trouble?"

    She answered, "He is my boss. If he has trouble, I should help him."

    Irish watched her for a long time. She felt embarrassed, but she still kept calm. In the end, Irish said lightly, "Daisy, you really like him, right?"

    She got frightened. She had thought that she had hidden her feelings well. All the time, she even began to believe that she just regarded Joseph as her boss. Irish''s words disclosed her embarrassment.

    She murmured. She wanted to say no, but Irish just pulled her hands and said sincerely, "It''s his blessing that such an excellent woman as you like him. I''m not angry at you or ming you. There is nothing wrong with liking someone. I want to thank you for cheating on yourself."

    Daisy wanted to cry. She felt so mean and terrible.

    Irish just smiled, "Have you decided how to make an end?"

    Daisy exined hurriedly, "Irish, I hadn''t nned to destroy your rtionship."

    Irish said, "I know that. I''m clear about that, so I don''t want you to suffer more. If you really like him, please talk with him. I trust Joseph and you. You can deal with it in a good manner."

    Daisy couldn''t believe that.

    Irish continued, "Daisy, you are different from other women. You have stayed beside him for so many years. For you two, this kind of rtionship is really meaningful. It''s right that I envy other women who are close to Joseph, but I just trust you. Daisy, I believe that you can deal with it well. If I hadn''t married him, I would havepeted with you. Now, I have married him, so I hope that you can get out of it. I don''t want you to suffer anymore."

 Chapter 980 980: Let’s Enjoy The Summer

    ?

    Daisy was thankful for Irish''s generosity. She had decided not to express her feelings, but when Joseph passed the tissue on to her andforted her not to cry, she thought that Irish was right. She was determined to end the love from her side.

    Either she or Irish was clear about what choice Joseph would make.

    Joseph heard her words. He felt surprised at first, and then he turned to be peaceful.

    She could clearly see the changes in his eyes.

    She just smiled with tears, "I think it''s good to end the rtionship now."

    Joseph stood there. He looked soft and gentle.

    Daisy took great courage to get close to him and met his look.

    It was the first time for her to look at him with a woman''s mentality.

    "I have liked you so much for so long. Over the years, I have been cheating myself and telling myself that you are my most respectful boss and that I can only respect you."

    Joseph was still watching her. There was no more emotional change and only pitiful expressions.

    "Actually...I want to ask you, have you ever liked me or not? Just a little?" Daisy asked bravely.

    Joseph frowned gradually. He didn''t be impatient or serious. He just stared at her for a while and then held her into his bosom.

    As she was attached to his bosom, Daisy''s tears fell down.

    She finally understood why Irish felt so lost sometimes.

    His bosom was really strong and broad. He was really charming. However, he belonged to another woman.

    Another woman ironed the shirt he wore, and she matched his tie. His cuff link, which he wore most frequently and for the longest time, was a gift from another woman. These all proved how much he loved that woman.

    Daisy couldn''t help clenching his shirt, and then she just held him tightly.

    She knew it was her first time to be so close to him.

    Joseph knew that she cried again, and he patted her back lightly, saying, "Daisy, you are my best assistant. I''m sorry."

    Daisy''s love was deep and heavy. It was surprising for him. He also felt sorry that his best assistant cried for him, who was not worth loving.

    Nestled into his bosom, Daisy closed her eyes tightly. She knew that he would say that. He was so realistic, and he would not give other women hope.

    "Thank you for your appreciation, but I''m not worth that," Joseph said lightly.

    Daisy raised her eyes, looking at him, "Do you love her?"

    "Yes, I love her so much."

    "What if she sees that?"

    Joseph felt shocked, and he just pushed her away subconsciously and then turned around to look at the door.

    The door was empty there. He looked at Daisy again.

    Daisy finally got relieved. She just smiled lightly, "Mr. Dover, you are really a good man. Irish is really lucky."

    Just now, his anxiety and stress were so obvious. Daisy could see how much he cared about Irish. He used to be calm and elegant, but now he was careful with one woman.

    Joseph understood her meaning, saying sincerely, "Daisy, I hope you can be happy."

    Daisy looked at him, and she said honestly, "Me too. No, to be selfish, I hope that you can be happy when you are with Irish. You can''t do something unfair to her. If you love someone else, I will condemn it."

    Joseph smiled, "It will never happen."

    Daisy also smiled.

    Goodbye, my love. She thought.

    It just disappeared gradually.

    ****

    When Joseph held his box out of his office, the passage was filled with employees, most of them cried, and even some directors felt pitiful of him.

    He stood there and frowned deliberately, "Now is working time. Who let you leave your position?"<novelsnext>I think you should take a look at </novelsnext>

    This time, they didn''t return to their positions hurriedly and just stood there, saying with a choked voice, "Mr. Dover..."

    Joseph was more helpless and slowed his voice, "Guys, I just resign, not die."

    This joke aroused theirughter.

    Roy also came, and he just came forward without any words. He looked terrible.

    "Listen to me. Many of you are recruited by me. From today on, you must obey the director''s arrangement and work hard. The Group is your home, and you are members of it. You should make an effort, which is your responsibility." Joseph ordered them.

    They all promised it.

    Seeing the scene, Joseph felt assured, and he just walked out of the Runestone Group directly.

    All these employees sent him to the lift, and they were stopped by Joseph, who requested them to return to work. They felt attached, so they were unwilling to go until the door closed.

    Now it was work time. Joseph was the only one in the lift.

    Seeing the shadow on the metal door, he also felt disappointed.

    He worked here and spent so long here, but today, when he walked out of the lift, it had nothing to do with him any longer.

    The Runestone Group became the Group of the Lakes finally.

    Out of the building, he felt hot immediately.

    The summer in New York was really enthusiastic.

    Joseph didn''t drive his car today. He nned to call his driver to pick him up, but he soon thought that he had resigned, so he just held his box to go straight. When he was close to the roadside, someone whistled at him.

    He turned around.

    Irish''s smiling face appeared.

    She drove his car. Obviously, she waited for him for a long time.

    Joseph walked forward, holding his box and smiling at her, "Now I am also jobless."

    "That''s good. The world is changeable. Right?" Irish giggled and got off, pointing at him, "Is the box heavy?"

    Joseph closed his lips lightly and put the box into the trunk, patting himself, and then he said, "Your photo frame is the heaviest in it."

    When their rtionship was disclosed in public, one day, she came into his office room swaggeringly and took a photo frame out of her bag, putting it onto his desk, "There has been a photo of my childhood in your wallet. Now there is one of my adulthood on your desk. Perfect!"

    He fixed his eyes on it. It was a heavy copper frame.

    Sheughed and said, "It can show I am something."

    He was helpless.

    Irish went into the car.

    After Joseph put the box in the trunk and went to the driver''s seat, patting the top of the car, she looked at him curiously.

    "Let me drive." He said.

    Irish curled her lips, but she obediently moved to the passenger seat.

    Joseph got into the car and started it.

    "Show me Chinatown," Irish asked.

    Joseph was surprised.

    "What?"

    "You didn''t have time to take me there before, now you are avable. Let''s enjoy the summer in New York." Irish said, turning on the music, and she looked thrilled.

    Joseph felt weird, and he stopped the car, looking at her, "Do you know I will lose my job?"

    "I know, and that''s why I came to pick you up. Look, I didn''t even go to calligraphy today." Irish chattered.

    Joseph was speechless.

 Chapter 981 981: I’ll Make A Call

    ?

    Taking advantage of waiting for the red light, Irish affectionately hugged him, smiling, "I just think you have time to apany me, then I am happy."

    Joseph sighed, "But Irish, I do not want to fulfill my promise in this way."

    He had said that he wanted to have a good vacation with her and take a good tour, but it was definitely not in such an awkward way.

    Irish understood what he meant, and took the initiative to kiss his lips, saying, "Joseph, this is so good, really."

    Joseph could not help reaching for her back head, pressed his face, and kissed her lips heavily.

    He didn''t let her go until the green light and the siren behind him urged him to go.

    "All right, tie up the seat belt, and our tour starts." said Joseph, "Our Chinatown Tour has begun."

    Irish smiled and nodded.

    Then he added, "Honey, would you like to change your clothes first?"

    "What''s the matter?"

    Irish held back the joy, "Nothing. Your shirt looks a little wet."

    There was a little wetness on his chest.

    Joseph looked down, and his hand holding the steering wheel was stiff momentarily.

    It was Daisy''s tears, not dry yet.

    Seeing Irish still staring at him for a moment, he cleared his throat and said, "Oh, when I was packing, I identally spilled water."

    Spilled water?

    He admired his naturalness of lying.

    When leaving thepany, he did not notice that Daisy had left her tears on his chest when he hugged her. Perhaps he was not in a good mood, so he forgot. And it was not until he remembered that Irish reminded him.

    He forgot who had told him that he never told a woman the truth when necessary, and sometimes beautiful lies are more reliable than the truth. This was the necessary time, right?

    When he was driving, he felt a little uneasy, and for a moment, he felt as if he had been a bad thief. If he had been known or seen by her, he didn''t know how to exin it to her.

    "Oh, spilled water." Irish''s voice pulled very long as if she believed, but if she listened carefully, there was a little question in it.

    When she said this, she kept staring at him with deliberate eyes.

    Joseph hurriedly nced at her, saw her eyes strange, and his heart in the chest "plopped." He lived more than thirty years, and it was his first time to be seen in such a frightened way by a woman.

    He just kept quiet.

    Irish looked at his slightly closed lips, and the big hand holding the steering wheel looked very hard, lifting his hand to touch the wet part of his chest.

    When the fingertip had just touched, Joseph pretended to take her hand easily, twisted her finger, and whispered, "What would you like to eat tonight?"

    This action seemed very natural, but in Irish''s eyes, it was a bit deliberate. She inadvertently remembered that once when she smelled the wine fragrance on his shirt, and she leaned forward to smell carefully, but he used a very natural way to stop her.

    Once this trick was used, Irish certainly understood its intention.

    Smiling, it turned out that this man had nothing new to deal with women.

    "Let''s go for a stroll and go back to my uncle''s house for dinner." Irish did not shake off his hand but bowed her head, ying with his fingers.

    She particrly enjoyed observing his fingers. <novelsnext>I think you should take a look at </novelsnext>

    His fingers were slim and skillfully shaped, with nicely curved nails. asionally, when their fingers intertwined, she felt a sense of pride because those hands were skilled in the art of diamond mining. Those hands had the ability to transform ordinary stones into radiant diamonds. These valuable hands were held together with her own fingers, and on his ring finger, there was also her matching wedding ring.

    Such fingers could create the most beautiful diamond, also hold her in her arms, take her long hair, touch her cheek, and even set fire to her body.

    She loved it.

    His fingers, and him.

    Joseph saw her ying with his fingers, somehow a bit guilty.

    So that is why there is a saying that says that people cannot do bad things, especially in the face of such a sensitive woman. Joseph was even afraid that she could find something on his fingers, the evidence that he had hugged Daisy, for example, fiber tissue or breath left.

    But thinking about it, he felt he was overthinking.

    She was not a surveyor. How did she know that? Besides, it was just a hug. How did they leave the evidence?

    With such thoughts, his heartfelt somewhat more at ease.

    "Don''t bother, uncle," Joseph said with ease.

    With the red light ahead, he slowed down and stopped.

    Irish released his hand and leanedzily against the seat. She casually remarked, "Don''t be a stranger, alright? My uncle invited us to have dinner at home."

    Well, he ended up being over-polite.

    He looked at her in the eyes, spoiling and helpless.

    ncing at the time once more, he suggested, "Let''s grab something and head straight there. We shouldn''t wander around today; traffic will likely be congested."

    Irish feigned annoyance and remarked, "It feels like my uncle''s house is turning into a supermarket."

    "You can''t show up empty-handed and enjoy a free meal at your uncle''s. You''re old enough to understand that bringing a small gift is a gesture of gratitude," Joseph insisted. As soon as the traffic light turned green, he altered their route.

    Irish had initially intended to say that even going for free would be fine, but right before the words escaped her lips, she held back. Normally, she would have made this remark as a joke, but today she hesitated because she knew he was sensitive. After all, he had recently resigned from his job.

    She was convinced that he still cared.

    This type of care didn''t always need to be expressed verbally, especially with someone like Joseph. He would neverin about it in front of her. However, the care could be observed in the subtle details.

    For instance, as soon as they boarded the car, he insisted on taking the driver''s seat, and this time he was determined to buy something for her uncle.

    Men have their pride, and this pride can be substantial, something that should not be challenged or mocked.

    So, Irish changed her strategy.

    Considering the situation, she deliberately suggested, "Oh, if you really want to bring something, buying a chess set might be a good idea. My uncle''s chess pieces are sometimes used as toys by Poppy. Last time, my aunt mentioned the delicious cupcakes you brought, so maybe you could get some more for her."

    Such words made Joseph quite happy.

    He replied, "Then buy a new set for uncle. I''ll make a call and make a reservation for cupcakester."

    "Good." Irish smiled softly.

    Reflecting on it, she realized he could sometimes be quite childlike.

    Irish''s mobile phone buzzed as the music transitioned into a gentle piano piece. She took it out and checked the notification. It was a text message from Daisy.

    She squinted slightly at Joseph.

 Chapter 982 982: Lost The Game

    ?

    He''s driving, looking ahead.

    She opened the message box.

    "Irish, thank you for giving me the opportunity to confess my feelings to him. I feel much better now. Please know that he truly loves you. He turned me down without any hesitation and made it clear that his love is reserved for you alone. You are his one and only significant other."

    Irish reads Daisy''s message repeatedly, and with each read, her emotions fluctuate.

    There was sadness,fort, relief, and ecstasy, and finally, it was precipitated into full happiness.

    She fixed her gaze on the words "Told me clearly that he loves you. Only you are his significant other" and found each word vibrant and alive. A surge of excitement and joy erupted like fireworks in her heart.

    Despite feeling a twinge of guilt and recognizing that she shouldn''t derive happiness from someone else''s pain, Irish couldn''t help but wish to witness that scene with her own eyes.

    She had no desire to witness how Joseph turned down Daisy.

    Her only wish was to hear, as an observer, Joseph expressing his love for her to someone else.

    Just the thought of hearing those words directly with her own ears filled Irish with immense emotion. Her heart seemed to flutter as if something gentle was tapping against it, causing ripples of excitement.

    At that moment, Irish''s mind started to connect the dots, imagining the dampness on Joseph''s shirt. If her guess was urate, it must have been Daisy''s tears.

    Considering the fact that he had purposely concealed it from her, Irish''s inference grew stronger, reinforcing her suspicion.

    Lost in her thoughts, a smile formed on her face.

    "Why are you so happy?" Joseph, next to her, inquired.

    Irish quickly deleted the text message, stowed away her phone, and then gazed up at Joseph. The smile in her eyes was like an irrepressible stream of overflowing water that couldn''t be taken back.

    Unaware of what had happened, Joseph nced at her and raised an eyebrow.

    "Honey, I love you!" Irish suddenly leaned against him, radiating enthusiasm.

    Joseph couldn''t resist being enveloped in her affectionate embrace and hearing her deration of love. Naturally, he couldn''t help butugh and say, "Baby, I''m still driving."

    Irish realized her impulsive action but couldn''t contain her happiness. She leaned over and nted a loving kiss on his cheek.

    Joseph was slightly taken aback. As the speed of the car decreased, he lifted his hand and gently stroked her head. "How did your mood shift so quickly?" he asked curiously.

    "Well, I simply love you," she replied, beaming with a smile.

    Joseph''s smile widened.

    The tender and gentle affection in the corners of their eyes was unmistakable.

    During the sunset, the city remained wrapped in the lingering heat of the afternoon. Even a brief moment away from thefort of an air conditioner was enough to make people feel hot and sweaty.

    Joseph and Irish arrived at their uncle''s house during rush hour. Even though it was still before six o''clock, the roads were already congested. After parking the car, Irish went to the fruit shop across the street and purchased arge watermelon. Sensing the situation, Joseph offered to hold her handbag and said, "Take the bag. I''ll carry it for you."

    "You''ve carried a lot of things. It''s okay. I can hold it."

    Joseph did not say anything and took the watermelon.

    Irish took her bag and followed him.

    Joseph carried everything in his left hand when crossing the street and naturally reached for her.

    Irish gave him her hand.

    He clenched and led her across the street.<novelsnext>I think you should take a look at </novelsnext>

    Under the shade of therge tree, some neighbors were engaged in a game of chess. Upon spotting Joseph and Irish, the neighbors greeted them warmly, saying, "You''vee back to visit your uncle?"

    The couple responded with smiles and nods as they entered the house. One of the neighbors remarked, "Look at the young couple. They appear to be deeply in love."

    As it was time to prepare dinner, the air was filled with a subtle aroma of food.

    Irish particrly cherished this time of day.

    Indeed, a taste can evoke cherished memories.

    Within the realm of memories, one end captures the passage of time, while the other end holds the recollections of the past.

    Poppy emerged eagerly, wagging its tail at them. Joseph tossed a treat it is way, and it happily went to devour it.

    Joseph pushed open the door, but he was taken aback by the sight that greeted him.

    In addition to Mary and Steven, Jay had returned with Lilith. What surprised him, even more was that Jordan was also present.

    Observing Joseph''s astonishment, Irish smiled and gently pulled him inside.

    Mary, busy with vegetable preparation, heard themotion and came out. Upon seeing their return, she chuckled and said, "It''s hot outside. Irish, I bought some drinks. Take it out from the refrigerator and give one to Joseph."

    "Aunt, you''re showing favoritism towards Joseph. I''m a guest too," Irish jokingly remarked.

    Mary smiled in response, "Are you really?"

    Irish nced at Joseph with a helpless expression.

    Joseph simply smiled back.

    In the living room, Jordan and Jay were engrossed in a game of chess. Being of simr age, they yed together. However, upon hearing Joseph''s return, Jordan raised his head and eximed, "Brother,e help me!"

    Jay responded calmly, raising his hand and gently tapping Jordan on the head.

    Jordan pouted in response.

    Steven, who was watching the chess game nearby, chuckled as he gently waved therge fan in his hand. He greeted Joseph and mentioned, "Hurry up and rescue Jordan. He''s lost quite a few times and isn''t very happy."

    "It''s normal. After all, it''s my first time ying chess," Jordan corrected.

    Irish overheard and burst intoughter.

    Joseph approached the chessboard and took a look. Indeed, they were engrossed in the game.

    "Do you know how to y chess?" Joseph asked Jordan.

    Jordan looked up with a bitter expression. "Jay is teaching me, but I always end up losing," he replied. He then picked up a chess piece but seemed unsure of where to ce it.

    Irish joined in, watching the game with a smile.

    "Can you?" Jordan responded with a hint of irritation towards Irish''s smile.

    Irish shrugged nonchntly, "Not really, but I''m sure I must be better than you."

    Jordan seemed not quite to grasp the meaning of her half-joking remark.

    Joseph observed the chessboard and shook his head slightly.

    Unaware of Joseph''s expression, Jordan remained indecisive in his moves. Jay, who seemed unusually rxed today, sat with crossed legs, tapping the chess pieces in his hand and urging Jordan, "Hurry up. Am I supposed to wait for you to have a child?"

 Chapter 983 983: What Were You Two Talking About?

    ?

    The clicking and rattling sound of the chess pieces irritated Jordan, who was already hesitant. "Hey, stop making noise!" he snapped.

    Jay chuckled and remarked, "You''re just finding subjective reasons instead of real objective ones."

    Jordan scratched his hair in frustration, unintentionally turning it into a messy tangle.

    Jordan gazed at Joseph with a pleading expression, seeking his assistance.

    Joseph pressed his lips together, hiding a smile.

    Just as Jordan was about to speak up, Jay swiftly intervened, putting a halt to his words. "Hey, a gentleman watches the chess game in silence," Jay advised.

    Jordan furrowed his brow, unable to fullyprehend the meaning behind Jay''s words. Joseph, however, understood the underlying truth and couldn''t help butugh, deciding not to interfere and remaining silent.

    Joseph''s decision made Jordan grasp Jay''s intention to some extent. He furrowed his brows even tighter and eximed, "There''s outside help in this game!"

    "You can surrender," Jay taunted him provocatively.

    This tactic significantly affected Jordan, who scratched his head vigorously, hastily making a move with the chess piece in his hand. Jay burst intoughter as Jordan''s king was suddenly exposed.

    "I made a mistake! No, no!" Jordan quickly retracted his move, scrambling to correct his error.

    Jay swiftly snatched the chess piece back from Jordan''s hand and eximed loudly, "No cheating! In chess, there''s no room for regret. Once you lose, you lose! You can''t change that fact."

    "I didn''t lose!" Jordan retorted, snatching the chess piece back once more.

    "You''re the one who lost. Why are you so sore about it?" Jay raised his voice as well.

    The chess game led to a scuffle between the two grown men.

    Joseph watched the scene unfold, speechless.

    Irish couldn''t help but find amusement in the situation,ughing joyfully.

    Even Lilith, who had been quietly observing Jay''s chess game, couldn''t help but smile. She had a natural beauty, with no makeup on her face and herplexion still a bit pale. She wore a white bubble-sleeved coat paired with a floral skirt, resembling a pristine crystal doll. Despite her good mental state, there were visible bruises on her neck and wrists, likely remnants of the drug addiction.

    Mary entered the living room, her voice booming and nearly lifting the roof. "What''s going on? Get back to work! The fish isn''t ready yet!"

    Jay and Jordan halted their scuffle, and Jay chuckled at Jordan, saying, "The loser of the game scales the fish."

    Before Jordan could utter a word, he heard Mary''s thunderous roar, "Jay, are you pretending to be a guest here? Get to work now!"

    Jay had no choice but to reluctantly stand up.

    Seeing Jordan''s smug expression, Jay grabbed his shoulder tightly, causing Jordan to cry out, "Help! The police officer is attacking me!"

    "Come here and work with me!" Jay pulled Jordan along as they both stood up.

    "You little jerk! I told you to work. What are you doing with Jordan?" Mary scolded Jay.

    Joseph smiled faintly and interjected, "Auntie, let Jordan do his work."

    Jordan burst into tears.

    Initially, Joseph had also intended to assist in the kitchen, but he was stopped by Steven, who said, "Leave the kitchen tasks to them, Joseph. Come and y chess with me."

    "Uncle, Joseph bought you a new chess set," Irish added.

    Steven''s face lit up with joy. "That''s fantastic! I''ll give the new set a try right away."<novelsnext>I think you should take a look at </novelsnext>

    Joseph chuckled and replied, "No problem."

    Steven and Joseph enjoyed their chess game, giving Irish an opportunity to pull Lilith aside and inquire about the situation.

    "I believe that even if I can''t be with Jay in the future, having this time as a cherished memory is enough," Lilith softly confided as she nestled on the sofa.

    Curious, Irish asked why Lilith felt that way.

    Lilith spoke honestly, "Considering my current situation, I am not worthy of him at all. How could he face his colleagues if this were to be known?"

    Irish questioned what Jay''s thoughts were, hoping for insight.

    Lilith lowered her head gently and bit her lip. "He said he wants to start over," she revealed.

    This confirmed Irish''s previous spection. The two seemed to have reached a point where their rtionship could be improved.

    "Lilith, you need to consider everything more positively," Irish advised.

    "But for now, I..." Lilith trailed off, uncertain.

    "How long has the drug addiction episodested now?" Irish inquired.

    Lilith pondered momentarily before responding, "It''s better than before. I couldn''t even recognize people during the worst times, and my mind was clouded."

    "You see, you''re making progress. People need to maintain hope for the future to see the possibility of improvement," Irish encouraged.

    Lilith lowered her head, twisting her fingers anxiously.

    "I''ll just ask you directly. Do you want to be with Jay?" Irish asked.

    Lilith''s eyes quivered, and she softly replied, "Yes."

    "Well, then, for now, don''t worry about anything else. Focus on oveing the addiction first," Irish advised.

    She believed that since Jay had brought Lilith out with him, it indicated that he had already realized something, which was a positive development.

    Lilith closed her lips, and as she raised her eyes, she happened to catch sight of Jay approaching. Her face flushed, causing her usually paleplexion to appear more vibrant. She immediately lowered her head in embarrassment.

    Jay noticed the situation, a smile ying on his lips as he approached them. He had been concerned about Lilith''s well-being, which is why he entered the living room to check on her. Unexpectedly, he saw her blushing, and his heart was gently stirred.

    Sitting beside her, Jay reached out and naturally embraced her, asking, "What were you two talking about?"

    "Nothing important," Irish quickly responded, noticing Lilith''s embarrassment in front of Jay, causing her to move to the side.

    Jay raised an eyebrow as he looked at her, sensing the underlying message.

    Irish understood and swiftly stood up, saying, "Alright, I''ll leave you two some space."

    "Sister!" Lilith''s embarrassment deepened.

    Meanwhile, Joseph and Steven were engrossed in their chess game, appearing as if two masters werepeting. Irish didn''t want to disturb them, as she had no knowledge of how to y chess. In the kitchen, Jordan sat obediently, picking vegetables, while Mary provided him with guidance on how to do it.

    Observing everything happening behind the scenes, Irish felt a deep sense of gratitude.

    When Joseph transferred his shares to Roy, Irish suspected that he might be leaving Runestone. Today, as she saw the seriousness on his face before leaving for work, she was almost certain that it would happen today.

    Not wanting Joseph to feel lonely, she suggested gathering at her uncle''s house to have a meal together. They all knew about Joseph''s current situation and made an effort to avoid discussing Runestone-rted topics.

 Chapter 984 984: Didn’t You Hear Me?

    ?

    Both her uncle and aunt had warmly weed Jordan during his first visit, treating him with care and not considering him as a mere guest. Irish understood the dynamics between Joseph and Jordan as brothers. If her aunt treated them with formality, it would make Joseph uneasy, and Jordan wouldn''t know how to respond either.

    That was how it should be. Everything was going well.

    Perhaps Jordan had picked too much, as Mary shook her head and said, "You''ve done a great job, but there''s a bit of waste."

    Jordan smiled awkwardly and noticed Irish''s presence.

    "Do you need my help?" Irish asked.

    Jordan showed her the vegetables in his hand and replied, "I can handle it."

    Irish briefly thought of teasing Jordan by saying that a skilled cook could help him find a good wife, but before she could utter the words, Mary mysteriously pulled her into the kitchen and closed the door.

    Irish was uncertain about Mary''s intentions, and even Jordan looked at Mary with curiosity.

    Mary posed a question, "How is she doing now?"

    Irish took a moment to realize that Mary was referring to Lilith. "Oh, she''s doing well," Irish replied. "The duration of her episodes has been shortertely. Jay''s efforts are paying off."

    Mary let out a heavy sigh and removed her apron, setting it aside.

    Confused, Irish nced at Jordan and approached Mary to inquire. After pondering for a moment, Mary spoke, "I know it may not sound kind, but Jay is my son. Who wouldn''t want their child to be well? I know he doesn''t want to leave Lilith, and I also understand that it was because of Jay that Lilith ended up like this. But, Irish, I''m truly afraid of the two of them being together."

    "Do you dislike Lilith''s drug use?" Irish questioned.

    "In reality, I actually quite like her. I feel sorry for her. I know Jay should take responsibility for this, but she''s not to me. What if the drugs have long-term effects on her health? What if their child is not healthy?" Mary expressed her concerns.

    Irish felt a sense of helplessness. "Auntie, you''re overthinking things. I believe this is Jay''s own decision, and it''s best if you don''t interfere. He and Lilith have been through so much together, and they are destined to be together."

    Mary was known for her strong and assertive personality, often speaking in a loud voice. However, she had firm principles when it came to important matters, which was one of the reasons why Steven respected and followed her. In the case of Lilith, her stance appeared particrly unwavering. Upon hearing Irish''s response, Mary let out a deep sigh and said, "You mentioned that these two have gone through so much together, but in my eyes, those events are nothing but fate. If they had never met, none of these things would have happened. Therefore, it serves as a warning to them that they should stay away from each other. Moreover, they were together in the past, and looking at Kelly, it''s evident that she holds a low opinion of Jay. If they were to marry, it would be difficult for them to get along."

    Mary''s strong persistence took Irish aback, as it was rare for her aunt to be so insistent. Irish contemted how to persuade her, but Jordan, who was busy picking vegetables, spoke up before she could say anything.

    "The mother of my sister-inw''s good friend''s husband is a challenging person to get along with, but my sister-inw''s good friend has a good rtionship with her," Jordan said.<novelsnext>I think you should take a look at </novelsnext>

    Mary was confused by theplicated rtionships mentioned by Jordan. She knew that Jordan''s English skills were not very strong, and understanding suchplex connections would be challenging for him. Mary looked at Irish, seeking a trantion.

    Irish herself was also perplexed by the intricate web of rtionships mentioned by Jordan. After thinking for a while, she simply asked Jordan, "Are you referring to Shirley?" Jordan nodded in confirmation.

    Irish felt an overwhelming urge to kick Jordan out as frustration built up within her. She gritted her teeth and eximed, "Just say Shirley or Roy''s mother! Otherwise, you could have said Cassie''s mother-inw. No one would understand what you meant!"

    Jordan blinked innocently and asked, "Was that wrong?"

    This left Irish speechless, and she finally responded, "Focus on picking your vegetables. Children should not interrupt adult conversations."

    Jordan shifted his gaze away, offering no furtherment.

    "Auntie," Irish continued her persuasion, "Sometimes, we have to observe and follow certain matters. Look, Lilith''s parents haven''t objected to them maintaining contact. Otherwise, why would they allow Lilith to live with Jay? There are many things in this world that we may not fullyprehend, but when ites to their affection and love, we simply have to let it be. If you forcibly separate them, Jay will resent you. Do you really want Jay to marry someone casually?"

    Mary pouted and responded, "Don''t you understand? Lilith''s parents haven''t agreed to let them stay in contact, but they have no choice. If there were any way for them, they would definitely not allow Jay toe near their daughter. Can you imagine how they must feel when their child, whoes from such a wealthy family, suddenly faces such a situation? They may even want to harm Jay if they could. But they can''t be too harsh on their own child, and since Jay is skilled in detoxification, what can they do? They have topromise."

    "This is Jay''s responsibility, and for now, you don''t need to worry too much. We just have to observe how things unfold in the future. And Auntie, I must criticize your belief. Who said that drug addicts would have fertility issues? Your perspective is too absolute. Lilith didn''t have a long-standing drug addiction, and her physical health was good before that. So there shouldn''t be any problems with her having children," Irish reasoned.

    Mary sighed and proceeded to wash her hands. "Their child isn''t even on the way yet, so I''m not in a rush. You''re married now. When are you two nning to have children? It''s been some time since you got married."

    A flicker of sadness passed through Irish''s eyes momentarily. Quickly, to prevent Mary from noticing anything unusual, she cleared her throat and replied, "We just recently got married."

    "You may have just gotten married, but both you and Joseph aren''t young anymore. Once you decide to have children, you''ll bounce back quickly. Look at Cassie, she got married just a few days before you, and she''s already pregnant," Marymented, unaware of the situation that Irish was facing.

    Irish was at a loss for words and chose to remain silent.

    Mary noticed the difference and nudged her, saying, "Didn''t you hear me?"

    "Hmm..."

    "And you..."

 Chapter 985 985: Teasing Her Again

    ?

    "Aunt, they want to create their own world," Jordan suddenly interrupted.

    This time, Irish didn''t tell Jordan to be quiet. Instead, she looked at him with gratitude. Mary heard his words and was puzzled. "How old was Joseph, Irish?" she asked in a hushed voice. "Doesn''t he like children?"

    "Yes, he does like children," Irish answered.

    "Then why wait? What are you waiting for, Irish? When a couple lives together, having a child is important. A child is the bond between the two of you. As a counselor, you know this better than anyone. Have children early to strengthen the bond with Joseph. At his age, men are more susceptible to temptation, and Joseph has many desirable qualities. There are women who will be attracted to him. Nowadays, young girls are bold and determined. They will pursue what they want, regardless of whether a man is married or not. If you don''t give him a child, what will you do if another woman does?"

    Each of Mary''s statements was logical, piercing Irish''s heart like needles.

    However, Jordan found her words amusing. He ced the pickled vegetables into the basket and couldn''t help but interject, "There won''t be any other woman. My brother is very responsible."

    Irish felt a sense of relief in the atmosphere. Mary didn''t want to say much either. After all, it wouldn''t be polite to discuss Joseph in front of his own brother. Mary patted Irish on the back and said, "Think about yourself."

    Irish nodded softly.

    But what was there for her to think about?

    She med herself for not being able to carry a baby to term.

    Irish lowered her head and started to wash the dishes without any enthusiasm. Jordan handed her the basket of vegetables, and she took it and began to wash them slowly. Even in the summer, the water felt particrly cold, chilling her fingers and sending a cool sensation to her heart.

    Jordan didn''t leave; instead, he leaned against the doorzily and watched her.

    "If you''re trying tofort me, you can give up," Irish said quietly as she continued to wash the dishes, enduring the coldness of the water.

    Jordan remained silent but then stepped forward to help her with the dishes. When they reached for thest one at the same time, their hands touched. Irish tried to pull back, but Jordan held onto her hand.

    Irish was taken aback and looked up at him.

    Jordan met her gaze with sincerity, tightly holding her hand, and said, "Don''t lose hope. You will have your day."

    Jordan''s words were simple yetforting, and they had a clear impact on Irish. She felt a significant reduction in the mncholy in her heart. Even though the young man standing in front of her didn''t use flowerynguage or inspirational quotes, he made her realize that there was no such thing as a lonely person in this world, only those who were unwilling to ept love.

    Irish didn''t utter a word, but a gentle smile appeared on her face.

    "Irish," a sudden voice came from the kitchen doorway, deep and steady.

    Irish snapped back to reality, instinctively pulling her hand away from Jordan''s grip.

    Jordan also looked startled.

    Joseph stepped forward, turned off the water faucet, and reached out for her. "What were you two talking about?" he asked.

    "Brother, there are some green peppers over there. Can you help wash them?" Jordan spoke up and then left the kitchen.

    Irish, fearing that Joseph would misunderstand the situation, quickly exined, "It''s not what you think, Joseph. Jordan was just trying tofort me."

    The kitchen door opened, revealing Mary. Upon seeing Irish and Joseph in the kitchen, she hurriedly shut the door again.

    Irish felt a bit embarrassed.

    Joseph gently held her hand, his other hand resting on the back of her head as he looked down at her. "Then why are you so nervous?" he asked.

    His breath brushed against her forehead, clean and warm.<novelsnext>I think you should take a look at </novelsnext>

    He didn''t seem angry.

    But she was still afraid. Raising her eyes, she timidly looked at him, her lips trembling slightly. "I''m afraid you''ll misunderstand," she murmured.

    "Irish..." Joseph sighed with reluctance, pressing her head against his chest and whispering, "If there is a man in this world who can prove to me that he will treat you better than I do, then I''ll let you go."

    Irish''s shoulders trembled, and she pulled away from him, staring at him with wide eyes. "What are you saying?" she asked, her voice filled with disbelief.

    Her anger made her beautiful eyes even more captivating.

    They were like prickly roses, dangerous yet enchanting.

    Joseph gazed at her.

    His eyes remained calm, devoid of the usual sparkle, and Irish felt darkness in them as if ink had been sshed across his irises, rendering them intense.

    Irish was momentarily bewildered, unsure of what his eyes meant.

    "Joseph, don''t you love me? Are you nning to abandon me?" sheined.

    In the next instant, he pulled her back into his arms, resting his chin gently against her cheek and nuzzling it softly. "The man who could make me feel at ease handing you over to him hasn''t been born yet," he reassured her.

    Irish stared at his neck in astonishment, but before she could react, he held her face, making her meet his yful gaze.

    "I think the only one who could truly put my mind at ease is our future son," he teased.

    Suddenly realizing that he was joking, Irish''s anger turned into a blush as she yfully punched his chest. Her eyes quickly turned pink as she eximed, "Why do you have to be so serious? I hate you."

    Joseph, seeing the wetness in her eyes and feeling the ache in his heart, allowed her to continue hitting him while he held her tightly, repeatedly apologizing, "I''m sorry, I was wrong."

    Irish pushed him against the wall, asserting her dominance.

    He was at her mercy.

    "Will you stop loving me one day?" Irish looked up at him, her displeasure evident in her voice.

    Joseph shook his head gently.

    "Will you leave me all alone?"

    Joseph shook his head again.

    Irish stared at him fiercely. "Listen carefully. If you ever dare to abandon me in the future or threaten me, I swear I will make your brother pickle vegetables and feed them to the dog!"

    Joseph burst intoughter. "So you''re still willing to harm my family? Jordan would regret ever knowing you."

    "What do you think?" Irish gritted her teeth and looked at him intently, then suddenly reached down and grabbed his thing. "I mean your dick!"

    Joseph did not expect her to have such a move, and his whole body was almost soft.

    "If you abandon me, I''ll cut it like a carrot, throw it into a salt jar, or hang it on the wall and air-dry it to make sausages and feed the dog!"

    Joseph resisted his smile, stretching to pull her into her arms, bowing with a bad smile, "You can use a little more power."

 Chapter 986 986: You Can Treat Me At Your Will

    ?

    "Gross!" Irish felt something and pushed him away.

    Josephughed, "Who is gross?"

    Irish red at him.

    "All right." From behind, Joseph put his arms around her and took green pepper, saying with a gentle smile, "I will always love you and will not leave you. If it really happens, you can treat me at your will."

    Irish pressed her body against his chest, feeling the rhythm of his heartbeat pulsating through her, and a sweet taste filled the air, tickling her nose.

    "Alright," she said, looking at him.

    He lowered his head and gave her a light peck on the lips, but it didn''t feel like enough, so he deepened the kiss.

    "Mmm," Irish gently pushed him away and ced the basket before him. "Wash the green peppers."

    Joseph smiled contentedly. "Alright."

    ****

    The dinner was incredibly delicious, with Steven showcasing his gourmet skills. The aroma of the dishes mingled with the fragrance of wine, creating a festive atmosphere.

    Throughout the dinner, no one mentioned Joseph''s resignation. However, Steven, being serious, advised Lilith, "Lilith, you must let go of the past. You are still young, and you shouldn''t lose yourself."

    Lilith nodded earnestly and turned to Jay. Blushing, she caught his gaze.

    The meal ended before ten in the evening.

    The four men had consumed several bottles of wine, and those who weren''t ustomed to drinking had be intoxicated.

    Joseph, in particr, was the most drunk.

    Usually, Joseph could handle alcohol well due to his social engagements, and Daisy would assist him. This was the first time Irish had seen him in such a state. Compared to the other men, Jay drank less but still ended up drunk. Since Jordan couldn''t drive, they arranged for a driver. With the help of Jay and Mary, they settled Joseph into the car.

    When the car door closed, the scent of alcohol lingered.

    Irish looked at Joseph leaning in the back seat as their aunt returned. His eyes were closed, and the buttons of his shirt were loosened, revealing a glimpse of his chest.

    Despite being drunk, his face wasn''t as flushed as the others.

    Instead, he looked pale.

    The more intoxicated he became, the paler he appeared.

    Initially, Irish had been concerned about his stomach. However, he kept assuring everyone that he was fine during the meal. Now, as he peacefully slept without any signs of difort, Irish felt somewhat relieved.

    As soon as she stepped on the elerator, the car departed.

    When people are happy, they find it challenging to be intoxicated. However, when they are feeling depressed, they tend to drink more in order to cope with their worries.

    Joseph was inebriated.

    Thankfully, he managed to avoid vomiting on the way home, remaining quiet. When the car came to a stop, Irish realized how tall he was and wondered how she could assist him in entering the house.

    She called his name twice.

    Joseph''s response was minimal, and his head was tilted. There was a faint line between his eyebrows, indicating difort or a habitual frown.

    The soft light from the garage floormp, gentle and not harsh, resembled moonlight scattered on the ground. It illuminated his cheek and nose as it passed through the window, while the other side of his face remained in shadow. His thin lips curled slightly, giving his chin a tense appearance.<novelsnext>I think you should take a look at </novelsnext>

    Irish contemted, extending her hand towards him and calling his name multiple times. He merely opened his eyes, revealing his typically calm ck eyes, now muddled and intoxicated.

    This was the first time it had happened.

    And it urred right in front of her.

    It was not easy to assist him out of the car. With her slender shoulders pressed against his chest, Irish supported him. He stumbled and swayed, making the short distance to the elevator challenging.

    Joseph''s body weighed heavily on top of Irish''s. She clenched her teeth, struggling to take even a small step forward. She thought to herself how fortunate it was that he was cooperating, as she wondered what she would do if he remainedpletely motionless.

    Eventually, they made it into the elevator.

    Inside the confined space, it was just the two of them.

    His cheeks were almost touching her face, and she could feel the heat radiating from his body. The smell of alcohol lingered heavily in the air, filling her ears.

    "Irish��" Joseph whispered her name in her ear.

    His voice was slurred, matching his current state of consciousness.

    Irish was exhausted and found it difficult to catch her breath. She couldn''t respond immediately.

    Finally, they reached the living room, and Irish had never longed for thefort of the sofa more. She managed to carry him, and he whispered her name again. This time, she replied, "Yes, we''re finally home."

    With their brief conversation concluded, she released her grip and allowed him to sit on the sofa.

    He was so intoxicated that his legscked strength, causing his body to lean and lose bnce along with the fatigued Irish. They both tumbled onto the spacious sofa, with the man''s tall frame pressing firmly against her.

    The man''s heavy liquor smell came to her.

    The strong man''s breath entwined her breath with the alcohol fragrance, and the atmosphere was increasingly dangerous.

    Irish was pressed by him almost breathlessly, and she could only try to hold his shoulders so that between the two, there was at least a little space. Joseph looked at her with drunk eyes. He lowered his head and said in a low voice.

    "Irish." He was still calling her name like he was making sure the woman under him was his.

    "I''m here." Irish answered again, releasing a hand to touch his cheek, "You are drunk, and I will make tea for you, and then you can rest early."

    Joseph''s face pressed down even closer, almost touching hers. There was only a centimeter of space between his lips and hers, allowing her to sense the extent of his intoxication.

    "Irish, do you believe me?" he asked vaguely.

    Irish felt a pang of pain in her heart, and she allowed him to cling to her. She responded softly, "I believe in you."

    "Do you believe that I can bring you happiness?" he asked, his gaze unfocused yet direct, with a hint of desperation in his voice.

    She nodded softly, "I do."

    When hearing these words, Joseph smiled widely.

    In his intoxicated state, he acted somewhat presumptuous yet also disyed a hint of insecurity. Irish realized that he wouldn''t ask her such a question when he was sober. At that moment, she perceived him as a vulnerable child, much like Jordan.

    As a result, his smile appeared genuine, emanating from deep within his heart.

    A smile graced his lips, spreading into his intoxicated eyes, making the person reflected in them appear even more intoxicated. When Joseph was sober, there was a captivating charm in his focused gaze. Yet, when he was drunk, a different charm emerged��a charm of decadence.

 Chapter 987 987: It Is My Duty

    ?

    He cupped her face, and his wine-infused breath caressed her nose.

    "Will you leave me?" he asked once more.

    Irish shook her head and replied, "I won''t leave you."

    Joseph''s lips trembled with heat.

    A wave of warmth washed over her forehead, spreading down to her nose.

    He sought her lips, and just as their mouths were about to meet, Joseph whispered, "Irish, you have to believe me... I''ve been... in love with you."

    His words caused her heart to skip a beat.

    Then, he kissed her passionately.

    It was an overwhelming passion.

    Irish was still immersed in the sentence he had just said, for a moment, she let him explore without moving. But he may be too drunk, even his fingers did not listen to him.

    She gently grabbed his big hand and felt his palms hot, like a fire burning in the middle of the big palm, trying to burn each other. She called his name and put her arms around his neck, saying "I love you" over and over again beside his ears.

    The man on her body was not moving.

    Just heavily breathing. In her neck nest, there was shallow breath.

    Irish was also stiff and motionless, bearing his weight, and one of his big hands remained in her lower abdomen.

    After a long time, Joseph''s breath became even.

    Irish was helpless.

    It turned out that really drunk men couldn''t do anything.

    Lying there in silence, she breathed in sync with him, feeling the rhythm of his heartbeat. A sense ofpassion washed over her for this vulnerable version of Joseph. Irish lifted her hand, gently caressing his forehead, and traced her fingers along his brow once more. She could empathize with why he had soughtfort in intoxication.

    Such a man would rather get drunk than show weakness before people.

    She turned sideways, and his body slipped aside.

    In this way, his cheeks were illuminated by the soft light in the living room, and his eyes closed like a child.

    Think of what she asked him before, "Will you love me forever?"

    He nodded his head.

    And just now, he said, he had always been loving her.

    Once upon a time, Irish thought, in what way can she hear him say to her that I love you? He was a man who seldom expressed his love with words, and even the word "love" rarely appeared between him and her. Today, although he still did not say those three words, the word of love in his mouth was affectionate, like the birth of the first love between heaven and earth, serious and solemn.

    Irish felt that this sentence was far more important than those three words.

    He was always, always in love with her.

    She was also always, always in love with him.

    ****

    The night was deep.

    Jay drank, so he could not drive. Lilith drove the car. In Steven''s, when Mary learned that Lilith was to drive, she was very nervous and said, "No, what if your drug addiction attacks on the way?"

    As soon as the words were spoken out, she was scolded by Steven.

    Jay was helpless.<novelsnext>I think you should take a look at </novelsnext>

    And Lilith also looked very embarrassed.

    Mary also knew that she said the wrong words, unnaturally cleared her throat and said, "Lilith, do not me me for speaking directly, I am worried about the safety of both of you."

    Lilith nodded gently.

    And Jay directly sat on the co-pilot and opened the other side of the door to Lilith, and he said, "Come on, I believe you."

    This made Mary nervous.

    When Lilith drove safely home, Jay called Mary, whose heart was put down.

    It was almost 12:00.

    After Jay took a shower, he saw Lilith still holding her shoulder, nestling on the sofa. He went forward and asked her how. Lilith gently shook her head and did not speak.

    Jay looked down at her and asked if she was worried about her drug addiction.

    Lilith sniffed and nodded.

    Jay touched her head pitifully andforted, "You''ve had an attack this morning, and it''s a good thing your attack urred in the morning and only once a day."

    Lilith looked at him with widened eyes.

    "But." Jay said, and his cheeks closed to her, word for word, "I will not let go of those people, those who hurt you!"

    Lilith was thrilled, subconsciously reaching for his arm.

    "Lilith, people have to take responsibility for their actions. They have done so many bad things, I will not let them go."

    Lilith was very nervous, staring at him, "But, it will be very dangerous."

    "It is my duty," Jay said.

    Lilith opened her mouth, "You are no longer in the drug brigade."

    "When you''re stable, I''ll go back there," said Jay.

    Lilith was surprised.

    "They injected you with new drugs. And I don''t know how many innocent people will be destroyed by it. I can''t watch them do those things for the sake of money." As soon as Jay remembered this, he gnashed his teeth.

    Lilith didn''t speak anymore, and she just released her hands, lowering her head. Her long eyshes hid her thoughts.

    Jay looked at her for a long while, and then he just sighed and touched her head, "Do not think too much. Have a rest now."

    She nodded.

    After dozens of minutes, Lilith went out after taking a shower and changed into her clean pajamas. Her pajamas were rather reserved. It was a long skirt with suspenders. Her hair was wet. When she came out, there was a soft bath foam smell, which was quite clean.

    Jay gave the main bedroom to Lilith as she moved into his home, and he just lived in the minor one. There were two bathrooms in the room. One was in the living room, while the other was in the main room. During these days, there were problems with the shower in the main room. Jay had no time to fix it up, so Lilith just used the one in the living room, which meant that they actually used the same shower.

    When Lilith came out from the bathroom in the living room for the first time, Jay felt that it was not bad that she couldn''t use the bathroom in the bedroom. Now he was looking at her. He had an illusion that they hadn''t departed from each other. It seemed that nothing had happened, and there was no Lenard. They were like a normal couple who lived together and got married.

    As Jay was thinking of this, he felt like he was so dirty. He knew that he just didn''t fix up the shower deliberately. He was deceiving himself and enjoying it.

    However, he didn''t want to take a shower behind her.

    Once when he entered the bathroom after her taking a shower, he could breathe in her aroma in the air. Her smell was everywhere, which allured him continuously. He even had the desire to hold her in his room.

    Because she once belonged to him;

    Because he once knew how beautiful she was, because he was her first man.

 Chapter 988 988: It Hasn’t Become A Scar Yet

    ?

    When he had such a thought, he tried his best to resist it. He thought that he was bad, especially at this time.

    But tonight, when Lilith went out of the bathroom, he had the impulse again.

    Lilith hadn''t thought that Jay was still in the living room, who just leaned against the sofa idly. He wore loose pants and a white close-fitting vest. His figure was very strong since he had received training for a long time. His muscles, wide shoulders, and strong arms were all charming.

    She was in a daze when she came out of the bathroom, and she soon blushed. Usually, if her situation were good, he would just go back to his room after taking a shower, but tonight he just sat there.

    "Are you okay? Do you still have a headache?" She knew that he also drank a lot, afraid that he felt ufortable.

    Jay was changing TV channels absent-mindedly and just shook his head.

    "You...do you want something to get relieved?" Lilith stood there, thinking about how to make the hangover soup.

    Jay finally chose a channel, but he didn''t raise his head to look at her and just said lightly, "I''m okay. Just have a rest now."

    Was he really okay?

    Lilith hesitated.

    Although he had taken a shower, there was still a light wine smell. Just now, when Lilith entered the bathroom, she also figured it out.

    Jay urged her again, and Lilith just answered simply. She felt sorry, and she just nned to go back. When she touched her bedroom doorknob, Jay just said, "Do not sleep with wet hair. Give the hairdryer to me."

    Lilith turned around. He reached out his hands.

    She wanted to refuse, but he just insisted on doing so, so she had topromise and pass the hairdryer on to him.

    He pulled her down to the sofa.

    The sofa wasrge. She nearly sat in his bosom. There was just a short distance between her back and his chest. Just the length of a hairdryer.

    He helped her to blow her hair softly by using the hairdryer, afraid that he would hurt her.

    She was really beloved.

    She closed her eyes lightly, enjoying the massage from his fingers.

    The temperature was warm and suitable. Her hair just flew in his palm slowly. When she opened her eyes, she could see his strong palm waving in front of her eyes now and then.

    There was a bite mark on his hands. It hasn''t be a scar yet.

    It was she who bit it when her drug addiction recurred.

    She felt sorry and regretful. She just raised her hand to touch the mark while he just blew her hair on the other side. Her fingers just stopped in the air. After a while, Lilith said, "Did you really trust me tonight? What if I..."

    "Sometimes, one needs to be forced. Take tonight as an example, you knew that you were driving a car, and you were also clear that you must be careful. As Irish put it, one sometimes may have auto-suggestion and hypnosis. This power can be so strong that a dream wille true one day." Jay smiled.

    Lilith smiled lightly.

    From his perspective, the smile was so beautiful.

    It was as light as the clouds in the sky.

    It made one feelfortable. Her hair got almost dry, so Jay just turned the hairdryer off and put it aside. Lilith was thinking of returning it to its original position, and just in this way, their fingers soon touched each other. Her figure tilted a little, and unavoidably, she was attached to his chest.

    Their clothes were all thin.

    Her backbone could feel the warmth of his chest.

    "Sorry..." Lilith got blushed and sat in a good manner immediately.

    Staring at her blushed face, Jay fell into a daze. Unconsciously, he just reached his hands out and held her into his bosom.

    Lilith trembled.

    Before, when her drug addiction recurred, they had body contact, but she couldn''t feel it. However, tonight was unusual. She could feel his strength and the sense of securitying from his chest.

    She once belonged to him.

    Now could she be with him again?

    "Jay..." She called his name lightly.<novelsnext>I think you should take a look at </novelsnext>

    Her voice was a little shattering.

    Jay didn''t answer her and just buried himself in her hair.

    The close distance could let her breathe in his soft bath foam smell clearly, which also mixed with a light wine smell.

    Her body got still.

    Jay loved her reaction. Many scenes urred in his mind. She stayed in his office and watered his nts. She bought new ones after the previous ones were dead. In a word, she often showed up in his office. She was once caught from the bar to the police station. She was so happy when she received just a piece of small jewelry on her birthday.

    At that time, she was like a precious greenhouse flower.

    Jay could feel her trembling shoulder now.

    Under the light, her clean shoulder turned a little cold.

    He couldn''t help lowering his head and kissing her shoulder.

    Her shoulder just quivered.

    He could feel that.

    He could vow that he just wanted to warm her cold shoulder, which was little and lovely. He didn''t know why he just kissed and wasn''t willing to stop.

    His kiss went down.

    Separated by the cloth, his kiss was so hot that it burned her neck and backbone.

    Lilith''s breath got sharp suddenly, and her heart beat quickly.

    She could hear his breath be strange, heavy, and sharp.

    The wine smells mixed with a man''s smell, attracting someone.

    "Jay..." She called his name anxiously, and her body just moved a little.

    He answered vaguely, but he pulled her hands tightly. His mind went nk now.

    When he turned her face over, found her lips, and kissed her lip corner, Lilith pushed him away immediately, murmuring, "It''ste now. Just have a rest now."

    And then she ran into her bedroom hurriedly and closed the door quickly.

    It was not until now that Jay realized what he had done.

    Shit!

    He frowned.

    Due to the wine, now he was just like an animal!

    Looking at the closed door, he was a little regretful. However, he had had sex with her before. It didn''t mean that now he could do anything he wanted.

    After a great while, he sighed and took a deep breath. He stood up and walked to the door, knocking at the door.

    There was no noise in it.

    "Lilith," he murmured, leaning against the door. "I''m truly sorry."

    "I... I fell asleep," came a small voice from inside the room.

    The voice was so small. Its owner seemed to be just like a rabbit lost in the forest.

    Jay couldn''t helpughing, and he just shook his head helplessly and said, "Okay, then have a good rest. Good night."

    Inside the bedroom, Lilith stood by being attached to the wall, pressing her breast. Her heart still beat quickly. Thinking of the scene just now, she blushed. She has had sex with him before, so she was clear about his facial expressions when he wanted that.

    Everything needed to start again. Did she have the courage? She thought.

    She didn''t know.

    But she was clear about one point: She still loved him.

 Chapter 989 989: Woke Up A Beautiful Morning With Him

    ?

    The next day was Saturday.

    Everything seemed to slow down on that day. The flow of time itself felt sluggish, with each second passing by in a leisurely manner. Even the second hand''s ticking appeared to take its time, as if it, too, had adopted a slower rhythm.

    The sunshine appeared out of the fog and shattered from the clouds.

    On summer days, it gets bright in the early morning. The sunshine was so fresh, and it just shone with golden light.

    The flowers in Hampton blossomed and served as a foil to each other. Some birds fell on the sill and knocked at the window with their mouths, and then they just flew away.

    It was summertime. The air in the morning became hot soon.

    Luckily, Hampton had many nts and trees, so the temperature there was not so high. The fish in the pool was just swimming slowly and waggling in the water, shining brightly.

    Irish had a good sleepst night. As she opened her eyes, she felt a strong sense of security.

    Maybe it was because she heard the sound when birds flew away.

    Maybe because she smelt the smell of sunshine.

    Or maybe she had a good dreamst night.

    Or maybe...

    She wanted to stretch herself idly, only to find herself soft and weak.

    That was because she was nestled into Joseph''s bosom.

    His breath gently cascaded over her head, slow and steady, in a calming rhythm.

    There was a clean smell in the air.

    It was his.

    A faint scent of wine still lingered in the air, subtle and delicate.

    It smelt good.

    Irish found it difficult to fall back asleep. Although she didn''t sit up to check the time, she estimated it to be around 6 or 7 a.m. In the past, she had been ustomed to sleeping with thick curtains to shield her from any light disturbance. Even the slightest ray of light had the potential to disrupt her sleep. That''s why, whether they were in Midtown Manhattan or Hampton, Joseph had made sure to provide her with thick curtains.

    After getting married, one day, when all those flowers blossomed in the yard, Irish felt it was so wonderful to watch clean sunshine and green nts when she woke up every morning. So, she just removed those thick curtains.

    Life possessed inherent beauty if only one could perceive it with open eyes and hold it close within the depths of their heart.

    Joseph stirred and then withdrew his hands. Irish was once again enveloped in his embrace. Without opening his eyes, he nuzzled his face into her neck, taking in a deep breath, findingfort in their closeness.

    Irish felt a pleasant tingling sensation in her ears and gently brushed his earlobe, offering a soft smile. "Good morning, Mr. Dover," she greeted him.<novelsnext>I think you should take a look at </novelsnext>

    Once again, he tightened his grip around her waist, remaining still as he murmured with a smile, "Good morning, Mrs. Dover."

    Such a morning was really rare and precious.

    The daylight was brilliant and golden, while the wind was quiet and soft. Thin dark coffee window gauze filtered the sunlight and wind in a soft way. Birds were singing happily. There was no traffic jam but just the smell of nts spreading to the room. It was as light as happiness.

    If she had been faced with a flower field on such a morning, she must have picked a bunch of flowers and put it to the window. The flowers didn''t have to be enchanting necessarily, Wild flowers were also good. And then she would have sat on the window with her feet naked to enjoy the sunshine.

    When Irish was still abroad, she once spent her holidays in a small town called Ibracim, located in Teruel, the south-northern part of Spain. The town was small, but it was extremely beautiful.

    It was alreadyte when she arrived at the town. She had a good sleep. When she opened the window, she found that the town was so sweet. She walked through churches and local customs, experiencing the strong locality there. What stopped her footsteps was the scene where a girl was leaning against a window full of flowers. The girl wore a simple, light beige gown. Her hair was long and curly. On her head was a bouquet knitted by herself. The flower was white, and her shoes were also white. Besides, there was a boy in white.

    The boy''s skin was white, and his eyes were as blue as the Danube. He had clean and charming curly hair as well as pink lips. His fingers were slender. He was ying the guitar and singing.

    What he was singing was a love song.

    His voice was soft and gentle, which was just like murmuring.

    While he was singing, he took a nce at the girl beside him now and then. The girl''s face blushed as peach blossoms.

    Love was the purest feeling in the world, just like that between the boy and girl in lbracim. Meanwhile, it was the mostplicated one in the world, just like that between her and Joseph.

    At that time, Irish was standing across the window and holding a cup of coffee in her hands. She selected a stone to sit down on. Listening to the music spreading across, she imagined what color her love would be.

    What color was her love?

    Having known Joseph for a long time, Irish didn''t find a suitable color to describe their love yet. Maybe it was just as defined as the jewelry on her neck? Love of Reason?

    Irish never doubted it because Joseph''s love was both reasonable and realistic.

    There were discrepancies between dreams and reality. The love of the boy and girl in lbracim, ideal love in her eyes, provided her with a referential framework for love. Once upon a time, love in her dreams was just like a charming cherry blossom rain, artistic and clear with a kind of pain.

    She thought her lover would be such a boy.

    One day, in the cherry blossom rain, he was standing there with a tall, thin figure and a clean shirt that even smelled of sunshine. Maybe he was just ying the violin, leaning against the tree. His side face was even cleaner and lovely than a girl''s. The music just came from his slender fingers.

    He had a sense of mncholy, but there was still the warmth of sunshine in his eyes. Her imaginary love began then.

    But the fact was that her love started in a bar, where she drank a lot and then fell into a stranger''s bosom.

    Such a beginning was more realistic and worldly than her imagination.

    Joseph was not the boy she had dreamed of.

    Put it well, and he was a mature and reserved man. Even worse, he was so mature and reasonable. Such a man would never y the violin for her in the rain of cherry blossom.

 Chapter 990 990: The Bank Card Is Mind

    ?

    In fact, Joseph knew nothing about music, let alone ying the violin. He even didn''t know how to put the violin well on his shoulder.

    His hands were born for diamonds, actually. From knowing each other to getting married, most of the time, when she woke up, he had left already. Whenever it was, he got up earlier than her.

    But this morning, when she opened her eyes, she seemed to live in joy.

    It was so good that she could see him as soon as she opened her eyes.

    Their love was never tonic. He was no longer a boy, while she was not a girl. In their process of knowing each other, they were not young and na?ve anymore. Most of the time, they just show their strong feelings by body touch directly.

    However, this morning, Irish thought that their love was pure and white.

    It was just like love in that small town.

    She raised her hands to touch his hair.

    His face was still nestled into her neck. His breath made her feel ufortable.

    "Joseph." She called his name gently.

    He didn''t open his eyes and just held her idly, answering lightly.

    "Do you think you are romantic?" She suddenly asked.

    Joseph didn''t answer her.

    She turned around and held his face up, asking again, "Answer me."

    He opened his eyes and said slowly, "I can''t make a living by just being romantic."

    "But a romantic man is attractive."

    Joseph took the opportunity to evade her hands and just kissed her cheek, smiling lightly, "I am not romantic, but there is still someone who loves me. For example, you."

    "Shame on me." She alsoughed.

    Joseph closed his eyes again. He seemed to enjoy such an idle morning, and he just sought her aroma with his nose, "What kind of romance do you want from me?"

    "Romance refers to surprise. If I just speak it out loud, can it be called a surprise?" Irish frowned. He was really silly. She thought.

    Joseph just answered simply.

    And then there was no noise anymore.

    Irish sighed. She thought of the boy in her dream again. One couldn''t just wish for love; otherwise, there might be differences. As she was thinking, she just pinched his ear, "See those main characters in the movie. They are so romantic."

    Maybe Joseph hated her noises, so he just buried his face into her chest, murmuring idly, "They are sissy."

    Irish felt shocked that Joseph would have expressed such a word.

    She shook her head helplessly andughed, "I think you are envying them.

    Joseph bit, "Do they have something that is worth my envy?"

    They both didn''t wear anything, and he just bit the key position.

    Although the strength was not great, she still quivered.

    "They are handsome." She said slowly.

    Joseph smiled widely. He didn''t stop his action, "You once said that I was handsome."

    "Um...they are nice."

    Joseph''s smile was not normal.

    "Am I not nice?" he emphasized the word "nice" deliberately, pulling her even closer and embracing her tightly. "I have been treating you kindly, haven''t I?"

    Irish blushed and yfully tapped his head. "You''re just teasing me. Don''t lead me astray," she said with a hint of amusement.

    Josephughed, "I am showing you the real meaning of "nice." Who is misleading? Me or you?"

    Irish couldn''t persuade him. Oh no, she thought she was not as sophisticated as him, so she just pulled his face away, "Hey, are you hungry?"

    At midnight, he just got up to vomit. Irish had thought that his stomach illness recurred. After that, he just washed his teeth and then went back to bed.

    Irish felt assured.

    "Yes." Joseph made a sound through his nose.<novelsnext>I think you should take a look at </novelsnext>

    Irish felt excited, "What do you want to have? I n to be a good wife today. What do you think of it?"

    "I''m longing for that." He smiled.

    "Let me think. Let''s have something lite. The blueberry jam tastes good, and we can apany it with the bread. Oh, the foie gras sent from France has arrived. Just make a choice by yourself."

    Joseph stared at her, "So lite."

    "The breakfast should be light and healthy. At this age, you shouldn''t eat something with high calories." Irish said sincerely.

    He frowned, "What age?"

    "You aren''t clear about that?" Sheughed.

    Joseph focused on her smile and then pressed her down, "What''s wrong with my age? Are you unsatisfied with me?"

    "Do not do that in the morning." Irish giggled.

    "I want to eat some meat." Joseph lowered his voice and then stared at her face. He looked bad now.

    Irish tried to resist her smile, "No, it''s high calorie."

    Joseph touched Irish down and then said to her ear, "I''m not a vegetarian, so I must have some meat."

    "How about fish?" Irish smiled and evaded from his lips, "Or salmon?"

    Joseph''s actions became more and more aggressive, "I must have something rted to human beings."

    And then he just kissed her cheek.

    "Hey," Irish pushed his face away, and her actions became impolite.

    Joseph got up helplessly and then looked at her, "Irish."

    He looked anxious.

    A man who just woke up in the morning tended to have a strong desire for sex. At least she could observe his changes.

    "Your stubble hurt me," Irishined and touched his side face.

    "Let me see." Joseph pulled her hands away. Her cheek did look a little red now.

    And then he touched his chin. His new stubble did appear.

    "Get up and wash your face," Irishined.

    Joseph smiled lightly, "Let me have the meal first."

    And then he acted like a hungry tiger.

    She had to cooperate with him while she was still hungry.

    *****

    They had lunch on Golden Street. It was a good steak, but the 30% service charge was really heartbreaking to Irish. When they needed to make the payment, the waiter passed the bill on to Joseph, and Joseph was to take it over, but Irish offered to pay, "Let me do it."

    The waiter took a nce at Joseph strangely and then passed it on to Irish.

    Irish passed her bank card to the waiter generously. After making the payment, she patted his shoulder, "A man can be generous or stingy. It''s not your man''s task to pay for everything, okay?"

    Joseph just smiled and didn''t say anything.

    As they got in the car, Joseph tied the safety belt for her and he just said, "To remind you, Mrs. Dover, the bank card is mine."

    "Really?" Irish pretended to be surprised, and she justughed, "I didn''t see it clearly."

    Joseph was ustomed to her behavior.

    "See, you are so handsome, but the service charge can''t be withdrawn." She sighed.

    As she said that, Joseph was starting his car. He felt speechless. Okay, she just wanted some good things from his face. He thought.

    "Where are you going, your majesty?" Joseph started his car, a little angry.

    "Next station." Irish felt joyful, "So silly."

    "I should be med." Joseph drove his car.

 Chapter 991 991: It Is Not My Fault

    ?

    In the morning, she just eximed to be a good wife, and her passion touched him. However, after breakfast, she changed. It turned out not to be the case, and she just took out a list, passing it on to him, "Look, let''s finish the list."

    Joseph took a nce at it. God, they were all crowded areas.

    "The initial task for being a good wife is to make her husband rxed. I have thought about it. In New York, visiting ces of historical interest may be the best choice." Irish said sincerely.

    Looking outside, Joseph squinted at the shining sun and said hastily, "I think I have enjoyed a rxed morning."

    Irish pouted and continued, "I am your boss now, and you should be at my beck and call. Don''t dere yourself."

    "Yes, sir!" said Joseph with a smile.

    Indeed, visiting South Alley was not a good choice since it was crowded on the weekend. What''s more, the style of the shop was much the same. Indeed, Joseph was not interested in shopping. Joseph hadn''t been here since thest time he came here with Irish.

    However, Irish was in the best of spirits.

    This time Joseph parked his car at the entrance and didn''t show off like he didst time. That was a nightmare for him.

    Needless to say, Irish came here for delicacy, and she was about to run to the cheese shop as soon as they arrived.

    Joseph clenched her hands as if he was afraid she would be lost. "Irish, stay here. I am going to buy it for you," suggested Joseph.

    "No, I want to go by myself," said Irish, who acted like a spoiled kid.

    Seeing this, Joseph had no choice but to walk to the cheese shop with her. Unlike thest time, they had been married and were a legal couple now.

    Both of them were dressed casually, especially Joseph.

    Irish arranged clothes for him in the early morning after they decided to go out. And she even prepared lovers'' sunsses.

    Looking at his side face, Irish found he looked so handsome.

    The sun was shining over the sky, which was blue.

    However, the people who were hanging outside were bathing under the scorching sun.

    Luckily, many small shops lined the street, and they could enjoy the cool air conditioner in these shops, which were stacked with various goods. In recent years, the cicadas have been getting fewer because many pors and willows were moved away to alleviate air problems caused by catkins and the noises caused by cicadas. But some old blocks still remained as they were.

    Irish preferred the old block since she enjoyed the cicadas singing.

    What''s more, she also liked the flying catkins with the breeze. A few years ago, Irish always stood in the falling catkins when she was taking a walk with Uncle Steven. It was so restful to meander along the street in such an environment.

    The old block carried her memories of her childhood.

    The singing of cicadas reminded Irish of her neighbors who always rxed in the cool under the willow. Although she could still meet the neighbors when she returned to Uncle Steven''s house, she seldom felt that way in her childhood.<novelsnext>I think you should take a look at </novelsnext>

    People who lived here always nted all kinds of vine nts and various fruit trees in the small yard since they strived to find a purend in the prosperous but morous society. However, nowadays, people would post a reminder on their door which read private residence, no visitors allowed.

    Many foreigners wereing here. Many people would be interested in the world inside thatcquered gate. And many locals living here were frequently disturbed by the visitors, which was why they would put a reminder at the gate.

    Irish was not interested in others'' privacy but still liked hanging out there. After her marriage to Joseph, Irish moved to Joseph''s vi, but sometimes she missed the old days when she lived with Uncle Steven and Aunt Mary. She missed the singing of cicadas which she had never heard in Joseph''s vi.

    Therefore, Irish thought she was a reminiscent person.

    Irish bought some pettymodities and some snacks. She seemed in high spirits, and she bargained in each booth with the shop owner. Joseph apanied her patiently at the very beginning, but gradually he was reluctant to stay in the shop and just waited outside.

    Irish glimpsed at Joseph when she was visiting a puppet toy shop. He ignited a cigarette and took smoke slowly there.

    Joseph squinted under the burning sunlight, and his forehead was oozing sweat. However, he was still dapper in appearance, although he wore sunsses. Irish knew that Joseph attracted the attention of the young girls passing by.

    Seeing this, Irish kept looking outside with a doll in her hands.

    Indeed, he had caught many girls'' attention as they walked in the street. Irish thought she needed to figure out a solution. When she was still absorbed in her thoughts, Irish noticed that a couple of girls had passed by him. They whispered to each other, and then one of the girls changed her route, stepping toward Joseph abruptly.

    Irish looked at the girl with a weird smile since she knew that the girl would strike up a conversation with Joseph.

    The girl was pretty with big eyes and long blond hair, and she was even taller than Irish. Therefore, it seemed that the girl was well-matched with Joseph.

    However, Joseph remained expressionless after the girl finished her sentence.

    A secondter, the girl took out her cell phone.

    Irish was aware that Joseph raised his eyebrows, and his lips moved slightly. And then he turned to the direction where the shop stood. Irish hastily looked down at the doll in her hand, pretending not to see anything.

    After a few minutes, she looked up again, but to her surprise, the young girl looked confused yet wistful as she walked away.

    Seeing this, Irish could not stay there motionless anymore and walked out to Joseph, embracing him before the public. Joseph didn''t expect Irish to be so enthusiastic and hastily put his arms around her waist, throwing the snipe into the trash can beside him.

    "Honey, how many girls have struck up a conversation with you?" asked Irish with a sweet smile. Reaching out, Irish wiped the sweat on her forehead for Joseph but felt jealous in her inner heart.

    Joseph grinned at her and replied helplessly, "Irish, you asked me to be here with you. It is not my fault."

    "But why did you insist on waiting for me outside?" Irish was not going to surrender.

    Joseph could neither cry norugh, so he responded, "I can''t help you with the bargaining, so I decided to let you y your game."

    "You know I am a money grubber, and I must save money for you. Did you try to bargain before?" Irish joked with her husband.

 Chapter 992 992: Are You Sure It Is A True Diamond?

    ?

    "Irish, I mean, you can''t save too much money for me in this way, but you will waste much time," said Joseph whileughing at Irish.

    "It seems you are good at abating a price," continued Irish.

    "Of course, after all, I am a businessman," replied Joseph.

    "Okay, you have to help me to abate the priceter," said Irish, who wore a big smile.

    Joseph gazed at her intently, gently rubbing the back of her head. "Don''t stay in the sun for too long. You''ll get a tan."

    "Okay, let''s go," replied Irish briefly, then headed to the crowd with his hand in hand.

    Joseph was like a Triton of the Minnows.

    They kept hanging out and passed by a shop with extraordinary decorations.

    They were beguiled by the romance and exotic atmosphere of the store as they walked in. What''s more, they were also shocked by the shop owner''s exaggerated makeup. Her curly hair was dyed red, and she wore her hair loose.

    The woman was dressed in a long robe, making her look like a witch. Her blue eyes were shining when she talked with them. She was enthusiastic, while Irish felt it was because she was interested in Joseph. After all, he always attracted women''s attention. The woman kept gazing at Joseph while Irish just remained silent.

    Irish looked around the shop and found there were many jewels, among which crystal was the majority. Many various stones were also disyed on the shelf.

    "What do you like?" asked Joseph softly. He ignored the woman''s passion and stepped to Irish.

    Irish pointed at a bracelet that was dazzling under the light.

    The woman took out the bracelet with a smile and spoke highly of her good taste. And then, the shop owner began to introduce its specialty. The bracelet was made of several stones in different shapes. The most conspicuous one was the green leather iid with a glittering diamond.

    "It is a small diamond," said Irish in a low voice.

    Although small, it was dazzling and served as a decoration for this bracelet.

    Taking over, Joseph looked at it calmly. The shop owner was aware that they were interested in this bracelet, so she hastily started introducing each jewel of it. Joseph said nothing while the woman kept indulging in verbiage.

    Irish rubbed the small diamond while the woman hastily exined, "It was the topyer of cowhide with the designer''s logo on it. In addition, turquoise andpis are particrly good. As you can see in the crystal, they are clear and free of impurities."

    The bracelet was special, and it was Irish''s favorite style. Reaching out, Irish took over the bracelet and asked, "How much is it?"

    The woman looked up and down at Joseph secretly, and finally, her eyes fell on his watch.

    "Three thousand," replied the shop owner, whose eyes shone after seeing Joseph''s costly watch.

    "Three thousand?" Irish was shocked.

    "Yes. It is not expensive since it is made of rare jewels," said the shop owner with a big smile.

    Irish looked carefully at the bracelet and then took a glimpse at Joseph.

    "You said it is worth three thousand?" asked Joseph without a mood swing.

    "Yes," replied the shop owner briefly.<novelsnext>I think you should take a look at </novelsnext>

    Joseph said nothing while the woman continued, "It is a good gift to present it to this beautifuldy. It is a special gift," added the woman.

    Irish remained silent since she wanted to see how he bargained. When she was wondering what he would say, Joseph said abruptly.

    "It is important for a businessman to be honest with the customers. But you iid a fake diamond in it, and now you charged such a high price. It is not proper to do that," said Joseph slowly, word by word.

    Startled, Irish opened her mouth slightly.

    The shop owner was also shocked by what Joseph said. But soon, she calmed down and said, "Sir, don''t talk nonsense. Why did you say that this is a fake diamond? This is a new shop, which is why the bracelet is so cheap, or the price should be higher. Some other bracelet without diamonds is much more expensive than this one."

    Joseph showed a faint smile and then continued, "Well, now that you are selling a diamond bracelet, you must have a diamond detector."

    Hesitant, the woman replied, "No, I have no diamond detector here."

    "Okay, it doesn''t matter because I can tell you the texture of it. It is zircon, but not diamond, so it doesn''t have the value of diamonds." Joseph exined patiently. A momentter, he then continued, "What''s more, as for the topyer of the calf leather, I also checked it carefully but found it is justmon artificial leather. As for thepiszuli...." Joseph stopped and then squinted, taking a closer look at it.

    The shop owner looked a little bit flurried, waiting for Joseph to continue.

    "It is not a fakepiszuli," said Joseph finally.

    The woman secretly relieved herself after hearing this.

    "But it is in poor quality and contains many impurities, so thispiszuli only serves as an ornament but has no collective value," added Joseph.

    The woman''s face lost its color, but she said nothing.

    "The crystal is okay, and at least it is a natural crystal. But I am sure you know that it is valueless," said Joseph, who ignored the woman''s annoyance in her eyes.

    The shop owner was oozing sweat, but soon she turned unpleasant and said impatiently, "Are you here to buy something or just make trouble?"

    "Of course, we will not make trouble here, and we also want to buy something. But you must be honest with the customer," replied Irish, who was ttered.

    "It sounds so absurd. Why did you say it is a fake diamond? You are not authoritative," said the shop owner, who took away the bracelet from Irish. The woman gnashed her teeth and continued, "It is a genuine good at a fair price. Get out of here if you don''t want to buy."

    Irish couldn''t help butugh since she noticed the annoyance in the woman''s eyes, but she said nothing and just waited for Joseph''s response.

    Joseph stopped the shop owner from putting the bracelet back on the shelf and then looked around. "Are you sure it is a true diamond?"

    "Of course, I am sure. What''s more, thepiszuli is of good quality," replied the shop owner firmly.

    "Okay, now that you are sure it is a true diamond. I am going to buy it," said Joseph.

    The shop owner was cheered by Joseph''s sentence, while Irish was shocked.

    ''What he wants to do?'' Irish thought to herself. Irish clearly knew Joseph was a past master in recognizing the diamond with his sharp eyes.

    "Okay, please wait for a moment. I am going to pack it for you," said the shop owner in a cheerful yet polite voice.

 Chapter 993 993: It’s Great To Be Your Wife

    ?

    "There is no need to pack it," said Joseph, declining the woman calmly. He put the bracelet into Irish''s hand and then said, "Honey, let''s go to the Identification Centerter. Although the diamond is small, it is a little bit expensive."

    Joseph said while looking into Irish''s eyes.

    Irish, being understanding, responded, "Do we really need to verify the authenticity of the diamond? This lovelydy right here has already confirmed it to be genuine."

    The woman was startled by their conversation.

    "Of course," replied Joseph, who pointed at the promise of the shop owner attached to the door. "Look at it. It says that she will pay us ten times thepensation if it is a fake diamond. Am I right?" said Joseph while turning to the woman.

    The shop owner was shocked since she didn''t expect that he would be so serious-minded.

    "Don''t worry. We all trust you and believe it is a true diamond," continued Joseph while taking out his wallet.

    The shop owner had never encountered such a dilemma. She thought awhile and then said with embarrassment, "Well, I have said the diamond is true. I think there is no need to identify it since you need to pay for the identification center. It is also costly."

    "The bracelet costs me three thousand dors, and I must ensure its quality," responded Joseph.

    The woman looked even more embarrassed. Thinking for a while, she cleared her throat and said, "Now that you like this bracelet so much, I decided to give you a discount. You just need to pay me two thousand dors. What do you think?"

    Irish turned to Joseph and couldn''t help but admire her husband.

    However, Joseph didn''t agree with what the woman said, and he just continued, "The diamond is indeed a zircon, and the quality of thispiszuli is poor. The so-called toyyer of calf leather is indeed artificial leather, while the turquoise is not natural. In summary, I think this bracelet is only worth three hundred dors."

    "What? Three hundred dors?" the woman was shocked, her eyes widened.

    It was also beyond Irish''s expectations since she never expected Joseph to be good at bargaining.

    "Yes, three hundred dors. What''s your opinion? It will be your first deal today. Of course, you can also refuse my suggestion, but I am afraid that your reputation will bepromised; after all, you are selling fake diamonds," said Joseph peacefully.

    "You..." The woman was too indignant to utter a single word. She wanted to vent her anger, but she had no idea.

    Joseph smiled faintly and gave another choice for her. "Of course, there is another choice for you. I am going to pay you two thousand, but I will make identification for it. You have made your promise that you will pay ten times topensate for me if it is not a true diamond."

    The woman was anxious. Hesitating, she finally said, "Don''t push me too hard. Five hundred is okay."

    "Three hundred," said Joseph firmly. He was not going to make a concession.

    Irish was sweaty since she was aware of the woman''s burning annoyance in her eyes.

    However, it seemed that Joseph tripped up the shop owner. She red at Joseph for a long while and then said reluctantly, "Okay, pay me three hundred."

    It was her first time to be caught out on detail by others, and she even didn''t pack the bracelet for Irish.

    The woman let out a curse in a low voice when they were about to leave, "What an iron cock! He is really a penny pincher."

    Irish gazed at the bracelet on her wrist and then thumbed at Joseph, "Now I really admire you. You are a master of bargaining."<novelsnext>I think you should take a look at </novelsnext>

    After hearing this, Joseph said nothing but smiled softly at Irish.

    "But you also said the jewels are all fake or in poor quality. Why not bid 100 dors?" asked Irish, who was still confused.

    Joseph grinned at her and exined, "We can''t push her too hard. Although it is a fake diamond, it also costs some money. Moreover, regardless of its poor quality, thepiszuli is real. The only valuable stones of this bracelet are the turquoise and pink crystals. The shop owner still has to pay the water and electricity bills, so we can''t go too far."

    "Ah? Didn''t you say that turquoise is artificial?" Irish quickly looked down.

    Joseph burst outughing and replied, "Turquoise is actually not artificial."

    After hearing this, Irish widened her eyes. "But you did say it is artificial."

    "Deceit is not to be despised in war. We can''t cut off our retreat. I guess the shop owner is only clear about the condition of the fake diamond since she is not a connoisseur, and she knew nothing about the quality of other jewels of this bracelet, including the green leather. Now that I have pointed out so many problems with the bracelet, she has no idea how to refute me. Look at the small jade beside the turquoise, it is also real, but just in poor quality.

    "Joseph, you are so great, and you even know psychological suggestions," eximed Irish.

    "It is just people''s inertial thinking, and I don''t understand any psychology concept." Reaching out, Joseph embraced her into his arms.

    Irish giggled and said, "It''s great to be your wife."

    Joseph looked at her as if she was a spoiled child.

    "It is just a bauble, but if you like it, I can ask people to make a bracelet in this style for you with real diamonds and jewels," said Joseph.

    "How much will it cost?" asked Irish with a sly smile. "Will it cost three thousand dors? Shed asked deliberately.

    "Honey, you have to sharpen your eyes. Three thousand dors can''t even buy a piece of jade," replied Joseph softly, rubbing her hair.

    "Joseph, it is so nice to be with you," said Irish in a sweet voice.

    Joseph burst outughing after receiving herpliment.

    They tasted various snacks while Irish enjoyed the peaceful moment of staying with Joseph. She couldn''t help sighing with feeling, "I really like the days living with you. It reminds me of my days in South Africa."

    It was a sunny and leisurely afternoon when they walked in the bustling Cape Down Street, Irish leaned on Joseph''s chest after finishing watching a show, and she hoped to live like this with Joseph forever.

    Joseph kissed her gently and showed a smile at her, telling her that it woulde true someday.

    Irish hadn''t felt so peaceful in a long time. But she was clear that Joseph could not realize her wish because he was in a conspicuous standpoint.

    Joseph stared at her and then kissed her forehead without saying anything.

    This time he was unable to give her any promise.

    Joseph''s phone happened to ring when they were about to get into the car.

 Chapter 994 994: He Looked Worse

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    Irish furrowed her eyebrows andined, "You said you would turn off your phone."

    Joseph apologized to her and then answered the phone.

    Soon a voice was heard from the other end of the phone. "Joseph, shall we have a talk?"

    Joseph smiled faintly with his hands put at the door and then replied, "Leo, there is no need to talk since you have achieved your goal."

    Leo didn''t get mad as if he had expected what Joseph would say. "Don''t decline my suggestion. Now you have left Runestone Group, and I think we should have a talk. We are now in the same scratch line."

    "But I don''t want to talk with you," said Joseph, then hung up the phone.

    He got into the car and remained silent.

    Irish looked at him secretly through the mirror. "Joseph, can you promise me something?" asked Irish after a small pause.

    Joseph turned at her, waiting for her to continue.

    Irish licked her lips and then added, "Let''s enjoy this peaceful moment and put the rest aside." She cherished every single second of staying with Joseph.

    Joseph locked eyes with her, sensing both her sincerity and apprehension. After a moment of contemtion, he responded softly, "Alright, I promise you," conveying hismitment.

    ****

    It was an idle weekend.

    Irish felt that they two were just like two mice bathed in sunshine on dry tree branches on Winter days. There didn''t have to be too much stuff in life necessarily as long as the two could warm each other in a quiet and stable way.

    However, life had to continue, and the joy was only for the short term.

    Having known that, Irish understood how hard it was to gain short-term happiness, and as a result, Irish cherished it much more than ever before.

    On Monday, all the news appeared actively.

    Quiet for only two days, the news that Joseph had resigned was just like a monster who evaded from the cage and aroused many heated discussions. More importantly, even some people in the same field were discussing it.

    Joseph''s actions also influenced the stock of the Runestone Group.

    The media defined Joseph''s behavior as "being forced to resign" since he had been involved in two murder cases. He left without any dignity. Of course, no medium could confirm whether he had left without dignity, but obviously, the Runestone Group needed to go through a period without it.

    The transition period required a strong controller; however, Roy was not fit for that.

    Ruby''s funeral was kept low-key.

    In Roy''s words, her wedding was kept in that way, so she would like her funeral in the same way too.

    It was raining on this day.

    It wet the whole cemetery.

    Those who attended the funeral all wore ck, Ruby''s families, friends, ssmates, and rtives. Some uninvited guests also came, like those reporters, many of whom were just driven out by the security.

    Ruby was buried beside Emery, which resulted from Roy''s persuasion of Shirley.

    Shirley cried sadly, groveling on Ruby''s tombstone. There was lightning and thunder, seeming to mourn for Ruby.

    After the funeral, Roy still had to be faced with so much stuff in thepany.

    Those shareholders were the most difficult ones to cope with.

    At this moment, he sat in the meeting room, watching those shareholders debate. They all had different opinions, which made him absent-minded. His mind just went nk, although he sat there.<novelsnext>I think you should take a look at </novelsnext>

    Not until one shareholder called him did he recover from his absent-mindedness.

    His mind went back. Faced with their unsatisfied expressions, he had to sigh. He didn''t know how Joseph dealt with them usually. Now he just felt tired of it.

    "Mr. Roy, we all agree that we should suspend Joseph''s financing n. One shareholder said.

    Roy thought, "Why just ask me since you have decided it? Am I just a puppet in your eyes?"

    He just responded angrily, "Just put itter."

    "It''s so important. Why just put itter?" The shareholder was obviously unhappy, and he just knocked at the table, "Joseph is involved in so many cases. To be clear, he is still a suspect. He will not be peaceful if there is no clear result in the case. The financing n was made by Joseph previously, but now he left, so we need to cut the rtionship with him. That is to say, we can''t have some connections with him. It''s for the sake of the Runestone Group, as well as for us and you."

    Roy didn''t say anything and just looked around those shareholders.

    They just acted to be nning it earlier, and all nodded.

    Roy was clear that those who supported this shareholder were mostly old shareholders, while there were a few shareholderster arranged by Joseph.

    After Joseph''s resignation, some new shareholders transferred their shares in just two days, which also aroused the fluctuation of the share price, while some old shareholders took the opportunity to buy them. As a result, now those old shareholders have be a dominant part of the board.

    It was just like the political world.

    It would be very dangerous if there were only one voice among those politicians. The leader was never afraid of the disharmony among them but their onemon mind, whose result might be that they would threaten him.

    When all those shareholders nodded to Roy, Roy felt that what the shareholder had said to him just now was as if a leader, instead, and others were his followers. How about Roy? Did he have the capability to be a real leader?

    He didn''t want to be a real leader but a captain.

    As for those politicians, oh no, those shareholders, he kept the same attitude, "Just put itter." He was the director of the board, so he had the veto power as to why he put itter and when. He didn''t know it either.

    Maybe he still felt that Joseph woulde back one day, or maybe he just believed that Joseph''s decision was right.

    The fact was Joseph would nevere back.

    After Roy returned to his office, William knocked at the door and came in.

    Roy looked in a bad mood and just held a cigar in his mouth. After many times'' trials, he still couldn''t ignite it. William helped him with it and then ignited one for himself.

    "Such an attitude is not good. They will have some negativements on you one day."

    Roy was still in a bad mood, and he just waved his hands, "Let it go."

    William grasped his emotion, so he just smiled, "Do not be so impulsive.

    "So what? What can I do?" Roy frowned, "They just waited for my nodding. Don''t I have the right to veto?"

    William smoked and then said slowly, "You need to learn from Joseph. Many shareholders also questioned him at that time, but he just made it. Although he has been dismissed, one thing is still appreciated. He would manage to persuade those shareholders as long as he stuck to one thing. Now you are in this position. It''s normal not to be used to it. Just think of a way to work with them as a team."

    Roy was still smoking. He looked worse.

    Seeing the situation, William smiled, "It doesn''t matter if you can''t make it. I am here to help you. I will help you to be firmly rooted in thepany."

    Roy didn''t raise his eyes and just put his cigar out by pressing it down to the ashtray.

    The phone beside him rang. He picked it up.

    After a few seconds of the conversation, he looked serious and just said, "I''ll go back home soon."

 Chapter 995 995: Do Not Go Casually

    ?

    Cassie vomited a lot at home.

    She just ate a little, but she nearly vomited what she atest night.

    Her nanny kept waiting for her at the door of the restroom, looking anxious. Her fingers twisted together. She looked helpless.

    Shirley was also nervous.

    She stood behind Cassie, watching her vomiting anxiously. After Cassie calmed down, Shirley sighed, "Why do you have such a great response? Look, you have just eaten so little, but you all vomited it. It can''t keep in this way,"

    Cassie was weak. She just leaned against the sofa. She still felt terrible.

    "Did your mother have such an intense reaction when she was carrying you?" Shirley inquired curiously.

    Cassie shook her head lightly. How did she know that? She thought.

    Shirley let out a sigh and turned to the nanny, reproaching, "How did you prepare the meals? Can''t you make some suitable and enjoyable dishes for a pregnant woman?"

    "I''m really sorry." The nanny apologized to her.

    Cassie said weakly, "Mom, it''s okay. It''s me who has no appetite."

    "She doesn''t know how to make delicious foods." Shirley still insisted on her opinion, and she just sneered impatiently, "Okay, from tomorrow on, you just need to clean up the room. I''ll prepare for the meals."

    Nanny nodded, frightened.

    However, Cassie was shocked.

    She just answered immediately, "No, No, you don''t need to do that."

    Roy proposed inviting Shirley to live with them tofort her and not to be lost in Ruby''s death. Cassie could understand. Roy loved her mother. And Cassie kept telling herself that she shall not have quarrels with Shirley at home. She knew that Shirley looked down upon her, so she needed to try her best to avoid quarrels.

    Cassie struggled to handle her mother-inw and had only gathered limited knowledge from an onlinemunity forum where women shared their grievances about their own mothers-inw. As Cassiepared Shirley to the descriptions she had read, she realized that Shirley was merely strict in her words rather than being as malicious as the cruel mothers-inw discussed on the forum.

    At least Shirley didn''t find her faults during this period.

    Cassie was prepared for that, instead.

    Her best friend, Irish, could not offer much assistance in navigating her rtionship with her mother-inw. Therefore, when it came to dealing with the dynamics between them, Cassie had to rely on her own learning and understanding.

    When Shirley said that she could make meals for her, Cassie was really surprised and shocked. How could she let Shirley look after her?

    Seeing Cassie refuse, Shirley said unhappily, "I do this not for you but for my son."

    Cassie blushed.

    Maybe because of the irritation, Cassie vomited again. This time, she couldn''t vomit anything since there was nothing else in her stomach.

    Shirley still stood behind her, frowning. After a while, she said angrily, "What is Roy doing? He hasn''te back yet. He said that there was nothing important in thepany. Is he absorbed in something else?"

    Cassie really wanted to tell Shirley that Roy had business to deal with, but she just had a stronger impulse to vomit as she spoke. Seeing the situation, Shirley went to the living room and called Roy without hesitation.

    It got through.

    She was unhappy, and she just shouted, "Come back quickly. Your wife is having a great pregnancy reaction. Send her to the hospital! She is your wife!"

    ****

    It was in the Harmony Hospital.

    Roy looked anxious.

    As Cassie emerged from the room with the nurse''s support, he rushed forward, even overturning the medicine bottles on the cart in his haste.

    He apologized and then helped to pick them up. He tended to be handsome and usually calm, but now he was embarrassed and stressed.

    Cassie saw the scene.

    She felt touched.<novelsnext>I think you should take a look at </novelsnext>

    It seemed that something had touched her. Aplicated feeling came.

    No, maybe she could figure it out.

    However, she felt shy. She dared not to see something in the right way. She dared not to expect too much.

    The world was so unusual.

    Cassie felt that her life journey had gone out of the original way.

    She had believed that she could be with Fredrick for a lifetime. She was longing to create a family with Fredrick. She even had imagined what their life would be after their marriage and whether Fredrick would apany her to do physical examinations.

    So many beautiful scenes passed in her memory.

    As time went by, those expected scenes were decorated and beautified by her once and once again, bing definitely beautiful views.

    However, beautiful views could be damaged finally.

    Now her husband was Roy, and she was to spend her lifetime with him.

    She had his child, and at this moment, it was Roy who cared about her.

    Fredrick got out of her life totally.

    Roy put those medicine bottles away and walked to Cassie immediately, taking the ce of the nurse. He looked stressed, "What''s up? What did the doctor say?"

    "No issues." Cassie got blushed and was shy, especially when those pregnant women were looking at them with envy.

    "Really?" Roy couldn''t believe it.

    Cassie sighed lightly, "It''s just a pregnancy reaction."

    Cassie''s doctor went out and motioned them to enter the office room.

    "Doctor Amy, is it safe for my wife?" Roy inquired urgently after ensuring Cassie was seated properly with assistance.

    Doctor Amy was an expert in maternity and child health. Seeing Roy anxious, she just smiled, "Take it easy. It''s okay. She just has a greater pregnancy reaction than others."

    "Is there any solution to ease it?"

    "Her stomach is not in a good state, which also causes her to vomit. I will make a list of something she can take in well, and you can just make them for meals. It''s better than medicine." Amy was really patient. Her voice was also kind, "It''s not suggested to take medicine, even for ordinary people. Diet adjustment is the most important."

    "Sure. Thank you, Doctor Amy." Roy was really thankful.

    Doctor Amy made a list for Cassie.

    Coming out of the hospital, Roy was still not assured. He supported Cassie tightly, afraid that she would get injured. As they went to the entrance, Roy said lightly, "Please just wait for me. I''ll drive the car here."

    Cassie nodded lightly.

    "Do not go casually." After walking down for two steps, he was still concerned with her and just ordered.

    Cassie was teased by him and urged him to drive his car.

    Roy left quickly.

    The sunshine was so strong.

    The shadow was also shining.

    It was just like a colorful rainbow.

    As she was thinking, Cassie had a strange feeling suddenly. She felt happy and was even expecting.

    What was she expecting?

 Chapter 996 996: Stop Showing Off

    ?

    She looked away. Roy''s tall figure was in the cars. She touched her underbelly. Yes, she was looking forward to her child now.

    Their child, actually, would be born soon.

    Because at the moment, just now, she strongly felt that Roy would be a good father.

    "What a coincidence!" A familiar voice came.

    It was light and lonely.

    Cassie felt shocked, and she just turned around.

    Fredrick''s eyes met with hers.

    Startled, her heart even stopped beating.

    "Yes." After a long while, Cassie found her voice. It was also light.

    Fredrick looked at her and said, "One of my colleagues gave birth to a child today, so I''m just here to have a look."

    Cassie answered lightly.

    "You..." Fredrick looked at her from top to toe with a question and asked, "Do you have any issues?"

    Cassie licked her lips, "No, everything is okay."

    They were lovers before, but now when they met, their conversation became so ufortable.

    It turned out to be embarrassing.

    They both didn''t speak.

    Fredrick hesitated, not wanting to leave at that moment, while Cassie felt apprehensive about stepping away. She feared that if she did, Roy might be unable to locate her.

    "Cassie, are you okay?" Silent for a while, Fredrick finally asked.

    Cassie touched her underbelly subconsciously, "Everything is fine.

    Fredrick noticed her action. His heart was broken suddenly.

    At this moment, he saw her smiling. He felt surprised. Along her look, he found a car sliding there, stopping steadily beside the stairs.

    Soon the door opened.

    Roy got off.

    Fredrick stared at him, keeping serious.

    Cassie was a little nervous. She looked at Roy stressfully. As for why she was nervous? She might know it....Maybe she was afraid that he would misunderstand their rtionship.

    Roy walked to Cassie, smilingly, and held her shoulder, asking gently, "Are you tired?"

    Cassie shook her head lightly.

    And then he looked at Fredrick. He smiled as a victor.

    "I''m sorry, but my wife can''t stand here for a long time since she is pregnant now."

    He just said it lightly, but he could clearly see Fredrick''s shocked expression. Roy felt prouder.

    And then Roy just held Cassie to leave.

    Fredrick still stood there. His fists became tighter because of anger and envy.

    ****

    Cassie got in the car, and Roy helped her to tighten the safety belt.

    Cassie looked at him carefully and observed his facial changes.

    "Is it tight?" He asked softly, afraid that the safety belt would make her ufortable.

    She shook her head.

    Roy looked at her and smiled, and then he started the car.

    The buildings by the roadside gradually faded.

    He didn''t drive it at a fast speed for the sake of her situation. Cassie lowered her head to look at her fingers, and then she just raised her head to look at Roy.

    He looked at the front. It seemed that he was not angry at all.

    What was he thinking of? Cassie thought.

    Was he angry or indifferent? She thought.<novelsnext>I think you should take a look at </novelsnext>

    She suddenly found that she cared about him a lot.

    Care about him?

    Care about Roy?

    Care about this man who forced her to marry him in an unrighteous way?

    Cassie felt shocked.

    And just then, the phone rang.

    It was Roy''s.

    He wore his earphones with Bluetooth function without hurry and got it through.

    Cassie took a nce at the screen. It was from Shirley.

    Roy controlled the steering wheel steadily with his two hands. Maybe Shirley called him to ask something about her situation. She heard Roy answering smilingly, "It''s okay. Her stomach is not in a good state, so she has a greater pregnancy reaction. The doctor has made a diet list for her."

    Cassie couldn''t help turning around to watch him.

    The traffic light turned out to be red.

    He stopped his car and turned around to watch her. And then he smiled and pinched her cheek.

    And then he continued, "Okay, I see. I''m driving...I will be careful."

    After ending the conversation, Roy happily told Cassie, "Mom is going to do many things."

    Cassie sighed, "I don''t want her to make meals for me."

    "You don''t like it?" Roy couldn''t understand.

    Cassie shook her head lightly, "No, I''m...just embarrassed."

    Royughed, "She is your mother-inw. You don''t need to be embarrassed. Just now, Mom said that she would help with it for some time, and you can just have a try. If you are still not ustomed to it, then invite your Mom to help with it."

    Cassie was surprised. She hadn''t thought that Shirley would be so.... kind.

    "Mom said that it would be better if your Mom weren''t involved in it. You have our child now; we should take good care of you." Roy said lightly.

    Cassie couldn''t help asking, "Really?"

    "I wasn''t cheating you."

    "But..." Cassie hesitated. Shirley didn''t like her. She thought.

    Roy was waiting for her answer.

    "Oh, it''s okay. I just thought that Mom had to do a lot of things." She changed her way.

    The light turned green. Roy started the car again.

    He said lightly, "It''s good for her to look after you so that she can have a better mood; otherwise, she will be lost in sorrow for losing Ruby."

    It made sense. Cassie was a kind girl, and she just nodded.

    "You...you must have been tired from work?" She asked something about him.

    Roy sighed and changed his steering wheel slightly to make a turn.

    "I prefer driving the ne." He sounded like a child, "Those shareholders are really troublesome. I don''t know how Joseph went along with them in the past."

    Cassie knew what happened in the Runestone Group. Thinking for a while, she said, "Can''t we invite him back?"

    "It''s hard. At that time, he offered to resign. You know, now that he did that by his will, there is no alternative way. What''s more, he''s now involved in many cases. Those shareholders will not trust him. In this case, even if Josephes back to the Runestone Group, he it will be awkward and embarrassing." Roy analyzed it.

    "Although I think you did it wrong, I understand you had no other way then. So, what are you nning to do next? You don''t like running apany." Cassie still thought it was a wrong decision for Roy to agree with Joseph to leave the Runestone Group.

    Roy knew it, actually. He said, "Now we can only wait for the stable state of the Runestone Group, and then I''ll seek a professional manager. There will be no issues on shares transferring, and those shareholders will not oppose it."

    Cassie nodded lightly. Things could only go in this way.

    After a great while, she spoke with a dry voice, "Then...Just now, are you still angry at Fredrick?"

    Roy finally understood why she just hesitated, and he justughed loudly, "Angry? I have a wife and a child. I''m now a victor. I couldn''t be happier. Why should I be angry at him?"

    Victor.

    Cassie closed her lips lightly and smiled, "Stop showing off."

    Roy took a nce at her and then smiled lightly.

 Chapter 997 997: A Good Plan

    ?

    Not all days were idle.

    Irish was clear that Joseph would not just stay at home to enjoy life. His vitality and dreams didn''t lie in the supermarket but in the outside world.

    In fact, she hoped that he could just stay at home. Even if they didn''t work, they could afford a good life. It was not the case that life could be only shown by luxuries. Normal life was also authentic.

    However, although Joseph agreed to give her some free time, his phone would ring continuously as long as it was on. He was busy as if he were working.

    He was involved in cases, but his value couldn''t be hidden.

    His value in the market.

    There were so manypanies inviting him to work from home and abroad.

    Joseph was popr. Even some international head-huntingpanies took an interest in him.

    Irish had to exim that the inte power was so horrible.

    When Joseph got through the tenth call in the morning, Irish came forward and stared at him. He was afraid of her look, and he just smiled lightly.

    "You promised to apany me to see a movie today! The movie is going to be offline." Irish murmured unhappily.

    "Sure. We will make it. I don''t regret it." Joseph put his phone aside.

    Irish pointed at him angrily, "But see, you haven''t changed your clothes!"

    "Okay, I will do it right now," Joseph said softly.

    Standing up, he was stopped by Irish again.

    He turned around.

    "Do you forget that you haven''t taken a shower? You even haven''t washed your face, and then you just want to go out with me?" Irish was so angry that she even wanted to grab her hair.

    Joseph gave in to her, "I''ll finish it soon. Wait for me for ten minutes. Oh no, just five minutes."

    Irish gritted her teeth, "Joseph, you will be punished if you can''t finish it in five minutes."

    Joseph did all those things in a hurry.

    Irish sat on the sofa, shaking her head helplessly.

    Yesterday, they booked a cinema to watch a movie together for today. Irish preferred to avoid crowded theaters, so she suggested going in the morning instead. Afterward, she picked a great restaurant for lunch and nned to spend the afternoon together. Irish wanted to purchase a new dresser, and Joseph agreed to go with her to the furniture store.

    It was a good n.

    It was mild and excellent.

    In the early morning, Irish got up.

    Joseph was used to getting up earlier, and he bought their breakfast back. While having breakfast, Joseph started getting through calls. Their breakfast turned out to be boring. Irish couldn''t help grabbing his phone nearly.

    Those calls were just like a disaster, making the whole morning dull.

    Even after Irish got dressed, he was still picking up phone calls.

    The whole morning was full of phone calls.

    The five minutes were neither long nor short.

    Joseph finally came out.

    In such summer, he wore clean but not so casual clothes. Irish was wondering why his leisure clothes turned out to be so formal.

    "Joseph, would you like the clothes with Mickey Mouse?" She suddenly asked.

    He got confused.

    "What, Mickey Mouse?"

    Irish took out her phone and found a picture of Mickey Mouse, passing it on to Joseph, "See, just this brand. It is a recreational brand."

    Joseph took a nce at it. He was shocked.

    "... It''s not suitable for me."

    "It''s better than the clothes with the Little Mermaid, okay?" Irish patted his shoulder, "The deal is done. Then let''s buy a couple dress."

    Joseph''s face got distorted.<novelsnext>I think you should take a look at </novelsnext>

    They just packed up something simply and left. The doorbell rang.

    "Is it Jordan?" Irish wondered. He nned to go back to training in Washington. He might be here to say goodbye to them.

    She walked forward and took a nce at the screen. She was perplexed and turned to look at Joseph.

    Joseph also went forward and just looked at Irish helplessly.

    "Who is he?" Irish asked doubtfully.

    Joseph sighed, "It''s Mr. Wilson of LU Group."

    Irish felt shocked, asking stressfully, "Why did hee?"

    "Previously, he has sought help from me many times." Joseph just said and pressed the "open" button.

    Irish grabbed his arm suddenly, "We are going out soon."

    "I see, but Mr. Wilson just came here from afar. We can''t drive him out." Josephforted her lightly.

    Irish released her hands unhappily.

    Soon the guest came in.

    As they opened the door, Irish changed to smile. In her inner heart, she was scolding him.

    And then they just entered the study room.

    Irish could imagine what they were talking about.

    She heard of LU Group. It ranked Top 500 in the globe and yed a leading role in the Luxuries Brand Kingdom, whose headquarters was in Paris. It also had branches in key cities all over the world. The man who followed Joseph to the study room was even on the Rich List, a famous figure.

    He came to New York probably to invite Joseph to work with him.

    As she was thinking, she just sighed and looked up at the time. It seemed that the movie at 10 a.m. would be missed.

    Although she felt disappointed, she still acted as a hostess and just prepared something to eat for them and sent them to the study room.

    Mr. Wilson stood up to apologize and thank her.

    Irish was almost embarrassed.

    As she was to get out, she heard Mr. Wilson saying to Joseph, "Mr. Dover, it''s my sixth time to be here to invite you to join us. I''m now 65. Please understand my feelings of cherishing talents."

    Irish stuck her tongue out and closed the door lightly.

    Oh my god. Sixth time... If someone invited her with such great preparation, she must have agreed. They chatted for nearly two and a half hours.

    After Wilson left, it was already half past 1 p.m.

    Irish couldn''t stand it anymore. After Joseph returned, she pushed him to the sofa and straddled him.

    Joseph was not angry but just smiled, "What''s wrong?"

    "What''s wrong? Please look at the time!" She waved his head angrily.

    As she was waving, he vaguely saw the time.

    He gently embraced her waist and reassured her, "How about we watch the movie in the afternoon and grab lunch beforehand? What do you think?"

    Irish voiced her concerns, "I''m afraid it will be crowded. Today, women only have to pay half the price, but still, there will be many people."

    "We can change to another theater. There are so many theaters in New York, actually." Joseph didn''t regard it as a big issue.

    "I''m used to it. In addition, the effects there are the best." Irish frowned.

    Joseph was thinking, and then he just said, "It''s okay. We can go to the VIP room. There are fewer people."

    "There is only better service in the VIP Room."

    Joseph felt helpless, "So troublesome."

    Irish soon held up his handsome face. She was angry, "Hey, Joseph, are you serious? You don''t want to apany me, right?"

    "I''m not really into romance movies, to be honest. They''re not my cup of tea," he admitted. He recalled a time when he apanied Irish to watch a romance movie, which turned out to be quite mncholic. The theater was filled with women shedding tears, and even Irish herself cried in his embrace,pletely oblivious to the popcorn spilling onto the floor.

 Chapter 998 998: A Couple Dress

    ?

    During that screening, he made a genuine effort to immerse himself in the film and connect with the emotional scenes to support Irish. However, he struggled to grasp the overall message or theme of the movie.

    When it came to watching such movies, Joseph''s immediate inclination was to analyze the film''s production and distributionpanies, identify brand sponsors, and contemte the potential profitability upon its release in the market.

    Given his previous experience in investing in movies, it was only natural for him to approach it from a business perspective.

    As Irish continued to chat excitedly after they left the theater, Joseph remained silent with a smile, simply listening to her. He was hesitant to reveal hisck of understanding of the movie''s theme, fearing that it might disappoint her.

    Irish affectionately ruffled his hair and persistently asked, "To be honest, you don''t enjoy watching these movies, do you?"

    Joseph disyed patience and gently reassured her, saying, "I''m more than willing to go watch the movie with you."

    Irish, taking the conversation seriously, asked him, "But were you enticed by the wise old man?"

    Joseph jokingly replied, "I''m only interested in women."

    Irish yfully pinched his arm and persisted, "I''m being serious."

    Joseph looked into her eyes and responded, "If I ept his invitation, I will have to go abroad for two years."

    "Can you also bring me there?" Irish asked with a big smile.

    Joseph pretended to think for a while and then said, "Nope."

    "Well, then, you are not allowed to go abroad. There are so many beautiful girls abroad, and they are enthusiastic, and I worry that they will take you away from me."

    Upon hearing this, Joseph found himself caught between mixed emotions, unable to either cry orugh. He continued to joke with Irish, saying, "You really overestimate my enthusiasm, Irish. I''m already exhausted from dealing with you every night."

    Understanding his reference, Irish pursed her lips and dered, "Regardless, I won''t allow you to go abroad."

    Without hesitation, Joseph quickly assured her, "Okay, I promise."

    Irish, taken aback, widened her eyes and inquired, "Are you saying you won''t ept his invitation?"

    Joseph gave a slight nod but remained silent.

    Seeing this, Irish waved her hands and exined, "Joseph, I am just joking with you. You can go wherever you go and do whatever you want to do." Although Irish hoped to live a peaceful life with him, she knew that Joseph attached great importance to his career.

    "I have declined his suggestion," replied Joseph with a soft smile.

    "Why? Tell me." It seemed he had his own n.

    Joseph smiled and then replied, "I am involved in awsuit and will be called by the police at any time. It is not appropriate to work in anotherpany immediately. What''s more, I am not allowed to go abroad. But the most important reason is that I only want to focus on diamonds. Warner Group has various luxurious products, but the diamond is not the main product, so I am not interested in it."

    Irish widened her eyes, pointed at her nose, and said, "But I am interested in those luxurious products. I can get many benefits if you work in thatpany," said Irish.

    Joseph couldn''t help but burst out intoughter. "I can buy anything you want."

    "Okay, remember what you said today," responded Irish cheerfully. <novelsnext>I think you should take a look at </novelsnext>

    Joseph pinched her nose gently as if she was a spoiled kid.

    "Well, what did the man ask you to do in theirpany?" added Irish.

    "The Chief Executive Officer in Europe, and they will recruit me to join the board of directors of the headquarters group two yearster."

    Shocked, Irish opened her mouth slightly and said after she came back to the earth, "You mean you are going to be responsible for the entire stores of Warner Group in Europe?"

    Joseph nodded but said nothing.

    "There are nearly forty countries."

    "I just need to take charge of the stores in some key countries," Joseph corrected her.

    "Well, you can also make a lot of money by taking this position. Wow, Joseph, we will make a pile. Give a call to him and tell him that you decided to ept his suggestion," Irish said agitatedly.

    Joseph was helpless but remained silent.

    "Okay, just forget it," Irish then added and then calmed down.

    Joseph was amused by his wife. Finally, they didn''t watch the movie but went shopping and bought some lovers'' clothes.

    The air was getting cool when the sun was setting. The breeze blew away the heat while the cicada also stopped singing.

    Irish asked Joseph to change into the lover''s clothes and ride the bicycle that they just bought not long ago.

    They bought the bicycle on Irish''s whim. Indeed, they rarely get a chance to ride a bicycle since both of them are busy with their work. Joseph always drove his car wherever he went. What was more important was that Irish couldn''t bear the young girls'' ardent eyes whenever they went out driving his luxury car. Therefore, Irish decided to buy a bicycle so that they could ride to relieve boredom.

    Joseph hadn''t ridden a bicycle for so many years, and it was also because he had no free time to waste on it. However, when Irish made such a proposal, Joseph didn''t refuse her. In this case, Irish bought one that could carry her behind. She always dreamed that someday Joseph could carry her on a bicycle to enjoy a diversion along the street on a breezy night. She would hold his waist with her cheeks against his back.

    Therefore, when it finally came true, Irish felt so happy, and it was so sweet for her.

    Joseph changed their lover''s clothes and was dressed casually. Irish selected a red T-shirt with a cartoon pattern.

    Although Joseph was reluctant to put it on, he had no other choice. Joseph felt so embarrassed when some girls passed by and looked back at him. Some daring girls even shouted at him, "You look so cute."

    It was the first time he had heard such apliment.

    Irishpressed her lips into a smile and then embraced his waist tight.

    "Irish, now I regret getting married to you," Joseph pretended toin about her.

    "How dare you?" Irish replied in a loud voice and then pinched his waist.

    Joseph rocked and then giggled to ask for pardon. "Irish, stop. It is not safe."

 Chapter 999 999: We Need To Talk

    ?

    Irish smirked behind him but then stopped tickling him.

    It was a leisurely day. They enjoyed the peaceful moment with each other, and finally, it was dinner time. They decided to have dinner in a restaurant near Lotus Park. Joseph carried Irish back after finishing their dinner. However, as soon as they got back home, they saw a car park in front of the gate. Joseph stopped while Irish also jumped down from the bicycle.

    Irish was anxious since she was aware that the car looked familiar.

    Joseph pushed his bicycle forward, but he also wore a dignified expression. The door was opened slowly, and Leo got out in the next second.

    The light of the sunset shone on his face and made his eyes look scarlet.

    Confused, Leo looked up and down at Joseph carefully when he found Joseph was riding a bicycle.

    "Joseph, are you a poor wretch now? Where is your car?"

    "Leo, shut up!" roared Irish, who was annoyed by Leo''s harsh words.

    Irish was still mad at Leo.

    Leo looked upset as he noticed the anger in Irish''s eyes.

    Joseph stepped forth and replied calmly, "If youe here to see whether I am fine, then you can go back now. You also see that I am fine." After finishing his sentence, Joseph looked back at Irish and said softly, "Irish, let''s get inside."

    Irish said nothing but followed him.

    "Joseph, we need to talk," suddenly, Leo''s voice rang behind him.

    Joseph stopped, turned back, and stared at Leo with cold eyes, "There is no need to talk."

    "You can''t go on like this forever," continued Leo.

    Joseph kept ring at him with a sneer silently.

    Irish took a nce at Leo and then turned to Joseph, patted his shoulder, and said, "Joseph, let''s get in."

    However, Joseph stood there still. Irish couldn''t figure out what he was thinking.

    After a long while, Joseph said to Irish in a soft voice, "Irish, you get inside first, and I will being back soon."

    "Joseph..." Irish was astonished.

    Joseph handed the bicycle to her and kissed her forehead gently. "Don''t worry. I will be back soon."

    Irish had no other choice but nodded her head.

    After Irish left, Joseph went to a quiet Wine Club with Leo.

    There was a faint aroma floating in the air, but Joseph just asked for a ss of lemon water.

    "Joseph, there is no need to save money for me," said Leo ironically.

    "I think it is better to draw a demarcation line. You don''t have to pay for me," replied Joseph calmly.<novelsnext>I think you should take a look at </novelsnext>

    A soft melody sounded in the hall while many people were enjoying the peaceful moment.

    Joseph also came here frequently, but he never paid attention to the environment here. But today, he came here with a different mental state.

    Obviously, Leo was not satisfied with what he said. He shrugged his shoulders and took a sip of the wine.

    Seeing this, Joseph snorted and said, "It seems that I need to take a taxi back."

    "Joseph, I never care about the rules," said Leo abruptly.

    "I''m well aware of that. Otherwise, you wouldn''t have stolen my design concept," Joseph retorted sarcastically. He lit a cigarette and took a slow puff, narrowing his eyes as he nced at Leo.

    Surprisingly, Leo remained calm and instead smiled, admitting, "You''re correct. I did indeed steal your design concept."

    It was the first time Leo had openly admitted to it.

    However, Joseph understood Leo''s character well, and he knew that once Leo had made up his mind to do something, he would eventually admit it directly.

    "Don''t you think you act like a child?" asked Joseph in a casual tone.

    "But how could it be possible for you to leave Runestone Group if I didn''t do this?" Leo asked in reply.

    Joseph slowly exhaled the smoke and then responded, "I won''t go to work in Shelton Group even if I leave Runestone Group someday."

    Only Leo can make ridiculous behavior for a ridiculous reason.

    Upon hearing Joseph''s words, Leo mmed his ss heavily on the table, his expression turning into a frown. "Joseph, I just can''tprehend it. How could you not join mypany after all the years you spent helping the Lakes? Let''s not forget that our families have been friends for generations! You''re so talented, yet you''re assisting our rivals in their fight, even though Mr. Lake supported you and Jordan. He owes you that! And do you know why Jordan used to despise you so much? It was because you worked for Runestone, something he couldn''t understand! I just can''t understand you either!"

    Joseph answered bluntly, "It''s not difficult to understand. I can''t let it go. There''s a part of the Lakes within the Runestone Group."

    Leo spoke indignantly, "So what? You''ve left now." He continued, "Have any of the shareholders in Runestone truly supported you from the start to the end? They''re all just focused on their own interests. What do they really think of you? But if you join mypany, I can assure you that you won''t have such a rough time! I want to give you a chance to join the board; I''ll open the door for you anytime! The position of president is reserved for you! Joseph, my desire is quite simple��I just want to fight alongside you. Is that so difficult?"

    In truth, Leo had always harbored the desire to bring Joseph into hispany, stemming from their coboration in college to earn their first significant profit. It was a modest venture, not a grand enterprise, but it allowed Leo to experience the joy of working together as brothers.

    From that day on, Leo felt that Joseph would be his best partner in business.

    However, Joseph was still staring at the Runestone Group and didn''t want to leave. Though he forced him to leave and pleaded, he always refused.

    He couldn''t grasp the specific qualities of the Runestone Group that made it superior to his ownpany. Why did Joseph perceive the bond between brothers as being so fragile?

    Joseph appeared remarkablyposed in contrast to Leo''s enthusiasm, almost to the point of being cruel.

    He uttered softly, "Brothers are better off just talking, not sharing the same business venture."

    The ss shattered loudly.

    Leo forcefully swept the wine ss onto the floor, tightened his fist, rose from his seat, and fixed his gaze on Joseph. "Joseph, do you still consider me your brother? What more do you expect from me? I''ve never believed that brothers can''t work together! Are you underestimating me?"

 Chapter 1000 1000: I Admired Your Victory

    ?

    The clubhouse has always operated on a membership system. Since there were only a few people present at that time, and Leo was positioned somewhat discreetly, the heated confrontation was witnessed, at most, by the club staff.

    When the ss of red wine shattered, the pristine handmade carpet became stained with red.

    The service area staff hesitated to approach and clean up the mess. In this establishment, not only for a single ss, but even if a guest were to break multiple items, the staff could not intervene without the guest''s permission.

    In contrast to Leo''s aggression, Joseph remainedposed, with eyes as serene as a frozen winterke devoid of any ripples. As Leo unleashed his anger, Joseph raised his hand to signal the waiter.

    The waiter dared not make a sound and came forward.

    Joseph issued a concise directive, "Clean it up."

    "Yes, sir," responded the waiter promptly, hastening toply.

    The process of cleaning up unfolded silently, devoid of any exchange of words.

    Joseph remained silent, and so did Leo, who stood steadfastly in front of him, maintaining an unwavering gaze.

    Due to the forceful impact against a sharp corner, the ss shattered, causing red wine to stter onto the carpet, creating a challenging mess to address. It took the staff nearly ten minutes to meticulously clean the wine stains from the carpet. In a disy of courtesy, they provided Leo with a fresh ss and eventually retreated to other areas without uttering a word.

    "Leo, it''s not that I hold you in contempt," Joseph remarked with a hint of exasperation. "Ever since you assumed leadership of thepany, you''ve implemented radical reforms, and the progress has beenmendable, indicating yourpetence in managing thepany. You don''t require my assistance in any way." Joseph let out a light sigh, flicking off some ash from his cigarette. "However, there is one aspect you must acknowledge. You cannot alter your temperament."

    Leo gritted his teeth and questioned, "So?"

    Joseph replied, "Indeed, with your current position and the authority you hold, you possess significant leverage. You''ve emerged victorious, sessfully ousting me from the Runestone Group. It seems that your temperament serves as a means to overpower your opponents."

    Leo''s voice filled with frustration, he expressed, "Ever since I was a child, my father always considered you superior to me. I just wanted to witness how you would handle the same challenges if we were on equal footing. Joseph, it''s not that I depend on you, but I can''t help feeling inadequate. Why have you always outshined me since childhood? Why did my father ce more trust in you than me? What makes me so inferior to you that even Irish chose you over me?"

    Joseph''s gaze slightly cooled as he spoke in a subdued tone, "Are you intertwining your resentments with new grievances? The old grudge is your discontent with me, and the new grudge involves Irish."

    Leo remained silent, keeping his lips tightly sealed.

    "Leo, I no longer wish to coexist with you," Joseph dered, enunciating each word deliberately.

    Leo narrowed his eyes slightly and responded, "But in reality, everything belongs to you. You joined the Runestone Group topete against me, showing no regard for our brotherhood. Moreover, my father''s trust and admiration are solely directed towards you. It seems that no matter how well I perform, his appreciation is never extended to me. And Jenny, she ced immense trust in you, yet you, based on your so-called reasoning, caused her demise. And what was the oue? Everyone still believes you are right! What does Irish truly see in you? You weren''t even aware that I knew her before you, and I fell in love with her at first sight!"<novelsnext>I think you should take a look at </novelsnext>

    Joseph listened attentively to Leo''s grievances, taking in eachint. Finally, he lifted his gaze and calmly responded, "Leo, we are now adults and childish notions and perspectives no longer serve us. It seems that you have indeed emerged victorious over me, regardless of the means and methods employed. In this world, no one truly cares about how you achieve sess; their attention is solely fixed on the moment of your triumph. Hence, I won''t pass judgment on the severity of your actions or the methods you''ve used. Moreover, if I reflect on my own past, I, too, have resorted to unscrupulous means in pursuit of sess. Leo, that''s my answer."

    At this point, his body slightly forward, looking at Leo''s eyes, he said word for word, "This is the answer. I can always win you. It''s not that you can''t beat me, but you are not so hard-hearted as me, so everyone''s eyes will only be on the winner, including your father."

    Leo''s teeth ttered, and his fists clenched.

    "You''re just trying to prove you''re better than me. Now, you win." He went on, then took the bottle, slowly poured a little wine into his cup, and held the cup to him, "I admire your victory."

    Leo stared at him.

    Joseph did not hastily drink from his cup. He kept it tilted, disying patience as he waited for Leo to raise his own ss.

    "Why does the Runestone Group captivate you?" Leo suddenly inquired.

    "Nothing particrly positive, really. It''s simply because there is a connection to my family in it," Joseph replied.

    Leo questioned, "What else I don''t know?"

    "No, I have nothing to hide from you."

    Leo raised his hand and thoughtfully rubbed the edge of the cup. A long timeter, he sneered, "Joseph, since you do not want to reach an alliance with me, then I can only find the reasons."

    "What do you want?"

    Leo saw that he finally changed his face, rxed, and smiled, leaning back, "For everything you care, I will touch your bottom line, of course, in addition to Irish, I only hope she can be happy. But I''d love to know the secret in the Runestone and why you must stay there."

    "You want to do something to the Runestone?" Joseph frowned.

    Leo sneered coldly, saying, "Without you, the Runestone Group is nothing but a scattered pile of sand. Relying on those shareholders? Or on Roy? Don''t be naive, Joseph. In reality, you know that the Runestone Group is like swimming in a pool of crocodiles in the market. Once it loses its backbone, it can only be devoured by otherrger crocodiles. The shareholders of the Runestone have long been divided, each pursuing their own interests. You are well aware of this, which is why, as the general manager, you gradually reced key personnel. However, the power of the Lake family runs deep, making it challenging to uproot the elders. It requires time. Now that you''re no longer there, Roy is not up to the task, so acquiring the Runestone Group is bing inevitable."

    Joseph''s gaze grew colder as he issued a warning, "Leo if you dare to harm Roy, you know very well what I will do."

 Chapter 1001 1001: People Always Learn To Adapt

    ?

    Leo''s face remained devoid of any smile, matching the growing coldness in his expression. He locked his eyes onto Joseph''s, and after a long pause, he responded, "I nearly forgot that Roy is now also your rtive. What a joke."

    Joseph chose not to say anything further. He stood up, his voice returning to a state of calmness, and stated, "If you still consider me your brother, then let it be."

    Leo chuckled and remarked, "Do I still need to find a professional manager for Roy?"

    Joseph gently picked up his lips. When Joseph turned around to leave, Leo raised his voice.

    "Joseph."

    Joseph stepped and turned around to look at him.

    Leo stood upzily, his gaze fixed on Joseph for a moment. Then, with a hint of derision, he spoke words intended to demean him, "I still remember you in your suit and tie. Look at you now, how utterly ridiculous!"

    Joseph didn''t anticipate such ament from Leo and was taken aback. He nced down at his own attire, seemingly unsure of how to react.

    T-shirt and simple jeans.

    Well, it was not his style.

    "People always learn to adapt." He still threw out a word to keep his face and then turned away.

    "Sometimes, useless adaptations are silly!" Leo said behind his back.

    ****

    Joseph hailed a taxi and headed home.

    As the car moved along, Joseph couldn''t shake off the feeling that someone''s gaze was fixed on him. He looked up and met the driver''s eyes. The driver appeared slightly embarrassed and offered a smile.

    "Is there something wrong?" Joseph asked directly.

    "Oh no, I mean, my daughter likes to wear the same brand of clothes." The driver was honest.

    Joseph opened his mouth and asked, "How old is your daughter?"

    "Almost ten." The driver said with a happy face.

    Joseph was speechless.

    Indeed, Joseph found himself wearing clothing that resembled something a ten-year-old would wear. It became clear why Leo had made that remark, as even Joseph himself couldn''t help but feel the same way.

    The driver said nothing more, and it was clear that the clothes were not enough to arouse a topic of discussion. After a dull moment in the car, the driver opened the radio, and the very light music filled in.

    Joseph fell into deep contemtion.

    As the taxi continued its journey, the buildings on both sides appeared to recede rapidly, creating the illusion of time slipping away just as quickly.

    In the midst of the rushing buildings, Joseph''s mind drifted back to his student days.

    During their student days, Leo had a strong passion for cars. He was particrly enamored by a brand-new model with its innovative design and high price tag. Leo would often drag Joseph along to car dealerships to admire it. Eventually, Leo mustered up the courage to ask his father for money, a difficult request for him to make.

    However, instead of simply giving him the money like other fathers might have done, Leo''s father responded differently. He told Leo that as his father, he had the responsibility to provide for him, but as the future sessor of the family group, Leo shouldn''t rely solely on asking for money from others.

    Leo felt humiliated and left home, carrying the weight of his father''s words.<novelsnext>I think you should take a look at </novelsnext>

    During a break from sses, Leo confided in Joseph about the situation, expressing his anger and frustration. Joseph, who had been involved in a holiday trip to South Africa to learn diamond grinding technology, suggested that Leo join him on the trip. Joseph even mentioned that his father might consider buying Leo the coveted car after seeing how hard-working he was.

    However, Leo shook his head, stating that he had to do an internship at thepany during the holiday period.

    Both of them fell into deep contemtion, and finally, Joseph proposed, "Why don''t you ask your father to lend you the money?"

    Leo pondered over Joseph''s suggestion for a long time, remaining silent throughout.

    A few dayster, Leo arrived in a depressed state and informed Joseph that the limited-edition car he desired had been booked by someone else and would be challenging to secure again.

    Joseph offered words of constion, assuring Leo that there would be better models avable in the future.

    However, Leo remained deeply saddened by the news.

    In the following days, while dining at the school restaurant, Leo''s father unexpectedly appeared and took a seat in front of both of them. Leo, still consumed by thoughts of the car, chose to ignore his father while Joseph politely greeted him.

    "You need to learn something," Leo''s father began, breaking the silence. It was the first sentence he uttered after sitting down.

    Both Leo and Joseph looked up at him, their curiosity piqued.

    Leo''s father emphasized the importance of having the strength to attain the things one desires. He exined that if one wished to possess what they liked, they must first ensure they have the capability to obtain and keep it. Otherwise, they would be left watching as others obtained what they desired. The message was clear: one must be strong enough to possess what they want.

    These words resonated with Joseph. At the very least, he understood the underlying message.

    Leo''s father then presented a stack of documents, cing them in front of Leo. He exined that the papers contained information on thepany''s stock products for the next six months. He admitted that the quality of the precious stones was not exceptional, which was why they had be stock items. However, he made a proposition: if Leo could sessfully sell the goods and secure signed letters of intent, he promised that Leo would obtain the desired car.

    Leo was puzzled, opened the document, and frowned.

    Joseph also took a look.

    The design of the product was very old-fashioned and difficult to sell.

    Leo''s father assigned him a specific buyer, emphasizing, "You must secure his order."

    With this added pressure, Leo felt the task bing even more challenging.

    "The path to sess in business is through achieving results," Leo''s father dered with sincerity.

    Leo closed the file and asked, "If I close the deal will you help me order that car from abroad?"

    Leo''s father shook his head.

    Joseph was also puzzled.

    Leo''s father looked at them and said, "Once you sell the goods, you have a goodmission, so you can take themission to book the car. Remember, in this world, when you have enough ability, others will also be around you."

    Leo''s father left, and Joseph thought for a long time.

    Leo is facing the challenge of selling his products.

    Despite thete hour, Leo remained awake, burdened with an abundance of product information, and sought guidance from Joseph. Regardless of Joseph''s drowsiness, he forcibly roused him from his bed, apanying him in search of a solution.

 Chapter 1002 1002: Help You Buy The Car

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    That time, Joseph was driven crazy by Leo.

    Moreover, due to Leo''s busy schedule with homework during the day, he would approach Joseph during the nighttime. The student apartment they resided in was designed with individual rooms to ensure that students could have ample rest. However, on numerous asions, other students would visit Joseph to discuss their coursework and would inadvertently catch a glimpse of Leo in his room.

    Over time, everyone wasughing that Joseph liked men.

    The reason was simple.

    Leo had earned a reputation for his penchant for yful rtionships, frequently engaging with different girlfriends. Unlike Joseph, Leo seemed to have an abundance of women around him. However, none of these women ever appeared to be in a serious rtionship with him, leaving everyone perplexed. The absence of a long-term girlfriend fueled gossip and spection among their peers.

    Certainly, everyone understood that these rumors were merely idle spection, and nobody seriously considered them to be gay. Their curiosity mainly revolved around why Joseph had not pursued a romantic rtionship with a girlfriend.

    In everyone''s eyes, it seemed that, besides Jenny, he rarely contacted other women.

    Only Joseph knew it.

    Joseph''s schedule was so demanding that he found himselfcking the energy to invest in a romantic rtionship. He began to empathize with Leo''s father''s perspective, believing that when given the opportunity to choose, one should strive for oues that align with their expectations. Joseph felt that this principle extended to matters of the heart as well.

    For that car, Leo seemed to be ready for the risk of everything.

    Due to his busy schedule, Leo couldn''t devote enough time to his girlfriend, which ultimately led to their breakup. Meanwhile, Leo was upied with his own responsibilities throughout the day. It was Joseph who brought to Leo''s attention that his girlfriend had started dating someone from the financial department.

    Joseph didn''t engage in gossip, but he happened to witness the situation himself.

    Leo responded nonchntly, with a hint of derision, stating that the girl was not as significant as a car.

    Indeed, she held no significancepared to a car.

    That was because, at that time, Leo did not meet his love.

    The taxi made a sharp break.

    And it prompted Joseph to walk out of the memory.

    A car rushed at full speed, which surprised the taxi driver, who rolled down the window and roared angrily at the car. "What the hell are you doing?"

    Perhaps afraid to surprise him, the driver exined to Joseph, "He''s silly. A road killer!"

    Joseph didn''t say much, but he offered a subtle piece of advice, saying, "Take it easy and prioritize safety above all else."

    The driver nodded.

    Joseph gazed out of the window, his eyes resembling clouds drifting across the sky, conveying a sense of tranquility and lightness.

    Joseph couldn''t help but wonder if Leo had met Irish before; perhaps the importance he ced on the car would have diminished in his heart.

    As these thoughts upied his mind, Joseph''s mood became slightly disturbed.

    This feeling weighed on him, making him feel drained.

    He should be happy that Irish didn''t appear in those days.<novelsnext>I think you should take a look at </novelsnext>

    Joseph had a realization that selling those goods would enable Leo to afford and drive his beloved car.

    In that sense, Joseph unintentionally became an aplice in Leo''s pursuit.

    During that time, Joseph wasn''t asposed as he is now. Despite having a more stable temperamentpared to Leo, his own ambition and determination were also apparent. Following a series of setbacks, Leo felt disheartened and contemted giving up. However, Joseph, being the supportive friend that he was, convinced Leo that there was still a path forward and encouraged him to persevere.

    Joseph helped him find a way.

    Day and night, he thought about it, and he was almost dreaming of selling the goods.

    He found that although the texture of the product was not good, it could not be regarded as bad, which could only meet the average consumer level. But coupled with mediocre design, it was simply whimsical that they could be sold at a good price.

    Joseph asked Leo to take good-looking design jewelry from the clubhouse.

    Leo didn''t understand what he was going to do, but he did. After that, Joseph asked thepany''s purchasing general manager out and showed him the jewelry taken from the clubhouse.

    Leo was appalled and said that was a fraud.

    Joseph said to him, "If you want to sell things, sometimes we have to use some means."

    Leo clenched his teeth and asked what he was going to do.

    Joseph lightly said, "Help you buy a car."

    Leo did not understand what he wanted to do and could only frown and wait to see his next action.

    On the other side, the general manager exuded arrogance, likely due to his possession of capital and control over purchasing channels. Upon encountering Joseph and Leo, he disyed a dismissive attitude. His disdain stemmed from their youthfulness, as well as his ignorance regarding their true identities and backgrounds, only knowing them as representatives from Leo''spany.

    Joseph took the initiative to reserve a table, and naturally, the expenses would be covered by Leo.

    As the other party was an Asian customer, Joseph and Leo apanied him for a drink. After enjoying wine and food together, they decided to have some fun at a pub apanied by five attractive young women.

    The night was filled withughter and amusement, and the customer expressed their appreciation for Joseph and Leo''spany.

    In that group of women, one of them seemed particrly young and exhibited reluctance and shyness. Unfortunately, the customer forcefully pulled her into his arms and began touching her, leaving her too frightened to resist.

    She desperately searched for help.

    Leo found it difficult to bear witness to this situation and stood up, intending to intervene and persuade the customer to stop. However, Joseph quickly intervened, stopping Leo in his tracks. Leo clenched his fist tightly, watching the scene unfold with a mix of frustration and concern.

    Feeling overwhelmed by the situation, Leo excused himself and went to the bathroom to relieve his frustration, spitting out the remnants of the foreign wine he had consumed. Concerned for his friend, Joseph couldn''t rest assured and decided to follow him to the bathroom. There, he discovered Leo gripping the sink tightly, staring intensely at his own reflection in the mirror.

    Joseph asked him, "What''s the matter?"

    Leo''s frustration and anger were evident as he looked at Joseph through the mirror and eximed, "Don''t you feel disgusted? Damn it! I''m a manager too, and here I am, apanying the client like his grandson! Look at him, treating these women as objects right in front of us!"

    Joseph remained remarkablyposed and replied, "So what? Sometimes you have to y the role of a grandson until the day you be the president of your ownpany."

 Chapter 1003 1003: I Quit

    ?

    Leo, consumed by anger, gritted his teeth and shouted, "Joseph, don''t you see it? How that young girl was crying!"

    "So what if I see it?" Joseph responded, clearly unhappy. He continued, "Are you feeling sorry for her? Then why don''t you take her away? If she willingly chose to be here, she must have anticipated encounters like this with certain guests. I can''t take responsibility for everyone''s future because I don''t have the ability to control it. Leo, remember this, you currentlyck both wealth and influence, so you are not in a position to pity others."

    Frustrated and overwhelmed, Leo threw the towel he was holding and shouted, "Damn it! I quit! Whoever wants to drive that car can do it! I don''t want it, okay?"

    "And what about your team?" Joseph countered, suppressing his own anger and raising his voice.

    Leo came to a sudden halt, pausing to consider Joseph''s words.

    Joseph spoke firmly and precisely, saying, "What you experienced today might be a recurring urrence in your future. Where do you think businesses from? Does it simply appear through casual conversations andughter? You can choose to give up a car for the sake of your dignity today, but are you also willing to let go of your team just to save face?"

    Leo''s breathing became rapid as his emotions intensified.

    Joseph stepped forward, patted him on the shoulder, and said, "What your father wants is to let you learn how to endure."

    In the end, Leo reluctantlyplied and followed Joseph back to the booth, casting a solemn gaze upon the young women who were prohibited from enjoying themselves. A heavy stone seemed to settle in his heart.

    However, it was apparent that the customer wouldn''t let things go so easily.

    After being entertained a few more times, the customer''s demeanor began to loosen up slightly. While discussing the product, he remarked, "When ites to selling jewelry, everypany is essentially the same. However, different qualities require different selling approaches."

    Leo didn''t immediately grasp the implication behind the statement.

    Joseph, disying his cleverness, took out a box from the bag and handed it to the customer. Leo''s gaze fixed on the box, recognizing it as the bracelet he had seen at the club.

    The customer opened the box and examined its contents. Inside was a stunning and dazzling bracelet, a piece of exquisite jewelry.

    Joseph wore a smile as he spoke, "We heard about your uing marriage, and we would like to offer this bracelet as a gift."

    Leo was slightly puzzled since he wasn''t aware of the man''s impending marriage.

    To their delight, the man expressed his happiness andplimented Joseph, saying, "Young man, you have a promising future ahead of you."

    Capitalizing on the positive moment, Joseph skillfully segued into the topic of the goods they had on hand. Seizing the opportunity, he inquired, "To be honest, how do you feel about our products?"

    Joseph maintained a calm demeanor as he assured the customer, "You can rest assured that our products are of exceptional quality. If we were to rate them on a scale of 1 to 10, they would easily score an 8. With the right packaging and presentation, they can be absolutely perfect."

    Leo was surprised.

    The customer pondered for a moment before expressing his thoughts, "I''ve seen your product designs, but they seem a bit..."

    Joseph interjected with confidence, "No worries, we can work on more detailed and enhanced designs, focusing on improving the overall color scheme."

    The customer was genuinely convinced by Joseph''s response and nodded approvingly, "Young man, you definitely have a business mindset."

    With the agreement sessfully settled, there was an air of satisfaction.

    However, Leo''s mood didn''t match the apparent happiness.<novelsnext>I think you should take a look at </novelsnext>

    He turned to Joseph and voiced his confusion, saying, "You mentioned the quality was an 8 out of 10, but wasn''t it actually a 5? Why did you exaggerate?"

    Joseph responded, "Consider the nature of the jewelry industry. Do you believepanies would invest heavily in inspections? No, only those within the industry truly understand the quality of jewelry. How many products in the market are rated as a 5 but presented as a 10? By doing so, we create a profit margin that allows us to thrive."

    Leo disagreed with Joseph''s perspective, stating firmly, "You are deceiving consumers."

    Joseph''s displeasure was evident as he lectured Leo, saying, "You have no understanding of sub-channel sales, do you? If you don''tprehend it, go back and study your textbooks! Do you think different countries use the same ingredients for the same brand? Don''t be naive! Let''s take a dress as an example. What is sold in Europe and what is sold in South Africa will undoubtedly use different materials. Otherwise, how would manufacturers make a profit? Leo, remember this, in business, there is no room for personal rtionships or emotions. If you share your feelings with others, they will only exploit your kindness and use it against you as a weakness!"

    With Joseph''s assistance, Leo''s remaining inventory was sessfully sold out.

    However, instead of using the money to purchase a car or keep it for himself, Leo didn''t receive the funds directly.

    It was Joseph who took the money on Leo''s behalf.

    When Joseph passed that check to Leo, he said, "This is what you deserve, you don''t have to punish yourself to be angry with others."

    Leo did not pick up the check, just lightly asked him, "Do you know the customer was fired?"

    "Yes." Joseph didn''t look surprised.

    Leo looked at him suspiciously.

    Joseph took a seat opposite Leo and exined, "I wrote an anonymous letter to his superior."

    "Why would you do that?" Leo was taken aback.

    Joseph met his gaze and replied, "It''s quite simple. I wanted to eliminate any traces of bribery involving your group."

    Leo was shocked and reacted strongly, questioning Joseph''s actions. He eximed, "But why would you do that? He''s on the verge of getting married. By exposing him for bribery, aren''t you jeopardizing his job and future prospects? How can the samepany in the industry employ him after he''s been fired under such allegations?"

    Joseph remained indifferent as he responded, "Who told you he was getting married soon?"

    Leo was taken aback and reminded Joseph, "Butst time you gave him gifts for his uing marriage..."

    Joseph chuckled and rified, "I simply made up an excuse for him. Do you really think he is actually getting married? In fact, I don''t even know if he has a girlfriend."

    "You..."

    Leo looked at him like he was a stranger.

    Joseph fixed his gaze on Leo and reiterated, "Remember what I said earlier? When youck money and power, you shouldn''t pity others. He took our goods so effortlessly, it''s likely he''s also taking advantage of clients from otherpanies. It won''t be difficult for his superiors to discover his actions. However, rest assured that your group won''t be implicated in the investigation, and he won''t be foolish enough to voluntarily disclose it."

    Leo''s chest rose and fell with his emotions, and after a long pause, he finally expressed, "Joseph, you are incredibly inhuman."

    Human?

    How much did it deserve?

 Chapter 1004 1004: I Want To See Your Action

    ?

    Joseph responded with an indifferent tone, yet his eyes revealed a sharpness. He stated, "If you want topletely eradicate the ck marks and ensure your safety, then you must ensure that those who pose a threat to you disappear entirely. By removing him from the industry, you can find peace of mind and secure your position."

    Inside the taxi, Joseph let out a sarcasticugh tinged with a hint of self-deprecation.

    Indeed, as you ascend higher in your endeavors, the path behind you bes increasingly muddied, and it bes difficult to find anyone who remains truly innocent.

    But Leo at that time did not seem to agree with this argument, until even Leo''s father agreed with his approach, Leo felt injured.

    However, what Leo did not know was that one time. Leo''s father took the initiative to find Joseph, and he spoke with his heart.

    "I know you''re smart, and you''re very good at business though you''re young, and you''re gonna make it. I think it would be nice for your parents to see you. You and Leo are good friends. I found that he is sometimes quite dependent on you, for example, he will listen to your idea of everything. I''m d to see that your friendship is strong, but as a father, I want my son to grow." Leo''s father spoke very slowly but firmly, "He is my only sessor, so he cannot rely on anyone. In many cases, he just needs to rely on his own strength and decision-making. Through this sale, I found your ambition is great,pared to Leo, you are more like a pioneer. Joseph, you may me me for being cruel, but Leo is my son, I want to protect his interests."

    Joseph listened quietly, then asked, "Uncle, what do you want me to do?"

    "Do you not want to witness your rtionship falling apart due to shared interests?" Leo''s father looked at Joseph intently and continued, emphasizing each word, "You are an intelligent young man, and I want you to make a vow. Promise me that you will not enter thepany, that you will not be involved in its operations or management, even if Leo extends an invitation. I know my son very well. He is not your match, especially when ites to power struggles. You possess a level of ruthlessness that surpasses his."

    "Uncle, I will not betray Leo."

    "I don''t want your word; I want to see your actions."

    After a moment of silence, Joseph stood up and spoke softly, "I understand, Uncle. Please rest assured, I will not join yourpany."

    Memories came to an end.

    The driver stopped when the red light went on. Joseph looked at the red light ahead, feeling dazzled.

    Leo would never know this matter, of course, he would not let him know that his father had looked for him.

    Poor parents.

    Joseph could understand.

    ****

    In the courtyard, while waiting for Joseph, Irish found herself drawn to a diary that William had left behind. Curiosity overwhelmed her, and she began reading it repeatedly, noticing various peculiarities and encountering more unanswered questions.

    After contemting for a while, she decided to call Joseph.

    The phone rang on the coffee table.

    She just remembered that he did not take the mobile phone out in order not to be disturbed.

    Irish took a raft and left him a message, and hurried out of the door.

    ****

    The excitement that once filled the air had dissipated in the old Lake house.

    The housekeeper remained in their position, and a few individuals were assigned to guard the premises and perform daily cleaning duties. As the house was now in Irish''s name, she took responsibility for paying these workers.

    From the time they began preparing the legal documents until recently, William had discussed the possibility of selling the old house with Irish. He expressed a desire to move back into their former residence. However, Irish consistently refused, stating that she would prefer the house to remain vacant rather than be sold or rented out. Deep down, she understood the true reason behind her reluctance: she still harbored a self-deceptive belief that Henry was somehow still present within those walls.

    She did not want to recall the past because she did not want to touch the pain in her heart.

    And this time, when she drove back to the old house and when she stepped into the cold hall, she finally admitted this fact. Henry was no longer there.

    Her father and her mother were gone.

    She felt pain in her heart, but she pressed it down.

    Everything seemed to remain the same. The housekeeper diligently maintained the cleanliness of the Lake house, but there was a noticeable decrease in visitorspared to before.

    She was wondering if it was time to let go.

    She would transfer the old house to William''s family or Roy.

    While Irish pondered her thoughts, the housekeeper approached respectfully and spoke, "Miss Irish, Mr. William came by earlier and mentioned that he wanted to retrieve something from the house. However, since he didn''t inform you beforehand, I didn''t allow him ess. I hope you understand..."

    "What could he possibly want to take?" Irish inquired with curiosity.

    During this period, both Irish and William seemed to have withdrawn from the board of directors due to the Lilith incident.

    The housekeeper shook his head. "I''m not sure. Probably just some small items."

    Irish contemted the situation. If William only wanted to retrieve small items, she wondered why he felt the need to visit the house personally.

    Upon reflection, Irish realized that it was indeed amon urrence. During the court''s swift judgment, everyone was in a rush to gather their belongings. Roy, in particr, didn''t have many personal belongings at his house. Since he started working, he only returned to the old house on weekends.

    That meant that the majority of the belongings left in the house belonged to Shirley and William, considering Shirley was almost forced out of the old house.

    Irish informed the housekeeper of her intention and made her way upstairs.

    Irish searched Henry''s study but couldn''t find anything of significance. As she entered his bedroom, she nced up at the air conditioner, recalling the incident when it seemed to have been tampered with. She decided to inspect the air conditioning unit but found that it was functioning normally.

    Irish turned to the housekeeper and inquired, "Did my father suddenly faint on the night before he was hospitalized?"

    The housekeeper nodded in affirmation, confirming that it was indeed the case.

    "What medicine did he usually take?"

    The housekeeper sighed, "He seldom took medicine at ordinary times. He says taking medicine is not good for his health."

    Irish was taken aback by the news and eximed, "So his condition worsened? His sudden fainting indicates a significant deterioration in his health."

    Surprisingly, the housekeeper shook his head and replied, "No, that was the first time the master fainted. Normally, although he had a heart condition, it was not as severe as that night. He passed away suddenly."

    Irish then inquired, "What did he eat on that night?"

    The housekeeper promptly provided details about the various ingredients consumed that night and added, "The police hade and conducted an investigation earlier, and they found no issues with the ingredients."

    Irish nodded thoughtfully.

    "All right, you can go now."

    The housekeeper rested soon.

    Irish''s brain was messy.

 Chapter 1005 1005: Found A Weird Things

    ?

    Irish''s thoughts became clear as she realized that Joseph had no involvement in her father''s death.

    She proceeded to enter William''s study, which was rtively smaller in sizepared to Henry''s study. Inside, she noticed a collection of refined coffee cases and various ingredients prepared by Kelly, but they had not been taken away.

    Irish recognized the material of the coffee table, which appeared to be quite valuable, possibly worth around $500,000. She spected that William might have wanted to take it with him.

    As she observed William''s collection of books, she noticed that most of them were old, and some were even damaged. Irish was unaware that William possessed a wealth of knowledge and talent, particrly in geography and history.

    However, upon flipping through the books, she didn''t find anything particrly noteworthy. Irish wondered what else William could havee to retrieve from the study.

    At the top corner of the study, a row of books caught Irish''s attention. As she examined them closely, she realized they were Chinese medicine books. One of the books stood out��a thick volume that appeared rtively new, but the wear on the spine suggested it had been frequently used and referenced.

    Curiosity piqued, and Irish decided to take a closer look at the book. To her surprise, she discovered that it contained information about various nts and their medicinal properties, as well as details about their culinary uses.

    As Irish continued flipping through the book, she noticed that a few pages had been folded up. Intrigued, she opened them and discovered that they contained information about certain nts that could be used to enhance vors and stimte gastrointestinal absorption.

    Chinese medicine has always been broad and profound; not expecting William to study these things.

    There was nothing to find.

    Irish couldn''t quiteprehend the reason behind William''s act of folding those specific pages. Moreover, she couldn''t understand why those nts were being highlighted for their vor-enhancing properties, as they were not particrly novel or umon. The purpose and significance behind these choices remained unclear to her.

    She turned two more pages.

    A picture slipped out from inside the book and fell to the ground.

    Irish set the book aside and picked up the photo. It was an old picture, its edges tinged with a yellowish hue, indicating its age.

    But it really startled Irish.

    The photo depicted two young men, their youthful faces frozen in time.

    Laughing happily.

    She knew.

    One of the young men in the photo was undoubtedly her father, Henry Lake, while the other was William.

    However, what caught Irish''s attention was the presence of a red cross drawn with a pen across her father''s face!

    The deep and forceful strokes of the red cross suggested that the person who defaced the photo held strong animosity towards her father.

    As Irish continued to examine the image, a sudden chill ran down her spine, making her feel an overwhelming sense of unease.

    A knock at the door interrupted Irish''s thoughts.

    Startled, she quickly gathered and tucked away the photos. It was the housekeeper who entered and asked respectfully, "Miss Irish, would you like to have your meal here?"

    "No," she replied shortly.

    The housekeeper nodded in understanding, about to leave, but Irish stopped him before he could depart.

    "Who typically uses this study?" Irish inquired.

    The housekeeper responded, "This is Mr. William Lake''s study. asionally, his wife alsoes in to make coffee."

    "What about the others?" Irish asked further.

    The housekeeper smiled and replied, "Each member of the family has their own designated study. They rarely venture into each other''s spaces."

    Irish pondered over this information, deep in thought.

    "Anything wrong?" The housekeeper was curious.

    Irish gently said, "Well, nothing."

    However, the housekeeper appeared slightly uneasy and observed Irish carefully. Sensing the housekeeper''s difort, Irish decided to inquire casually, "How was my father''s appetite?"

    Irish contemted the possibility that William might have been interested in reading books rted to her father''s condition. She wondered if there was a connection between the book she had found in William''s study and her father''s health issues.

    The housekeeper pondered for a moment before responding, "His appetite was generally fine, but he did mention feeling ack of taste in his meals before. Mr. Lake tried various methods to address that."

    Irish pointed to the book on the shelf and asked, "Is that book rted to that issue?"

    The housekeeper approached, took a look at the book, and shook his head gently. "I''m not sure," he replied.

    Irish furrowed her brow and asked, "How did William try to help my father with his appetite?"

    The housekeeper responded with a smile, "When Mr. Henry had a poor appetite, Mr. William would personally cook meals for him. And it seemed to have improved his appetite."

    Irish was nervous.

    "Indeed, despite their frequent quarrels, Mr. William was genuinely concerned about Mr. Henry''s well-being. When Mr. Henry''s health was not in good condition, Mr. William''s anxiety surpassed that of anyone else. After all, blood is thicker than water," the housekeeper shared.

    However, Irish''s mind drifted away, and she didn''t pay attention to the housekeeper''s continued chatter. Eventually, she left the old house and sat in her car for a while, lost in her thoughts. As she started the car, she realized she had been driving without a clear destination in mind. Suddenly, she snapped back to reality, only to realize she didn''t know where she was heading.

    Irish decided to park the car on the side of the road, taking a moment to survey her surroundings. After some consideration, she changed her mind and decided to drive in a different direction when she restarted the car.

    Irish retrieved the picture from her bag, holding it in her hands once again.

    The bright red fork was unusually ring.

    It reminded Irish of the words said by the housekeeper. After considering it for a while, Irish gave a call to Jay.

    The phone was connected soon. "Jay, I found something weird..." Irish came straight to the point.

    "It is not convenient to talk," Jay interrupted her.

    Shocked, Irish stopped.

    "I will call youter," added Jay.

    "Okay," replied Irish briefly and then hung up the phone.

    As she tightly clenched the photo in her hands, Irish couldn''t shake the feeling that the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Henry and Ruby had been oversimplified. Deep down, she sensed that there might be more to the story than what she had been led to believe.

    Jay put down his cell phone and then looked back.

    William and Kelly were sitting on the couch with Lilith, who was eating the cheesecake that Kelly brought for her. William was worried that Lilith had no money and insisted on giving his beloved daughter a bank card. Lilith declined her father''s offer and told him that she didn''t need the money.

    Jay stepped forward and said, "Uncle William, you don''t have to worry about her, and I will buy whatever she needs."

 Chapter 1006 1006: You Aim To Deal With Roy

    ?

    Looking at Jay, William was embarrassed and said, "Jay, thanks for taking care of Lilith."

    "I just did what I should do," replied Jay politely.

    Kelly pouted her mouth and chimed in, "It seems Lilith is in a stable state, so I think it is time to take her back since it is not convenient for her to live here for a long time."

    "Mom!" Lilith was anxious and tried to persuade her mother.

    "Lilith, don''t interrupt me," Kelly suggested.

    Lilith bit her lip nervously, ncing at Jay, hoping to find support in his eyes. However, Jay remainedposed and responded, "It''s not the right time yet. Her drug addiction is still ongoing, and she experiences it daily at a specific time."

    "If it urs at a fixed time, I think we can handle it," continued Kelly.

    "How? Do you still want to provide drugs to her?"

    Kelly flushed immediately as soon as Jay finished his sentence.

    "Aunt Kelly, Lilith was kidnapped because of me, and I feel responsible for her. I promise you that I will do everything in my power to help her quit drugs and regain her previous self," Jay dered firmly, his determination shining through his words.

    Lilith tugged on her mother''s shirt and pleaded, "Mom, I want to stay here." Her eyes were filled with a mixture of fear and desperation, longing for a sense of safety and stability.

    Kelly red at her daughter while Lilith lowered her head.

    After contemting for a moment, William reached a decision and handed the card to Jay. With a sincere tone, he spoke, "Jay, both Kelly and I are concerned about you. We understand that you must be exhausted from everything that has happened recently. Take this card and use it to buy whatever you need. Consider it a gesture of support and care."

    "It''s really not necessary to give me the card. I have already expressed that it is my duty to take care of Lilith," Jay replied, politely declining William''s offer.

    Although Kelly was reluctant to leave Lilith behind, she understood that it was the best decision for her daughter''s well-being. Reluctantly, she agreed to let Lilith stay with Jay.

    Lilith embraced Jay with her head leaning on his shoulder after her parents left. "Jay, I am so afraid right now."

    "Why?" Jay felt itchy in his chest.

    Lilith licked her lips and looked up into his eyes. "I am afraid you will ask me to go home with my parents."

    "Lilith, you still need time to recover."

    "But what if I have recovered?" Lilith continued to ask.

    Jay lowered his head, staring at her red lips. "Do you want me to drive you back?" asked Jay in a low voice, with his Adam''s Apple bobbing slightly.

    Lilith''s heart twitched, and then she lowered her head without saying anything.

    Jay also remained silent, lowering his head to kiss her gently.

    Lilith shrugged while Jay moved aside slightly.

    "Lilith, I am not going to leave you alone this time," Jay mumbled.

    Lilith''s eyes were filled with tears soon.

    ****

    In Key Group.

    The window sheltered the bustling scene outside.

    Leo leaned on the couch with a cigarette in his hand. However, he didn''t even take a smoke, and he didn''t realize it until it burned out. Leo threw the snipe to the ashtray, and his furrowed eyebrows smoothed for a little bit.

    He took out his phone and made a call.

    The phone connected quickly, and a deep voice emanated from the other end of the line.

    "Now I am sure you are ying a trick to get money," said Leo in an emotionless tone.

    "Don''t speak as if you''ve done me a favor. You simply coerced Joseph into leaving Runestone Group," the man''s voice dripped with irony. He continued, "But rest assured, now that I have epted your payment, I will handle the situation ordingly. Joseph is a capable individual, and he may attempt to return to Runestone Group. If that happens, we will need to take further measures. Remember, he has not been convicted yet, and he will likely hire top-notchwyers. As long as he remains in this field, he will be a stumbling block that we must ovee."

    Leo was annoyed to hear the man''s speech, and when he was about to say something, someone knocked on the door.

    "Come in."

    It was Fredrick. Leo asked him to close the door and then said to the man at the other end of the phone, "Take the money, and I don''t need you to do anything for me. Just quit your decision, and I don''t need him to give up his job in this field."

    "It appears that you are seeking retribution," the man asked.

    "Yes, you are correct. Regardless of any past disputes between you before, consider the money aspensation," Leo responded in a cold and detached tone.

    The man burst intoughter, his tone filled with amusement. He then remarked, "Since you suddenly have a change of heart towards Joseph, I won''t trouble you any further. By the way, thanks for the money."

    Without uttering a word, Leo promptly ended the call, cutting off any further conversation.

    Fredrick also heard their conversation. Confused, he sat down and then asked, "Leo, what do you mean?"

    "Nothing," replied Leo briefly.

    "But why do you ask him to stop?" continued Fredrick.

    Leo took the smoke and responded calmly. "Joseph has left Runestone Group. That''s enough."

    Fredrick felt a sense of absurdity upon hearing Leo''s conversation. "Leo, you initially mentioned wanting to defeat him. But now, do you only want him to leave the Runestone Group?" Fredrick questioned, seeking rification.

    "What''s wrong?" said Leo, who raised his eyebrows.

    Fredrick leaned forward, emphasizing his point. "Don''t be so naive. Do you think that''s enough? Joseph will undoubtedly make aeback sooner orter, as long as he remains in this field," Fredrick stressed, underscoring Joseph''s potential resilience and determination.

    Leo stared at Fredrick with a faint smile.

    Fredrick shivered under his gaze, and his eyebrows knitted into a knot, "Am I wrong?"

    Leo kept taking a smoke and snorted indifferently, "It seems that you are not just going to deal with Roy."

    Fredrick squinted slightly but said nothing.

    "Indeed, you want to kill two birds with one stone, right?" asked Leo directly.

    "What do you mean?" Fredrick asked in reply.

    "You aim to deal with Roy, but simultaneously, you also desire to defeat Joseph. However, you know that Joseph is not an easy opponent to handle, so you have chosen to coborate with me. You understand that if Joseph departs from Runestone Group, Roy will lose his supporter," Leo paused briefly before continuing, "Hence, the true target you intend to confront is Joseph."

    Fredrick clenched his hands and responded calmly, "You have the same goal as me. Are there any problems?"

 Chapter 1007 1007: You Know Nothing About Me

    ?

    "No, we only have the same starting point, and we all want to force Joseph to leave Runestone Group, but our goals are totally different. I only want him to admit that I am stronger than him. How about you?" Is your goal the same as mine?" asked Leo, who stared at Fredrick.

    "What are you trying to say?" Leo leaned forward, his expression impassive. "You seek revenge on both Joseph and Roy because they took two women you cared about away from you," he stated tly.

    Fredrick''s face hardened like a stone as he listened to Leo''s words.

    "You hold a grudge against Roy because he married your fianc��e. However, you harbor a deeper hatred for Joseph because Irish, the woman you loved for many years and secretly considered your own girlfriend, ended up with him. Despite being a psychologist, you are also concerned about maintaining appearances and enjoying the attention of having two women by your side. Even though you have a girlfriend, you cannot relinquish your feelings for Irish. The fact that she ended up marrying Joseph came as a devastating blow to you. So,pared to Roy, your resentment towards Joseph is even greater," Leo stated, his smile taking on an eerie quality.

    Fredrick gnashed his teeth and said word by word, "Leo, don''t be wise in your own conceit."

    "I didn''t," Leo replied casually, seemingly unfazed.

    "You know nothing about me!" Fredrick retorted, his irritation palpable.

    "What is it that you want to know?" Leo inquired in response.

    "Irish should be with me. Only by staying with me can she be safe," Fredrick continued, emphasizing his conviction.

    "Do you know what you are talking about?"

    "I am clear what I am talking about, but you are all self-righteous," said Fredrick, who gnashed his teeth in anger. A small pauseter, he then added, "Do you know why I disclosed Irish''s psychological report and forced her to leave this field? Do you think I want to cope with Joseph? You are wrong. I am protecting her. But I also hope Irish can deceive herself and live a peaceful life."

    "What do you mean?" Leo was shocked.

    "Irish did get some mental problems," replied Fredrick, word by word, while looking into his eyes.

    Leo still felt confused by his words.

    Fredrick pointed to his head and proceeded to exin, "There is a secret locked away in Irish''s mind. While I am not entirely certain about the specifics, I have observed that it deeply disturbs her whenever I attempt to hypnotize her. Clearly, she cannot recall this secret due to some self-protective mechanism of her brain. Initially, I believed that Adam''s death had caused her immense pain, but upon realizing that she remembers their past together, I came to understand that there must be another secret buried in her mind."

    Leo''s eyebrows furrowed as he processed the information shared by Fredrick. It seemed that there was more to Irish''s situation than he had previously known.

    "I don''t want anything or anyone to bother her. In other words, I hope she does not remember the secret because only in this way she could be happy." Fredrick snorted and showed a sneer and then continued, "Do you think Joseph is really her, Mr. Right? Irish should be with a man without any ambitions and live a peaceful life."

    Leo was absorbed in his thought.

    A small pauseter, Fredrick said again, "I am jealous of Joseph because I really love Irish."

    Leo maintained his silence, observing Fredrick closely as he spoke.

    "Men are inherently selfish. Regarding Cassie, she is my girlfriend, so naturally, I would be angered by Roy''s actions. However, when ites to Irish, my intention is solely to protect her. I believe that Joseph is incapable of ensuring her safety," Fredrick asserted.

    Leo couldn''t help but sneer at Fredrick''s words and responded, "Fredrick, don''t assume that you are the only one who wants to protect Irish in this world."

    Fredrick remained indifferent, unaffected by Leo''s retort.

    ****

    Joseph was about to go out when Irish went back home. She was shocked and asked him where he was going. Joseph heaved a sigh of relief, put down his portfolio, and embraced her.

    "Why did you go there today?" asked Joseph in a soft voice.

    "Are you going to find me?" Joseph neither admitted nor denied it but told her not to go there anymore.

    "Why?" Irish was confused.

    Joseph started for a while and kissed her forehead gently. "I don''t want you to grieve."

    "I just think maybe I can get some clues there," replied Irish.

    "Irish, don''t get involved in this matter," Joseph interrupted her and uttered seriously.

    Irish paused and refrained from informing him about her discovery of a suspicious photo.

    "Okay. I get it." She leaned against his chest and put her arms around his waist.

    Joseph suddenly became aware that he had spoken too harshly to her. He let out a sigh and calmly reassured her, saying, "I''m not ming you, and I genuinely don''t want you to feel upset any longer."

    Irish looked up and squeezed her lips into a smile. "You mean that you could handle this, right?"

    Joseph showed a faint smile and raised his hands to touch her forehead. "You have to trust me."

    Irish nodded quietly while Joseph reached out and embraced her.

    Nevertheless, Irish''s brow furrowed tightly over time as she developed a strong sense that there was a hidden secret within the ancestral house of the Lake family.

    ****

    Irish went to meet Jay the next day when Joseph went to the police station.

    Jay was waiting for Irish in a mall.

    There were only a handful of individuals present as they met during regr working hours.

    The weather was pleasant, prompting them to take a seat outside a coffee house. Lilith apanied Jay going out but chose not to participate and instead spent her time casually strolling through the shopping mall. Lilith remained quiet and patient, much like a small child, waiting for their return not too far away.

    Indeed, Jay also didn''t want her to join their conversation because it was rted to her parents.

    Irish asked for a cup of Mocha, but she forgot to add some sugar.

    Taking out the photo, Irish handed it to Jay, who was absorbed in his thought as he took a nce at the photo.

    "William and Kelly often use this study room while the housekeeper would clear this room in time, so I think this photo must be rted to them," analyzed Irish with a frown. She thought for a while and then added, "I also learned that it was William who cooked for my father before his death. William bought some books about nts and food during that period, so I think..." She stopped in the middle sentence.

 Chapter 1008 1008: Roy Is Dead

    ?

    Saying this, Irish looked in the direction where Lilith sat.

    "You think your father''s death is rted to them," Jay asked, who added her unfinished sentence.

    "I don''t know. It is just my intuition. But if William really did this, then it is so horrible. I just feel it is so weird, and when I remember the female ghost in the Lake family, I feel it is so suspicious."

    "But it has been cleared up."

    "However, my father mentioned in his diary that he finds it suspicious," Irish continued. "Both my mother and I share the same sentiment."

    Jay thought for a while and then responded, "It is Joie who mystified us, so your father thought he had seen your mother."

    "No, my father said it with conviction," Irish whispered softly. "You''re correct, he might consider Joie as my mother. However, I also have a suspicion that he encountered my father."

    Jay was startled and responded, "Please refrain from speaking nonsense. It sounds incredibly strange."

    "I''m trying to say that my father had some memory issues, which led to his intuition and belief in what actually happened," Irish exined. After a brief pause, she added, "I can gather from his diary that he isn''t relishing the memories of those past days but rather documenting his genuine life with my Mom."

    "Do you suspect William?" asked Jay in a low voice. "There is something you might not be clear about. The police have made an investigation on William about your father and Ruby''s death. And I also know the books you mentioned, but I heard that there is no doubt. They even consulted botanists and nutritionists, but they found no problem," added Jay.

    "But how can you exin this weird photo?" Irish pointed at the red marks on the photo.

    Jay heaved a sigh and responded, "It can''t be direct evidence, I also think it is suspicious. Perhaps the police really ignored something."

    "There is still something weird," mumbled Irish.

    Jay looked at her, waiting for her to continue.

    "I think Joseph is weird," said Irish.

    "Joseph?"

    "Yes, when I returned to the Lake family''s house, I noticed that he appeared anxious, and he didn''t inquire about what I discovered there," Irish confirmed. "Of course, I''m not suspecting him, but I have a feeling that he might be aware of something and chose not to share it with me."

    "Perhaps it is because you are too sensitive."

    "Joseph''s behavior is quite unusual. We experienced an attack in South Africa previously, yet he never mentioned it afterwards. This implies that he either knows who was responsible or he hasn''t been able to identify the culprits," Irish pointed out.

    "Perhaps he didn''t find the murderer," said Jay calmly.

    "Well, the murderer should be capable because Joseph has a wide connection," responded Irish.

    Irish remained silent as she finished her sentence.

    "If it is indeed connected to William, why would Joseph go to such lengths to conceal the truth from him?" Jay inquired.

    It also confused Irish.

    "Irish, don''t worry. The police are still investigating to find the real murderer,"forted Jay.

    Irish heaved a sigh of relief and said, "I just think Joseph hid something, and it feels so terrible."

    "Perhaps he doesn''t want you to worry about him. I''ll keep this photo for you first."

    Irish took her younger brother''s hands and said, "Are you suspicious? Jay, you have to be frank with me."

    Jay took a sip of coffee and set the ss down. "Indeed, whenparing William and Kelly, my suspicions lean more towards Kelly," he stated.

    "What?" Irish''s mouth dropped open in shock.

    "When Lilith fell into drug addiction, Kelly supplied her with drugs. The question is, where did Kelly obtain those drugs? I tried to approach the topic subtly yesterday, but Kelly imed that one of her friends helped her acquire them. She even mentioned that she had no other choice because she couldn''t bear to see her daughter suffer. However, I find it difficult to believe her story. Furthermore, William was not present at the scene on the night Ruby was killed. Instead, Kelly imed to have returned home early that day. At least, that''s what she told the police, right?" Jay whispered in a hushed tone.

    Irish agreed with Jay as he continued to express his thoughts. He stated, "The doubts surrounding them have been alleviated because Lilith was present at the location. However, from my perspective, Lilith became unconscious due to her struggle with drug addiction. Therefore, it raises the question of how Lilith can prove that she was indeed with her parents during that time."

    Irish was taken aback and slightly shivered as she realized she might have oversimplified the case.

    "It seems that things are not as straightforward as we initially thought."

    Jay added, "If Ruby''s death is connected to the Lake family, there must be a hidden narrative behind your father''s death. I even suspect that there is someone behind the scenes pulling the strings."

    Irish began to gasp.

    "But please bear in mind that this is merely my spection. Nevertheless, Irish, I assure you that I ammitted to uncovering the truth."

    ****

    As the day progressed, the sky became overcast, casting a gloomy atmosphere.

    Irish was woken up by her telephone ring. She connected the phone but was startled a few secondster.

    Joseph happened to walk in as he was about to wake her up for breakfast. He couldn''t help but ask when he noticed Irish sitting there in astonishment, "What''s wrong?"

    Her phone slipped down to the bed while Irish kept trembling, looking into Joseph''s eyes, and then said in a shaky voice, "Joseph...Roy is dead."

    ****

    Roy has yet to return, which is rather unusual as Cassie has received no updates from him. Early the following morning, Cassie received a call from the police station informing her that a lifeless body had been discovered, possibly belonging to Roy.

    The police officer refrained from providing a conclusive response until family members were present. However, Cassie understood that the call would not have been made without substantial evidence, strongly suggesting that the deceased individual could indeed be Roy.

    Apanied by Joseph and Irish, Cassie and Shirley made their way to the morgue.

    Irish and Joseph disyed visible trembling, reflecting their own distress. Meanwhile, Cassie''s fear became overwhelming, causing her face to lose color as she teetered on the brink of fainting. She was filled with terror and uncontroble shivers. Shirley, on the other hand, appeared devastated, her eyes bloodshot and her demeanor resembling that of a lifeless figure.

    Concerned for Cassie, Irish reached out and held her hands, only to discover that her own hands feltparatively warmer than Cassie''s, despite the prevailing chill in the air.

    It was not exaggerated to describe Cassie''s hands as "chilly." It was as cold as ice. Her fingers were also dull. She couldn''t even twist them.

    In the morning, Cassie received the news directly from the police, andter she shared the information with Irish.

 Chapter 1009 1009: The Body Is Totally Burned

    ?

    As the words reached Cassie''s ears, an intense surge of betrayal seemed to pierce her heart. Breathing became arduous, and the physical symptoms of her pregnancy intensified. Overwhelmed, she hastily went to the bathroom, where she vomited while trembling uncontrobly. Tears refused to flow due to the sheer terror gripping her. Only one thought echoed relentlessly in her mind, "The body does not belong to Roy... He is not dead..."

    And then her underbelly ached. She just held her underbelly and quivered. Shirley finished making breakfast, and as she entered the bathroom, she saw Cassie squatting on the floor. She thought that there was a problem with Cassie''s baby, and she just screamed and asked whether Cassie feltfortable.

    Cassie''s mind went nk. She even lost consciousness. She just spoke absent-mindedly, "Roy...is dead... The police asked us to identify the body...."

    Upon hearing the news, Shirley sumbed to a faint, unable to withstand the overwhelming shock.

    In contrast to Irish, Cassie had not yet witnessed the loss of a loved one firsthand. Her parents were still alive, and the passing of her grandmother had urred during her early childhood, preventing her from experiencing profound grief.

    Overwhelmed by Roy''s alleged death and Shirley''s sudden copse, Cassie found herself in a state of confusion and uncertainty. Unsure of how to proceed, she instinctively called Irish.

    When Joseph and Irish arrived at Cassie''s house, Shirley woke up. On the way to the police station, Shirley cried and shouted while Cassie kept still, just clenching Irish''s hands tightly.

    Irish felt so nervous.

    The darkening clouds in the sky mirrored the increasingly somber atmosphere within the car. Tension hung heavy in the air, palpable to all upants. The bustling streets remained congested, exacerbating the already crowded conditions. Joseph''s driving, typically steady, became erratic. He narrowed through numerous alleys and even crossed intersections when the traffic lights had already turned red.

    Irish could observe his side face from the rearview mirror.

    He looked serious, closing his lips tightly. The radian of his lips was as fierce as a knife.

    In the mortuary, some police were already there.

    Chalmers assumed control of the case, his gaze briefly flickering over the report provided by the legal expert. He then surveyed the gathering of concerned rtives before his attention settled on Joseph. Speaking in a casual tone, he remarked, "The Lakes seem to have their fair share of cases. It''s hard to believe this is what life should be."

    Joseph still kept silent.

    Irish felt unhappy when she heard it, "Chalmers, what do you mean? Do you suspect my husband? Last night we were together. He didn''t even go out."

    Chalmers didn''t say anything and just stared at Joseph.

    Joseph just said lightly, "Can wee in to identify the body?"

    Chalmers shifted his gaze towards Cassie, his eyes fixed upon her. "Are you Roy''s wife?" he inquired.

    Cassie nodded anxiously in response.

    "I want to prepare you mentally," Chalmers continued, his voice remaining steady. "When we arrived at the scene, Roy had already suffered a fatal burn in the car. His body was extensively charred, and the vehicle itself waspletely destroyed. We were only able to identify him as the owner of the car through the license te."

    Irish felt choked.

    Cassie''s voice trembled, "You mean my husband was...burned to death?"

    Chalmers nodded.

    Cassie pressed her chest. Her heart ached as if it had been cut by a knife.

    "Are you ready?" Chalmers asked, seeking Cassie''s preparedness. "If you are, please follow me. Afterward, we will need your cooperation to create a formal record of the proceedings."

    Irish couldn''t just let Cassie in. The car was destroyed. What could the body be like? Cassie was now pregnant. She couldn''t bear such a stimulus.

    Irish said lightly, "I wille with Joseph."

    "I..." Cassie quivered wholly, shaking her head, "I need to go in...to prove it''s not him."

    Shirley''s eyes got red. She pulled Cassie''s hands subconsciously and said, "Me too."

    "Mom..." Cassie held Shirley''s hands, too.

    "I don''t believe that my son is dead. I don''t believe it!" Shirley turned to be resolute. At the same time, she looked so tired.

    Just at this moment, Irish was watching Shirley. Somehow her hatred seemed to be gone. Shirley was an aggressive woman and a disgusting mistress who drove Irish''s mother to death. Meanwhile, she now appeared as a pitiable woman yearning for her husband''s affection. Despite her misdeeds, she remained a mother to Roy and Ruby, evoking a sense ofpassion.

    Shirley had experienced the joys of having a husband, a son, and a daughter in her life. There was even the possibility of her bing a grandmother in the future.

    Perhaps, in some sense, she had faced divine retribution as she had lost her husband and her daughter, leaving her son as the only remaining family member who might have died too.

    Irish''s gaze shifted towards Shirley, and she noticed that both of Shirley''s sideburns had turned white. The signs of aging were evident, and Shirley''s allure from the past had faded. She now bore the appearance of an elderly woman who had weathered numerous hardships. The sight of her stirred a sense of pity inside Irish.

    Irish felt upset.

    The act of hating someone or forgiving them both carried their own pain. While it was often said that forgiveness was easier than harboring hatred, in Irish''s perspective, thetter seemed to be a simpler path to tread than the challenging journey of forgiveness.

    Hatred was just a feeling.

    Forgiving is required to withdraw previous pains based on hatred. Those bad things had to be memorized and then buried. It was so cruel.

    Irish had suffered greatly from hatred, so now she was considering forgiving.

    This kind of pain was nothingpared with that of hatred.

    Seeing the situation, Chalmers nodded and then took them into the mortuary.

    The temperature in it was lower than outside.

    As Irish entered, she couldn''t help chilling and then pulled Joseph''s hands subconsciously. He also held hers tightly. Irish could obviously feel that his hands were also cold.

    There was only one bed.

    There was a white bedsheet on it. It upheaved slightly, and under it, there shall be a body.

    There were other police inside the mortuary. Seeing theming, they gave their way.

    Chalmers walked forward and pulled one corner of the bedsheet, looking at them four. Cassie clenched her hands tightly. Her lips even became pale. She just nodded lightly.

    The white bed sheet was opening little by little.

    When one scary face appeared in their view, Shirley screamed out.

    Cassie was frightened and just fell onto the floor.

    "Cassie!" Irish was shocked and immediately supported her. The scene she saw just now was still hanging in her mind.

    What a terrible face it was!

    It was totally burned.

 Chapter 1010 1010: Uncertain Evidence

    The outline of the face could only be judged basically. It was so frightening.

    Chalmers looked at them three and sighed heavily. Only Joseph just stood there firmly. He was extremely serious and just gnawed his teeth tightly.

    "Continue?" Chalmers could only ask Joseph now.

    Joseph nodded.

    Chalmers opened the whole bedsheet.

    It was a destroyed body. From the appearance, it couldn''t be identified. However, it had the same height as Roy.

    The skeleton was still there, though the skin and flesh were burnedpletely.

    Shirley screamed, terrified, and then cried loudly.

    Cassie''s eye socket was dry. With sorrow and pain, she pushed Irish away and came closer to the body. She was faced with it now. Irish wanted to vomit, and her heart ached. She wanted to pull Cassie away, but she couldn''t do anything.

    "It mustn''t be him. It mustn''t be..." Cassie''s voice was very low. She clenched the bed sheet and pressed her underbelly, shaking her head, terrified.

    Chalmers pressed the body with the bed sheet again and asked them, "Can you confirm it?"

    "It mustn''t be my son! No!" Shirley came forward, crying and shouting. She pulled Chalmers'' clothes, inquiring pitifully, "Please, please. My son is just gone. Please find my son for me."

    Chalmers was helpless. Cassie was so weak, and she just murmured, "It was not him...not him..."

    "Mr. Dover, can you confirm it?" Chalmers asked Joseph.

    There was sadness in Joseph''s eyes. Silent for a while, he just said with a hoarse voice, "The body is burned so seriously. I can''t confirm it."

    Chalmers turned around, shifting his attention towards his subordinate, who was present.

    The police officer stepped forward, handing Chalmers a bag. Chalmers epted it and gestured towards Joseph.

    "Is the license te shown in the photo Roy''s?" Chalmers inquired, revealing a photograph of the scene and an object discovered within the car.

    Joseph briefly examined the photo, his brows furrowing, before nodding in affirmation.

    The burned car was indeed Roy''s. He recognized it.

    Chalmers pointed out the ring within the bag, exining, "This ring was discovered in the car. It appears to have been inside when the body was burned. Please take a look and confirm whether it belonged to the deceased."

    Cassie, the only one capable of identifying the ring, approached with a mix of confidence and trepidation. Taking hold of the bag, her fingers trembling, she pressed the ring against her palm. As she observed the engraved letters at the back of the ring, which were the initials of both her and Roy''s names, tears welled up in her eyes and streamed down her cheeks instantly.

    Observing the heartbreaking sight, Irish''s own heart ached in response.

    Chalmers, perceiving the emotional weight of the moment, pressed on with a gentle but necessary question. "Is this ring indeed Roy''s?" he asked, seeking confirmation.

    Cassie, her voice choked with tears, attempted to respond but found herself unable to articte her words. Her teary eyes rendered her vision blurry, leaving her no choice but to offer a helpless nod, affirming the ring indeed belonged to Roy.

    Chalmers proceeded to exin the circumstances surrounding the identification process. "Due to the extensive burns on the body, obtaining DNA information from the deceased was unsessful for the forensic expert. Therefore, our judgment relies primarily on the object found in the car. Additionally, aparison of the deceased''s physical features with Roy''s supports the conclusion. If you can positively identify and confirm that the deceased is indeed Roy, we can proceed with the case and initiate further investigations."

    "Police..." Cassie''s heart clenched in anguish, and her breath caught in her throat. The weight of the situation overwhelmed her, rendering her unable to form coherent words. Despite her desperate desire to express that the deceased couldn''t possibly be Roy, all she could manage was a single word. The enormity of her sorrow left her speechless.

    Joseph, holding the ring in the bag, maintained a serious demeanor. After a brief pause, he expressed his concern, "Can we conclusively identify the body as Roy based solely on this ring and a resemnce in physical features? Chalmers, I fear that it may be too subjective and spective."

    Chalmers responded to Joseph''s concern, emphasizing the importance of Cassie''s confirmation. "That is precisely why we need Cassie''s confirmation," Chalmers acknowledged. "Her recognition and validation in this matter carry significant weight in establishing the identity of the deceased."

    "No, we cannot proceed in that manner," Joseph asserted firmly. He directed his gaze towards Chalmers, speaking with conviction. "Given that we cannot definitively establish the deceased individual as Roy, we are unwilling to sign our names as Roy''s family based on uncertain evidence."

    "Mr. Dover, I understand that this creates a challenging situation for us," Chalmers responded, his brows furrowing as he contemted the unexpected stance taken by Joseph.

    "It''s a matter of integrity and principles," Joseph stated resolutely, gesturing towards the lifeless body on the bed. His tone remained cold as he continued, "You can easily misidentify anyone. If my ring had fallen in the car, you might have mistaken the body for me."

    Chalmers found himself at a loss for words, uncertain of how to respond to Joseph''s unwaveringmitment to upholding principles and avoiding hasty judgments.

    Cassie went forward. She said with tears, "Yes, we can''t sign our names. How can it be Roy?"

    "So, who do you think drove his car?" Chalmers asked.

    Cassie couldn''t answer his question.

    They exited the mortuary, leaving behind the solemnity of the scene.

    The police officers proceeded to document the case details, diligently recording Cassie''s ounts.

    Cassie began to recount the events of thest time she saw Roy, which took ce the morning prior.

    Just like any other day, Roy left for work and attended a meeting with the shareholders at the Runestone Group. As his work hours drew to a close, Roy contacted his family and informed them that he would be returning homete due to attending a party.

    As the evening progressed and it reached 10 p.m., Roy had yet to return. Initially assuming he was still enjoying himself with friends, Cassie remained unconcerned. However, her worry grew as time ticked past midnight, and Roy remained absent.

    Overwhelmed with anxiety, Cassie couldn''t resist the urge to call Roy''s phone.

    The phone rang persistently, but nobody answered on the other end.

    Feeling concerned that Roy might be intoxicated, Cassie decided to call Daisy, who was Roy''s assistant at this time. Daisy informed Cassie that she had not apanied Roy to the party. ording to Daisy, Roy had mentioned attending a private gathering with his friends, so Daisy hadn''t joined him.

    Curious about the reason behind Cassie''s call, Daisy inquired about the situation. Cassie merely responded with "nothing," expressing her worry that Roy might be unable to drive back home due to being inebriated.

    Over the next hour, Cassie repeatedly dialed Roy''s number, growing increasingly anxious. Eventually, her calls were met with a continuous line busy tone, indicating that the calls could not be connected.

 Chapter 1011 1011: What Are You Waiting For?

    ?

    As Chalmers documented the ount, he retrieved a bag and presented it to Cassie. Inside was Roy''s phone, visibly damaged beyond repair.

    Overwhelmed by grief once again, Cassie burst into tears.

    "Please rest assured that we will thoroughly investigate this case, as it is of significant importance, regardless of whether you confirm the identity of the body," Chalmers assured Cassie, offering reassurance in light of the severity of the situation.

    Cassie leaned against Shirley, finding sce in her presence as both of them were consumed by sorrow and tears.

    Irish and Joseph emerged from the record-making process, having cooperated with the police. Joseph, wearing a serious expression, pulled Irish aside, sensing her growing apprehension.

    Irish met Joseph''s gaze, sensing a foreboding feeling settling within her.

    "Irish," Joseph began, extending his hand to gently rest on her shoulder, his touch tender and affectionate. "We must face the reality."

    A chilling sensation coursed through Irish''s body.

    "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice filled with concern.

    Joseph let out a sigh, his expression weighed down by vulnerability. "Roy''s car collided with arge steel frame, resulting in an explosion," he exined. "Cassie mentioned that he went to a partyst night. Considering thete hour, it is highly likely that he was the one driving his car. Furthermore, the items found in the car and the ring that was on his finger, which burned with his body, all point to an unfortunate fate."

    "It wasn''t just an ident!" Irish eximed, her voice filled with conviction and a hint of fear.

    "I never said it was an ident," Joseph reassured Irish, attempting to console her. "In fact, the police have discovered that there were issues with the brakes. It appears that they were deliberately tampered with, indicating that this is a murder case. The challenge now lies in identifying the body within the car. If we cannot do so, the only hope we have is for Roy to appear before us. Irish, do you think that''s possible?"

    Joseph''s words were logical yet harsh in their implications.

    Irishprehended the gravity of the situation. Though she resisted epting it and wished to deceive herself, the evidence left little room for doubt. Joseph''s assessment held true. If Roy were still alive, if he had merely failed to return home, or if he had been kidnapped, there would have been some sort of news by now after such a significant passage of time.

    "Now our focus must be onforting Cassie," Joseph dered firmly, holding Irish''s hands tightly. He wore a serious expression. "She is pregnant, and if Roy has indeed passed away, their baby bes the only remaining connection to him. Cassie needs to be in a stable state."

    Irish felt a sense of dazed confusion, her throat constricting.

    "I know," she managed to utter, her voice choked with emotion.

    Joseph pulled her into an embrace, offeringfort.

    Irish wept, her tears flowing freely. "Joseph, who could have done something so cruel? Who?" she cried out, ovee with anguish.

    Joseph, unable to provide an answer, held her tightly, providingfort in the face of the unknown.

    ****

    The share price resembled leaves in the rain and storm, fluctuating unpredictably. Despite the overall instability, the Key Group''s share price soared, establishing itself as the frontrunner in the field.

    Within the Key Group, the usual bustling atmosphere prevailed.

    Leo appeared lost in thought.

    Following the meeting, Fredrick apanied Leo to the office. As soon as he entered, Fredrick promptly remarked, "Today is the opening day, but something peculiar is happening with the Runestone Group''s share price. I tried calling Roy, but he''s unavable."

    "Roy''s focus is rarely on the Runestone Group. It''s not surprising for him to be absent from thepany. Unlike Joseph, who''s a typical workaholic," Leo chuckled, poking fun at Roy.

    Fredrick sneered, "So what are you waiting for?"

    Leo took a nce at him.

    Fredrick spoke slowly, "Roy is not good at business management. Without Joseph, he is just like a man without two feet. How far will the Runestone Group go since it is under the control of a man without two feet? Do not think of purchasing it until it is invaluable."

    Leo smiled lightly, "Fredrick, I think you are too anxious."

    "I''m just reminding you not to forget your original intention."

    "You are reminding me not to forget your original intention?"

    Fredrick winked slightly, "We are on the same battlefront. Do you think Irish will forgive you if you abandon your n?"

    Leo was to refute, and then the door of the office opened suddenly.

    And then he heard the crying voice of his secretary.

    "Mr. Dover, Mr...."

    Joseph''s tall figure was at the door. His face was so serious. He winked lightly, and there was a cold light in his eyes, distancing himself from others.

    For his suddening, Leo felt quite strange. He was in a daze for four or five seconds, and then he motioned his secretary to go out first.

    His secretary saw it, frightened, and then she ran immediately.

    Joseph stood there, motionlessly. He looked at Leo coldly, and then he took a nce at Fredrick, still cold, "Fredrick, please let me and Leo have a separate talk."

    Every word was spoken quite clearly.

    Fredrick was unhappy to hear that. He was to stand up to say something, but Leo just said, "Fredrick, please go out first."

    Fredrick looked at Joseph angrily and then left the office immediately.

    The door was closed.

    Sitting on the chair, Leo stared at Joseph, seeming to smile or not, "It''s so strange. Previously, I invited you here, but you didn''te. Now you juste here suddenly. Are you nning to chat with me?"

    Joseph''s look was serious. He went forward withrge steps and then pulled Leo up from the chair.

    "Joseph, you..."

    As he said that, Joseph''s fist came immediately.

    Leo just felt that everything came so quickly. Without having a response, his right face was hit by Joseph, and immediately it ached.

    Despite his efforts to avoid it, Leo''s left side of the face was also struck. This time, the blow was even harsher. A sudden realization dawned on him that Joseph, who rarely resorted to violence, must be the cruelest when he did. It mirrored his usual demeanor of rarely being angry or annoyed, yet when provoked, he left those who irritated him feeling utterly helpless, even wishing for their own demise.

    Upon enduring the third strike, Leo finally reacted.

    His mouth was already injured, and his cheek throbbed as if scalded by boiling water. Summoning his strength, he firmly gripped Joseph''s fists and red angrily into his eyes. Annoyed, he shouted, "Joseph, have you lost your mind?"

    In the blink of an eye, Joseph forcefully pinned him down, causing Leo''s neck to ache and his back to throb.

    Amidst Joseph''s enraged outburst, he heard the words, "Leo, I warned you not to harm Roy. How dare you? Are you even a man?"

 Chapter 1012 1012: Are You Here To Vent Your Anger?

    ?

    Joseph''s punchesnded on Leo, leaving him slightly disoriented. However, it was Joseph''s words that perplexed him even more, adding to his confusion.

    In moments like these, anger often overwhelms a person''s rationality, especially in Leo''s case. Despite his initial intention to let the situation go, Joseph''s strike ignited Leo''s arrogance, leaving him both puzzled and infuriated.

    In retaliation, Leo fought back. Seizing the opportunity while Joseph was caught off guard, Leo swiftly swung his fist towards Joseph, delivering a powerful blow.

    The punchnded on Joseph''s left cheek, causing him to roar in anger, "Who the fuck do you think you are?"

    Leo''s strike was forceful, causing Joseph to stagger and copse to the ground, motionless. Joseph rested one arm on his leg while his other hand restlessly fidgeted with the buttons of his shirt.

    Leo hadn''t expected Joseph to cease his attack.

    Leo was well aware that in a physical confrontation, he stood no chance against Joseph. In his early twenties, Leo had frequently visited South Africa, a ce where the rule ofw wascking. Survival there depended on either being financially well-off or having the ability to disable others with one''s fists. Ten years ago, Joseph had gone to South Africa relying on his physical strength, but now, ten yearster, he relied on his wealth.

    On the other hand, Leo had visited South Africa multiple times, always apanied by a substantial number of bodyguards. The likelihood of encountering a dangerous situation was minimal, so he hadn''t honed his fighting skills there.

    Essentially, Leo had only struck Joseph once. If Joseph desired to retaliate, Leo knew that Joseph could do so at any time and any ce.

    However, Joseph remained seated, disying no movement or response.

    He looked very decadent and tired.

    Leo rarely witnessed this side of Joseph. For years, Joseph had always appeared as a relentless fighter in Leo''s eyes, maintaining peak physical and mental condition, seemingly never fatigued. He was akin to a towering giant, invincible in the world of business.

    Yet, in this present moment, Joseph revealed an unexpected vulnerability before Leo''s eyes.

    Leo remembered as if it was only once.

    When his parents died, Joseph looked the same way.

    Deste, decadent,nguid, but without a drop of tears.

    The room was very quiet.

    The two men, their cheeks slightly red and swollen, remained silent. The corners of their mouths bore signs of minor injuries, with the skin slightly broken. However, amidst the aftermath of the altercation, it appeared that neither of them had the time or inclination to acknowledge their own difort or embarrassment.

    In this quiet space, only the hour hand in a grid beat could be heard, like the heart, like, the pace in the years.

    Passing away bit by bit.

    And in this process, it was doomed to lose a lot of people, and pass many people.

    The radiant light within the room was subdued as it filtered through the curtains, casting a gentle and subtle glow. It delicately illuminated the side of Joseph''s face as he lowered his head, concealing most of his features within the shadow, revealing only a slight angle.

    After a prolonged silence, Leo finally stirred. He walked towards the desk, retrieved a box of cigars, and extracted two, extending one of them towards Joseph.

    Joseph slightly lifted his eyes and reached for the cigar.

    Leo also didn''t care about his suit and shoes, who sat opposite Joseph. Leo first lit his own cigars, and then, the lighter "popped" again, which was extended to Joseph.

    Joseph did not speak, leaned and took the fire, and lit a cigarette.

    They were sitting on the carpet, smoking in silence.

    And the pale ash fell directly on the ground.

    If someone pushed the door to see this scene, he would be surprised, even shocked.

    One was dressed in high-grade, custom-made business clothes, straight trousers, and well-designed shirts and wore a tie with perfect detail; the other was less formal, in a white T-shirt with ssic, minimalist gray-ck jeans, and his sturdy arms wrapped under short sleeves, leaning slightly forward. And you could still see the outline of his broad, textured chest.

    The formal one was Leo, and the casual one was Joseph.

    The two men remained seated in persistent silence as if engaged in a silent standoff, neither of them willing to be the first to break the silence and initiate a conversation.

    Until a cigar in the fingertips gradually burned out.

    Until the ash became cold.

    "Roy was dead?" Leo finally opened his mouth, like a question, as if seeking a positive answer.

    "Yes." Joseph''s voice was very heavy, such as a dry well silent over thousands of years, where leaves rustling across.

    Leo was stunned.

    Despite the lingering doubt caused by Joseph''s clenched fist, Leo couldn''t help but seek rity. His countenance grew colder, and with a furrowed brow, he questioned, "Joseph, do you truly suspect me of being responsible for his death? Don''t you know who I am? Do you honestly believe I would resort to such extreme measures?"

    Joseph remained silent, further intensifying the tension in the room.

    Leo observed his reaction and reached a moment of understanding. He narrowed his eyes slightly and asked, "Are you here to vent your anger?"

    Indeed, it is not umon for men to exhibit moments of emotional immaturity.

    The dynamics of emotional expression between men can sometimes bear a resemnce to childlike behavior.

    Joseph once again lowered his head, but this time, after a lengthy pause, he slowly raised his hand to his face. His broad hands forcefully rubbed his features, a sign of frustration. He let out a sigh and confessed, "I''vee to realize that I have indeed failed at times."

    "You''re not a god, Joseph." Leo felt it necessary to remind him.

    Joseph felt only a headache like a bow pulled to the fullest degree, which could copse at any time. He lit another cigarette, put it in his fingers, and his eyes fell on the green and white smoke at his fingertips, but he was like thinking through the smoke.

    Leo spoke with a hint of detachment, addressing Joseph''s presence and the motive behind Roy''s death. He acknowledged, "You approached me under the pretense that Roy''s murder was somehow connected to my alleged theft of your design. It seems we are now on equal footing."

    Joseph''s anger was palpable as he retorted, "Do you truly believe that you can separate yourself from Roy''s death?"

    Leo was taken aback by Joseph''s statement. He replied, filled with resignation, "Fine! I admit that if I hadn''t wanted to push you out, Roy wouldn''t have been thrust into the chairman''s position. If he had remained in his previous role behind the scenes, perhaps he wouldn''t have met such a fate. You me me, and I have nothing to defend myself."

 Chapter 1013 1013: Doubting William

    ?

    Joseph smoked hard, spit out, and green and white smoke made his face hazy.

    "Do you have any leads on a suspect?" Leo''s question marked a return to a semnce of normalcy after their altercation.

    Following the intense confrontation, Joseph felt a slight alleviation of the heaviness and boredom that had weighed on his heart. Roy''s death had ensnared him in a suffocating web of emotions. Despite his constant refusal to sign, it was evident that foul y was involved. Roy had met a tragic end while driving home��a deliberate tampering of his brakes had caused his car to ignite, ultimately burning him alive.

    He was angry and shocked, but there was great sadness that could not be resolved. He could not express these emotions in front of Irish because it was her brother who died, and she was sadder and neededfort than him.

    The feeling of helplessness was terrible.

    And this morning, when Leo''s stock climbed again, that fire and anger could no longer be suppressed, which prompted him to rush into Leo''s office and vent his anger and grief with fists.

    Joseph understood that Leo had no involvement in orchestrating Roy''s death. He recognized that the responsibility for Roy''s killingy elsewhere. However, as Leo had mentioned earlier, if it weren''t for his actions that led Joseph to leave the Runestone Group, perhaps Roy''s fate would have been different.

    Joseph willfully counted all the mistakes on Leo.

    Perhaps, in his heart, only Leo could indulge his wanton anger this time.

    Who said he couldn''t be human?

    And who said he had to struggle hard?

    He was tired.

    On this road, from the time he just set foot on the business to now, from the naive and frank age to today''s sophistication, he was too tired. He could no longer look at the blood on the scene, but profits had always been seen with blood.

    In the face of interests, he had pursued, fought,promised, struggled, and each time he was scared.

    He had to face repeated parting, even blood.

    In light of the circumstances and the consequences that unfolded, Joseph couldn''t help but feel a sense of personal failure.

    Throughout his journey, Joseph had held onto the belief that he could bring about significant change. However, reality had dealt him a harsh blow, serving as a stark reminder that no matter how wealthy or refined he might be, there were limits to what he could truly alter. The humbling truth was that the only thing within his power to change was himself.

    From this, over the years, he changed, and Leo also changed.

    Did they change people?

    Funny! It was the world that changed itself!

    Aware of his own vulnerabilities and inability to shield himself from the cruel reality of loss, Joseph understood that he couldn''t simply move forward on this path without acknowledging the pain and confronting his emotions. He recognized that he needed to face the challenges head-on rather than attempting to avoid or overlook them.

    The cigar burned quietly.

    After a lengthy silence, Joseph finally broke his silence. "With Roy''s death, the one who stands to gain the greatest profit holds the greatest suspicion."

    "Why am I hearing that this person you''re referring to is none other than yourself?" Leo raised an eyebrow, expressing his skepticism towards Joseph''s insinuation.

    Joseph took a drag from his cigarette, exhaling a cloud of smoke, as he responded with a cold and subdued tone. "From an outsider''s perspective, it may seem that I am the one reaping the benefits. However, in my own view, Roy and I were inpetition for something entirely different than what others may perceive."

    Who was the man?

    Joseph took a smoke, gently spitting it out. Finally, it dissipated and disappeared.

    "The Lake." He was so sure.

    Leo thought slightly, "The Lakes, apart from the already dead Roy, Ruby, and Henry, then there were only Shirley, William and their daughter Lilith, and my first love Irish."

    Joseph picked up his eyes, unpleasantly staring at him.

    Leo had no choice but to change, "Your wife is Irish."

    Joseph''s face is just slightly better.

    "So, who do you suspect?" Leo then asked.

    Joseph kept silent.

    Leo analyzed the situation, considering the possibilities. "On the surface, William appears to be the most suspicious. As the elder in the Lake family, he holds shares that are less valuable than a man who can only fly an airne. He even falls short inparison to outsiders. Therefore, it''s clear that he would harbor resentment and have reasons to be the culprit."

    Joseph hummed.

    "But the more it looks, the farther away from the truth it is," Leo said.

    Unexpectedly, Joseph shook his head, disagreeing with Leo''s analysis.

    "Sometimes, people are misled by their initial instincts," he began slowly. "If we assume that William is the murderer, his motive would be to divert attention from himself. By being the most prominent figure, people are more likely to overlook him, believing that the obvious choice couldn''t be the real culprit. It''s a simple strategy, like hiding something. The safest hiding ce is not necessarily inside, but rather the opposite."

    "You doubt William?" Leo asked.

    Joseph dropped smoke, and his tone was consistently calm.

    "It also depends on how you act."

    Leo was puzzled again.

    He didn''t react.

    "What do you mean?"

    Joseph put out the cigar, spit thest smoke, and slightly squinted.

    "Help me to release the news of Roy''s death, and the greater the public opinion, the better."

    After hearing this, Leo felt cold and said, "Are you crazy? You should know the consequences."

    "I know."

    Being the President of the Runestone Group, Joseph''s departure from thepany had created a significant sensation. Shareholders were closely monitoring the organization''s high-level changes. As a result, it was widely known that Roy had taken charge of the Runestone Group, and any news of his untimely death would likely cause a panic among shareholders, potentially leading to a mass sell-off of shares.

    Indeed, with the news of Roy''s death and the resulting potential panic among shareholders, the Runestone Group''s share price was likely to experience a sharp decline. This could attract opportunistic investors looking to capitalize on the situation, likening the situation to a pool of crocodiles where the weakened prey bes vulnerable and desirable.

    By doing so, he could make the already unstable group suffer and eventually copse.

    Leo looked at him, puzzled.

    "If the killer is indeed hiding among the board members, it would make sense for them to strongly oppose external intervention, including my involvement. Furthermore, they would dere him missing rather than announcing Roy''s death. This approach offers two significant advantages. Firstly, it avoids a substantial sell-off of shares, allowing the perpetrator to acquire the shares discarded by other shareholders slowly. Secondly, it temporarily stabilizes the remaining shareholders, preventing them from seeking out professional managers."

 Chapter 1014 1014: Let Me Make This Clear

    ?

    Leo looked at him, "It is not difficult to do a y. It is difficult to find evidence."

    "All you have to do is force the man to jump out. Once it''s beyond his control, it''s not hard to find evidence."

    "You want to take advantage of it?" Leo frowned.

    Joseph thought for a moment, "If possible, I will return to Runestone Group."

    "What if not?" Leo stared at him and asked.

    Joseph''s gaze seemed to prate Leo''s face, distant and unadorned, as he uttered a single phrase: "Comprehensive acquisition."

    "What?" Leo was shocked.

    Joseph''s gaze sharpened, firmly fixed on Leo''s face. His voice carried a resolute tone as he exined, "As the confirmation of Roy''s body remains uncertain, the Lake family is more inclined to ept the idea of him being missing. However, regardless of whether Roy is alive or deceased, the Runestone Group cannot afford to wait. Instead of allowing it to fall into the hands of others, it would be preferable for it to fall into your hands. Therefore, if acquiring it directly is not feasible, then you must make the purchase."

    Leo felt a lump forming in his throat, his curiosity piqued. He questioned Joseph, "Joseph, why do you hold such a deep attachment to the Runestone Group?"

    Joseph responded with a calm demeanor, saying, "It''s quite simple, really. The Runestone represents something I want to preserve and safeguard. If it were to fall into the wrong hands, it would pose a significant threat. Leo, when ites to keeping secrets, I believe you are the most trustworthy person I know."

    Leo was shocked. "What secret?"

    Joseph never spoke again.

    *****

    Roy''s death had not been announced before the Runestone board knew this matter.

    How could the President''s office remain empty?

    During the meeting, William, the sole elder, and master of the Lake family, took charge and presided over the proceedings. However, it was evident that he held a deep dissatisfaction towards Joseph''s presence at the shareholders'' meeting. Despite this, he managed to maintain aposed demeanor without disying his discontent too overtly.

    Joseph attended the shareholders'' meeting not solely as a shareholder of the Runestone Group but also as representing Irish''s family. Alongside Joseph, Cassie and Shirley, as well as Roy''s rtives, were also present at the meeting.

    Given Roy''s unexpected death without a will, the fate of his shares became a pressing concern for all parties involved. <novelsnext>I think you should take a look at </novelsnext>

    The presence of the Runestone Group''s legal team at the board meeting indicated their involvement in addressing the legal aspects surrounding Roy''s shares and inheritance.

    William cleared his throat, bringing the attention of the attendees to the matter at hand. "Now that we are all gathered here let use to a consensus. The Runestone Group is currently facing a critical period. We are exerting pressure on the media to keep Roy''s death under wraps. However, considering the gravity of the situation, I would like to hear everyone''s thoughts today."

    One of the shareholders expressed their deep shock and sorrow over Roy''s passing. They emphasized the importance of apprehending the murderer but acknowledged that it was the responsibility of the police. They suggested that the immediate concern should be resolving the issue of Roy''s inheritance.

    As the new secondrgest shareholder of the Runestone Group following Roy''s demise, Irish''s opinion held significance, though not as authoritative as William''s. She addressed the matter, saying, "Regarding Roy''s equity and assets, I believe that your concerns are somewhat excessive. Although he did not leave a will, we have thepany and legal experts to guide us. It is best to follow the appropriate legal session process in dealing with these matters."

    William''s gaze shifted, and he spoke with measured words, "It''s not that I don''t trust Cassie, but she has never been directly involved in the high-level operations of the Runestone Group. Therefore, I believe that this matter should be discussed and decided within the board of directors."

    Shirley''s eyes welled up with tears, her voice trembling as she angrily interjected, "What do you mean by digesting within the board? This is my son''s death, and it involves his equity and inheritance! Let me make it clear to you, there is no way I will ept that! Cassie is my daughter-inw, carrying my grandson, who is Roy''s flesh and blood. Not only does she have every right to inherit everything, but the child she carries also has that right!"

    "Mom..." Cassie reached out and held Shirley''s hand, her heart filled with a mix of emotions, making her feel deeply ufortable at that moment.

    Shirley''s emotions escted, her words carrying a hint of hysteria. She eximed defiantly, "Let me make this clear. Anyone who dares toy im to Roy''s and Cassie''s possessions will have to face me in a fight!"

    Irish attempted to calm Shirley down, suggesting a more measured approach. "I believe it would be best to follow the legal procedures with the guidance of ourwyers," she reassured Shirley.

    Irish had always been concerned about Shirley''s treatment of Cassie. The grudge she held against Shirley, which had not dissipated even after her father''s passing, fueled her fears that Cassie would be subjected to mistreatment.

    Her primary focus was ensuring that Cassie would not be subjected to bullying or mistreatment within the family.

    Irish was aware of Shirley''s critical attitude towards Cassie before their marriage. Before the marriage, Cassie was concerned about how Shirley would treat her. However, after the wedding, Shirleyplied with Roy''s wishes and refrained from living with them, which surprised Irish.

    However, with Ruby''s passing, Shirley again moved into Roy''s home. This change worried Irish. Shirley had just lost her daughter, and her emotions were expected to be greatly affected. Irish couldn''t help but wonder if Shirley would vent her anger and frustration towards Cassie. This was also a concern that troubled Cassie deeply.

    Cassie frequently expressed her worries about Shirley''s behavior to Irish, seeking guidance on how to navigate the situation. However, Cassie noted that Shirley seemed preupied with grief, spending most of her days in tears. This left Cassie unsure of what steps she should take next.

    Irish sensed an opportunity to observe Shirley''s true thoughts by looking for potential trouble between her and Cassie. This would allow her to better understand Shirley''s mindset.

    However, to Irish''s surprise, Shirley took it upon herself to cook for Cassie after Cassie''s bout of vomiting and insistence on not having the nanny prepare the meals. This unexpected gesture left Irish perplexed. Concerned about handling the situation, Cassie confided to Irish, saying, "What if I can''t eat her cooking? She might think I''m pretentious if I show my displeasure."

 Chapter 1015 1015: Strongly Object

    ?

    To Cassie''s relief, Shirley''s cooking turned out to be delicious, and Cassie''s instances of vomiting decreased since Shirley took charge of the meals.

    This series of events prompted Irish to realize that no one was purely good or bad in this world. People hadplexities and nuances in their characters.

    Recognizing this, Irish decided to make a statement to help Shirley, understanding that everyone deserved a chance and that judgments should be reserved until all aspects were considered.

    Shirley was taken aback by Irish''s unexpected statement, feeling a mix of surprise and gratitude. "Thank you, Irish."

    At that moment, it became clear that life often unfolded in unpredictable and dramatic ways. The woman Shirley had harbored resentment towards had expressed gratitude towards her.

    Irish turned her gaze towards thewyers, indicating that it was time to focus on the legal proceedings and decisions ahead.

    One of thewyers present provided a legal perspective on the matter. He exined, "ording to the relevant provisions of the National Company Law, in the case of Mr. Lake''s death without a will, Mrs. Lake may have the right to inherit his equity. However, there are certain prerequisites that need to be considered. Firstly, it is necessary to ascertain whether Mrs. Lake is the sole legal heir or if there are other individuals with inheritance rights. If there are other potential heirs, Ms. Irish would need to negotiate and reach a unanimous agreement with them before she can inherit the shares. Secondly, as the owner of the Runestone Group, if Ms. Irish wishes to participate in the board as a shareholder, the appointment process would need to be carried out in ordance with thepany''s regtions. Therefore, Mrs. Lake, it is important to review the articles of association to determine if they impose any limitations on inheritance. If there are no such limitations, Mrs. Lake can be a direct shareholder with inheritance rights. Additionally, the issue of session needs to be addressed. Although Mr. Lake held the position of President of the Board of Directors before his passing, it does not automatically guarantee that Mrs. Lake will assume that role. The selection of the President of the Board of Directors must adhere to the Company Law, articles of association, and the decisions of the shareholders."

    "Does Cassie have the right to inherit Roy''s shares?" Irish asked impatiently.

    Thewyer responded, "I apologize, but Mr. Henry Lake had drafted the articles of association during his lifetime, and one provision states that there is no inheritance rtionship between the couple. If we strictly adhere to the articles of association..." Thewyer cleared his throat before continuing.

    Irish was shocked. "How did my father make such a rule?"

    "He''s defending me," said Shirley with red eyes.

    Irish was confused.

    But Joseph said lightly, "The article waster revised by Henry. The time of revision was when Ruby and I got married."

    He understated, but Irish suddenly understood.

    For her father, the man who really needed to be stood guard against was Joseph.

    She suddenly felt sorrow and subconsciously clenched her hand.

    He just smiled.

    Yeah, so far, that was nothing.

    But what about Cassie?

    Shirley, frowning, expressed her refusal to ept thewyer''s statement. "So you''re saying Cassie can''t have a share? How are we supposed to sustain ourselves? What kind of nonsensepany articles are these? Even thew is nothing more than a creation of human beings. You have been benefiting from us all this time, and now, after Roy''s death, you only start thinking about how to divide his belongings. Don''t push it too far!"<novelsnext>I think you should take a look at </novelsnext>

    People looked at each other.

    Kelly interjected, attempting to ease the tension in the room. "Shirley, there''s no need to be angry. At this point, everyone is silent, aren''t they?"

    Shirley responded with a cold hum, showing her displeasure.

    Cassie, realizing the escting emotions, gently grasped Shirley''s arm and pleaded, "Mom, please stop. Those things don''t matter to me. I just... I wish Roy were still alive..." Cassie''s eyes welled up with tears once again.

    Shirley, overwhelmed with emotions, couldn''t hold back her tears and began crying again.

    Irish surveyed the room and dered, "As thergest shareholder of thepany, I hold the authority to amend the articles of association!"

    Another shareholder interjected, countering her statement, "Yes, you may be thergest shareholder, but you do not hold a management position within thepany. Therefore, you do not have the right to change the articles of association."

    Irish''s fists clenched with frustration.

    The shareholder''s point was valid. Without a management position, shecked the authority to make amendments to the articles of association unterally.

    William''s voice cut through the tension in the room as he suggested, "I propose that we hold a meeting to discuss the matter. Cassie is Roy''s wife, carrying his child, and we are a collective entity. We cannot leave her in a helpless position. The most pressing issue at the moment is not the inheritance of equity, but how to handle Roy''s death, which requires our immediate attention."

    Other shareholders nodded.

    Joseph remained silent but directed a meaningful gaze towards Irish, who understood his unspoken message. She spoke up, realizing the importance of addressing the situation directly. "We cannot keep this hidden. In today''s highly interconnected world, information spreads rapidly. The truth about Roy''s death, which resulted from a traffic ident, will eventuallye to light, sooner orter."

    "Then you mean..." William looked at Irish.

    Irish, disying a decisive demeanor, put forth her suggestion. "Instead of waiting for the news to be exposed, it would be more proactive to hold a media conference now and officially announce Roy''s death. By doing so, we can uphold the integrity of the group''s management and demonstrate ourmitment to our shareholders. This approach allows us to take control of the narrative and handle the situation in the most proactive manner."

    William, upon hearing Irish''s proposal, immediately voiced his objection.

    "No! I strongly object!" he eximed.

    Everyone looked at him, including Joseph.

    William maintained hisposed demeanor as he expressed his opposition to the announcement of Roy''s death. He turned his attention to Irish, attempting to persuade her. "Irish, you''re young and inexperienced in running apany. While your idea may seem good, you must understand that shareholders are not solely motivated by benevolence. Once they be aware of any issues at the top of the Runestone Group, arge number of shares will be sold, leading to a situation that will be beyond our control."

 Chapter 1016 1016: So Ridiculous

    ?

    William''s words resonated with the shareholders, and their nods signaled their agreement with his reasoning. Irish, feeling frustrated and unsettled, clenched her fists in annoyance.

    In a gesture of support andfort, Joseph ced his hands over Irish''s clenched fists. With gentle determination, he began to separate her fingers one by one, then inteced his fingers with hers. This small act of reassurance aimed to alleviate Irish''s tension and convey that they would face the challenges together.

    His fingers were powerful, while his palm was warm. Her anxiety was pressed down soon and then immersed in his gentlefort.

    Irish turned around and met Joseph''s eyes.

    She felt heartbreaking.

    At this moment, he should have been the leader to make aprehensive n and decisions on everything, but now he could only attend the meeting as a family member. He had no right to speak. Even if he had, his words would not be trusted by other shareholders.

    Joseph must have been upset and disappointed while being stuck in such a situation.

    However, he was the one whoforted her.

    His eyes were smiling.

    The smile was light. It was shown in his eyes and hidden in the mouth corner.

    It encouraged her and supported her.

    Irish calmed herself down and asked William again, "You mean you won''t suggest announcing Roy''s death? How can you hide it? Do you still think that it''s ancient time?"

    "Irish, we must dere something; otherwise, Roy''s disappearance will arouse the outside world''s doubts." William wasn''t as kind as usual, but he just insisted on his thoughts. His voice became firm, "But we should consider our situation now. We can''t dere that Roy is dead; instead, we can say that he is just missing. In this way, it will not lead to heated discussion and doubts."

    Other shareholders were discussing it.

    Shirley was annoyed when she heard it, "So ridiculous! Someone killed my son, but now the dead have to cooperate with you?"

    "Not to cooperate with me, but with the Runestone Group." William said word by word, "He was the oldest son of the Lakes, once president of the Runestone Group. If he is in heaven will agree with me. By the way, it is just a temporary decision."

    The two were still quarreling with each other.

    Irish spoke this time, but obviously, this time, her target was William, "It''s not a decision. It can only be called a piece of advice. Uncle, you can''t decide everything since you are not the president now. But obviously, you have put yourself in that position."

    This was the first time she called him "Uncle," but it was obviously a satire.

    William, realizing the impact of Irish''s words, felt a hint of embarrassment. He cleared his throat and rified his stance, "Irish, you misunderstood my intention." He then turned his attention to everyone present. "Irish''s suggestion is indeed valid. Earlier, I proposed a suggestion for discussion. Now, I invite all of you to share your opinions."

    Some shareholders agreed with him, but some were still hesitant.

    And just at this time, Kelly spoke. Her voice was light and cold, as if she were not involved in the discussion.

    "I think Irish''s advice is good."

    Her words made the whole room quiet.

    William had never thought that Kelly would stand for Irish, totally shocked.

    Irish, too, was taken aback by Kelly''s unexpected stance. She looked at Kelly with a mixture of curiosity and inquiry, while even Joseph was visibly surprised by Kelly''s unexpected support.

    "I propose that we officially announce Roy''s passing to the public. By doing so, we can prevent any potential media bacsh against ourpany." Kelly nced at William and continued, "Regarding your suggestion, I believe it is overly risky. Frankly speaking, it''s akin to attempting the impossible. However, we must not overlook the fact that Roy''s death will inevitably be public knowledge someday."

    William''s brows furrowed as he responded in a hushed tone, "You have no idea."<novelsnext>I think you should take a look at </novelsnext>

    "As a board member, I am entitled to express my viewpoint," Kelly maintained her clear andposed tone.

    William appeared displeased.

    "That''s precisely because there is ack of leadership," Irish remarked.

    Everyone looked at her.

    "If one can be chosen to take control of the whole case, there will be no different opinions." Irish sneered.

    William agreed with her at this point, and he just nodded, "Irish is right. Now the Runestone Group is just like a kingdom. There can''t be any king in this kingdom."

    Irish felt his words were disgusting.

    Other shareholders all agreed with her. Actually, their request was very simple. As long as it would not influence their interests, everything would be okay.

    "As for the candidate..." Some shareholders proposed their doubt.

    Before other shareholders expressed their opinions, Irish said again, "My husband, Joseph, has the ability to handle the whole case. And the fact that he has dealt with many difficulties in the past year proves it. I can''t think of another one except him."

    Her words were not surprising to those shareholders. When Joseph entered the room again, they knew his aim already.

    William didn''t say anything but just took a nce at one shareholder beside him.

    And then the shareholder spoke, "I don''t agree with that. Mr. Dover has offered to resign. Now he is not our personnel. We should focus on the existing board members."

    "What''s the significance of that? The Runestone Group requires apetent manager, which was originally Roy''s intention. I believe Mr. Dover is highly qualified and capable of assuming the role of a professional manager." A young shareholder expressed his opinion. He had joined the board following Joseph''s restructuring efforts and was one of the few members to remain after the significant changes in boardposition.

    His speech was for Joseph.

    A few shareholders also agreed with that, most of whom were young.

    William still didn''t say anything.

    Another old shareholder said, "Ridiculous!" He looked at Joseph, "Mr. Dover, I''m not questioning you. You do have this sort of ability, but your situation is known. It doesn''t matter whether you have resigned or not. The big issue is that now you are involved in so many cases. We can''t take this risk."

    His words also made sense.

    Joseph just smiled lightly and didn''t make a response.

    "In my opinion, William is the most suitable one." The shareholder mentioned William again, "He is one of the Lakes. What''s more, he is the elder one and brother of Henry. He matches for it."

    "Yes, William is the right person." Other old shareholders nodded.

    William pretended to evade it, "No, I have no ability to be in that position. You are ttering me."

    "William, please don''t reject the offer. The Runestone Group is currently facing challenges, and you are the most suitable candidate for the position. Unless you want to repeat the same fate as Henry, it''s crucial not to make the same mistakes twice." Several shareholders emphasized their concerns, viewing Joseph as a potential adversary.

    Irish was just watching their performance. She smiled satirically.

    Such a bad drama!

 Chapter 1017 1017: You Can’t Simply Leave

    ?

    It urred to her that some scenes in some movies. One tried to be the king, and he always had some followers. The one who imed that he was not suitable was always the worst.

    She was tough at them, but Shirley spoke, "You know yourself. Compared with Henry, do you still have an idea about thepany''s engagement since you have stayed at home for so many years?"

    William looked annoyed.

    "As far as I am concerned, Joseph is the most suitable," Shirley said directly.

    Irish gasped sharply.

    Human beings are inherently contradictory. Their allegiances and loyalties can shift as their interests and circumstances change. Consider Shirley as an example. Upon realizing that William no longer shared the same position as her, she decided to align herself with Joseph, the very person she had previously worked to remove from the equation.

    William stared at her, a sense of disbelief washing over him.

    With determination, she asserted, "It''s evident to everyone that Joseph possesses exceptional skills and capabilities."

    Irish observed the unfolding scene with a cold detachment, silently acknowledging the intricate nature of human behavior.

    "I respectfully disagree," voiced an elderly shareholder.

    "Neither can we." Others said.

    The opposition from the old shareholders was unsurprising, and their motives were clear. Joseph had been a source of distress for them. While it was true that over the past year, Joseph had brought considerable prosperity and wealth to the Runestone Group, his radical reforms had also instilled fear in them. They dreaded the possibility of being quietly ousted by him in the future. Consequently, they preferred the idea of having apliant figurehead rather than an intelligent and capable leader.

    Irish got anxious, "You..."

    "Irish." Joseph pulled her and said lightly, "Do not force them."

    Irish had to resist her anger.

    "Mr. Dover, we are not mean to you, but your situation now is not suitable for the Runestone Group." The old shareholder said.

    Joseph smiled lightly, "Understood."

    Irish felt sorry for Joseph.

    She was really annoyed.

    Such idiots!

    Things seemed to be confirmed.

    Just then, a hurried knock on the door interrupted the tense atmosphere.

    It was Daisy.

    Caught off guard by Joseph''s presence, she was momentarily surprised. However, she quicklyposed herself and instinctively turned to Joseph, delivering her report, "Mr. Dover, there''s arge group of reporters outside. They''ve gathered at the building''s entrance."

    Irish was taken aback by Daisy''s actions.

    It wasn''t the content of Daisy''s report that surprised her, but rather the fact that Daisy had directly reported to Joseph.

    Unhappy with the situation, William questioned Daisy, "Daisy, who were you speaking to?"

    Realizing her mistake, Daisy quickly apologized, "I''m sincerely sorry."

    William furrowed his brow and inquired, "What''s happening outside?"

    Daisy cast a discreet nce at Joseph, revealing theplexity of her emotions. Irish could discern various sentiments in that gaze��pity, reminiscence, astonishment, and even... love.

    Indeed, Daisy loved Joseph. Irish was aware of this fact.

    While she knew that Daisy wouldn''t act upon her feelings, a tinge of envy crept into Irish''s heart.

    Daisy proceeded to provide an update, "The media somehow obtained information about Roy''s death. The news quickly spread and went viral. By the time we became aware of it, the information had already been disseminated extensively. The situation is now beyond our control."

    "What?" William felt shocked.

    Other shareholders were also surprised.<novelsnext>I think you should take a look at </novelsnext>

    "What is the Public Rtions Department doing? They don''t know that?" William stood up suddenly and shouted, "What are you doing?"

    "Sorry." Daisy apologized.

    "Call the director of the Public Rtions Department here."

    Daisy hesitated, "Now?"

    "Yes, right now!"

    Daisy followed his order.

    Shortly after, Be arrived at the scene. As capable as ever, her face brightened upon seeing Joseph''s presence, and she quickly assumed a respectful demeanor towards him.

    Joseph nodded to her as a greeting.

    "What''s going on, Be? You have strong connections with the media. Why has this issue escted to such an extent?" William''s dissatisfaction with Be''s demeanor towards Joseph grew, and his tone turned confrontational.

    Be tended to be neither humble nor pushy. This time, her exnation was still reasonable.

    "I apologize, Mr. William. It''s our failure to fulfill our duties. The media that released the news did so without seeking confirmation from us. It''s possible that they had obtained urate information, hence their actions."

    "I don''t want to hear your excuses. Right now, I want to know what steps your department intends to take," William''s tone grew even more brusque and impolite.

    Irish sat there, watching the whole scene clearly.

    Despite William''s usually mild demeanor, he had resorted to scolding Daisy during the meeting and summoning Be without considering the context. While the Public Rtions Department had indeed made mistakes in this instance, publicly berating an employee in front of numerous shareholders seemed unnecessary and potentially damaging.

    And then, there was only one possible reason.

    William wanted to give a threat to Joseph.

    Daisy and Be were once Joseph''s good followers.

    Irish, feeling the urge to intervene, intended to say something to Be. However, Joseph quickly reached out and subtly gestured for her not to act impulsively or in a confrontational manner.

    Irish was torn between her anxiety and sympathy for the situation unfolding before her.

    Irish understood Joseph well. While he could be demanding of his subordinates, he was never as unreasonable or harsh as William. Joseph genuinely valued and cared for his followers, which earned him their sincere respect. This was evident in the loyal dedication shown by individuals like Daisy and Be towards him.

    Such a situation was sad and hard to ept for Joseph.

    Be was still apologizing, but obviously, she was not patient anymore.

    Irish knew Be, who had the same personality as her. Be was able and honest. Many times, when she went to Joseph''s office, she found that Be was quarreling with Joseph about their work.

    Undoubtedly, being scolded in front of arge audience would have caused unhappiness for someone like Be. Despite her continued apologies, she was undoubtedly feeling embarrassed and growing increasingly impatient with the situation.

    "You should take responsibility for the situation. Your position as a director is now uncertain," William persisted in his aggressive stance.

    Be, now genuinely infuriated, stared at William and pronounced each word with rity, "Fine. I will submit my resignation."

    William felt surprised.

    He had never thought that she would say that.

    Be removed her name tag and tossed it onto the desk with a hint of defiance. Speaking in a subdued voice, she dered, "I will prepare my resignation letter." With that, she turned away and left the room.

    "Hey, you��"

    "Be!" Seeing the situation, Irish stopped her.

    Be stopped and turned around.

    "It''s not the time for impulsive actions," Irish spoke, trying to calm the situation. "I understand that everything unfolded rapidly, leaving the Public Rtions Department with little time to respond. William was anxious, which may have affected the tone of his words. Please don''t take it to heart. We need you now, and you can''t simply leave."

 Chapter 1018 1018: Did You See It?

    ?

    Irish rose from her seat and approached Be, a sigh escaping her lips. She held genuine concern for the Runestone Group, apany that held significance for both her father and Joseph. With the crisis at hand, someone had to take charge, and Be was the most suitable candidate.

    Irish''s words brought somefort to Be, alleviating her distress to some extent.

    Kelly joined in with words of reassurance, "Indeed, Be, you have dedicated many years to thispany. We are all aware of yourmitment and hard work. Let''s put this incident behind us and focus on moving forward."

    William, realizing the potential consequences of Be''s departure, began to feel nervous. Witnessing Irish and Kelly offering their support and attempting to mend the situation, he cleared his throat and spoke, attempting to reconcile, "Be... I was simply overwhelmed by anxiety. We truly need you at this crucial time. Moreover, there are pressing matters concerning the media that require the expertise of the Public Rtions Department. It would be inappropriate for you to leave now."

    Be clenched her teeth, clearly still harboring feelings of discontentment.

    At this time, Joseph, who was silent all the time, said with a low voice, "Be, go back to work."

    It was just a simple order, but it sounded authoritative.

    Be felt touched and just said, "Yeah, sure."

    In this way, the embarrassing atmosphere changed just by Joseph''s simple words.

    William felt more and more embarrassed.

    ****

    The meeting among the board was even more tiring than that among the United Nations.

    William''s aim was clear already, but it was interrupted by the media.

    Irish had been tirelessly advocating for the best interests of Cassie throughout the prolonged negotiations with the shareholders. After emerging from the meeting room, she was overwhelmed by a sense of exhaustion, feeling as if she had expended all her energy and even lost her ability to articte her thoughts.

    Joseph, sensing the need for a break, exited the meeting room earlier than expected and made his way to the smoking room for a moment of silence.

    Irish made two cups of coffee. One was for herself, while the other was for Joseph. Coffee was bought by Joseph from abroad. It tasted good, and gradually Irish loved it.

    The door was half closed.

    There was light choking in it.

    Irish slowed her footsteps, feeling doubtful.

    Through the open door, she saw the scene in the smoking room.

    It was Daisy.

    She was crying.

    She was crying on Joseph''s shoulder.

    Irish found herself frozen in ce, her hand still on the door handle, as she becamepletely absorbed in observing the scene unfolding before her.

    Daisy, in the smoking room, cried sadly.

    Irish had never seen this scene before.

    In her memory, Daisy tended to be strong. Her femininity was seldom shown because of her busy work. She became as calm and reserved as Joseph.

    But now she just cried in Joseph''s bosom like a child.

    Joseph looked a little helpless, and he just raised his hands a little. It was not suitable to push her or give her a hug. He just held on to it.

    Irish at the door seemed to have done something bad, and she just hid herself in the corner.

    Although Irish''s husband was inside the smoking room, she hesitated to push the door and call out to him, "Joseph, it''s time for us to leave."

    Separated by the door, she could only hear Daisy''s mourning, "Mr. Dover, just take me away. I don''t want to work here. I just want to work for you."

    When was Daisy so unreasonable?

    Irish felt sorry for her.

    And then she heard Joseph sighing and saying in a low voice, "You have seen my situation now. Daisy, I can''t promise you anything. If you are really unhappy, just resign, but do noty your hopes on me."

    Daisy cried more sadly.

    Joseph could onlyfort her with a low voice and even persuade her.<novelsnext>I think you should take a look at </novelsnext>

    Irish leaned against the wall silently. Hearing Daisy''s crying, her heart ached.

    Irish''s emotions towards Daisy were not rooted in jealousy or hatred. In fact, she did not hold any ill will towards Daisy, perhaps partly because she understood Daisy''s affection for Joseph. While Irish may have felt some difort, she did not harbor any animosity towards their connection.

    She believed in Daisy.

    Even now, when she was embracing her husband and crying.

    After several minutes passed, Daisy''s tears subsided, and Joseph offered herfort and support. Gradually, the situation improved. As Irish caught the sound of approaching footsteps, she swiftly moved to the side and concealed herself beside the lounge.

    In the corridor, Daisy turned back and addressed Joseph, "Mr. Dover, I truly wish for your return." With that, Daisy walked away, leaving Joseph standing there, contemtive.

    Joseph was still silent.

    The sound made by her high heels went away and then disappeared.

    The door of the lounge was open.

    Irish rested against the wall, her body sinking into a mixture of fatigue and contemtion. Holding two cups of coffee, she could feel the coldness seeping through her palms, despite the sweltering summer heat. The chill from the coffee seemed to prate not only her skin but also her veins, gradually enveloping her in aplete sense of coldness.

    She felt that this kind of coldness was more disappointing than Daisy''s tears.

    Soon, her phone rang.

    There was just a wall between them, so Irish knew that Joseph didn''t go.

    In such a quiet atmosphere, it was clearer.

    It was in her handbag.

    The sound was clear.

    She heard Joseph''s footsteps.

    She didn''t move but still leaned on the wall.

    Until Joseph''s figure appeared at the door.

    She turned around to look at him.

    He was also watching her, and then he just hung up.

    Irish was watching him motionlessly. Soon he walked close to her, and then she raised her head.

    Joseph was also close to her and stopped his footsteps.

    He was so close to her that he could breathe in Daisy''s perfume on his body. Irish neglected the wetness in his bosom deliberately and just looked into his eyes.

    At such a short distance, she could see him so clearly.

    She felt slightly lonely.

    In her thoughts, Irish contemted the possibility of Joseph having a mistress. She admitted to herself that if such a revtion were to ur, she wouldck the courage to leave him. Her love for Joseph was so profound that she would trust his words as long as he assured her that no infidelity was involved.

    Joseph took over two cups of coffee in her hands and then put them aside.

    Her hands were hanging.

    Soon, Joseph gently took hold of Irish''s hands, intertwining their fingers and cing them by their sides.

    The temperature in his palm quickly drove away the coldness.

    "Did you see it?" Joseph lowered his face. His warm breath fell on her nose.

    Irish nodded lightly.

    Joseph attempted to speak, but the words seemed to elude him. After briefly pausing, he murmured, "I''m sorry, Irish. I don''t know how to put it into words."

    Instead of waiting for an exnation, Irish reached out and gently held onto Joseph''s neck, her touch conveying understanding and eptance. In a hushed tone, she reassured him, "You don''t need to exin anything. I already understand."

 Chapter 1019 1019: A Text Message

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    Joseph embraced Irish tightly, his arms encircling her with a reassuring grip. Lowering his head, he sought her lips and whispered, "Irish, I genuinely care about you."

    Irish responded by pressing her lips against his, cherishing the closeness and breathing in his familiar scent. After a moment, she softly expressed her feelings, "I understand, but visually, it still makes me ufortable."

    "Sorry." Joseph apologized to her and then kissed her lips.

    As they returned to the car, Irish held tightly onto Joseph''s hands, her grip firm and unwavering.

    Irish spoke in a hushed tone, her voice filled with conviction, "I agree with Daisy. Right now, the Runestone Group needs you to save it."

    Joseph responded directly, his tone tinged with resignation, "William will not allow me to return."

    "Then what should we do?"

    Joseph kept silent for a while and then said, "Just wait."

    Wait?

    Irish couldn''t understand it.

    "Don''t you find Kelly''s behavior questionable?" Joseph voiced his concerns, previously doubting William, but Kelly''s actions during the meeting had caused him to hesitate once again.

    "What do you mean?" Irish inquired.

    "I believe that as a couple, they should be united on the same n. However, it appears that Kelly is clearly opposed to William," Joseph stated, furrowing his brow.

    Irish thought about it for a while, "What kind of things can she do?"

    Joseph smiled lightly, "Sometimes, it is the woman who can do some startling things."

    Hearing his words, Irish felt shocked.

    ****

    Cassie decided to return to the car first.

    However, Shirley''s course of action was different. Instead of leaving, she was intercepted by William and guided into an empty office, away from prying eyes.

    "What are you doing? Do not pull me." Shirley threw away William''s hands.

    William was unhappy. He lowered his voice, "Are you mad? You are not with me! You spoke for Joseph at the meeting instead of for the Lakes! What were you thinking of?"

    Shirley''s frustration was palpable as she expressed her anger, her voice filled with annoyance as she pointed her finger at William. "What was I thinking? All I wanted was to protect my son!" she eximed. "Have you done anything for the Lakes? Why didn''t you stand up for Roy? Now that Roy is dead, what''s wrong with Cassie inheriting his shares? Why did you try to prevent it? You im to be working for the benefit of the Lakes, but what has been the oue? Have you truly achieved anything positive? I believe you simply want Roy''s shares for yourself!"

    William''s expression hardened as he responded, "What nonsense are you talking about? That''s not what I meant. I am Roy''s uncle, and his family. I was devastated when I learned about his death, more than anyone else. But I believe that since we already ousted Joseph from thepany, we shouldn''t let hime back. Otherwise, we will have no solid ground to stand on. Look at Irish now, fully supporting Joseph. She is no longer aligned with the Lakes. No, she never truly was aligned with the Lakes."

    "I don''t care. I just know that you were not inquiring about the biggest interests of my son, nor for my daughter-inw and her child."

    Shirley''s discontent was evident as she expressed her dissatisfaction, saying, "So, you still remember that you are Roy''s uncle? I thought you had forgotten all about it."

    "Alright, I admit that I misspoke," William conceded. "But you also need to ensure that you stand on the right side and avoid being inconsistent. Remember that," he warned Shirley.

    Shirley snorted and said, "I can''t promise you, but I have to see if you also take Roy and Cassie into consideration. I don''t care about it since I am satisfied with my life, and I also live in ease andfort. But Roy is still young, and Cassie is pregnant, so I have to be thoughtful of them. They need to raise a child. They need money."<novelsnext>I think you should take a look at </novelsnext>

    "Alright, I trust you. I can promise you what you want," William responded, reaching out to affectionately tousling Shirley''s hair. "Shirley, you are still young as well," he added, offering a hint of flirtation.

    Shirley furrowed her eyebrows and shook off his hand. "You better don''t act in such a flirtatious manner," said Shirley angrily.

    "What''s up? Henry is gone." William said and heaved a sigh.

    "Yes, he is gone. But so, what? What did you do a few years ago? Now Cassie is pregnant, and I am going to be a grandmother soon. What do you want me to do? I still need to save my face," said Shirley unpleasantly.

    William licked his lips, his intentions bing clear as he attempted to embrace Shirley. "Don''t say that. I only want to make it up to you."

    Shirley''s anger surged, and she fiercely retorted, "Get away from me!"

    However, William didn''t loosen his grip and said in a soft voice, "Shirley, you never treated me like this before."

    Shirley fought against William''s advances, using all her strength to push him away. She straightened her disheveled clothing and spoke with anger in her voice, "Don''t bring up the past because everything has changed now. William, I warn you, if you attempt to force the three of us out, I will fight you with everything I have."

    "Shirley, please calm down first. Let''s not escte this," William urged, attempting to soothe her emotions.

    Outside the door, Kelly observed the unfolding scene without revealing any emotions on her face. She maintained an expressionless demeanor, silently taking in the situation.

    ****

    Time went without any hassle.

    It was the first day of August when the media exposed the news of Roy''s death.

    It was a hot day, and the whole city seemed to be shrouded in a huge steamer which made it hard for people to breathe.

    Although the PR Department of Runestone Group tried hard to block the news of Roy''s death, it was toote. The director of the PR Department had no other choice but to admit Roy''s death. He then dered that the police were investigating this case.

    In the early morning, the air outside was dense and humid, exuding a sultry atmosphere.

    Joseph had already risen from bed by the time Irish woke up. Suddenly, the alert tone of his phone rang out, indicating the arrival of a message.

    Feeling hesitant, Irish reached out and took hold of Joseph''s phone. Yet, she found herself hesitating to read the message when Joseph emerged from the bathroom.

    "What''s going on?" Joseph inquired, noticing that Irish was staring at his phone.

    Irish handed the phone back to Joseph and shook her head slightly. "Actually, I am curious about the content of that message," she admitted.

    "Go ahead and read it, then let me know," Joseph responded with a smile. He grabbed a clean towel and began drying his hair.

    Irish sat up and added, "It''s just that most people prefer to call instead of sending a text message, so it piques my interest."

    Joseph leaned against the door, a smile ying on his lips as he continued to dry his hair.

    It was Rosy who texted him.

    "Honey, see you this noon. I miss you," Irish read the message in a low voice.

 Chapter 1020 1020: I Want You, Now!

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    Irish was jealous when she read this message. Rosy''s face gradually appeared in front of her eyes, and Irish could even imagine her sweet voice when she talked to Joseph. Perhaps Rosy would walk arm in arm with Joseph and call him in a sweet voice with a soft smile.

    Irish felt disgusted since she even never acted so imitated with her husband.

    Thinking of this, Irish felt her stomach was churning, and she decided not to eat the breakfast since she was afraid that she would vomit.

    Joseph had almost finished drying his hair. He kept observing his wife''s mood swing during the process. He was confused when he noticed Irish furrowed her eyebrows and gnashed her teeth.

    "What''s wrong with you? You don''t look well," asked Joseph.

    Irish looked up and red at him without saying anything.

    Joseph was startled when he saw the burning anger in his eyes. "Who sent me the message?" Joseph asked.

    He was clear that Irish must get mad at it.

    Irish cleared her throat and pretended to repeat the message with an affectedly sweet voice, "Honey, see you this noon. I miss you."

    Joseph got goosebumps as he heard this.

    Irish still gazed at him as she finished reading as if she was going to interrogate him.

    Joseph was helpless, and Irish''s sharp eyes reminded him of Chalmers. He put down the towel, took over his cell phone from Irish, and said, "Who sent me the message? Let me take a look."

    "Joseph, it seems she is intimate with you. Are there any other girls who also call you like this?" Irish picked a hole in his words.

    Joseph suddenly remembered the old saying: least said, soonest mended, "Irish, don''t misunderstand me. I don''t mean that," exined Joseph in a hurry.

    "Well, do you know who text you now?"

    Joseph nodded and hastily replied, "I know. I know."

    "Tell me who."

    "Rosy." It was his first time to be interrogated by a woman.

    "Great! It seems that you have been used to what she called you. It is unfair. I am your wife. It is only me alone who has the right to call you Honey. I don''t even have an exclusive appetion."

    Joseph''s mind was running fast. He gave her an ent and said with a smile, "But you are the only one who can call me husband."

    Irish was relieved by his words to some extent, but she then continued, "Tell me the truth. What is your rtionship with her? It is annoying!"

    Joseph sat down beside her and coaxed Irish patiently, "I promise you I don''t have an ambiguous rtionship with her. She is still a kid. Don''t bother about her."

    "She is a kid? Yes, you are right. She is still young, but you are not a child anymore. You said you treat her like a child, but did she treat you as an elder? Why did she text you in this way? Why did she get so intimate with you and even embrace you?"

    "Irish, she didn''t. Don''t misunderstand me."

    "Are you still going to quibble with me? I have seen it before," said Irish angrily.

    Joseph was speechless and looked at her silently.

    "Are you going to date her today?" Irish waved his cell phone at him.

    Joseph could neither cry nor smile and then said, "I am going to meet Vincent."

    "Okay, fine. Rosy will also show up, right? It makes no difference." Irish mumbled and threw the cell phone at him.

    Joseph heaved a sigh and said, "But I can''t require Vincent not to bring his daughter with him."<novelsnext>I think you should take a look at </novelsnext>

    "Okay, just go." Irish snorted and turned her back to him.

    Joseph embraced her from behind and asked, "Are you mad at me?"

    "Even a blind could tell I am angry. Yes, you are right. I am angry."

    Joseph lowered his head and kissed her cheeks. "Don''t get angry, Irish."

    "Tell me how I can calm down. My husband is going on a date with another woman," Irishined and leaned against his chest.

    "I am going to talk about business with him," Joseph replied with a smile.

    "But you have promised me to put your work aside, but you go back on your words. Why can''t you keep your word?" Irish turned to him, held his neck, and fondled his cheek. "Rosy wants to covet you, and I am sure she will gaze at you, and I am afraid that she will also hold your neck intimately," added Irish, pouting her lips.

    Joseph held back his smile and replied, "Don''t worry. I will protect myself."

    "But you know her intention, right?"

    "What is her intention? She loves Leo," Josephforted her.

    "But I think..."

    "That''s enough. Irish, I promise you, I don''t have any evil thoughts. I don''t like her at all," Joseph interrupted her and said firmly.

    Irish tried to hold back her smile but finally burst out intoughter. "Joseph, you may misunderstand me. I mean, you have to be cautious since I am worried that she may take advantage of you. Do you really think every woman will be attracted by your appearance?"

    "Okay, I will keep her at a distance," responded Joseph, grinning at his wife.

    "It sounds okay. You have to remember that nowadays, women are ambitious. You don''t know women as well as Leo and Roy. After all, they are much more experienced, so they will not be cheated easily. You are different from them and will be cheated by women easily, especially by those girls who look innocent." Irish almost delivered a speech.

    "Okay, I get it. I will keep it in my heart," Joseph assured her.

    Irish grinned at her husband and held his neck again.

    Even her eyes were filled with an evil smile.

    "Honey..." Irish called him in a rather sweet voice.

    "I am here," replied Joseph in a soft voice.

    Irish kissed his cheeks and whispered beside his ears, "I want you. Now!"

    Joseph felt his lower abdomen retract as he heard this.

    "Honey, I am ready," Joseph said while his hands slipped into her skirt.

    Irishpressed her lips into a smile, looked into his eyes, and said, "I am going to bleed you so that you won''t have enough energy to have sex with other women."

    Joseph raised his eyebrows and said, "Irish, you are amazing!"

    "I have no other choice because I have to protect my marriage," Irish responded seriously.

    She amused Joseph, but he was also fascinated by her sexy red lips. Joseph couldn''t control himself anymore and rolled her up to kiss her.

    It was almost noon when they finished extreme sex. Joseph went out for his business.

    Although Irish was still reluctant, she had no other choice, and she couldn''t stop him. Irish dressed up and gave a call to Cassie, telling her that she woulde to herter.

 Chapter 1021 1021: Eat Something

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    Irish felt grieved but helpless by Roy''s death, so she also spent some time staying with Cassie. Irish noticed that Cassie''s eyes were bloodshot and puffy, and she was clear that Cassie must cry secretly for Roy.

    Cassie never admitted that she had fallen in love with Roy, but Irish was clear that she did fall in love with him. That was why Cassie was so helpless when she got to know she was pregnant. Cassie''s heart was almost broken when she heard the news of Roy''s death.

    "How can Ifort her today?" Irish asked herself.

    Irish put up on a casual suit, washed her face, and tucked her hair.

    Irish heaved a sigh and was about to leave, but her phone rang when she took out her car key.

    She thought it was Cassie and then connected the phone. "Dear, I am going to set out soon," said Irish.

    "It seems we think alike," said the woman who giggled at the other end of the phone.

    Irish was shocked since she realized it was not Cassie. Taking a look at the phone number, she found it was unfamiliar.

    "I am Rosy," continued the woman.

    ''Little bitch.'' Irish thought to herself.

    "What''s up?" asked Irish in a rather cold voice.

    However, Rosy still replied with great passion, as if she was not aware of Irish''s indifference. "I just want to invite you for a meal."

    Irish didn''t expect she would invite her for a meal. Though shocked, she asked. "When?"

    Irish suddenly remembered the message, and she got annoyed again.

    "Well, how about having lunch together today? Let''s meet at Lotus Park. It is not far away from your house," Rosy suggested immediately.

    "What?" Irish eximed in shock, as her initial assumption was that Rosy would be meeting Joseph.

    "What''s wrong? Don''t you have time? I have something important to talk about with you," Rosy stated.

    Irish responded with annoyance, "Don''t you know that you need to give advance notice for an invitation? I already have ns for a date."

    "Irish, my dear sister, please. I am at Lotus Park now, and I have even made a reservation. Okay, I am going to send you the address," Rosy quickly responded, ignoring her refusal. She hung up the phone as soon as she finished her sentence.

    Upon hearing Rosy''s sweet voice, Irish couldn''t help but feel a shiver run down her spine. Sensing that there might be something more to Rosy''s request, Irish resolved to uncover Rosy''s intentions. As she wasn''t very familiar with Rosy, Irish knew that Rosy must have her own agenda and ns.

    Thinking of this, Irish called Cassie again and told her that she needed to meet Rosy.

    "Rosy?" Cassie also felt weird. "That girl likes Leo? But shy would she invite you for lunch?" asked Cassie.

    Irish finally found the key.

    "I don''t know. So, I have to see what she is going to do," Irish stated.

    "She is weird. You have to watch out," Cassie urged her.

    Irish smiled softly and assured Cassie, "Don''t worry. I will take care of myself."

    "I don''t want you to get hurt," Cassie said with sobs.

    "Cassie, I will be fine. I am going to meet you after lunch."

    Irish looked at herself in the mirror after hanging up the phone. A minuteter, she put down her hair and began to put on makeup.

    ****<novelsnext>I think you should take a look at </novelsnext>

    Lilith downloaded a cookbook from the Inte and learned to cook. The time of drug addiction attack was getting shorter, which meant Lilith was getting better.

    Jay got up early and went to the fitness center, and he carried his cell phone with him in case Lilith''s drug addiction urred.

    When he went back home, Lilith had prepared many delicious courses for him.

    They washed their hands and began to enjoy their lunch.

    But Lilith seemed to have something to talk about with him.

    "What is it that you want to discuss?" Jay proactively inquired. Lately, Jay had been devoting his time to regr workouts at the fitness center, taking advantage of his free schedule. With a well-built chest and strong arms, Jay appeared both casually dressed and remarkably handsome.

    Casting a hesitant nce at Jay, Lilith cautiously asked, "Is it truly my brother''s body that was found?"

    Lilith was overwhelmed by a wave of grief upon hearing the news of Roy''s death. The weight of losing both her sister Ruby and now Roy felt like an unbearable burden, causing her to feel as though she was sinking into a dark abyss.

    Lilith frequently dreamed of having meals together with her family these days, and she would always burst into tears when she woke up from the beautiful dream.

    Jay looked at her, thought for a while, and replied softly, "His parents have imed."

    It was uneptable news, but Jay had to tell her the truth.

    Lilith''s eyes were filled with tears again.

    Jay was also aware of her tears and felt heartbroken. He was at a loss in how tofort Lilith, and Jay felt that it was useless to say anything at this right moment.

    "I don''t want my brother dead," said Lilith helplessly.

    Jay heaved a sigh and also felt upset. He was a police officer, and he also didn''t hope murders urred. Reaching out, Jay then said softly, "Lilith,e here."

    Lilith stepped to him while Jay embraced her into his arms. "Everything will get better."

    Lilith nodded, but the tears still trickled down.

    "Okay, eat something. You have to eat enough nutrition every day." Jay said and wiped Lilith''s tears gently.

    Lilith, appearing as meek and vulnerable as a puppy, sat there in silence. After a prolonged period of tears, she finally ceased crying and spoke to Jay in a husky voice, "I''m so worried. Even though my struggle with drug addiction has been rtively under controltely."

    Jay gently fed Lilith a piece of meat, offering her a small source offort. He reassured her, saying, "This shows that you are making progress. Don''t worry. Even though you faced regr struggles with drug addiction in the past, you are on the path to improvement now."

    Lilith had experienced rtively less painpared to Carmen during their respective battles with drug addiction. While Carmen had made some progress, she had not fully ovee her addiction yet.

    It seemed that the drug in Lilith''s body was disappearing.

    Thinking of this, Jay''s eyes turned cold.

    Lilith had been enduring immense pain as she continued to struggle with her severe addiction. However, Jay''s gaze hardened as he contemted the repercussions of the drug being widely spread in the market. He understood that if the drug reached more people, countless individuals would be subjected to a life of agony and suffering.

    "Can I really recover?" asked Lilith anxiously since she was afraid that she would live in pain for the rest of her life.

    Jay put down the fork, held her face, and replied firmly, "Many people who are in a worse situation than you have recovered, so there is no need to worry. Trust me."

    "After I recover..." Lilith grumbled.

    Jay locked his gaze onto Lilith''s face, his eyes filled with intensity and concern.

 Chapter 1022 1022: Do I Need To Bother With Formalities?

    ?

    Lilith lowered her head under his gaze.

    Lilith couldn''t envision what her life would be like once she sessfully recovered from her drug addiction. She often experienced feelings of self-abasement and shame due to her struggles with addiction.

    However, Jay had made a decision. Reaching out, he embraced her and said softly, "Lilith, I am not going to leave you alone. I will protect you for the rest of your life."

    Lilith felt her heart almost jump out of her chest. Looking up, she saw the scars on his arms. She fondled his arms and felt sorrowful.

    "I am fine. It doesn''t hurt already," Jay assured her.

    "I am sorry, Jay," Lilith apologized and felt self-condemned.

    Jay lowered his head to kiss her forehead, but Lilith moved aside slightly.

    "Lilith, I know you didn''t mean that. You have lost your mind since the drug addiction urred. You can''t control yourself. Don''t be self-condemned."

    Lilith nodded but said nothing.

    Jay suddenly remembered something and then asked, "Do you feel the same way when you take heroin?"

    Lilith thought for a while and then shook her head.

    "You mean you didn''t feel the same?" asked Jay.

    Lilith thought again but replied, "No, I mean, I can''t remember anything at that time."

    "You didn''t know your Mom fed you with heroin?"

    "Yes," replied Lilith.

    Jay paused for a while and then continued, "Do you still remember what happened on the night when Ruby was killed?"

    Lilith looked at Jay hesitantly since she was confused and didn''t know why he mentioned Ruby''s death abruptly.

    "The drug addiction also urred that night, right?"

    Lilith nodded again.

    "Was the housemaid with you that night?"

    "Maybe," Lilith replied, but she was not sure.

    "Your dad was also there with you, right?"

    "I heard my dad''s voice, so he might stay with me that night."

    "What about your mother?" Jay asked again.

    "I also heard her voice."

    "Lilith, are you sure your parents stayed with you the whole night?"

    Lilith turned to be vignt and then asked, "Jay, are you suspicious about my parents?"

    Jay stopped asking, embraced her, and said, "No. Don''t misunderstand me. I just think your parents shouldn''t feed you with heroin."

    "Jay, don''t lie to me. I am not a kid," said Lilith, who stared at him.

    Jay had no choice but to tell her the truth.

    "Okay, I have to admit that I suspect your parents."

    "Why? Do you suspect that they killed Ruby or killed Roy? It is impossible. It can''t be my parents. They are all kind-hearted. They would definitely not kill people," said Lilith agitatedly.

    Jay hastilyforted her, "Don''t get angry."

    "They are my parents. How can I calm down? They also love Ruby and Roy. How could they be murderers?"

    "I didn''t say that they are the murderer. Lilith, calm down."

    "You can''t say such malicious words against them." Lilith burst into tears.

    Jay stopped talking since he was worried about her, and he hastily apologized to her, "I am sorry. Don''t be angry."

    Lilith allowed him to embrace her and said after sheposed herself, "Jay, please don''t suspect my parents. They are really kind-hearted, and they would never kill people. They stayed with me the night Ruby was killed."

    Jay was clear that she was influenced by sentiment, so he hastily coaxed her and embraced her into his arms.

    However, Jay was getting more and more furious because he knew that Lilith''s first reply was absolutely true.

    Lilith only heard the voice of William and Kelly, but it didn''t mean she had seen them.

    Even if she saw them that night, perhaps they didn''t stay with her for the whole night.

    Lilith was unconscious when the drug addiction urred, and she was not clear if William and Kelly were there with her.

    In that case, William and Kelly didn''t have an airtight alibi.

    Lilith told the police that she could prove her parents stayed with her for the whole night since she wanted to give unprincipled protection to William and Kelly. But indeed, Lilith was not clear if they did stay with her that night.

    It was horrible. Jay turned grim-faced and shocked.

    ****

    It happened to be twelve o''clock when Irish arrived at the restaurant. It was the golden time for lunch, but Irish was unpleasant to meet Rosy.

    Rosy was well dressed, and she wore a pair of shoes in a new style. She lifted her hand and gently touched the tip of the hair to reveal the earlobe where a shining diamond earring was hanging there.

    Irish took a deep breath and then headed to Rosy.

    Rosy greeted Irish with a big smile, and as soon as Irish sat down, Rosy said with astonishment, "Doctor Irish, every time I see you, you look so beautiful, except for the first time I met you."

    They met at the small ind owned by Joseph at their first encounter.

    Irish remembered that the most embarrassing side of her was seen by this seemingly unintentional but shrewd girl, which was really annoying.

    "I need to save my face in front of such a young girl," replied Irish with a soft smile. She looked up at her and then continued, "I am not a doctor now. Perhaps you didn''t hear about this, but now I have gotten married to Joseph, so it is proper to call me Mrs...." Irish stopped since she was clear that Rosy must understand.

    Irish said in an aggressive manner which shocked Rosy. But soon, Rosy smiled and said, "People always said a woman married to a wealthy family would turn out to be mighty. It sounds reasonable now."

    "A wealthy family? He is working for the Lakes, and Runestone Group doesn''t belong to him. And now he lost his job and was even regarded as a suspect by the police. It seems he is far away from a wealthy family," replied Irish, who looked through the menu at the same time. She called the waiter and began to order dishes. Irish asked Rosy after ordering a few dishes, "Would you mind if I order the dishes?"

    Rosy shook her head while Irish shrugged and ordered a full table of dishes.

    "This youngdy will pay the bill," said Irish to the waiter. The man took a nce at Rosy and then nodded.

    Rosy smiled at Irish and spoke after the waiter left, "Irish, it seems you don''t bother with formalities when ites to me."

    "Do I need to bother with formalities with a wealthy woman who covets my husband?" Irish retorted with a smile, maintaining herposure but speaking sharply.

    Shocked, Rosy widened her eyes at Irish.

    "Why would you use me of coveting your husband?" Rosy asked, seeking rification.

 Chapter 1023 1023: I Am Willing To Pay

    ?

    "You''re aware that women often possess keen instincts," Irish replied, leaning back in her chair. After a brief pause, she continued, "You intentionally sent Joseph such an intimate message early in the morning, knowing that I would see it, didn''t you? Rosy, don''t try to tell me that you were only interested in obtaining information about Leo from Joseph. By inviting me for this meal, it''s clear that you''ve lost interest in Leo altogether."

    "Yes, you''re right. I covet him, but there''s something I need to rify. I still love Leo, and my feelings for him have not changed," Rosy replied with unwavering determination.

    Irish couldn''t help but find amusement in Rosy''s response. "So, Rosy, you''re saying that you love both Joseph and Leo? That sounds quite absurd," Irish remarked with a hint of sarcasm in her tone.

    "You are not me. How can you im to understand my emotions?" Rosy countered, refuting Irish''s remark.

    "Indeed, it is true that no one can fullyprehend another person''s grievances. However, that does not justify ruining other people''s lives due to one''s own grievances," Irish stated firmly, maintaining eye contact with Rosy. After a brief pause, she continued, "Let''s cut to the chase. If we continue this conversation while eating, I''m afraid I''ll lose my appetite," Irish added, emphasizing her desire for a more direct and focused discussion.

    Rosy cleared her throat and spoke, "Don''t you understand my intentions? People often say you are a perceptive woman."

    "You took the initiative to invite me here, and it''s clear that you have feelings for my husband. So, based on your curious nature, I can only assume that you want me to leave Joseph because you believe that only you can help him in this critical moment," Irish responded calmly, though her eyes conveyed a hint of harshness.

    Rosy pondered for a moment before responding, "You''re right, but there is something I need to rify."

    "Alright, I''m all ears," Irish replied, raising an eyebrow in anticipation.

    Rosy took a sip of water before continuing, "It''s not that I can help him alone, but rather that we can help each other. I do have feelings for Leo, but I also understand that it''s impossible for him to work for my father. I recognize that the same condition applies to Joseph. However, the circumstances have changed now that Joseph has left the Runestone Group, and I believe it presents a good opportunity for him. My father values both Joseph and Leo''s abilities, but Leo has his ownpany. My father sees potential in Joseph and hopes to have his assistance," Rosy exined, clearing her throat as she finished speaking.

    Irish continued to listen to Rosy, maintaining an expressionless demeanor.

    After a brief pause, Rosy added, "You might view me as snobbish, but I have no other choice considering my upbringing. I cannot live the life of an ordinary girl. They can marry for love, have children, and lead a simple life, but that is not an option for me. I have to marry someone with a simr social status as my family, and our marriage must be based on mutual interests. In other words, they don''t care about whom I marry as long as he can bring profit to my family."

    Irish leaned forward and took a sip of her water.

    The dishes arrived shortly after, but neither of them started eating.

    "If you''re going to tell me about your love troubles, I''m sorry, but I''m not interested. Your worries and problems are solely due to your wealth. Compared to those who are struggling to make ends meet, your issues are hardly worth mentioning," Irish replied sarcastically.

    Rosy bit her lip, locking eyes with Irish. "Well, let''s talk about Joseph," she said.

    Irish nodded, signaling for her to continue.

    "My father hopes that Joseph can join hispany, creating a mutually beneficial situation. To be honest, I believe I am well-suited for him since I am younger than you. He needs a young woman," Rosy continued.

    "Ah? Are you nning to write me a check and ask me to leave him?" Irish retorted with a sneer.

    "If you need money, I can do that," Rosy responded after a moment of contemtion.

    A smile spread across Irish''s face as she continued, "I''m curious, how much are you willing to offer me? How much do you think he is worth?"

    "I''m being serious," Rosy hastily rified.

    "I''m not joking either. Tell me, how much are you willing to pay?" Irish replied calmly.

    Taken aback, Rosy stared at Irish with widened eyes and asked, "How much do you want?"

    After a moment of thought, Irish replied, "Ten billion."

    "No problem," Rosy responded immediately, visibly relieved.

    Irish couldn''t help but notice the change in Rosy''s expression and found it rather absurd. "It seems that he is worth more than that, considering how readily you agreed. Alright, I''ve changed my mind. I want fifty billion."

    "Okay, as you wish," Rosy replied once again.

    "What about a hundred billion?" Irish continued.

    "Okay," Rosy replied without any wavering in her mood.

    "Wow, I never knew that Joseph was worth so much money. What if I ask for even more?" Irish remarked with a touch of sarcasm.

    Rosy leaned forward and spoke earnestly, "I am willing to pay you whatever amount you ask for because all I need is Joseph''s assistance. My father has ambitions in the diamond mining industry, and Joseph possesses the talent and expertise in that field. With Joseph''s help, my father''s endeavors would soar to new heights. As for myself, I am set to inherit my family''s assets sooner orter, and having a husband like Joseph would be advantageous for me as well."

    Irish smiled and posed a question, "And what about Leo?"

    Rosy''s expression turned mncholic, and it was evident that she held feelings for Leo.

    "It''s impossible for me to be with him," Rosy sighed.

    "You truly are a devoted daughter, but you are also undeniably snobbish," Irish remarked, her words carrying a meaningful undertone.

    "You might be correct in thinking that I would act simrly in your shoes," Rosy retorted, ring at Irish.

    "Perhaps you''re right, but I am not you. I understand the significance of genuine love for a woman. You don''t believe in it, which is why you will be abandoned. Youplicate love and even seek to profit from it, ultimately destined to lose happiness in your pursuit. I may not fullyprehend your perspective, but I know myself well and what I truly desire," Irish replied.

 Chapter 1024 1024: Why Do You Trust Him So Much?

    ?

    "Why are you standing in the way of Joseph''s future now?" Rosy questioned.

    "It''s because I love him, and I have no intention of leaving him. That''s enough," Irish responded firmly.

    "Can love alone fulfill the material needs of your life?" Rosy asked skeptically.

    "It''s true that love alone cannot fulfill all of one''s material needs. However, people need faith in their lives; otherwise, life bes empty, and the heart bes void. Love is a human yearning for beauty, and with such faith, people can discover the beauty in this world. This is how they can avoid living in pain," Irish exined.

    Rosy grew increasingly frustrated and responded in a subdued voice, "But I don''t have the energy to feel the beauty of love."

    The waiters began serving the dishes one by one.

    Once the waiter had left, Irish spoke directly, "Rosy, I''ll be straightforward with you. I have no intention of divorcing him, and I don''t care if he can assist your father. You can discuss work matters with him, but if you dare continue coveting him, I won''t let you go. You''re a charming, wealthydy, but I can be quite stubborn. Fearless is being penniless. If you''re not afraid of damaging your reputation, you''re wee to try."

    Rosy was irritated by Irish''s words. "Do you think Joseph shares the same sentiment as you? What matters most to a man? It''s his career! You can''t offer him any help, so why don''t you just leave him?"

    "I think it is better to let him make his decision. He knows what he wants. If you tell me that he decides to give up our marriage for his career personally, then I will let him go, and I will also understand him," replied Irish calmly.

    "Why do you trust him so much? Don''t you think men will always give up something, such as friendship, love, and even marriage, for their profit? You ask him to stick to your marriage, but he loses the chance to develop his career. It will make him live in pain," continued Rosy.

    Irish still remained calm with a faint smile. "I believe my beloved man has his own moral sentiment, but it is his right to make decisions. I also understand it is useless to stay with a man who does not focus his mind on me. If he is a man who would like to give up his marriage for the sake of profit, I''d rather I never love him," Irish said slowly, word by word.

    Rosy said nothing and stared at Irish for a long while.

    ****

    "Did she really say this to you so brazenly?" asked Cassie in astonishment.

    Taking some nuts in her hands, Irish nodded, peeled them one by one, and then put them in her mouth. It was a little bitter, and that was why Irish didn''t like to eat it.

    It was not a pleasant conversation with Rosy. Irish had expected such a result since she was clear that it was impossible to chat cheerfully with a woman who coveted her husband.

    Irish tried her best to cool down and ate in an elegant manner. She exerted herself to hold back her anger in front of Rosy.

    However, Irish was certain that Rosy was mistaken about her true emotions. Rosy must have believed that Irish''s calmness and apparent indifference meant that she had no ws or weaknesses. But in reality, Irish was trembling with an uncontroble rage, despite her outwardposure.

    Therefore, as soon as she finished lunch, Irish came to Cassie immediately.

    Shirley also stayed at home and was also trapped in a low spirit. Shirley opened the door for Irish expressionlessly.

    Irish couldn''t contain herself any longer, as she was eager to share the encounter with Rosy with Cassie. Knowing that Cassie was also concerned about Irish being wronged by Shirley, Cassie quickly led Irish into her bedroom upon her arrival. Cassie''s eyes were still bloodshot from crying. Initially, Irish had no intention of burdening Cassie with her own troubles, but she changed her mind, hoping that sharing her experience would capture Cassie''s attention.

    Cassie was getting angry as she heard the whole story.

    "How could she be so unashamed? She knows Joseph is a married man, but how can she still try to allure him?"

    Shirley happened to knock in as Cassie said this.

    Shocked by what Cassie said, Shirley stood there still.

    Irish was a little bit embarrassed while Cassie flushed soon because Cassie was afraid Shirley would misunderstand her and thought Cassie was letting out a veiled abuse on Shirley.

    "Mom..." Cassie called her in a low voice hesitantly after a long while.

    Shirley wore a gloomy face and asked, "Irish, are you going to have dinner here?"

    "Thanks, but I need to go home," replied Irish.

    "Okay, I am going to take some fruits for you," responded Shirley, who then walked out of the bedroom.

    Cassie was worried and asked Irish, "Do you think she will misunderstand me?"

    "It really sounded like you were scolding her just now," replied Irish frankly.

    Cassie let out a long sigh and continued speaking, "Now that Roy is gone, she is the only one left with the blood ties to him. I finally understand the meaning behind the saying, ''One who loves the tree loves the branch.'' "Cassie''s voice quivered with emotion, and tears welled up in her eyes once more.

    Irish reached out and embraced Cassie, feeling the weight of the grief that enveloped them both. She knew that there were no words that could trulyfort Cassie at this moment.

    Roy was Irish''s brother as well, so she understood the depth of the pain Cassie was experiencing. She knew that Cassie would need time to heal and find a way to move forward.

    "Cassie, I know it''s incredibly difficult right now, but try to find strength in thinking about your baby," Irish said gently, guiding Cassie''s hand to rest on her abdomen. "This unborn little baby also shares a bond with Roy. He will carry a part of him, and it''s a beautiful connection that can bring somefort in this challenging time."

    "Irish, it really hurts," grumbled Cassie, covering her chest with her hand.

    Irish felt sorrowful for her.

    "He eagerly awaits the arrival of our baby and has made a heartfelt promise to purchase essential items for our little one," Cassie continued, tears streaming down her face. She was fully consumed by her anguish.

    "He hasn''t even chosen a name for our baby," Cassie added, her voice trembling with emotion.

    Irish gazed into Cassie''s eyes and spoke softly, "Cassie, you have fallen in love with Roy."

    Cassie''s eyes widened in astonishment as she stared at Irish, rendered speechless by the revtion.

 Chapter 1025 1025: I Did Play A Trick On Your Father

    ?

    It was not until Roy was gone Cassie realized her feelings for him. Just as the old saying goes that the onlooker sees most of the game. Therefore, Irish felt it was necessary to remind Cassie of her true feelings for Roy.

    Cassie stared at Irish in shock, and Irish''s words enlightened her.

    Soon a faint sound of cry came in from outside the door.

    Irish was also startled. A few secondster, Cassie hastily rushed out while Irish also followed behind. It was Shirley who was crying.

    The unwashed fruits were neatly ced on the te while Shirley wept on the couch. Obviously, she was trying to suppress her emotion.

    Standing at the door, Irish was shocked by what she saw.

    Shirley always gave her an impression of aggressiveness, and she always cried and shouted in front of Henry before. She was an annoying woman. But now Shirley looked so helpless yet desperate. Even if Shirley was suffering from great pain, she needed to n for her grandchild.

    Shirley was like a woman who didn''t transform into a sedate mother when Roy was alive, but now she was forced to be mature after Ruby and Roy''s death.

    Irish thought Shirley would repeatedly attempt suicide and even act in a lunatic manner, but to her surprise, Shirley just cried secretly.

    Perhaps Shirley was clear that no one could give herfort anymore when she was crying because they were all gone. Perhaps that was why Shirley turned to be brave and calm. It seemed that Shirley had no other choice because she would soon be a grandmother.

    Faith gave Shirley support to live, and that was why Shirley chose to suffer in silence.

    Cassie was intensely disquieted. Hesitant, Cassie stepped to Shirley. "Mom..." She called Shirley in a choking voice, and soon her eyes were filled with tears again.

    Standing over there, Irish was also grieving.

    If Joseph was there with her, he must know how to handle all this.

    Shirley covered her face, trembling slightly. She looked up after for a long while, and her eyes were bloodshot.

    "Cassie, you can''t cry. You have to take care of yourself," said Shirley.

    Cassie handed the tissue to Shirley, who immediately dried her tears and turned to Irish.

    When Shirley looked at her, Irish knew that she must have something to discuss with her.

    As Irish expected, Shirley said slowly, "I know you hate me."

    Irish remained silent and waited for her to continue.

    "I know Henry loves your mother. I also met your mother before. She is a beautiful woman," continued Shirley. She stared at Irish, her lips trembling slightly, and said again, "You look like your mother and inherit your mother''s beauty."

    Irish would have been furious because she didn''t hope anyone would mention her mother, especially Shirley, but this time Irish just wanted to listen to Shirley tell the past story.

    Irish sat down across Shirley calmly.

    "I must admit that when I met your mother for the first time, I knew I was the loser, and it is impossible for me to surpass your mother. But Henry needed help from my family while I also needed to find a husband like him as my backer, so we got married. Your father is excellent, and your mother loved him all her life. But women are selfish, and I admit I am the mistress and ruined the rtionship between them," said Shirley as if she was telling a sad story.

    Irish was grieved and lowered her head.

    "I did y a trick on your father, and I gave birth to Roy and Ruby after that."

    Shirley was getting upset. Clenching her hand into a fist, Irish pursed her lips into a thin line.

    "But when Henry called your mother''s name when he was drunk, I learned that it was impossible to rece Rachel''s ce in his heart. He never loved me, but he had no other choice but to make apromise for his Lake family. I was pregnant then, and I threatened him that if he abandoned me, I wouldmit suicide, and he would lose me and the unborn baby. Henry was afraid his family reputation would be damaged, so he made a concession," uttered Shirley in a choking voice.

    "That''s enough." Irish was about to leave.

    "Irish, please listen to me. I have thought thrice before telling you the whole story," Shirley stopped her.

    Hesitant, Irish sat down again.

    "I always worried that Henry woulde back to Rachel someday, so I came to your mother and told her I would not let her go if Henry left me. What''s more, Lake''s family would also suffer disaster," continued Shirley, lowering her head.

    Irish could imagine how desperate and helpless her mother was at that time. Irish could still remember the day when Shirley came to them with little Ruby. Irish didn''t know what Shirley said to her mother, but Irish remembered Ruby saying harshly to her that she would kill her if they took Henry from Shirley. Ruby was still a little girl, but her eyes were burning with anger.

    The sentence still lingered in Irish''s mind.

    "Your mother said nothing, and I kept ring at her. I am so jealous of her. She is beautiful and elegant. Rachel kept silent for a long while and then assured me that she would not disturb us," said Shirley again.

    Irish felt her heart was almost broken, and she began to bear a grudge against Shirley again.

    "I am Mrs. Lake, and I deluded myself regarding Rachel as the mistress. I thought I could live a peaceful life. But God is equal to everyone. Irish, I ruined your mother''s happiness, but now God also ruined my life. Ruby and Roy were gone. It is a punishment for what I did in the past. But why did he take Ruby and Roy''s life? They are innocent. They did nothing wrong. I would like to endure all the suffering for them." Shirley began to sob.

    Irish let out a long sigh.

    "Irish, I am sorry. I am really sorry. I know you won''t forgive me, and I also know that it is no use to ask forgiveness. I only hope you can help Cassie to strive for a guarantee. She is pregnant, and I don''t want them to live a hard life after the baby''s birth."

    "Cassie is my best friend. I will help her," replied Irish indifferently. She felt a sense of suppression in her chest. She stood up and added, "Don''t mention the old days anymore. It makes no difference to the matter. What matters now is to live up to the future days."

    It sounded like Irish had let go of the detestation. Irish finally freed herself from the misgivings.

    Shocked, Shirley looked at her and then cried out.

 Chapter 1026 1026: You’re Just Unlucky

    ?

    A coffee house stood on the street at the other end of the city.

    Dressed in a beautiful dress, each waiter smiled gently.

    After preparing tea, the waiter politely retreated and closed the door gently.

    Only the sound of music is quiet and peaceful.

    Vincent tasted a cup of tea, nodded contentedly, and then looked at the opposite man, "Joseph, what''s your decision?"

    Joseph did not drink, just randomly ying with the cup. It was good porcin in the palm, as cold as jade. He smiled softly. "I can only cooperate with you, but I am not interested in working for you."

    "Oh? How do you cooperate with me now?" Vincent was interested.

    "To put it bluntly, we''re just a mutually beneficial rtionship," Joseph added tea, and its fragrance came to his nose.

    "I need to go back to the Runestone Group only through your strength, and you want to develop South Africa mine, which is only through my strength." After a sip of tea, Joseph said, "To be more specific, I need your money, and you need my connections."

    Vincent had always appreciated Joseph,ughing, "You do not have money now?"

    "I can''t transfer my money because the prosecutor''s office is watching me." Joseph raised his lips, "Even if I have money, you are the richest man."

    "Don''t say that. You''re just unlucky." Vincent offered to fill in his teacup. "So, you met me, and the opportunity came."

    The tea was sweet.

    "Opportunities, sometimes apanied by crises." Joseph always smiled slightly.

    Vincent picked his eyebrows, "How?"

    "Your empire isn''t what I can get in."

    Vincentughed. "I''vee to you myself. The door is open to you. What else is the problem?"

    Joseph put down the teacup, and his body leaned at will, and said lightly, "Vincent, I can''t give you what you want.

    Vincent slowly drank tea, heard these words, and smiled, "You can''t say that so certain. Joseph, now it is different. You know the truth best that a wise man submits to fate."

    Joseph just slightly smiled, not speaking.

    "Joseph, you are a wise man; in fact, your ability is far more than now. Why do you hit a wall everywhere? Lake''s brutality to you is a big reason. I see your present situation in the eyes. To put it bluntly, even if Ruby''s affairs are unrted to you, the procuratorate and the public security bureau will still be staring at you. They want to check you, and what you need to do now is to be far away from the Lakes," Vincent, with a heavyyer of his teacup, added, "including your wife, Irish."

    Joseph yed the teacup, then drank to thest drop and lightly said, "ying it safe is not my strength. I am sorry, I am afraid I will be with Lake this life."

    Vincent stared at him, "Are you crazy?"

    "You can think so." Joseph said, "There is only one way between me and you. I opened the mine in South Africa for you, but the premise is that you will immediately make a prepayment in Standard Chartered Bank. Later I will tell you the ount."

    Vincent narrowed his eyes. "No one dared to tell me to do anything like that."

    "You are also a person who will leave a way out. So I believe that you must have known the South African situation before looking for me, and even hired a lot of helpers. Unfortunately, after contact, you found that those you are looking for are not qualified. So, Vincent, if you find me, it means that you don''t have the right person." Joseph said casually, with inherent confidence on his face.

    Vincent looked at him for a long time and suddenly smiled. Nodding at him, he said, "What a son of your father."

    Joseph closed his lips.

    "Well, I''ll agree to cooperate with you in this form. But you know, it''s not easy to buy loose shares on the market, so you shouldn''t have transferred them on your hand." Said Vincent.

    "The Runestone Group cannot always be divided between Lake and my family, which also divides the board of directors. I want to make the Runestone Group a whole. In this way, at least future generations will not be difficult." Joseph said.

    Vincent praised him.

    "It is a pity that a man like you hadn''t been my son-inw."

    "Unfortunately, I can''t," Joseph answered.

    Vincent directly said, "Compared to Irish, my daughter loses?"

    Joseph smiled at him, "I choose a wife, only for love. This is the difference."

    "Don''t think I don''t know your rtionship with Ruby." Vincentughed. "You''re a man who can sell your marriage."

    Joseph calmly retorted, "Some things, after meeting love, be less important."

    Vincent praised, "I like you for this point, so I still have been hoping you can consider my daughter. But now, you would rather be dragged to death by the Lake, unwilling to leave."

    "I want to guard someone in the Lake." Joseph''s eyes are dark and deep, "My wife is thest secret I want to keep. I cannot take any risk, so I''m willing to pay more."

    Vincent was stunned. "Joseph, you''re taking risks."

    "There''s no way. Things are pushing me to this. I have no choice." Joseph looked at Vincent and said, "If necessary, I am not afraid to cost my life."

    Vincent was stunned by his tone. In thest words, Joseph looked serious, and his eyes were thick ck, like a ck hole that could devour all. But soon, he returned to his cool look, and his tone becamezy.

    "Vincent, let your daughter stop. Don''t irritate Irish. My wife is good at debating, so Rosy will not have anything good from her."

    Vincent felt embarrassed and said to him, "You...."

    ****

    At Night.

    The heat had not dissipated.

    After Joseph came out of the underground gym, Irish just took a shower.

    She was taking her hair down, revealing her white neck, silky as a swan. He looked at her and could not help bute forward from behind, putting her around.

    "Ah." Irish cried.

    Her spine attached to his sweaty chest. He didn''t wear a coat. The strong texture was visible. She grumbled, "I''ve just finished taking a shower. You''re sweaty. Don''t hug me."

    Joseph then let go of her,ughing at her.

    "Hmm..." She wore a slip dress, her back a little wet, and took a clean towel to wipe.

    "I''ll help you." Joseph came forward to take a towel and dried her back.

    His tall body was increasingly close to her, and his thin lips along her hair gently fell down and ground in her neck.

    "No." Irish crooked her head.

    He was getting greedy. "You are all sweaty." She protested.

    His strong arm held her tightly, and his voice was vague as he ground. "Wash again, it''s so hot anyway."

    "I don''t..."

    The rest of the words weren''t said out, and she was picked up by Joseph, who strode into the bathroom.

    Joseph was like a wolf.

 Chapter 1027 1027: You Decided To Forgive Her?

    ?

    In the bathroom, he was so enthusiastic and powerful.

    Irish was too tired to lift her arms when he carried her back to the bedroom.

    Joseph felt contented, leaning against the bed, and he could not help but bow and kiss the woman in his arms. She was powerless and said, "Your stubble hurt me."

    He touched his chin and smiled.

    "Oh." Irish, lying on his chest, whispered, "Today, Shirley apologized to me, and she said a lot about my mother."

    Joseph touched her hair gently, "So, you decided to forgive her?"

    "Ruby and Roy''s death hit her quite hard, and I looked at her like that, so I was also quite sad." Irish leaned against him and sighed.

    "Forgive her." Joseph also sighed, "Whether it is hateful or not, eventually living is the best."

    Irish raised her hand, with his fingers gently winding, "So many things have happened, I have no strength to hate now. Like Ruby, in fact, I quite hate her, but she is so gone, I am very sad. You''re right, even if you hate people, as long as it is alive, it is the best. She''s alive, and you have the power to hate, and sometimes hatred is a power."

    Joseph touched her head, kissed her head, and said gently, "You can think so, indicating that you havee out of hatred; this is really good. Irish, I hope you can be happy in the future."

    "As long as you don''t leave me, I''ll be happy." Irish hugged him.

    Joseph was such a clever man, seeing her so, then smiled and asked, "Rosy looked for you?"

    Rosy sent a short message this morning, but she didn''t show up at noon. Apparently, she sent it to Irish.

    Irish knew she could not hide, looking up into his eyes, she said, "Yes, she offered 100 million to buy you. 100 million! You are precious."

    "Are you going to sell me?" Joseph teased.

    Irish thought, "Then I have to know the attitude of Vincent."

    Joseph deliberately teased her, "Vincent said Rosy was young and beautiful, no worse than you."

    "Am I old?" Irish stared at him. Joseph''s big hand rubbed her chin, gently raised her face, and carefully looked, "You are okay."

    "What do you mean, okay?" Irish was unhappy.

    Joseph smiled curtly, "You just don''t look like sixteen."

    "Joseph, you are so demanding!" Irish sat up, "I''m 29, and you want me to be sixteen? When I''m out now, many people think I''m in my early twenties! Do you think my skin care products are bought for nothing? I hate you!"

    Irish was to go down. Joseph grabbed her, "What are you going to do?"

    "Use the mask!" Irish exhaled.

    "Don''t do it." Joseph hurriedly took her back into his arms, "How can the little girl not afford to ept a joke? If you do that, outsiders will think I''ve taken a daughter out."

    Irish leaned on him, peering at him, "That is right; otherwise, I would think you are not good at chatting."

    Joseph could not helpughing and tightened his arm, thinking this woman could only hear good words.

    "How did you say that? The young and beautiful woman captures your heart?"

    "This is very unfair to men, monogamy."

    "You want three wives and four mistresses?" Irish rubbed his face hard.

    Joseph let him do that, "I am so highly valuable."

    "Well, tomorrow I''ll tell Rosy I agree to sell you." Irish pinched him hard.

    Joseph cried, thinking this woman really exerted her energy.

    "You forgot what I said? I told you, if you betray me, I''ll cut your dick and air-dry it!" Irish gnashed her teeth.

    Joseph was appalled, "Before being air-dried, is it necessary for me to y in time?"

    Irish was stunned, "What do you mean?"

    "I mean..." Joseph said with a bad smile, turned over, and pressed her down, whose thin lips were closed to her ears, "I think I want to..."

    Irish cried, and soon the cry was blocked by his lips.

    Inside the room, it was getting hotter.

    ****

    The next day, it was hot and dry. Cicadas cried louder. There were few people on the street.

    During the hot andnguid days in August, people sought refuge near the air-conditioner.

    That day, Irish identally received a call from Professor Tim. Originally, Professor Tim thought about asking her to Midtown Manhattan, but he let Irish pick a ce, saying that there was something he would like to talk about with Irish.

    He must have something to ask for Irish.

    Irish thought about it and told Professor Tim, "Then let''s meet at Ledo Cafe."

    She was just going there to buy something and didn''t want to go to Midtown.

    Professor Tim agreed with her quickly.

    Roy''s death directly affected the stock price of the Runestone Group. On the opening day, the stock price fell below 7.6 percent, and shareholders panicked. Soon there was a sell-off, followed by a swarm of people.

    Some sold, and others bought in.

    Irish did not understand these logics, just vaguely heard shareholders say, as if the two forces were fighting. So, instead, the shareholders became cannon fodder.

    At times, Irish would entertain the notion that the destruction of the Runestone would yield favorable oues, specifically liberating her from the constraints that bound her.

    Sitting by the window, she saw Professor Tim''s car. After he stopped, he walked into the dining room, wiping his sweat. The shirt on his body was sweaty. Such weather was really outrageous, and people could not live without the air conditioner.

    Seeing that Irish hade, Professor Tim was very excited. Before he sat down, he said, "Dr. Irish, I''m here to invite you back to the Linkus Research Institute."

    The sun rose from the west. So far, she still remembers how she left the Linkus Research Institute.

    "There''s a case. We can''t handle it. And you''re the only one we can turn to." Professor Tim said earnestly.

    Irish did not immediately answer, called the waiter, ordered a cup of coffee for Professor Tim, and then lightly said, "I have been used to slow life. Besides, I haven''t been to the association to do a mental evaluation, so even if I want to return, I can''t."

    Professor Tim heard this, thinking that she was still ming him, he said, "I will go to the association to personallymunicate, Dr. Irish. This case is very special. ir and Cheska have used all the methods, but it didn''t help. You study dream analysis, and you can only handle this case. I think the association will be amodated."

    "You want a counselor with mental problems to treat a patient?" Irish gave him a faint smile.

    Professor Tim wiped the sweat off his forehead, pleading, "Dr. Irish, I implore you not to express your anger towards me at this moment. You are perpetually dedicated to your work, but have you ever considered delving into the world of psychology? Must you rely solely on financial savings for the remainder of your days?"

    Irish thought, "I can go back, but I''ll get a 50% pay rise."

    "No problem, you deserve it." Irish was shocked. This case seemed tough; otherwise, how could Professor Tim so readily have promised? She had just mentioned it to let him give up.

    Professor Tim said anxiously, "Do you agree? I''ll show you the case."

    Irish was helpless. The contract had not been signed, and she had to work first.

 Chapter 1028 1028: My Uncle Wants To Kill Me

    ?

    In the evening, Joseph responded to Irish''s call in the courtyard. She was exining her tardiness. Inquisitively, he asked for her reason, to which she cryptically replied that she would reveal it upon her return when nightfall arrived. Joseph smiled, concluding the conversation, and went to prepare dinner, only to be interrupted by the doorbell sound.

    He suddenly realized that Irish just teased him, and he opened the door without asking.

    It took a long time to hear the noise, someone gasping.

    Joseph suddenly realized something was wrong and rushed to the living room but was stunned. And then he stared with wide eyes.

    There was a man sitting at the door, looking very weak. He looked up at him, feebly saying, "Joseph."

    Joseph stood in ce and forgot to move.

    It was Roy!

    It should be Roy.

    Yes, it was Roy, who had long been listed as a dead man.

    The night outside the window gradually became deep. The light in the living room was very dark enough to cover people under a dark shadow and blur the sight.

    But Joseph''s eyes were sharp, like a ck dove.

    He sat on the sofa, staring at the man sitting on the other end with a slight frown and an extremely harsh look.

    The man opposite him was Roy, right? But looked very embarrassed. He was wearing a hoodie and a cap that Joseph didn''t know where he got from. He would not consider him to be Roy if he was unfamiliar with him.

    Roy was gobbling up noodles.

    It was the third bowl that Joseph offered him.

    With a few mouthfuls, he saw the empty bowl. Joseph asked him, "Need more?"

    Roy shook his head and drank all the noodle soup in the bowl, then put down the bowl and burped.

    Joseph sighed. How long had he been so hungry? At ordinary times, Roy was the same as Irish, who did not like eating noodles. They were really brother and sister.

    After eating the noodles, he stared at the bowl, and his eyes did not move. The whole person was like opening the static mode, motionless.

    Joseph was sitting opposite, suspiciously looking at him.

    The hock had faded, and then he was full of questions.

    But he quickly caught a glimpse of arge wet area on the knee of Roy.

    Was it blood?

    "You''re hurt?" Joseph asked.

    Roy had a reaction and put his big hand on his knee, and then he raised his hand, whose slender fingers were all red.

    Joseph got up to take the medicine box.

    "Joseph!" Roy stopped him.

    Joseph stopped, looking back at him.

    "I have been dead once. I don''t care about that little injury." Roy''s voice was very depressed, along with his cheeks, cold and frightening.

    Joseph heard it and then sat back on the sofa.

    There was silence.

    The clock on the wall is beating.

    In the huge mirror was the figure of Roy.

    The figure in the cap was almost hidden in the dark.

    Joseph reached out to adjust the lights but listened to Roy, who hurriedly said, "It''s okay."

    His hands then stopped.

    "I''m used to the darkness," Roy said slowly.

    Joseph frowned again.

    He did not ask him what had happened but silently observed him. And Roy appeared tired and deste. After a long time, he opened his mouth again, and his voice was hoarse.

    "Did you ever think to kill me?"

    Joseph did not expect him to say that, slightly stunned, "What do you mean?"

    "You suspect me that I want to kill you?" Joseph lightly asked.

    Roy stared at his face, "I don''t believe anyone now!"

    "Then why did youe to me?" Joseph''s voice became cold.

    Roy did not take back his eyes. His eyes made him like a blood-red trapped beast in the dark light, vaguely hiding unknown vignce and fear. He said, "Joseph, I finally understand what you mean. You often tell me that business is like a battlefield, and people can kill others for their interests. I never believed that before, but now I do."

    "What the hell happened?" Joseph asked.

    Roy bowed his head, thought momentarily, and asked, "Do you have a cigar?"

    Joseph retrieved a cigarette from the pack, discarding the box towards Roy. Roy caught the cigar case, extracting a cigar and cing it between his lips. His gazended on the coffee table, where he located a lighter, igniting it and lighting his cigar.

    The green and white smoke made his cheeks vague.

    Roy took a puff of his cigar, exhaling a cloud of smoke, and remarked, "It''s my uncle." He opened up the topic, expecting a reaction.

    On the other hand, Joseph remained rtively unfazed, disying little surprise.

    He did not speak, just quietly smoking, waiting for Roy to continue.

    Roy saw Joseph''s expression and bitterly smiled, "You are so calm; either you have doubted him for so long, or you cooperated with him."

    Joseph was not angry, and his tone and eyes were also serene.

    "In your mind, you prefer the former."

    "Yes, because I have no one to trust. "Roy gnashed his teeth."

    Joseph leaned on the sofa, gently spitting out smoke. His words were calm and clear, "Your uncle and me, we are different."

    Roy looked at him through the smoke and said, "So, you must help me. Now, only you can help me."

    Joseph looked at him, silent.

    "My uncle wants to kill me." Roy smoked the cigar hard, spitting out, and the other hand had already clenched into a fist.

    He spoke slowly about what had happened that night.

    Roy came out of thepany to go directly to a friend''s party that night. Before his unmarried life, he would stay all night at this kind of party, but he was married now, and Cassie was still pregnant, so he refused his friends to stay longer and left the party ce under friends'' ridicule.

    The parking lot was far away from the party, and there was only a very dark path. He was a little drunk then and, in the corner of his eye, caught a glimpse of a figure sneaking away.

    Roy did not overthink then, thinking he was mistaken or the man may be a thief or something. In short, it had nothing to do with him.

    He just wanted to get home to see Cassie.

    Roy was a captain; usually, for him, the most important thing was safety. So he would not be drunk driving. On the way to the parking lot, he called a designated driver.

    The designated driver was on the way.

    Roy drove his car out of the parking lot. The road there was quiet. There were few people at night, so Roy could still drive his car to the street. He stopped in one ce where there were more people.

    The driver soon arrived, and he just knocked at the car window.

    Roy hadn''t thought that the driver was so young. He was also tall, wearing a pleasant smile.

    Roy gave his seat to him.

 Chapter 1029 1029: Roy’s Car Accident

    ?

    He moved to the back seat and told the driver his address.

    As they were both men, they had a lot to talk about. The driver was from Minnesota. During the day, he worked for an advertisingpany, while at night, he did a part-time job as a hired driver.

    Roy had a lot to talk about him since he was drunk now.

    He asked the man why he had so many jobs.

    The man smiled honestly, "My wife is pregnant now. I just want to earn more money to buy a house in my hometown."

    Impressed by the man''s diligent nature, Roy made up his mind to offer him double the agreed price if he managed to arrive home promptly. His decision was not motivated by anything else but the fact that the man had a pregnant wife, and Roy wanted to support them in their time of need.

    The man was quite talkative. He asked Roy what he did.

    Roy didn''t im that he was the president of apany, but he just told him that he was a captain.

    The man was very excited, "You are a captain! I have never met a captain before."

    As their conversation carried on, Roy found himself less intoxicated, thanks to the engagingpany of the man who kept conversing with him. The man continued, "Bro, I''ve heard that your district is quite posh. My friends have told me that everyone living there is wealthy."

    To this, Roy responded, "As long as you put in the effort and work hard, you can also achieve the dream of having your own house."

    The man smiled and said, "I just don''t want to let my wife suffer."

    And then, the car got to the expressway.

    At this time, there were few cars on the expressway, so the man sped up.

    Suddenly a car behind him shone.

    Roy''s car gave its way rapidly, but the man just screamed, "Bro, why doesn''t the brake work?" Roy was shocked. He had no time to make a response. He just felt that he was up wholly and then turnedpletely. Finally, he heard a loud "bump" sound.

    The car exited the rail and rolled to a small forest under the expressway.

    The car turned overpletely. Roy''s existing consciousness could only let him see the thick leaves above his head. They were dark. He could hear nothing. He wanted to move his hands or feet but in vain.

    His body was stuck on the seat. The safety belt made him ache. His head appeared out of the car window half. There was no action from the driver.

    Gradually, all his senses of ache came back.

    He just felt that he was nearly dead.

    At one moment, he just had such a feeling.

    Cassie''s face appeared vaguely in front of him. She stared at him and touched him.

    He really wanted to close his eyes.

    He was so tired.

    His sense of hearing also came back.

    There was a sound as if a liquid was falling little by little, and it soon spread.

    He smelt the smell of gasoline.

    It was so strong.

    He knew the car had crashed so seriously that it began leaking gasoline.

    Roy felt that soon he would be dead.

    He was so close to death. He was so close to death that he could smell it.

    Just at this time, he became conscious.

    Before the car flipped over, the driver screamed that the brake didn''t work!

    How could it be that?

    He had maintained his car before long. There was no problem at all. Why did it lose its function?

    Someone made it!

    This idea urred to his mind suddenly.

    Someone wanted to destroy him, who was not meant to punish him, but kill him!

    Roy thought of the figure he saw when he went to the parking lot and then Ruby''s death. He even thought of what would happen once he died...

    As he thought of it, he felt desperate.

    There was a scuffling sound beside his ears and a small voice spreading, "Please help me..."

    Roy felt awake suddenly!

    Yes, he couldn''t die in this way!

    Otherwise, what could Cassie do?

    What could his child do? What could his mother do?

    The sound of gasoline leaking was increasingly rapid, making the situation more and more dangerous.

    Roy tried his best to climb out of the car and finally made it. He took a nce back. The man, still in the car, shouted at him and begged him to help him out.

    Roy''s first thought was to drag him out of it regardless of the risk.

    But the situation got more and more serious. More importantly.... Roy thought of the one who managed to kill him.

    He stopped his action. He just groveled there, out of breath.

    The man looked at him desperately, staring at him directly. And then, in the next second, the car exploded.

    At this moment, the whole sky got bright.

    "Just in this way, I left the spot before the police arrived there." Roy lit a second cigarette, immersed in painful memory.

    Joseph had put out his first cigarette into the ashtray, sitting there and looking at him silently.

    After Roy finished his story, he spoke, "That is to say, the driver was the scapegoat for you."

    "I had no choice at that time." Roy gritted his teeth.

    Joseph kept serious, and he said word by word, "You had enough time to help him out."

    "I said that I had no choice!" Roy lifted up his voice impatiently, "This case was done by humans. If there were nobody there, he would not have stopped his n."

    "So, you put your ring into the car?"

    Joseph looked at him coldly.

    Roy nodded, "I know I should be med, but in that case, I needed a gape scapegoat."

    Joseph didn''t talk and just looked at him.

    "You think I''m horrible, right? But you know, when one is faced with death, he is selfish. I understand it, especially when I suffer from it." Roy''s look was also cold, "Human beings are selfish."

    "He also had a wife and an unborn child."

    "That''s why I willpensate him. I will not let him die without any justice." Roy gritted his teeth.

    Joseph met his eyes coldly, "I think you are crazy."

    "My uncle is the one who goes crazy. He wanted to kill me! He is my family. What else can be relied on if families can harm each other?" Roy waspletely annoyed.

    Joseph didn''t continue the topic just now and just asked, "How do you know that it''s your uncle who did it?"

    "I went home after that. At that time, I didn''t know that the person behind that evil deed was my uncle." Roy''s breath got rapid, "I saw my uncle leaving my house. My mother sent him out. He wasforting my mother. After my mother left, I intended to greet him. But at this time, he picked up a call. It waste at that time. He didn''t see me. I heard clearly that he was asking on the phone, ''Are you sure that it is Roy? You must make sure that he is dead now...''

 Chapter 1030 1030: I Need To Seek Your Help

    ?

    As Roy said it, he gritted his teeth again and stared at Joseph, "You know my feelings at that time? I couldn''t believe it. It''s my uncle who wanted to kill me. He loved me when I was still young!"

    Joseph frowned.

    "So, I hesitated to return home, not wanting to burden them with my presence," Roy expressed with aposed demeanor. "I exchanged my formal attire for casual clothes. Recently, I have been silently following my uncle. Once you confirmed my demise, I witnessed him handing a significant amount of money to an individual who appeared happy upon seeing it. This person imed he was willing to carry out any act of murder on my uncle''s behalf. However, as soon as he turned their back, my uncle swiftly killed him."

    Joseph frowned again, "You saw that?"

    "Yes." Roy gritted his teeth.

    Roy has a hard life these days. All his belongings were left in the car. He had no money with him, and he could only drink water to ease his hunger. He heard that his uncle wanted to kill him and that his uncle was killing someone. All these made Roy frustrated and upset.

    "Even if I appear in public, I can''t show any evidence to prove that my uncle has killed someone!" Roy hit on the sofa.

    Joseph nodded.

    He was right. Even if Roy ran to tell the police that William employed someone to kill him, William could ask hiswyer to defend himself. Roy had no certain evidence. He couldn''t just say he heard something or he saw something. In such an era where even a recording couldn''t be taken as evidence on the court, only the clearest and the most undoubtful evidence could be certain evidence.

    William could just deny it no matter whether it was done by him or not.

    William would find an excellentwyer who would defend him by iming that Roy was to get rid of William by framing him.

    At that time, it would arouse heated discussions. Peers wouldugh at them, while outsiders would focus on the share price. There was nothing different. They would be just gloating at them.

    It would be another disaster for the Runestone Group.

    "So, Joseph, please help me!" Roy''s look was cold.

    Joseph thought about it for a while, "Don''t you doubt me?"

    "Who else can I trust? You left the Runestone Group, which was also my uncle''s conspiracy. Now that I turn to you today, I bet that you have nothing to do with him."

    Joseph lit another cigarette and said, "Your uncle is now very popr among the board. These years he has pretended well as a good man. Even if now you use him of being the murderer, it will note true readily."

    "Understood. That''s why I don''te back home. I haven''t turned to anybody but you." Roy blinked, "If he knows that I am still alive, he will not adopt more actions. He may think of other ways. I''m afraid he will harm my mother, Cassie, and our child. I can''t take this risk."

    "Cassie is really sorrowful." Joseph thought that he needed to remind Roy of this fact.

    Roy was just like a dead person. He lowered his head. The cigarette in his hands burned out and then burned his fingers. His fingers trembled, and the ash just fell on the floor.

    He picked it up and put it into the ashtray.

    After a great while, he murmured, "It''s better to lose life."

    "Aren''t you afraid that she will be heartbroken?"

    Roy looked up to Joseph. He opened his mouth. After a while, he said, "She.... will not be too sad. She doesn''t love me anyway, though I don''t want to admit it."

    Joseph looked unhappy and shouted, "Roy, you are an idiot!"

    Roy felt startled.

    "Your wife now is very sad. You should haveforted her, but now my wife keeps doing that. Can you bear that? Cassie cries daily, but you assume she doesn''t love you?"

    Joseph nearly wanted to hit him with his fists.

    Having been scolded by Joseph, Roy was totally in a daze.

    Joseph didn''t shout at him any longer and just calmed down, smoking, "So, you need to make a decision by yourself."

    "I can''t tell her..." Roy was just like a helpless ghost.

    Joseph raised his eyes.

    "If she really loves me, I still can''t let her take this risk." Roy got stressed, looking like he was inquiring, "You must help me, and then let Irishpany Cassie more."

    "You don''t want Irish to know that, either?"

    "No." There was hatred in Roy''s eyes, "Before things have finished, you can''t let anybody know that I''m still alive."

    Joseph kept silent to showpromise.

    He had his choice. Joseph couldn''t force him to do anything.

    "William killed someone. Obviously, he did it in an unknown way. You didn''t even know where the body was."

    Roy shook his head, "I think the body has been destroyed."

    "The evidence is so hard to get."

    "There must be some clues." After finishing three bowls of noodles, Roy had strength now, and his artiction was quite clear.

    Thinking for a while, Joseph flipped the ash and said, "Your uncle is really questionable. Now there is a massive decrease in the share price. It seems that someone is continuously taking in the sold shares. If this one is your uncle, then he must have arge fund. Roy, you have more connections with him than me. Just think about what kind of person or person he often keeps in contact with."

    After a while, Roy said, "I remember that once he wanted to cooperate with a Hawaii distributor. We haven''t had cooperation with it before, but he still held on to it. At that time, I didn''t focus on group management, so I just let him do anything he liked. Now as I recall it, it might be problematic."

    "What''s the name of thatpany?"

    "It''s...called Large Stone Company." Roy finally thought of it.

    Joseph tried his best to search for information on thispany in his brain but in vain.

    "Is it a smallpany?" He asked.

    Roy shook his head, "I have no idea."

    Joseph put out the cigarette and then said lightly, "I will find it out."

    "Thank you."

    "Where do you n to live next?"

    Roy felt upset, "Maybe I need to seek your help."

    Joseph felt surprised.

    "You have so many empty rooms here. It''s the safest ce for me. Even the underground is okay for me." Roy said.

    Joseph reminded him, "In the daytime, Irish is also at home."

    "I won''t get out of it." Roy pointed at his leg, "What''s more, I need to find a ce to deal with my wound."

    Joseph thought that he was right. He couldn''t witness Roy go out in case he might meet William again. It would be better to be careful before there were some updates.

    "Okay." Joseph agreed, "If you want to move, please do it after Irish is asleep. Do not let her think there is a ghost in the house."

    Roy made a forced smile.

    Joseph stood up to prepare something Roy might need.

    Roy stopped him again.

    "He is Spark. You can get his information from the agency." Roy said lightly.

 Chapter 1031 1031: Maybe It’s Not Roy

    ?

    Joseph turned around to look at him.

    "Please give his wife a big sum of money. He died for me. I should makepensation." Roy looked up to Joseph, "Please ensure that his wife and his child can make a living by it."

    Joseph stood before him and said lightly, "Roy, the most suffering person, doesn''t live in hatred but in regret. Things have happened already. Just be a good man or a bad man. Otherwise, you can''t forgive yourself in this lifetime."

    Roy made a forced smile, "That is my weakness. I chose life between life and death. I can''t be an absolutely good man. Now I can''t be an absolutely bad man."

    Looking at him for a great while, Joseph nodded, "Sure. I''ll do it for you."

    "Thank you," Roy said sincerely.

    ****

    "If I had known that Tim promised it so quickly, I should have requested a higher sry."

    After showering, Irish sat in front of the dresser, discussing what had happened in the afternoon. She looked delighted. After getting her hair dried, she added, "It would be better to ask for the sry when I worked for the University. I was really an idiot!"

    Joseph, in the mirror, had no response.

    He leaned against it. It seemed that he was thinking of something.

    Irish thought he was so strange, so she just put down herb and turned around to look at him.

    Joseph was still immersed in his own world.

    "Hey!"

    She shouted.

    Joseph had no response, still.

    "My love..."

    "Joseph!" Irish lifted up her voice.

    Joseph still looked straight.

    Seeing the situation, Irish stood up suddenly. She walked to his side and shouted again, "Joseph!"

    This voice was really loud.

    Joseph was shocked, and it was not until now that he realized that Irish had stood before him.

    "What''s wrong?" He finally recovered.

    Irish stared at him, questioning. Joseph was afraid of her expression, so he smiled, "I heard what you said. You think that the sry offered by Tim is small, right? Do not be too mean. Money is always insufficient!"

    Irish still stared at him without any words.

    Joseph pulled her, "What''s wrong? I was listening to you."

    She wore a slip dress which was quite short. He could still see her breast.

    Joseph was touched suddenly.

    He reached out his hands.

    He covered her breast with his hands.

    She pulled over his hands.

    "You are really strange today." Irish frowned.

    Joseph showed his misunderstanding.

    "We ate dinner together."

    Josephughed, "Is there anything wrong? We have eaten dinner together before."

    "But the problem is that you have eaten a lot of noodles before dinner." Irish approached him, seeming to question him, "You usually don''t eat so much. Tell me the truth."

    Joseph was afraid that she would know the truth, so he just smiled, "I was so hungry."

    "Hungry? Why were you so hungry? What did you do?"

    Joseph tightened his hands to circle her into his bosom, "No wife will starve her husband."

    Irish raised her hands and pressed his face, "You are really strange."

    "Why? I just ate a lot."

    "You also smoked a lot!" Irish frowned, "When I came back, it was filled with the smell of smoke in the room. There were full ashes in the ashtray. Joseph, you don''t smoke like that."

    Joseph pretended to realize something, "Oh, one friend of mine came when you were not at home. I just chatted with him. He smoked a lot. I waited for you all afternoon, but you still didn''t return. I just ate some noodles since I was hungry."

    "Really?" Irish still questioned him.

    "It''s true." Joseph looked at her.

    Irish watched his eyes for a while, and then she murmured, "If I just go to work, what will you do?"

    Joseph couldn''t helpughing, "What do you mean?"

    "The meaning is simple to understand." Irish held his neck, "I haven''t had enough time to have a rest."

    "It''s good to go to work. Life will be full." Joseph really wanted to thank god now because if Irish went to work, she would not be at home during the daytime, and then she would not find Roy hidden in the house.

    Irish giggled, "I think now life is already full."

    "As time goes by, you will feel bored." Joseph kissed her cheek and said softly, "You look very happy. Irish, you are pleased to return to work at the Linkus Mental Research Institute, right?"

    "I can''t just let others treat me unjustly. Even if I have problems with my memory, it can''t represent my mentality. Why just drive me out?" Irish found an excuse for herself, "What''s more, I have no hatred for money. It''s shameful to look down upon money."

    Joseph listened to her exnation smilingly. There was deep love in his eyes.

    Ultimately, he said, "Whatever, I''m happy to see that you are happy."

    "I''m happy making money." Irish corrected him.

    Joseph showed his helplessness.

    "Joseph..." Irish was into his bosom again, "I will work soon. Will you feel jealous?"

    "Of course." Joseph didn''t lie.

    "Envious?"

    "Yes."

    "Then will our rtionship change?"

    Joseph smiled, "No."

    Irish raised her eyebrow, "It''s not good to be inferior to me. As time goes by, you may have great mental changes. I mean, I will not let itst for a long time."

    Joseph pinched her nose, "I''m used to being the breadwinner."

    "But I hope I can be that..." She eximed.

    Joseph smiled, "In other words, you prefer that I can be the househusband?"

    "Who regtes that a man should be stronger than a woman? If the wife earns more money, then the husband should be med. What if it is the contrary?" Irish defended herself and looked at him, "What''s more, I hope you can stay home all the time. In this case, I can have you in my life wholly, and other women will not pay attention to you."

    "Men should say that." Joseph was speechless.

    "Women can also say that." Irish''s smile was really beautiful.

    And then she just sighed.

    Joseph asked what was wrong with her.

    "I just thought of Cassie." Irish felt upset, "She is not in a good state now. I think she would have gone mad if she was not pregnant. You know she has had depression before. I''m terrified that it will recur one day."

    Joseph thought of Roy in another room. He also sighed. Thinking for a while, he held Irish tightly and said, "You should give her an air of hope."

    "What?"

    "The body was burned so seriously. Who can confirm that it''s Roy?"

    Irish fell in a daze, "But we signed our names."

    "Signatures should define a body. We have to do it." Joseph lowered his voice, "Maybe it''s not Roy?"

    "Really?"

    Joseph massaged her head, "I mean, you canfort Cassie by saying that. At least, she should have an air of hope."

    "Will it work?"

    "I believe that sometimes women should cheat themselves. It''s a power of spirit." Joseph said word by word.

 Chapter 1032 1032: I Was Complimenting Your Wife

    ?

    Irish''s phone rang.

    She got it through and found that it was from Jay.

    Joseph looked at her back quietly, and then he heard her scream.

    Joseph also looked at her.

    After the call, she was in a daze for seconds, and then Joseph called her name, "Irish?"

    Irish turned around and looked at him, saying slowly, "Jay told me on the call that they found a body. There was William''s fingerprint on the knife. The dead''s appearance is just the same as that described like Roy. In addition, someone provided a video in which William showed up in the Runestone Group...."

    Everyone was startled.

    After a great while, Joseph said, "So you mean��"

    "The police have evidence to believe that William killed Ruby and Roy. An order for arrest has been issued."

    Joseph fell into a daze, but soon he felt ached. Irish was silent too. However, they doubted William all the time when it finally became the truth and the evidence was found. She felt sad.

    The greatest pain came from the family''s betrayal.

    "So, what''s the situation now?" Joseph asked coldly.

    Irish took a deep breath, "Jay said that William had been arrested, and now he is being questioned. Jay had an investigation on William''s books before. He thought that there was a direct rtionship between my father''s death and William."

    ****

    Roy finally appeared in front of Cassie.

    All her desperation, panic, and loss turned to crying andints.

    Cassie cried so badly. She expressed her pains madly and crazily regardless of anything. And then she became angry and just vented her anger to Roy.

    Roy stood there motionlessly. He just let her hit him, and the only thing he could do was hold her tightly.

    "Where did you go?" Cassie was really tired now, and finally, she justy on Roy''s bosom and asked sorrowfully.

    Roy was afraid that her great emotional change would hurt her child, so he just embraced her into the living room. After they were seated on the sofa, he exined to her, "The one who died in the car was not me. I kept living in Joseph''s house during this period."

    Cassie stared at him with tears in her eyes.

    Roy approached her and asked softly, "Do you calm down now?"

    Cassie nodded lightly.

    Seeing the situation, Roy told her what had happened when he was absent.

    One day when Joseph came back after sending Irish to work, he found a box at the door. It read, "Joseph, please open."

    Joseph was familiar with this handwriting.

    Joseph didn''t drive the car into the garage but just stood at the door for a great while. He looked at himself reflected on the box, at this time, a strong ray of sunshine swept over. It stung him.

    He kept waiting, waiting for his next action.

    It seemed that this man was familiar with his whereabouts; otherwise, how did he know that he woulde back after sending Irish to work? Joseph thought.

    Joseph frowned and picked up the box into the room, putting it back in his study.

    Theputer screen showed the transaction of the Runestone Group''s shares. Lines and numbers mixed with each other.

    He stared at the box, and then after a great while, he opened it up slowly.

    There was a big brown paper envelope inside it. It was heavy.

    Joseph took it out and then opened the envelope. It was not a piece of paper within it but a thick file of photos.

    He felt strange and then picked one out of them.

    As he saw that, he stood up suddenly.

    In the next second, he poured all the photos into the envelope. Soon those colorful photos filled his eyes. He felt startled, and then he was in a fury.

    His phone suddenly rang. The time was controlled by that man so well.

    Joseph took a nce at his phone. It was a strange number.

    He blinked and then picked it up.

    The voice on the call was processed, fierce, and cold, and even with an air of irony, "Mr. Dover, your wife''s figure was so unforgettable..."

    The table was full of photos.

    And there was only one main character in the photo.

    The little girl in the photo is huddled up with clear and obvious scars. Ropes bound her little arms, and even her ankle was injured. Each photo was taken from different angles. The only unchangeable things were the little girl''s dumb fishy eyes and bloody body.

    Each photo was just like a knife stabbing Joseph''s heart, and then it turned over, hurting his heart over and over again.

    He could only feel pain.

    He was furious and shocked, and he even had an impulse to kill someone.

    "Who are you?" Joseph asked, gritting his teeth.

    He clenched his hands, and the blue veins on the back of his hands were obvious. His eyes were so cold, and there seemed to be ice on his handsome face.

    There wasughing from the phone, "Who am I? I don''t know that since it was a long time ago. Thanks to your family. I now live as a ghost. You can just regard me as someone you owe."

    "What do you want from me?" Joseph clenched his fingers tightly.

    "A life." The man said coldly.

    Joseph blinked lightly.

    "Did you see the photo?" The man sneered, "If my memory serves right, the girl in the photo is your wife, Irish. Just a four-year-old girl was so beautiful. Oh, you knew it, right? White and fresh skin..."

    "Stop!" Joseph shouted coldly.

    "I wasplimenting your wife." The man was not afraid at all, "She has been beautiful since she was only four. What a pity! I can''t enjoy her beauty now. Joseph, you are so lucky."

    Joseph stared at the bloody body in the photo. He felt heartbreaking and even hard to breathe. He asked word by word, "You raped her?"

    "You are ttering me. I was not so lucky. I just took some photos silently. Someone liked this. What should be med was that your wife was too lovely and cute." The manughed badly, "Among so many children, your wife was the loveliest one. Her body was so charming for that man who raped her. He just praised your wife as he was fucking her."

 Chapter 1033 1033: I Have No Other Way

    ?

    Theughing was so annoying. It was just like a needle piercing into his eardrum. He wobbled, and even his fingers were trembling.

    After a while, he spoke. His voice was so cold, "What do you want to do?"

    "Very simple." The man said, "I know you can purchase the Runestone Group as long as you continue to follow it today, but Joseph, you should look afterward. You are clever. You don''t want to harm what you want to protect just for the short-term benefits, right? My request is very simple and easy for you. Stop purchasing the Runestone Group."

    Joseph felt confused.

    Joseph stared at the trend chart on theputer. The numbers just jumped continuously.

    He was serious, "You want to threaten me? Do you know who I am?"

    "Everybody knows that it''s not easy to threaten you since nobody can have a good result finally. But Mr. Dover, I''m not the average person." The man said slowly, "I have these photos now, which means that I am grabbing your soft spot. I will not be so silly to show off myself without having the ability to be your counterpart. Now, it''s interesting, right?"

    Joseph stared at the photo on the desk. There was deep coldness on his face.

    "Just put it this way, I am very clear about what has happened to your family. To remind you, Irish was one of those children at that time. It depends on you what to do next. Do you want Irish or thepany? Of course, you can purchase the Runestone Group, and what I can assure you is that soon, all people will know what happened to your wife when she was little. More importantly, your family, especially what your father did, will be disclosed in public."

    "You are indeed bold. You are the first to threaten me in this way." Joseph tried his best to resist his anger and keep his voice calm.

    "I have no other way. I just want to find someone to shoulder the pain with me. Mr. Dover, to be clear, I just want you to die immediately. Oh, no, not let you die, but make it harder for you to live." The manughed, "I have no hatred for Vincent. I just want to make it difficult for you to make a living in this field with his help. You are Jacob''s son. He was dead now. It would be best if youpensated for it as his recement. I''m not afraid that you will find me. I turned to Leo and got a big sum of money from him. I have no worries about making a living now. Wee. Just find me. It''s no good to do that, though."

    Joseph said coldly, "Then just pray that I''ll not find you. Otherwise, I''ll kill you."

    "Please have a clear idea about your own situation now before looking for me." He didn''t threaten the man, "Do not care which one is under the sun now. In fact, you are in a bad condition now unless you stop investigating it. But I''m sure that you won''t do that, right? Mr. Dover, if today I get the news that you have purchased the Runestone Group, then do not me me that I will disclose some news to the media. I''ll spend the rest of my time enjoying your wife''s beauty."

    And then the man ended the conversation,ughing.

    Joseph really wanted to throw the phone to the floor.

    Joseph made the decision to seek out valuable clues regarding Irish''s abduction by consulting her uncle and aunt. With a sense of urgency, Steven found himselfpelled to divulge every relevant detail, albeit feeling powerless in the face of the situation.

    After an entire week had passed since Irish''s disappearance, Steven received a phone call from the police station. The authorities requested their immediate presence at the station.

    Filled with a glimmer of hope, Steven rushed to the police station. Upon his arrival, he encountered a young policeman who had taken charge of the case. The officer handed Rachel a photograph and inquired, "Is this your daughter?"

    As Rachelid eyes on the photo, she abruptly lost consciousness.

    Mary immediately looked after her, and Steven took over the photo. He was totally shocked. The girl in the photoy on a stretcher with gauze on her head and injury on her face, closing her eyes.

    He asked the policeman crazily, and the policeman just told him that Irish had been sent to the hospital.

    Policeman told him with difficulty that he should make good preparations since Irish was badly harmed.

    The policeman took Steven to the hospital.

    Doctors were saving Irish.

    Later, Steven knew that a group of drug dealers had taken away Irish. During this period, Irish was not only frightened but treated in a bad way. She tried to flee but was still caught back, and there were wounds on her hands and feet.

    Steven asked with an air of vignce, "What do you mean ''she was treated in a bad way''?"

    The policeman answered embarrassedly, "Someone sexually assaulted her. When she was found, her private parts were even bleeding."

    Steven was just like someone had stabbed him, while Mary stared into her eyes and shook her head, "No...no, Irish is still a child." When Rachel heard that, she broke down again and rushed to the emergency room door, and patted on the door, crying.

    After emergency treatment, Irish went through a dangerous period. Considering her condition, doctors still suggested she should remain in the ICU.

    Later the doctors also confirmed that Irish was severely assaulted, including being raped by an adult man. Just one man did it, not a group.

    The policeman in charge was also shocked by it, and he just reported it to his leader, requiring further investigation.

    ****

    William''s case entered the phase of trial scheduling, attracting considerable media attention due to its high-profile nature. The Lakes found themselves surrounded by reporters, causing significant distress. The pervasive presence of journalists also extended to Irish, who encountered these figures during her dailymute to and from work. The situation became increasingly challenging as the media closely followed every development in the case.

    Except for William''s case, the outside world was more concerned about the situation of the Runestone Group.

    Leo showed up and announced to the outside world that he would purchase the Runestone Group fully. His speech shocked everyone, and his action was also quick. Under such messy circumstances, he finished his purchasing n in the first period.

    Just in several days, the Runestone Group became one of the Key Group''s parts.

    Now there was nobody in charge of the Runestone Group. Irish was the only one to make a decision. Without William, Irish was not only thergest shareholder but also, she had the strongest discourse power to some extent since many old shareholders were dismissed in such a messy situation.

 Chapter 1034 1034: I Erased Some Of Her Memories

    ?

    At the very beginning, when Irish knew that the Key Group would purchase the Runestone Group, Irish was really surprised. She asked Joseph immediately, but Joseph didn''t talk much and just said that he supported the Key Group''s n.

    Observing the circumstances, Irish recognized that the Runestone Group had lost its former strength. Additionally, Roy''s disinterest in thepany further solidified her decision. Consequently, Irish chose to sign a contract with Leo, pursuing an alternative path in her professional endeavors.

    As she signed, she was thinking of another thing.

    Why did Joseph give it up? Or did he have other ns? William was finally judged guilty.

    He was charged with suspicion of murder. On the one hand, he murdered Ruby with an object out of interest. On the other hand, he made up an ident to kill Roy, which caused one death. He also destroyed the evidence, disturbed the police''s investigation, and killed one more life.

    He got cumtive punishment.

    However, he had a sound attitude in that he admitted his crimes, so he could be exempted from the death penalty and was condemned to life imprisonment. If he behaved in a good manner, it was possible for him to get a punishment cut. He also gave up his intention to appeal and submitted to this judgment. In this way, these murder cases were finally dealt with.

    The media had to exim that once a gorgeous group ended up with such internal grabbing, which was really pitiful.

    It was in the Center For Anti-Drug.

    Jay was in a meeting.

    The slide showed the crime data in the first half-year.

    "In recent years, the murder cases have increased year on year. The Anti-Drug actions have increased by 37.6%pared with the same period ofst year, and drug addiction cases have had a 45% year-on-year growth. Cases of hiding drugs, inciting others to take drugs have increased by 25.8%."

    Hearing this data, Jay frowned. After the meeting, Jay came back to the office. One subordinate followed him behind. After closing the door, he reported to Jay, "The batch of drugs searched outst night has been confirmed to belong to evil angel, but the suspects arrested by us had an ident."

    "What?" Jay frowned tightly. It was not good to hear such bad news after having a meeting.

    His subordinate was also serious, "They ..mitted suicide."

    "What?" Jay patted the table, "Theymitted suicide? How did they make it?" At the very beginning, he realized that something bad might ur, so he made arrangements on the way in case somebody would kidnap those suspects, but he had never thought that those drug dealers would havemitted suicide.

    "How''s everything going?"

    His subordinate said, "Two were dead, while one was still in rescue."

    "His life must be guaranteed!" Jay clenched his fists. If this clue was lost, he didn''t know when he could find something out about the evil angel.

    "Yes, sir. Many colleagues are in the hospital." His subordinate said, "In the car, theymitted suicide by using handcuffs. To prevent this from happening again, we will wait outside of the ward at every moment."

    Jay nodded.

    He felt so furious.

    "Carmen''s situation now is quite stable. She has been detained in prison. Please watch her carefully. Maybe there are some beneficial clues."

    ****

    Joseph made use of his social rtionship to find someone who threatened him. The man called "Scar" himself was Stone, and his wife was Gina. Joseph''s memory went back.

    Gina was not as beautiful as Joseph''s mother, but she was more enchanting.

    Joseph only met her once. What impressed him most were her attractive eyes, which were just like a beautiful snake. Actually, at that time, he knew what had happened to her and his father. He feared his father would no longer love him and his mother.

    Gina''s husband finally talked with Joseph''s father with great anger.

    It was in his father''s factory. At that time, Joseph was helping his father.

    Joseph knew Gina''s husband, who was quite strong. The most unforgettable mark was the scar on his face. He heard that Stone used to be handsome but got wounded during a battle. His face became ugly then.

    He warned Joseph''s father not to be with Gina, while Joseph''s father just asked what happened to Gina.

    Stone just said that it was none of his business.

    "Stone, you are the cruelest one. If you hadn''t let your wife take drugs, how could she have jumped from the building because of having enough struggle?"

    Joseph stopped recalling the past and just lit a cigar. There was coldness on his face.

    He had the impulsion to kill Stone to vent his hatred. If it hadn''t been for Gina, his mother would never have been depressed.

    There was obvious hatred in Stone''s eyes, "I can only stop her from meeting your father in this way."

    "All of these resulted from your family''s actions. If it hadn''t been for your father, I would not have departed from Gina." Stone stared at Joseph angrily, "I could have enjoyed prosperity and gained more, but what kind of life have I led during these years? I am just like a rat, threatened by your father first and then by you."

    Gina, Stone''s wife, was the Cesare in the Group. She was a dangerous person who was good at seizing humanity''s shorings and making good use of their veracity to achieve her goal. She had stronger power in maintaining contact with many people, ranging from politicians worldwide to average employees. She did something to tter them. She was really a cruel, bad, and ruthless woman.

    Of course, she was the one who had the worst private life.

    She loved men with good looks. The reason why she married Stone was that she loved his good-looking appearance. When Stone''s face was disfigured, she was surrounded by more men.

    Cesare had the ability to motivate humanity''s evil personality; however, she was also harmed by it.

    Stone was just like a piece of limp lettuce now. He broke down and just shook his head.

    "Joseph!" Stone stared at him with cold eyes, "The man who raped your wife is still alive. He is alive. I will never tell you who he is. Never! I want you to be tortured. I want you to feel it is hard to live."

    ****

    One day, Joseph called Tim. He wanted to search for some information about Irish''s memory.

    "So, you adopted some measures on Irish''s memory." Joseph felt heartbroken. He couldn''t imagine that scene.

    Tim exined, "Human brain has a protection mechanism. The less a child is, the more fragile her memory is. It is the same case with Irish. As I checked Irish''s condition in the ward, I found that she had identally forgotten something. It is a kind of human nature. I feared she would recall itter, so I did hypnosis for her."

    Joseph took a deep breath.

    "I erased some of her memories," Tim sighed. "However, human memories are incredibly intricate and mysterious. Even today, no hypnotist can confidently assertplete control over someone''s memory. Given the distressing nature of Irish''s experience, I could only remove that particr memory. On the one hand, it adhered to the protective mechanism of the human brain, alleviating some of Irish''s suffering. On the other hand, I aimed to spare your family from getting entangled in further troubles."

 Chapter 1035 1035: My Brother Died Of A Heart Attack

    ?

    Joseph frowned, "Obviously, you didn''t achieve your goal."

    "As I have said, human memory is aplex process. I deleted Irish''s memory, but it doesn''t represent that she would never think of it. What''s more, nobody is clear about what is going to happen if human memory is exploited by humankind. Everyone''s situation will be different. As a result, when part of Irish''s memory has been deleted, how about the nkness? Helplessly, I transnted some memories to her."

    Joseph kept serious.

    "Just like the stem cell transntation or hair transntation, I filled her nk memory with some memory to make it as a whole. It can be done for human memory. Plotted memory can be added to a nk memory so that one''s memory can beplete. Deleting painful memories and transnting beautiful memories is practical in theory." Tim massaged his forehead, "It''s theoretically speaking. If someone wants to transnt memory sessfully, it requires time and repeated clinic trials."

    "Human memory has the function of healing. At that time, I just simply thought that as long as I could ensure her memory wasplete, it wouldn''t be a problem anymore. I deleted her memory of being taken away by drug dealers and being raped by an adult man. Meanwhile, I transnted other memories to pretend nothing bad had happened. In fact, I seeded. She didn''t remember these things. Later I kept watching her for years, and I found that she had no such memory as she was still four. It seems that I have seeded, but I know that there is a hidden disaster."

    "What disaster?" Joseph kept serious again.

    Tim sighed, "It will cause her memory to disorder. Even some memories not belonging to her will ur."

    "What do you mean?"

    Tim thought about it for a while, "For example, something imaginary may be taken as true memory by her, which is just the aftermath of memory transntation. Or, she may forget something without any reason. This is also another possible result."

    ****

    In prison

    Joseph sat there. Although not like a rich person, he was wearing a casual style. Compared to the man sitting opposite him, Joseph was looking better. William was shaved t, dressed in a gray prison uniform, and had nothing sharp.

    William looked ten years older than before.

    Joseph then really realized that William also became old like Henry.

    "Yes, there is no such thing as darkness and coldness. In the room, there is central air conditioning, warm in winter and cool in summer. Three meals a day, simple and healthy. The days here are simple, with no ups and downs and nothing to worry about. There are psychological experts for our psychological intervention. That''s really good."

    Joseph smiled, and he still did not speak.

    William leaned forward, "But no one would like to stay in such a damn ce!"

    "The prison is different now. I think the young man is doing so well and will wait until the day he is released." Joseph said.

    William bit his teeth, "But my age does not allow me to wait!"

    "You want to appeal?"

    "Yes." William firmly said, "Joseph, now only you can help me."

    "Help you?" Joseph barely understands, "Now that I have no power and no money, how can I help you?"

    "I know you hate me, but everyone is selfish before their interests."

    Joseph slightly closed his lips, "But your selfish performance is too obvious."

    "Joseph, I know you still have a way out. Listen, I am really wrong." William said in a hurry.

    Joseph slowly responded, "You envy your brother, and you kill Ruby for shares and murder Roy. Now youe to tell me you are wrong? Uncle, do you really think the police take a sry for nothing?"

    "I did not kill my brother!" William said with red eyes.

    Joseph sneered, "Then who is the murderer?"

    "I don''t know. My brother died of a heart attack." William said with an anxious face, "Yes, I told the police, I am a bit dissatisfied with my brother, but I would never kill him."

    Joseph smiled, whose eyes turned cold, "Then you know Henry''s cause of death is chronic poisoning rather than heart disease?"

    William froze.

    "There''s no evidence that it has nothing to do with you except that you''re the most suspect." Joseph squinted slightly. William''s breathing became rapid, "Not me, really."

    "What about your appeal? Even if you can prove that you didn''t kill him, you will spend the rest of your life here."

    "But I don''t want to be charged with killing my brother."

    Joseph reluctantly shook his head.

    Was there any difference?

    "Unless you find the real murderer, you''ll lose your appeal, and the final result will only be a storm known by people."

    William tightly clenched his fist, staring at Joseph, "Then, you can find the murderer, right?"

    "I''m sorry, I don''t have that much power. The police are responsible for this." Joseph''s voice was very light.

    "Uncle, I advise you to be quiet. You make such a noise, not only useless but also you make your wife and daughter uneasy, why?"

    "What happened to them?" William asked with anxiety.

    "Lilith is currently on vacation, and you can imagine the extent of criticism she faced within thepany. As for our Aunt, I''m concerned about her well-being. When she visited me, she appeared pale, and when I inquired, she attributed it to the cold weather and a recurrence of her old ailment." Joseph said slowly.

    William bowed his head, and after a long time, his face was buried in the palm of his hand, he painfully lowered his voice, "It''s my fault. I am not good; it is I who let others criticize Lilith."

    With a gaze filled with anguish, William looked up again, his eyes reddened. "Your Aunt underwent appendicitis surgery, and it seems that the medical equipment used then was not ideal. As a result, her pain has resurfaced. Joseph, even if you refuse to assist me in my appeal, I beg you to look after them. Despite your disdain for me, they are like orphans and widows needing care and support."

    "I will entrust Lilith''s well-being to Leo, and I will make arrangements for a doctor to attend to Aunt. Managing an old disease can be challenging, and I understand the difficulties involved. As for your question about finding a reliable doctor, wealth does not guarantee to find the right expertise or solutions for every situation. It is aplex matter, and I have done my best to provide the necessary care and support within my means."

    "At that time. I wasn''t aware your Aunt had traveled alone to Jiangsu and underwent the operation at a small local hospital. If she had undergone the procedure in New York, it might have yielded better results and avoidedplications with her preexisting condition."

    As Joseph processed William''s words, many of his doubts dissipated, but a new question emerged: Who was visited by Kelly during that period?

    William was unaware of who could have visited Kelly and, therefore, could not provide any valuable information on that matter.

    Nevertheless, Joseph acknowledged that William''s words had offered valuable clues that could potentially help in uncovering the truth.

 Chapter 1036 1036: What Do You Intend To Do With The Funds?

    ?

    Inside Leo''s office

    "Joseph, you previously declined the opportunity, and now, when I extend another offer, you hesitate to ept it," Leo questioned. "What is it that you truly desire? You mentioned the importance of maintaining certain secrets, but your actions have left me perplexed and uncertain."

    Joseph raised his gaze to meet Leo''s and responded with a smile, "What I desire is quite straightforward. I need a significant sum of money, and I believe you are the only person who can assist me in obtaining it."

    Upon hearing Joseph''s words, Leo froze, taking a moment to process the request. Finally, he asked, "What do you intend to do with the funds?"

    Joseph replied firmly, "I aim to return to where I began and rebuild my life from the ground up."

    Leo was shocked. "What?"

    Leo''s quickly added, filled with skepticism. "Don''t deceive me. You must be well aware of the entity that holds a monopoly over the supply of raw materials. Starting from scratch will undoubtedly be incredibly challenging. Why must you insist on such difficulty? Wouldn''t it be more beneficial to return to the Runestone Group? If you feel like you''re working for me, I can restore your shares. Wouldn''t that be a satisfactory solution?"

    Joseph chuckled in response, "Leo, your approach to business resembles a game. If you were to give me back the shares, I''m certain the shareholders would swiftly remove you from the board."

    Leo picked his eyebrow, "You look down on me?"

    "I don''t want to cause such a storm because of me alone. At this stage, if you really want to help me, then lend me a sum of money." He did not want to raise the attention of the media since the matter had been pressed down, then just let people forget.

    Leo saw his firm attitude, and he also knew it was useless to persuade him. "You said you want to borrow a sum of money, so well, what are your ns? How much is it? How will the money be used? And what profit would it be for me to lend you my money?"

    Joseph took from the bag a document and handed it to Leo, who felt doubtful, and he took a look, feeling surprised, not expecting Joseph to make the n done.

    He opened it, and when he saw the first few lines of text and the contrast list, Leo was surprised, looking at him, "You want to develop the waste mine of the Runestone? Joseph, are you crazy?"

    "Mine No.1 is not suitable for the Runestone, but it''s for me," Joseph exined his original intention. Leo didn''t understand.

    Joseph delved into his analysis, discussing the simplicity of thepany''s name, the Runestone Group, and its dedication to developing the finest diamonds. He pointed out that thepany had primarily focused on drilling and prioritizing the quality of raw ore, potentially neglecting the utilization of scrap materials. Joseph further examined Runestone''s target market, which primarily catered to high-end individuals in first-tier cities. However, he raised an important consideration: What about consumers in second and third-tier cities? What if they also desired diamonds and jewelry? He highlighted the growing purchasing power in these cities, contrasting the declining purchasing power in certain first-tier cities. Joseph emphasized the need to shift focus towards tapping into the potential of second and third-tier cities to capture the expanding consumer market there.

    Leo expressed concern about the potential limitations of Joseph''s proposed focus on second and third-tier cities. "But can Mine No.1 provide enough resources for you to develop in those areas?" Leo questioned, expressing his worry.

    "Yes, as I mentioned before, Mine No.1 possesses raw ore that can be developed. Although its quality may not meet the Runestone Group''s standards, it is still suitable for the second and third-tier cities," Joseph affirmed with confidence.

    The next work began to be fine cutting and grinding, and Joseph naturally did the process. The next day, when he was too busy, he received a call from Antonio.

    The call was probably important. Joseph connected the mobile phone.

    "Bro, Kelly''s background is not simple. Later I will fax you a copy of the information. You''ll see, there is one thing you may not know."

    "What is it?" Joseph vaguely felt a bad feeling.

    Antonio recited the information he had discovered in a meticulous manner. "Kelly had transferred a significant amount of money to an ount belonging to a Mexican guy associated with a notorious assassin organization. Remarkably, this transaction coincided with the timing of the gun battle you encountered in South Africa," Antonio stated. He then posed a thought-provoking question, "Consider this carefully. Was it Kelly who desired to kill you or perhaps your wife?"

    Joseph''s face tensed up, and processing the information took him a couple of seconds. He then eximed, "Send the data to me immediately!" His urgency and demand for the evidence were evident.

    The conversation was cut off.

    Coincidentally, Daisy happened to approach them at that moment. Without wasting a second, she attentively listened to Joseph''smand. "Book a ticket to Los Angeles immediately!" he instructed, conveying a sense of urgency.

    Antonio''s phone call felt like a jolt to Joseph''s head, leaving him breathless. The fact that Joseph had started suspecting Kelly and had involved Antonio in the investigation made the dy in receiving the news all the more perplexing. Joseph couldn''t help but feel a sense of unease and confusion.

    There were only two usible exnations for the situation. Firstly, Kelly had a highly intricate background that potentially involved numerous unknown factors. Secondly, Kelly could genuinely be innocent, but investigating a straightforward individual might take longer than someone with aplex background.

    And Antonio finally gave the news and pointed out that Kelly had something to do with the attack in South Africa!

    Howe it happened?

    Kelly was too quiet, letting people often ignore her existence.

    So, Antonio illuminated her at thest word.

    Joseph''s suspicion towards Kelly stemmed from multiple factors. Firstly, he considered the possibility that Kelly might have easy ess to drugs as a housewife. Additionally, her request for Joseph to persuade William to abandon the appeal raised further doubts. Various signs further fueled his skepticism, such as the discovery of a folded book in William''s study and the presence of painted flower pictures. Joseph began questioning whether someone deliberately wanted Irish toe across these items.

    Imagine, Kelly had mastered the art of camouge, needing to maintain a facade of natural behavior in front of William. This would require a high level of psychological tolerance, endurance, and meticulousness in her thoughts and actions. It is possible that even though William was close to her daily, he remained unaware of her true intentions and mindset.

    It raises the question of how such a meticulous person like William could have inadvertently left the evidence out, which Irish coincidentally discovered.

 Chapter 1037 1037: I’d Rather Lose It

    ?

    It could only be exined that some people want Irish to see this evidence, using Irish to bring down William.

    So, Joseph began to suspect that this person was Kelly.

    If so, who would her target be? Was it Irish? Or him?

    He couldn''t take it!

    Daisy rushed into the office, "Mr. Manager, the ticket was booked."

    He calmed himself down and looked at Daisy with a serious face, "I will go to Los Angeles. You stay here."

    "Really?" Daisy stared at him with widened eyes, "Mr. Dover, you..."

    "You mentioned that you are more familiar with the situation here than anyone else. You have also apanied me to South Africa multiple times and have knowledge of the diamond industry. Therefore, Daisy, I need your assistance this time. Once the client arrives, I want you to handle the reception and signing tasks," Joseph stated, emphasizing the importance of Daisy''s involvement in the uing responsibilities.

    Daisy''s breath began to be quick, "But if the customer insists on seeing you..."

    "I''d rather lose it." Joseph''s attitude was very firm.

    Aware of the seriousness of the situation, Daisy knew Joseph had a reason to insist on leaving. So she took a deep breath and nodded, "Okay, I understand how to do it. You can be assured; I will be responsible for that."

    Joseph raised his hand, heavily patting her shoulder, "Thank you."

    Joseph turned and left, then took out his cell phone and dialed a string of numbers.

    Irish couldn''t be connected.

    He frowned and called Leo.

    He also couldn''t get through.

    He called Antonio again, and he got through.

    "I found out that Kelly is in Los Angeles."

    "Kelly''s daughter, Lilith, is attending the Los Angeles Jewelry Fair, and she apanied her daughter."

    "She''s still in Los Angeles?"

    "Yes, she and Lilith stay in the hotel but rarely go out. It is Lilith''s work to go to the fair, and she just stays in the hotel."

    Joseph was alerted.

    After a while, Joseph asked, "Antonio, can your associates reach the fishing vige?"

    Antonio felt puzzled and responded, "The fishing vige? Yes, it can be done, but it will take time. However, you''re aware that the Los Angeles police are closely monitoring my people. I can only ess the vige by boat, but we must also evade any inspections."

    Antonio agreed and told him to be careful.

    ****

    Fishing Vige, Los Angeles.

    Leo woke up early, drinking coffee on the deck outside the hotel. Behind him was arge colorful cloud stretching thousands of miles away. Irish first saw such a scene, and then Leo said hello, "So early." And then she went to see the sunrise.

    "It''s still early?" Leo was disgruntled and looked up at the wrist, "Sister, you are apanying me to find the answer, not for vacation."

    Irish took a ss of water and rolled her eyes, "Please, youe to look for the answer, and I, just want to take a holiday, and then I''ll book a ticket to South Africa."

    Suddenly a group of people kidnapped them and imprisoned them in the house.

    And there was gunfire behind them.

    Gunshots were getting closer and closer. In this critical moment, Joseph, with a team, arrived.

    He kicked open the door, and Joseph shouted to Leo, "Take the gun."

    After managing to kill some people, Leo bit his teeth and said, "Joseph, you remember, I died because of you."

    Joseph carried a gun and urately hit a mercenary who was shooting at his side, whose voice was clear, "If you die, I will avenge you."

    "If you die, I will avenge you." Leo, holding a gun, coldly sneered.

    Joseph''s pupils shivered, and there was a haze across his eyes, "No, Leo, you promise me one thing."

    "You won''t let me return to Runestone Group, will you? You can''t do that, if you can, get it yourself." Leo shot one again.

    Joseph aimed at one of the mercenaries, urately buttoned down, and the other side fell to the ground, he said, "You promise me first."

    "Well, I promise," Leo said.

    "If I die, you will not avenge me." Joseph, holding the gun, said word for word, "Take care of her for me forever."

    Leo didn''t expect him to say that. He was stunned for a moment. Then he said, "Joseph, it is your wife. Take care of her yourself!"

    "Boom--"

    Then a car ran through the woods and shouted, "Get in!"

    A group of people were against the front of the mercenary, and in the safest position, it was Irish.

    Joseph turned his head to Irish, shouting, "Get in the car!"

    "Joseph..." Irish saw the situation more dangerous and painfully called him.

    Seeing her not moving, Joseph was angry, and he roared, "Run!"

    "Run!"

    The word was like a bomb. Irish only felt her brain "banged", and many memories suddenly urred to her.

    Once there was a boy who said this to her, and he used his body to block those adults, shouting at her, "Run!"

    In the Light Town. In that alley, the little boy under the green light...

    Irish suddenly turned her head to see Joseph not far away, his face...

    His face and the boy''s in his memory began to ovep, and all the scenes that had happened appeared.

    No...

    It was not true.

    No!

    "Ah --"Irish suddenly bent her head and screamed in panic and despair.

    "Irish!" Joseph seemed to realize something and wanted to pull her up.

    But at this moment, Irish fellpletely into the darkness of memory.

    In front of her was the ancient town she had been to, that longne, and the boy, she clearly said to him, "Brother, you wait for me to grow up, then I''ll be your girlfriend."

    No...

    With a shot, Irish only felt that something suddenly exploded in front of her. The sky was bright, and the smell of blood was thick.

    "Joseph..." Her voice was shaking, and she wanted to touch his face, but her pupil quickly widened, and then there was a nkness��.

    Everything turned dark.

    ****

    At that time, it was very dark, she finally saw the moonlight, only to see the surroundings. It was an ancient town.

    No one was left behind.

    In this way, not knowing how long she waited, there was light and shadow in the longne, and a little person was moving.

    She could first see the delicate leather shoes, the boys'' shoes. Then she looked up, and the child''s face was shrouded in shadow. He asked her who she was, how she would appear here. She did not know how to answer, and fear was suppressed for a long time.

    When she saw the boy''s face clearly, she suddenly felt that she was not afraid.

    "Irish!" Behind her was Joseph''s anxious voice.

    Irish turned around.

    When she looked at Joseph''s eyes, she thought about her childhood with him and their promise.

    "We..." Irish opened her mouth but felt her throat dry, "We have known each other since childhood, right?"

 Chapter 1038 1038: Have You Ever Seen This Man?

    ?

    Joseph''s body stiffed, and he knew she remembered.

    Irish could see clearly. With a bitter smile, she knew that originally he had already known.

    "You should tell me. You shouldn''t hide it from me..." Irish said in pain.

    A gust of wind came, and her body was even more wobbly, which scared Joseph, and he hurriedly said, "Irish, we go back to the ward to talk about it? Come here, listen to me."

    Irish shook her head and raised her hand to cover her head.

    "Irish." Joseph saw her bow, subconsciously going forward.

    "I''ll jump if you move closer!" Irish was hysterical.

    Joseph''s footsteps suddenly stopped, "Okay. Calm down."

    She suddenly remembered her panic when she was looking for a little brother in the alley but did not dare to shout.

    Just as she found him without a direction like a fly, a big man grabbed her, and in the dark, she saw his face clearly.

    It was a formidable face, a long scar across the whole face. She screamed and thumped, but there was no avail. She was blindfolded and taken somewhere.

    She was so scared that she didn''t know what he would do.

    He grinned grimly and untied the belt. He showed her ugly lower body and pulled her over.

    She hurt so much when the man came down and didn''t know anything.

    "No!" Irish thought of this. She suddenly shouted, her whole body shaking, eyes full of panic. Irish fellpletely into her own memories.

    It was revealed that Adam had never truly existed and was merely a product of Irish''s imagination, stemming from her childhood experiences and subconscious insecurities. She had created this imaginary person as apanion due to her subconscious need for support. Irish now understood why she would see Adam''s face in her dreams, which actually resembled Joseph. It was because she had once forgotten about Joseph, leading her subconscious mind to associate Adam with Joseph and vice versa.

    ****

    During the period when Kelly was in prison, she met three people. The first was his daughter, Lilith, the second was Shirley.

    Lilith went in and cried out, and Shirley went in with a calm face, but when she went out, she was also crying.

    No one would think that Kelly''s mind was so deep because she would always be ignored like the air. These days, it was heard that Kelly spoke many things, but she did not provide her backup. The crimes she admitted were all around the Lake, and the police had reason to believe that Kelly was closely rted to the big drug group--the evil angel. Because thest monitoring data, although very vague, the technical team analyzed and found that the person who had gone into the hospital to kill drug dealers should be Kelly. She was silent about the usation.

    Then, the third party was Joseph.

    "Jay said you want to see me." Joseph''s eyes were very indifferent, and his voice was the same.

    "I want to trouble you with something. Can you do me a favor? But I also hope you can help me take care of Lilith."

    "Her father and I weren''t around, and I was worried about my daughter''s future." Kelly pointed out and sighed.

    Joseph did not answer, and after they calmed down, he asked, "William or Henry all treat you well. Why did you do that?"

    "For money." Kelly did not hesitate to say that, and when she said that, she sneered, "This is for the police, and for you, there is another reason."

    Joseph looked at her.

    "I hate William, this is the real reason. And Henry is just a piece of chess for my revenge. I have no resentment towards him."

    "I''d rather believe the reason you told the police was true."

    Kelly expressed her feelings directly, saying, "You fail toprehend the pain that fuels a woman''s hatred. When I married into the Lake family, I genuinely wanted to lead a happy life with William. However, he did not share the same sentiment. He never regarded me as his wife. Shirley and I had a strained rtionship, and while outsiders may have assumed it was due to her bing the firstdy, the truth is that I genuinely dislike her. She made William constantly miss her, showing no concern for me. How could I tolerate such humiliation? Despite theirck of anything substantial, I would have preferred if he had just been ying around rather than keeping another woman in his heart. This man has utterly shattered my life, which is why I hate him."

    Joseph heard everything and opened his mouth, "The person who did something in the hospital was you." As a question, Joseph was sure.

    He anticipated that Kelly would promptly deny the allegations, just as she had done during the police cross-examination. However, to his surprise, Kelly smiled, a gentle smile apanied by a soft voice as she affirmed, "Yes, it was indeed me."

    Joseph was slightly startled.

    "What? Are you surprised that I''m admitting it in front of you?" Kelly''s lips curled into a smirk. "Since I suggested meeting with you, I had no intention of concealing too much. After all, how could I expect you to help me care for Lilith if I kept hiding the truth?"

    Joseph squinted slightly, "You should know what answer I want most from you."

    "You really want to know why I must kill you or Irish? You''d love to know whom I work for." Kelly stared at his eyes and said in a low voice.

    Jay hadn''t seen Carmen for quite some time as he struggled with how to face this kind-hearted woman. However, realizing that she was now the only person who had information about the situation, Jay made the decision to visit her.

    Jay noticed the grievances in her eyes, and he felt so apologetic. Jay kept encouraging her for a while and then took out several photos from his pocket.

    "Have you ever seen this man?" asked Jay, who pointed at William''s photo.

    Carmen shook her head slightly while Jay took out another photo.

    "How about this woman?" It was Kelly''s photo.

    Carmen took a nce at the photo with her eyebrows furrowed and said, "It looks a little familiar, but I can''t remember where I saw her before."

    "Try to think for a while," Jay said seriously.

    Carmen thought for a few minutes but still failed to remember who she was. Jay had no choice but to take out the third photo.

    "This man..." Carmen hesitated. "Oh, I remember him. I saw him before when I came to make a deal with Poison," Carmen screamed out.

 Chapter 1039 1039: You Are A Good Policeman

    ?

    It was Vincent in the photo.

    "What else can you remember?" asked Jay in a hurry.

    Carmen thought hard but shook her head since she couldn''t remember anything about him at the moment.

    After a small pause, Jay then took out another photo. Carmen took it over and looked carefully.

    "It seems I..."

    But before she could finish her sentence, Jay then asked in a hurry, "Did you meet him before?" He was anxious.

    Carmen thought for a while, and then her frown was smoothed gradually.

    "I have seen a photo in Poison''s room, and this man is in the photo. I was impressed because he looked handsome," replied Carmen.

    "Are you sure?" Jay widened his eyes and waited for her reply.

    Carmen took a glimpse at the photo and nodded. "I am sure. This man impressed me with his handsome appearance."

    Jay felt like others punched him because the man in the photo was Joseph''s father, which meant he was also rted to this matter.

    This photo was never released to the public.

    "Oh, Jay, I remember something," said Carmen agitatedly.

    "What do you remember?" asked Jay.

    "That photo! I have seen the woman before," Carmen replied and tried to find the photo among the pictures.

    She took out Kelly''s photo and said, "I have seen her before. She showed up with this man." Carmen pointed at Vincent''s picture and said seriously,

    Jay remained solemn and said nothing more.

    Kelly had to spend the rest of her life in prison while Vincent''spany suffered from heavy losses in the stock market. Soon hispany was purchased by a person of unknown status.

    ****

    Jay sat across Joseph silently while Joseph wore a smile.

    "Irish always say that you are a responsible cap. It seems she is right. You are a good policeman."

    Jay ignored what Joseph said but started his topic. "Does Irish know that the Evil Angel kidnapped her in her childhood?"

    Joseph''s smile disappeared gradually. "Where did you get this information?"

    "Don''t you know that?" Jay asked in reply.

    "I didn''t know it," Joseph said casually.

    Jay paused for a while and then took out several pictures from his bag. "Well, it seems that I need to share something with you."

    Joseph was expressionless.

    Jay squinted, put the pictures aside, and pointed at one of the photos. "I am sure you know who he is."

    Joseph took a nce at the photo. "Ivan Channing? Kelly''s father?"

    "Or you might need to call him Shadow. He is also one of the members of the Evil Angel."

    Joseph smiled faintly and said, "Jay, you have arrested Lilith''s parents, and now you even want to get her grandfather to be involved in this case?"

    "If he has nothing to do with it but just a businessman, then I would do nothing to him. Although he is dead, I must figure it out," Jay replied seriously.

    "You mean Kelly knew everything about her father?" asked Joseph.

    "I just suspect that Kelly did everything to maintain her family''s reputation; after all, nobody knows Ivan''s real status."

    "You suspect that? You have no evidence, right? And it is just your conjecture."

    "Is it the truth, or just my conjecture would be figured out soon as long as we make it clear who they are," said Jay, who pointed at two photos.

    Joseph looked at the pictures, and his eyes turned cold immediately. Vincent and Joseph''s father, Jacob, was in the pictures.

    "Joseph, now I need you to tell me who this man is and what is the rtionship between them."

    "Jay, are you kidding me? You suspect my father?" Joseph still kept a faint smile on his face.

    "I know this man is your father, so I need you to be frank with me," replied Jay, who looked into Joseph''s eyes.

    Joseph took over Vincent''s picture and said, "I just know that hemitted amercial crime. Is he even rted to drug dealers?" He then put down the photo and took his father''s picture. "As for my father, I am sure everybody knows him well. Jay, I understand that you wanted to clear up the case, but please collect the evidence first."

    "I know what you are thinking about. You are worried that your father''s real status in Evil Angel would be disclosed, which would have a bad effect on yourpany and it would also ruin your father''s reputation," Jay kept persuading.

    Joseph still remained calm and said, "You are Irish''s brother, and you are also one of my family members. Absolutely, I will be frank with you and tell you all what I know."

    Jay held back his anger, gnashed his teeth, and said coldly, "I hope you can remember soon."

    Joseph said nothing but smiled faintly.

    After Irish finally regained her memories, she also recalled the miserable experience in her childhood, so she came to Ping-Pong Ball again and hoped he could find out the truth for her. However, she didn''t expect that the pictures provided by Ping-Pong Ball would cause her pain again.

    She remembered four men were sitting on the couch of a dark room. They were all as stalwart as Vincent, and several boxes of drugs were put aside.

    Irish was absorbed in her thoughts for a while and came back to the earth. She looked at the pictures and was immediately attracted by one of the pictures.

    A dozen kids were in a small room, and they were around four or five years old. All of the kids looked frightened, and some were crying there. Besides the children, five adults were also in the room. And four of them were the bodyguards while the other man was sitting on the couch, reading the papers in his hands. Irish could only see her side face from the photo.

    However, when Irish finally saw clearly, she widened her eyes in astonishment.

    This man appeared in the photos many times, and sometimes he had a group photo with Vincent. Irish was familiar with this man since Joseph looked much alike.

    An unnamed ominous premonition raised in her heart, spreading all over her body. She remembered the eyes which were buried deep in her mind. Now the memories began to emerge in her mind little by little.

    Irish felt she had seen this man before, and when she opened the next page, everything turned out to be clear.

    It was an exnatory drawing of people''s rtionships which disclosed many secrets. Obviously, it was an exnation for these photos.

    Two regr drug customers showed up in the picture, and one of them was rted to Vincent since he was Vincent''swyer. His name was Moore, who was once thew consultant of Bright Company, and he was even thew consultant of thepany of Joseph''s father. It was Jacob who employed him personally.

    Jacob was Joseph''s father.

    Irish was startled by what she learned. There was a full-frontal photo of Jacob, and Irish could see him clearly in the picture. He was the man making a deal with Vincent, and he was the man reading the papers on the couch.

 Chapter 1040 1040: I Told You I Am Going To Kill Him

    ?

    Irish once saw his picture, and he was still young in the photo, handsome, and with fine features. Joseph almost looked the same as Jacob at his young age.

    Irish saw his picture in his tomb, and he was buried together with a beautiful woman, Joseph''s mother.

    The scattered memories started to scrape together and squeezed out from the deep of her mind.

    It was painful to remember the old story.

    Irish gazed at Vincent and Jacob and then turned to Moore, a thin man. They were all rted to the drug dealers. They were also human traders, including Joseph''s father.

    "Don''t talk nonsense, and shut up! Watch out for me!"

    "But she is just a kid."

    "I like this little girl."

    "But...

    "Stop! You would never know how wonderful it is to have sex with the little girls. Remember to watch out for me. If you also want to try, you can also try it."

    Irish remembered the disgusting conversation.

    Irish shivered, and the chill overwhelmed her. She kept struggling with painful memories. But the painful experiences that happened in her childhood all appeared in front of her eyes again.

    The little boy she met in her childhood was Joseph.

    He pulled her hands and ran away with her.

    But she ran herself out soon while Joseph carried her on his back, staggering away from the longne.

    Irish leaned against him, and Joseph promised to be her boyfriend when he grew up.

    But finally, they encountered a group of people in ck suits who wereing to kidnap Irish.

    The memories hiding in the deep of her mind all came back.

    Irish clenched her hands into fists.

    She decided to prove all this was not real.

    She rushed out to the bedroom, took the car key, and ran into the elevator. Soon she drove a car, galloping at full speed.

    It was near the off-working time, and it was crowded in the street.

    Irish was trapped in a traffic jam which drove her crazy. Taking out the phone, Irish gave a call to Joseph.

    It was connected soon a few secondster, but Irish was so anxious as if she was burning in fire.

    "Irish." Joseph''s voice was heard at the other end of the phone.

    Irish burst into tears when she heard his voice, and she opened her mouth but couldn''t utter a single word as if her throat was blocked.

    "What''s up?" asked Joseph hesitantly.

    Irish shed tears, but many ideas shed in her mind.

    "Joseph, you know that, right? You always know that," asked Irish in a choky voice.

    "What? What happened? Where are you now?" Joseph was anxious.

    All of the emotions erupted, and Irish was almost overwhelmed by theplicated emotions.

    "Why would your father stay with Vincent? Why did they contact the drug dealer? The kidnapped children were also rted to your father, right? I would not be kidnapped if it weren''t for your father. It is your father! It''s him!" shouted Irish.

    However, she got no response from Joseph.

    "Tell me! Why would this happen? Who was the man viting me? Is he still alive? I am going to kill him! I am going to kill him!" Irish was getting more agitated.

    "Irish, listen to me. Calm down first. Tell me, where are you now? Are you outside or in thepany?" asked Joseph anxiously.

    "I told you I am going to kill him. I... "Irish felt her head buzzing. But in the next second, a car collided with hers before she could react.

    Joseph felt his heart broken by herst sentence.

    Even Leo also heard that. He looked at Joseph, who stood there as a chump.

    "Irish, please calm down. Tell me where you are. I am going to meet you now," Joseph asked anxiously.

    But as soon as he finished his sentence, he heard an extreme bang. The phone was hung up immediately. It sounded like her car collided.

    "Irish!" Joseph felt his heart jumping into his throat, and he shouted at the phone but got no response.

    Irish had a car ident, but she disappeared after the ident.

    Joseph was burning with anxiety, and soon he got the news that it was Vincent who kidnapped Irish.

    Vincent screamed, and he couldn''t react since it happened so quickly. Vincent still held a gun in his hands, but he could not put forth his strength, and it was the best chance for Irish to fight against him.

    Joseph took out the gun in his pocket, and when he was about to shoot Vincent, Vincent''s subordinates rushed into the room. Luckily, Leo was nimble enough and pushed Joseph aside. And the bullets shoot the wall. It was Leo who saved Joseph''s life this time.

    Vincent''s bodyguards all held guns in hand, and they began to shoot Joseph and Leo. It drove Joseph mad. He looked serious, and his eyes were burning in anger. Reaching out, he pulled a man to ward off Irish while Leo began to fight back against those people. Leo took over theser gun and shot them crazily. Some of the bodyguards fell down to the ground, and another man was stunned by Joseph.

    At the right moment, Vincent''s personal bodyguard Barco rushed to Joseph and kicked his gun. He began to fight with Joseph with his fist.

    Leo was fighting with the other three men alone but he was passive and could only avoid the bullets passively. Having no choice, Leo threw a small grenade.

    Peng!

    It exploded, and the screaming sounded continuous.

    Although Leo solved the difficult situation, the other bodyguards in the distance also heard the re, and all rushed over there.

    Leo was desperate, and how could they get out of there?

    Joseph still fought with Barco. Leo was about to provide Joseph some help, but obviously, Barco was well-versed in fighting. Both of them couldn''t restrain Barco.

    The footsteps sounded outside. Joseph knew that it must be their people.

    It was getting tense.

    Irish bit Vincent''s neck, but soon Vincent cooled down and shook Irish away. His neck was bleeding, and he covered his neck, keeping shouting.

    "Kill them!" shouted Vincent, who waspletely irritated.

    Barco still acted so adroitly while Joseph and Leo almost ran out of strength. Joseph and Leo also noticed that.

    Joseph had encountered many dangers in South Africa in these years, and he thought he could protect his beloved people and himself, but now it seemed he had met a strong rival.

    Barco was like an iron man.

    Joseph and Leo all got hurt by him. Leo''s mouth was bleeding.

    Joseph tried his best to get close to Irish, pulling her behind, and red at Barco. Irish''s mouth was full of blood, and her eyes were bloodshot as well.

 Chapter 1041 1041: Finale: Go And Give Him A Warm, Big Hug

    ?

    Joseph dared not to look into her eyes after the secret was disclosed. He thought Irish must misunderstand him, and she might think he did all this for her to atone for his crime.

    There was a sound of fighting outside the door. The sound of gunshot and screaming mixed together.

    Vincent was shocked, and he hastily shouted, "Kill them now!"

    However, as soon as he finished shouting, he was shot down. He fell down to the ground and went dead.

    Everything quieted down.

    Leo was lying on the ground since he was exhausted, while Joseph was also seriously hurt.

    Irish gazed at Vincent, whoy on the ground in stillness. She held the gun and shivered with her face pale. Joseph staggered to her and embraced Irish.

    Irish was so frightened that she looked bemused. "I killed him. I killed him just now. He was going to shoot you��" Irish said in a shaky voice.

    Joseph took a nce at Vincent and found there was a gun in his hand. "Irish, you didn''t kill him. You didn''t," Josephforted her.

    Irish shook her head violently and insisted on saying, "No, it''s me. He is a jerk. He ruined me. It really hurt! I am going to kill him!"

    "Irish!" Joseph held her face with his bloodstained hands. "Listen to Me, Irish. You did nothing wrong! You didn''t kill him. Remember that?"

    Irish looked at him and then burst out in tears. "Joseph, why would this happen? Why?"

    Joseph fondled her cheeks, but he refrained himself not to kiss her. He wanted to smile, and his lips trembled slightly. His heart was broken. Joseph took over the gun from Irish and wiped her fingerprint. "Irish, you have to remember what I told you. You didn''t kill anyone. It''s me. I killed Vincent," Joseph urged Irish again.

    He stood up as soon as she finished his sentence.

    Irish was lying on the bed when she was awake while Jay was sitting beside her.

    "Where is Joseph?" asked Irish as soon as she opened her eyes.

    "Irish," Jay looked at her and said, "Joseph will be charged. He was not allowed to bail during this period."

    "You think it is Joseph who killed Vincent?" Irish got agitated.

    She looked outside nkly and grumbled, "It''s me. I killed Vincent. I should be put into prison, but not him."

    Jay looked serious and remained silent for a while. "Irish, you have to take care of yourself. The doctor said you are pregnant now."

    "Don''t tell him. He will be worried about me."

    ****

    "If you are really curious about my life in prison, then youe to have a try," said Joseph with a smile.

    Leo burst outughing and replied, "I have brought over the staff here, and you can tell them what you need."

    "Leo, don''te to meet me," said Joseph in a casual tone.

    After a small pause, he then added, "How''s Irish doing recently?" Joseph refused to meet anyone after he was put in prison, including Irish and his younger brother Jordan, because he was afraid that Irish would be grieved for him. No matter how Irish pleaded, he declined her every time. Gradually, Irish gave up since she understood Joseph was doing it for her own good.

    ****

    It was in the autumn four yearster. The air was cool while the leaves had turned yellow. The sun was hanging over the sky. The trees on both sides of the prison rustled. But several luxurious cars were parked along the road.

    Leo leaned against his car, looking at the closed prison gate. He looked a little bit nervous, and his lips repressed into a thin line. Roy, Jay, and Jordan were also waiting there, all looking serious.

    Half an hourter, the gate opened gradually, and their eyes shone with light.

    When Joseph finally walked out of prison, a leaf happened to fall down slowly. Everyone let out a long sigh and turned to be pleased to meet him again.

    The gate closed slowly behind him, and when Joseph was about to look back, Leo shouted at him, "Don''t look back."

    The tradition said people should not look back at the gloomy past.

    Looking at his friends waiting for him nearby, Joseph felt relieved. He looked around but didn''t find his beloved woman. Joseph was getting depressed because he was not sure if Irish was still mad at him. However, when he was about to withdraw his eyes, a woman showed up at the street corner elegantly. She wore a smile, and the sunlight was pouring on her face. To Joseph''s surprise, she brought a little adorable girl with her. The little girl had a ponytail with a doll in her hand. Joseph felt his heart was going to jump out his throat soon when he found the little girl looked very much like him.

    At this moment, Joseph was startled and felt he found a shocking secret.

    Irish crouched down and gently whispered into the little girl''s ear. "He is your dad. Go and give him a warm, big hug."

    The little girl nodded and released herself from Irish''s grasp, sprinting towards where Joseph stood. Irish straightened up and walked over to Joseph as well.

    As the little girl came to a stop, Joseph crouched down, beaming at her with tears in his eyes.

    "Daddy... Daddy." A soft voice carried through the air as she lifted her tiny face, smiling at Joseph.

    Their friends who surrounded them cleared their throats, their own tears almost choking them as they witnessed the tender moments between Joseph and his little daughter.

    Joseph lifted his daughter, and she wrapped her tiny arms around his neck, giving him the sweetest kiss.

    In response, Joseph reciprocated with equal enthusiasm, eliciting giggles from his daughter. "What''s your name, little princess?"

    "Scarlett... Scarlett Dover," her voice was charmingly sweet.

    Irish stood before them, her eyes brimming with tears.

    At that moment, Joseph leaned forward and drew Irish towards him, embracing her while still holding his daughter. He tenderly nted a kiss on Irish''s cheek.

    "Honey, wee back to the outside world," Irish whispered, enveloping Joseph and their daughter in her arms.

    Leo cleared his throat, interrupting the moment. "I think we should head home first. We''ve prepared your favorite foods."

    Jay, Jordan, and Roy approached them and gently patted Joseph''s shoulder.

    After four long years apart, they were finally reunited. Joseph smiled at them, and together they walked side by side.

    Time had flown by, and Joseph had returned to the world outside, filled with joy and happiness, thanks to the precious gift his beloved had given him, a gift he had longed for.

    Joseph realized that the obstacles that once stood between them had vanished, and they were now ready to embrace a bright future.

    ******

    My Beloved Readers,

    As we conclude this novel, I am filled with immense gratitude for each of you. Your unwavering love and support have touched this humble author''s heart beyond measure. The journey of Joseph and Irish''s love story has been one of beauty and heartache, and I''m humbled by the way it has resonated with you.

    I hope this tale has left an indelible mark on your hearts as it has on mine. Your presence throughout this adventure has inspired me, and I am deeply thankful for the bond we share.

    As we bid farewell to this story, know that I eagerly anticipate our next journey together. The pages of my uing novel eagerly await yourpany, and I can''t wait to embark on another captivating adventure with you.

    In the meantime, I send you all a warm and affectionate hug. May it carry the depth of my appreciation for you, my cherished readers. To know my uing novel follow my Instagram ount: @annashannellin.

    With love and gratitude,

    Anna Shannel Lin

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!